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...
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S6E5: Leveling Up on LinkedIn with Portia Obeng
Black Woman Leading
In this episode, Laura discusses increasing visibility on LinkedIn with Portia Obeng, Social Media Strategist & LinkedIn Coach. They discuss how LinkedIn can be a powerful tool for professional growth and personal branding, while also addressing the challenges and reservations people have with using the platform. Portia provides tactical tips for optimizing LinkedIn profiles, including the use of keywords and avoiding cliches. She also emphasizes the importance of mindset and self-worth in personal branding, and discusses strategies for building meaningful connections on...
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S6E4: Dreaming on Purpose with Ariane Hunter
Black Woman Leading
In this episode, Laura interviews Ariane Hunter, Speaker, Author, and Career Equity Expert, about her book 'Dreaming on Purpose: A Manifesto for Black Women on Taking the Leap, Building Your Dreams, and Being Your Own Boss.' Ariane shares her personal journey and the challenges she faced as a Black woman in the corporate world. She emphasizes the importance of self-discovery, defining success on your own terms, and centering care in your career. Ariane and Laura also discuss the importance of dreaming as a form of resistance and reclaiming oneself. Ariane emphasizes the need to...
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S6E3: Leading with Authenticity with Shayla Atkins
Black Woman Leading
In this episode, Laura Knights interviews Shayla Atkins, Founder and CEO of Atkins Impact Consulting, about leading with authenticity. Shayla shares her personal journey of code-switching and conforming in the corporate world, and how she eventually found success by embracing her authentic self. They discuss the importance of alignment, clarity, and healing in leadership, and how authenticity is the new leadership currency. Shayla introduces the concept of SPICE (Savvy, Performance, Image, Communication, and Exposure) as the key skills for effective leadership. She also emphasizes...
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S6E2: Leaning into Community with BWL Alums
Black Woman Leading
In this episode, Laura hosts an alumni panel of Black Woman Leading alums (Shaneka Stanley, Lekeshia Hicks, and Jada Hamm) to discuss the importance of community care in professional development. They share their experiences as Black women leaders and the role of community in their journeys, the importance of “mirrors” and support systems, and the challenges and triumphs of setting and maintaining boundaries. They emphasize the importance of showing up authentically, taking up space, and making meaningful connections. They also highlight the power of being a...
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S6E1: Welcome to Season 6!
Black Woman Leading
Welcome to Season 6 of Black Woman Leading, the podcast! This podcast is an extension of the Black Woman Leading learning experience. The theme for season six is “Community Care is Critical.” In addition to the focused topics we’ll explore this season, the core questions this season will explore how embracing community has fueled our personal and professional growth. In keeping with our core pillars, the episodes will continue to have a holistic focus on three core areas--leadership development, self-care and mental wellness, and relationship management. We’ll...
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S5E14: Reflections on Identity & Season 5 Recap with Elizabeth Ann Rogers
Black Woman Leading
We are celebrating the completion of our fifth season! In addition to the focused topics we explored this season, the theme for season five was Identity. We explored the questions - “Who are you and who do you want to be?” The core questions this season were focused on embracing our identity and core values, and amplifying the message that who we are right now is worthy and who we choose to become through our learning and growth is worth the effort. We have a very special guest joining us for this recap episode — my mother, Elizabeth Ann Rogers! Since our parents are one of...
info_outlineIn this episode, we hear lessons from the C-Suite with Toshie Davis, Chief Financial and Administration Officer at OneTen.
Toshie shares her story of pursuing purpose and passion via a career pivot from the corporate sector to nonprofit administration. She gives a behind-the-scenes look at her day-to-day responsibilities as a C-suite leader and how she contributes to the powerful work at OneTen, an organization that is taking a skills-first approach to create one million jobs for Black talent.
Toshie describes how her focus on “pragmatic growth” has fueled her career ascent over the years, and drops major wisdom gems about the mindset transformation that’s required to advance in a more strategic leadership position.
In addition to sharing highlights and insights from her leadership journey, Toshie shares about the importance of her sister-community, how being a mother has shaped her leadership journey, and how community care has been critical to her professional success.
Tune in and absorb all of this goodness as Toshie provides a holistic look at her journey to the C-Suite. She inspires us to use our voice, define our vision, and be bold and courageous enough to go after it.
Guest Bio:
Toshie Davis is OneTen’s Chief Financial and Administrative Officer, responsible for the organization’s financial oversight, talent, and risk management, as well as its day-to-day operations. As an executive leader with more than 30 years of experience, Toshie is a strategic and financial planning expert with a strong track record in operations management for both commercial and nonprofit organizations. She transitioned from traditional corporate finance to nonprofit management because of her passion for social justice and educational and economic equity.
Before joining OneTen, Toshie held senior leadership roles at Education First Consulting, Turnaround for Children, and City Harvest. Prior to transitioning to nonprofit and education management, she worked for almost ten years at Johnson & Johnson where she managed a global P&L of $300MM and led a team of 40 people. Prior to that, Toshie helped launch an internet company, was a strategic consultant, and began her career in the financial services industry.
Toshie has a B.A. in Economics from The University of Pennsylvania and an M.B.A. in Strategy and Finance from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management. Toshie lives in Redondo Beach, CA with her son, Christian. Whenever they get the chance, they can be found trekking through a national park.
Learn more about OneTen
- Website: OneTen.org
- OneTen on LinkedIn
- OneTen on Twitter
- OneTen on Instagram
- OneTen on TikTok
- OneTen on Facebook
Credits:
Learn more about Black Woman Leading at blackwomanleading.com.
Learn more about our consulting work with organizations at https://knightsconsultinggroup.com/
Email Laura: [email protected]
Connect with Laura on LinkedIn
Instagram: @blackwomanleading
Facebook: @blackwomanleading
Podcast Music & Production: Marshall Knights
Graphics: Te’a Campbell
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