Beyond Normal

In this episode of the Beyond Normal Podcast, Kenny Groom sits down with Calvin Robertson, enterprise UX design leader, educator, and founder of Jubileague, to discuss how human-centered design, leadership, and technology can come together to create better experiences for people.

Calvin shares his journey leading UX and innovation initiatives across organizations like Corning, Best Buy, Lowe’s, and the Federal Reserve while also building platforms focused on gaming, mentorship, and community impact.

The conversation explores the role of empathy in technology, how design shapes the way organizations operate, and why meaningful innovation starts with un...

In this episode of the Beyond Normal Podcast, Kenny Groom sits down with Marcus Wade, founder of Genesis 1 Technologies and co-founder of Waste Wise Innovation, to discuss how faith, technology, and sustainability can come together to solve real-world problems.

Marcus shares the story behind the Topper Stopper, a smart recycling system that uses barcode verification, AI, and rewards-based engagement to reduce recycling contamination and improve sustainability outcomes for universities, venues, and businesses.

The conversation explores startup culture in Charlotte...

In this episode of the Beyond Normal Podcast, Kenny Groom sits down with Dana Duckworth to talk about what it really means to bet on yourself after layoffs.

Dana shares her journey of navigating career uncertainty, rebuilding confidence, and stepping into new opportunities with intention. From handling unexpected transitions to trusting your own value, this conversation is filled with honest lessons for founders, professionals, and anyone facing change.

If you’ve ever had to pivot, rebuild, or remind yourself of your worth, this episode will hit home.

Listen in as we discuss resilience, ca...

In this episode of the Beyond Normal Podcast, Kenny Groom sits down with Ronnell Richards, founder of Business & Bourbon, to discuss the power of authentic selling and relationship-driven business growth.

Ronnell shares how his experience in sales leadership shaped his belief that the best salespeople succeed not by talking more, but by listening better. Through his community-focused networking platform, he’s helping professionals build deeper relationships that lead to real opportunities.

The conversation explores how entrepreneurs and sales professionals can strengthen their networks, build trust with clients, and create me...

In this episode of the Beyond Normal Podcast, we sit down with Jarrett Thomas, Chief Revenue Officer of OTB Digital and creator of the More Than A Title podcast. With nearly a decade in digital marketing and a powerful personal brand built on authenticity, Jarrett walks us through how he’s transforming the way sales and storytelling intersect in the creator economy.

Tune in as we talk about growing your influence without cold calls, the power of consistency on platforms like LinkedIn, and why digital storytelling matters more than ever for today’s founders. Whet...

In this episode of the Beyond Normal Podcast, we sit down with Rachel Cash, founder and CEO of Elroi, to explore how data privacy is evolving in the age of AI. With a background in law and years of experience in healthcare tech, Rachel breaks down what companies need to know to stay compliant, ethical, and competitive in a rapidly shifting digital world.

Listen in as we discuss the rise of privacy-first products, what true data ownership looks like, and how leaders can embed trust into their systems from day one. Whether you’re bu...

In this episode of the Beyond Normal Podcast, we sit down with Zachary Nunn, founder and CEO of Living Corporate, to unpack how he’s using AI, analytics, and storytelling to change the way companies think about equity and experience at work. From consulting with Fortune 500s to amplifying marginalized voices through his own platform, Zach shares a transparent look at what it takes to build trust inside today’s workplace.

Listen in as we explore the role of strategic communications, executive alignment, and the power of staying true to your values—even when it’s u...

In this episode of the Beyond Normal Podcast, we sit down with Monique Lewis, founder and CEO of Next 2 Native Language Learning, to explore how she’s reshaping the construction industry through language-based workforce development. What started as a conversation class at a local community college has grown into a B2B solution that’s saving lives and changing how companies invest in their teams.

Monique shares how a tragic construction site accident tied to a language barrier led her to take a bold leap into entrepreneurship. We unpack her journey from part-time educ...

In this episode of the Beyond Normal Podcast, we sit down with Angel Nicole, founder and CEO of the ALIVE Podcast Network, to explore how she’s building a platform designed to empower Black voices in the podcasting world. With over two decades of experience in media, including producing for icons like Larry King and Jane Pauley, Angel brings a unique mix of creative insight and tech innovation to the table.

Tune in as we unpack her journey from legacy media to launching a full-scale podcast network, the challenges of raising capital as a Bl...

In this episode of the Beyond Normal Podcast, we sit down with Khalil El-Amin — co-founder of NicheFire and a true cultural strategist. Khalil takes us through his journey from the football field to founding a tech company that helps brands understand culture in real time. We talk about the hard choices that shaped his career, including stepping away from his father’s business and learning tough sales skills through door-to-door copier sales.

Khalil shares how growing up in a culturally diverse environment inspired him to build NicheFire, a platform that turns complex data into acti...

In this episode of the Beyond Normal Podcast, we sit down with Donovan Everett, President & CEO of D.A. Everett Construction Group, to explore what it takes to build a $100M+ business grounded in legacy, leadership, and long-term vision. From managing construction sites at age 15 to overseeing over $2B in completed projects, Donovan shares a powerful blueprint for growth rooted in people, process, and purpose.

Tune in as we discuss the evolution of the Spectrum Center, the importance of placing the right people in the right seats, and how Donovan balances entrepreneurship with community...

In this episode of the Beyond Normal Podcast, we sit down with Nate Robert-Eze, founder of Vision, to explore how he’s blending architecture, storytelling, and emerging technology to revolutionize the real estate space. From building foam models in college to launching immersive 3D property experiences powered by AI, Nate’s journey is one of vision, grit, and growth.

Tune in as we discuss the art of architectural storytelling, the rise of AI-powered property tours, and how founders like Nate are shaping smart cities and smarter customer experiences. Whether you’re in real estate, design...

In this episode of the Beyond Normal Podcast, we sit down with soul singer and creative force Beth Gatlin to explore her inspiring path from personal struggle to musical and community impact. Beth opens up about the life experiences that shaped her artistry and how embracing creativity helped her transform pain into purpose.

We also dig into how Beth is using her platform to spark change—through local performances, children’s books, and a nonprofit vision rooted in mental wellness and self-expression. Whether you’re a fellow creative or someone looking to reconn...

In this episode of the Beyond Normal Podcast, Kenny Groom sits down with Starr Clinton, founder of Nita’s Hands and Signing Starr, to discuss her journey from school interpreter to community changemaker. Starr shares how she turned advocacy into action—launching a nonprofit and consulting business to close the communication gap between the deaf and hearing worlds.

Learn how Starr is helping businesses become deaf-friendly, creating inclusive environments, and producing innovative content like The Deaf Culture Experience. From accessibility audits to sign language education and community outreach, Starr is redefining what it means to build impact-driven solu...

In this episode, Kenny Groom from Beyond Normal Media shares invaluable insights from interviewing over 100 founders. He opens by introducing the mission behind Beyond Normal Media and its focus on elevating underrepresented voices through storytelling.

Kenny explores the power of emotional connections in storytelling, showing how vulnerability and honesty leave a lasting impact. He dives into the contrast between real stories and the polished, “perfect” narratives often seen online, using examples from founders like Pabel Martinez and Pauleanna Reid—who’ve embraced risk and resilience to stand out.

Offering practical advice for founders, Kenny encourages embracin...

In this compelling episode of the Beyond Normal Podcast, we sit down with Gloryah Allen, the innovative mind behind BlackGoodsAndServices. Gloryah shares her journey from her roots in advertising and experience design to spearheading a pivotal platform that elevates black-owned businesses. Discover how her unique blend of creative talent and strategic thinking is reshaping how black entrepreneurs gain visibility and support.

Join us as Gloryah discusses her latest projects and the transformative impact of her work on the community. She delves into the challenges and triumphs of advocating for black business visibility and the...

In this episode, Kenny Groom from Beyond Normal Media shares his journey of creating and evolving a successful newsletter. He discusses the inception of his newsletter (00:00) the initial misconceptions and mistakes (01:06), and the lessons learned along the way (03:23). Kenny also emphasizes the value of incorporating short-form content and measuring feedback for continuous improvement (06:49). This episode offers practical advice for creators and business owners on leveraging newsletters to tell their stories and engage with audiences effectively (09:49).

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Join us on the Beyond Normal Podcast as we dive into a dynamic discussion with Manny Larcher, the entrepreneurial force behind two thriving businesses. In this episode, Manny shares his journey of founding Stopwatch Creative and Collab, revealing how resilience and strategic automation have been crucial to his success. Learn how he transformed challenges into opportunities during the pandemic by productizing services and focusing on what truly matters to his clients.

Manny opens up about the power of simplifying business models to enhance efficiency and customer satisfaction. Whether you’re a startup founder or a...

In this episode of Beyond Normal Podcast, join host Kenny Groom as he dives into an enlightening conversation with Pabel Martinez, the visionary founder of Plurawl. Discover how Plurawl is revolutionizing therapy with AI-powered life coaching that identifies and helps overcome limiting beliefs. Pabel shares his personal journey from tech roles at major companies to developing an app that offers accessible mental health support.

Explore the challenges and breakthroughs in creating an AI tool that fosters personal growth and self-awareness. Whether you’re curious about digital therapy solutions or passionate about mental health innovation, th...

Join Kenny Groom on the Beyond Normal Podcast as he shares how storytelling has shaped Beyond Normal Media. Kenny looks back at how the platform has grown, helping founders tell their tales and inspiring many to start their journey.

Hear about the challenges and victories of black entrepreneurs, the fresh solutions they bring, and why community support is vital for their success. Learn how to create a community that lifts and sustains entrepreneurial spirit.

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In this episode of the Beyond Normal Podcast, we chat with Brittany Bogues, Cheif Innovation Officer at Bogues Group. We dive into her methods for growing her business using smart delegation and strong processes. Brittany talks about her journey from her early career to starting her own business, and she shares tips on using standard operating procedures (SOPs) and putting the right people in the right jobs to help her business grow.

Learn how Brittany’s focus on systems and automation has made her operations smoother and helped her company succeed in tough markets. Wh...

In this episode, we dive into the transformative world of educational equity with Atiyah Harmon, the founder of Black Girls Love Math. Learn about Atiyah’s mission to eliminate gender and racial disparities in math education, and how her innovative programs are empowering Black girls to excel in mathematics. From her early days as an educator to her current initiatives, Atiyah shares her journey and the profound impact of her work.

Tune in to discover the challenges and triumphs of changing educational paradigms, the importance of culturally responsive teaching, and how At...