(A sneak peek of a developing radio series, more on FB and Twitter @OperationJump)

Trivia: What do Donald Trump and Halloween have in common? (See answer below)

What do Oprah, Leno, and Letterman have in common? Yes, they’re TV personalities but that’s not all. They once co-produced and starred in a Superbowl commercial. They are also celebs who know something about reinventing their careers. Starting over professionally can be a scary thing.

A few years ago Oprah announced that she would leave her talk show to start the OWN Network. Remember how Leno returned to his late-night gig after his primetime comedy show was canned? Careers in media, entertainment and pro sports go through changes like this all the time.

In other professions some people get laid-off due to no fault of their own. Others sense the thrill is gone in their work-life. These situations cause some to step-up their education, start a business or even take a sabbatical. The light at the end of the tunnel is having more market value and being more fulfilled.

A transition or career makeover is not just in wardrobe. Sometimes it’s about changing jobs, shifting careers or connecting vocation with occupation. It takes a leap of faith, some calculated risks and visioning, by looking at yourself in the way that you could be. Then stepping into what you should be.

The process takes building the case or building-up your cred for a better job. Is your passion being used to the utmost? Are you networking in your transition area? Your results go from visioning to building to networking to living. The sense of satisfaction you get is similar to what happens when you dine-out.

The next time you go, take a closer look at the menu. It lists appetizers, entrées and desserts. Each entrée has a main dish, maybe chicken or beef or pork or fish. That main dish is supported by one or more sides. A great meal is about the food’s look and cook as well as the overall service.

A ‘new and improved’ career is built around your main skills or market appeal. This can have a few ‘sides’ that are different options for getting paid and being fulfilled. Plus, having a sense of purpose in your career makes you good at serving-up the best in you. Then you get to enjoy life’s desserts!

Answer: Boo…the illusion of a scary thing.

(Part 7) Reinvent Your Game, Refresh Your Name: (Old-School Flava)
Celebrity Profiles of Success in Business, Career and Community

It started with a kiss, which later became a rape charge. That is the sad part of the Brian Banks story. He’s a one-time high school football standout who went to prison on false accusations. He spent five years there before the accuser changed her story. Now Banks hopes to play in the NFL someday.

This was not how things should have gone. Banks was set to play for USC. But he lost his scholarship and had his reputation damaged. He maintained his sanity while waiting for the nightmare to end. Banks can now reinvent his game and refresh his name because he knows what he wants to achieve.

He’s always dreamed of playing in the NFL. There’re at least four teams that have some interest. The Seattle Seahawks have already invited him to tryouts. So Banks has been getting in shape and losing some weight. He shows how reinventing your game is about building on your skills and talent.

Pete Carroll, the Seahawks Head Coach today would have been Banks’ USC coach back-in-the-day. Carrroll says “making the team is a long shot but he’s willing to give him a chance.” It’s as if Carroll knows that reinventing your game and refreshing your name is about going after what you deserve.

Banks is moving past his jail time career derailment. For some people the hurdle to overcome is of a layoff. Banks’ determination is a powerful example for living your dreams. You can make it through anything by knowing what you want, working what you have and going after what you deserve.

(Part 7) Reinvent Your Game, Refresh Your Name: (New-School Flava)
Celebrity Profiles of Success in Business, Career and Community

First it started with a kiss. Then came a rape charge diss. That’s what makes the Brian Banks story sad. Somehow he’s gotten over being mad. As a one-time all-star football jock. He was college scholarship stock. Spent five years in prison before being set free. Now hoping to play in the NFL for a fat fee.

This was not supposed to be. Banks was set to play for USC. Lost his scholarship due to false accusation. It was enough to damage his reputation. But he held on to his sanity. This nightmare could have been a calamity. Banks can now again believe. Reinventing his game by what he wants to achieve.

He’s always dreamed about the NFL gridiron. At least four teams interested like the Lions. The Seahawks looked him over in tryouts. As he’s getting in shape losing weight in workouts. Banks is showing guts and inner will. Reinventing himself by building on talents and game skill.

Pete Carroll, the Seahawks Head Coach today. Would have been Banks’ USC coach back-in-the-day. Says “making the team is a long shot.” But he’s willing to see Banks’ career be hot. Maybe Carroll’s thinking about him as a reserve? Well, reinventing yourself is about going after what you deserve.

Banks moving on from this derailment. Looking past jail time to higher attainment. For some the hurdle is of a layoff. In trying to find their new blast-off. Banks gives us a powerful reason. Of how living your dreams has its season. You can still make it if you try. Going after what you deserve will make you fly.

Tip: Reinventing your game means knowing what you want, working what you have and going after what you deserve.

Talkback: What more should society be doing to help those affected by a bad job market?

(Part 6) Reinvent Your Game, Refresh Your Name: (Old-School Flava)
Celebrity Profiles of Success in Business, Career and Community

Who would have thought that Iyanla Vanzant still had something left in the tank? She’s getting ready to return to TV on the Oprah Winfrey Network. Vanzant was a regular guest on the Oprah Show years ago. Then her career and life went haywire. Is she working on a comeback by releasing her inner Dr. Phil?

Vanzant has seen many highs mixed in with some lows. She lost her house, husband, book deal and a sense of balance. Many remember her public apology to Oprah for leaving Harpo to do her own talk show. Like so many people who’ve lost their job, she made it through with personal ambition.

She tells the story of “getting through what you’re going through.” It almost seems like her life took a detour. Then came a ‘stop sign’ where she had to make some decisions. Vanzant didn’t want to remain stuck in the past so she set some goals to help move her towards the future.

As you fast-forward in time you’ll see that she’s come full circle. Vanzant is using her life’s journey and professional story to chart a new road to glory. It just goes to show that a loss, a layoff or a life lesson can be turned into new money as you reinvent your game and refresh your name with a sense of purpose.

And so where did she end up? She’s back on TV, on Oprah’s Network, using her skill-set to help shift people’s mindset. She knows about finding a place of peace on the inside and an opportunity connected to her passion on the outside. Now that’s something to talk about especially if it were your story.

(Part 6) Reinvent Your Game, Refresh Your Name: (New-School Flava)
Celebrity Profiles of Success in Business, Career and Community

Who would have thought? Iyanla Vanzant didn’t think she would’ve been bought. Still having something in the tank. Returning to TV with fresh money in the bank. Once a regular guest on the Oprah Show. Then things went sour and out of flow. Is she working on a comeback? Releasing her inner Dr. Phil in the black.

Vanzant has seen high and lows. So you know how that goes. Losing house, husband and book deal. Even a sense of balance for real. Making a public apology about messing-up. Telling Oprah it was her way of fessing-up. Like so many in a job loss or other condition. Seeing it through with personal ambition.

That’s how she now pays her due. With the story about “getting through and through.” Seems like life took a detour. Then came a ‘stop sign’ decision and getting off the floor. Vanzant didn’t want to be stuck in the past. So with the right goals she set her future free at last.

Fast-forward in time and here’s what we see. Vanzant’s gone full circle and feeling more glee. Using her life’s journey and professional story. To chart a new road of guts and glory. A loss, layoff or life-lesson mission. Can be turned into new money commission.  When there’s a sense of purpose and inner vision.

And so where did she end up? No more sorrows, just suck-it-up. Back on TV using her skill-set. To help shift other people’s mindset. Finding a place of peace when times were cold. Connecting opportunity and passion for a shot at gold. Now that’s something worth a holla. Or maybe even an example to follow.

Tip: Reinventing your game starts by finding an example to follow and having a new reason to holla.

Talkback: If Iyanla can do it then who else would you like to see make a comeback?

(Part 5) Reinvent Your Game, Refresh Your Name: (Old-School Flava)
Celebrity Profiles of Success in Business, Career and Community

Only in America is a ‘rags-to-riches’ story so possible. That’s how some feel about Ted Williams and his new book. Here’s a guy who fell in love with radio as a teenager and later had his own morning-drive show. But life gave him a run for his money. Now he’s on the rise hoping to fall no more.

His story is like a deep well flowing with life-lessons. Today there are millions affected by the unemployment and housing crisis. They might be thinking, ‘what about us?” Well, reinventing your game or refreshing your name is about finding an escape that comes with having a vision in the valley.

Williams’ life hit the skids due to addiction. He lost his job, his house, his family and even his self-respect. Somehow he didn’t lose his faith which kept him alive. He credits that as coming from a source of power that was redeeming. Williams shows how it takes faith to stay plugged-in to having a chance at fate.

As luck would have it, he was discovered on the streets using his God-given gift. His voice was his calling card. Some say they don’t believe in luck. Others say luck is where opportunity meets preparation. Williams might say his break was part luck and part humility. Both came together like a stroke of divinity.

In the book Williams tells more of the bad than the good from his journey. He had to deal with his issues face-to-face. When reinventing yourself you’ll find clues as you look at your résumé or look at your relationships. But as you look into your soul, your life’s calling will show you the way.

(Part 5) Reinvent Your Game, Refresh Your Name: (New-School Flava)
Celebrity Profiles of Success in Business, Career and Community

Only in America might you see. This kind of ‘rags-to-riches’ story. That’s what Ted Williams tells in his book. Of how life gave him a second look. Once falling in love with radio as a teenager. Taking a chance with little money to wager. Then life gave him a run for his money. Now things seem a bit more sunny.

His story is like life-lessons in a well. Flowing with many ups and downs to tell. Today, millions affected by the economic crisis. Many could write a jobs or housing thesis. Some thinking there’s not enough of a fuss. Maybe even wondering ‘what about us?’ Well, having a vision in the valley makes you not cuss.

Addiction put his life on a skid. Losing his job, house, family and everything he did. But somehow his faith kept him believing. He credits this to a source of power that was redeeming. Williams saw himself standing before the pearly gate. And so he stayed plugged-in to having a turnaround fate.

As luck goes, it got him discovered on the street. His God-given voice was his calling card to beat. Some don’t really believe in beginner’s luck. Others say it’s how taking a chance can bring a buck. Whether opportunity and preparation meet-up with humility. Or they come together like a stroke of divinity.

Williams’ book tells more of the bad than the good. Sharing his journey of rising from the hood. Had to deal with his issues face-to-face. Reinventing his game at an ‘on-again off-again’ pace. Yes, you’ll find clues in your résumé or a relationship. But in your soul is life’s calling for a fun trip.

Tip: Reinventing your game might be part luck and part humility with a stroke of divinity.

Talkback: Name one ‘rags-to-riches’ story that connects with your journey?

(Part 4) Reinvent Your Game, Refresh Your Name: (Old-School Flava)
Celebrity Profiles of Success in Business, Career and Community

Arsenio Hall hears the words ‘you’re hired’ He’s the latest winner on NBCs Celebrity Apprentice. Hall is best known for his once popular late-night talk show. Over the years his career has had its ups and downs after the show ended. Now it seems he’s making a name for himself, again!

Maybe that’s the reason behind the success of Celebrity Apprentice. It lets celebs reinvent their game and refresh their name. But how does this happen for regular folks who’ve gone through changes? Well, one place you’ll find answers is in the journey of Hall and others who are making their comebacks.

Enter Marion Jones. She was once a world-famous track athlete. Jones says she got caught up in the ‘fame and fortune’ wave. She was later banned for steroid use. After spending time behind bars, she now hopes to redeem herself. Sure, the rise, fall and rise again by Hall and Jones came with a price.

They’d admit that it also came with a new sense of priority. What matters most in life is sometimes what people praise least. So reinventing your game is about making the shift from the pit to becoming a hit. Through all the disappointments, they’ve worked hard at being better persons inside and out.

That’s how you reinvent your game after a streak has ended. Hall and Jones had different bumps in the road. They had to shake things up to get back in the flow. Some are wondering if there’s another TV gig in Hall’s future. But how many would bet that Jones will appear on the next Celebrity Apprentice?

(Part 4) Reinvent Your Game, Refresh Your Name: (New-School Flava)
Celebrity Profiles of Success in Business, Career and Community

Arsenio Hall hears ‘you’re hired!’ After 16 others heard ‘you’re fired!’ He’s the latest Celebrity Apprentice winner. As the number of players got thinner. Best known for his once popular talk show. His rebound seems ready to blow. With ups and downs after the show ended. Hall again getting his name branded.

Maybe that explains the show’s success. Where celebs bring their careers back after recess. But how does this happen for regular folk? Going through changes that’s no joke. With millions hoping to reinvent their game. Some looking to refresh their name. The answer is in how Hall and others rebuild their fame.

Enter Marion Jones in the hot seat. Once a world-famous track athlete. Says she got caught-up in the wave. Fame and fortune was her rave. Later being banned for steroid use. She admitted to shooting-up the juice. Spending time in the pen. The rise, the fall, hoping to rise again.

A new sense of priority was key. In making a change and feeling free. What matters most gets praised the least. Had to step back to slay the beast. Making the shift from the pit. Reinventing their game to becoming a hit. Yet through all the setbacks and pain. They’ve worked hard at an inside-out gain.

That’s how you regroup when the streak has ended. Or when fences need to be mended. They had different bumps on the go. Shaking things up to get back in the flow. Is there another TV gig upcoming for Hall? Bet some money you’ll see Jones on Apprentice this fall.

Tip: Reinventing your game is in how you go from the pit to landing among the greatest hits.

Talkback: How much would you bet on a possible Arsenio Latenight return or Jones appearing on Celebrity Apprentice?

(Part 3) Reinvent Your Game, Refresh Your Name: (Old-School Flava)
Celebrity Profiles of Success in Business, Career and Community

What do you get when you mix R. Kelly, Neo and Bruno Mars?  You get a pop-hit song. You might also get Jermaine Paul. He’s the latest winner on NBCs ‘The Voice.’ Paul spent 17 years singing background with Alicia Keys and others. Now he’s ready to take his own path to music stardom.

It’s been like a roller coaster ride on the show and in his journey. He’s put in his due to help make his dreams come through. Not sure if there was a ‘aha moment’ that set things off. But he used ‘The Voice’ as a way to reframe his performance. It was sort of a stepping stone for reinventing his game.

Paul’s motivation comes from wanting the best for his family. Yes, he’s got a wife and four kids to feed. The journey continues for him as he refreshes his image. Whether you’re just hired, last fired or sick and tired, reinventing your game could mean resetting your image in going from ‘before to after.’

Ever taken a snapshot where the picture wasn’t clear or bright? So you decide to take it again, but you tweak the exposure. That could mean adjusting the focus or adding more light. ‘The Voice’ has done that for Paul’s career. Reinventing your game is in how you adjust your focus and blow-up your brilliance.

Media reports say ‘The Voice’ is back this fall. NBC has decided to double our pleasure by producing the show twice a year. It’s likely we’ll see Paul again as he goes from ‘midcareer to mainstream.’ That’s good for him and for anyone taking it to the next level. Just find a new groove or tweak your money-voice.

(Part 3) Reinvent Your Game, Refresh Your Name: (New-School Flava)
Celebrity Profiles of Success in Business, Career and Community

What do you get with R. Kelly, Neo and Bruno Mars in the mix? A pop-hit music fix. Could also get you Jermaine Paul. The newest artist on ‘The Voice’ to win it all. Having spent 17 years singing background. With artists like Alicia Keys and some underground. Now taking a path to having his own sound.

It’s been like a roller coaster ride. On the show and with his journey from the side. He’s put in the work, paying his due. To help his lifelong dreams come true. Not sure what happened to set things off. But he used ‘The Voice’ to reframe his jump-off. Reinventing his game as more than a knock-off.

His motivation comes from wanting the best. For his wifey, kids and all the rest. He’s on track to refreshing his image. Seeing ‘The Voice’ as sort of a career scrimmage. Whether you’re just hired, last fired or sick and tired. Reinventing your game is like going from ‘before to after’ attired.

Camera takes a picture but things aren’t clear? You snap it again, tweaking the exposure up a hair. That could mean adjusting focus or seeing the light. To make sure next time everything looks bright. For Paul, reinventing his focus is doing just that. By blowing-up his brilliance to the level of phat.

NBC Reports ‘The Voice’ is back this fall. Catch the buzz on their website wall. Hoping to double our TV pleasure. Airing the show twice a year for good measure. Very likely we’ll see Paul again. He’s become to some like a real friend. Showing how a new groove and money-voice gives you a winning end.

Tip: Reinventing your game and refreshing your name means having a ‘before to after’ image of yourself.

Talkback: What feelings do you get when you hear the ‘master mix’ of your favorite artists?

(Part 2) Reinvent Your Game, Refresh Your Name: (Old-School Flava)
Celebrity Profiles of Success in Business, Career and Community

“Had I known that it was this difficult, I might have done something else.” So said Oprah to her BFF Gayle King on CBS This Morning. She was talking about the ups & downs of launching her OWN Network. Some say things are beginning to look up. Oprah’s ‘Next Chapter’ is taking her to the next level on TV.

She admits to making some mistakes. The venture posted low ratings and major losses. If she had to write a book about reinventing your game she’d probably say it’s OK to think big, but keep it simple. Watch-out for over-selling your résumé, over-committing your resources, or over-reaching your reality.

Lately, she’s moved into the driver’s seat of OWN. She’s calling the shots and coming out-front more. Her brand has changed stations and scripts. She knows reinventing yourself might mean thinking big, but also acting normal. She is re-connecting with the things that made people fall in love with her before.

Maybe that’s why Media Analysts see some light on the horizon. Ratings are rising with her ‘Next Chapter’ show. Oprah’s OWN Network could be getting in a groove. It takes a lot of courage and patience when reinventing your game. So she humanizes herself by admitting to some of the same.

Oprah feels there’s no time to quit. This move is tied to her life’s calling. It might have been a longshot idea. But breakeven, then growth, is on the way. Just think, most new babies initially lose ounces after birth. Reinventing your game is like a new baby. After the losses stop, your growth begins to add up.

(Part 2) Reinvent Your Game, Refresh Your Name: (New-School Flava)
Celebrity Profiles of Success in Business, Career and Community

Had she known it would have been this tough. Oprah feels she would have said, “enough!.” She tells her BFF Gayle King. It hasn’t been easy doing a new thing. Going through ups and downs of starting over. But times are looking up with her career makeover. Oprah’s ‘Next Chapter’ could be the Network’s savior.

She admits to falling short for starters. Low ratings and major losses in numbers. If she had to share her lessons in a book. She might say think big, keep it simple and take a good look. Watch-out for résumé over-selling, or resource over-committing, or reality over-reaching. If you want to reinvent your positioning.

Lately she’s stepped into the driver’s seat. Paving the way for her next feat. Calling the shots, being out-front more. Her brand has changed stations and scripts for sure. Reinventing yourself might mean thinking big. Also acting normal in working your gig. And reconnecting with the thing that people dig.

Media Analysts see some light down the road. Ratings on the rise as ‘Next Chapter’ takes the load. Oprah’s OWN Network getting in a groove. Seems like ad revenue is on the move. It takes courage and patience to reinvent your game. So she humanizes herself by admitting to some of the same.

Oprah feels there’s no time to quit now. She’s turning her calling into a new wow. Might have been an idea that’s a longshot. But even with the losses she’s still a bigshot. Just think, babies initially lose ounces after birth. In time reinventing your game, like a baby, grows in net worth.

Tip: Reinventing your game brings some losses at first but after a while your growth adds up in net worth.

Talkback: When was the last time you turned an apparent loss into a major gain?

(Part 1) Reinvent Your Game, Refresh Your Name: (Old-School Flava)
Celebrity Profiles of Success in Business, Career and Community

How do you make hot even hotter? That’s a question not for the science whiz but for the players in biz. Think Steve Harvey and Ryan Seacrest who’re blazing a trail in media. They’ve had success in radio, TV, movies and book publishing. They own the #1 spot in various media markets and across media stations.

Harvey has become the main voice in New York’s Black Radio. Two stations recently joined forces to become one. Some are happy, some are sad. Some got the pink slip, and some got to live another day. But after the dust settles, could this be a lesson in how to reinvent your game and refresh your name?

In today’s economy, Black Radio is going through changes just like everybody else. Going through and getting to a breakthrough means making that change around your passion. It’s the thing you love to do. It’s the thing that you’re good at doing. It’s the thing that sells you even when you’re not selling yourself.

Word of the shakeup hit the newspapers. Radio ad revenue was shrinking. Sometimes unexpectedly you have to reinvent your game or refresh your name around divorce papers, a pink-slip or other papers. Going through and getting to a breakthrough means turning your pain into a business move that pays.

Celebs like Harvey show how reinventing your game and refreshing your name around a purpose is a money-back guarantee. It puts you on track with what’s coming and going for you. It gives you something to grow and glow about. When you put purpose to work in life you get to swag your way to new success.

(Part 1) Reinvent Your Game, Refresh Your Name: (New-School Flava)
Celebrity Profiles of Success in Business, Career and Community

Making hot even hotter. Turning white even whiter. Something to know for the science whiz. And something to learn from the players in biz. Think Steve Harvey and Ryan Seacrest. Blazing a trail among media’s best. Having success in most markets and stations. Owning the #1 spot across the nation.

Harvey’s now the main voice. New York’s Black radio made a choice. Two stations joining to becoming one source. Pooling their resources to create a greater force. Some happy, some sad. Some wondering if it’s just a fad. Some waiting for the dust to settle. But, reinventing your game and your name takes mettle.

Black Radio’s going through some changes. Trying to live on for the ages. Hoping for a breakthrough in fortune. Means changing around your burning passion. It’s the thing you love to do. It’s the thing that makes you shrine through. Doing what you love and loving what you do. It’s the way you can best do you.

Word on the streets and at the newspaper outlet. Radio ad revenue a shrinking violet. Divorce, a pink-slip or other papers. Reinventing yourself is a must after the shock tapers. Turning your pain into a business move that pays. Working on delivering the goods to attract a raise.

Celebs like Harvey share advice for free. Reinventing around a purpose is a money-back guarantee. Puts you on track with what’s coming and going. Giving you a reason for growing and glowing. As you put purpose in the mix and work past the strife. You get to swag your way to more and more success in life.

Tip: Developing your game and packaging your name helps you swag your way to new acclaim.

Talkback: How has today’s economy caused you to make a shift on the job or in the marketplace?