Loán Lake

17/07/2025

This week, I had the opportunity to give back to a local nonprofit in the Virgin Islands - My Brother's Workshop (MBW) - that mentors young adults and teens in various trades. I had the pleasure of sitting down with a young man named Jayante to help him prep for interviews, identify what companies to contact, and uncover what makes him a standout candidate. It was time well spent, and an impactful moment for both of us.

Our session reminded me of:

• The importance of why it's important for students to see professionals who LOOK and sound like them;

• The importance of cultural relevance in mentoring;

• The value in applying cultural competence to connect on a deeper level with others;

• Why we must instill confidence in our youth and show them that adults do care.

Thank you MBW for the pairing. The smiles say it all!

17/07/2025

This week, I had the opportunity to give back to a local nonprofit in the Virgin Islands - My Brother's Workshop (MBW) - that mentors young adults and teens in various trades. I had the pleasure of sitting down with a young man named Jayante to help him prep for interviews, identify what companies to contact, and uncover what makes him a standout candidate. It was tome well spent, and an impactful moment for both of us.

Our session reminded me of:

• The importance of why it's important for students to see professionals who LOOK and sound like them;

• The importance of cultural relevance in mentoring;

• The value in applying cultural competence to connect on a deeper level with others;

• Why we must instill confidence in our youth and show them that adults do care.

Thank you MBW for the pairing. The smiles say it all!

Chrystie Payne
My Brother's Workshop
Kate Barrows

10/07/2025

Three years ago, on a stage in San Diego, I began manifesting my journey to becoming a paid facilitator and public speaker on best practices for personal branding, public relations, and speechwriting. I love teaching through workshops and presentations, so I'm posting this now in hopes that within my extensive network lies the opportunities that are divinely aligned with my purpose.

As the saying goes, "closed mouths don't get fed," so be sure to DM me if you know of upcoming speaking engagements. Thanks in advance!

10/07/2025

Three years ago, on a stage in San Diego, I began manifesting my journey to becoming a paid facilitator and public speaker on best practices for personal branding, public relations, and speechwriting. I love teaching through workshops and presentations, so I'm posting this now in hopes that within my extensive network lies the opportunities that are divinely aligned with my purpose.

As the saying goes, "closed mouths don't get fed," so be sure to DM me if you know of upcoming speaking engagements. Thanks in advance!

03/06/2025

When the going gets tough, we can all use someone to fiercely advocate for us and help us through the trials. That's exactly what clients have come to expect from legal eagle and former Baltimore judge William H. "Billy" Murphy, Jr.

In this candid interview for "Who's Who in Black Baltimore," we hear from Judge Murphy about his record-breaking wins, his celebrity clients, and his commitment to making his hometown of Baltimore better for future generations.

📌 Check it out and let me know what you think in the comments.

https://gobimarketinggroup.com/william-h-billy-murphy-jr-2025-whos-who-in-black-baltimore-living-legend/

02/06/2025

I'm looking forward to chatting with TEDx speaker Emily Green of Love Means Business on LinkedIn about her public speaking journey and how she uses consistent communications to build her brand.

Be sure to tune in in June 18th at 10am ET for our LinkedIn Live conversation and be sure to drop your questions in the comments or DM me so I can address it live.

See you then!

31/05/2025

POV: The Power of social media and community. I met Rashad and Joy, the owners of Hilltop Coffee earlier this year after seeing an IG post about their soft opening. As a former DMV resident and Howard University adjunct professor, I knew right away that Hilltop was a reference to Howard's newspaper.

The response to their coffee shop in the University City area has been warm and welcoming - as it should be. When you have a great product and exceptional service you have a winning combination.

Congrats on today's turnout for the grand opening! Cheers to outstanding success here in the Queen City!


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29/05/2025

💡 One of the things I love about being a journalist is learning about the lives of others. As a writer for the "Who's Who in Black" series, it's been a joyful experience to meet and tell the stories of so many incredible Black Americans who are walking in THEIR purposes and changing their communities.

One such individual is Sharif Small, a mover and shaker I interviewed for the 2025 "Who's Who in Black Baltimore" issue. Sharif is teaching youth to build their financial muscle, creating new paths for Baltimore entrepreneurs, and reclaiming his block, one building at a time. I hope you'll take a moment to read his story and share it with someone as inspiration.

Thanks for reading!

https://gobimarketinggroup.com/sharif-small-2025-whos-who-in-black-baltimore-game-changer/

28/05/2025

Your brand is more than a logo or a slogan. Yes, we've all heard, "Just Do It." However, our personal brand goes way beyond an image or a catchy phrase. Here are a few tips to uncover your authentic brand, whether you're promoting yourself, your nonprofit, your business, or your book.

Let me know in the comments which point resonates most with you! You've got this!



REPRINT: Going Beyond the Image To Uncover Your Personal Brand: 8 Easy Steps

By Loán Lake, Founder, Gobi Marketing Group Start from within. It’s a message we have heard in numerous iterations: On planes you are told first put on your own oxygen mask in case of emergency.

27/05/2025

As a journalism student at the University of Maryland in the late '80s and early '90s, it wasn't uncommon to hear Cathy Hughes on the air at Howard University's WHUR Radio Station during her late night "Quiet Storm" format. In fact, as a young woman entering the journalism and communications space, it was fascinating to watch her build Radio One, TV One, and now Urban One.

So, to be asked to interview her for the 2025 Edition of "Who's Who in Black Baltimore" was the honor of a lifetime. Not only is Ms. Hughes extremely down-to-earth, she's full of life and amazing stories that only a media mogul could tell.

I hope you'll take a moment to read her story and share your feedback in the comments or on my website.

**And, if you're looking for an experienced writer/interviewer to bring YOUR story to life, let's chat!

https://gobimarketinggroup.com/cathy-hughes-2025-whos-who-in-black-baltimore-living-legend/

23/05/2025

The best way to demonstrate your organization's impact is through storytelling -- from your clients, sponsors, alumni, or constituents.

During Care Ring's 2nd Annual Maternal Health Conference, we heard from some of the sponsors about WHY the organization has such a tremendous impact in Charlotte and Mecklenburg County.

Thank you to Kristen Howard of Novant Health and Stephen Heeseman of Towne Bank for sitting down with me to share why your companies are committed to serving the community on this episode of "Maternal Health Matters" Powered by Care Ring.

https://youtu.be/r5a5g3qBzpo?si=MdXFe7sxvB8CzFbA


National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ)
PRSA Charlotte

Host Lo'an Lake interviews Kristen Howard with Novant Health and Stephen Heeseman with TowneBank on their company's support of the Care Ring 2025 Maternal He...