Season's Greetings! Today on Pillar Talk with Rochelle, Husband, Father, and Pastor Jamel Armstrong wraps up season 2 with his intriguing story on"personality." Despite "being a good student and academically at the top of his class throughout school," there were times that Jamel found himself in the basement and often overlooked. Then, recognizing the tendency to be overlooked, he discovered that he could perform to get attention. Why not? Performing came naturally for him. "Don't put me in the classroom; I'm going to dominate." But Jamel would soon realize that performing didn't always result in producing. As such, later in life, when he tries to tap into his more cool, calm, collected temperament, he's mistaken for not having feelings. Talk about simply complex. To learn more about the twelve pillars in my book Simply Complex: Leading out of Authenticity, contact me directly by email or at www.rochellearmstrong.com. Also, you can buy a copy at most places you purchase books, including Roots 101 https://roots-101.org/  African American Museum and Amazon here. Thank you for tuning in. Happy holidays! Rochelle

Hey, Authentic You! Today on Pillar Talk with Rochelle, entrepreneur Janee Perks-Banks graciously and proudly walks us through her journey of self-love. She determines what self-love is for her, starting with dating herself. Janee made up her mind to be someone different because "insecurities travel with you wherever you go—deal with your stuff."  "I'm passing down self-love to my daughter." —Janee Perks-Banks When you do a self-examination, do you discover pride? Do you compare yourself to others? Have you experienced any form of abuse? If so, this powerful interview will encourage you. Heartfelt. Lighthearted. Real talk. Inspirational. Are you curious? Tune in. If you're interested in reading more about Janee's story, you can purchase her book I'm No One's Girlfriend: & Obedience Got Me Here on Amazon and Kindle. To learn more about the twelve pillars in my book Simply Complex: Leading out of Authenticity, contact me directly by email or at www.rochellearmstrong.com. Also, you can buy a copy at most places you purchase books, including Roots 101 https://roots-101.org/  African American Museum and Amazon here. I appreciate all of my authentic guests and listeners. Rochelle

Today on Pillar Talk with Rochelle, Pastor Therron "TC" Cunningham welcomes up to join a stimulating conversation on what it means to "stand up" for someone. Protector, provider, place of support, and pouring into one's identity are several ways he challenges us to stand up for someone in any environment. Pastor TC believes that standing up for someone should start in the family. Unfortunately, it doesn't happen as often as it should because "there could be a lack of security, and we're not certain we're able to survive the attack ourselves." If you are a parent, a boss, a caregiver, a teacher, a coach, a mentor, or a human being, and you're self-aware enough to know that you have more "growing, learning, and maturing" to do in your leadership, gift yourself with this riveting interview. Thought-provoking. Inspirational. Empowering. Self-help. "Immaturity is not a curse word. Stay connected as you mature." —Pastor TC. To learn more about the twelve pillars in my book Simply Complex: Leading out of Authenticity, contact me directly by email or www.rochellearmstrong.com. Also, you can buy a copy at most places you purchase books, including Roots 101 https://roots-101.org/  African American Museum and Amazon here. I appreciate all of my authentic guests and listeners. Rochelle

Today on Pillar Talk with Rochelle, Coach Bibb bravely invites us into his world of being "simply complex." As a kid, he remembers "craving 'that' leadership as a coach." After seeing and experiencing poor leadership in coaching, Coach Bibb said, "I'm not going to play with someone else's life like that." Drawing inspiration from an admirable football coach in high school, he has put those attributes into practice for more than 15 years as a basketball coach. Ironically, Coach Bibb finds coaching girls basketball simple but perfectionism to be quite complex. When the pandemic in 2020 pressed pause on his vision to open up a sports complex, he "just froze." He was stuck for a moment but quickly reminded that "God said, I didn't redeem you and save you for you to put your identity into a facility." If you struggle with your uniqueness or wish someone would get you, I encourage you to listen to this powerful interview. Motivational. Thought-provoking. Unmasked. Reflective. What are you waiting for? Hit play. To learn more about the twelve pillars in my book Simply Complex: Leading out of Authenticity, contact me directly by email or www.rochellearmstrong.com. Also, you can buy a copy at most places you purchase books, including Roots 101 https://roots-101.org/ African American Museum and Amazon here. I appreciate all of my authentic guests and listeners. Rochelle

Today on Pillar Talk with Rochelle, Creative Director for The Griot Project & Director of Pastoral Care for Rooted, Willam Mack III produces, directs, and stars in his life's production of "authenticity." Mack knew at a young age that "you choose who you will present" to the world. Being the product of strong Black women, he had a sense of identity, but "it wasn't easy growing up as a Black child in a poor neighborhood who was interested in the arts." But before an opponent could throw a verbal punch, Mack will tell you he didn't fight fair. Knowing that he was unique, he "used humor to protect himself." If you have ever asked yourself, "who am I versus who I am reflecting to the world," you have to tune in to this interview. Unmasked. Real Talk. Heartfelt. Inspirational. "I am fully aware of who I am and who I'm putting to the side." —William Mack III. If you're a fan of the arts or curious about one of the films Mack had the opportunity to direct during the summer, check out: Eraceing: A Tale of a Black Jockey, which was selected to be showcased during the Louisville International Film Festival (November 11-18). The festival will be virtual this year. Tickets for the virtual festival are available for $10. Click Here: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/liff/594582. To learn more about the twelve pillars in my book Simply Complex: Leading out of Authenticity, contact me directly by email or www.rochellearmstrong.com. Also, you can buy a copy at most places you purchase books, including Roots 101 https://roots-101.org/  African American Museum and Amazon here. I appreciate all of my authentic guests and listeners. Rochelle

Today on Pillar Talk with Rochelle, Recording Artist, Music Producer, and Entrepreneur Kriss Liss gives us full access to her journey of "self-acceptance." Kriss sold her first beat at age 12 for $600 and has been "hell-bent on being a music producer" ever since. But, with aspirations to produce for artists like Beyonce and Rhianna, Kriss Liss "never wanted to be on stage" as an artist herself. Nonetheless, now that she has entirely accepted the person God has created her to be, you can listen to her speak-to-your-soul songs like Pain Pills, Glowry, Something Blue, and her latest single that dropped on 10/28/21, It's Time to Get Back to me. You don't want to miss this powerful interview with Kriss Liss as she shares the devastation and feelings she couldn't shake on her journey of self-acceptance. Heartfelt. Insightful. Encouraging. Inspirational. "I am more accepting of myself than I've ever been." —Kriss Liss. Go to holybae.com to learn more about Kriss Liss, her music, and more. To learn more about the twelve pillars in my book Simply Complex: Leading out of Authenticity, contact me directly by email or at www.rochellearmstrong.com. Also, you can buy a copy at most places you purchase books, including Roots 101 https://roots-101.org/  African American Museum and Amazon here. Much gratitude and appreciation to all my authentic guests and listeners. Rochelle

Today, on Pillar Talk with Rochelle, you are the guest as we do a mid-season check-in. It's time to self-care—unmask, reflect, feel, accept and live! If you can make time to listen to other people's stories, you are equally important, so I encourage you to make this time about yourself. You are worth putting in the work.  *You can also view it on YouTube.  To learn more about the twelve pillars in my book Simply Complex: Leading out of Authenticity, contact me directly by email or at www.rochellearmstrong.com. Also, you can buy a copy at most places you purchase books, including Roots 101 https://roots-101.org/  African American Museum and Amazon here. I appreciate all guests and listeners for unmasking, being your authentic self, and allowing others to do the same. Rochelle

Today on Pillar Talk with Rochelle, Founder and Chief Vision Officer of the Legacy Leadership Consulting Group Robert Heath, Sr., facilitates a thought-provoking Masterclass on "self-worth." Although Robert is highly accomplished in many areas and a consummate professional, his self-worth hasn't always reflected his lofty achievements. Occasionally, he would get stuck in a "negative feedback loop." But today, Robert starts his day on full with a "Power Hour" and helps others manifest their greatness. Do you want tips on how to build your self-worth and conquer imposter syndrome? Tune in to today's podcast. Relatable. Thought-provoking. Inspirational. Powerful. You're in for a treat! To learn more about the twelve pillars in my book Simply Complex: Leading out of Authenticity, contact me directly by email or at www.rochellearmstrong.com. Also, you can buy a copy at most places you purchase books, including Roots 101 https://roots-101.org/  African American Museum and Amazon here. Much gratitude and appreciation to all my authentic guests and listeners.

Today on Pillar Talk with Rochelle, Family & Youth Pastor Katherine "Kat" Mayer profoundly teaches us the power of "names." As a transplant from Nothern California, she was quickly introduced to different names used in the mid-west as a sign of respect that she would eventually understand and accept. That was a smooth adjustment compared to reclaiming her given name because of the painful associations. But now, to hear Katherine now is endearing. In honor of Kat's ordination this upcoming Sunday, we invite you to tune in to hear why it's essential to know your worth and the power of names. Honest. Meaningful. Inspirational. Vulnerable. You don't want to miss it! To learn more about the twelve pillars in my book Simply Complex: Leading out of Authenticity, contact me directly by email or www.rochellearmstrong.com. Also, you can buy a copy at most places you purchase books, including Roots 101 https://roots-101.org/ African American Museum and Amazon here. Much gratitude and appreciation to all my authentic guests and listeners.

Today on Pillar Talk with Rochelle, Associate Director of Strategy Irene Justianio welcomes us to experience the rich and diverse Hispanic culture. But, unfortunately, from New York to Louisville, she is no stranger to identity theft. Sadly, some people think she's not brown enough, but she is proud to be Puerto Rican and will represent her community with her heart outside of her body. So in honor and celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month, check out this powerful and insightful interview with Irene. She's an "ordinary girl trying to do extraordinary things to help those around her."  Passionate. Heartfelt. Inspirational. Awareness. To learn more about the twelve pillars in my book Simply Complex: Leading out of Authenticity, contact me directly by email or www.rochellearmstrong.com. Also, you can buy a copy at most places you purchase books, including Roots 101 https://roots-101.org/  African American Museum and Amazon here. Much gratitude and appreciation to all my authentic guests and listeners

Today on Pillar Talk with Rochelle, college student, educator, and amazing auntie Charlotte Hazelwood gets naked with us as an act of love." To be vulnerable and essentially naked in front of someone, broken and weak, and to have them love you in that space makes me feel special." However, Charlotte feels most loved when she's her authentic self, and someone accepts that. So we invite you to join us in Charlotte's web of love—Love is selflessness. Love is going beyond what someone expects. Love is taking really good care of someone. —Charlotte Hazelwood To learn more about the twelve pillars in my book Simply Complex: Leading out of Authenticity, contact me directly by email or at www.rochellearmstrong.com. Also, you can buy a copy at most places you purchase books, including Roots 101 https://roots-101.org/ African American Museum and Amazon here. Much gratitude and appreciation to all my authentic guests and listeners. Rochelle Armstrong: Leading Authentically

Today on Pillar Talk with Rochelle, corporate education professional Joi Williams owns her story and is on her way to fully embrace her DNA. Growing up, she always had a little, but enough. However, compared to what her more affluent friends at school had, it led her to want to fit in with the dominant culture. Raised to be well-spoken and articulate, Joi became "the good Black friend." As a child, she found the acceptance she longed for, but today, Joi is using her voice to educate others that language matters and one should seek to understand different people. She also teaches her children that their blackness is beautiful.  To learn more about the twelve pillars in my book Simply Complex: Leading out of Authenticity, contact me directly by email or www.rochellearmstrong.com. Also, you can buy a copy at most places you purchase books, including Roots 101 https://roots-101.org/  African American Museum and Amazon here.

Today, on the podcast, entrepreneur, advocate, and social worker Daniel Melson paint a vivid picture of the negative and positive effects of 'environment." "Growing through it and growing out of it," he explains that poverty is a mentality—you emulate what you see." So get your favorite beverage or snack; you're going to want to emerge yourself into this interview fully. You can also view on YouTube: "We are not an Experiment." Interview w/Daniel Melson.

Today on Pillar Talk with Rochelle, I'm sharing highlights and behind the scenes from season 1.  To learn more about the twelve pillars in my book Simply Complex: Leading out of Authenticity, contact me directly by email or www.rochellearmstrong.com. Also, you can buy a copy at most places you purchase books, including Roots 101 https://roots-101.org/  African American Museum and Amazon here. Much gratitude and appreciation to all my authentic guests and listeners.

Today on Pillar Talk with Rochelle, one of my favorite humans and youngest daughter, "the awesome" Dejah Armstrong, shares with us what it means to be Simply Complex largely through her experience in The Governor Scholar program (GSP). Dejah believes what makes us a collection or community is that everybody is scared to be different, but everyone wants to be different. Yet, we're all the same in that we want to be different. During her five-week experience at GSP, she learned that not all perceptions are true. And there were times when she had to speak up and say, "Hey! We can't use that as an excuse to justify their actions." As Dejah aspires to be a college professor, journalist, or own a bookstore with a speakeasy, she will remain true to her authentic self. "You can't change how other people think, but you can change how you see yourself." —Dejah Armstrong.   To learn more about the twelve pillars in my book Simply Complex: Leading out of Authenticity, contact me directly by email or www.rochellearmstrong.com. Also, you can buy a copy at most places you purchase books, including Roots 101 https://roots-101.org/  African American Museum and Amazon here. Much gratitude and appreciation to all my authentic guests and listeners.

Today on Pillar Talk with Rochelle, senior VP, and Chief Human Resource Officer, Mr. John Brown takes us through a graduate-level course on leadership and environment. Growing up in Kansas City, MO, with his biological and adopted siblings, they saw firsthand the value of hard work. Both parents worked tirelessly outside of the home while still managing to be foster parents, yet John knows all too well what it means to be poor. "Shame on y'all! I'm going right back to the place where I came from to give back because I can relate." John believes that the environment he grew up in, with all its challenges and all its pain, was preparing him to provide value to others around him when he reached a position of influence to give back. Personally or professionally, If you're someone who struggles with confidence, John will encourage you to associate yourself with confident people who bring the best out of you. "Don't let your circle be filled with chance." —John Brown.   To learn more about the twelve pillars in my book Simply Complex: Leading out of Authenticity, contact me directly by email or at www.rochellearmstrong.com. Also, you can buy a copy at most places you purchase books, including Roots 101 https://roots-101.org/  African American Museum and Amazon here.

Today's pillar tip is on personaility. Unmask everything about your personality that people have said is too much. We have to accept the parts of people that make us feel good and the parts that might irritate us. You can also view on YouTube.  To learn more about the twelve pillars in my book Simply Complex: Leading out of Authenticity, contact me directly by email or at www.rochellearmstrong.com. Also, you can buy a copy at most places you purchase books, including Roots 101 https://roots-101.org/  African American Museum and Amazon here.

Today on Pillar Talk with Rochelle, program manager Mrs. Sheila Howell takes us through personality boot camp. "I was too friendly and happy." I was too mean and logical." Can all of these attributes be true of an Officer in the United States Army? This intelligent, beautiful, "get it done kind of girl" is not waiting for you to decide. Embracing her personality has been a journey, but Sheila is okay with not fitting the mold. Working in a male-dominated field for 18 years (Happy anniversary!), she doesn't mask the kind and sweet characteristics she learned from her outgoing, optimistic mother. Sheila's not interested in blame. She believes that everything is going to work out! But if you're expecting her to listen when you bring her a problem professionally or personally, be prepared to take action because she's a fixer. As a leader, Sheila believes that there is nothing wrong with adapting to one's environment without regulating yourself too much. "Not only will I laugh at a joke, but I'm going to make a joke." —Sheila Howell. If you have thoughtful comments or questions for Sheila, she can be reached on IG at writers_block16 or FB (Sheila Howell). Thank you for your service, MA'AM! We're so proud of you. To learn more about the twelve pillars in my book Simply Complex: Leading out of Authenticity, contact me directly at www.rochellearmstrong.com. Also, you can buy a copy at most places you purchase books, including Roots 101 https://roots-101.org/ African American Museum and Amazon here.

Do you feel stuck? Are you in an environment that drains you? You would like to escape. You've contemplated what that exit might look like but feel compelled to stay for whatever reason. Today's pillar tip is on Environment. If you can't escape an unhealthy environment physically, use your imagination to escape mentally. No matter how unrealistic—imagine a better future.

Today, on Pillar Talk with Rochelle, phenomenal mother, grandmother, and aunt Veronica Cargill revisits her nightmare on 6th Street in West Palm Beach, FL. Born in 1959 during the Civil Rights Movement, young Veronica struggled with acceptance in her suburban neighborhood. "Black people didn't want to see other black people do well." Having an accomplished father who owned a seafood business and a wealthy mother whose parents owned a farm, Veronica grew to resent her privilege because of rejection from her own people. During her college years, she would buy her acceptance or pretend to struggle like her peers, eating hot dogs when she really wanted some Churches chicken. However, Veronica would eventually get the sense of belonging that she desired. Be sure to stay tuned to the end of the interview, "I'm getting ready to unmask." —Veronica Cargill. You can view this interview on YouTube: "The Prissy Kids Lived on 6th Street." Pillar Talk—Interview w/Veronica Cargill. To learn more about the twelve pillars in my book Simply Complex: Leading out of Authenticity, contact me directly at www.rochellearmstrong.com. Also, you can buy a copy at most places you purchase books, including Roots 101 https://roots-101.org/ American Museum and Amazon here.