From Chains to Links

From Chains to Links

Kelly Burton & Ifeoma Ike

The world moves because of Black innovation and creativity. But in a world where innovation has been sold as a narrative of the elite, the white and the male, how do we reclaim the truth about innovation, technology and access to wealth? How do we design spaces where Black people live out their birthright as innovators?When will Black creativity work for Black beyond survival and scarcity? And against us, to divide us or solely for the benefit of systems not designed to respect or protect us?What are the cultural and  indigenous practices, rituals and inventions that will transform ou...

The Hard Truth About Entrepreneurship | What No One Tells You

The Hard Truth About Entrepreneurship | What No One Tells You

Entrepreneurship isn’t just about success—it’s about failing, learning, and pivoting. In this episode, Ifeoma Ike and Dr. Kelly Burton get real about the challenges of building a business, from how the wrong team can cost you everything to the financial mistakes and tax pitfalls that trip up entrepreneurs. They break down the emotional toll of entrepreneurship while sharing the hard-earned lessons no one talks about. If you're thinking about starting a business or already in the game, this episo

Feb 19, • 30:01

TikTok Ban Or Black Renaissance? Who Really Owns Our Culture?

TikTok Ban Or Black Renaissance? Who Really Owns Our Culture?

What happens when Black creatives lose yet another digital platform? In this episode, Ifeoma Ike and Kelly Burton explore the TikTok ban, the fight for Black ownership in the digital realm, and the larger conversation about who truly profits from our culture. From the déjà vu of the Vine shutdown to the systemic barriers that prevent us from building our own, we delve into the realities of digital homelessness, the power of Black creativity, and the urgent need for trust, community, and equity.

Feb 12, • 29:03

10 Tips For Wellness, Wealth & Winning In 2025

10 Tips For Wellness, Wealth & Winning In 2025

In this vibrant and thought-provoking episode of From Chains to Links, co-hosts Ifeoma Ike and Kelly Burton dive into a lively discussion on the top 10 ways entrepreneurs, creators, and visionaries can thrive in 2025. From prioritizing wellness and renewing passports to cultivating meaningful connections and embracing creativity, Ifeoma and Kelly serve up wisdom, humor, and practical advice to help listeners elevate their lives and careers. With powerful reflections on forgiveness, generosity, a

Jan 29, • 18:32

Thick Thighs Save Lives And Other Ways We Get Free In 2025

Thick Thighs Save Lives And Other Ways We Get Free In 2025

In this candid and thought-provoking episode of From Chains to Links, hosts Ifeoma Ike and Kelly Burton explore the interconnected themes of rest, reset, and the evolving fight for equity in a multicultural democracy. Through heartfelt reflections, sharp humor, and powerful insights, they tackle everything from the historical contributions of Black communities to modern movements for justice to the importance of prioritizing rest as a revolutionary act. With discussions on building intentional c

Jan 22, • 27:06

Why Does Ownership Matter In Black Ventures? With Luke Cooper

Why Does Ownership Matter In Black Ventures? With Luke Cooper

In this episode of From Chains to Links, Ify sits down with true renaissance man Luke Cooper—investor, successful startup founder, lawyer, professor, and more. Luke shares the big lessons he’s learned throughout his career, highlights the immense opportunity in investing in Black founders, and unpacks how cultural differences create barriers to capital for Black entrepreneurs. His incredible story makes this a conversation you want to listen to and share with a friend.

Dec 25, 2024 • 36:10

Where Do Queer & Civil Rights Meet? With David Johns

Where Do Queer & Civil Rights Meet? With David Johns

In this episode of From Chains to Links, policy expert and social justice warrior David Johns joins Ify and Kelly to explore the intersection of queer rights and social justice. A family conversation, the squad highlights real dynamics impacting queer leaders, youth and organizers. The conversation also tackles the impact of the “anti-woke” backlash on organizations advocating for the LGBTQIA+ community. Join us for this poignant, timely, and deeply insightful conversation you won’t want to miss

Dec 18, 2024 • 33:02

Can Technology Propel Social Justice?

Can Technology Propel Social Justice?

In this raucous episode of From Chains to Links, hosts Ify and Kelly are joined by technologist and long-time social justice advocate Jamaa Bickley-King who rips the bandaid off and shares his thoughts on the role media has played in our democracy, the limitations of artificial intelligence, and makes bold predictions about what will be extinct in the next decade. Along the way, he offers advice on how we can best harness the power of technology to advance the Black community. Buckle up for a li

Dec 11, 2024 • 38:17

What Is The New Reality For Black Businesses After The Supreme Court's Big Decision?

What Is The New Reality For Black Businesses After The Supreme Court's Big Decision?

In this episode of From Chains to Links, entrepreneurs Rahama Wright and Danielle Toussaint bring valuable insights on what it takes to succeed as an entrepreneur in today’s political climate. An empowering dialogue with best practices and real-life experiences, Rahama and Danielle stress the importance of working across the African diaspora to build Black wealth and economic independence—and why it’s important we get out of our own way. It’s g

Dec 4, 2024 • 41:49

What Does Leadership, Wellness & Empowerment Look Like Today? Hint: She's Black

What Does Leadership, Wellness & Empowerment Look Like Today? Hint: She's Black

In this heartfelt episode of From Chains to Links, Kelly Burton and Ifeoma Ike are joined by Erin Horne McKinney and Cici Battle to tackle the unique challenges of being Black women founders and entrepreneurs. A raw, honest reflection into the costs of leadership, each guest shares tips on how to prioritize self-care, establish boundaries, and put oneself first while still standing in the gap for others. This vulnerable conversation is the perfect pillow for all those who need a safe place to re

Nov 27, 2024 • 54:20

Where Do Black Voices Fit In Shaping Tomorrow's Economy? With Tyrome Smith

Where Do Black Voices Fit In Shaping Tomorrow's Economy? With Tyrome Smith

How do we ensure Black people don’t miss out on yet another industrial revolution? In this episode of From Chains to Links, technologist and startup advisor Tyrome ‘Ty’ Smith drops invaluable insights on what startup founders need to understand today for success tomorrow. He breaks down the biggest mistakes founders often make and highlights the urgent needs and pressing opportunities for Black entrepreneurs and technologists. Tune in for an episode packed with practical advice and forward-think

Nov 20, 2024 • 30:29

The Blueprint To Generational Prosperity | Real Talk For Black Entrepreneurs

The Blueprint To Generational Prosperity | Real Talk For Black Entrepreneurs

In this episode of From Chains to Links, Ify sits down with innovation support leaders LaKisha Greenwade, Alisha Gordon, and Dr. LaTanya White, who each invests in ensuring entrepreneurs are equipped with the tools to thrive.. Together, they explore how we need to reimagine wealth creation, see the wealth is rest and village, and unpack the obstacles standing in our way. It's a rich, powerful conversation about the state of Black entrepreneurship and the real case studies of economic empowerment

Nov 13, 2024 • 40:16

AI & US | WHAT THE FUTURE HOLDS FOR BLACK AMERICA

AI & US | WHAT THE FUTURE HOLDS FOR BLACK AMERICA

In this episode of From Chains to Links, we welcome pioneering startup founder Tiffany Norwood and Jaret Riddick, a research engineer with over 20 years in the defense industry. Together, we dive into the evolution of Black people in tech, the relationship between racial equality and national security, and the vital role of imagination and dreaming in ensuring that Black people fully embrace our divine right to innovate.

Oct 31, 2024 • 41:33

Black People Aren't A Monolith | But What Does That Really Mean For Politics?

Black People Aren't A Monolith | But What Does That Really Mean For Politics?

In this episode of From Chains to Links, we sit down with Katrina Gamble, a political and movement strategist and social scientist, to explore what research reveals about how Black people view the state of our political systems. We explore what Black voters want and need, how to keep political momentum going after elections, and the critical importance of investing in movements beyond just "get out the vote" efforts. It's a powerful conversation about the future of Black political power and stra

Oct 29, 2024 • 28:21

Elections, Civil Rights And Hot Sauce | 10 Questions With Bakari Sellers

Elections, Civil Rights And Hot Sauce | 10 Questions With Bakari Sellers

Join Kelly and Ify in a lively, fast-paced episode of From Chains to Links, where they go back and forth with podcast regular political commentator and NYT bestseller Bakari Sellers. The trio dives into everything, from the crucial difference between pepper sauce and hot sauce to serious discussions about the U.S. Supreme Court, elections, and civil rights. Along the way, they tease, laugh, and unapologetically talk shit. It's a perfect blend of humor and hard-hitting conversations you won't wan

Oct 23, 2024 • 18:50

Can Black Innovation Afford To Fail?: Curious Reflections From Hosts Ifeoma & Kelly

Can Black Innovation Afford To Fail?: Curious Reflections From Hosts Ifeoma & Kelly

Bonus episode featuring From Chains to Links' Hosts Kelly Burton and Ifeoma Ike, with nuggets around the unique experience of being Black, creative and an entrepreneur. Hosts invite the audience to think about the "whole Black entrepreneur" and how this podcast seeks to spark new social conditions where we can fully live out innovation--from ideation to failure to repair to growth. And do so with loving networks and circles of opportunity.

Aug 18, 2024 • 28:19

Building the 21st Century Civil Rights Movement, Today

Building the 21st Century Civil Rights Movement, Today

The Civil Rights Movement is not the only Black movement, but it stands out with distinction for many reasons, including the way activism was more visible, thanks advancements in television usage and access which made the realities of segregation and brutality towards Black lives hard to ignore. Movements have proven to be both inspiring and have yielded some gains, but debates around how effective they are can prove to be emotional and tense. As with the rise of modern Black movements since the

Aug 7, 2024 • 40:34

Frontiers, Pioneers and Pace Setters: Leading While Black in the Innovation Economy

Frontiers, Pioneers and Pace Setters: Leading While Black in the Innovation Economy

The Digital and Innovation Economy is in the midst of a technological revolution—one in which Black people have the best chance of not only getting in the water, but on the front side of the wave. Emerging Black technologists face new terrains as pioneers among pioneers, as well as old habits and beliefs which aren’t welcoming to the possibilities of an inclusive digital landscape. Nevertheless, breakthroughs happen, thanks to trailblazers committed to not being the only Black visionary in a sti

Jul 31, 2024 • 57:16

Commas, Currency and Collective Economics

Commas, Currency and Collective Economics

The saying “it takes a village to raise a child” doesn’t explicitly factor in how much that village will cost. The price of just “being Black” is expensive. And for many creatives, innovators, and entrepreneurs, the cost of growth and expansion is unaffordable. Although one of the brief responses to the murder of George Floyd was a slight uptick in public and private commitments, data reveals that funding to Black entrepreneurs still severely lagged in comparison to what white spaces received. I

Jul 24, 2024 • 54:34

Innovation & Sustainability As Birthright

Innovation & Sustainability As Birthright

The height of the COVID-19 pandemic made folks aware of a very rare fact: our modern understanding of vaccines is because of an underknown man named Onesimus. Sold into slavery and gifted to a Puritan Minister, it was observed that Onesimus was unscathed by ravenous smallpox, taking the lives of colonizers in the late 1700s. Onesimus shared how in his home country on the continent of Africa, they administered an inoculation, which shielded him from the disease. This precursor to the modern-day v

Jul 17, 2024 • 55:42

Introducing The Equity Mindset

Introducing The Equity Mindset

We’re celebrating the middle of our launch season with a special conversation with our very own co-host Ifeoma Ike, author of The Equity Mindset. Ifeoma shares why she developed a gumbo of interviews, practical tools, and disruptive strategies to support those invested in building spaces where marginalized communities are ignored and harmed. Providing a vulnerable account of writing with a disability, maneuvering the publishing world, and creating space for underlooked equity architects, Ifeoma’

Jul 10, 2024 • 37:05

Before We Were Black With Aisha Shillingford And Terry Marshall

Before We Were Black With Aisha Shillingford And Terry Marshall

Society makes it hard for Black people to imagine liberation or freedom outside of our experience in White America. Because so much of our existence is a product of resistance and survival, even our creative spaces consciously and subconsciously speak to a relationship with oppression or designing solutions to issues Black people didn’t create. But if we could imagine a “state of nature” outside of racism or white supremacy—one that does not limit our fullness to narrow, exoticized, or romantici

Jul 3, 2024 • 52:03

The Modern Undergrounds With Jeff Lindor

The Modern Undergrounds With Jeff Lindor

How much do we really credit Black people with the innovation of freedom and liberation? The significance of the Underground Railroad is not only how it freed enslaved Black people, but how leaders like Harriet Tubman and unknown conductors innovated safe, trusting and liberatory pathways and spaces for Black bodies. From Chains to Links is joined by Jeff Lindor Founder, CEO of Gentlemen’s Factory, Inc, for a powerful exploration of liberatory practices, the power of spacebuilding, and the ways

Jun 26, 2024 • 52:07

What Is The Future of Racial Justice Work? With Andre M. Perry

What Is The Future of Racial Justice Work? With Andre M. Perry

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) has been a staple of corporate America for the past several decades, with peak attention at the height of movements challenging the lack of safety of Black lives post the murder of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor in 2020. At an unprecedented rate, Black leadership was visible across industries and as a result, institutions began confronting generations-old practices which created barriers for marginalized communities. But as power concedes nothing, “anti-wok

Jun 3, 2024 • 34:55

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