What's Next Podcast with Umindi Francis

Hosted by Umindi Francis

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Jan 2024

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About the show

What’s Next Podcast with Umindi Francis is a new podcast that explores perspectives from executives, creatives, and thought leaders at the intersection of business, marketing, and strategy in technology, fashion, entertainment, and more. Umindi Francis leverages 20 years of business strategy experience and relationships as an entrepreneur, and executive for some of the world’s leading brands, to discuss insights, and the next frontier of business, from the people that move their industries forward. The podcast also highlights their path to success to deeper understand their journey. Listeners will gain insights into how our guests drive innovation. They will also walk away from each episode encouraged and inspired to tackle their own professional goals in business. As a result of Umindi’s connections, listeners can expect marquee guests each episode.

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22 recent

January 16, 2024Episode 2145 min

Jennifer Justice is paving the way for gender equality in business

Jennifer Justice is a successful entrepreneur, entertainment executive, and lawyer. After 17 years as Jay-Z's personal entertainment attorney, in which she was instrumental in some of the rapper's high-profile projects, Jennifer left and eventually started her own venture, The Justice Department. Her new company champions gender equality and focuses on helping women maximize their value in business. In this episode, Jennifer shares valuable advice for those aspiring to follow her career path, underscores the importance of adopting a passion-and-purpose-driven approach to work, and more.Follow Jennifer on Instagram @thejustice.dept or visit her online at thejusticedept.com.About UmindiUmindi Francis is the CEO and founder of the award-winning global brand consulting firm UFCG. She has led strategy and marketing for some of the world's leading brands, such as Louis Vuitton, Bottega Veneta, and Bumble. Over the years, she has worked with celebrities and numerous brands, ranging from The New York Times to the United States Institute of Peace, as a business strategy adviser. Umindi has been featured in a number of publications, including Time, New York, and Vogue, and is the recipient of a United States Congressional Recognition for Business Achievement.Follow Umindi on Instagram @Umindi360 and on Linkedin here and the podcast @whatsnextwithumindi.

January 9, 2024Episode 2059 min

Redefining the beauty industry with Desiree Rogers

Desiree Rogers, the CEO and co-owner of Fashion Fair Cosmetics and Black Opal Beauty, shares her journey in the beauty industry. From her time at the White House to her leadership at Johnson Publishing Company, and now her groundbreaking acquisition of iconic Black beauty brands, Rogers keeps making a mark. We get into her challenges, the state of the beauty industry, and the vital importance of supporting Black businesses.Follow Desiree on Instagram @iamthatdesiree and find her online at iamthatdesiree.com. About UmindiUmindi Francis is the CEO and founder of the award-winning global brand consulting firm UFCG. She has led strategy and marketing for some of the world's leading brands, such as Louis Vuitton, Bottega Veneta, and Bumble. Over the years, she has worked with celebrities and numerous brands, ranging from The New York Times to the United States Institute of Peace, as a business strategy adviser. Umindi has been featured in a number of publications, including Time, New York, and Vogue, and is the recipient of a United States Congressional Recognition for Business Achievement.Follow Umindi on Instagram @Umindi360 and on Linkedin here and the podcast @whatsnextwithumindi.

December 19, 2023Episode 191 hr 3 min

Madison Utendahl on entrepreneurship and burnout

In this episode, Madison Utendahl, founder of Utendahl Creative, shares her insights about creatives and the struggle with self-worth and burnout prevalent in many industries. Madison talks about the difference between success and true fulfillment, and warns of the pervading “burnout epidemic.”Follow Madison on Instagram @madison.utendahl.About UmindiUmindi Francis is the CEO and founder of the award-winning global brand consulting firm UFCG. She has led strategy and marketing for some of the world's leading brands, such as Louis Vuitton, Bottega Veneta, and Bumble. Over the years, she has worked with celebrities and numerous brands, ranging from The New York Times to the United States Institute of Peace, as a business strategy adviser. Umindi has been featured in a number of publications, including Time, New York, and Vogue, and is the recipient of a United States Congressional Recognition for Business Achievement.Follow Umindi on Instagram @Umindi360 and on Linkedin here and the podcast @whatsnextwithumindi.

December 12, 2023Episode 1847 min

Reality TV behind the scenes: Jessel Taank reflects on her Real Housewives of New York experience

Jessel Taank shares her experiences as a new cast member on Bravo's "The Real Housewives of New York", her struggles and triumphs from being on the show, and the impacts it had on her personal relationships. She also discusses her pride in representing her Indian culture, her reaction to early negative reactions towards her, and her upcoming e-commerce platform focused on Indian fashion.Follow Jessel on Instagram @jesseltaank. She is the founder of Ōushq. Follow her company on Instagram @oushq.About UmindiUmindi Francis is the CEO and founder of the award-winning global brand consulting firm UFCG. She has led strategy and marketing for some of the world's leading brands, such as Louis Vuitton, Bottega Veneta, and Bumble. Over the years, she has worked with celebrities and numerous brands, ranging from The New York Times to the United States Institute of Peace, as a business strategy adviser. Umindi has been featured in a number of publications, including Time, New York, and Vogue, and is the recipient of a United States Congressional Recognition for Business Achievement.Follow Umindi on Instagram @Umindi360 and on Linkedin here and the podcast @whatsnextwithumindi.

September 6, 2023Episode 171 hr 3 min

Juliette Jones on rising through the ranks and the state of the music industry

Juliette Jones is the chief operating officer at Alamo Records, with more than 25 years of experience in the music industry. She shares her journey and the key lessons she has learned along the way, including how she got her start in the business, the challenges she faced as a woman in a male-dominated industry, and the advice she offers to artists.Juliette also gives her take on the current state of the music industry and the impact of social media and streaming platforms on artists and their careers.Follow Juliette on Instagram @msjuliettejones.About UmindiUmindi Francis is the CEO and founder of the award-winning global brand consulting firm UFCG. She has led strategy and marketing for some of the world's leading brands, such as Louis Vuitton, Bottega Veneta, and Bumble. Over the years, she has worked with celebrities and numerous brands, ranging from The New York Times to the United States Institute of Peace, as a business strategy adviser. Umindi has been featured in a number of publications, including Time, New York, and Vogue, and is the recipient of a United States Congressional Recognition for Business Achievement.Follow Umindi on Instagram @Umindi360 and on Linkedin here. Follow the podcast on Instagram @whatsnextwithumindi.

August 29, 2023Episode 1644 min

Abyah Wynn on closing the funding gap for people of color

Abyah Wynn is the fund manager for TRUE Capital Management’s TRUE Culture Fund, which focuses on funding underrepresented founders with venture capital.She talks with Umindi about her journey into venture capital, the legal challenge threatening the Fearless Fund’s approach to investing in Black women, and her advice for founders looking to position themselves for funding opportunities.Follow Abyah on Instagram @abyah or on LinkedIn at Abyah Wynn.About UmindiUmindi Francis is the CEO and founder of the award-winning global brand consulting firm UFCG. She has led strategy and marketing for some of the world's leading brands, such as Louis Vuitton, Bottega Veneta, and Bumble. Over the years, she has worked with celebrities and numerous brands, ranging from The New York Times to the United States Institute of Peace, as a business strategy adviser. Umindi has been featured in a number of publications, including Time, New York, and Vogue, and is the recipient of a United States Congressional Recognition for Business Achievement.Follow Umindi on Instagram @Umindi360 and on Linkedin here. Follow the podcast on Instagram @whatsnextwithumindi.

August 23, 2023Episode 151 hr 2 min

Marielle Bobo on climbing the media ladder and reimagining Ebony for the future

Marielle Bobo, Editor-in-Chief and Senior Vice President of Programming at Ebony Media, shares her journey in the publishing industry and her experience leading Ebony's digital transformation.From her early love of fashion magazines to her role as a fashion director at various publications, Marielle has always been drawn to the creative side of media. She discusses the challenges she faced as a Black woman in the industry and the importance of staying true to herself. Marielle also offers insights into the power of partnerships and the need to create content that resonates with diverse audiences.Follow Marielle on Instagram @MarielleBobo. About UmindiUmindi Francis is the CEO and founder of the award-winning global brand consulting firm UFCG. She has led strategy and marketing for some of the world's leading brands, such as Louis Vuitton, Bottega Veneta, and Bumble. Over the years, she has worked with celebrities and numerous brands, ranging from The New York Times to the United States Institute of Peace, as a business strategy adviser. Umindi has been featured in a number of publications, including Time, New York, and Vogue, and is the recipient of a United States Congressional Recognition for Business Achievement.Follow Umindi on Instagram @Umindi360 and on Linkedin here. Follow the podcast on Instagram @whatsnextwithumindi.

August 15, 2023Episode 1446 min

Rebecca Minkoff on building a fashion empire and empowering female founders

Rebecca Minkoff is a fashion industry leader in accessible luxury handbags, accessories, and apparel. She shares her journey of falling in love with fashion at a young age to starting her own namesake brand and growing it into a global enterprise. She discusses the challenges and triumphs she faced along the way and shares insights on fundraising and financing your business. Rebecca also talks about the importance of building a strong brand and how to connect with consumers. She shares insights Rebecca Minkoff’s approach to technology and innovation, as well as the brand’s foray into various technology verticals including web3. She also discusses the founding of the Female Founder Collective and the importance of supporting and empowering women in business.For fashion, style, and design, follow Rebecca Minkoff the brand on Instagram @rebeccaminkoff. And, for a peak into Rebecca’s personal life, follow Rebecca Minkoff the woman @beckyminkoff. Listen to her podcast, Superwomen with Rebecca Minkoff, on Apple Podcasts. About UmindiUmindi Francis is the CEO and founder of the award-winning global brand consulting firm UFCG. She has led strategy and marketing for some of the world's leading brands, such as Louis Vuitton, Bottega Veneta, and Bumble. Over the years, she has worked with celebrities and numerous brands, ranging from The New York Times to the United States Institute of Peace, as a business strategy adviser. Umindi has been featured in a number of publications, including Time, New York, and Vogue, and is the recipient of a United States Congressional Recognition for Business Achievement.Follow Umindi on Instagram @Umindi360 and on Linkedin here. Follow the podcast on Instagram @whatsnextwithumindi.

August 8, 2023Episode 1348 min

Chrissy Rutherford on pivoting your career, navigating the fashion industry, and advocating for mental health

Chrissy Rutherford, a former editor at Harper's Bazaar, is a fashion and social media expert and influencer.In this episode, Chrissy discusses her career in the fashion industry and her transition to becoming a full-time creator and entrepreneur. She talks about the importance of curating content that resonates with your audience and her experience as Special Projects Director at Harper's Bazaar, where she spearheaded the brand’s Instagram account, growing a community of over 4 million followers. She also shares her passion for mental health advocacy, starting her own diversity consulting practice, a podcast, and her work as an influencer with numerous leading brands, including Maybelline and J.Crew.Follow Chrissy on Instagram @chrissyford. Listen to Chrissy’s podcast with Maybelline, “I’m Fine, You?” on Apple or Spotify.About UmindiUmindi Francis is the CEO and founder of the award-winning global brand consulting firm UFCG. She has led strategy and marketing for some of the world's leading brands, such as Louis Vuitton, Bottega Veneta, and Bumble. Over the years, she has worked with celebrities and numerous brands, ranging from The New York Times to the United States Institute of Peace, as a business strategy adviser. Umindi has been featured in a number of publications, including Time, New York, and Vogue, and is the recipient of a United States Congressional Recognition for Business Achievement.Follow Umindi on Instagram @Umindi360 and on Linkedin here. Follow the podcast on Instagram @whatsnextwithumindi.

August 1, 2023Episode 1252 min

Sharmadean Reid empowers a community of businesswomen with The Stack World

Sharmadean Reid is the founder and CEO of The Stack World, a technology platform and community for women that works to move the needle on gender equality by increasing the global GDP of the women’s economy.Sharmadean shares her journey from studying at Central Saint Martins to founding and then launching The Stack World. She discusses her love for media and magazines, her experience working with renowned fashion designers and later launching a wildly successful beauty company. She also discusses her frustration with the lack of technological solutions in the beauty industry, and how that inspired her to launch The Stack World and its mission to bridge the gap between lifestyle content, and business and financial content, for women.Find Sharmadean on The Stack World, but you can also follow her on Instagram @sharmadeanreid.About UmindiUmindi Francis is the CEO and founder of the award-winning global brand consulting firm UFCG. She has led strategy and marketing for some of the world's leading brands, such as Louis Vuitton, Bottega Veneta, and Bumble. Over the years, she has worked with celebrities and numerous brands, ranging from The New York Times to the United States Institute of Peace, as a business strategy adviser. Umindi has been featured in a number of publications, including Time, New York, and Vogue, and is the recipient of a United States Congressional Recognition for Business Achievement. Follow Umindi on Instagram @Umindi360 and on Linkedin here. Follow the podcast on Instagram @whatsnextwithumindi.