Elzie Flenard hosts another engaging episode, this time featuring Mitchelle Lyle and Paul O'Neil. The episode delves into the unique intersection of Mitchelle and Paul's paths, exploring the themes of vision, hope, and perseverance.

Mitchelle shares her journey with ITA (International Traveler's Academy), a startup focusing on connecting employers and employees in the niche market of working and living internationally. The momentum and impact of ITA led Mitchelle to explore her passion for hydroponics, a soilless gardening method. She highlights the significance of contributing positively to her community, drawing parallels between her experiences in the corporate world and her desire for more meaningful change.

Paul, an electrician turned IT professional, narrates his story of transitioning careers and discovering hydroponics. The chance meeting with Mitchelle at the National Society of Black Engineers conference sparked their collaboration on a hydroponics program. The conversation shifted to their shared goals of piloting the program in Milwaukee and eventually expanding to Brooklyn, addressing challenges and showcasing their adaptability.

The episode offers valuable insights into entrepreneurship, community impact, and the fascinating world of hydroponics.

Highlights:

03:52 - I don't want to ever get stuck in the space where I feel stuck in a job or I feel stuck in a particular career, and it's very one-dimensional because, as people, we're just not. Even considering that for myself and the momentum that I have for ITA, I moved away from Milwaukee, I came back, I live in the same neighborhood that I grew up in, and a lot of those things didn't change. And I have been thinking about what I can do to really impact my community in a positive way.

20:15 - I think it's because hydroponics are probably on the cusp of still being new enough that people are confused when you say it, and it's like you have to convince them of how good it is. But I think once people understand it, then it can be a part of a lot of different programs. It can be a part of a lot of these initiatives.

23:07 - Somebody could put some big money into hydroponics, and this thing could blow up. So, I think that is one of the things, like people just aren't putting money behind it yet because there are a lot of things in this world. We're still stuck on the old stuff. Instead of looking ahead and saying, "You know what? This right here is what we need."

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