075: Ebony Flake on Writing for ESSENCE and Creating a Career Path of Purpose

Gen X Amplified with Adrion Porter

For this very special episode of Gen X Amplified, I have the pleasure of being joined by Ebony Flake, Business Journalist for ESSENCE. What makes this conversation extra amazing is that Ebony graciously featured me in a story she wrote last year as a full-page profile for their annual Men’s print Issue.

The story was titled “Gen X Leaders Are Dominating the C-Suite” and it featured insights on how the middle generation is now holding the keys to the boardrooms and shaping the future of work for everyone.

Well, this episode is all about EBONY FLAKE, and her inspirational and intentional career journey. And I couldn’t wait to feature her on the podcast, and spotlight her journey as a perfect example of true mid-career mastery.

In this episode, Ebony and I unpack:

• Ebony’s discovery of her passion for writing that became the spark for her career path
• Some of the early inflection points and external advocates that helped propel Ebony for a successful career in journalism and writing for ESSENCE
• The various lessons from Ebony’s corporate and leadership experience that became valuable throughout her journey
• Why she is a passionate advocate for the experiences and opportunities of the underrepresented, particularly black women in corporate and entrepreneurship
• Why Gen X is the generation that is well suited for meaningful leadership in today’s ever-changing world of work
• And more!

Ebony’s Personal Theme Song

“Sweet Life” by Frank Ocean

About Ebony

Ebony Flake is a highly acclaimed writer and business reporter covering leadership, careers, and entrepreneurship for ESSENCE. She has been on a passionate mission to also amplify the voices, experiences, triumphs, and challenges faced by Black women in the workplace and beyond.

Previously, as a C-suite reporter for Business Insider, Ebony explored the strategies and successes of high-level executives across various industries.

Before transitioning to journalism, Ebony gained over a decade of HR leadership experience, spanning the food and beverage sector with industry giants including PepsiCo and Tyson Foods to the innovative and agile startup world as HR Director at an Austin-based boutique firm.

Ebony’s writings and perspective are grounded in insights gained into corporate culture, talent management, lean startups, and careers.

Additionally, as Entrepreneur-in-Residence with the Ford Foundation, Ebony co-founded and led Urban Content Studios, a content collective offering full-service media for nonprofit clients, including contracts with the Detroit Public Schools Foundation, the Sean Anderson Foundation, and Gleaners Community Food Bank.

Thank you for listening!

Thank you so very much for listening to the podcast. There are so many other shows out there, so the fact that you took the time to listen in really means a lot!

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