This week on Growth Conversations with Ashley Frank, I’m joined by Keonté Beals, an award-winning musician turned author and storyteller whose work inspires confidence, creativity, and self-belief in young people and adults alike.

Keonté shares his journey growing up in North Preston and how a pivotal moment in junior high school shaped the way he saw himself, his voice, and his future. We talk about what it’s like to move through life feeling unheard, and how discovering your voice can change everything.

In this conversation, we explore:

• The importance of self-love and self-worth
• The power of having someone who believes in you
• How creativity and imagination shape confidence at any age
• What shifts when you begin to truly value yourself
• Why your biggest limitations are often internal
• Practical advice for stepping into your self-love journey and finding your voice

This episode also includes a brief mention of suicide as part of a broader conversation around mental health, self-worth, and being heard.

If you’ve ever struggled to believe in yourself, felt like your voice didn’t matter, or lost touch with your creativity, this conversation will meet you where you are.

Connect with Keonté:

www.keontebeals.com

Instagram: @keontebeals

Mental Health Support:
If this episode brings up anything difficult for you, support is available. In Canada, you can call or text 988 for the Suicide Crisis Helpline. If you’re elsewhere, please check local mental health resources in your area.

Have you noticed more and more AI flooding your feeds and inbox? You’re not alone and it’s exhausting.

In this episode, I unpack some of the biggest “ick” trends I’m seeing in how people are using AI in their businesses and careers. From over-automation to losing your authentic voice, we’ll explore where AI starts to work against trust, credibility, and real connection.

I also share how I personally use AI on a daily basis to support my life and business without becoming overly dependent on it. You’ll hear practical ways to leverage AI as a tool, not a crutch, so you can stay sharp, human, and intentional in how you work.

If you’re using AI, thinking about using it, or just curious about what’s happening in this space, this episode is for you.

In this episode, New Year, New Me, I share my personal commitments for the podcast in 2026, along with the goals I’m working toward this year.

I reflect on why New Year’s resolutions and goals so often fall apart, and why so many people end up in the exact same place 365 days later. I also walk through some of the highlights and challenges from my 2025, how those experiences shaped my 2026 goals, and the word I’m using to guide my focus this year.

We dive into what it actually takes to follow through on your goals, including a practical way to think about execution using a GPS-style approach to direction and decision-making. This episode is about moving beyond motivation, blocking out the noise, and committing to meaningful action.

If you’re tired of going through the motions and want to make 2026 a year you’re genuinely proud of, this episode is for you.