The Back to Me Movement: Yoli Tamu on Building Legacy Through Student Ambassadors and Systemic Change

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Everything I'm doing, I think, is fulfilling because it's what I did for myself first. You know what I mean? I had mentors that poured into me, and I poured back into students. The students kept pouring back into me. So it just became a reciprocal experience. So it's like I'm living this thing. You know what I mean? This isn't an entrepreneurial effort. Let's just save the children. No, this is who I am. And so in knowing that, it's not a burden of sorts. So I feel like the business person who's thinking about becoming an entrepreneur, you really better love what you're doing and it needs to be a part of who you are, because you will burn out if you're not connected to this thing.

Step into the world of success with Your Brand Amplified, the ultimate podcast designed to unravel the intricacies of thriving businesses. I'm your host, Anika Jackson, and I'm on a mission to uncover the stories, strategies, and secrets that have propelled entrepreneurs and business leaders to success. I had the blessing and good fortune of being on Iole Tamu's show, and now I'm so happy to have you here on Your Brand Amplified.

Oh yes, me too. The tables have turned.

The tables have turned. So question, you know, for the audience is, what is the thing that almost broke you became the thing that built your entire brand? Because that, Yoli, is what you did. You're an educator, podcaster, speaker, an author, a recording artist, and you've spent 25 years turning your journey of getting back to yourself into a movement to change how college shows up for students. So I am thrilled to talk about you and the Back to Me project. What does Back to Me mean to you?

My goodness, Back to Me. Well, at the time, I just walked away from the music business. I was a recording artist that was shelved. You've heard of that before, where they don't want to put the money behind the talent, but they've already created the product. So I was really heartbroken and just decided to kind of pivot and just get into my personal life more. And then some time went by. I got into a marriage, and that lasted for about 6 or 7 years. And then I just— it just didn't work out. You know, I was growing. As we know, we all grow and transition. And everything just kept changing in my life. And so I kept feeling as if every time I put so much forward into a thing, into a person, where is the return? You know? Where is the return? And so I just really sat with myself one day. And just wrote an album called Back to Me, connected with some producers, and I was doing some after-school programming with students because I'm an educator by day. And then, you know, in an independent study environment, they like to continue to talk to me after school. So we continued after-school programming, and, you know, they really wanted to meet some producers, and I introduced them to the producer who worked on my album. Augie Ray is his name, and Grammy Award-winning producer. And, uh, we brought him in and he talked to the students, and then it turned into "Uh, what are you doing, Yoli?" I said, "Oh, I didn't think this was about me." So we created an album called "Back to Me," and it was all about an adult woman's journey back to self, you know, after losing so many things, so many people, so many promises. I just wanted to return back to my core. And so in that record, I pretty much, you know, discovered myself, and I start sharing it with young people and They're like, "Well, we can relate to this." And I said, "Really?" Because I thought this was an adult woman's record. But they related to my journey of going away from one thing, returning to my spiritual self, my spiritual calling, and what that looked like. So on my record, I take you through a journey of the aftermath of my life and how I— there's a song called "Headlights," how I got caught up in the headlights of fame and just all kinds of things. And it was like, 'Who are you behind all of this nonsense?' So the students just related to bullying and all kinds of things. And so we, we talked about the record, and we, and we used it as a, uh, topic point, I guess, for some of the things they were going through. And then the students took over my life. They pretty much— they basically did, you know. They say out of the mouths of babes, right? But they pretty much were always wondering what I was doing, what was my next step, you know? And so I hadn't thought about it, and they just inspired me to bring music into education. They were like, "Figure out a way to combine this." And so I got invited to my alma mater, Howard University, and went out there and did a one-woman show on their stage encouraging students to, you know, find their voice and be transformed in the experience of college. You know, allow yourself to experience all these things. I took them through the ups and downs of my college journey, turned that into a book, based on the inspiration of students, and the book is called Back to Me. And then from Back to Me, it just became a podcast because there was so many topics. And I said, I'm not a counselor, I'm not a social worker, we got to figure this thing out. And so they pretty much inspired the podcast, and we have all of these great professionals on our podcast. It's been 5 years, and all inspired by students. That wanted to talk about the anxiety of the next step of going to college and transitioning into the workforce. So here we are, 5 years later.

Here we are. And it's amazing that— I mean, because you have a BFA in musical theater from Howard. You have—

Yes.

Mass communication and cross-cultural teaching. So you didn't have to choose a lane. The students said you're— this is what you're going to do. And it's funny because it takes a while sometimes for us to figure out what our purpose really is and what, how we're going to monetize what we're good at and what we're passionate about. Right. And the students laid it all out for you. Like they, they were like, here's who you are to us. How can you continue to inspire us?

Yeah. Yeah.

So beautiful.

So beautiful. And I just knew that was God's favor on my life. At that time, because I was just searching. And I'm trying to pour into them and they're pouring into me at the same time.

Amazing.

It's crazy.

It's what is one of my favorite things about teaching is that I always start with my introduction and I do not have a linear career path. I was a stay-at-home mom for a while. Yes, I did some little businesses, but, and then I got divorced and I had to find my way back. And it is great when we see students have that aha moment of like, oh, I can feel good with where I'm at and who I am, because I see that I don't have to follow that traditional path. They don't, they feel less judged, right?

Yeah. It was definitely eye-opening for all of us. I mean, I've even had a couple of students come back or actually one actually came back from the program. She was a high school senior and now she is a PSW, a psychiatric social worker in LAUSD. It's like, what? We did that. And so she's like, you poured into me. And so she came on the podcast, talked about it. So I'm excited. I'm inspired. Yeah.

Talk a little bit about that. Who are the students that you typically work with and are they on the college path or you're, or they think they might want to go to university, but they are kind of in that in-between space?

Mm-hmm. Well, I'm at a school called City of Angels, uh, in LAUSD and it's an independent study program. And so currently I service elementary parents who are trying to homeschool. Their students, which is a whole nother topic. But, but prior to that, I was definitely focused exclusively on the high school students. And so most of the conversation was about the transition to college, you know, the adulting part. Everybody talks about financial aid, writing the essays, but oh my goodness, I'm getting ready to become an adult. Yes, away from my mom and dad, and I don't want them to know. I'm terrified. Right? So I became that mentor auntie that pretty much had those counseling conversations. I went from educator to counselor in most of our experiences because it's a, it's an independent study where they meet with me once a week for an hour, and maybe 80% of that time is talking about life and what's next. And so that's what inspired it, those conversations, and that's who I serve.

Yeah. And it is a big transition. Thinking about my own daughter going off to college next year, right? We're not going to be looking at her grades. We won't have access to that information. She's going to have to make decisions and make smart decisions, hopefully, on her own. But that is part of becoming an adult, and she'll be able to come to me anytime, but hopefully she'll find mentors on the college campus as well.

Yeah, and that's what we talked about, directing them to the best places to go on campus. You know, take advantage of the, of the college tour. You know, go to the financial aid office first. Okay. Find out where the scholarships are, where the money is, and just, you know, figure out where all the community organizations are. There's Campus Pals. When I was at Howard, we had Campus Pals. So I'm sure on these campuses it's gra— it's good to grab those mentors. So we have those type of deep conversations and just growing pains and what that's gonna look like as an adult as they move on.

Mm. So let's talk about the podcast and how it's helped not just students, but educators and others as well. You are 5 years in, right? You've published 166+ episodes. Nowadays we say if people move past 8 episodes, past 10, past 20, then they're winning.

You're doing something. Yes.

Good.

Well, we're at 213 actually. How about it?

Oh, oh, 213. Okay. Congratulations.

Thank you. We've been moving.

Talk about keeping up that consistency. What was it like to continue growing a podcast even when it wasn't glamorous? Even if you— did you get those markers along the way, those students saying, hey, I listened to this, this really helped me, or other educators or other partners?

Yeah, that is it. You just hit the nail on the head. If the students are motivated by something, they give me another topic. And that motivates me to go find that person. Right. And so when I find that person, it also warms my heart that I'm meeting, you know, some, you know, very top-notch, high-value administrators in the college world. And for them to just, such as yourself, mind you.

Okay.

I consider you top-notch.

Oh, thank you.

Absolutely. But I mean, when we get in touch with these VPs of student affairs and directors and deans and such, they are so excited to come on the podcast and share. And it just blows my mind. Like, really? You want to talk to me? Our little podcast? And they're like, don't— stop saying little podcast. You are doing something powerful over there, you know? And so they do it. They inspire me when I have somebody at the top of their game saying, this is it, stick with this, then yes. And then I was also inspired by powerful woman, Dr. Theresa Price of the Black College Expo nationwide. She's been doing over 20-something years, and I was inspired by her many years ago. She had me become a vendor sponsor for her expo, and just watching her year after year pour into those students, get them scholarships on the spot, I was like, okay, there's something to this. And so for her to, to pour into me We just honored her for Women's History Month. She was just on again. But to have people like that say, "Keep going," that's what keeps me going. That's what does it. Even though I get tired and the discipline that's required to do this thing, when I have people in those positions saying, "Let's go, what's next?" I'm like, "Okay." And students that like it and enjoy it and honestly tell me how they feel about it. That's everything. Yeah.

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That's true engagement, and that's just— I mean, that's what we all want.

Yeah.

Talk about the difference between passion projects and business assets. Because you've done a lot of different things. And as an educator, having all these things kind of come out because of that spark of being an educator and going from being something that was just a value add to your students and to yourself, to being something that you're like, this is part of my business and this is a viable part of my business.

Right. You know, speaking to you when we had you on, you were very confirming about that. Like, this is a business. Yes. You were confirming. I was like, okay, it is. And yeah, I think that's a plus, you know, that I really enjoy it, that I feel there's a collaborative effort here. I'm not by myself. You know, I'm surrounding myself with visionaries, you know, young and old. So that is a plus. That's a win right there that I'm not in this thing by myself. And so when I think about the business of it, yes, I, you know, my accountant was on my case. I'm going to need you to get the LLC. Like ASAP. And so, so I got the LLC, and, and, you know, I'm in place, you know, business is in place. And even my consultant, you know, I had a branding consultant as well, and we have a history back in the day from the music business. And so he came in and just really transformed the look of my brand and just really got me laser focused on our mission. So I'm so grateful to these people. And so I don't feel alone. You know what I mean? I feel like this is a village making this thing happen. I'm the front, I'm the face, but we are definitely supported by a lot of people. So, I appreciate it.

Yeah. And those accountants are important. I know I just interviewed a new accountant yesterday who focuses on creative content creators and people who have podcasts and things like that to make sure that I'm doing everything that I need to be doing, because it's always good to have those check-ins and also You know, talk about monetization and am I making enough money and where do I wanna spend strategically to pour into the podcast to then be able to reach the right people who will become business partners, sponsors, right? Advertisers.

Yeah, absolutely. And that's been the strategy of the podcast. So, you know, initially it was just pouring into the students, but yeah, you know, these people in position can help us with our next step, which is actually to get on these campuses. And start spreading the conversation, you know, expanding the conversation. So I'm looking forward to that. That's what's next for us is getting on the campuses.

Well, let's talk about that. What is that vision for you?

Oh my goodness. You know, I love the conversation. I didn't even know I was that much of a conversationalist. You know, I'm just hanging out. And so just like with you, we're just hanging out. And then we find out that we have so much in common. So that's been happening with all these guests. So it's fun. It's a ride for me. And so the conversation needs to continue. You know, we might have some really powerful topics, and we need to expand on that. You know, mental health, as we know, is a huge topic, and everybody is grabbing a hold of it and, you know, putting their two cents on it. But to really deep dive and talk about the daily experience of life, period. Let's just start with life and self-esteem building and how do you How do I continue to keep that confidence within? And where is my support system? And how do I recognize my support system? This is a conversation that has to come off of the, um, podcast. It has to expand and extend. And so, you know, I know there's amazing and powerful people out there doing some empowerment programming, the first-year orientation programming, all that is, is there and it exists. And I would just love to be a support to programs like that. Because we also have the resources. So they may be able to listen to our podcast and hear from student leaders and hear from all of these other administrators that have a different spin on how to adjust to college life that they may not get normally. So there's so many resources. And then we also have the career pathway professionals. So if you have a career of choice, you know, we normally bring those on, those people on the podcast. And for students that want to meet somebody else, I go find that person. So, you know, it's, it's a journey for me. And because we keep this network strong, it's not a problem to go find that person you want to talk to. So I just want to be an additional support and supplement to great programming that's already existing on campuses.

Yeah. Does that look like, besides being a support, does that look like workshops? Does that look like courses? Does that— look like?

Yeah, definitely. We have a program called the Clear Pathway, and that's where we're just really cultivating and breaking down a lot of their self-awareness issues, you know, like how do you start off, you know, where does it all begin with your emotional triggers. So we tap into ACE scores and things like that, like, you know, where does it all begin. And then once you start getting a clear idea of your triggers, we try— we start Conversations about formulas. So in my program, we create formulas for communicating with your parents, with your professors, with that dating partner, with your friends. You know, where is the honesty, the voice, as we always talk about, find your voice, but where's the authenticity in these conversations? So we create a formula to really prepare them to have a strong conversation with these important people in their lives and preserve their voice at the same time. So then in doing that, they can move forward and interview better, okay? They can move forward and network properly because they know who they are, they know what they want, they know what they require. Their standards, their values are established. So that's my goal, is to walk away from my program with a clear understanding of your goals. So emotional intelligence is wrapped up in there as well. So That's what we offer.

Well, that was a perfect segue because I was going to ask you about the Clear Pathway, what it stands for, how you conceived of it in the first place.

Yes, yes, yes. So the Clear Pathway was established because we, we really wanted to, like I said, just provide a formula or a method that you can continuously use in any relationship and any person that you're speaking with. And then ultimately you would be, you know, more comfortable with the networking process of professional networking. Because like I said, you've established who you are. So emotional intelligence is high on that list as a part of it. And with that, we put it into, into action. So they would definitely map out, which I'm sure they do already in some of these programs, but you map out, you know, using your SMART goals and, and things like that. But we kind of take a deeper dive, like, who is this person that you're going to contact on campus? What type of person do you really want to talk to? Guess what? On our podcast, we probably already know that person. So it's a, it's a direct resource. You know, what scholarships can you not find? Guess what? I pretty much am connected with people who have scholarships. So it's a resource. That's why we call it the Clear Pathway, because we are directly connecting you to that person. So that's what we do. And then we also offer these panels. So it's not just workshops, panel events, where in the past we've worked with a couple colleges and we've been online, but we've done virtual panel experiences where the seniors, the students that are heading out, are feeding and pouring into the freshmen. And that's valuable information to get. So we do panel events as well. So that's pretty much it. We're an awesome resource. Yeah.

Yeah. And you can tailor it depending on your audience, the university, right?

Yes.

All of that.

Yes. Customize it for sure. Absolutely. That's the goal. Like we're talking to a campus right now that's doing so well with, um, the athletic departments and they've been winning championships every year. And I mean, there's a lot of love being poured into those athletes and a lot of reality checking. Poured into those athletes about what is the plan when, you know, the athletic world is done. What is the plan? So for him to be having those kind of powerful conversations, yeah, I would love to have panels with people like that and take deeper dives. Yeah. Yeah. That's great. That's what we do.

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What's interesting is a lot of this came out of your students right? A lot of the podcast, writing the book, doing the album, all these different things. Your students really inspired you and continue to push you because they wanted to see it and they wanted to follow your journey. But on the other side, you have a B2B model. You partner with the colleges and universities to design programming, so you're selling to administrators, not students, right? So how do those conversations go? How did you figure out how to pitch institutions right, and have those conversations?

Well, you know, the podcast is definitely a great introduction, you know what I mean? Because you get to— you get a feel for me, you get a feel for my heart. I get a feel for you and your passion to see how connected you really are to students, to see if I even want to do business with you, you know? Like, is this really gonna work, you know? And so that's the starting point. So when we introduce the podcast and we have that relationship then it becomes, as you said, we, we customize, we service their need. What are you looking for at this time? You know, you may have workshops, but what is the real conversation right now? What are they looking for? What are they talking about? How can we customize it where their voice is being heard and there's a solution given in the same experience, in the same conversation? So it's, it's one thing to have a plan. It's another thing to talk to somebody who has experience experience. So I love to connect people with people that have already been there, done that, particularly seniors, graduates heading out, talking to that incoming freshman, or even, like I said, people in their career profession that can actually talk to you about the path. So that's pretty much it. That's what we talk about. It's, it's, what are you— what do you need right now? And if you don't need a thing, fine, let's, let's stay in contact, you know, let's stay connected. I'm definitely a resource, you know. This— it's not a high-pressure situation. It's just I want to build relationships. I think that's key. That's everything. That's the network. You know what I mean?

So, well, and that's, and the fact a lot of people, when they start podcasts, they want them to be able to generate leads for them and relationships, right? Not every podcast, certainly, but the fact that you're able to do this because you're able to identify the guests based on what students are asking for, partly obviously is serving their needs. And then you're able to find, get the right guests to come on. And then you have those new relationships. So you are using this appropriately as a great lead gen engine, which I will say a lot of people could take some lessons from you and learn how to do that. Well, good.

I'm glad I could pass on some information. But yeah, it's, it's a natural fit. You know, like I said, for me to be in those workshops with students and them to inspire me. To do the next thing. That's what I feel this is. The podcast is, okay, well, let's continue this conversation. What does that look like? What do you think? It's as simple as that. Or if, you know, and if they say, oh, well, you know, that's something for me to think about, let's reconnect another time, it's fine, it's fine. We've established the relationship. So yeah, 100%, that's the way I look at it.

What is something that you think most business owners and entrepreneurs miss that you've figured out from your educational career, working with students, and then pursuing podcasting, album, one-woman, one-act play, one-woman play. Man, oh my God. Done as an entrepreneur.

Yeah, everything I'm doing I think is fulfilling because it's what I did for myself first, you know what I mean? I had mentors that poured into me And I poured back into students. The students kept pouring back into me. So it just became a reciprocal experience. So it's like I'm living this thing, you know what I mean? This isn't an entrepreneurial effort. Let's just save the children. No, this is who I am. And so in knowing that, it's not a burden of sorts. So I feel like the business person who's thinking about becoming an entrepreneur You really better love what you're doing, and it needs to be a part of who you are because you will burn out if you're not connected to this thing. And I mean, even us, you know, we love what we do and we have to discipline ourselves and schedule ourselves, you know, all those things because you're an educator, you're a professor still, and I'm an educator. You know, there's a lot going on. So you have to really love what you do. And you hear that a lot, but it is a true statement. It needs to be connected to who you are. Your value system. How does it feed you? Because then you're more passionate and happy to share. You want to share the win. Like, this is how you did it, you do it. This is how I did it, this is how I won. You want to share it. So that's why it's easy for me, I think. I think.

Yeah, I would say so. So what's the version of the Back to Me project that you're looking forward to doing next?

The version that's next, like I said, the programming on those campuses I want to have direct access to these students. I want to have a conversation that grows, you know what I mean? And if we can get on the campuses and do events that come back annually because the students wanted it to happen, I would love to have students ambassadors support some of the programming, you know what I mean? So it can keep going. So that would be great. You know, I think it's about legacy at this point. You know, I figured out a formula that works for my life. That keeps me lifted no matter what disappointments come. And I just wanna teach that formula, as I said, you know, to the students. And so I didn't even give you the acronym. You were asking me about the CLEAR. I forgot that part, but it's clarity is how we start with, we're unpacking things. Leadership, of course, you're building leadership, emotional intelligence. I said that one, but action building and then relationships. So those are all of the That's the acronym for CLEAR. But that's it. I want to develop some student ambassadors to really pour the formula that has been working in my life, not just as a college student, as an adult, this stuff is still working. And I'm amazed at the people that I meet just by being myself. That's it. Just by being true and honest. That's all I got.

No, but I think that's, it certainly is resonating strongly with me. We've talked about things that I'm working on or that I'm trying to figure out in my business, in my life right now. And I've had this time to sit back and kind of go, I want to do— I want to be where you're at, right? Like, I love what I do for teaching and I love my podcast, and I want to figure out what else fits into that puzzle that really gives me energy and makes me excited every day, versus what do I do just because I think it's what I'm supposed to do. And so I think that's a really good question for everybody who's listening to think about as well. What are you doing that doesn't serve you anymore? What are you doing that will fulfill you, that will bring you back to yourself and your true authentic self and the whole of your being? And pursue those things and let go of the rest.

Hmm. It's so amazing that you're saying this because I just started planning a retreat and it's called the Back to Me Retreat. And I'm doing it exclusively for college administrators. It's exclusively for them because they are the ones that are pouring— that's our word— they're pouring into young folks. And it's like, is your cup empty? What does Back to Me look like for that adult that's in that executive position, that's in that classroom? What does that look like for that person? And I found Because music is my original passion and it was where I started and I didn't want to put it down. You know, a lot of people were like, well, are you still singing? Yes, I'm still singing. That's me on my intro of my podcast. But I am going to be putting together a retreat where I am performing again. And just the actual performance of it is my therapy, is my music therapy. And in the Back to Me retreat experience, What is your therapy? What artistic expression wants to come out of you? And so that's my goal. So we're putting that together to shape what that vehicle looks like for a person that needs to return back to themselves. So that's just interesting that you're saying this. So important. Because we do, we forget about our original intent, purpose. What do we do now? We kind of forget it. But how do you feed yourself? How do you feed yourself? What's your spiritual life look like? Because that's important. All of it. All of it. Yep.

Absolutely. Is the information about your retreat, about all the other things that you're doing, ways people can engage with you on your podcast website?

Actually, yes. The workshop programming is on my site. The podcast is there. The retreat is a new idea, so it's not, it's not there. Okay. I'm sharing before it's even released. But yes, so if you go to thebacktomepodcast.com, you can learn about the, um, the, uh, podcast. And then the contact page has my email, which is Yoli, Y-O-L-I, at yolitemu.com, Y-O-L-I-T-A-M-U.com. And of course, I'm on LinkedIn as well, so you can email me or visit LinkedIn.

Amazing. So, Yoli, I always ask, do you have a favorite quote, mantra, verse, poem, family motto?

Oh yeah, I love that question. At first I was thinking for a while, and then I said, duh, it's the one I say every day. My father always said, be still and know. Always. And be still and know, you know, is a part of the scripture. Be still and know that I am God. But my dad was always telling me to be still. So whenever I'm going through a thing, stop, stop, and just feel what that is. Take it all in, receive all of it, say, okay, I see you. And in that process, there's a disconnection that happens where that thing is outside of you and you get connected with the stillness that's watching that thing. And my father said, that's who you are. Woo! Okay, makes me Yeah, that's what I do every morning. Be still and know. Oh, you got me. You got me going a little bit. But yeah, that's what, that's what I use. That's what I use.

Yeah. Yeah. Wow. Thank you so much for sharing. You feed so much into everything you do. It's so evident how passionate you are about pouring in and pouring into others. And it, it's an honor for you to be here today.

Oh, thank you.

So thank you for honoring me by being on your brand Amplified, sharing a little bit about your message, sharing some inspiration for us all so that we can all think about how do we make sure that we are staying true to ourselves, that we're getting back to who we are and not letting everything else in the world pull and push us in other directions.

Yeah. It has been a pleasure. Connecting with you. Yes. I'm so glad your name was said in a room.

I know. Oh, if you're listening, Julie was looking for guests for certain parts of her show that her students had asked for, and my name was in a room somehow. And so she reached out, and that's how I got on her show, and that's how we started this beautiful friendship. Yeah, this is great.

Supposed to be. Absolutely.

So thank you. Everybody for listening to our conversation. Check out Yoli's podcast. I was on an episode recently, but it— she has great information. You can hear her beautiful singing voice in the intro, as she mentioned, and learn more about ways to work with her. You know, this has been a rich conversation. Love it when people are building platforms that are rooted in realness and authenticity. And if you are a college administrator who's listening, a student success director, a dean, a campus program leader, and you're thinking that Yoli is exactly who you need to bring onto your campus, you can do that. Again, we'll have all of her stuff in the show notes so that you know how to reach out to Yoli, how to listen to her show, and you can even grab her book, Back to Me: A Devotional Walk for the College Freshman Woman. So this is Your Brand Amplified. Stories, strategy, success. I will be back again soon with another amazing guest to share their story and their journey with you. Thanks for listening or watching to this episode of Your Brand Amplified. Don't forget to leave us a rating or review on your favorite podcast listening platform. And if you want to learn more, check us out at yourbrandamplified.com.

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