Libsyn Directory

S6E8: Defining Your Leader Story with Taiia Smart Young

Release Date: 10/31/2024

S7E15: Navigating Shifting Terrains with Dr. Avis Proctor

Black Woman Leading

In this conversation, Laura welcomes Dr. Avis Proctor, President of Harper College. Dr. Proctor shares her journey from a mathematics educator to a college president, emphasizing need for intentionality in leadership, self-advocacy, and the power of community support in achieving success. She reflects on her career journey and the pivotal choices that shaped her path. She also provides insights on the challenges of navigating shifting terrains in education and the significance of co-creating strategies with her team to weather the current climate. Dr. Proctor also shares her...

S7E14: Optimizing Your Salary with Ange Matthews

Black Woman Leading

In this conversation, Laura welcomes Ange Matthews, an investor and personal finance expert, to discuss strategies for optimizing your salary. Ange shares her journey from a $40,000 salary to building seven figures of passive wealth, offering insights into making every dollar work for you. She emphasizes the importance of giving every dollar a job and making your money work overtime. Ange shares options for building passive income by leveraging stock options, stock investing, and self-directed IRAs. She also shares her insights on how your financial decisions...

S7E13: Staying Rooted Through Life Shifts with Dr. Daniela Peel Hunter

Black Woman Leading

In this conversation, Laura welcomes Dr. Daniela Peel Hunter to explore the journey of staying rooted through life’s seismic shifts. Laura and Dr. Daniela explore how to navigate transitions with grace, the importance of emotional honesty, and the power of community and self-care. Dr. Daniela shares her PivotWell framework for navigating life changes, and shares her insights on “leading while breaking” and the mindset shift required for thriving through life’s tough moments. About Dr. Daniela Dr. Daniela Peel Hunter, PhD, CDP, CDR, CPC, CDRC is a bold disruptor...

S7E12: Using Your Introvert Superpowers with Dr. Nicole Bryan

Black Woman Leading

In this conversation, Laura welcomes Dr. Nicole Bryan to discuss the unique strengths of introverts and the importance of recognizing and leveraging introverted qualities, such as deep thinking and observation, to succeed in the workplace. The discussion emphasizes embracing one's unique qualities and leveraging them for career growth and influence. Laura and Dr. Nicole explore the unique nuances of Black women introverts, with specific regard to navigating office politics in leadership roles. They discuss the importance of relationship building in office dynamics, and how introverts can...

S7E11: Demonstrating Diplomacy & Political Savvy with Nakisha Muhammad

Black Woman Leading

In this conversation, Laura welcomes Nakisha Muhammad to discuss the leadership competencies of diplomacy and political savvy, through her point of reference as an executive leader. Nakisha shares her unique journey from entrepreneurship to her current role as Chief Technology Officer at 1nHealth, chronicling how she learned to honor her own boundaries while navigating the demands of leadership and emphasizing the importance of understanding oneself and others in fostering effective communication and diplomacy. Laura and Nakisha share the intricate dynamics of leadership,...

S7E10: 2025 BWL LIVE! Conference Recap

Black Woman Leading

In this bonus episode, Laura shares her highlights from the 2025 Black Woman Leading LIVE! Conference + Retreat, which took place May 27-30, 2025 in Virginia Beach, VA. Black Woman Leading LIVE! is the premier leadership development conference to help Black women professionals learn, heal, and grow in their leadership capacity. Join us at the 2026 event, which will take place May 11-14, 2026 in Myrtle Beach, SC! Learn more and register at www.BWLretreat.com. Credits: Learn about all Black Woman Leading® programs, resources, and events at Learn more about our consulting work with...

S7E9: Navigating Change

Black Woman Leading

In this solo episode, Laura discusses the complexities of navigating change in both personal and professional contexts. She emphasizes the importance of self-awareness, resilience, and adaptability as leaders face inevitable disruptions. The conversation explores various models of the human side of change, the emotional processes involved, and practical strategies for supporting oneself and others through transitions. Laura highlights the significance of understanding resistance to change and offers insights on how to effectively manage it while fostering a growth mindset. About Laura...

S7E8: Asking for What You Want

Black Woman Leading

In this solo episode, Laura discusses the importance of asking for what you want in your career, particularly for Black women. She emphasizes that self-advocacy is not just about the words you use but also about your internal mindset and sense of worthiness. She shares frameworks to help listeners work on both the heart work and head work needed for effective self-advocacy. Laura encourages self-reflection on past experiences to understand internal and external factors that influence one's ability to ask for what they want. Ultimately, she empowers listeners to advocate for themselves and...

S7E7: Driving the Narrative of Your Career with BWL Alums

Black Woman Leading

In this episode, Laura hosts an alumni panel of Black Woman Leading alums from the Early Career and Mid-Career Programs (Alexys Anderson, Shelby Norman, and SherAaron Hurt) to discuss our season’s theme of Driving the Narrative of Your Career. Emphasizing the importance of setting a personal vision and advocating for oneself while balancing heart work and head work along the career growth journey, they explore the significance of mentorship, the challenges of navigating identity, and the importance of community support. The discussion highlights how embracing...

S7E6: Managing Uneven Power Dynamics with Nicole S. Palmer

Black Woman Leading

In this conversation, Laura welcomes Nicole Palmer to discuss the unique experiences of Black women in corporate America, with regard to managing uneven power dynamics. Nicole shares the inspiration behind her book, and the concept of 'Black womaning' as a way to navigate the challenges faced in the workplace. They explore themes of fear, purpose, and the shared experiences of Black women across various industries, emphasizing the need for support and understanding in overcoming obstacles. Nicole also shares her personal journey of navigating a toxic work environment, the impact of PTSD, and...

More Episodes

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 your brand. She emphasizes that everyone has a story to tell, and your story is what separates you from everyone else. Tune in to this insightful episode!

About Taiia

Taiia Smart Young is a book coach, writing consultant and story strategist. She teaches coaches, consultants, speakers and entrepreneurs how to use their expertise and experiences to write and self-publish brand-building, sticky stories that make bank. Ms. Young has interviewed celebrities including Michelle Obama, Mary J. Blige. Nas, 50, Tabitha Brown, La La Anthony and more.

Her work has appeared in ESSENCE, Latina, Refinery29.com, TIDAL, Verizon.com and The New York Times.

Taiia is the author of S.T.E.P. Into Your Story™: Position Your Expertise, Propel Your Brand and Prepare For Visibility by Writing a Best-Selling Book. The S.T.E.P. Into Your Story™ writing and publishing intensive is based on the book.

Connect with Taiia

Website: http://taiiasmartyoung.com/

Connect with Taiia on Instagram

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