Janis Middleton On Finding Your Voice, Navigating Careers & Building The First Not Only Network

In the first First Not Only Network podcast episode, Director of Operations Asha Hunter interviews founder Janis Middleton about fear, career pivots, and building community for Black and brown women in professional spaces. Janis shares three early-career lessons: you don’t need a title to have a voice, career paths aren’t linear so stay flexible toward your purpose, and build a life outside work because fulfillment shifts by season. She recounts finding her voice in her mid-30s after leaving a role that made her question her worth, embracing authenticity, and later creating a diversity leadership role at her agency guided by a purpose statement: “to create opportunities and spaces for all people to thrive.” Janis explains how an initial gathering of 80 women grew into First Not Only Network, highlights intentional connection and “lifting while you climb,” reflects on two years of impact, and discusses becoming an entrepreneur after leaving her agency. Learn more about Janis and the First, Not Only Network here https://www.firstnotonly.com/ Instagram:   / firstnotonlynetwork   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/firs... Director of Operations: Asha Hunter Podcast Producer: Walter Gainer Ii ‪@itsthegreatwalt‬ CHAPTERS 00:00 Welcome To The First Not Only Network Podcast 01:44 Mentorship in Hard Times 02:27 Three Career Truths 08:47 Finding Your Voice 13:28 Owning Power and Identity 17:39 Purpose Statement Breakthrough 21:18 Building DEI Slow and Steady 25:42 First Not Only Spark 30:43 No More Icebreakers 31:54 The Speech That Set It Off 32:58 Lifting While You Climb 36:32 Holding the Door Open 40:30 Two Years of Network Wins 42:20 Fox Theater Milestone 46:23 From Corporate to Founder 49:11 Rapid Fire