Meet Stacia Emeharole: Don’t Trip! It’s Just us Podcast Creator w/ Co host (Ibe U. & Leslie M.)

We had the good fortune of connecting with Stacia Emeharole, Ibe, and Leslie and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Stacia, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Basically, I noticed that there was a missing link or gap that needed to be filled, so I created our podcast to fill that void. More specifically, I noticed that many adolescents, young adults, and transitioning career professionals were not really being provided with relatable, knowledgeable resources that would help them with their job searches/career paths. For example, there weren’t many accessible tools on important real-world topics, like how to negotiate a bonus or understanding Harvard’s admissions process, or even how to deal with certain types of coworkers, all of which would prepare them for the professional world. Unfortunately, these are not skills that you learn until you are already in your field. In addition to preparing the masses, I thought carefully about how I could deliver information and have it still be entertaining.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Ibe (Professor): I discovered that I was really passionate about teaching when I entered graduate school. Although this career path is fulfilling, getting where I am today has not been easy. Finding Jobs in academia has been an uphill battle, to be quite honest. However, I remain thankful for the things I have been able to achieve over the years. I know that I still have a long way to go and there is so much more to learn, but I will get there eventually. The most challenging aspect of my job was getting my foot in the door, but with a little prayer and persistence, I was not only able to receive an interview but a job as well. I am most proud of the growth of my students. It makes me happy to know that I had some impact on their academic journeys. This is what keeps me going.

Leslie (Office Administrator): What has set me apart is my skill set and determination. My role plays a vital part that affects every department at my office. I chatted about this in the podcast, how I can go from working on a coffee machine to assisting with IT matters within minutes. I am most proud of my development within my role and how I have taken on more responsibility over time. I got where I am today by simply applying. Nothing is easy, but I will say that timing and consistency are essential for results.

Stacia ( Compliance Team Member): In addition to running the podcast, I am also a compliance team member for a growing law firm. I am excited about the podcast’s future and helping others. This ties into my role in Compliance because I find myself helping all of the time, and it makes me feel great to know I made a person’s day easier. How did I get here? Whew! I got where I am today with a lot of hard work and a positive attitude. It was not easy! The legal industry is forever changing. I learned early that nothing is set in stone. I overcame by learning to adapt and also to stay hungry. If there is something that you want, you have to go for it. That mindset is how our podcast was born. What I would like the world to know about the Don’t trip, It’s Just Us brand is that there is always time for a good time. The goal has always been to entertain, educate, and have your back when it comes to careers.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Stacia: Oh! this is a hard one. I know that brunch is a must on my list. I can see us at the Black Walnut Cafe or Eunice. Then heading across town for some Cajun at Ragin Cajun. This gives my visitor time to enjoy the city and see the sites. Then we would end with a nice spot like moxie. Moxie’s galleria location, good food and variety, unique building structure, and overall ambiance is amazing. Plus I love their Korean fried cauliflower. Ibe: I am a guy of small spots with big flavor. The Breakfast Klub is my first stop, Then I am off to a place like Brennan’s or Ruchi’s. I cannot forget Mike’s seafood. Stacia and I always make an effort to link up there. Then we would probably finish up at Pappadeaux’s. (a hometown staple) You can never go wrong with Pappadeaux’s Leslie: Same! We hit a lot of the same spots.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Stacia: I think I speak for all of us when I say family, friends, and fans. They have been very supportive every step of the way when creating this podcast. The honesty is really unmatched but needed when you are trying to be appealing. I can even say sometimes they are too honest ( ha), but we appreciate all of their input. I know when it came to the logo and finding unique guests close friends and family always had great suggestions. Additionally, they have also been great about spreading the word and supporting. I have been feeling my way through the process, which has been a lot of youtube, blog reading, and podcast listening. So shoutout to them. I believe the same can be said for our professional careers. Family and friends have become great support systems and also encouraged us to never settle.

Website: https://donttrippodcast.buzzsprout.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dont_trip_podcast/?hl=en
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Dont_Trip_IJU