Podcast Episode 16 : Eileen Doyon

Eileen's emotional journey can serve for anyone who has experienced profound loss. She believes there are signs that helped lead her to her calling, which is writing books. "The Unforgettable Faces & Stories" series. She was dealt a difficult hand as a young child and has suffered terrible loss but she serves as inspiration with her ability to help others find and share their voice. What an amazing interview. Please share.

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Behind the Podcast: Lakishia Holley

Lakishia Holley has survived a lot. She is a mother of 5 who shares her story of amazing triumph despite all odds. Lakishia Holley shares her story of growing up impoverished with little food to eat, living in an orphanage and sexual abuse. Her story didn't end there. This one is a powerful tale of how a woman can overcome. She is inspiring and truly has a success story to tell.

Guest Blog: Turning The Page; Living, Loving and Leading Out Loud by Kathleen McLean

Each Tuesday we turn over the blog to a successful woman who will share her special message.  Last week Kierra Jones inspired us to shine with her special story of success found after she questioned all the milestones in her life. If you want to share your story email me at JoDeeKenney@gmail.com for more information.

Today Business Owner Kathleen McLean inspires us with her message of faith, love and perseverance.  

Every dream can come true with faith, forward thinking combined with purpose, passion and persistence.  My early training consisted of me obtaining  a Bachelor’s and Master’s in Social Work. I worked with individuals  who were addicted to mind/mood altering chemicals, the mentally ill, the mentally ill/chemical abusing, runaway homeless youth, domestic violence survivors, and adolescents. It was a tough field and I started to experience burnout from the work. I thought it was the population and decided to become a school social worker. In the beginning my heart leaped for joy each time I walked into school to greet my colleagues and spend time counseling and playing games such as go fish and chutes and ladders with my students, while I sat on the floor of my office. As the days, the weeks, then months passed by my energy started to drain and what once made my heart jump made me feel drained and unfulfilled and I needed intellectual stimulation . I knew if I said go fish one more time, I would SCREAM!!! 

One of the Turning Page moments for me is when I decided to attend Mega-Fest – it is a yearly Christian conference that is led by one of the most inspirational speakers I have ever heard – his name is Bishop TD Jakes. I attended with two of my children; Danielle was 12, Christopher was 10 – it was a conference that included activities to meet the needs of the entire family.  The woman’s conference included 70,000 women; I can still sense the electricity in the room with all those women singing songs of praise and thanksgiving to God. I recall during that time, a still small voice whispered, “Kathleen, you need to quit the Social Worker job and start your own business”.  I ruminated over those words during the entire remainder of the conference. 

I returned home to Latham NY and was sitting in my kitchen and heard the still small voice again, “Kathleen, you need to call Unity House in Troy NY because there is a job opening  for a night cleaning person”.  I followed the voice and called. I am totally aww struck as I hear the woman on the other line state, “You’re timing is impeccable – the person just left a couple of days ago, you’re hired!  My job duties included cleaning 6 bathrooms, the kitchen and distributing medication to the clients every morning.  I decided to capitalize on my time and when I wasn’t cleaning, I spent my time learning about as much as I could on diversity/inclusion/leadership etc.  I might as well, since I was up all night. It was a humbling experience to clean up after adults. By night cleaning and by day I was attending networking events. Usually,  I would take a quick wash up and throw on a suit for my last task of the day before I would be heading to an am networking event . 

One day one of the clients came up to me while I was mopping the floor, and said, “Hi Cinderella”.  At first I was so tired that it just passed by me. I realized Cinderella s’ story changed and so would mine. Six months later as I was walking out of Walmart – I received a call from a contact person at SUNY Albany and I was offered a job. I worked with a non-profit /SUNY for two years while maintaining my business on a part-time basis. Then I had the most outstanding amazing job for 5 years providing consulting, coaching and training  for a NYS funded initiative.  While working I decided to pursue a second master’s degree. I was living my dream as I traveled and developed teams and it brought me such joy and great fulfillment.  

In 2013, I finished my MBA the same month I was laid off and my employer paid for 50% of my tuition.   I was heartbroken and somewhat devastated from the layoff as my daughter graduated from high school and off to college she was going and college is not free.  I honestly believe there is never a good time to be laid off from any job for anyone.  Initially I looked for a job and not one full-time door opened. The only doors that opened were contracts. I have been working as the CEO of The McLean Group – executive coaching, consulting and training firm that specializes in diversity , team building and leadership since 2006 and have been full time since 2013. I have two other paid individuals on my team. I have several clients and doors are opening consistently. I have learned the following: 

1. Even when you think nothing is happening , something is happening – Keep moving and keep motivated. 
2. Self talk is key to survival. My self talk is , “I dare you not to give me this contract or proposal”!!! 
3. Serve. Serve. Serve. If it’s in your power to do good. Do good. It is not cliché at all – what you sow is what you reap. Be willing to reach out and help.
4. Work hard. Play hard. Serve hard. 
5. Live ! Love! And Lead out Loud! 
6. Send thank you notes regularly and be kind! 
7. Your network is your net worth. Net work. Net work. Net work. 
8. In pain you find your purpose, persistence and passion

Behind the Podcast: Maya McNulty

Talk about a bolt of energy! Maya arrived to our interview with gift in hand and a smile on her face. There is no doubt when Maya is in a room. She fills up the room with a glow and if you were having a bad day her energy would will you to happiness. I could tell it was difficult for Maya to talk about her failures because she is such a positive person. I really appreciated her willingness to open up about painful times in her life because I feel we can all learn and grow from her willingness to share. I look forward to trying to collaborate with her in the future. What a dynamite woman. 

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7 Success Lessons Learned in 1 Month

It has been a month since the launch of our podcast. A whirlwind month filled with mostly surprising highs, thankfully only a few surprising lows and 7 surprising lessons. I thought I'd share with you the ways I am changing and growing in hopes that you may take away a nugget or two to cary on your journey of success.

1. Sharing Your Voice is Rewarding. I immediately knew I enjoyed interviewing fantastic women and felt their messages would resonate with many, but I was surprised to learn that I would feel such great satisfaction and reward from not just listening to, but sharing these stories with others. I feel like it's Christmas eve the night before a new podcast comes out because I just can't wait for you to open each special gift.

2. Doing Isn't So Scary After all. I wanted to launch a podcast a year before it finally happened.  I was afraid of the unknown, afraid it wouldn't be professional, afraid it would be a flop, afraid- afraid- afraid. It was the little women living rent free in my brain instilling the doubt and fear. When I finally decided to ignore her and just DO THE WORK- take the steps necessary to make it come to life- IT WAS EASY. What I found is- the fear of the unknown was so powerful... but I was MORE POWERFUL.  Now that we are sharing an amazing and different message each week, it's not scary, its exhilarating! It's exhilarating because I am operating in a space of inspiration and joy. I am no longer afraid.

3. If You Love What You're Doing Negative Voices Weaken. It's easy to live or die by the comments people offer about you- isn't it? I am learning that if you love what you're doing- those comments become less harmful. I say I am learning- because I am just like you- a work in progress. But, I've become highly aware of how sharing my voice and giving a voice to others is my gift. This flower is blooming. What is your gift? I challenge you to share it with others!

4. Perseverance Pays Off. I've had two HUGE disappointments happen to me this month with the podcast. Only a few trusted people knew about these... until now. The first- all the interviews we taped at the launch party got deleted. I don't know how. My equipment requires a three step process to delete. It happened. I brainstormed (and mourned) for three days, trying to figure out how to save it. I wasn't able to. Then my 9-year-old daughter reminded me of our Facebook and Periscope videos! She said we could use that audio. She thought and thought- just like me for 3 days... and she persevered through to give me a solution. I still need to work on that podcast.

Then, I spent a marathon day recording a dozen podcasts (amazing content to come) and when I got home I realized the content was recorded incorrectly for mobile devices. Again- three days of brainstorming and seeking technical help- but then on the 4th day I discovered a solution to save it!

Never give up. If you suffer a huge disappointment- you can somehow overcome. NEVER GIVE UP.

5. The Success Continues Here.  The podcast is one way for us to continue the Success Mission! So is this blog! Weekly blogs are a wonderful way to give a voice to more people. I want to share YOUR success. Email me to learn how. jodeekenney@gmail.com


6. Failure is OK and So Is Changing Your Mind- Giving Up is NOT an Option. Over the last couple weeks you may (or may not) have noticed I am experimenting on the best days to make our new blogs and podcasts available. I want to be able to provide you this content when YOU want it.

Also- I want to update this blog. If you're a tech person looking to make an in-kind partnership email me! jodeekenney@gmail.com

I have many crazy ideas rolling around in this head. The above are just a couple of them. Before, I'd probably stick with a single plan. Only post on a certain day- even if it wasn't working. Or, I'd ask about tech help and forget it if I didn't receive an answer. Now- I'm learning- you just need to take action. If you don't try- you won't succeed. Being willing to fail means you're also willing to succeed! No risk- No reward!

Be BRAVE. Lets take risks together!

7. We Must Build Each Other Up. We are stronger together than we are apart. Our fates are intertwined. Let's be successful together. Tell me what you want to accomplish. Share your dreams, fears, successes. I would love to know what lessons you've learned. Can I help you achieve your goal? How?

In the last month I've become inspired and humbled by your support and I want you to know it means the world to me.  Leave me a comment below. I'd love to hear how you're doing.

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Guest Blog: If at First You Don’t Succeed by Vanessa Richards



Each week I want to highlight a successful woman's story here on this platform. Last week, Miranda VonFricken talked about Plan B. If you want to share your story email me at JoDeeKenney@gmail.com for more information.

Today Meteorologist Vanessa Richards talks about not allowing painful experiences define you. It's true that you never know what people truly go through in life, especially if they have a smile and personality as big as the sun. You know Vanessa as a dependable weather forecaster who gets you out the door with the proper gear on, a community volunteer and my friend and coworker who I talk with every morning on Spectrum news, but you may not know her whole story. Today she bravely shares her tale of perseverance and offers inspiration for you on your journey to success. I hope she inspires you as much as she does me- JoDee

Vanessa and her husband Matt

After a young girl saw the movie Twister in 1998, a dream was born. I was 10 years old and I discovered what my lifelong passion would be. Today, I have been a TV Meteorologist for 10 years and counting, teach part time at SUNY Oswego, married a fellow meteorologist, and have found much happiness and success. This is the Vanessa Richards most of my viewers know. What many people don’t know is the journey, trials and tribulations, and mountains climbed to get here today. However, it’s journeys like mine that many people can relate to and have found themselves faced with in one sense or another.

Many know me as the meteorologist with a lot to say and a big personality to go with it, but as a child I was quite the opposite. My elementary school years were filled with tumultuous home conditions including alcoholism and domestic violence. I hadn’t even begun to think of such concepts as success, I was thinking survival. Home life greatly impacted my performance in school as well as my personality. I became a withdrawn and painfully-shy child. I was content with staying in the middle of the pack, flying under the radar, and just getting by. This would all change by 5^{th grade.}

My 5th grade teacher took an interest to me. He asked me to join an after school program called Odyssey of the Mind which I stayed in until I graduated high school, called on me frequently in class, and worked with me on my studies. Before I knew it I was coming out of my shell and I started to see the potential in myself. I spent the rest of my early school career rising up through the ranks, discovering myself, and getting my stride.

Once it was time to choose a college to study weather, I had another mountain in the way of my passion; MATH. Oh, you mean I have to be good at math to be a meteorologist? A painful meeting with my school guidance counselor had me thinking I may never reach my dream. I was told to find a career that was better suited with my skill set; English, Public Speaking, Writing. I will never forget being told that day, ‘if you do this you are going to fail, you will be wasting your time pursuing this given how poor your math skills are’. After a day of crying, cursing, and searching my soul, I decided I would just have to fail then because I was going to college to study Meteorology.


My college years began by going to a local community college to get my math grades up. After 2 years and a lot of tough love from my math professors I was ready for the big leagues. I went to SUNY Oswego where I entered the Meteorology program with 60 other bright eyed students. It took me 3 more years, but I made it to graduation day. Out of those 60 students, only 12 of us made it through the program and only 2 people graduated with high honors. I am proud to say I was one of those students; and as they say in the movies, the rest is history.

I believe many people flight tremendous battles that, in the moment, seem unfair, painful, un-survivable, and pointless. I have had moments I felt like the world was against me. However, I believe it’s in these moments that we are given the fire and determination to overcome and our thirst for SUCCESS is greater than anyone could ever imagine. So if you find yourself in a bad situation you can’t control, a conversation with someone who doesn’t believe in you, or even come to doubt yourself; just like the change in the WEATHER, this too shall pass, you will overcome, and stay true to your heart!

Sunday Morning Routine

Happy Sunday.

I usually start my Sunday up before everyone else.  I make a pot of coffee and plop myself down in front of my computer and begin focusing on my school work. If I'm lucky... I get a delivery like this once my hubby wakes up! This was delicious- french toast made with some soft bread that had raisins  and cinnamon in it!

Last spring I decided to go back to school and get my masters. Impulse decision made on a move I've been mulling over in my head for 13 years. I finally just pulled the trigger. I enrolled and got accepted and dove into the deep end... I took an accelerated summer class! YIKES- I sat in front of this computer ALL.... SUMMER.... LONG.

It's HARD going back as a working parent. I used to say I was too busy to go back to school when my son was just 1 year old. Now I have 3 kids, in 3 different schools, in tons of activities. I also notice my brain doesn't retain or process as quickly as I used to. I've learned work-arounds, 2 are key: get as much done as early as I can- my brain works better, quit at 5:30pm- because by then you aren't paying attention. Listen, there's never a GREAT time to add this level of stress and need for commitment.... but I'm so PROUD I did it!

In fact, going back to school is what is inspiring me to start back up my blog. I intend to take a class in the spring (starting in January) called Participatory Journalism. One of the assignments is to START A BLOG! Hit the button:

HA! So, really I was so excited about it I've just decided to get a head start on things. It is also to help me chill out from my current class, which is a BEAR. I won't name the class... but know TONS of reading, LOTS of writing and MORE writing and RESEARCH is not my idea of fun. Still, I intend to rock it out and get an A. Perseverance. Time to get back to work! Have a great rest of your Sunday!