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What's Next? | The Art of Personal Branding

On this episode of What’s Next?, we hear how one Buffalonian took her passion for storytelling and animation and turned it into a Hollywood career. Mia Kai Simonne Moody joins Jay Moran to detail the lessons she learned and skills she honed to land a dream job working on one of television’s longest-running animated shows – “Family Guy”.

More from Mia Simone Moody

After the episode, we continued our conversation with Mia Kai Simonne Moody to find out what she's reading, listening
to, and more.

Books:

"Girls and Their Horses" by Eliza Jane Brazier

"Creating Blockbusters! How to Generate and Market Hit Entertainment for TV, Movies, Video Games, and Books" by Gene Del Vecchio

Podcasts:

"What's Next?"

What people aren't talking enough about:

"I think a lot of people are not talking about what they want to do in their lives. It's always easy to talk about things going on in the world, I would like to see people water their own gardens as well. In my own life, I've seen magic happen when I started focusing more on myself, where I want to go, what are the resources I have available, and what do I need to do to position myself to get where I'm trying to go. I hope one of the things that you start talking about is yourself. And elevators! Elevator pitches are real! I can't tell you how many times I've had a 25-second conversation that changed my life. And it starts with being able to pitch yourself in 25 seconds."

Final thoughts:

"Be a light in the world and remember that lighting someone else's candle does not take away from your light."

Latest Episodes
  • Buying a home in Buffalo is getting harder. Rising interest rates, low inventory, and higher loan amounts are putting pressure on first time buyers, especially working-class families and non-native English speakers. Takeysha Mudzingwa and Jim Ahrens from Five Star Bank break down what’s changed and share practical strategies to navigate credit, financing, and the path from pre-qualification to closing.
  • NOCO President and CEO Michael Casciano discusses how the company is expanding energy efficiency programs to help low- to moderate-income households in Western New York reduce energy costs.
  • As Women’s History Month continues, this episode of What’s Next? focuses on leadership, representation, and the ongoing push for gender equity in government. The conversation also explores the challenges of balancing personal and professional responsibilities, along with efforts to address disparities in pay, representation, and mental health support.
  • The University at Buffalo’s Indigenous Studies Department is preparing for its annual Storytellers Conference, centered on the theme Life, Breath, Justice for Our Future. On this episode, Mishuana Goeman and Aaron VanEvery discuss the purpose and impact of the conference, highlighting the importance of storytelling, language, and intergenerational dialogue in Indigenous communities.
  • In this episode of What’s Next?, Dina Thompson of the Erie County Restorative Justice Coalition and training director Andy Prinzing speak with contributor Ekua Mends-Aidoo about how restorative justice can help address the root causes of student behavior, strengthen relationships in schools, and significantly reduce suspensions.
  • In recognition of Women’s History Month, this episode of What’s Next? revisits powerful conversations with women making a difference across Western New York.
  • Neighborhood centers have long supported families across Buffalo, but community needs are growing. On this episode of What’s Next?, Chandra Redfern, CEO of the Buffalo Federation of Neighborhood Centers, discusses rising demand for services including food access, childcare support, and programs for older adults.
  • As lawmakers debate the New York State budget, advocates are pushing for $750 million to stabilize nursing homes and prevent more closures. Sebrina Barrett of LeadingAge New York, Hadley Horrigan of Catholic Health, and Lisa Haglund of Heritage Ministries join What’s Next? for a conversation about funding, access to care, and what it means for families across the region.
  • The New York Attorney General's investigation into Buffalo Public Schools confirmed long-standing concerns: Black students are six times more likely to be suspended than white students, and Latino students four times more likely. Jessica Bauer Walker and Sam Radford join What’s Next? to discuss the required reforms and their impact on students and families.
  • Emmanuel Kulu, founder of the Ancient African Antiquities Research Institute of America and creator of the Sankofa Conference, joins What’s Next to discuss this year’s theme, Know Thyself: A Call to the Diaspora.