Stories by Career Sistas

Building Legacy Through Entrepreneurship

In this episode of Stories by Career Sisters, Beverly is joined by Bayo Adelaja, nonprofit CEO, entrepreneur, and founder of Do it Now Now, an organisation dedicated to advancing equity through entrepreneurship, with a primary focus on the Black community in the UK.
 
Bayo shares her journey, from growing up in a Nigerian immigrant family with traditional expectations, to questioning a pre-law path, and ultimately building a purpose-led organisation that has distributed millions of pounds in funding to Black-led social ventures. She reflects on how lived experience, community, and entrepreneurship became her chosen vehicles for change.
 
Bayo also discusses the realities of scaling a non-profit, leading a growing team, navigating leadership transitions, and why continuous learning — including completing multiple master’s degrees and an MBA — has shaped her leadership style.  Listeners will also hear Bayo's honest reflections on fear, public failure, and the importance of practising courage before confidence arrives. From portfolio careers and creative fulfilment to building organisations that outlast their founders, this episode offers thoughtful insights for anyone seeking to build meaningful, community-driven work.

From Classroom to Code: Navigating Discomfort as a Woman in Tech

In this episode of Stories by Career Sisters, Beverly is joined by Julie Koon Koon, a data scientist, university lecturer, researcher, and mentor whose career journey defies linear paths. Julie shares how she transitioned from education into finance and data science, navigating male-dominated spaces where she often felt the pressure to work “ten times harder” to prove her worth. She reflects candidly on the absence of early mentorship, the role of sponsors in her career progression, and how discomfort has consistently been a signal for growth rather than something to avoid. 
 
The conversation explores what it means to build credibility and confidence in tech, challenge stereotypes around women being “too emotional,” and stay true to yourself while operating in highly analytical environments. Julie also offers thoughtful insights on the future of AI, its impact on underrepresented communities, and why AI should be viewed as a tool rather than a replacement for human creativity and empathy.
 
This episode is a must-listen for anyone considering a pivot into tech or finance, navigating corporate growth without clear role models, or learning how to turn discomfort into a career accelerator.

Focus and Progress in STEM: Finding Purpose in a Non-Linear Career

In this episode of Stories by Career Sisters, we are joined by Letetia Addison, a mathematician, statistician, educator, and data science ambassador, for a thoughtful a conversation about purpose, perseverance, and using data to create meaningful impact.
 
Letetia shares how her early curiosity for numbers, supported by her family, shaped a career journey spanning teaching, research, strategic planning, mentoring, and AI driven climate change work. From lecturing at the University of the West Indies to championing representation and ethical data practices in the Caribbean, she reflects on why careers are marathons rather than races, and how unexpected deviations often lead to deeper growth and alignment.
 
Throughout the conversation, we explore the power of mentorship, the importance of diverse voices in data science, navigating uncertainty with faith, and why emotional intelligence and community matter just as much as technical skill. Letetia also discusses the responsibility that comes with using data and AI in ways that serve people and the planet.  This episode is a must listen for anyone interested in STEM, AI, or building a career rooted in purpose, service, and long term growth.

Building Without Permission: Ownership, Endurance, and Scaling Against the Odds

This episode, the second half of the interview with Melesia Adderley, an award winning founder, dives into the unglamorous truth of entrepreneurship. Melesia shares how she built her company Women’s Haven, even when funding was inaccessible, recognition was absent, and the odds were stacked against her.
 
From navigating cash flow challenges and manufacturing constraints to redefining mentorship as practical, hands-on guidance, this conversation highlights what it really takes to build a sustainable, purpose-driven business. Melesia explains why consistency beats visibility, why empowerment starts with ownership, and how building community can be the ultimate growth strategy.
 
This is a must-listen for ambitious current and future founders, operators, and women building portfolio careers and businesses in under-resourced ecosystems who need honesty, not hype.

Discipline & Consistency: The Entrepreneur's Cheat Code for Ownership

In this powerful episode of Stories by Career Sistas, we sit down with Melesia Adderley, the award-winning entrepreneur and founder and president of Women's Haven, a Caribbean health and wellness brand that has scaled internationally. Melesia shares the unfiltered truth of her journey, breaking down the myth of overnight success and replacing it with a practical blueprint for growth. She details how she consciously moved from a "survival to an ownership type thinking" and took calculated risks, like launching the business even without investors.
Melesia reveals why Discipline & Consistency are the "cheat code" for all women with a dream, building success on habits, not luck, and keeping in mind that your efforts will often go unnoticed, but you must build anyway. Tune in for a grounded, motivating, and actionable discussion on achieving true financial and professional autonomy.

Empowerment Through Mentorship: Overcoming Community Challenges

In this inspiring episode of "Stories by Career Sistas," we feature Dr. Nicole Francis Cotton, a remarkable leader dedicated to empowering others through mentorship and community development. Join us as we explore Nicole's transformative journey, focusing on personal and professional growth, community impact, cultural identity, and resilience.
 
Nicole shares her evolution from a shy individual to a confident leader, emphasizing the importance of personal development and spirituality. She discusses her commitment to community work through the Victorious Living Foundation and the profound impact of mentorship programs on young people in St. Maarten. Listeners will be captivated by Nicole's reflections on the influence of her Caribbean and African heritage on her professional life and how integrating spirituality and cultural identity has shaped her work. Whether you're seeking motivation, guidance, or a deeper understanding of the impact of mentorship and community work, this episode is sure to resonate with you. 

From Architect to Entrepreneur: Crafting a Life of Financial Freedom and Flexibility

In this inspiring episode of "Stories by Career Sistas," we delve into the remarkable journey of Charlotte Shields, an architect who transformed into a successful entrepreneur. Discover how Charlotte navigated the challenges of the architecture industry, overcame obstacles, and embraced change to craft a life of financial freedom and flexibility.
Listen as Charlotte shares her insights on building multiple income streams, the importance of financial literacy, and the strategies she used to achieve work-life balance. From the initial spark of interest in architecture to the bold leap into entrepreneurship, this episode is packed with valuable lessons and motivational stories that will resonate with anyone looking to take control of their career and financial future.
Tune in to hear about the pivotal moments, and the unwavering determination that defined Charlotte's path. Whether you're considering a career shift or seeking inspiration to pursue your entrepreneurial dreams, this episode offers a wealth of knowledge and encouragement.

From the Track to Consultancy: A Journey of Reinvention

In this inspiring episode of Stories by Career Sistas, host Beverly Vanterpool sits down with the Olympian Ashley Kelly to delve into her remarkable journey of transitioning from the world of athletics to the realm of consultancy in a Big Four firm. Ashley shares her personal story of determination, resilience, and the pursuit of new career paths.
Discover how Ashley navigated the challenges of career transition, leveraging her skills and experiences to reinvent herself professionally. This episode highlights the importance of community and mentorship, showcasing how support networks can empower individuals to achieve their goals.
We also explore the significance of representation and the impact of role models in inspiring the next generation. Join us as we uncover valuable insights and lessons from Ashley Kelly's journey of reinvention. 

Build Your Table: The Caribbean Launch Event

In this special extended episode of the Stories by Career Sistas podcast, we present "Build Your Table: The Caribbean Launch Event." This episode features an insightful conversation with Beverly Vanterpool, the founder of Career Sistas and the author of "Build Your Table." The discussion is expertly moderated by Patlian Johnson and takes place in the picturesque British Virgin Islands (BVI) at the H Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC), as part of the vibrant BVI Literary Arts Festival.
Join us as Beverly Vanterpool shares her journey and the inspiration behind her book, "Build Your Table."  As this conversation happens in the BVI, where Beverly grew up, combined with the live audience, it has a different energy that you won't want to miss out on.  The conversation touches on themes of empowerment, resilience, and the significance of community support.  The audience is engaged and inspired by the dialogue, with many questions and interactions making this event a memorable highlight of the BVI LitFest and Stories by Career Sistas line-up this season.   
Many thanks to 284 Media who did the local recording in the BVI, along with the college, HLSCC who provided the space and did much of the organising on the ground along with the BVI LitFest committee for the invitation..  Finally, a huge thank you to everyone in the BVI that came out and supported.  

Embracing Authenticity: The power of discovery, community and joy

In this episode of "Stories by Career Sistas," Dr. Beth-Sarah Wright shares her inspiring journey, reflecting on the power of authenticity, community, education, and the power of discovery.  Dr. Wright discusses the significance of staying true to oneself and of remaining open to discoveries, even in the face of challenges. She highlights the healing power of storytelling and the strength found in community support. Additionally, Dr. Wright emphasizes the value of education and lifelong learning, encouraging listeners to remain curious and open to interdisciplinary learning. This episode is rich with personal anecdotes, heartfelt reflections, and valuable advice, making it both relatable and informative and inviting listeners to live and lead with authenticity and joy.

Building your Table: Intentional Careers and Empowering Journeys

In this episode of Stories by Career Sistas, we present the first half of our online event, Intentional Careers. This event celebrates both Career Sistas and the launch of our host,  Beverly Vanterpool's book, Build Your Table.  Join us for this unique event as Beverly is joined by Ronke Lawal (PR & Comms Consultant) who moderates part of the discussion, with panellists Deepti Akkali (Senior Vice President at a Payments company), and Dr. Veline L'Esperance (Family Medicine Physician and Clinical Scientist) who share their unique experiences and insights on building intentional and empowering career paths.  Tune in for valuable advice, personal anecdotes, and practical tips that will inspire you to take control of your career and build your own table!

Finding Your Voice: The Power of Community through Cultural Transitions and Career Pivots

In this episode of Stories by Career Sistas, we delve into the inspiring journey of Kin Chau, a queer professional who has navigated cultural transitions and career pivots with resilience and grace. From moving from Hong Kong to Canada and then to the UK, Kin shares how these experiences have shaped her identity and career path.
We explore the importance of finding one's voice and the power of community support in overcoming challenges. Kin discusses the significance of representation and visibility in male-dominated fields, and how seeing role models who reflect her identity has impacted her journey.  The episode also highlights the role of mentorship and community support in career development, especially during challenging times like the pandemic. Kin's story is a testament to the strength and resilience required to embrace change and stay true to one's values.
Join us as we uncover valuable insights and lessons from Kin's global career journey.