Progress has never come easy. Every step forward—whether for Black Americans, women, or immigrants—has faced resistance. Power doesn’t let go quietly. We have made progress, but there still remains an ‘uneasy peace’. But the world is changing, and we’re being called to help it to continue to change. Our guest today, Vanessa Feliberti Bautista, Senior Corporate Vice President of Microsoft 365 Platform, knows this firsthand. Her story is one of owning identity, navigating complexity, and opening d...
Jun 17, 2025•54 min•Season 3Ep. 31
In this episode, we sit down with Stefanie Reeves from the American Psychological Association for a candid and empowering talk about mental health—especially for women of color. Stefanie brings passion, purpose, and deep insight as we dive into why mental health matters and the diverse career paths making a difference in this vital field. From breaking stigmas to building solutions, Stefanie shares how she’s championing change every step of the way. Grab your headphones—you won’t want to miss th...
May 05, 2025•44 min•Season 3Ep. 29
Thanks for tuning in! In this episode, we dive into the current state of Black women in a country where diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts are under attack—and where some are trying to erase their stories. Our guest is Malia Lazu, founder of the Lazu Group and a longtime advocate for DEI in corporate America. I asked her: What's the reality for Black women today, and what can we do about it? Her answers might surprise you.
Apr 11, 2025•52 min•Season 3Ep. 28
As a Black mother, every Black child feels like my own. I’ve fought relentlessly to keep the youth in my family out of the criminal justice system. But for many of their friends, I couldn’t win the battle. It’s a question that haunts so many of us: Can we rewrite the story for today’s youth and the generations to come? The answer is YES. Change is not only possible—it’s happening. In this episode, meet Elizabeth Frederick, the powerhouse Executive Director of Avenues for Justice (AFJ). AFJ is fl...
Apr 02, 2025•43 min•Season 3Ep. 27
DEI isn't dead—no matter how hard some try to kill it. Enter Janiece Williams, the powerhouse co-founder of LeaderFlow. Her company is all about unlocking doors for a handpicked crew of top-tier talent, creating opportunities where others shut them down. Janiece, a trained architectural designer and LeaderFlow alum, is passionate about helping emerging professionals thrive in the industry. She believes personal growth is key to developing inclusive, impactful leaders and advocates for diverse ta...
Mar 18, 2025•50 min•Season 3Ep. 26
As we kick off season three, I’m thrilled to welcome Artesha Moore, CEO of Association Forum, for a powerful and inspiring conversation. Artesha opens up about her journey—facing the challenges of leadership while battling the relentless inner critic that often tried to hold her back. Together, we explore where that critical voice originates, how it has shaped her path despite her remarkable accomplishments, and the strategies she’s developed to silence the negativity and emerge victorious. This...
Mar 02, 2025•44 min•Season 3Ep. 25
As we kick off season three, I’m thrilled to welcome Artesha Moore, CEO of Association Forum, for a powerful and inspiring conversation. Artesha opens up about her journey—facing the challenges of leadership while battling the relentless inner critic that often tried to hold her back. Together, we explore where that critical voice originates, how it has shaped her path despite her remarkable accomplishments, and the strategies she’s developed to silence the negativity and emerge victorious. This...
Mar 02, 2025•44 min
Globally, many individuals grapple with oppressive caste structures that condemn them to lives marked by degradation, oppression, and poverty. These enduring systems of racial, religious, and color discrimination remain prevalent. For instance, in India, the Dalit community (the lowest class of people) continues to battle for the same rights that Black Americans secured half a century ago. Join us today as we spotlight Kamna Singh, a champion of the underrepresented in India who has defied all t...
May 27, 2024•48 min•Season 2Ep. 23
Unleash the mighty potential of menopause! Dive into this informative episode where Dr. Joy'el Ballard and I shed light on the transformative physical, mental, and psychological shifts. We delve into the untapped reservoir of power that women can harness during perimenopause and menopause, empowering them to conquer their loftiest aspirations. Be prepared to redefine your perception of this life-changing phase!
May 13, 2024•55 min•Season 2Ep. 22
Back in 2006, Suyen Barahona Cuan joined the ranks of Unión Democrática Renovadora, known today as UNAMOS. This Nicaraguan progressive opposition party was on a mission - to foster democracy, progress, opportunities, and justice amidst an oppressive dictatorship. Suyen stood stalwart in her commitment to human rights, democracy, and justice. This dedication led her to an integral role in the Women's Network within her party. But she didn't stop there. In 2017, her peers recognized her unwavering...
Apr 28, 2024•1 hr 3 min•Season 2Ep. 21
Join me for a fun conversation with my best friends, Barbara Wynder and Jeanne Wardford. Get ready for a burst of laughter as we explore our lasting friendship. Good girlfriends aren't just great, they're essential. They offer emotional bonds, unwavering support, and a wealth of love. These bonds are a must-have, crucial for our overall happiness, and can significantly enhance your life's quality. So let's dive into the magic of friendship, the delight of shared laughter, and the invaluable gift...
Apr 16, 2024•1 hr 4 min•Season 2Ep. 20
The story of Tina Tchen is a powerful reminder that one's background or circumstances do not determine their success. Despite facing challenges as the only Asian kid in her high school, Tina Tchin persevered to achieve remarkable accomplishments, including working for the women's movement at an early age, becoming First Lady Michelle Obama's Chief of Staff, leading the Times Up Movement and ultimately becoming a Senior Vice President at the Obama Foundation. Her journey highlights the importance...
Apr 02, 2024•1 hr 10 min•Season 2Ep. 19
Hearing stories of individuals who achieve great success despite humble beginnings is always inspiring. Russell Williams' journey to winning two Academy Awards is a testament to the power of perseverance, determination, and talent. It reminds us that dreams can become a reality with hard work and dedication. Listen and learn how you can make your wildest dreams come true.
Mar 18, 2024•1 hr 25 min•Season 2Ep. 18
We live in a culture that believes getting old means you have outlived your usefulness. After sixty, we start to wonder when we're going to retire. We assume our bodies are not strong and that our minds are dwindling. But that is absolutely not true. It's a cultural lie that we buy into. Because I know Old Chicks Know Shit!! That is why our guest for this episode is the host of a podcast of the same name. Jennifer Authurton is a podcast host and leadership coach focusing on aging women. She help...
Feb 20, 2024•44 min•Season 2Ep. 17
The societal perception of female sexuality as either passive and uninteresting or as a force to be feared and controlled creates a restrictive and limiting environment for many modern women. This dichotomy fails to acknowledge the complexity and diversity of female sexuality, leaving women feeling trapped between two extreme expectations. It is important for women in executive positions to feel empowered to embrace their sensuality while at work, as it is a part of their identity. By finding wa...
Feb 06, 2024•57 min•Season 2Ep. 16
I have spent my entire life looking like a success. But through it all, I was so insecure I had very little self-love. I thought if I emulated the external world, I could be somebody. I was a fake. In 1991, I met Ken Kizer, a coach who relentlessly forced me to face my inner critic! I ended every session with Ken in tears and emotional pain. Today, I stand in a place that honors me from an internal place of self-love. I still love all my external joys, like clothing, the theater, and hanging out...
Jan 16, 2024•54 min•Season 2Ep. 15
Suppose corporations looked into the future and saw financial failure. And support the reason for their failure to enact DEI programs. Malia Lazu's White Paper and book effectively emphasize the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the corporate future, highlighting the significant potential for long-term profits that come from establishing a robust DEI pipeline. By outlining the compelling business case for embracing DEI, Malia provides invaluable insights and guidance to cor...
Dec 29, 2023•55 min•Season 2Ep. 14
The theme song from the TV show CHEERS states: You want to go where everybody knows your name. Being your own personal brand gets you there. Deandra Coleman, a personal branding and reinvention consultant for Black Women, is dedicated to promoting equity and inclusion for Black women. She specializes in helping Black women who feel tired, discouraged, and need significant change. Deandra advocates for change and encourages Black women to prioritize their well-being and simplify their lives, emph...
Dec 12, 2023•59 min•Season 2Ep. 13
Ep. 12 Road To Goals 12.05.23 Is self-doubt and self-sabotage your trusted companions when you set a goal? Let’s re-program your brain and your heart. Guest: Mozella Perry Ademiluyi, CEO, Mountain Peak Strategies At Mountain Peak Strategies™, Mozella aims to inspire you and your team to new heights. We believe that mountains are the perfect metaphor for life, representing the peaks and valleys, the summits, and the rigors of the journey. Summiting Mount Kilimanjaro at 19,341 feet at the age of 6...
Dec 05, 2023•56 min•Season 2Ep. 12
You want to start a business. You need a loan to get it off the ground. But banks are slamming the door in your face. Banks in the US have historically been unaccommodating to Black entrepreneurs seeking loans. Black banks wielded significant power in this country prior to the 1920s when the government-backed banking hierarchy closed them down. In my upcoming podcast, learn how (believe it or not) you can get a bank or ‘Angel’ loan today, even while being Black. My guest is @PorshaBrooks, CEO of...
Nov 14, 2023•52 min•Season 2Ep. 11
66% of white men in leadership have an executive coach. Executive coaching is a valuable tool that enables high-potential leaders to enhance their skills and mindset. By addressing areas such as battling the inner critic, leading others, navigating conflict, and effective communication. Executive coaching equips leaders with the necessary tools to excel in their roles.So why is it that 66% of white men in leadership have an executive coach and only 9% of Black women in the same positions have on...
Oct 24, 2023•37 min•Season 2Ep. 10
Our guest for Ep. 9 is author Denise Jacobs. She highlights the damaging influence of the inner critic on one’s psyche. The inner critic undermines one’s confidence, spreading negative comments that discourage and demoralize. Jacobs delves into the brain's inner workings and explains how the inner critic is programmed to restrain us from pursuing our goals. By confronting the inner critic and developing self-compassion, we can break free of its self-destructive cycle and achieve our dreams.Denis...
Oct 17, 2023•53 min•Season 2Ep. 9
Those who follow this podcast, my newsletter, or have worked with me as a client know that I stress sacred rest. I call it sacred rest because it is mandatory in our lives, and you must put it in your calendar. It is not something you squeeze in when you get a moment. It is an essential part of how your chemistry works and your body, how your mind functions, and your ability to be creative and have that ability to move from your zone of excellence into your zone of genius. Our guest on Episode 7...
Jul 25, 2023•50 min•Season 1Ep. 8
This episode is dedicated to your questions. I want to thank everyone who sent their questions through LinkedIn and Facebook, and various other sources. So today, I'm going to divide this show into different segments so that I can answer all of your questions. The first segment will be questions about your day-to-day work as a leader. Segment 2 will be about racism and exclusion of you even if you get to a leadership role. In the third section, we are going to address getting past all of the lim...
Jul 11, 2023•46 min•Season 1Ep. 1
So, you're sitting at your office and hate what you're doing. You can't stand coming to work anymore, but you worked hard to get here! You really wish you could own your own business and be your boss. But your inner critic keeps telling you that you'll not make enough money, you'll have no prestige, and it will be hard. In this episode, we debunk all those fears. Our guest is business and personal finance coach Kendall Jones of Jones Coaching Group. She helped me and dozens of other women chart ...
Jun 27, 2023•46 min•Season 1Ep. 7
The United States is preparing to celebrate the actual end of slavery. On June 19, 1865, enslaved people in Texas were finally told the 13th Amendment, marking the end of slavery, was passed months early. It is an uncomfortable celebration since slavery has continued in one form or another since. So, today's podcast explores efforts to end racist behavior in the workplace called DEIA. Though efforts to build one America resonates back to the Clinton Administration, only one-third of S&P 500 ...
Jun 13, 2023•46 min•Season 1Ep. 5
In this episode, we explore finding courage when you are afraid to make the next move. Your specially designed courage gets you past the limiting thought generated by your inner critic and the societal mantras that tell you what you are not. It takes courage to stand in the face of it. But what is courage? Is it forging ahead or wisely standing back? Our guest is veteran Executive Leadership Coach CB Bowman, the author of "The Courage to Leap and Lead." We define the meaning of courage, how to d...
May 30, 2023•19 min•Season 1Ep. 4
In this episode we take a hard look at how you limit yourself by believing your inner critic. You set false upper limits because you inner critic lists a litany of reasons why you cannot achieve your dreams. Let's look at how you sabotage yourself and find ways to prevent it.
May 17, 2023•20 min•Season 1Ep. 3
It is daunting enough to be a Black women who is new the the CEO seat, but the road get rougher when you add in racism and a screaming inner critic. In this episode, I talk to a client who is a first time CEO about how her inner critic was beating her up at every turn. The conversation starts from the beginning of her CEO posting and continues as she explains how the tools she gathered in coaching are helping her to be at peace with herself and her job.
May 17, 2023•39 min•Season 1Ep. 2
Welcome to the debut episode of Unshackled Leadership: A Lantern for Black Women. This podcast is designed to give Black Women in leadership positions a place to learn how to quiet their inner critic and develop strategies to achieve their highest goals despite racism and sexism. In the first episode, you get to meet me, learn what motivated me to do a podcast and travel on a deep dive into the inner critic and how to shut her up! I hope you learn something new and you will offer a comment after...
May 17, 2023•16 min•Season 1Ep. 1
