Funmi Johnson is a finance professional and the founder of the women's networking group- Upswing Women. The podcast features no-holds-barred conversations about real-life roadblocks to career growth, networking, and other advice for women professionals and entrepreneurs
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March 31, 2026Episode 325 min
What's Next?
Send us Fan MailOn this episode, Funmi talks about what she's been up to during the month of March.She talks about a recent networking event and other life events. Life has been full, but what's next?Shout out to a recently launched podcast by a previous guest, Kemi (Season 4, Ep 2)- Living in Purpose Pod Another noteworthy mention, the new season of The World Without People is out, join Ayomide and guestsThe World Without PeopleConnect with Funmi on Instagram @upswingwoman
February 13, 2026Episode 241 min
Living in Purpose with Guest, Kemi Dada
Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Funmi sits down with Kemi to explore her bold entrepreneurial journey from studying public health to building multiple purpose-driven businesses. Kemi shares how faith, family influence, and community shaped her path, along with the realities of starting young, being taken seriously, and learning through experience. From launching a beauty business and salon suite to creating her faith-based journal brand Living in Purpose, Kemi offers honest insights on patience, professionalism, and building a solid foundation as an entrepreneur. Connect with Kemi on instagram @living.inpurposeConnect with Funmi on Instagram @upswingwoman
January 9, 2026Episode 129 min
I Stopped Chasing Clarity
Send us Fan MailHappy New Year, and welcome to Season 4 of Hey, We Should ConnectOn this episode, Funmi talks about freeing herself from the endless pursuit of clarity.What's next? She has quite figured it out. Instead, she's doing the next right thing and trusting that the lines will fall around in the right places.Funmi also gives a recap of 2025 and why she deeply resonates with the Maya Angelou quote, "the main thing in one's private world is to laugh as much as you cr.y"Connect with Funmi on Instagram @upswingwoman
April 17, 202530 min
A Life of Ministry with PB: Part 2
Send us Fan MailIn part 2 of this conversation, Funmi and Pastor Bimbola ("PB") take listener questions about making sacrifices and practical ways to remain balanced.00:00 – 9:45| Did You Sacrifice Your AmbitionPastor Bimbola answers a listener question about sacrificing personal ambition. She also talks about making adjustments when her husband went into full-time ministry.9:45 - 13:30 | Will Ministry Restrict How I Show Up In Other SpacesPB discusses her upbringing, early influences, and how she felt called to ministry.13:30 – 21:04 | Growing in Ministry and Finding Her IdentityPB talks about the motivation to create a ministry for Pastor's Wives and fill a need that she also experienced in her early stages of ministry. 21:04 – 28:15 | Staying BalancedShe shares about staying organized, learning to receive help, and knowing that there are seasons where you need to stretch.28:15 – 30:00 | A Place of SurrenderPB speaks to women who might be struggling with a decision to go into ministryConnect with @LeadingLadiesGlobalNetwork @AgapeHouseNJConnect with Funmi on Instagram @upswingwoman
April 17, 202536 min
On and Off Stage: A Life of Ministry with Pastor Bimbola Lawore
Send us Fan MailIn this powerful and down-to-earth conversation, Funmi has a conversation with Pastor Bimbola Lawore ("PB") who gets real about life in ministry, motherhood, leadership, and everything in between. PB shares how she balances it all—from co-pastoring and raising a family to leading women’s empowerment movements and working in the public sector. You’ll hear honest insights about creating boundaries and intentionally pursuing growth because it is also fundamental to Christian teachingIf you’re a woman called to lead and live on purpose—this episode is for YOU. About PBBimbola Lawore, lovingly known as Pastor B, is a woman of wisdom, grace, and purpose. As co-pastor of Agape House of Worship Family of Churches (AHOWFC) with her husband, Pastor Jide Lawore, she has spent nearly two decades empowering women through the Women of Purpose Ministry. Her mission is to help women discover and live out their God-given purpose while also championing strong marriages, families, and emotional wholeness.Beyond the church, Pastor B leads initiatives like the Pastors’ Wives Network, Leading Ladies Global Network, and the Flourish Conference—creating spaces for women in leadership to grow and thrive. She also serves on the board of Touch Link Inc., supporting domestic violence victims. A devoted wife, mother of three, and Tax Compliance Manager in the public sector, Pastor B exemplifies strength, service, and balance in every area of life.00:00 – 02:15 | Introduction Funmi introduces the episode and shares her excitement about speaking with Pastor Bimbola Lawore.02:16 – 10:45 | Early Life and Calling Pastor Bimbola discusses her upbringing, early influences, and how she felt called to ministry.10:46 – 20:31 | Balancing Ministry and Family She shares insights on managing responsibilities as a co-pastor, wife, and mother, emphasizing the importance of balance. Discussion on her work with Leading Ladies Network.20:31 – 23:43 | Pursuing GrowthShe offers advice to women aspiring to take on leadership roles in ministry and the marketplace.23:43 – 32:15 | Everything Has Worked Out For Good Discussion on how she became an accountant and how her career choices have turned out to be a blessing for her family and in fulfilling her purpose in ministry.32:15 – 35:52 | Making Sacrifices Pastor Bimbola talks about going into ministry and what it entails. She also takes a listener questions about personal sacrifices she has madeConnect with @LeadingLadiesGlobalNetwork @AgapeHouseNJConnect with Funmi on Instagram @upswingwomanConnect with Funmi on Instagram @upswingwoman
March 13, 2025Episode 247 min
Thriving Women: Mental Health in the Workplace (with Dr. Fara)
Send us Fan MailIn this episode, Funmi and special guest, Dr. Fara delve into the unique mental health challenges women professionals face. Funmi shares her personal experience including the crazy work situation that landed her in the emergency room.Dr Fara shares insights on managing stress and provides examples of lifestyle modifications that can be made when things feel out of control. Dr. Fara also discusses the support she provides through her private practice.Key Takeaways:"I wanted to do more, and this was the more" Dr Fara's career journey into the mental health space (3:00)Is this a physical illness or a mental health or behavioral issue? (6:34)Funmi's personal experience with panic attacks (13:05)Anxiety- the warning signs and progression(15:30)Therapy and other low-invasive coping methods (21:00)Mental health perception and the impact of race, gender, and culture (25:45)Slow progress of mental health advocacy in the workplace (30:15)Mental health resources including support for career management(36:10)Trauma-informed therapy and other mental health resources (37:45)Dr. Faramade (Fara) Eruanga is the medical director of Imperative Healthcare Services, bringing over 15 years of mental health expertise to her compassionate practice. Her qualifications include:Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) with honors from the University of Massachusetts GlobalDual board certifications in psychiatric-mental health and family nursingMaster’s in nursing from Maryville UniversityTrained in a variety of settings including oncology, orthopedics, pain managementAfter witnessing first-hand the barriers many face accessing affordable mental healthcare, Dr. Eruanga made it her mission to leverage her diverse medical background to fill these gaps.To contact her private practice, info@imperativehs.com; +1 (301) 357-4794Connect with Dr Fara on IG @imperative_healthcareConnect with Funmi on Instagram @upswingwoman
February 6, 2025Episode 141 min
Take the Lessons, Leave the Baggage
Send us Fan MailFunmi is back from hiatus and ready to dive into the craziness that was 2024. On this episode, she explains how she navigated the challenges of stress, career changes, and personal growth in 2024. The episode explores the impact of layoffs, mental health, and unexpected life events.Shout out to @nekpenwerks for her incredible coaching workConnect with Funmi on Instagram @upswingwoman
June 27, 2024Episode 1736 min
Many Shades of A Confident Leader
Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Hey, We Should Connect, Elise Antoine shares insights from her new book, "Many Shades of a Confident Leader." Funmi connects with Elise on going beyond the title to put in the transformational work it takes to show up as a more confident leader.Elise I. Antoine, a distinguished Haitian American executive leadership coach, brings nearly two decades of dedicated experience to the forefront. With a Master's in Social Work from Fordham University and a Bachelor's from Kean University, she has honed her skills in coaching, mentoring, and effective communication. As the CEO and Founder of Rip The Stigma, Inc., Ms. Antoine leverages her coaching expertise to empower individuals and challenge societal stigmas surrounding mental health. Additionally, as the CEO of "Legacy In The Making, LLC," she focuses on executive leadership coaching, guiding professionals to leave a lasting legacy.Connect with Funmi on Instagram @upswingwoman
May 3, 2024Episode 1623 min
The Next Right Thing
Send us Fan MailIn this episode, Funmi talks about navigating transition seasons and seeking clarity about pending decisions.She shares insights gained from personal failures and how we measure the rightness of a decision based on the perceived success even though the best decisions often involve walking through difficulty.Funmi touches on the gift of discomfort and how the constant yearning for clarity can stop us from moving forward. The book and messages that inspired this episode are included belowThe Next Right Thing- AmazonMoving Forward with God- Part 1Moving Forward with God- Part 2Connect with Funmi on Instagram @upswingwoman
March 30, 2024Episode 1513 min
Reflections- So close yet so far away
Send us Fan MailOn this episode of Hey We Should Connect, Funmi reflects on Women's History Month- the victories and the uphill battle for women in corporate spaces.Episode NotesWhy Women Don’t Apply for Jobs Unless They’re 100% QualifiedWomen in the Workplace 2023Lily Allen Says Having Kids ‘Ruined My Career’Connect with Funmi on Instagram @upswingwoman
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