Podcast
Progress to Pro
Hosted by Janae B. · EN
Welcome to "Progress to Pro": a podcast where we dive deep into the real stories of big dreamers and leaders. As two-time Harvard graduate (MBA '24; College '18) and a certified life and career coach, I bring you candid interviews and monologues that cut through the fluff and get to the heart of what it takes to make your dream life a reality.
Join me as we explore the unfiltered truths of success—no sugar-coating, just raw insights from those who have been there. From industry game-changers to relentless entrepreneurs, each episode uncovers the practical keys to success.
12episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
How Do I Get Unstuck? With Danielle Robinson, Harvard Business School '25; Founder of Beyond Ambition
May 24, 202500:21:07Tap to summarizeFeeling stuck in your career or life? You’re not alone—and today’s guest is here to help you break free. Danielle Robinson is an ICF-certified coach, content creator, and soon-to-be Harvard Business School grad who specializes in helping ambitious people live more intentional, fulfilling lives. From her start in management consulting at Deloitte advising Fortune 500 clients to founding Beyond Ambition, a coaching platform that empowers young professionals, Danielle has a unique blend of strategic insight and heart-centered coaching.In this episode, Danielle shares practical strategies for gaining clarity, building confidence from within, and taking bold steps forward—even when you feel trapped in uncertainty. Whether you’re navigating a big career transition or searching for purpose beyond the resume, Danielle’s wisdom will inspire you to redefine success on your own terms and finally get unstuck.Tune in to hear real stories, actionable advice, and why true progress starts with courage and clarity.More Danielle Robinson: Substack: ambition to achievement | Danielle RobinsonLinkedIn: Danielle Robinson | LinkedInInstagram: Danielle Robinson (@daniimani) Tiktok: danielle (@gobeyondambition) | TikTokMore Progress to Pro:Janae Bell, MBA | LinkedIn
Transcribe →How Do I Stop Overthinking and Start Building? With Milton Dorceus, Co-Founder of Plantaizin' and Stellar Bedtime Stories
May 3, 202500:25:48Tap to summarizeJoin us for a fun episode with a man who does it all! From Harvard to startups, snacks to storytelling, Milton is the definition of a multi-hyphenate. In this conversation, we talk about what it really takes to move from idea to execution, why learning by doing beats perfectionism, and how he’s built across industries while staying grounded in purpose and faith. If you’ve ever asked yourself, “What’s my first step?” — this one’s for you.More Milton Dorceus:LinkedIn: Milton D. Instagram: Stellar Bedtime Stories Plantaizin’ More Progress to Pro:LinkedIn: Janae Bell, MBAInstagram: Owness Coaching | ICF Certified Life Coach
Transcribe →Am I ready to take a leap of faith? With Arianna Francis, Strategist at Netflix and Founder of A Jeweled Experience
Jan 30, 202500:23:59Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Progress to Pro, I’m joined by Arianna Francis, a Content Strategist at Netflix and curator of unique experiences. Arianna shares how she took a bold leap in both her career and personal life by moving to Seoul for six months. After attending a workshop I hosted at Harvard Business School called, "Authentic Decision-Making", Arianna found the clarity and confidence she needed to make this temporary, life-changing move. In this conversation, she walks us through her decision-making process, how she turned her time in Seoul into a transformative experience, and the invaluable lessons she’s carrying forward. If you’re contemplating taking a leap of faith, this episode is full of inspiration and practical insights to help you bet on yourself. Coaching School mentioned: https://www.ipeccoaching.com More Arianna Francis: Arianna Francis | LinkedIn More Progress to Pro: Janae Bell, MBA | LinkedIn
Transcribe →Should I seek out a therapist? With Jordan Madison, LCMFT, Founder of Therapy Is My J.A.M.
Sep 27, 202400:33:36Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Progress to Pro, we sit down with Jordan A. Madison, LCMFT, a licensed marriage and family therapist and certified yoga instructor. Owner of Therapy Is My J.A.M., Jordan specializes in helping individuals and couples heal and thrive through her unique approach, including her innovative “J.A.M. Method.” Join us as she shares tactical tools for overcoming challenges, reducing mental health stigma, and prioritizing self-care. Discover how her journey, insights, and community initiatives can empower you to be your best self, even in tough times. Tune in for inspiration and practical strategies to elevate your mental health and relationships as you journey through life. More Jordan Madison: www.instagram.com/therapyismyjam More Progress to Pro: www.linkedin.com/in/janaembell
Transcribe →Should I hire a coach? With Bridgette Simmonds, Founder of Bridgette Simmonds International
Aug 11, 202400:31:03Tap to summarizeJoin us in this empowering episode as we sit down with Bridgette Simmonds, a renowned coach and leader who has spent over a decade inspiring and guiding thousands of leaders and coaches worldwide. In this conversation, Bridgette explains what coaching is, why it's important, and how she's developed both personally and professionally to build a life she loves. More Bridgette Simmonds: Website: https://www.bridgette.co/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bridgettesimmonds/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bridgettesimmonds/ More Progress to Pro: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janaembell/
Transcribe →When is it time to make a career move? With Keisha Ebbesen, Community Development Leader
Aug 11, 202400:27:09Tap to summarizeJoin us for an insightful episode with Keisha Ebbesen, a seasoned Senior Business Program Manager and visionary community development leader with over 15 years of experience. In this conversation, Keisha shares her career journey and how intentionally balances her professional life with her personal one. More Keisha Ebbesen: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keishae/ More Progress to Pro: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janaembell/
Transcribe →Introduction Episode: Welcome to Progress to Pro!
Jun 22, 202400:01:44Tap to summarizeWelcome to Progress to Pro. A podcast where we get very tactical about HOW we create our dream lives by learning from those who are creating theirs. My name is Janae and have had the honor of going to Harvard University **twice!** I've been surrounded by those who inspire me greatly. I'm here to share some of those learnings with you. Enjoy! More Progress to Pro: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janaembell/
Transcribe →How do you build your support network? With Jillian Woodard, Founder of Namaste by Jay (NBJ)
Jun 21, 202400:22:59Tap to summarizeJoin us in this inspiring episode as we sit down with Jillian Woodard, a Program Manager at Meta and the visionary founder of Namaste By Jay (NBJ), a wellness collective dedicated to the healing of Black women through yoga, meditation, community building, and storytelling. Jillian's journey is a testament to perseverance, passion, and the transformative power of holistic wellness. In this conversation, Jillian shares her remarkable story founding and scaling NBJ. Hear about the challenges she faced and the lessons learned firsthand. More Jillian Woodard: Instagram: www.instagram.com/namastebyjay More Progress to Pro: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janaembell/
Transcribe →Is it ok to step away and take a break? With Ana Cordera, Founder of Theory and Practice
Apr 27, 202400:26:43Tap to summarizeIn this episode of "Progress to Pro", we talk with Ana Cordera, the founder of Theory & Practice—a media platform empowering Gen Z women to reimagine personal development and wellness. Ana's philosophy centers on the belief that self-discovery precedes self-improvement, emphasizing understanding and theory as catalysts for profound personal growth. In this episode, we delve into the often-overlooked importance of stepping away and taking breaks. Ana shares her insights on how embracing moments of pause and reflection can fuel creativity, enhance well-being, and unlock new perspectives. From practical strategies for incorporating breaks into our daily lives to the profound impact of self-reflection on mental health and productivity, Ana Cordera offers valuable insights for listeners of all ages. Whether you're a busy professional, a passionate creator, or someone seeking balance in a fast-paced world, this episode provides actionable advice and inspiration to prioritize self-care and embrace the art of stepping away. Tune in to this engaging conversation explore and discover how intentional pauses can lead to meaningful growth and well-being. More Ana Cordera: Instagram: www.instagram.com/theoryxpractice_ More Progress to Pro: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janaembell/
Transcribe →How do you find your purpose? With Austin Martin, Founder of Rhymes with Reason
Apr 27, 202400:28:58Tap to summarizeIn this episode of "Progress to Pro", we talk with Austin Martin, the visionary founder of Rhymes with Reason (RwR). Austin's journey began in 2015 at Brown University, where he discovered a powerful connection between hip-hop lyrics and academic success—67 of the top 100 words on the SAT were detectable in recognizable hip-hop lyrics. This discovery led to the creation of Rhymes with Reason, an innovative educational platform that has since made a significant impact in over 300 schools and education programs across the United States. In this episode, we delve into the profound question of finding one's purpose. Austin shares his insights and experiences on how he discovered his own. From Rhymes with Reason's collaborations with Chance the Rapper's SocialWorks, Joel Embiid, and the Detroit Pistons to being recognized as a Forbes 30 Under 30 in Education and receiving the prestigious Echoing Green Fellowship, Austin's journey is a testament to the transformative power of purpose-driven work. Tune in to explore the journey of purpose with Austin Martin, and unlock the keys to finding fulfillment and making a difference in the world. More Austin Martin: Instagram: www.instagram.com/rhymeswithreason More Progress to Pro: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janaembell/
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