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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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S7E5: Getting Attuned to Your Body’s Wisdom with Lauren Dike
Black Woman Leading
In this conversation, Laura welcomes Lauren Dike to explore the importance of attuning to one's body wisdom, particularly for Black women. Lauren shares her journey from corporate America to becoming a nervous system resilience expert They discuss the significance of understanding one’s nervous system, the impact of societal expectations on Black women, and practical steps for self-regulation. The conversation highlights the importance of professional support in the healing process and the need to reconnect with our body's sensations, while emphasizing the need for self-awareness and...
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S7E4: Becoming Financially Unstoppable with Breanna Colón
Black Woman Leading
In this episode, Laura welcomes Breanna Colón to discuss the journey to becoming financially unstoppable. Breanna shares her insights on financial freedom, the importance of money behavior, and practical strategies for achieving financial goals. The discussion emphasizes the need for a shift in mindset regarding money and the significance of understanding one's financial behavior to break free from cycles of debt to achieve true financial independence. Breanna emphasizes the importance of viewing budgeting as a financial planning tool rather than a chore. She discusses the significance...
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S7E3: Healing Out Loud with Sandria Washington
Black Woman Leading
In this engaging conversation, Laura and Sandria Washington explore the themes of healing, self-discovery, community, and self-advocacy. They discuss the concept of 'healing out loud,' which highlights the importance of vulnerability and stretching outside of your comfort zone through everyday moments. Sandria shares her own experiences and insights, emphasizing the significance of authenticity and the need to break cultural stigmas surrounding mental health and personal struggles. She shares her profound journey of discovering her adoption at the age of 38, the subsequent healing process that...
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S7E2: Mastering Strategic Networking with Daphne Valcin
Black Woman Leading
In this episode, Laura welcomes Daphne Valcin to discuss the importance of mastering strategic networking for career growth. They explore Daphne's journey as a leader, the definition of strategic networking, and the cultural nuances that affect networking for Black women. The conversation also delves into the connection between confidence and networking, as well as practical tips for introverts to navigate networking events effectively. They explore the nuances of networking, particularly in virtual environments. They also discuss strategies for setting networking goals, the importance...
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Welcome to Season 7!
Black Woman Leading
Welcome to Season 7 of Black Woman Leading, the podcast! In this episode, Laura introduces season seven of the Black Woman Leading podcast, focusing on the theme of 'Driving the Narrative of Your Career.' She emphasizes the importance of setting a personal vision and advocating for oneself while balancing heart work and head work, all core elements that will be revisited from multiple angles with solo and guest episodes this season. Laura answers the core questions for this season, sharing her personal journey of entrepreneurship, the growth of the Black Woman Leading iniative, the...
info_outlineIn 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 listeners to embrace their humanity and seek help when needed. She vulnerably shares how she is navigating grief, embracing strengthening her areas of growth, and how she has given herself more space to lean on her personal relationships for support.
About Kumari
At the time of our recording, Kumari L. Williams held the position of Vice President of VIBE™ (Value, Inclusion, Belonging & Equity) at Workday. She was recently promoted to the position of Chief Diversity Officer at Workday. With a passion for fostering inclusive, supportive, and equitable work environments, she serves as a visionary thought leader in the talent domain. Kumari spearheads strategic initiatives, including the Employee Belonging Council, Giving & Doing, and Disability Inclusion programs. Her vision revolves around fostering an environment in which each person feels esteemed, respected, and equipped to unleash their fullest potential.
With more than two decades of experience and a comprehensive track record in developing and executing effective strategies, Kumari brings her invaluable knowledge and insights to her position. Prior to joining Workday in 2021, Kumari worked in various senior leadership positions at HARMAN International and ADP. These roles included serving as the Senior Director of Global Talent Management & Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), Senior Director of Talent Acquisition & Employer Branding, and Director of Client Operations.
Kumari and her devoted husband, originally from Metro Detroit, currently reside in Georgia. They actively engage in their church and community activities alongside their two sons, fostering a strong sense of belonging and purpose.
Connect with Kumari on LinkedIn here.
Resources:
- Now enrolling for our spring 2025 leadership development programs starting in January 2025. Learn more at https://blackwomanleading.com/programs-overview/
- Event: Join us for the Black Woman Leading LIVE! Conference +Retreat, May 27-30, 2025 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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