S4E28 - Preparing For Maternity Leave: Leadership, Nesting, and Balancing Career Transitions
Serve It & Own It: A Leadership Lifestyle podcast
Release Date: 08/14/2024
S5E24 - You Need Community Now
Serve It & Own It: A Leadership Lifestyle podcast
This has really been weighing on me—and probably on you too. From chaotic workplaces to rising incivility, stress, and political tension, many of us are simply trying to survive the workday without losing ourselves. But here’s the thing - you don't have to do it alone. Whether you're a woman in HR, a corporate leader, or someone navigating toxic environments, this conversation is a reminder that community is not a luxury—it’s a necessity. I talk about the real emotions we’re all feeling, the subtle (and not-so-subtle) ways stress is showing up at work, and why safe spaces like the ...
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S5E23 - The Best Way to Answer ‘Tell Me About Yourself’ in an Interview
Serve It & Own It: A Leadership Lifestyle podcast
If you’ve ever been in an interview and heard the dreaded "Tell me about yourself" question, you already know—it can be a trap. Do you start from college? Go through your entire work history? Wing it and hope for the best? Let’s not do that. In this episode, I’m breaking down exactly how to answer this tricky question like a leader—not just another candidate in the pile. If you're aiming for six-figure leadership roles, this episode is for you. Have you applied for the Emerging LeadHER Council yet? I’m launching a FREE career-boosting community for women who are ready to secure...
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S5E22 - Back to Work After 6 Months of Parental Leave
Serve It & Own It: A Leadership Lifestyle podcast
I am back to work! In this episode, I’m sharing my thoughts about returning to work after six months of parental leave. From the emotional rollercoaster of leaving my baby at home to the realities of today’s working world, I’m diving into what this transition has been like for me. I've also got a major announcement⬇️ The Emerging LeadHER Council is now open! I’m launching a FREE career-boosting community for women who are ready to secure economic stability, land high-paying jobs, and build thriving careers. This space will offer: ✔ Networking with like-minded women ✔ Career...
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S5E21 - Healing is Possible: A Special Episode
Serve It & Own It: A Leadership Lifestyle podcast
This episode is a little different—less about leadership and more about life. I want to talk about healing because God’s placed it on my heart, and I know many of us are navigating difficult times. I’m sharing three personal experiences that have shaped my healing journey in the hopes that they can inspire and encourage you. Key Takeaways: Healing takes time, and that’s okay. Emotional healing is just as important as physical healing. Healing in relationships is possible, but it takes effort. The world feels heavy right now, but don’t let that stop you from doing the...
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S5E20 - Mastering Executive Presence (Part 2): Real Housewives Examples
Serve It & Own It: A Leadership Lifestyle podcast
Welcome back! In the last episode, we kicked off our discussion on executive presence, breaking down what it truly means and debunking some of the outdated, biased narratives around it. In this episode, we're diving deeper into three more characteristics of executive presence: credibility, command, and conciseness. And, of course, I'll be using some of my favorite people—the Real Housewives—to illustrate both good and bad examples of these traits in action. Key Takeaways: Credibility is earned through expertise and communication. Command is about leading with confidence and...
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S5E19 - Mastering Executive Presence (Part 1): Lessons from The Real Housewives
Serve It & Own It: A Leadership Lifestyle podcast
This is Part 1 of a two-part series where we explore what executive presence is, why it’s crucial, and how your personal brand enhances it. As a black woman, it’s so easy to doubt your position as a leader. But I promise you - No one is hiring Black women just because we’re black. We have to be twice as good, four times as educated, and we STILL face resistance. You belong here and I’m going to show you exactly how to confidently own this space. Key Takeaways: Definition of Executive Presence The Impact of Bias Three Key Traits Mentioned in this episode: Episode Chapters:...
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S5E18 - How To Create High-Impact LinkedIn Content That Boosts Your Visibility
Serve It & Own It: A Leadership Lifestyle podcast
Welcome back to another episode! In this one, we’re diving into LinkedIn content creation and how to raise your visibility on the platform. If you’ve ever wondered what to post, how to craft engaging content, and how to use LinkedIn to attract opportunities, this episode is for you! Tune in to learn about: Different types of LinkedIn content that work well The power of engagement—why commenting, liking, and sharing are essential How to leverage LinkedIn blogs, newsletters, and featured sections Real-life lessons from my most highly viewed LinkedIn post If you're looking to position...
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S5E17 - How To Raise Your Visibility and Attract Opportunities On LinkedIn
Serve It & Own It: A Leadership Lifestyle podcast
If you want to stand out on LinkedIn and attract job opportunities or clients, this episode is for you! In Part 1 of this two-part series, we're diving deep into how to raise your visibility on LinkedIn—whether you're job hunting, growing your business, or looking to position yourself as an industry expert. Plus, a special co-host is here with me today (he might chime in!). What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why LinkedIn is a search engine—and how to optimize your profile for discoverability The #1 mistake job seekers make that keeps them invisible to recruiters Essential LinkedIn...
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S5E16 - How to Stand Out on LinkedIn in 2025
Serve It & Own It: A Leadership Lifestyle podcast
In this episode, we're diving deep into how to update and optimize your LinkedIn profile to attract leadership opportunities, whether it's a new job, a speaking engagement, or a podcast interview. I'll also be sharing details on my LinkedIn Challenge, designed to help you elevate your profile and boost your confidence. If you're serious about career growth in 2025, this episode is for you! What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why your LinkedIn profile needs a major update (and how to fix it) The three key elements to stand out on LinkedIn in 2025: How recruiters actually search for candidates...
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S5E15 - A Call To Feel, Process and Act: Coping with Today’s DEI Landscape
Serve It & Own It: A Leadership Lifestyle podcast
Given everything that has transpired recently here in the United States, I know many of us are feeling heavy. It’s been a rough one, and I want to take this episode to talk through it, hold space for our emotions, and share encouragement as we navigate this together. Episode Chapters: [00:00] Introduction and Gratitude [01:06] Current Events and Emotional Impact [03:54] Personal Experience and Emotional Breakdown [06:15] Therapy and Emotional Support [08:07] Finding an Escape [10:59] Professional Challenges and DEI Strategy [12:05] Building a Secure Community [13:28] LinkedIn Challenge...
info_outlineI am 34 weeks pregnant! Can you believe it?!
During this episode, I’ll be sharing my strategies for transitioning out of work for six months, as well as the preparations I’m making at home for the arrival of my baby boy.
We’ll be discussing the importance of effective delegation, how I’m setting up my team for success in my absence, as well as the leadership growth I’m envisioning when I get back.
Transparently, I’ll also be sharing the emotional and mental preparations I’m making with the help of my doula and therapist to ensure a smooth transition into motherhood.
Key Takeaways:
- Preparing for Maternity Leave: How to strategically delegate responsibilities and set your team up for success in your absence.
- Nesting and Home Preparation: My version of nesting at home as I get ready to welcome my baby boy.
- Mental and Emotional Well-being: The importance of maintaining mental health during pregnancy and postpartum
- Balancing Career and Motherhood: A candid discussion on the changes I’m anticipating in my career as I step into motherhood
Episode Highlights:
[00:00] Introduction and Welcome
[01:05] Pregnancy Update: At 34 weeks pregnant, I talk about my excitement and the challenges of being in the final stages of pregnancy.
[02:30] Preparing for Maternity Leave: My strategy for preparing to step away from work for six months, delegating responsibilities and ensuring my team is set up for success in my absence.
[08:00] Planning for Personal and Professional Growth: My vision for what I want to focus on when I return from maternity leave, including leadership development, race equity work, and deeper collaboration with other departments.
[13:30] Preparing the Home for Baby: Transitioning from work to home, I share what nesting means to me and how I’m preparing her home for the arrival of my baby.
[14:50] Support System and Mental Well-being: The critical role that my doula and therapist play in supporting my mental and emotional health as I prepare for childbirth and the postpartum period.
[16:00] Final Thoughts and Upcoming Episode Teaser: Wrapping up the episode by previewing the next episode, where we will discuss career transitions in HR leadership, particularly after significant life changes like having a baby.
Connect with Me:
- LI: Courtney Ball
- IG: Courtney Ball, MA
- FB: Courtney Ball, MA
Before You Go:
- If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, like, and leave a comment to let me know you're listening!
- Got feedback? Connect with me on LinkedIn or IG to share your thoughts.