Empowered. More Than a 9-5. Resistance, Resilience & Unapologetic Authenticity |#ABalancedLife S4 E1

Many individuals, particularly Black women, delay pursuing new opportunities or making significant life changes because they wait for external permission from partners, jobs, or even their past experiences. The critical step for moving forward is to grant oneself permission to try something different, acknowledging that this internal validation is more powerful than any external approval.

Dr. Tierney states, "We're constantly waiting for permission... from our significant others, from our jobs, from sometimes our past... When really, we have to give ourselves permission. We have to tell ourselves, hey, it's okay to do something different."

Holding onto past experiences, even positive ones or 'past blessings,' can hinder progress. To embrace new opportunities and divine plans, one must sometimes 'forget' what has worked before or what was previously revealed, as the future may require an entirely new approach or perspective.

Dr. Tierney shares her personal word for the year was 'forget,' explaining, "I need to forget what even what he has done before, what he's told me before, the things that came before because what he's doing is a new thing."

For entrepreneurs, a crucial mindset involves aligning with a purpose-driven vision rather than solely focusing on leaving a 9-5. This alignment stems from a deep, prayerful reflection on what is lacking creatively or impact-wise, leading to a decision to move forward without questioning the divine guidance.

Kenneka McIntyre explains her mindset: "it was more so a mindset of being in alignment... tapping into something that was truly purpose driven... I'm not going to question what I feel like God has given me to do and move forward in that."

The misconception that life can ever be entirely comfortable is a barrier to growth. Discomfort is inevitable; the choice lies in whether one endures the discomfort of stagnation (e.g., health issues from inactivity) or embraces the discomfort of growth (e.g., exercise, learning new skills). The latter leads to betterment and prevents comfort from becoming a 'prison.'

Dr. Tierney challenges the audience: "You have to choose your uncomfortable. Either you choose the uncomfortable that keeps you stuck or you choose the uncomfortable that keeps you better." She uses the example of exercise versus huffing and puffing up stairs.

For African-American women, clothing, hair, and overall appearance have historically served as a means of control, safety, and expression in the face of societal stereotypes and oppression. This tradition continues, allowing individuals to communicate their identity and culture, reclaim power, and set boundaries before even speaking.

Dr. Tierney explains, "it really goes back to our ancestry in terms of how America saw us... what we could control is how we showed up, what we looked like when we got there." She adds that it's "our source of expressing and expressing our freedom, our freedom to be."

While financial success is a component for businesses, true success, especially for purpose-driven ventures, is defined by the depth and breadth of impact. This means reaching as many people as possible and creating something that outlasts the individual, focusing on lasting change rather than mere material wealth or recognition.

Kenneka McIntyre states, "more importantly for me is the impact that we're making. My ability to touch as many people as possible... I am a national and global brand... because of what we are and to me once that happens that is to me the ultimate level of success for me." Dr. Tierney adds, "Your impact should be lasting. It should ring in this earth long after God has called you home."