202: How to Navigate Isolation As An Entrepreneur & Find Your Community w/ Shadé Akande

Monique:
Sade, welcome to the Black to Business podcast. Such a treat to have you here. I’m so excited about what we’re going to talk about today. So welcome to the show.

Shadé:
Thank you so much. It is amazing to be here.

Monique:
I am excited as well. And before we dive into the topic, we always like to get our audience familiar with who we’re speaking to. So if you could kind of share your journey, what is it that you do in your business and how did you get here?

Shadé:
Sure, I will share the short version. So let’s see. I am first generation and a native New Yorker. I attended the high school of Fashion Industries in Manhattan, and then I graduated from Syracuse University after making a stop at Virginia State University my freshman year. Shortly after graduating, I relocated to Atlanta. And then I had an offer for a full time job with benefits with a retail company. And I also had an offer for a three month contract opportunity with no benefits and no guarantees. So of course, I went with the contract opportunity because it was my entry.

Shadé:
It was my entry into the world of human resources. And I’ve had a successful HR career with amazing companies. I lived in Atlanta. I mean, I lived in California after Atlanta before moving back to New York City. And fast forward, after a few years of consulting and a few HR executive roles, I launched my current company during the pandemic and during off hours while I was the chief people officer for another company, which is my last corporate job, because one thing many of us had during the pandemic was extra time at home to create something. So I’ve been leading my company full time exclusively. I’m the founder and CEO of one X League, which is a social network for Black and Afro Latina executive women and founders.

Monique:
I love that. Such a beautiful, amazing story. Thank you for sharing that. And yeah, based on your experience, I was like, she is the perfect person to talk about today’s topic, which is all about how to navigate isolation as an entrepreneur and really find your community. Because, of course, as you know, sometimes this journey can be lonely, and we hear it all the time in the black to business community. So today we want to talk about, okay, how do we get over there? How do we deal with this? So first, let’s just talk about what isolation is and some of those common issues that entrepreneurs have, especially. Especially black entrepreneurs.

Shadé:
Yeah, isolation is common for entrepreneurs because a lot of times, quiet creative space is what we need to work on our endeavor. And sometimes entrepreneurs have to work on their business during the wee hours. So the alone time starts off innocently enough, but prolongs isolation can be unhealthy. Also, resources are needed to afford a team or an office. So in the early days, especially when resources are low, it’s, you know, the entrepreneur and their garage. That’s all they have. And this is especially true for black entrepreneurs, who often have less access to business capital and other resources.

Monique:
Certainly all the things. And so sade, one of the things I love that you are doing at one XD is you’re talking about this very thing, but also you’re talking about community. And it really raised my brow when I seen this come across my desk, because I’m like, I’m isolation. So what led you to focus on this topic or this area in particular?

Shadé:
Yeah. So I found it one x league, in part due to the loneliness and isolation experienced by many black entrepreneurs and executives, myself included, especially during the pandemic. And we may not name it specifically as isolation or even realize that we’re experiencing it. And when there also aren’t other entrepreneurs in the family or your immediate circle to confide in, you may end up carrying. Carrying the weight of it alone. And that can have mental, emotional, and physical implications. So I was concerned about that for us.

Monique:
So glad that you’re doing the work that you are doing. And a part of this is, of course, finding community, that other aspect of it. So why do you feel that finding that community is crucial for personal and professional growth as an entrepreneur?

Shadé:
Yeah. Community is crucial for entrepreneurial growth because it’s where you can get feedback, it’s where you can give and receive encouragement. You can learn about resources you may not be aware of. It helps you prevent mistakes, test out ideas, and you get refreshed. We need human interaction and community, because community is the single most important factor for good health and longevity, more so than diet and exercise. Studies show that people with strong community support systems live longer and are happier than those who don’t have community. In fact, so much so that isolation has been compared to smoking, in terms of its detrimental effect to the body and mortality.

Monique:
Wow. To smoking.

Shadé:
Yeah.

Monique:
That is deep. That is so much deeper. And I’m glad that you mentioned that, because somebody’s listening. They’re like, I can do this all on my own. I don’t need anybody. And you’re even touching on some of those challenges, but I want to even dive deeper on that. So what are some of those key challenges that entrepreneurship would face when they’re dealing with isolation?

Shadé:
Yeah. When you’re isolated as an entrepreneur, you have to encourage yourself, even during the difficult times you have to figure things out alone, and problems can be harder to solve and appear bigger than they are when you spend all day with them in your head. And entrepreneurs have to do all of this while navigating all of the other adulting and life thing taking place. Right. So having access to other entrepreneurs can be a challenge for some, because entrepreneurship is a risk, and it’s a space that many people don’t want to enter. Understandably so. And most of the people that are early stage entrepreneurs don’t really know other entrepreneurs. And you can’t always share what you’re going through with someone who isn’t an entrepreneur.

Shadé:
That can sometimes result in bad advice and even discouragement, which is why isolation tends to be the default path.

Monique:
Mm hmm. Can definitely relate with that. So now I want to shift into really understanding this isolation even a bit more in the need for safe spaces. So, what are some of the signs that an entrepreneur might be experiencing isolation?

Shadé:
It can be anything from not hearing from someone in a while to a series of activity cancellations and opting out of significant events. No communication at all for extended periods of time. Or when you do see them, they seem disconnected or appear sad when isolation is becoming extreme and shade.

Monique:
One of the things you mentioned earlier, that thing about people not finding or feeling like they have the safe space and who they could talk to. So I want to talk about why that finding that safe space is essential, especially for black entrepreneurs.

Shadé:
Yeah. It’s especially important for black entrepreneurs because there may be additional areas in their lives where safety is a concern. We black people, unfortunately, need to be cognizant of our safety. Sometimes when we walk, drive, sleep, work, shop, you know, all the things, it can be quite a burden. So we don’t have the luxury of not being intentional about safety in the spaces we spend the most time. We can’t feel unsafe in our neighborhood and at work. And then again, while we’re spending hours on our business, it will be challenging to come up with the best ideas and remain focused with that much disruption to our peace. So having safe spaces with other black entrepreneurs who may be considering the same safety concerns, or at least they fully understand your concerns, can be validating and provide an environment that you may not have in other spaces.

Monique:
And what comes up for me in all of this right now is the impact that this can have on one’s mental health and even the business performance. Can you talk about how some of those ways that it can impact one’s mental health and business performance?

Shadé:
Yeah. So long term isolation can be demoralizing and ultimately lead to depression. So if you have you happen to be having a tough time solving a business problem, you’re more likely to be harder on yourself if that’s all you’ve been staring at with no insight, input or support from others. Also, isolation and loneliness cause brain shrinkage and can make us more prone to dementia, so the physical implications can be severe. It’s important for entrepreneurs to also move physically to get outside sometimes and connect with other people. One, because that’s a direct correlation. There’s a direct correlation between physical activity and brain health. Secondly, it provides opportunities to learn what’s new.

Shadé:
This is especially important for solopreneurs who don’t have like a co founder or team members to bounce ideas off of. And not being on top of the latest trends and like industry insights and resources and news in your professional space can put you a step behind the competition. I mean, imagine if you’re in the basement working on the latest rotary phone for years and you haven’t been outside. Then you go outside finally and you see everyone has an iPhone, right? Like waste your time, right?

Monique:
Exactly that. Oh wow. So Shada, you are putting everything into perspective because all of this is going down the wrong world. Like we’ve heard a liking to smoking, also leading to brain shrinkage and dementia. I won’t know parts of this. So let’s talk about how those safe spaces contribute. Like on the other side of this, the to the personal and professional growth. Like getting this right, finding your space, finding your people.

Monique:
How does this contribute to that personal and professional growth?

Shadé:
So safe spaces like community contribute to personal and professional growth by providing a place where you can be your authentic self, find your gain, insight and support and tools for your journey. Personally, you get to exhale and laugh and realize that you’re not the only one going through your particular situation. The more isolated someone is, the more likely they’ll feel like what’s happening to them is unique and others aren’t also going through something similar. Safe spaces are also crucial for growth because it allows you to feel comfortable presenting the real you and it decreases the temptation to code switch. So everyone benefits from the diversity of your authentic experiences and perspectives as we’re trying to serve a very diverse world, right?

Monique:
So Sade has taken us through what isolation looks like and how to actually understand it. And then also we’ve talked about the need for safe spaces and we’re not going to leave you hanging on the black to business podcast. We’re going to give you some step by step so now let’s move into the steps to actually overcome this isolation. So, Sade, what would you say are some of the first steps that an entrepreneur can take to actually overcome the feeling of isolation?

Shadé:
Acknowledging it is a great first step because sometimes it takes a while for someone to even realize it. Because isolation can be both uncomfortable and comfortable at the same time. Right? Since the pandemic, socializing has really changed and many adults are a lot more comfortable being at home or wherever they spend the majority of their time. So after acknowledgement, understanding the benefits of coming out of isolation and making a plan to take comfortable baby steps towards fellowship or being fellowship adjacent is next best step. And an action can be something as simple as spending a day in a cafe with your laptop instead of working from home. That way you get the sunlight, you get some steps, you see and hear other humans while you’re also getting some work done. And then lastly, tell people that you want to make an effort to get out and socialize more and network more and ask them to keep you in mind for opportunities to do that. That accountability and having someone to partner with you and actually do it with you can really help turn it.

Monique:
I love that. I love the fact that you talked about the baby steps because somebody’s like, okay, now I got to go out here and do all of this. I got to change my life in one day. And you’re like, nope, these are some of the baby steps. Oh, I love that. And so what role does self awareness play in recognizing and addressing isolation? Because, you know, you got to realize that this is a problem.

Shadé:
Self awareness is a gift and a skill. Like, without it, many things can easily not go in your favor. So self awareness is key to recognizing and addressing isolation because those without it often don’t see how their actions impact their reality. So it takes longer to solve the problems. Self awareness can also help. You know what help to ask for because you need other people to get out of isolation.

Monique:
One of the things I want to talk about is not that big leap. Like, we kind of touched on that, and I want to talk about what the daily or weekly practices would look like for somebody to. Once you’re kind of taking these baby steps to stay connected with their community.

Shadé:
Yeah, definitely. So they can calendar reminders to reach out to people just to say hello or share something. This also prevents you from reaching out to people only when you need something. You can lead the planning and scheduling of activities with your friends and your peers, and also discuss and confirm the next time you’re going to get together while you’re together. So it’s like on the calendar, even if it’s going to be months out, so you have something else to look forward to. You can engage with LinkedIn posts and other social media updates of friends and peers. So they’re encouraged, their initiatives are amplified and then you’re also on their radar. And then send encouraging text messages to folks, which is easy to do daily no matter where you are.

Monique:
The little things. Just the little things. Yes. Sade. So I’m originally, well, I live in New York now and I’m originally from this small southern town, 4000 people. And I know a lot of people can relate to being in places where you don’t have many people who are like minded around you or you don’t know where to go to find that community. So one of the things I want to say to that talk about for that person who might be in that situation is how to use technology to their advantage when they are combating isolation. So how can entrepreneurs use technology in this way?

Shadé:
Good old technology, old school ways like reaching out to people via phone, email and text can increase connection and combat isolation. Following thought leaders, entrepreneurs and just overall positive people on IG and LinkedIn can educate you and inspire you by what’s happening in the world while offering encouragement at just the right times. Entrepreneurs also share their challenges and how they overcame them, which is helpful to entrepreneurs at all stages and can remind us that the things we’re experiencing are normal and experienced by others. And then using your device to listen to music to boost your mood or take a walk while listening to a podcast that will educate and entertain. Schedule a Zoom meeting with the peers so you see their face. Use your fitness tracker with reminders to stand up and get some tips, some steps. This can all be helpful. Uses of technology to combat isolation.

Monique:
Such good things, the things we don’t even think about. These are the ways that we’re building. Love it. And now I want to talk about once you have found, you know, some of these ways to deal with this, I want to talk about building and nurturing your community. So what are some of the ways that just to give more context, some ways that people can or entrepreneurs can find and connect with like minded individuals?

Shadé:
Yeah, there are a couple of ways. So some one off examples are conferences and industry specific events to connect with like minded individuals who are often passionate about a given field. Attending those and striking up a conversation with an attendee or presenter is often welcome because most people are there to make connections. Also, local member organized meetups can be effective and the smaller setting may be easier to navigate and less intimidating. But one of the best approaches is to join specific organizations for professionals because they have recurring events and their updates keep you in the know. Then you’ll see members repeatedly, which is the best scenario and environment for longer term relationship building and connecting with like minded individuals.

Monique:
Good advice, good, good tips, and that’s a perfect. So I recently went to a conference and I met so many amazing, speaking of one of the examples that you gave, and I met so many amazing people who are doing, it’s like all the like minded people in one room. I’m like, yay, connect with so many people. But after that I thought I met all of these wonderful people. How am I going to maintain all of these connections? So how do you advise one maintain meaningful connections with this community, both either online or offline?

Shadé:
Yeah, it’s important to first be helpful and giving as much as you like, to also have a supportive community and connections, and make efforts to regularly communicate with your connections so they also feel safe, seen and supported and appreciated. And again, so you’re not only reaching out when you want something, but when you say you will and support their endeavors. Basically, do the things that you’re looking for others to do for you and the things that you need.

Monique:
And then, of course, when you are managing these connections, somebody might be thinking, okay, how am I gonna, I want to connect with all of these people? I want to continue to build my tribe. How am I going to balance this with the demands of running a business?

Shadé:
Well, building a community isn’t a challenge for me because I just, it’s like, I study it, I do it, I love it. I didn’t even realize how much I did it and loved it from like years and years and years. But, like, I was always doing. One thing I always did when I joined a new company or organization is locate, identify, and connect with all the black people. So I would schedule meetings and then lunches, and then eventually we’re just friends and I can remove all the descriptors in my contacts. You know how you have someone, their name is like, I know so and so from so and so company. Now it’s just like, Jen. And that’s like the best because you’ve moved from this, like, con, you know, contractual or professional relationship and you’re actually friends.

Shadé:
So the demands of running a business is real and that’s a reality that’s just par for the course. There are amazing moments, and there are moments when I question everything but balancing, I think people have to really be intentional about the community and again, understand the benefits, both the pluses and the more physical and mental health impacting ones as well.

Monique:
And one of the amazing things about the steps that we’ve talked about is how this also helps with business growth. So because you’re the expert, I just want to know your perspective on how can being a part of community contribute to business growth and innovation?

Shadé:
Yeah. So community can help you crowdsource ideas to feel innovation versus you going at it alone or being limited to only what you know. Also, community members can buy your products and solicit your business services. They can collaborate with you, share contacts and resources. You can get feedback on ideas before going to market, sort of like a focus group, sometimes sharing insight. You can hold each other accountable and you can’t really underestimate the power of the mental support and encouragement that community provides. And many opportunities are secured through relationships, right? So there’s jobs that aren’t even posted that get shared with a friend. People tell others about the impactful people they know.

Shadé:
And word of mouth is powerful to secure opportunities for business growth.

Monique:
Certainly. And another part of that is collaboration. So what are some of the, in your experience, some of those collaborative opportunities that can arise from being in this supportive community?

Shadé:
Yeah, community members can split the cost of goods for products and buy larger quantities at a lower price. When they come together, they can present themselves as a collective of offerings to a potential buyer. So it’s like my service plus their service, you know, to make a sale more appealing. They can find their future co founder, partner or investor in a community, and they can join forces and combine their businesses to form an even larger enterprise.

Monique:
And Sade, one of the things I like that you mentioned is it’s kind of like they can help you or bouncing those ideas off. But also part of this is dealing with those challenges so that the benefits of having a community help you navigate those business challenges. What would you say those are?

Shadé:
Yeah, like you’re reminded that you’re not the only one going through a particular challenge when there are people around you who can share how they’ve navigated that situation, or at least check in on you and provide words of encouragement and resources. One thing isolation does is it just warps your reality. You start thinking like, this is just happening to me, I’m not doing it right, I’m a failure when it’s like the natural course of business to have certain challenges. So having that human connection and checking in with people is so important.

Monique:
Certainly agree. And speaking of checking in a big thing I’ve been hearing a lot about, I actually just helped one of my friends get a recommendation to get a mentor. So I want to talk about the role of mentorship and peer support playing in entrepreneurial success, but in also dealing with isolation.

Shadé:
Yeah. So entrepreneurs that are in the early stages of their business can learn a lot from more seasoned entrepreneurs, so they avoid some of the pitfalls, and so they get insight that they may not be aware of otherwise, which can help catapult their business. And peer support can also offer similar benefits in addition to offering advice when facing similar challenges and having someone to vent to and celebrate with that knows exactly what you’ve been experiencing is magic.

Monique:
Yeah. Yeah, definitely. So, Sada, we have covered so much, and this has been like, here, here, there. All of the things that one needs. I know I’m over here. Like, note, note, notes. So somebody is listening and they’re like, okay, ain Sade, so let’s talk about the work that you are doing and can you just share a little bit more about what one X League and the unique experience that it offers for black executives and founders and also those who are dealing with this situation and they might need the extra support.

Shadé:
Yeah. So one X League is a social league for black and Afro Latina women executives and founders, who are often the only ones at their level. And the spaces that they occupy as black leaders and members have a lot in common in terms of their experiences navigating this world, North America and Europe specifically as black women. And one X League is the psychologically safe space for members to come together in person and virtually to engage in a variety of experiences around entrepreneurship, arts and entertainment, wellness, wealth, philanthropy, leadership and luxury travel, which are our seven verticals.

Monique:
And so, in your experience, how have you seen one x League really transform and help those in the community with that isolation and strong community building?

Shadé:
Yeah. So we provide five to six experiences each month for members to come together in person and virtually. And each experience is centered around our seven verticals, or one of our seven verticals. In addition, we have our private member suite, which is a platform where members connect with each other and learn about one offerings, events and resources. We also connect with members weekly through our weekly newsletter, and we send out a variety of what we call surprise and delights to members, which is a variety of culturally relevant gifts and celebratory items and recognitions and things like, just because. So we have many points. So members are not going at it alone, whether they’re a founder or an executive, they’re always hearing from us. There’s always something for them to do.

Shadé:
There’s always members for them to connect to and different channels for them to do that. So that’s how we’re really going about combating isolation for our members.

Monique:
And somebody’s listening and they’re like, okay, sign me up. So what does their onboarding process look like for someone who is interested in working with one X league? Is it they go to the website? How does that work?

Shadé:
Yes. So listeners that are founders or executives, VPN plus, and our black or Afro Latina women can visit one X league’s website for more information and to join our waiting list. And we have different intake periods that we review the waiting list. One is actually coming up at the end of May, I think it’s May 30 to June 4. And our website is onexleague.com dot perfect.

Monique:
We’re certainly going to put those in the show notes so people can sign up. So we’ve talked all about how to navigate isolation as an entrepreneur and find your community. And one of the things that you mentioned in the beginning is this is something that you struggle with. And I want to talk about how did you go about finding your community and also how did you deal with that isolation personally and when it clicked for you?

Shadé:
Yeah, so I would say I’m like I mentioned, I’m always looking for community and people I have things in common with, and I work remotely a lot. So I have to be cognizant of when I haven’t been around humans enough, make sure I ping someone or look at my calendar and get something going. So I make sure that I’m continuously a part of the community. And I would say that I’m a huge believer in community and the importance that it plays in our lives. And my two favorite communities are, of course, Winx League. In short, because the women are amazing. They’re kind, intelligent, funny, like interesting. And our member experiences is where I really get filled.

Shadé:
Another personal community of mine is a group of seven women that I’ve known since I was about nine years old, and it’s been decades of just greatness. We’re all first generation, a collection of doctors, entrepreneurs, pharmacists, professor healthcare professionals, and we have been at all of each other’s major life events. And when we get together, it’s like no time has even passed. Even though we’re spread out across the country and decades have actually passed, the laughs don’t end, and it’s the absolute best. And for both communities, we create psychologically safe spaces where our authentic selves, we hold each other accountable, we support each other, and we share similar life experiences as successful black women in the western world. I also have a personal, what I call board of directors, which includes a mix of friends, entrepreneurs, and just really dope people. That board and I pour into them.

Monique:
I love that we just had someone on the see, that’s so key. We’re all in tune. On the Blacks Business podcast, we also had someone talk about the person, board of directors. I love that. Shidea, you have built an amazing community, and you are doing amazing things for you in this journey. What has been the best risk that you’ve taken? Hmm, good question.

Shadé:
So I am one of those people who believe in taking risks. I believe that it’s better to take a risk and quote unquote, and not go the way you want to than to live with regret. So I would say when I moved to Atlanta shortly, a couple of years after graduation, I just wanted to be somewhere different after growing up in New York. So I had a list of places I wanted to visit that never been, and Atlanta was the first place I went to. And I tell you not, I was in the airport, and a woman, an older woman, said good morning to me, and I just turned all the way around. She’s like, no, I’m talking to you. And I was like, oh, people say good morning here. That’s what’s happening.

Shadé:
Like, I fell in love with Atlanta, and then, you know, just the weather, the cost of living, people, and I literally relocated in two weeks.

Monique:
Just, oh, wow.

Shadé:
And I’m like, I’ll figure it out. And then I mentioned I want to have an opportunity to accept a full time job with benefits and, you know, such. And I went ahead with the three month contract job, which actually ended up, I was doing really good work. And then I loved Atlanta, but, you know, after a while, it was just sort of bored with it. And I was like, oh, let’s try California. I’d never, you know, spend a lot of time there. So I moved out to California, got a job with Google, had some great opportunities out there, and my niece and nephews were growing taller than me. And every time I would go home and visit, I just felt like I was missing things.

Shadé:
So I moved back to New York, and I visited countries for the first time, like, in groups and by myself. Like, I’ll just do research and figure it out. Like, I’ll go anywhere, do anything. I’ll do the research needed to make it an intelligent decision. But I fear regret much more than. I don’t even believe in failure, because you learn in everything. In fact, you learn more when you quote unquote fail than when you succeed. When you succeed, you’re popping bottles and then you go to bed.

Shadé:
Right. But when you fail, you dissect everything you did and you’re truly learning. So every experience is worth an experience.

Monique:
That is so true. And you have had some great risks that have paid off, truly. So all the great experiences. And they got you with that southern hospitality. That’s what in Atlanta, although I will say, because. So I’m from Georgia, although I will say yesterday I was walking down the street in Brooklyn, and I was walking past this older lady with her car, and I was just in my own zone, just zoned out. But I’m just walking past. She stopped when I got a little bit past her.

Monique:
She’s like, good morning, how are you doing? And have a nice day. I did like you, like a whole circle, like in New York.

Shadé:
I know. It’s beautiful. And it’s funny because now I do that all the time when I encounter black people where there aren’t a lot of saying hi and waving and, you know, I always try to give better customer service than I receive. I just believe that kindness is so important, even when it’s not reciprocated, you know?

Monique:
That’s true. That is true. Yeah. Reminding us. I was like, you know better, Monique. Yes. And so for somebody who’s listening, who’s maybe in their first year of business, what advice would you give them?

Shadé:
First year of business, I would say do your research and listen to the right people. And the right people, sometimes hard to identify. Sometimes your parents who love you may not be the right people to give advice on certain things. So find the people who have found success, whether they are miles and billions of dollars away. You can read their story, follow their, their Instagram or LinkedIn account, read their books, and train yourself that way. All again, about community. Like, have that community that can support you and get you the insight and support and knowledge that you need to be successful.

Monique:
Yes. The right people. In all caps.

Shadé:
Yes.

Monique:
So speaking of the right people, sade, any tools or resources that have helped you in your entrepreneurial journey that you just love?

Shadé:
Honestly, I would say my favorite resource throughout my journey is really the community and relationships I built over the years. And it may sound cliche, but that’s how I grow. And where I learn about the new tools and platforms and resources, I always learn something new when I connect with or spend time with folks that just happens because I’m also really intentional about the communities I build. So that’s where I learned, that’s where I connect. Like my, and I believe I can learn from anyone. Like my nephews and nieces keep me current, my professional connections continue to connect me with others, and I do the same for them. Like, people will always be my favorite. And my go to, oh, I love that.

Monique:
People will always be my favorite. I gotta write that. And my final question is, what does it mean to you to be black in business?

Shadé:
To be black in business, it is such a superpower. I recently watched Black Twitter on Hulu, that multi episode documentary, and it was a great reminder of the impact that black people have on culture, on creativity, on building. If you think about the last couple of decades, even just think about slang and colloquialisms and all of the things that are creative, a lot of times they came from black people, right? Like, oh, so creative. And that’s why it always blows my mind when I think about spaces that don’t value diversity. It’s like you are just throwing money out the window. Because when we come to the table, share our perspective, add our sauce to the thing, like, oh my goodness. So I would say that it is just magical, unique, and like none other.

Monique:
That is beautiful. I totally agree. Totally agree. Rashaday. This has been phenomenal. I’ve learned so much. I know those who are listening, you’ve definitely helped them as well. I want to end it off by asking, where can people find you, connect with you, and continue to support you?

Shadé:
Yes. So people can connect with me via LinkedIn at Sade. Akande, last name is Akane, and they can follow us on ignexleague.

Monique:
Perfect. And we will definitely put those in the show notes. Shade, thank you again so much for being on the Blackfit Business podcast and doing the work that you do. Thank you again for pouring into our audience.

Shadé:
Thank you. This has been such a pleasure. Thank you for having me.