Hosted by G.R.O.W.T.H. alumni, this podcast takes you inside the G.R.O.W.T.H. (Giving Real Opportunity With Talent & Heart) Initiative, a program founded by Keni Thacker of 100 Roses From Concrete. Launched in March 2020, this ten-week program empowers multicultural college students to gain real-world advertising and marketing experience.
Hear firsthand stories from alumni, mentors, and participants as they share how they tackled branding challenges for non-profits, built community, and adapted to a changing world. If you're passionate about diversity, creativity, and mentorship, this is the
Ali Wheeler and Alima Trapp, from the Black Canon organization, delves into their mission to preserve historic black art and the driving force behind their project. They discuss the valuable artifacts in their collection and the impact of their work. The conversation also explores their experience with the growth initiative, mentorship, and the intersection of advertising and their passion for preserving black art. The conversation covers the importance of mentorship, community, and representation in the creative industry. It also emphasizes the significance of preserving and sharing cultural history through art and exhibitions.
Takeaways
Preserving historic black art
The impact of mentorship and the growth initiative Mentorship
Community and Representation
Chapters
00:00 The Black Canon: Preserving Historic Black Art
06:07 The Name 'Black Canon'
34:54 The Power of Mentorship and Community in the Creative Industry
35:20 The Significance of Representation and Community Circles in the Industry
36:32 Creating Safe Spaces and Community for Underrepresented Talent
38:09 Preserving Cultural History and Impactful Art Exhibitions
48:26 Partnership with the Growth Initiative and Key Considerations
6 Aug 2026
Season 2 Episode 5 Meet the discipline directors
The podcast episode features a discussion with Ravi and Carlos, discipline directors for the growth initiative. They share insights into their roles, responsibilities, and the importance of programs like the Growth Initiative in the advertising industry. The conversation also delves into the motivation to come back, the collaborative nature of the program, and the overlooked aspects for early careers in the industry. The conversation covers the challenges of balancing professionalism and authenticity, the mistakes young professionals make, networking tips, reconnecting with contacts, and the key lessons for emerging talent.
Takeaways
Importance of mentorship and guidance in the advertising industry
The collaborative and team-oriented nature of the Growth Initiative program Balancing professionalism and authenticity
Importance of networking and building relationships
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Season Overview
01:13 Role and Responsibilities in the Growth Program
03:01 Guiding Creative Fellows Through the Process
08:48 Inspiration and Motivation to Come Back
14:04 Importance of Programs Like This in Advertising
21:14 Overlooked Aspects for Early Careers
24:53 Navigating Professionalism and Authenticity
25:13 Challenges for Young Professionals
30:27 Networking and Building Relationships
36:22 Reconnecting and Maintaining Connections
42:29 Key Lessons for Emerging Talent
10 Jul 2026
Season 2 Episode 4 Meet the mentors
The episode kicks off with the introduction of the new season and the featured mentors, Gavril and Heather Olson. The mentors share their inspiring journey into mentoring and the impact of the Growth Initiative program. They discuss the importance of mentorship and the misconceptions surrounding networking, emphasizing the value of organic connections and the role of professors in building professional networks.
Chapters
00:00 Season Two Kickoff
10:14 Importance of Mentorship
16:36 Networking Misconceptions
26:04 The Role of Cover Letters
34:46 Advice for Breaking into Advertising/Marketing
2 Jul 2026
Season 2 Episode 3 Meet the Gifs
In this episode of Grown Talks, we sit down with GIFs from the Growth Initiative program to hear about their journey so far.
The GIFs introduce themselves, share their hopes and dreams, and reflect on what it felt like to be accepted into the program. They talk about their expectations versus the reality of Growth, what they’ve learned, and how the experience has helped them better understand the advertising industry.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Grown Talks
05:33 Icebreaker: Introducing Yourself
10:50 Reflecting on Growth Initiative Acceptance
19:27 Expectations vs. Reality of Growth Initiative
25:37 Expectations and Career Growth
41:22 Industry Intimidation and Learning
47:27 Navigating the Industry
54:18 Understanding the Process
59:45 Reflection and Gratitude
27 Mar 2026
Season 2 EP 2 We rise anyway
The podcast episode features a discussion about the white paper 'We Rise Anyway: Pushing Inclusion When the System Pulls Back' published by 100 Roses from Concrete. The conversation addresses the impact of DEI rollbacks, mental health strain, career mobility, and the call to action for industry leaders and peers to drive real change through structural protection and sustained investment.
Takeaways
DEI rollbacks impact workplace culture and create mental health strain
Real change requires structural protection and sustained investment
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and White Paper Overview
09:24 Creating Real Change and Progress
21 Jan 2026
Season 2 EP 1 Reflections
This episode is a pause.
Instead of bringing in a guest, we’re turning the mic inward to reflect on the year behind us and the growth that came with it.
We talk about the conversations that challenged us, the guests who held up mirrors, and what it really took to show up consistently and honestly. No highlight reels. Just real reflections on growth, responsibility, and community.
This recap is about what stretched us, what stayed with us, and what we’re carrying forward into the next season of GrownTalks.
Whether you’ve been listening all year or you’re just finding us, this episode is an invitation to slow down, reflect, and grow with intention.
21 Jan 2026
Season 2 Episode 1 Reflections
This episode is a pause.
Instead of bringing in a guest, we’re turning the mic inward to reflect on the year behind us and the growth that came with it.
We talk about the conversations that challenged us, the guests who held up mirrors, and what it really took to show up consistently and honestly. No highlight reels. Just real reflections on growth, responsibility, and community.
This recap is about what stretched us, what stayed with us, and what we’re carrying forward into the next season of GrownTalks.
Whether you’ve been listening all year or you’re just finding us, this episode is an invitation to slow down, reflect, and grow with intention.
2 Oct 2025
Episode 4: Meet Shanita Perdomo founder of Yes M.I.S.S INC
In this conversation, Shanita Perdomo shares her inspiring journey from a challenging upbringing to becoming the founder and executive director of Yes Miss Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to empowering young women. She discusses the importance of community support, the challenges faced in starting her organization, and the valuable lessons learned from the Growth Initiative program.
Yes M.I.S.S Inc
Website: https://www.yesmissinc.org/ (https://www.yesmissinc.org/)
IG: https://www.instagram.com/yesmissinc/ (https://www.instagram.com/yesmissinc/)
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/yes-m-i-s-s-inc/ (https://www.linkedin.com/company/yes-m-i-s-s-inc/)
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yesmissinc/ (https://www.facebook.com/yesmissinc/)
100 Roses from Concrete
Website: https://www.100rosesfromconcrete.com/ (https://www.100rosesfromconcrete.com/)
IG: https://www.instagram.com/100rosesfromconcrete/?hl=en (https://www.instagram.com/100rosesfromconcrete/?hl=en)
20 Aug 2025
Navigating Growth: Alumni Reflections
Summary
In this conversation, new Growth alumni Kevin Hutchinson and Tasha Bwalya reflect on their experiences in the program, discussing their motivations for joining, the challenges they faced, and the skills they developed. They reflected on the importance of communication, teamwork, and adaptability in the creative industry. The alumni share their aspirations for future careers, the advice they would give to new participants, and how Growth aligns with their values of making a positive impact. They shared their thoughts on networking and the importance of building connections in their professional journeys.
9 Jun 2025
Keni Thacker take over: Meet Kumi Croom
Keni Thacker interviews Kumi Croom, Managing Director at Duncan Channon, about the realities of the advertising industry, emphasizing resilience, networking, and teamwork for career growth in this interview episode.
10 May 2025
Episode 2 Part 2: Meet our founder Keni Thacker
Hey grown folks
In this 2 part episode, we sit down with Keni Thacker. Founder of 100 Roses From Concrete and creator of The Growth Initiative. He shares his mission to shake up the advertising industry. From mentoring young Black and Brown creatives to building spaces that celebrate authenticity and community, Keni’s work is all about creating real, lasting change.
We get into his journey, the challenges he’s faced, and what fuels his passion for equity in the creative world. We touch on The Growth Initiative and a sneak peek into the selection process and why investing in young talent is so personal to him. If you’re into stories about purpose, perseverance, and impact this one’s for you.
Tap in and get inspired.
18 Apr 2025
Episode 2: Meet our founder Keni Thacker
Hey grown folks
In this 2 part episode, we sit down with Keni Thacker. Founder of 100 Roses From Concrete and creator of The Growth Initiative. He shares his mission to shake up the advertising industry. From mentoring young Black and Brown creatives to building spaces that celebrate authenticity and community, Keni’s work is all about creating real, lasting change.
We get into his journey, the challenges he’s faced, and what fuels his passion for equity in the creative world. We touch on The Growth Initiative and a sneak peek into the selection process and why investing in young talent is so personal to him. If you’re into stories about purpose, perseverance, and impact this one’s for you.
Tap in and get inspired.
18 Jan 2025
Episode 1. Let's talk about G.R.O.W.T.H
Meet your co-hosts Ninoska Lugo, Pam Holguin Plasencia and Dane Tewari as they share their journeys through the G.R.O.W.T.H. Initiative. Sharing how the program helped them navigate in the advertising world, and what it’s like to give back. This episode is filled with cool vibes, real stories, and plenty of inspiration!
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
YouTube views
6,281
Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
2 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
2 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 27 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
12
Social presence
0
YouTube
74
Engagement
32
Host of GrownTalks?
Claim your podcast to manage its listing and keep your show details accurate.
Pod Engine is an independent podcast discovery and analytics service and is not affiliated with or endorsed by this podcast. Artwork and show content belong to their owners. Full legal notice.
Explore this show Podcast research with Pod Engine
