Momentum Now

Wise Work with Craig DeLarge: Finding Purpose, Managing Burnout & Building Self-Awareness | Ep. 23

In this episode of Momentum Now, co-hosts Karen McFarlane and Bob Brooks sit down with leadership coach, educator, and author Craig DeLarge to explore what it truly means to “work wisely.” Drawing from The Wise Working Handbook and his decades of experience across business, psychology, and digital mental health, Craig breaks down how young professionals can find purpose, manage burnout, and build real self-awareness early in their careers. He shares practical tools for navigating emotional overwhelm, training your attention, and developing the clarity needed to make intentional career moves.
Craig also opens up about redefining success, building community, and learning to trust your path even when it feels unclear. From journaling methods to health pillars to the importance of service and legacy, this conversation is full of grounded, actionable insights for rising professionals looking to grow with intention. Whether you're feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or simply ready for the next level, this episode will give you the mindset and strategies to work—and live—more wisely.
Timestamps – Skip to What Hits
00:00 – Intro & Meet Craig DeLarge01:55 – What “Wise Work” really means02:30 – How to define purpose early in your career05:00 – Purpose beyond the paycheck06:50 – “Volume careering” & leveling up outside of your 9–509:20 – Framing unpaid work as real value11:20 – The 4 major challenges young professionals face13:58 – How to manage emotional overwhelm16:00 – Training your attention like a puppy 🐶18:30 – Focus hacks: body doubling & study-with-me21:00 – 5 pillars of health for career success23:45 – No one’s going to educate you to compete with them25:30 – Self-awareness as a career superpower30:20 – Shadow work: Why that annoying person is a mirror32:00 – Journaling styles & how to find yours36:00 – Discovering purpose through reflection44:30 – The question that unlocked Craig’s career clarity46:10 – Avoiding the lifestyle trap47:45 – Final takeaways50:45 – Craig’s “why”: service, legacy, and leadership

Golf. Streetwear. Filipino Roots. How Matt Sakdalan is Changing the Game with PARE | Ep. 22

In this inspiring episode of Momentum Now, we sit down with Matt Sakdalan, founder of PARE — a golf apparel brand that blends Filipino culture, streetwear, and inclusivity to redefine what golf fashion can look and feel like.
Matt shares how his love for sneaker culture and golf evolved into a purpose-driven brand, the challenges of launching as a first-time entrepreneur, and why community, culture, and just getting started matter more than perfection. Whether you’re into fashion, entrepreneurship, or just want to break the mold, this episode is for you!
⛳ Golf was the starting point. PARE became the movement.
 
🕐 Timestamps:
00:00 – Meet Matt Sakdalan: Founder of PARE01:47 – The origin story: blending golf, streetwear & Filipino heritage05:13 – Launching PARE during Filipino American History Month08:32 – Finding identity and belonging through golf10:08 – Building an inclusive, culture-forward brand12:22 – The power of community in brand building14:00 – Overcoming fear, doubt & taking the leap17:14 – Why streetwear matters on and off the course21:40 – Inspiration from Tiger Woods & sneaker culture23:46 – Redesigning the golf mock neck (and why it matters)25:37 – Learning fashion from scratch & trusting the process30:19 – Advice for aspiring entrepreneurs of color34:15 – Mental health, faith & staying grounded39:26 – The discipline of entrepreneurship (and golf)46:31 – Matt’s “Why”: Serve others. Build community.

Faith, Fear & the Leap: How Candice Jackson Long Turned Purpose Into Profit | Ep. 21

In this empowering episode of Momentum Now, hosts Bob Brooks and Karen McFarlane sit down with Candice Jackson Long — award-winning marketing strategist, global speaker, and founder of CJL Consulting Group.
 
Candice shares her powerful journey from corporate layoffs to launching a purpose-driven consulting firm that helps visionaries and underrepresented founders align branding, business, and faith.
 
She opens up about listening to divine prompts, overcoming self-doubt, and learning that no one escapes the process on the road to success. From managing the mindset shifts of entrepreneurship to building generational wealth and curating what your mind consumes, this episode is a masterclass in faith-fueled resilience and strategy.
 
Whether you’re exploring your next career move or dreaming of starting your own business, Candice’s story will remind you to “look back at your receipts” and trust that every step—win or loss—is preparing you for impact.
 
🎧 Tune in to learn how to:
Transform your purpose into a profitable brand.
Skill-stack your way to freedom and growth.
Navigate layoffs, self-doubt, and the unknown with faith and confidence.
Build income-generating assets and create generational wealth.
Timestamps:00:00 — Welcome to Momentum NowBob and Karen introduce the episode and today’s guest, Candice Jackson Long.
01:10 — From Side Hustle to CEOCandice shares the story behind launching CJL Consulting and taking the leap of faith into full-time entrepreneurship.
04:30 — Faith, Timing, and Trusting the ProcessHow faith played a crucial role in her career pivot — and why you can’t wait for “perfect timing.”
07:30 — The Power of ReceiptsCandice explains how documenting your accomplishments helps build confidence and silence imposter syndrome.
11:00 — Mindset & Morning RoutineHer daily practices for staying grounded, motivated, and intentional as an entrepreneur.
16:30 — Wealth Building 101What she wishes she knew at 24 — understanding assets vs. liabilities and the keys to financial empowerment.
20:50 — Advice for Young ProfessionalsWhy you should skill-stack and embrace trial and error instead of chasing instant success.
24:45 — Lessons From FailureCandice reflects on the challenges, breakdowns, and how she found strength to keep moving forward.
26:30 — Rejection Is RedirectionHow to reframe setbacks, remember your value, and stay anchored in your “why.”
30:50 — Finding Your Purpose & Building Your BrandWhy purpose is seasonal, and how adding value leads to self-discovery and opportunity.
35:00 — Turning Passion Into ProfitCandice’s advice on transforming ideas into income while staying authentic and impactful.
41:00 — Rapid Fire: Quick WisdomFrom the best advice she’s ever received to the worst, and her ultimate “why.”
45:00 — Closing ReflectionsKaren and Bob recap key lessons: receipts, skill stacking, and the truth that no one escapes the process

Culture Is the Strategy: Javier Farfan on Hustle, Legacy & Owning Your Career | Momentum Now Ep. 20

In this game-changing episode of Momentum Now, we sit down with cultural strategist and marketing exec Javier Farfan to talk legacy, leadership, and leveling up. From working at Microsoft and Pepsi to shaping narratives at the NFL, Javier has done it all—and he's still pushing the culture forward.
He unpacks how his upbringing in Harlem, his experience as a Latino creative, and his love for music, tech, and education all collided to build a career on his own terms. This episode is for anyone chasing purpose, building community, and rewriting the rules of success.

Radical Optimism: How Charlotte Castillo Built Her Way Up | Momentum Now Ep. 19

In this episode of Momentum Now, we sit down with Charlotte Castillo, Managing Director of Poderistas and former global brand executive at ViacomCBS, to explore what it truly means to “figure it out” — in life, in leadership, and in legacy-building.
Charlotte shares her journey from helping her immigrant mom negotiate bills at 10 years old to leading billion-dollar global franchises like SpongeBob and Dora the Explorer. With honesty and warmth, she opens up about navigating corporate reorgs, advocating for herself, and staying grounded in authenticity — even in rooms that weren’t built with her in mind.
This conversation is packed with career gems for young professionals navigating uncertainty, self-doubt, and professional growth.
💡 Topics Covered:
Turning fear into action and inexperience into opportunity
Building a personal brand that opens doors (without the cringe)
How to find — and become — the right advocate
Learning to lead with authenticity in high-stakes spaces
Why “you will face hard things — and you will get through”
🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube.

Empowering Identity & Impacting Careers with Ian Matthew-Clayton | Momentum Now Podcast Ep 18

📄 Episode DescriptionIn this inspiring episode of Momentum Now, we sit down with Ian Matthew Clayton, Vice President and Chief Inclusion, Diversity and Equity Officer at Dana Farber Cancer Institute. From immigrating to the U.S. at six years old to shaping talent strategies at top institutions, Ian’s journey is all about leading with purpose, owning your story, and building a career rooted in authenticity.
Ian shares insights on• Understanding yourself before launching your career• Why excellence matters more than doing everything• Turning culture and identity into career strengths• How coming out in the workplace changed everything for him• Using AI as a tool to sharpen, not replace, your voice• The importance of mentorship, boundaries, and being intentional
This episode is a must for young professionals navigating school, internships, and the early stages of career growth. Whether you’re figuring out what’s next or trying to grow without burning out, Ian’s story will give you clarity, encouragement, and strategy.

I Can, I Will, & I Did: Samina Bari on Power, Healing & Defying Limits | Momentum Now Ep 17

In this powerful episode of Momentum Now, Samina Bari—biopharma leader, twin mom, and author of I Can, I Will & I Did—shares her incredible journey of defying cultural expectations, navigating personal trauma, and rising to the top of a male-dominated industry.
Samina opens up about what it really takes to build a life on your own terms: persistence, self-belief, and choosing to be fueled by love—not anger. From breaking barriers in leadership to transforming pain into purpose, her story is a blueprint for anyone looking to rise above their circumstances and create lasting impact.
This episode is a must-listen for young professionals ready to own their power, rewrite their narrative, and break limits—boldly and unapologetically.
 
Pick up a copy of Samina's book here: I Can, I Will, & I Did
 
⏱️ TIMESTAMPS:
0:00 – 5:30 | Introduction & Early CareerSamina shares her background, growing up in a culturally traditional household, and the pivotal moments that sparked her drive.
5:30 – 15:00 | Breaking Cultural ExpectationsA deep dive into how she challenged family norms, found her voice, and pushed into spaces where she wasn’t always welcomed.
15:00 – 25:00 | Leadership & Resilience in PharmaSamina discusses her rise in the biopharma world, how she built credibility, and key lessons in leadership.
25:00 – 35:00 | Using Empathy & Power EffectivelyShe explores the balance between empathy, negotiation, and standing her ground in high-stakes environments.
35:00 – 42:00 | The Power of Love & HealingSamina and the hosts reflect on her mindset shift—choosing to fuel her growth with love, not anger—and the ripple effects on her personal and professional life.
42:00 – 46:30 | Rapid Fire & Final ReflectionsQuick Q&A covering best/worst advice, her personal “why,” and closing words of encouragement for young professionals.
 

Resilience, Relationships, and Rising: Kishane Davis’ Blueprint for Career Success

In this powerful episode of Momentum Now, co-hosts Bob Brooks and Karen McFarlane sit down with Kishane Davis, a senior biotech leader and leadership coach, to explore his extraordinary career journey. 🌟
Kishane shares how he transitioned from a clinical occupational therapy background to a thriving career in pharmaceutical sales and leadership, fueled by resilience, mentorship, and a relentless drive to diversify his skill set. Raised in a Jamaican household where education, hard work, and entrepreneurship were core values, Kishane reflects on how those early lessons shaped his personal and professional growth.
Listeners will learn:
The importance of embracing discomfort to unlock new opportunities
Why building authentic relationships can change the trajectory of your career
How mentorship and consistency helped him break into competitive industries
Real-world strategies for navigating career transitions and standing out in today’s market
How to create a personal brand rooted in confidence, integrity, and resilience
Kishane’s story is a masterclass in how young professionals of color can move from surviving to thriving, one bold step at a time. 🔥
🎧 Listen and subscribe:
Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/5qy1R6AnexTiZRyDWFlbCv
Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/momentum-now/id1749694194
YouTube: youtube.com/@mvpoc9565
🌟 Learn more about MVP:
Website: mvpoc.org
Instagram: @mvpoc
Facebook: facebook.com/mvpoc2020
LinkedIn: Momentum and Value for People of Color (MVP)

Toxic Hustle, Real Healing: Dr. Juan Rios on Mental Health, Identity & Leading with Purpose

Our co-hosts, Bob Brooks and Karen McFarlane, sit down with Dr. Juan Rios—a powerhouse in mental health, trauma-informed care, and inclusive leadership. As Chair of Social Work at Seton Hall University and founder of Rios & Associates, Dr. Rios brings not only a stacked list of credentials but a deeply personal story of resilience, purpose, and authenticity.
In this episode, Dr. Rios opens up about surviving foster care, living with survivor’s guilt, and the “toxic hustle” that fueled his early success. He unpacks how mindfulness, vulnerability, and finding your tribe are key to thriving in both your career and your personal healing.

Episode 14: Breaking Barriers with Wema Hoover on Leadership and DEI

In this episode of Momentum Now, Karen and Bob sit down with Wema Hoover, a global Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion leader and CEO of Be Limitless Consulting. Wema takes us through her journey, from organizational development to leading DEI efforts at Google, Pfizer, and beyond!