264: Being the Bridge That Connects People and Energy with Solonje Burnett
Today’s show is about relationships and connection. We are discussing creativity, activism, and transparency with my inspiring guest. Join us!
Solonje Burnett is a Caribbean-American who embodies the idea of universal interconnectedness among people groups. She identifies self-care as a catalyst for community care, and she’s on a mission to give the underrepresented a seat at the table. Solonje works to shatter stereotypes, structural inequities, and biases through business practices, culture curation, strategic branding, hiring advocacy, and inclusive purpose-driven community experiences. Solonje is the epitome of a multi-passionate, multi-hyphenate woman who supports small businesses and advocates for multiple causes to bring more equity and social justice into the world.
From managing artists to creating incredible events at private venues and social clubs to producing conferences, Solonje guides healing breathwork classes and teaches radical self-care. She also sings in the Resistance Revival Chorus, which was born out of the Women’s March. She has a bachelor’s degree in psychology and Africana studies from Wellesley and a master’s from Emerson College in broadcast journalism.
Music Credit: My good friend Lindsay Katt – https://lindsaykatt.bandcamp.com/track/stick-by-me
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Show Highlights:
Solonje’s creative journey and how her mom supported her, encouraging her to be curious, explore, do good, be successful, and try different things
How Solonje learned to be the bridge that connects people and energies
How Solonje manages her creative energies by knowing how to say NO, doing breathwork, writing, and living with intention
Why Solonje is most proud of her work as a “relationship activist”
How Solonje relies on a leadership coach and continues to learn about interracial relationship dynamics, advocating for herself, and being transparent in all relationships
How Solonje structures her time with a mishmash of activities but always makes sure to schedule rest
How her activism helps determine what she allows into her space
How she has learned to lead with values over interest
The importance of a team for creativity and healing
Why even creatives have to have business acumen to showcase their work
What Solonje’s creative dreams are for the next five years--and why early retirement is one of them
Solonje’s advice: “Continue to care for your community and yourself as we come out of this pandemic.”
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