Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Dr. Stephanie Wall.

Purpose of the Interview

• To share Dr. Wall’s expertise as a neuroscience coach, criminal justice professor, author, and mentor.
• To discuss her mission through 1 Million Lives Transform, a global movement helping women unmute their voices and lead with authenticity and confidence.
• To provide actionable strategies for overcoming self-doubt, fear, and imposter syndrome in professional and personal settings.

Key Takeaways

1. Background and Roles

   • Served 20 years in law enforcement and continues teaching criminal justice and ethical leadership.
   • Founder of 1 Million Lives Transform, focused on empowering women to reclaim their voices.

2. Unmuting Your Voice

   • Many professionals mute themselves due to fear, lack of confidence, or imposter syndrome.
   • Techniques:
     • Awareness: Recognize when you’re silencing yourself.
     • Pause and breathe before responding.
     • Stand up when speaking in meetings to command attention and project confidence.
     • Use phrases like “I’d like to build on that point” to engage respectfully.

3. Mindset and Fear

   • What you tell yourself matters more than external criticism.
   • Replace negative self-talk with affirmations and surround yourself with positive influences.
   • Neuroscience supports that repeated positive input rewires thought patterns.

4. Boundaries and Time Management

   • Learn to say “No” as a complete sentence.
   • Set boundaries for phone calls and social interactions to protect productivity.
   • Busy professionals should establish communication rules (e.g., “Do you have a minute?”).

5. Authenticity and Leadership

   • Authenticity is key—embrace your natural gifts and use them to transform spaces.
   • Leadership requires mindset shifts when moving from peer to manager roles.
   • Mentorship should be intentional and specific, not generic (“pick your brain” requests need structure).

6. 1 Million Lives Transform

   • A movement to help women rewrite their narratives, reclaim confidence, and lead boldly.
   • Focus on self-awareness, boundaries, and empowerment strategies.

Notable Quotes

• “Notice in that moment that you are muting yourself.”
• “Stand up when you speak—you command the room.”
• “No is a complete sentence.”
• “Our gifts are not for us; they are for other people.”
• “What you say to yourself does more damage than anything anyone else could say.”
• “Authenticity isn’t lip service—it’s showing up as who you truly are.”
• “Boundaries are not selfish; they are necessary.”

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST