What does it take to create experiences people actually remember?

In this episode of Corporate Strangers, Shivawn sits down with Starr Mallory to talk about building a career at the intersection of sports, hospitality, and community. From creating memorable events to navigating male-dominated spaces, Starr shares the lessons she's learned about leadership, authenticity, boundaries, and the power of human connection.

Together, they discuss career pivots, relationship building, the importance of rest, and why the best experiences start with intentionality.

In this episode:
• Building a career through curiosity and connection
• Hospitality as more than a job title
• Navigating spaces where you're often the only woman in the room
• Creating community through events and experiences
• The role of authenticity, consistency, and rest in growth
• Practical advice for networking, sponsorships, and career development

Timestamps
00:00 Welcome to Corporate Strangers
05:01 Starr's career journey
15:35 Hospitality and human connection
24:37 Building community through events
31:34 Navigating barriers and authenticity
36:08 Final thoughts

Connect beyond the Podcast

Interested in joining our corporate strangers' dinners join us at seatedwithstrangers.com

Interested in collaborating meet@seatedwithstrangers.com and connect with Starr Mallory

Most women have been taught to work hard, stay humble, and wait to be recognized. But what happens when that mindset keeps you overlooked, underpaid, or stuck in careers that no longer fit who you’re becoming?

In this episode of Corporate Strangers, Dr. Tega Edwin joins us for an honest conversation about the hidden barriers keeping women—especially Black women—from fully stepping into their value at work. From overqualification and self-doubt to salary negotiation and career pivots, this episode challenges the beliefs many women have been conditioned to carry in professional spaces.

Dr. Tega, founder of Her Career Doctor, shares her own journey from healthcare data entry to helping women build careers aligned with both purpose and fulfillment. Together, we unpack why being “qualified” is not always enough, how humility can sometimes become self-sabotage, and why negotiation is a necessary skill not an optional one.

We also discuss:
• Why companies hesitate to hire overqualified candidates
• The mindset shifts women need to make to confidently pursue higher-paying opportunities
• The importance of identifying real skill gaps versus perceived inadequacy
• What a practical 90-day career pivot can actually look like
• Viewing work as part of your purpose not just survival

Whether you’re considering a career change, feeling burned out in your current role, or simply ready to stop shrinking in professional spaces, this episode will meet you where you are.

Pull up a chair — let’s collaborate across the table.

Discover the journey, insights, and practical advice from Apryl Roberts, a seasoned event producer with over 25 years of experience, including leadership roles at BET and the International Live Events Association. Whether you're aspiring to enter production or looking to elevate your current craft, her story highlights the importance of creating opportunities, mastering your skills, and staying resilient in a competitive industry.Main Topics:

• The difference between event planning and event production
• Building a career from scratch in the live events industry
• Overcoming challenges as a woman and minority in production leadership
• The importance of mentorship and continuous learning
• How to leverage social media without relying solely on aesthetics
• Navigating the pressures and behind-the-scenes work of high-profile event production

Connect beyond the Podcast

Interested in joining our corporate strangers' dinners join us at seatedwithstrangers.com

Interested in collaborating meet@seatedwithstrangers.com and connect with Apryl Roberts Apryl Roberts Productions