EP2: Communicating Your Value for Career Growth with Valeria Edmonds
Release Date: 04/04/2021
S6E15: Season 6 Reflections & Recap
Black Woman Leading
We are celebrating the completion of our sixth season! Our season theme was “Community Care is Critical,” as our core questions throughout the season explored how embracing community fuels our personal and professional growth. We define community care as the ways we intentionally support and uplift each other, and how we create and nurture the spaces where we feel seen, supported, and empowered to grow. In addition to this theme, which connected all episodes, we covered various topics with our guest experts. And, some organic themes emerged across episodes about self-awareness,...
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S6E14: Getting Your Gut Health in Check with BB Arrington
Black Woman Leading
In this episode, Laura speaks with BB Arrington, a nutritional therapy practitioner specializing in gut health, to discuss getting your gut health in check. They discuss the importance of gut health, its connection to mental well-being, the unique challenges faced by Black women in the wellness space, and the need for representation in healthcare. Additionally, the conversation covers practical steps for improving gut health, including the importance of slowing down, hydration, and fiber intake. BB discusses the multifaceted aspects of gut health, emphasizing the importance of...
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S6E13: Creating Your Personal Leadership Vision
Black Woman Leading
In this short, but powerful, solo episode, Laura shares her personal practice for creating a personal vision that provides guidance and inspiration for the year. Laura shares prompts for exploration and also explains the connection between your vision and values. After clarifying a guiding vision, Laura explains how you can then use that vision to inform your tactical goals, deadlines, and action steps. Your leadership vision is rooted in your WHY (purpose for this season). You deserve this dedicated time to clarify this for yourself! Grab your notebook and pen, let your thoughts...
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S6E12: Navigating Life Changes with Kumari Williams
Black Woman Leading
In this episode, Laura discusses navigating life changes with Kumari Williams. Kumari shares her journey as an executive leader, and how she has navigated both personal and professional challenges and changes throughout her career. She emphasizes the importance of emotional intelligence, resilience, and the need for support systems while navigating life transitions. Kumari reflects on her experiences in leadership, the significance of consistent self-checks, and the value of extending grace to oneself and others during difficult times. Overall, Kumari encourages...
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S6E11: Rising Above Injustice in the Workplace with Leah Davis
Black Woman Leading
In this conversation, Laura discusses rising above injustice in the workplace with Leah Davis, Founder of Leah Davis Coaching. Leah shares her personal experience of workplace injustice, the impact of imposter syndrome, and the healing journey that led her to reclaim her voice and lean deeper into her community. She also shares insights on maintaining peace, power, and presence while advocating for oneself in difficult situations. Overall, the conversation emphasizes the significance of establishing boundaries, finding a supportive community, and the power of self-care as a...
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S6E10: Building Trust on the Team
Black Woman Leading
In this solo episode, Laura shares the importance of trust as a foundational component of a high performing team. Research indicates that teams with higher levels of trust have better collaboration, increased productivity, higher levels of morale and employee engagement, yield better results, and have stronger employee retention. Laura provides an overview of key terms related to building trust on the team, and insight on how you can diagnose the root causes of trust issues in the workplace. She also shares the “hardware” and “software” components of trust, and what you can...
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S6E9: Giving as a Way of Life with Dr. Froswa Booker-Drew
Black Woman Leading
In this conversation, Laura discusses the concept of giving as a way of life with Dr. Froswa Booker-Drew, a network weaver and philanthropy expert. They explore the importance of strategic giving and recognizing the value that Black women bring to philanthropy. Dr. Froswa' discusses the concept of giving circles and the importance of relationships and social capital in community building. She emphasizes that Black people have always been philanthropists, giving their time, talents, and resources to support others. Dr. Froswa encourages Black women to amplify their leadership by being...
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S6E8: Defining Your Leader Story with Taiia Smart Young
Black Woman Leading
In this episode, Laura chats with Taiia Smart Young, Book Coach, Writing Consultant & Story Strategist, to discuss the importance of defining your leader story to support your personal brand and professional growth. They emphasize the power of storytelling and emotional resonance in building connections and influencing others. They also highlight the value of integrating all of your experiences, including your #strugglestory and life-changing moments, into your narrative. Taiia shares the building blocks of your leader story and practical ways to share your story to amplify...
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S6E7: Strengthening Mindful Self-Talk
Black Woman Leading
In this solo episode, Laura shares the power of mindful self-talk and how it can transform your leadership journey. Our internal dialogue plays a pivotal role in shaping not just how we see ourselves but how we show up in the world—and especially in the workplace. Laura explores how positive self-talk can help rewire limiting beliefs and reduce stress, while also providing strategies to challenge negative thoughts and embrace your present without judgment. She shares mindfulness points for High Achievers, key elements of self-compassion, and how to consciously shift your internal...
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S6E6: Healing Together with Camesha Jones-Brandon & Dr. Marion Malcome
Black Woman Leading
In this episode, Laura discusses the power of community-based mental health care with guests, Camesha Jones-Brandon and Dr. Marion Malcome. Camesha and Dr. Marion share about their work with the Chicago-based Heal TogetHER program, which provides peer support for Black women to be seen, heard, and build authentic connections that empower mental well-being. Heal TogetHER provides support to people who have mild to moderate mental health concerns with brief 1-on-1 emotional support, resource connections, and education about mental health conditions. They discuss preventative approaches in mental...
info_outlineWelcome to the second episode of Black Woman Leading! In today’s episode, I am joined by Valeria Edmonds, who speaks about the importance of communicating in your workplace. We have the opportunity to discuss why you should always be your authentic self and how you can find your zone of genius. Valeria shares lessons learned on her journey to establish a positive personal brand and remain competitive in the workplace. She also expresses what she does to maintain the balance of head and heart we have all been looking for.
Guest Bio
Over the last 30 years, Valeria has had various HR assignments across different divisions within ExxonMobil Corporation. She has worked primarily as a global HR business partner with change management, organizational effectiveness, leadership development, recruiting, and training expertise. Her current assignment to Qatar Petroleum in Doha allows her to leverage her experience by consulting on talent management processes. Valeria was recently appointed Head of Professional Development within their Human Capital division. In this role, Valeria is responsible for establishing processes and procedures to improve the technical capabilities of over 5000 professional staff.
Valeria is a published author and certified leadership coach. She is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in leadership at Carolina University. Valeria now lives in Doha, Qatar, with her husband, Ricardo Sewell. They love to travel and experience different cultures. They have a blended family of five adult children who live in the USA. Valeria is an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and on the Doha Chapter of the International Coaching Federation.
Resources mentioned in episode:
Valeria Edmons LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/akavaleria/
Masterful You Facebook Page- www.facebook.com/MasterfulYouCoachingService
Masterful You email - [email protected]
The9Percent Book Website - www.the9percent.com
The9Percent Facebook Page - www.facebook.com/The9Percent/
Credits:
Learn more about the Black Woman Leading™ learning experience at http://blackwomanleading.com/
Email Laura: [email protected]
Instagram: @blackwomanleading
Podcast Music: Marshall Knights Music
Podcast Production: JourneyGurl Magic Productions
Graphics: Olayinka Ajibola
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