What’s stopping you from owning your worth? If this conversation with Umindi Francis, Founder & CEO of UFCG, proved anything, it’s that success comes from standing firm—no discounts, no second-guessing, no playing small. She reinforced a truth I live by: if they push back on your price, they’ll push back on everything. Boundaries aren’t just helpful; they’re necessary. Contracts should work for you, not against you. And let’s get one thing straight—networking isn’t optional. It’s the lifeblood of opportunity. But the biggest lesson? You are not limited by titles or expectations. You define your own path, break your own ceilings, and build the career you want—on your terms. In this episode: Build a business that fuels your passion and leverages your experience—alignment is everything. Tap into expert talent on a fractional basis—grow smarter, not harder. Networking is the engine that drives your success. Set your rate, stand by it, and never apologize—your value isn’t up for negotiation. Hire slow, fire fast—skills matter, but cultural fit is the game-changer. Learn More About Umindi Francis & UFCG: Website: www.ufcgworldwide.com Linkedin: @umindi-francis Instagram: @umindi360, @ufcgworldwide About Our Guest Umindi Francis is an award-winning executive with 20 years of experience in strategic marketing, communications, and business management. She has managed brands of various sizes in the areas of fashion, luxury, art & design, beauty, hospitality, technology, and the lifestyle genres. During her tenure, she has held positions at Louis Vuitton of LVMH, and Bottega Veneta of Kering, in Strategic Marketing and Communications covering a range of categories from corporate communications to the promotion of all brand product categories. She has also held the positions of Director and Global Vice President at top international Public Relations firms leading the strategic direction of numerous international brands. Over the years, Francis has consulted for brands such as The United States Institute of Peace, The New York Times, Fendi, Celine, Emilio Pucci, Studio189, Gianvito Rossi, MoMA, Centre Pompidou, Robb Report Magazine, Marriott, Interscope Records, Bumble, InfiniteWorld, Silicon Valley Bank, Nike, and Moet Chandon to name a few. She began her career in finance at Wachovia Securities and leverages her global contacts to identify equity partners to accelerate brand growth with the asset management community. In 2010 she founded UFCG (Umindi Francis Consulting Group), a strategic brand consulting firm based in New York City with clients spanning six continents. The firm's expertise is in management consulting, brand development, and strategic communications for fashion, luxury, beauty, art & design, lifestyle, entertainment, technology and Web 3.0 brands. The firm boast a stellar roster of brands worldwide that are poised to be market leaders. Umindi Francis has been recognized in numerous leading publications, including Time, New York, Vogue, Essence, Marie Claire, Elle, Harper's Bazaar, Oprah, and GQ. She is the recipient of the Face2Face Africa 2019 "30 Black Stars Award" and a 2019 recipient of the United States Congressional Recognition for Business Excellence. Umindi is also the host of What’s Next with Umindi Francis podcast and Founder of What’s Next Con. a global community of executive professionals. About Our Company, The Justice Dept. A female-focused advisory, consulting, and law firm advocating for female founders, talent, execs, and brands. We represent bo$$ ladies to make them 💰💰. Website: https://www.thejusticedept.com/ Be the Bo$$ of Your Career: https://www.thejusticedept.com/online-course YouTube: www.youtube.com/@jenniferjustice6653 If you love what you are getting out of our show, please subscribe. This is an SMC Production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
