Imperfect Genius Podcast

In this episode, Rachel welcomes Tish Baldez back to the podcast to continue their inspiring conversation about taking the leap into entrepreneurship. Together, they stress the importance of not going it alone, emphasizing the power of delegation, partnerships, and leveraging resources. Their discussion shines a light on the value of seeking expert help and implementing practical strategies to overcome the challenges of the entrepr...

In this episode, Rachel speaks with Tish Baldaz about undertaking the journey from corporate employee to self-employment as a consultant. They discuss the importance of taking risks, the mindset shifts needed when transitioning from corporate to entrepreneurial thinking, and the financial responsibilities involved in running a business. Tish shares her personal experiences and insights on building relationships, understanding the s...

In this episode, host Rachel Foster discusses April’s theme of navigating challenges. The episode centers around practical advice for entrepreneurs, featuring a Q&A focused on effective time management for solopreneurs, delegating tasks, and scaling services into digital products or courses.

Listeners can expect insights on building a strong digital presence on a budget and joining supportive communities. Tune in for expert str...

Join host Rachel Foster as she dives into a captivating conversation with HR leader Ryan Fortman! Together, they explore the empowering world of corporate professional development funds and how to transform them into personal growth opportunities. Ryan shares his wealth of insights on harnessing these valuable resources and the crucial role of self-investment in skyrocketing your career. Get ready to be inspired and discover the ke...

We are wrapping up January with one final re-release of episodes that speak to the core of the Imperfect Genius mission.

In the third episode of the Imperfect Genius podcast, host Rachel Foster is joined by former entrepreneur and franchisee Dawn Whalen. Rachel and Dawn discuss their experiences as franchise owners and provide valuable insights on the pros and cons of franchising.

Want to know more? Join the discussion! Call or t...

This January, we are revisiting the episodes that define the core of the Imperfect Genius mission.

In the second episode of the Imperfect Genius podcast, host Rachel Foster is joined by Gwen Hurd, Sadé C. Johnson, and Zyria Lott. In this inspiring episode, they discuss the importance of mentoring and networking for Black women in the tech industry. Their personal experiences and insights emphasize the power of having a supportive c...

Happy New Year! This January we are revisiting the episodes that define the core of the Imperfect Genius mission.

In this first episode of the Imperfect Genius podcast, host Rachel Foster is joined by Assistant Podcast Producer, Emma Burgin. Together, they introduce the podcast and discuss their backgrounds in the tech industry. Rachel explains her motivation for starting the podcast: to provide technical advice to Black women entr...

In this episode, host Rachel Foster is joined by guest Kory McDow for a discussion on the challenges of corporate life in tech. They discuss the concept of 'golden handcuffs' that keep professionals tethered to their jobs despite dissatisfaction and share personal stories of finding joy and fulfillment outside of corporate structures.

We want to answer your question in 2025! Contact us at (404) 425-9862 or on social media @askimper...

In this Throwback Thursday episode, host Rachel Foster revisits her journey of trademarking "Imperfect Genius" and shares the lessons learned along the way. She discusses the challenges she has encountered during the trademarking process and emphasizes the importance of conducting thorough research, hiring professionals, and being adaptable in the face of setbacks. The episode concludes with an update on her current trademark statu...

In this episode, host Rachel Foster closes out her Grace Hopper Celebration 2024 experience in conversation with fellow speaker Kaj Bansal, a Software Engineering Manager with a decade of experience in tech. They discuss their serendipitous meeting at the Grace Hopper Celebration, Kaj’s non-traditional career path into technology, and the importance of representation for women of color in tech. The conversation highlights the signi...

In this episode of Imperfect Genius, Rachel is fresh off her trip to the 2024 Grace Hopper Celebration in Philadelphia and excited to share all the highs, lows, and lessons from the experience.

From engaging conversations with fellow women of color in tech to navigating a packed conference schedule and dealing with introvert overload, Rachel will take you through each day of this fantastic event. She shares reflections on her sessi...

Don't miss out on this insightful episode of Imperfect Genius! Tune in to gain valuable insights on project management, technical sales, and building confidence for interviews. Host Rachel Foster shares her personal experiences, insights on certifications, and practical advice for navigating these high-paying tech roles. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding the work in project management and offers strategies...

In this solo episode, host Rachel Foster revisits her quest to find a supportive community of Black women entrepreneurs and establish a community of support for women of color in the tech industry.

Rachel talks about her discovery of Mighty Networks as a community-building platform and her struggle to decide which group to focus on first. She also teases her session topic for an upcoming speaking engagement.

We are planning a Q&...

Meet Rukayatu "Ruky" Tijani, the powerhouse behind Firm for the Culture. As a trademark attorney, she's on a mission to safeguard intellectual property and empower diverse founders. Ruky breaks down the key forms of intellectual property—trademarks, copyrights, and patents—and shows us how they're crucial for protecting brands, content, and inventions.

But that's not all. Ruky also dives into the vital need for marginalized communi...