S5E2: Understanding Racial Inequalities in Your Workplace with Adia Harvey Wingfield
Release Date: 12/21/2023
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 welcome Dr. Adia Harvey Wingfield, sociologist and leading race and labor expert, to discuss her new book, “Gray Areas: How the way we work perpetuates racism and what we can do to fix it.”
Adia breaks down her research findings about “gray areas”--the relationships, networks, and cultural dynamics integral to companies that exist apart from the specific expectations and duties required for any given job. These gray areas are a key reason why employees of color, particularly Black workers, remain less likely to be hired, stall out at middle levels, and rarely progress to senior leadership positions.
We discuss the particular relevance of this research to Black women in the workplace, and why a “race-blind” approach in organizations actually harms more than it helps. Additionally, Adia offers key insights into what organizations can do to fix these issues and create more supportive environments for Black employees.
About Adia
Dr. Adia Wingfield is a sociologist who researches racial and gender inequality in professional occupations. She is currently the Mary Tileston Hemenway Professor of Arts and Sciences at Washington University in St. Louis, where she also co-directs the Program for Public Scholarship and served as Vice Dean for Faculty Development and Diversity. She has served as President of Sociologists for Women in Society (SWS), the Southern Sociological Society (SSS), and in 2023 she was elected the 116th President of the American Sociological Association. In addition to her academic work, she also writes regularly for mainstream outlets including The Atlantic, Vox, Slate, and Harvard Business Review.
Connect with Adia
- Website: https://www.adiaharveywingfield.com
- X (formerly Twitter): @adiahwingfield
Resources:
- Programs: We are now enrolling for the January 2024 sessions of our Mid-Career and Early Career leadership development programs. Learn more at https://blackwomanleading.com/programs-overview/
- Event: Join us for the Black Woman Leading LIVE! Conference +Retreat, May 13-16, 2024 in Virginia Beach! Learn more at bwlretreat.com
Credits:
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: Téa Campbell
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