Black Woman Leading

This podcast amplifies the needs and experiences of Black women leaders in the workplace with a holistic focus on three core areas -- leadership development, mental wellness, and relationship management. Our ultimate aim is to help Black women learn, heal, and grow in their leadership capacity.

S9E8: Becoming a Future-Ready Leader 08/06/2026

S9E8: Becoming a Future-Ready Leader What does it take to lead well when the ground will not stop shaking? In this solo episode, Laura introduces the Future-Ready Leader Model, a tree-based framework for leading from the inside out, through your roots, your trunk, and your branches. Roots. Your internal foundation: Self-awareness, emotional regulation, values, and grounding. Trunk. Your strategic positioning: The clarity and intentional choices that keep you standing. Branches. Your expansive impact: The influence, relationships, and reach beyond your role. You were not designed to only lead when things are easy. Future-ready leadership is not about becoming someone different. It is about going deeper into who you already are, and growing anyway. "You can have the most impressive branches in the room. But if your roots are shallow, one hard wind takes you down." Take the free Future-Ready Leader Assessment. Fifteen questions, about five minutes, and you get your profile, your scores across all three dimensions, your strengths, your growth edge, and three next steps. About Laura Laura Knights is the Creator of Black Woman Leading® and host of the podcast. She is an executive coach, speaker, facilitator, and licensed clinical social worker with 20+ years of experience creating personal and professional development programs that have touched leaders worldwide. Her expertise and background in business, human resources, adult education, and social work uniquely equip her to teach others how to deal with both the "head work" and "heart work" required to succeed at work and in life. She is the Founder and CEO of Knights Consulting LLC, a leadership development consultancy that provides customized training and coaching programs to create more confident leaders and high-performing teams. Black Woman Leading® is a research-backed initiative which offers leadership development programming, a podcast, and an annual conference for Black women professionals. Black Woman Leading® is an initiative of Knights Consulting LLC. Learn more at blackwomanleading.com. BWL Resources: Now enrolling for both the August sessions of the Early Career and Mid-Career programs. Learn more at Join us at the 2027 Black Woman Leading LIVE! Conference & Retreat. June 1-4, 2027, Clearwater Beach, FL. Save your seat at Full podcast episodes are now on Youtube. Check out the BWL theme song : Check out the BWL line dance tutorial : Credits: Learn about all Black Woman Leading® programs, resources, and events at Learn more about our consulting work with organizations at Email Laura: : : Instagram: Facebook: Youtube: Podcast Music & Production: - Graphics: Dara Adams Listen and follow the podcast on all major platforms: /episode/index/show/blackwomanleading/id/42343060

S9E7: Recalibrating Relationship Building with Dawn Pinnock 07/30/2026

S9E7: Recalibrating Relationship Building with Dawn Pinnock After nearly 30 years in public service, Dawn Pinnock stepped into an entirely new sector as president and CEO of the Center for Urban Community Services, and had to rebuild something she had spent decades earning: her professional relationships. In this episode, she and Laura break down what it takes to recalibrate how you connect when you are deeply established in one world and starting fresh in another. Dawn shares the exact process she used, taking honest stock of her track record, gathering candid feedback from longtime supporters and even former opponents, and turning those themes into a story she could lead with. It is a masterclass for anyone pivoting, by choice or by layoff, who worries the social capital they built no longer counts. In this episode: Why being "known but not networked" is a real distinction, and how to translate a strong reputation into new rooms Dawn's first-90-days playbook: honest self-assessment, feedback focus groups, and positioning yourself as a learner who still brings value How the relationships you build internally with your team become the springboard for the ones you build outside About Dawn Dawn M. Pinnock has spent nearly 30 years in public service driving change. As President and CEO of the Center for Urban Community Services (CUCS), she leads one of the city's most effective social service organizations, supporting over 50,000 people each year on their path to housing stability and long-term well-being. Before joining CUCS, she served as Commissioner of the Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS). In this role, she created the city’s first community-based hiring model, advanced family-forward policies for more than 320,000 employees, managed 22 million square feet of city-owned and leased office space, and made New York greener through fleet electrification and large-scale energy efficiency upgrades. Pinnock serves as a Trustee and adjunct professor at Metropolitan College of New York, and in 2026 was appointed to Mayor Zohran Mamdani's Commission on Government Efficiency, a newly formed Charter Revision Commission tasked with modernizing city government. Connect with Dawn Website: https://www.cucs.org/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cucs/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cucs_nyc/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CUCSnyc BWL Resources: Now enrolling for both the August sessions of the Early Career and Mid-Career programs. Learn more at Join us at the 2027 Black Woman Leading LIVE! Conference & Retreat. June 1-4, 2027, Clearwater Beach, FL. Save your seat at Full podcast episodes are now on Youtube. Check out the BWL theme song : Check out the BWL line dance tutorial : Download the free Black Woman Leading Career Reset Kit - Credits: Learn about all Black Woman Leading® programs, resources, and events at Learn more about our consulting work with organizations at Email Laura: : : Instagram: Facebook: Youtube: Podcast Music & Production: - Graphics: Dara Adams Listen and follow the podcast on all major platforms: /episode/index/show/blackwomanleading/id/42263750

S9E6: Manufacturing Fearlessness with Caressa Bell 07/23/2026

S9E6: Manufacturing Fearlessness with Caressa Bell Fear never fully goes away, so what if the goal was never to get rid of it? Caressa Bell, a Gulf War veteran, former Fortune 50 executive, and author of Manufactured Fearlessness, joins Laura to reframe fearlessness as something you build, not something you're born with. Drawing on the moment she deployed to war with a newborn at home, Caressa shares how "moving even when you're not ready" became the practice that carried her through a military career, two decades in corporate leadership, and the leap into entrepreneurship. She and Laura dig into leading yourself before you lead others, reading what's really happening "beyond the veil" in a room, and why so many of us are far more ready than we let ourselves believe. A galvanizing conversation for any Black woman standing at the edge of a bold move. In this episode: Why fearlessness is manufactured: how to feel the fear, look back at everything you've already done afraid, and move anyway "Beyond the veil": reading the unspoken dynamics in a room so you can lead and position yourself strategically Why you have to lead yourself first, and how knowing your gifts and triggers is the foundation for leading others About Caressa Caressa Bell is an Executive Strategist, Leadership & Transformation Coach, Gulf War Veteran, and former Fortune 50 Executive with more than 30 years of leadership experience spanning military service, corporate transformation, and entrepreneurship. Throughout her career, she has led billion-dollar portfolios, enterprise-wide transformation initiatives, and teams of more than 200 professionals. Today, through her work, speaking, and upcoming book Manufactured Fearlessness: Own Your Leadership, Own the Room, she helps leaders build the courage, clarity, and confidence to Lead Yourself. Lead Others. Leave a Legacy. Connect with Caressa Join the waitlist for Caressa Bell's upcoming book, Manufactured Fearlessness: Own Your Leadership, Own the Room, and be the first to receive launch updates, exclusive content, and release announcements: Website: LinkedIn: Instagram: @claritywithcaressa BWL Resources: Now enrolling for both the August sessions of the Early Career and Mid-Career programs. Learn more at Join us at the 2027 Black Woman Leading LIVE! Conference & Retreat. June 1-4, 2027, Clearwater Beach, FL. Save your seat at Full podcast episodes are now on Youtube. Check out the BWL theme song : Check out the BWL line dance tutorial : Download the free Black Woman Leading Career Reset Kit - Credits: Learn about all Black Woman Leading® programs, resources, and events at Learn more about our consulting work with organizations at Email Laura: : : Instagram: Facebook: Youtube: Podcast Music & Production: - Graphics: Dara Adams Listen and follow the podcast on all major platforms: /episode/index/show/blackwomanleading/id/42191990

S9E5: Building a Strong Reputation as a New Employee with Dr. Ciera Graham 07/16/2026

S9E5: Building a Strong Reputation as a New Employee with Dr. Ciera Graham Starting a new role is one of the most pivotal, and most vulnerable, moments in a career. Dr. Ciera Graham joins Laura with a clear, intentional framework for building and activating a strong professional reputation from day one. Drawing on her own journey, Ciera unpacks how to make a strong first impression, build the right relationships early, and manage your visibility and narrative so the right people understand your value. Whether you are stepping into a new job, a new team, or a new level, this conversation offers a practical roadmap for establishing credibility on purpose. In this episode: How to make a strong first impression and establish credibility in a new role Building the right relationships and networks early, before you need them Managing your visibility and reputation so your value is seen About Dr. Ciera Dr. Ciera Graham is an experienced higher education professional, business owner, and an accomplished career coach. She received her bachelor’s degree in Sociology and a Master's in Community Counseling from Washington State University, and a PhD in Sociology in August 2015 at the University of Cincinnati. Dr. Graham has been described as tenacious, innovative, forward thinking, impeccable executor a leader who leads with gratitude, and someone empowered to create a win-win situation for everyone she meets. She owns her own business, Dr. C Graham Consulting in which she provides career consulting services to entry to mid-level professionals. She has over 15 years of experience in the career development and coaching space. Her specialty is helping millennials and Gen Zers assess their skills, define their strategy, and engage in storytelling to ultimately secure and succeed in the job of their dreams. She also was invited by the CEO of Career Contessa to join their exclusive coaching network, a title only given to the top career coaches in the country. She is a past career columnist for Career Contessa, Best Colleges, The Seattle Times and the Everett Herald, and current contributor to the University of Washington Professional & Continuing Education department. She enjoys writing on topics focused on career and leadership development for Black women and navigating the workforce as a millennial. She has appeared on the following podcasts: Career Contessa, Your Career GPS, and Find your Dream Job. Connect with Dr. Ciera Website: http://cieragraham.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drcieragraham/ Instagram: @drcgrahamconsulting BWL Resources: Now enrolling for both the August sessions of the Early Career and Mid-Career programs. Learn more at Join us at the 2027 Black Woman Leading LIVE! Conference & Retreat. June 1-4, 2027, Clearwater Beach, FL. Save your seat at Full podcast episodes are now on Youtube. Check out the BWL theme song : Check out the BWL line dance tutorial : Download the free Black Woman Leading Career Reset Kit - Credits: Learn about all Black Woman Leading® programs, resources, and events at Learn more about our consulting work with organizations at Email Laura: : : Instagram: Facebook: Youtube: Podcast Music & Production: - Graphics: Dara Adams Listen and follow the podcast on all major platforms: /episode/index/show/blackwomanleading/id/42110715

S9E4: Creating Your Own Happiness with Dr. Kiki Ramsey 07/09/2026

S9E4: Creating Your Own Happiness with Dr. Kiki Ramsey Dr. Kiki Ramsey brings a positive psychology lens to one of the most important relationships we have: the one with ourselves. In this conversation, she and Laura explore what it means to create your own happiness rather than waiting on circumstances, titles, or other people to deliver it. Kiki shares her leadership journey and the science-backed practices that help Black women cultivate joy as a discipline rather than a destination. It is a grounding, hopeful conversation about tending to your inner life with the same intention you bring to your goals. In this episode: Why happiness is something you build, not something you wait for Positive psychology practices for cultivating joy in everyday leadership How a strong relationship with yourself becomes the foundation for everything else About Dr. Kiki Dr. Kiki Ramsey is a renowned Positive Psychologist, ICF Master Certified Career Coach, International Keynote Speaker and Best Selling Author. With a commitment to making a positive impact in the world, Dr. Kiki founded The Positive Psychology Coaching and Diversity Institute (PPCaDI), a leadership development firm that specializes in diversity and leadership coaching and training. Dr. Kiki is known for her innovative approach to coaching, and DEI called Positively Diverse Leadership, which is an evidence-based approach rooted in positive psychology that fosters the intentional use of strengths to help leaders build better working relationships and communication skills to become more inclusive leaders. This unique approach allows Dr. Kiki to help leaders and organizations create more inclusive and happy work cultures that foster belonging for all. As a leader in her field of positive psychology and DEI, Dr. Kiki has worked with a diverse range of clients, including top-level executives in Fortune 500 organizations and business owners, coaching and delivering keynote addresses for corporations, conferences, and events around the world. Dr. Kiki’s dedication and expertise have earned her the recognition of being named Top 50 Women Leaders in Georgia in 2023, 2024 and 2025 by Women We Admire. Connect with Dr. Kiki Website: http://www.ppcadi.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drkikiramsey/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drkikiramsey/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kiki.ramsey/ BWL Resources: Now enrolling for both the August sessions of the Early Career and Mid-Career programs. Learn more at Join us at the 2027 Black Woman Leading LIVE! Conference & Retreat. June 1-4, 2027, Clearwater Beach, FL. Save your seat at Full podcast episodes are now on Youtube. Check out the BWL theme song : Check out the BWL line dance tutorial : Download the free Black Woman Leading Career Reset Kit - Credits: Learn about all Black Woman Leading® programs, resources, and events at Learn more about our consulting work with organizations at Email Laura: : : Instagram: Facebook: Youtube: Podcast Music & Production: - Graphics: Dara Adams Listen and follow the podcast on all major platforms: /episode/index/show/blackwomanleading/id/42022255

S9E3: Rewiring the Way We Think About Relationships with Mecca Anderson 07/09/2026

S9E3: Rewiring the Way We Think About Relationships with Mecca Anderson Mecca Anderson joins Laura to challenge the assumptions we carry into our personal and professional relationships. Too often we operate on autopilot, repeating old patterns and making unintentional missteps that quietly cost us trust, connection, and opportunity. Mecca shares her own leadership story and her approach to rewiring how we relate to the people who shape our lives and careers, from being more intentional about the connections we build to noticing the small habits that get in our way. It is a candid, practical conversation about relating to others, and to ourselves, with more awareness and less default. In this episode: The common, unintentional relationship mistakes that quietly undermine trust and connection How to move from autopilot to intention in both personal and professional relationships What it looks like to rewire long-held patterns and show up differently About Mecca Professor Mecca Anderson is a lawyer, law professor, and speaker with more than 15 years of experience spanning civil litigation, criminal prosecution, judicial clerkships, legal entrepreneurship, and appellate practice. She began her legal career clerking at the Supreme Court of Georgia before building a career representing injured clients, teaching future lawyers, and serving communities across Georgia. She currently focuses her practice on personal injury litigation as Of Counsel with Maxwell Tillman + Coleman. Whether advocating for injured clients, teaching future lawyers, speaking to audiences, or mentoring professionals, Professor Anderson explores the intersection of relationships, professionalism, leadership, and human behavior, helping others build careers and lives grounded in trust, purpose, and meaningful connection. Connect with Mecca Website: https://www.johnmarshall.edu/facultystaff/mecca-anderson/ LinkedIn: Instagram: and TikTok: BWL Resources: Now enrolling for both the August sessions of the Early Career and Mid-Career programs. Learn more at Join us at the 2027 Black Woman Leading LIVE! Conference & Retreat. June 1-4, 2027, Clearwater Beach, FL. Save your seat at Full podcast episodes are now on Youtube. Check out the BWL theme song : Check out the BWL line dance tutorial : Download the free Black Woman Leading Career Reset Kit - Credits: Learn about all Black Woman Leading® programs, resources, and events at Learn more about our consulting work with organizations at Email Laura: : : Instagram: Facebook: Youtube: Podcast Music & Production: - Graphics: Dara Adams Listen and follow the podcast on all major platforms: /episode/index/show/blackwomanleading/id/42022205

S9E2: Auditing Your Leadership Identity 07/09/2026

S9E2: Auditing Your Leadership Identity Who are you being as a leader right now, and did you ever actually choose her? In this solo episode, Laura opens Season 9's work on the relationship with yourself by guiding you through a leadership identity audit. This is not about casting a vision for who you want to become. It is an honest, present-tense look at who you already are. Most of us never consciously designed our leadership identity. We built it in survival mode, in rooms that required it, and we kept performing it long after the room changed. The audit gives you a simple framework to examine what you are carrying, tell the difference between what still serves you and what is just familiar, and reclaim the choice of who you lead as now. In this episode: Why an identity audit is different from vision or goal-setting, and why that distinction matters The three audit questions: what you built to survive, what is still true versus just familiar, and what you are ready to release How honesty with yourself becomes the foundation for every other relationship you cultivate this season About Laura Laura Knights is the Creator of Black Woman Leading® and host of the podcast. She is an executive coach, speaker, facilitator, and licensed clinical social worker with 20+ years of experience creating personal and professional development programs that have touched leaders worldwide. Her expertise and background in business, human resources, adult education, and social work uniquely equip her to teach others how to deal with both the "head work" and "heart work" required to succeed at work and in life. She is the Founder and CEO of Knights Consulting LLC, a leadership development consultancy that provides customized training and coaching programs to create more confident leaders and high-performing teams. Black Woman Leading® is a research-backed initiative which offers leadership development programming, a podcast, and an annual conference for Black women professionals. Black Woman Leading® is an initiative of Knights Consulting LLC. Learn more at blackwomanleading.com. BWL Resources: Now enrolling for both the August sessions of the Early Career and Mid-Career programs. Learn more at Join us at the 2027 Black Woman Leading LIVE! Conference & Retreat. June 1-4, 2027, Clearwater Beach, FL. Save your seat at Full podcast episodes are now on Youtube. Check out the BWL theme song : Check out the BWL line dance tutorial : Download the free Black Woman Leading Career Reset Kit - Credits: Learn about all Black Woman Leading® programs, resources, and events at Learn more about our consulting work with organizations at Email Laura: : : Instagram: Facebook: Youtube: Podcast Music & Production: - Graphics: Dara Adams Listen and follow the podcast on all major platforms: /episode/index/show/blackwomanleading/id/42022165

S9E1: Welcome to Season 9! 07/09/2026

S9E1: Welcome to Season 9! Welcome to Season 9 of Black Woman Leading, the podcast! This podcast is an extension of the Black Woman Leading programs and events. In this opener, Laura sets the table for a new season built entirely around relationships, the full ecosystem of connections that either sustain us or drain us as leaders. Coming out of Season 8's work on joy and wholeness, she frames this season as what we build from that grounded place: authentic relationships with ourselves, our teams, our communities, and the people in our personal lives who make our leadership sustainable. At the heart of the season is one question. How do we cultivate and curate relationships that do not require us to decenter our own experience, abandon our values, or shrink ourselves to belong? Laura shares where the season is headed and why real relationship, the kind that fuels great leadership, always starts with a grounded, boundaried, fully present you. About Laura Laura Knights is the Creator of Black Woman Leading® and host of the podcast. She is an executive coach, speaker, facilitator, and licensed clinical social worker with 20+ years of experience creating personal and professional development programs that have touched leaders worldwide. Her expertise and background in business, human resources, adult education, and social work uniquely equip her to teach others how to deal with both the "head work" and "heart work" required to succeed at work and in life. She is the Founder and CEO of Knights Consulting LLC, a leadership development consultancy that provides customized training and coaching programs to create more confident leaders and high-performing teams. Black Woman Leading® is a research-backed initiative which offers leadership development programming, a podcast, and an annual conference for Black women professionals. Black Woman Leading® is an initiative of Knights Consulting LLC. Learn more at blackwomanleading.com. BWL Resources: Now enrolling for both the August sessions of the Early Career and Mid-Career programs. Learn more at Join us at the 2027 Black Woman Leading LIVE! Conference & Retreat. June 1-4, 2027, Clearwater Beach, FL. Save your seat at Full podcast episodes are now on Youtube. Check out the BWL theme song : Check out the BWL line dance tutorial : Download the free Black Woman Leading Career Reset Kit - Credits: Learn about all Black Woman Leading® programs, resources, and events at Learn more about our consulting work with organizations at Email Laura: : : Instagram: Facebook: Youtube: Podcast Music & Production: - Graphics: Dara Adams Listen and follow the podcast on all major platforms: /episode/index/show/blackwomanleading/id/42021735

S8E29: Season 8 Reflections & Recap 05/21/2026

S8E29: Season 8 Reflections & Recap This episode is dedicated to the memory of Dr. Cree Scott, clinical psychologist, founder of Serenity Psy Consulting, and our guest for Episode 21. Dr. Scott recorded with us in November 2025 and passed away in December. Her episode aired posthumously in March 2026, timed to the launch of her book. Her wisdom, her warmth, and her work live on. Rest well, Dr. Cree. Twenty-eight episodes. One theme. And more wisdom than could have been anticipated when Season 8 began. In this solo season finale, Laura reflects on the conversations, themes, and light bulb moments that defined Season 8 of Black Woman Leading. Rather than revisiting episodes one by one, Laura organizes her reflections around five powerful themes that emerged across the season — themes that collectively paint a picture of what it truly means to Lean Into Joy as a Black woman leader. The five themes Laura explores are Joy as Resistance and Reclamation, The Identity Reckoning, The Body, Burnout, and the Strong Black Woman Trope, Career Navigation in a Shifting World, and Connection, Community, and Leading Beyond Yourself. Along the way, she weaves in moments from guest conversations across the season, naming what landed, what shifted, and what she will carry forward. Laura also does something she has not done all season: she answers the Leaning Into Joy questions she asked every guest. What is her definition of joy? What does leading with joy look like at this stage of her career? Has she ever had to re-learn joy after a difficult season? And what is bringing her joy right now — and how does she protect it? The episode closes with a warm send-off to the Season 8 community and a first look at what Season 9 will explore: the art of cultivating relationships that are authentic, boundaried, and rooted in who you actually are — with yourself, your team, your community, and the people in your personal life who make sustainable leadership possible. Season 8 was about reclaiming joy. Season 9 is about building from that place of wholeness. Stay tuned! About Laura Laura Knights is the Creator of Black Woman Leading® and host of the podcast. She is an executive coach, speaker, facilitator, and licensed clinical social worker with 20+ years of experience creating personal and professional development programs that have touched leaders worldwide. Her expertise and background in business, human resources, adult education, and social work uniquely equip her to teach others how to deal with both the "head work" and "heart work" required to succeed at work and in life. She is the Founder and CEO of Knights Consulting LLC, a leadership development consultancy that provides customized training and coaching programs to create more confident leaders and high-performing teams. Black Woman Leading® is a research-backed initiative which offers leadership development programming, a podcast, and an annual conference for Black women professionals. Black Woman Leading® is an initiative of Knights Consulting LLC. Learn more at blackwomanleading.com. BWL Resources: We are now enrolling for the August cohorts of our Early Career and Mid-Career Leadership Development programs. Learn more at Full podcast episodes are now on Youtube. Download the free Black Woman Leading Career Reset Kit - Check out the BWL theme song : Check out the BWL line dance tutorial : Credits: Learn about all Black Woman Leading® programs, resources, and events at Learn more about our consulting work with organizations at Email Laura: : : Instagram: Facebook: Youtube: Podcast Music & Production: - Graphics: Dara Adams Listen and follow the podcast on all major platforms: /episode/index/show/blackwomanleading/id/41376275

S8E28: Resetting Your Career with Intention 05/07/2026

S8E28: Resetting Your Career with Intention What does it really mean to reset? Not to give up. Not to start over from scratch. But to pause with intention, get honest with yourself, and realign your career with who you actually are and where you actually want to go. In this solo episode, Laura walks listeners through the Black Woman Leading Career Reset Framework, a five-area reflection process designed to help leaders regroup, restore, and realign with clarity and purpose. Drawing from the Black Woman Leading Career Reset Kit, this episode brings together head work and heart work to support leaders who are navigating transition, burnout, or simply a quiet sense that something needs to shift. Laura addresses the real moment we are in. With hundreds of thousands of Black women navigating layoffs, restructuring, and a shifting professional landscape, a reset is not a sign of defeat. It is an act of wisdom. And whether you are grieving a loss or quietly relieved by a change, this episode meets you where you are. Together, listeners will move through five areas of reflection: Burnout and Wellness, Career Clarity, Mental Wellness and Self-Care, Relationships and Support, and Leadership Identity. Each section includes honest questions, practical prompts, and coaching insights drawn from Laura’s years of experience as an executive coach and leadership strategist. Aligned with Season 8’s theme Leaning Into Joy, this episode reframes the Career Reset as one of the most joyful acts of self-leadership available to us. Because joy is not a destination waiting on the other side of the grind. It is a practice. And choosing to reset is choosing yourself. Download the free Black Woman Leading Career Reset Kit - About Laura Laura Knights is the Creator of Black Woman Leading® and host of the podcast. She is an executive coach, speaker, facilitator, and licensed clinical social worker with 20+ years of experience creating personal and professional development programs that have touched leaders worldwide. Her expertise and background in business, human resources, adult education, and social work uniquely equip her to teach others how to deal with both the "head work" and "heart work" required to succeed at work and in life. She is the Founder and CEO of Knights Consulting LLC, a leadership development consultancy that provides customized training and coaching programs to create more confident leaders and high-performing teams. Black Woman Leading® is a research-backed initiative which offers leadership development programming, a podcast, and an annual conference for Black women professionals. Black Woman Leading® is an initiative of Knights Consulting LLC. Learn more at blackwomanleading.com. BWL Resources: Join us at the 2026 Black Woman Leading LIVE! Conference & Retreat. May 11-14, 2026 in Myrtle Beach, SC. Save your seat at Full podcast episodes are now on Youtube. Check out the BWL theme song : Check out the BWL line dance tutorial : Credits: Learn about all Black Woman Leading® programs, resources, and events at Learn more about our consulting work with organizations at Email Laura: : : Instagram: Facebook: Youtube: Podcast Music & Production: - Graphics: Dara Adams Listen and follow the podcast on all major platforms: /episode/index/show/blackwomanleading/id/41202165

S8E27: Moving Beyond Titles with Suezette Yasmin Robotham 04/30/2026

S8E27: Moving Beyond Titles with Suezette Yasmin Robotham In this episode, Laura sits down with Suezette Yasmin Robotham, bestselling author, global talent and culture executive, executive coach, and keynote speaker, to explore one of the most important and often unasked questions in leadership: who are you when the titles fade away? Drawing from her book Beyond Titles: Fearlessly Leading as Your Authentic Self, Suezette brings two decades of experience shaping leadership at some of the world's most recognized organizations, including Google, Meta, Gartner, and Salesforce, to a conversation that is equal parts practical and deeply personal. Together, Laura and Suezette unpack what it really means to lead from the inside out. They explore how values serve as an anchor in seasons of transition, uncertainty, and burnout, and what it looks like when a leader is quietly out of alignment with what matters most to them. Suezette also introduces a powerful reframe around skills-based identity, challenging leaders to stop defining themselves by the roles they've held and start recognizing the transferable strengths they carry into every room. The conversation takes a turn into heart work, addressing the internal fears that keep people tethered to titles long after those titles have stopped serving them. And in one of the episode's most powerful moments, Laura and Suezette speak directly to the reality that over 600,000 Black women have been laid off in recent months. With honesty and grace, Suezette holds space for two women who may be listening at the same time: the one who is grieving, and the one who is quietly relieved. This episode is for every leader who has ever wondered whether they are enough without the credential, the corner office, or the LinkedIn headline to back them up. The answer, Suezette makes clear, has always lived inside you. Aligned with Season 8's theme Leaning Into Joy, this episode is an invitation to release performative leadership and step into something more grounded, more courageous, and more authentically yours. About Suezette Suezette Yasmin Robotham is a best-selling author, global talent and culture executive, executive coach, and keynote speaker with two decades of experience shaping leadership in an AI-accelerated world. She has led talent and leadership strategy at Google, Meta, Gartner, and Salesforce, and advises global organizations on building cultures rooted in clarity, accountability, and trust. A TEDx speaker and featured voice in the award-winning SeeHer Multiplicity docuseries, Suezette is known for helping leaders move beyond performative leadership and lead with discernment, courage, and alignment. Known for her warmth, wit, and unflinching honesty, she is the mentor we all wish we had in the room. Connect with Suezette Website: www.suezette.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suezette/ Instagram: @suezette TikTok: @suezetteyasminrobotham BWL Resources: Join us at the 2026 Black Woman Leading LIVE! Conference & Retreat. May 11-14, 2026 in Myrtle Beach, SC. Save your seat at Full podcast episodes are now on Youtube. Check out the BWL theme song : Check out the BWL line dance tutorial : Download the free Black Woman Leading Career Reset Kit - Credits: Learn about all Black Woman Leading® programs, resources, and events at Learn more about our consulting work with organizations at Email Laura: : : Instagram: Facebook: Youtube: Podcast Music & Production: - Graphics: Dara Adams Listen and follow the podcast on all major platforms: /episode/index/show/blackwomanleading/id/41073020

S8E26: Defining Your Executive Presence with Shaquanna Chappelle 04/23/2026

S8E26: Defining Your Executive Presence with Shaquanna Chappelle In this episode, Laura sits down with Shaquanna Chappelle, executive presence consultant and speaker, to break down what executive presence really is and what it isn’t. While executive presence is often framed around image, polish, or performance, Shaquanna invites us into a deeper understanding: true presence is built from the inside out. Drawing from her journey from wardrobe stylist to confidence and presence expert, she shares how she realized that what many leaders were struggling with wasn’t how they looked, but how they felt about themselves. Together, Laura and Shaquanna explore the often-unspoken confidence gap, how insecurity, fear, and limiting beliefs can quietly undermine even the most capable leaders. They discuss the critical role of self-trust in leadership and how rebuilding that trust can transform how we show up, communicate, and influence others. Shaquanna also introduces her approach to helping leaders define their unique executive presence positioning, emphasizing that presence is not about imitation, but about alignment: understanding who you are, how you lead, and how you communicate your value authentically. Aligned with Season 8’s theme Leaning Into Joy, this episode invites listeners to release performative expectations and step into a more grounded, confident, and empowered version of leadership. About Shaquanna Shaquanna is a sought-after speaker and executive presence consultant trusted by Forbes School of Business & Technology, Georgia Association of Women Lawyers, Sentara Health, and more. Known for her high-energy keynotes on fear, insecurity, and self-imposed limits, she empowers professionals to tap into their confidence and show up in their full power. As an in-demand image and style expert, she believes confidence starts within. Her book, Get Up and Get Dressed, guides women to eliminate self-doubt and embrace their full potential. Through her Pursuing A Powerful Presence method, Shaquanna creates safe, engaging spaces that help leaders build self-trust and accelerate career success. After hearing Shaquanna speak, professionals are able to combat insecurities and reach a new level of confidence that commands the room. Connect with Shaquanna Website : LinkedIn: BWL Resources: Join us at the 2026 Black Woman Leading LIVE! Conference & Retreat. May 11-14, 2026 in Myrtle Beach, SC. Save your seat at Full podcast episodes are now on Youtube. Check out the BWL theme song : Check out the BWL line dance tutorial : Download the free Black Woman Leading Career Reset Kit - Credits: Learn about all Black Woman Leading® programs, resources, and events at Learn more about our consulting work with organizations at Email Laura: : : Instagram: Facebook: Youtube: Podcast Music & Production: - Graphics: Dara Adams Listen and follow the podcast on all major platforms: /episode/index/show/blackwomanleading/id/40987700

S8E25: Reclaiming Your Power Through the Body with Blessing Uchendu 04/16/2026

S8E25: Reclaiming Your Power Through the Body with Blessing Uchendu In this episode of Black Woman Leading, Laura is joined by Blessing Uchendu, licensed clinical social worker and somatic leadership coach, to explore what it means to reclaim your power through the body. With over two decades of clinical experience, Blessing challenges a common assumption in leadership development—that growth is simply a mindset shift away. Instead, she introduces a deeper truth: your nervous system is shaping how you lead, how you respond, and how you experience the workplace. Together, Laura and Blessing unpack the power of somatics, a body-based approach to awareness and healing, and why it is especially critical for Black women leaders. In environments where microaggressions, constant visibility, and systemic pressures are present, the body often carries what the mind has learned to push through. Blessing reframes somatic work as a form of reclamation, a way for Black women to reconnect with their bodies, their boundaries, and their internal signals after years of conditioning that may have required disconnection for survival. Through both clinical insight and real-world application, she shares how understanding and working with the nervous system can transform not only individual wellbeing, but also leadership effectiveness, team dynamics, and workplace culture. Aligned with Season 8’s theme Leaning Into Joy, this episode invites listeners to slow down, tune in, and consider how reconnecting with the body can unlock a more grounded, empowered, and sustainable way of leading. About Blessing Blessing Uchendu is a licensed clinical social worker and somatic leadership coach who's on a mission to change how we think about what makes a great leader. With over 20 years of clinical experience, she's done with the idea that better leadership is just a mindset shift away. Through her practice, Freshwater Counseling and Consulting, she partners with organizations to help leaders understand something most leadership development skips entirely: your nervous system is running the show. When you learn to work with it, everything changes — how you show up, how you connect, and how your team performs. Follow her on LinkedIn for her takes on somatic and nervous system-informed leadership at work. Connect with Blessing Website: LinkedIn: BWL Resources: Join us at the 2026 Black Woman Leading LIVE! Conference & Retreat. May 11-14, 2026 in Myrtle Beach, SC. Save your seat at Full podcast episodes are now on Youtube. Check out the BWL theme song : Check out the BWL line dance tutorial : Download the free Black Woman Leading Career Reset Kit - Credits: Learn about all Black Woman Leading® programs, resources, and events at Learn more about our consulting work with organizations at Email Laura: : : Instagram: Facebook: Youtube: Podcast Music & Production: - Graphics: Dara Adams Listen and follow the podcast on all major platforms: /episode/index/show/blackwomanleading/id/40895675

S8E24: Catalyzing Community-Led Leadership with Alysia Lee 04/09/2026

S8E24: Catalyzing Community-Led Leadership with Alysia Lee In this episode, Laura sits down with Alysia Lee, President & CEO of the Baltimore Children & Youth Fund, to explore what it means to lead through community, creativity, and shared power. Alysia brings a unique leadership lens shaped by her background as a musician and composer, offering insight into how artistic practice (listening, collaboration, and responsiveness) translates into her approach as a first-time CEO. At the heart of the conversation is Alysia’s approach to Ubuntu community-led leadership—a model that challenges traditional, expert-driven systems and instead centers collective wisdom, shared ownership, and trust. She shares how community voice is not just consulted, but embedded in decision-making at the Baltimore Children & Youth Fund, including real examples of how community input has shaped funding strategies and organizational direction. Alysia also offers a candid look at the inner work required to lead differently. Moving from having the answers to facilitating collective insight requires unlearning, humility, and a willingness to sit in uncertainty. She speaks openly about what it takes to quiet the instinct to control and instead cultivate environments where others can contribute meaningfully. The conversation also explores the realities of leading within complex stakeholder ecosystems, including youth, community members, funders, and policymakers, and how to navigate differing expectations while maintaining alignment and trust. About Alysia Alysia Lee is the President & CEO of the Baltimore Children & Youth Fund, where she leads one of the nation’s most innovative public philanthropic organizations dedicated to advancing racial equity and youth leadership. Under her leadership, BCYF has transformed traditional grantmaking by centering community voice, investing in grassroots leadership, and designing systems that prioritize justice, sustainability, and abundance. A nationally recognized thought leader, Alysia works at the intersection of philanthropy, youth development, education, and the arts. She brings a rare blend of operational discipline, visionary thinking, and values-aligned leadership to her work. She has built and managed high-performing teams, navigated complex government partnerships, and launched initiatives that expand access and deepen impact across sectors. During her tenure, BCYF’s compliance rate has increased from 30% to over 90%, and the organization launched Baltimore’s first-ever Youth Master Plan. Alysia is the Founder of Sister Cities Girlchoir, an El Sistema-inspired choral program that has empowered hundreds of girls across multiple cities through a blend of musical excellence, social justice, and youth development. She is also a proud Kennedy Center Citizen Artist and an in-demand guest conductor, with recent engagements including the LA Master Chorale, Mendelssohn Chorus, and Boston Children’s Chorus. Her choral composition “Say Her Name” is published by Hal Leonard, and she has been commissioned by the Baltimore Choral Arts Society and Portland Lesbian Choir. She formerly led statewide arts education policy at the Maryland State Department of Education and currently serves on the Board of Chorus America. Alysia is a sought-after national speaker and facilitator, with recent engagements at the U.S. Department of Education, Carnegie Hall, state arts agencies, and universities across the country. As a Black woman leader, she leads with lived experience and a deep commitment to justice, creating space for new models of power and partnership. Whether managing multimillion-dollar investments or conducting on stage, Alysia is known for turning bold ideas into measurable results. She leads with integrity, builds with courage, and brings people together to do what hasn’t been done before. Connect with Alysia Website: On socials @bcyfund LinkedIn: BWL Resources: Join us at the 2026 Black Woman Leading LIVE! Conference & Retreat. May 11-14, 2026 in Myrtle Beach, SC. Save your seat at Full podcast episodes are now on Youtube. Check out the BWL theme song : Check out the BWL line dance tutorial : Download the free Black Woman Leading Career Reset Kit - Credits: Learn about all Black Woman Leading® programs, resources, and events at Learn more about our consulting work with organizations at Email Laura: : : Instagram: Facebook: Youtube: Podcast Music & Production: - Graphics: Dara Adams Listen and follow the podcast on all major platforms: /episode/index/show/blackwomanleading/id/40783535

S8E23: Casting Your Future with Dr. Cornelia Shipley Bearyman 04/02/2026

S8E23: Casting Your Future with Dr. Cornelia Shipley Bearyman In this episode, Laura is joined by Dr. Cornelia Shipley-Bearyman, Founder & CEO of 3C Consulting, to explore what it means to intentionally cast your future, not just react to your present. Drawing from her work in leadership, culture transformation, and her recent PhD in metaphysics, Dr. Cornelia breaks down how our mindset, language, and belief systems shape the realities we experience, both personally and professionally. She invites listeners to consider how the way we think, speak, and interpret our circumstances directly influences what becomes possible in our lives. Together, Laura and Dr. Cornelia explore how many Black women have been conditioned to center survival, resilience, and overperformance; and how that conditioning can quietly limit our vision for what’s possible. Through a powerful reframing, this episode challenges listeners to move from reactive survival to intentional creation. At the heart of the conversation is Dr. Cornelia’s belief: “You will see what you say.” She unpacks how language acts as a shaping force and how small shifts in how we speak about ourselves, our work, and our future can open new pathways for growth, opportunity, and alignment. Aligned with Season 8’s theme Leaning Into Joy, this episode invites listeners to reclaim authorship over their future by grounding in intention, expanding their thinking, and reconnecting to the internal power that shapes external outcomes. About Dr. Cornelia Dr. Cornelia Shipley Bearyman is the Founder and CEO of 3C Consulting, where she advises senior leaders and HR teams on building accountable, inclusive cultures that drive sustainable performance. She brings over two decades of executive and advisory experience working with Fortune 500 companies, nonprofits, and governing bodies on culture transformation, leadership capacity, and systemic inclusion. Dr. Cornelia holds a PhD in Metaphysics with a concentration in Conscious Business and Leadership, an MBA in Strategy, and a BA in Communication. She is the author of the Amazon bestselling book Design Your Life and is a frequent keynote speaker on conscious culture creation and leadership accountability. Connect with Dr. Cornelia Website: Women Thrive & Win Skool Community: LinkedIn: IG: FB: 3C Consulting LinkedIn: BWL Resources: Join us at the 2026 Black Woman Leading LIVE! Conference & Retreat. May 11-14, 2026 in Myrtle Beach, SC. Save your seat at Full podcast episodes are now on Youtube. Check out the BWL theme song : Check out the BWL line dance tutorial : Download the free Black Woman Leading Career Reset Kit - Credits: Learn about all Black Woman Leading® programs, resources, and events at Learn more about our consulting work with organizations at Email Laura: : : Instagram: Facebook: Youtube: Podcast Music & Production: - Graphics: Dara Adams Listen and follow the podcast on all major platforms: /episode/index/show/blackwomanleading/id/40705405

S8E22: Leveraging Strategic Self-Advocacy with Sarah Boyd 03/26/2026

S8E22: Leveraging Strategic Self-Advocacy with Sarah Boyd In this timely and empowering episode, Laura sits down with Sarah Boyd, Founder & CEO of The Formation, to unpack what it truly means to leverage strategic self-advocacy—especially for Black women navigating today’s complex corporate landscape. Drawing from her experience working with C-suite leaders and building community for Black women in corporate spaces, Sarah introduces a more nuanced understanding of self-advocacy—one that goes beyond simply “speaking up” and instead centers strategy, clarity, and sustainability. Together, Laura and Sarah explore why self-advocacy is not just a career skill, but a critical tool for protecting the investments Black women have made in their careers—particularly in a moment shaped by economic uncertainty, technological disruption, and shifting workplace dynamics. The conversation also acknowledges a deeper layer: the trauma component of advocacy. For many Black women, pushing against systems hasn’t always felt safe. Sarah offers insight into how leaders can begin to advocate for themselves in ways that are both effective and self-honoring—without overextending or sacrificing their wellbeing. About Sarah Sarah Boyd is the Founder & CEO of The Formation — a community-based app that serves up real talk, real resources, and real tight-knit community for Black women navigating the realities of corporate America. As a certified talent development leader, Sarah has worked with C-suite executives and senior leaders coaching, mentoring, and building impactful programs to help both individuals and teams succeed. After working in enterprise, startup, and social impact spaces, Sarah launched The Formation community to fill the glaring resource gap she saw in each of these environments. Today, she lends her expertise to creating resources for strategic disruption — actionable tools Black women can use to advocate for ourselves in the workplace, and safeguard the investments we've made in our careers. Connect with Sarah Website: LinkedIn: BWL Resources: Join us at the 2026 Black Woman Leading LIVE! Conference & Retreat. May 11-14, 2026 in Myrtle Beach, SC. Save your seat at Full podcast episodes are now on Youtube. Check out the BWL theme song : Check out the BWL line dance tutorial : Download the free Black Woman Leading Career Reset Kit - Credits: Learn about all Black Woman Leading® programs, resources, and events at Learn more about our consulting work with organizations at Email Laura: : : Instagram: Facebook: Youtube: Podcast Music & Production: - Graphics: Dara Adams Listen and follow the podcast on all major platforms: /episode/index/show/blackwomanleading/id/40626015

S8E21: Reclaiming Connection & Purpose with Dr. Cree Scott 03/19/2026

S8E21: Reclaiming Connection & Purpose with Dr. Cree Scott Updated: We recently learned that Dr. Cree Scott passed away in December 2025. We didn’t know when this episode aired. We recorded in November 2026, and she requested that the episode be released this spring closer to her book release. We're heartbroken and keeping this up because her words deserve to be heard. Her book, The Missing Peace, releases April 14th, posthumously. Please consider grabbing a copy to honor her legacy. Purchase the book here: ______ In this insightful episode of Black Woman Leading, Laura sits down with Dr. Cree Scott, clinical psychologist, workplace performance expert, and founder of Serenity Psy Consulting, to explore what she calls “The Missing Peace in Leadership.” Drawing on both psychological science and her work advising Fortune 100 organizations, Dr. Scott explains why so many high-performing leaders are running on empty. Despite access to productivity tools and leadership frameworks, many professionals remain disconnected—from themselves, their teams, and their deeper purpose. Her upcoming book, The Missing Peace in Leadership, introduces the Integrated Connection Framework, a model designed to restore alignment across three essential dimensions: Connection to Me, Connection to We, and Connection to All. These dimensions help leaders move beyond busyness and burnout to cultivate deeper presence, collective intelligence, and purpose-driven leadership. Together, Laura and Dr. Scott unpack what it means to reclaim connection in a world that often rewards hyperproductivity and distraction. They explore how leaders—especially Black women navigating systemic pressures and high expectations—can reconnect with their inner grounding, build healthier relationships within teams, and tap into broader ecosystems of wisdom and purpose. Aligned with Season 8’s theme Leaning Into Joy, this episode invites listeners to consider how slowing down, reconnecting inwardly, and leading with intention can transform leadership from exhausting to energizing. About Dr. Cree What happens when you combine a clinical psychologist with Fortune 100 leadership consulting? You get a thought leader who doesn't just help executives perform better—she helps them understand why they do what they do and transforms that insight into breakthrough performance. Dr. Cree Scott, is the founder and CEO of Serenity Psy Consulting, where she brings the science of human behavior into the boardroom. As a workplace performance expert, she's worked across industries and sectors, turning complex psychological concepts into practical strategies that transforms how leaders lead. What makes her approach different? She uncovers the blind spots and self-limiting beliefs that even the most successful leaders don't know they have. And she's currently writing the book on it—literally. Her upcoming work, The Missing Peace in Leadership, reveals the overlooked ingredients that turn leadership from exhausting to energizing. Whether you're leading a team of five or five thousand, her approach will challenge how you think about leadership, performance, and what it really takes to inspire yourself and others to do their best work. Connect with Cree Website: LinkedIn: BWL Resources: Join us at the 2026 Black Woman Leading LIVE! Conference & Retreat. May 11-14, 2026 in Myrtle Beach, SC. Save your seat at Full podcast episodes are now on Youtube. Check out the BWL theme song : Check out the BWL line dance tutorial : Download the free Black Woman Leading Career Reset Kit - Credits: Learn about all Black Woman Leading® programs, resources, and events at Learn more about our consulting work with organizations at Email Laura: : : Instagram: Facebook: Youtube: Podcast Music & Production: - Graphics: Dara Adams Listen and follow the podcast on all major platforms: /episode/index/show/blackwomanleading/id/40540455

S8E20: Exploring Professional Wanderlust with Dr. Crystal Moten 03/12/2026

S8E20: Exploring Professional Wanderlust with Dr. Crystal Moten In this episode, Laura is joined by Dr. Crystal Moten, an award-winning writer, historian, and expert on Black women’s history who has spent her career amplifying the lives and labors of Black women. Dr. Moten introduces the concept of professional wanderlust, a term she coined to reframe how we think about career mobility. Drawing inspiration from the idea of wanderlust in travel, she explores how many Black women navigate their careers as spaces of learning, growth, and exploration rather than following a single, linear path. A self-described professional wanderlust herself, Dr. Moten shares how she once felt shame about frequently changing roles before recognizing the deeper power in refusing to wait for permission to pursue opportunity, wellbeing, and alignment. Through both personal experience and historical insight, she challenges the stigma often attached to “job hopping” and invites listeners to see career movement through a more expansive lens. Together, Laura and Dr. Moten discuss the many reasons Black women move between roles—from seeking fair compensation to leaving toxic work environments to pursuing personal growth and joy. The conversation highlights how career mobility can be both a strategic and liberatory response to workplace realities. Aligned with Season 8’s theme Leaning Into Joy, this episode encourages listeners to reimagine their professional journeys as acts of courage, curiosity, and self-determination. About Crystal Dr. Crystal Marie Moten is an award-winning writer and expert on Black women's history. She has spent her professional life amplifying the life and labors of Black women. A self-proclaimed “professional wanderlust,” she is one of many Black women who have left job after job for a myriad of personal and professional reasons. At first, this continual movement made her ashamed–until she recognized the power in refusing to wait for anyone’s permission to reclaim her destiny, walk in her power and write her own ticket. Connect with Crystal Learn more about her upcoming book, The Ticket: Confessions of a Professional Wanderlust at https://profwanderlust.com/ Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cmmoten/ Connect on Instragram: @crystalmariemoten BWL Resources Join us at the 2026 Black Woman Leading LIVE! Conference & Retreat. May 11-14, 2026 in Myrtle Beach, SC. Save your seat at Full podcast episodes are now on Youtube. Check out the BWL theme song : Learn the BWL line dance tutorial : Download the free Black Woman Leading Career Reset Kit - BWL Resources Learn about all Black Woman Leading® programs, resources, and events at Learn more about our consulting work with organizations at Email Laura: : : Instagram: Facebook: Youtube: Podcast Music & Production: - Graphics: Dara Adams Listen and follow the podcast on all major platforms: /episode/index/show/blackwomanleading/id/40410160

S8E19: Amplifying Your Strengths with Dr. Elizabeth Adams 03/05/2026

S8E19: Amplifying Your Strengths with Dr. Elizabeth Adams In this episode, Laura sits down with Dr. Elizabeth Adams to explore what it truly means to amplify your strengths… not just possess them. In today’s dynamic corporate and technological landscape, many Black women leaders are deeply skilled yet under-recognized. Dr. Adams challenges listeners to move beyond quiet competence and into intentional visibility — leveraging presence, strategy, and even AI as tools to elevate their leadership. Together, they unpack how Black women can confidently own their leadership identity, strategically identify overlooked opportunities, and use emerging technologies to clarify and communicate their value. The conversation also explores Dr. Adams’ frameworks of skill stacking and job stacking, offering a roadmap for building diversified income streams and future-proofing careers without sacrificing wellbeing. Anchored in Season 8’s theme, Leaning Into Joy, this episode reminds us that amplifying our strengths is not about hustle for hustle’s sake — it’s about alignment, confidence, and redefining success on our own terms. About Dr. Elizabeth Dr. Elizabeth M. Adams is a global authority in Responsible AI, guiding societies and institutions through the age of artificial intelligence. An award-winning strategist, TEDx speaker, and LinkedIn Top Voice, she is a trusted source for industry, academia, nonprofits, and government leaders worldwide. As CEO of EMA Advisory Services, she helps organizations align culture, leadership, and innovation with ethical, human-centered AI. Her influence spans global stages, from the United Nations to policy labs in Sweden, translating Responsible AI into scalable, values-driven action. Recognized by Forbes as one of the “15 AI Ethics Leaders Showing the World the Way of the Future,” she bridges research, policy, and enterprise to ensure AI leadership is accountable, empowered, and transformative. Learn more about her work on her website at Connect with Elizabeth on LinkedIn: Purchase Elizabeth's book, In the Age of Artificial Intelligence: Choosing Purpose Before Code at BWL Resources: Join us at the 2026 Black Woman Leading LIVE! Conference & Retreat. May 11-14, 2026 in Myrtle Beach, SC. Save your seat at Full podcast episodes are now on Youtube. Check out the BWL theme song : Check out the BWL line dance tutorial : Download the free Black Woman Leading Career Reset Kit - Credits: Learn about all Black Woman Leading® programs, resources, and events at Learn more about our consulting work with organizations at Email Laura: : : Instagram: Facebook: Youtube: Podcast Music & Production: - Graphics: Dara Adams Listen and follow the podcast on all major platforms: /episode/index/show/blackwomanleading/id/40323945

S8E18: Redefining Balance with Pamela Gelie 02/26/2026

S8E18: Redefining Balance with Pamela Gelie In this empowering episode, Laura is joined by Pamela Gelie, Founder of URise, for a heartfelt and practical conversation on what it truly means to redefine balance…especially as Black women navigating multiple roles, expectations, and seasons of life. Pamela shares her personal journey of pursuing greater freedom, meaning, and values alignment, including how her search for balance ultimately led to a career pivot. Together, Laura and Pamela explore how balance is not a fixed destination, but a living, evolving practice shaped by our responsibilities, our resilience, and our willingness to honor what we need. This episode also dives into the complex relationship many Black women have with resilience. While strength is often celebrated, Laura and Pamela discuss how the “Strong Black Woman” trope can sometimes make it difficult to soften, rest, and be fully human—especially in moments when we don’t want to bounce back quickly. Aligned with Season 8’s theme “Leaning Into Joy,” this conversation invites listeners to consider balance as a pathway to joy; one that prioritizes inner clarity, wellbeing, and intentional living over perfection or constant performance. About Pamela Born in France to Afro-Caribbean parents, Pamela grew up between cultures and learned to adapt across worlds. A decade in London shaped her career leading customer experience in global organisations across the UK and France. Those years taught her how to deliver at scale while navigating complexity and multicultural environments. Illness, mental health challenges in family and discrimination tested her but also built resilience and empathy. Motherhood deepened her drive to create freedom and balance for her kids and the next generation. Today, she channels her journey and a profound sense of ''Give Back' into URise, the company so founded to turn lived experience into impact. It allows her to blend leadership, purpose and reinvention in equal measure. Connect with Pamela on LinkedIn: BWL Resources: Join us at the 2026 Black Woman Leading LIVE! Conference & Retreat. May 11-14, 2026 in Myrtle Beach, SC. Save your seat at Full podcast episodes are now on Youtube. Check out the BWL theme song : Check out the BWL line dance tutorial : Download the free Black Woman Leading Career Reset Kit - Credits: Learn about all Black Woman Leading® programs, resources, and events at Learn more about our consulting work with organizations at Email Laura: : : Instagram: Facebook: Youtube: Podcast Music & Production: - Graphics: Dara Adams Listen and follow the podcast on all major platforms: /episode/index/show/blackwomanleading/id/40236845

S8E17: Reimagining Responsible AI with Dr. Brandeis Marshall 02/19/2026

S8E17: Reimagining Responsible AI with Dr. Brandeis Marshall In this conversation, Laura and Dr. Brandeis Marshall explore the concept of responsible AI and the critical need to reframe our understanding of it. Dr. Marshall's insights shed light on how leaders and everyday users can navigate this complex terrain with a focus on ethics and responsibility. Key takeaways from this discussion include the importance of informed leadership, mindful AI usage, and the power of community support in driving responsible AI initiatives. Whether you're overseeing AI in your organization or using it personally, this conversation will reshape how you approach AI ethically, legally, and practically. About Dr. Marshall Brandeis Marshall is founder and CEO of DataedX Group™, a data & AI governance consulting agency. Formerly a college professor, she speaks, writes, teaches and consults on how to move slower and build better people-first tech. Dr. Marshall helps cross-functional teams close gaps amongst data strategy, human decision-making competencies and AI adoption activities. She guides them in effectively executing responsible AI and data tactics and implementations. She also founded Black Women in Data in 2020 to broaden awareness, support and retain senior-level Black women whose expertise intersect with the data industry. Dr. Marshall is the author of Data Conscience: Algorithmic Siege on our Humanity (Wiley, 2022), co-editor of Mitigating Bias in Machine Learning (McGraw-Hill, 2024) and contributing author in The Black Agenda (Macmillan, 2022). She holds a Ph.D. and Master of Science in Computer Science from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from the University of Rochester. Dr. Marshall recently obtained her EMBA from Quantic School of Business and Technology. Connect with Dr. Marshall Website: https://dataedx.com/ LInkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/brandeis-marshall BWL Resources: Join us at the 2026 Black Woman Leading LIVE! Conference & Retreat. May 11-14, 2026 in Myrtle Beach, SC. Save your seat at Full podcast episodes are now on Youtube. Check out the BWL theme song : Check out the BWL line dance tutorial : Download the free Black Woman Leading Career Reset Kit - Credits: Learn about all Black Woman Leading® programs, resources, and events at Learn more about our consulting work with organizations at Email Laura: : : Instagram: Facebook: Youtube: Podcast Music & Production: - Graphics: Dara Adams Listen and follow the podcast on all major platforms: /episode/index/show/blackwomanleading/id/40161960

S8E16: Setting Boundaries with Clarity & Confidence 02/12/2026

S8E16: Setting Boundaries with Clarity & Confidence In this solo episode, Laura shares practical strategies for setting healthy boundaries at work without guilt, over-explaining, or burning bridges. Aligned with Season 8’s theme Leaning Into Joy, this conversation explores why boundaries are essential for protecting your wellbeing, preserving your energy, and creating a healthier workplace experience, especially for Black women leaders who may be navigating high expectations and invisible labor. Laura breaks down three types of workplace boundary categories (time, scope, and emotional), common boundary mistakes, and a simple 4-step method you can use immediately: Name the boundary Anchor it in priorities Offer a choice Close the loop You’ll also walk away with clear scripts, leadership tips for modeling boundaries on your team, and encouragement to start small and stay consistent. Also referenced in this episode >> About Laura Laura Knights is the Creator of Black Woman Leading® and host of the podcast. She is an executive coach, speaker, facilitator, and licensed clinical social worker with 20+ years of experience creating personal and professional development programs that have touched leaders worldwide. Her expertise and background in business, human resources, adult education, and social work uniquely equip her to teach others how to deal with both the "head work" and "heart work" required to succeed at work and in life. She is the Founder and CEO of Knights Consulting LLC, a leadership development consultancy that provides customized training and coaching programs to create more confident leaders and high-performing teams. Black Woman Leading® is a research-backed initiative which offers leadership development programming, a podcast, and an annual conference for Black women professionals. Black Woman Leading® is an initiative of Knights Consulting LLC. Learn more at blackwomanleading.com. BWL Resources: Join us at the 2026 Black Woman Leading LIVE! Conference & Retreat. May 11-14, 2026 in Myrtle Beach, SC. Save your seat at Full podcast episodes are now on Youtube. Check out the BWL theme song Check out the BWL line dance tutorial Download the free Black Woman Leading Career Reset Kit - Credits: Learn about all Black Woman Leading® programs, resources, and events at Learn more about our consulting work with organizations at Email Laura: Instagram: Facebook: Youtube: Podcast Music & Production: Graphics: Dara Adams Listen and follow the podcast on all major platforms: /episode/index/show/blackwomanleading/id/40085100

S8E15: Positioning Yourself for New Opportunities with Kelli Jackson 02/05/2026

S8E15: Positioning Yourself for New Opportunities with Kelli Jackson In this conversation, Laura welcomes Kelli Jackson, Founder of Expert Edge Career Management Agency, to discuss the importance of positioning oneself for new career opportunities Kelli shares her insights on navigating the job market, the significance of storytelling in job searches, and the evolving landscape of leadership roles. She emphasizes the need for strategic job searching, the value of personal branding, and the importance of having a supportive career team. Kelli also highlights the necessity of owning one's job search and recognizing the unique assets each individual brings to the table. About Kelli Kelli Jackson is the Founder of Expert Edge Career Management Agency, a pioneering firm that represents and positions senior leaders, executives, and industry experts where market demand is surging. With over two decades of experience spanning recruiting, talent acquisition, and career strategy, Kelli has redefined how senior leaders navigate career transitions. Rather than teaching traditional job search tactics, she helps clients understand where demand already exists for their expertise and how to position themselves to capture it. Connect with Kelli Website: expertedge50.com Instagram, Twitter & Tiktok: @iamkellijackson LInkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iamkellijackson/ BWL Resources: Join us at the 2026 Black Woman Leading LIVE! Conference & Retreat. May 11-14, 2026 in Myrtle Beach, SC. Save your seat at Full podcast episodes are now on Youtube. Check out the BWL theme song : Check out the BWL line dance tutorial : Download the free Black Woman Leading Career Reset Kit - Credits: Learn about all Black Woman Leading® programs, resources, and events at Learn more about our consulting work with organizations at Email Laura: : : Instagram: Facebook: Youtube: Podcast Music & Production: - Graphics: Dara Adams Listen and follow the podcast on all major platforms: /episode/index/show/blackwomanleading/id/40002510

S8E14: Cultivating a Growth Mindset with Dr. Sam March 01/29/2026

S8E14: Cultivating a Growth Mindset with Dr. Sam March In this episode of the Black Woman Leading podcast, Laura welcomes Dr. Sam March. They discuss the importance of cultivating a growth mindset and how it intertwines with emotional intelligence, self-awareness, and the journey towards harmony in life. Dr. Sam emphasizes the significance of recognizing triggers, the difference between balance and harmony, and the unique challenges faced by Black women in leadership with regard to the topic. The discussion also highlights practical strategies for flipping negative thinking patterns and the power of gratitude and joy in personal and professional life. About Dr. Sam Dr. Sam is a Chiropractor & Wellness Strategist with a passion for whole-person healing. Blending clinical expertise with personal experience, she helps others reconnect body, mind, heart, and soul. Through her work at Lignum Vitae Wellness & her new book, Harmonize Your Life, Dr. Sam guides readers to move beyond physical adjustments and find true inner harmony—the kind that brings lasting peace and alignment, both on and off the table. When she’s not serving patients or sharing her message, she enjoys exploring the world and cherishing time with her family. Connect with Dr. Sam Website: http://www.drsammarch.com Instagram: http://instagram.com/drsammarch BWL Resources: Join us at the 2026 Black Woman Leading LIVE! Conference & Retreat. May 11-14, 2026 in Myrtle Beach, SC. Save your seat at Full podcast episodes are now on Youtube. Check out the BWL theme song : Check out the BWL line dance tutorial : Download the free Black Woman Leading Career Reset Kit - Credits: Learn about all Black Woman Leading® programs, resources, and events at Learn more about our consulting work with organizations at Email Laura: : : Instagram: Facebook: Youtube: Podcast Music & Production: - Graphics: Dara Adams Listen and follow the podcast on all major platforms: /episode/index/show/blackwomanleading/id/39921360

S8E13: Embracing Your Gifts with Alanna Thomas 01/22/2026

S8E13: Embracing Your Gifts with Alanna Thomas In this episode of Black Woman Leading, Laura Knights welcomes Alanna Thomas to discuss the importance of embracing your gifts and what it truly means to lead from the fullness of who you are. Together, they explore how Black women leaders can reconnect with their God-given gifts and talents, especially in environments that may have misunderstood, minimized, or even shamed those very qualities. Alanna shares insights on how gifts often extend far beyond what’s listed on a résumé, showing up instead in patterns of curiosity, intuition, discernment, creativity, and care. The conversation also names a common tension many Black women experience: carrying invisible labor, being overextended, or feeling pressure to give endlessly without boundaries. Alanna offers wisdom on discerning when gifts are being used in alignment, and when they’re being overused or misapplied, along with practical guidance for stewarding gifts with intention, clarity, and care. About Alanna Alanna Thomas is the Founder of Lighthouse Leadership Company. Over the past 8 years, she has helped hundreds of leaders increase their confidence and implement growth plans for their teams. Moving organizations from chaos to clarity with her GROW framework has led to her end goal of happier and more aware spouses and parents at home after the workday is over. Connect with Alanna Website: http://www.lighthouseleadershipcompany.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thealannathomas BWL Resources: Now enrolling for both the January sessions of the Early Career and Mid-Career programs. Learn more at Full podcast episodes are now on Youtube. Check out the BWL theme song : Check out the BWL line dance tutorial : Download the free Black Woman Leading Career Reset Kit - Credits: Learn about all Black Woman Leading® programs, resources, and events at Learn more about our consulting work with organizations at Email Laura: : : Instagram: Facebook: Youtube: Podcast Music & Production: - Graphics: Dara Adams Listen and follow the podcast on all major platforms: /episode/index/show/blackwomanleading/id/39818630

S8E12: Resetting with a Digital Detox with Dr. Nina Joy Mena 01/15/2026

S8E12: Resetting with a Digital Detox with Dr. Nina Joy Mena In this conversation,Laura welcomes Dr. Nina Joy Mena to discuss digital detoxing and self-care, particularly for busy professionals and Black women leaders. The discussion covers the impacts of digital overload on mental health, the necessity of establishing boundaries with technology, and practical strategies for maintaining wellness. Dr. Mena emphasizes the significance of self-care routines and the role of community in fostering joy and resilience. The episode concludes with actionable steps for listeners to prioritize their mental health and well-being. About Dr. Nina Dr. Nina Joy Mena, known as Dr. NJoy, is an Atlanta-based psychiatrist, author, podcaster, and motivational speaker dedicated to promoting mental wellness and breaking the stigma of mental illness in the Black community. Double board-certified in General Psychiatry and Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, she serves as Chief Medical Officer at CHRIS 180, providing compassionate, trauma-informed care across all ages. As the founder of NJoy LIFE – Living In Full Empowerment, LLC and host of the Journey to Joy Live podcast, Dr. NJoy inspires resilience, authenticity, and joy through storytelling and community engagement. She is the author of NJoyNAL: Nurturing Authentic Living and Inspire Joy for the Wife Mom Boss: Balancing It All Without Losing Yourself. An avid runner, Dr. NJoy has completed 46 half marathons and 9 full marathons—her personal form of therapy and reset. She is a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, and the devoted wife of Juan Mena and mother of three boys, ages 2, 4, and 14. Connect with Dr. Nina Website: www.drnjoylife.com Facebook: @NJoy LIFE Instagram: @Dr.NJoy.Life Youtube: @DrNJoyLifeMD Tik Tok: @Dr.NJoy.Life BWL Resources: Now enrolling for both the January sessions of the Early Career and Mid-Career programs. Learn more at Full podcast episodes are now on Youtube. Check out the BWL theme song Check out the BWL line dance tutorial Download the Black Woman Leading Career Journey Map - Credits: Learn about all Black Woman Leading® programs, resources, and events at Learn more about our consulting work with organizations at Email Laura: info@knightsconsultinggroup.com Instagram: Facebook: Youtube: Podcast Music & Production: Graphics: Dara Adams Listen and follow the podcast on all major platforms: /episode/index/show/blackwomanleading/id/39739675

S8E11: Rethinking Resilience with Dr. Keisha Bentley-Edwards 01/08/2026

S8E11: Rethinking Resilience with Dr. Keisha Bentley-Edwards In this powerful episode, Laura is joined by Dr. Keisha Bentley-Edwards, Associate Professor at Duke University’s School of Medicine and Co-Director of Duke CTSI Center for Research, Community Engagement, Social Impact and Trust (CREST Center), for a timely conversation on rethinking resilience. Inspired by Dr. Bentley-Edwards’ article “I Am Not (Your) Superwoman, Black Girl Magic, or Beautiful Struggle: Rethinking the Resilience of Black Women and Girls,” this episode explores the cultural narratives that celebrate Black women’s strength while often ignoring the profound physical, emotional, and psychological costs of relentless resilience. Together, Laura and Keisha unpack the tensions between pride in endurance, cultural expectations like the “Strong Black Woman,” and the growing body of research showing how these narratives contribute to health inequities across the lifespan. Dr. Bentley-Edwards offers insight into how expectations of resilience often begin in childhood for Black girls, shaping adult experiences of stress, coping, and wellbeing. The conversation moves beyond critique toward possibility—imagining models of resilience that center sustainable wellness, community care, and structural accountability, rather than individual endurance alone. Dr. Bentley-Edwards also reflects on what Black women can do in service of themselves and Black girls, and what we must collectively demand from systems, institutions, and leaders. Anchored in Season 8’s theme, “Leaning Into Joy,” this episode invites listeners to consider how joy, rest, alignment, and community are not indulgences, but essential counterweights to harmful expectations of strength. About Dr. Keisha Dr. Keisha Bentley-Edwards is an Associate Professor at Duke University’s School of Medicine and Co-Director of Duke CTSI Center for Research, Community Engagement, Social Impact and Trust (CREST Center). She is also the Associate Director of Research for the Samuel DuBois Cook Center on Social Equity. Dr. Bentley-Edwards’ research focuses on how racism, gender, and culture influence development throughout the lifespan, especially for African Americans. She is the Chair of the Society for Research in Child Development’s Black Caucus. Her research emphasizes cultural strengths, including religiosity, and eliminating structural barriers to support healthy development in communities, families, and students, and in birth outcomes. Her research has been supported by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, IBM, and the National Institutes of Health. Dr. Bentley-Edwards shares her expertise on the causes and consequences of structural racism and bias on health, education and social outcomes with families, schools, policymakers, practitioners, and the media. Connect with Dr. Keisha Website: LinkedIn: BWL Resources: Now enrolling for both the January sessions of the Early Career and Mid-Career programs. Learn more at Full podcast episodes are now on Youtube. Check out the BWL theme song Check out the BWL line dance tutorial Download the Black Woman Leading Career Journey Map - Credits: Learn about all Black Woman Leading® programs, resources, and events at Learn more about our consulting work with organizations at Email Laura: info@knightsconsultinggroup.com Instagram: Facebook: Youtube: Podcast Music & Production: Graphics: Dara Adams Listen and follow the podcast on all major platforms: /episode/index/show/blackwomanleading/id/39657625

S8E10: Leading from Within 01/01/2026

S8E10: Leading from Within As we step into a new year, this solo episode invites you to pause, reflect, and intentionally define how you want to lead starting from the inside. Laura explores what it means to trust yourself as a leader and to draw from your internal vision, values, capabilities, and ways of knowing to guide how you want to lead in this new year. Rather than focusing on resolutions or external expectations, this episode centers alignment, self-compassion, and joy as powerful leadership strategies. You’ll be guided through reflection and forward-looking practices designed to help you flex your leadership with clarity, confidence, and resilience in the year ahead. Laura walks listeners through the SELF Framework as both a reset and a call forward. The four-part approach includes Setting Your Vision & Parameters, Excavating Your Excellence, Leveraging Your Environment, and Framing Your Mindset with Self-Compassion. Laura ends the episode with a new year leadership challenge, inviting listeners to use their reflections from the SELF framework to write a leadership intention statement, identify three leadership strengths to intentionally honor this year, and to commit to one boundary that protects joy and wellbeing. This challenge is designed to be revisited quarterly as your leadership evolves. Tune in to this episode as an invitation to begin the year aligned, intentional, and deeply rooted in self-trust. Click here to download the companion reflection worksheet for this episode: Also referenced in this episode >> S6E7: Strengthening Mindful Self-Talk: About Laura Laura Knights is the Creator of Black Woman Leading® and host of the podcast. She is an executive coach, speaker, facilitator, and licensed clinical social worker with 20+ years of experience creating personal and professional development programs that have touched leaders worldwide. Her expertise and background in business, human resources, adult education, and social work uniquely equip her to teach others how to deal with both the "head work" and "heart work" required to succeed at work and in life. She is the Founder and CEO of Knights Consulting LLC, a leadership development consultancy that provides customized training and coaching programs to create more confident leaders and high-performing teams. Black Woman Leading® is a research-backed initiative which offers leadership development programming, a podcast, and an annual conference for Black women professionals. Black Woman Leading® is an initiative of Knights Consulting LLC. Learn more at blackwomanleading.com. BWL Resources: Now enrolling for both the January sessions of the Early Career and Mid-Career programs. Learn more at Full podcast episodes are now on Youtube. Check out the BWL theme song Check out the BWL line dance tutorial Download the free Black Woman Leading Career Reset Kit - Credits: Learn about all Black Woman Leading® programs, resources, and events at Learn more about our consulting work with organizations at Email Laura: info@knightsconsultinggroup.com Instagram: Facebook: Youtube: Podcast Music & Production: Graphics: Dara Adams Listen and follow the podcast on all major platforms: /episode/index/show/blackwomanleading/id/39564870

S8E9: Turn up Your Self-Celebration with Dr. Lakila Bowden 12/18/2025

S8E9: Turn up Your Self-Celebration with Dr. Lakila Bowden In this conversation, Laura welcomes Dr. Lakila Bowden to explore the transformative practice of self-celebration and the role it plays in helping Black women reclaim agency, joy, and permission to lead from a place of fullness. Drawing from key concepts in her book, The Sho’Nuff Principle, Lakila lays out a liberatory framework for centering ourselves without guilt, raising our expectations, and giving ourselves the recognition we often withhold. Laura and Lakila unpack the guilt, shame, and cultural conditioning that often arise when Black women center themselves, and what it looks like to begin shifting that mindset with compassion. Additionally, Lakila explains why self-celebration is not “extra,” but essential. She explores the emotional and psychological roots of celebration, encouraging Black women to “brag more,” and teaching how celebration functions as a mirror, an amplifier, and a motivator. Whether you’ve avoided attention, minimized your accomplishments, or struggled with self-recognition, Lakila offers accessible starting points to begin turning up your self- celebration. About Dr. Lakila Dr. Lakila Bowden is the charismatic voice high-achieving women didn’t know they were missing. A visionary speaker, company founder, and unapologetic rest advocate, she’s the COO of iSee Technologies and author of The Sho’ Nuff Principle: A High Achieving Woman’s Guide to Self-Care, Self-Promotion, & Self-Celebration. After a thriving executive career in Fortune 500 companies like GE and DaVita—and retiring from corporate America at just 37—Dr. Bowden’s charted a bold path that’s led to her becoming a trusted voice on stage for powerhouse organizations like The Walt Disney Company, Kraft Heinz, Verizon, and JP Morgan. Lakila embraces a multi-hyphenate lifestyle which aligns with her personal ethos to operate in flow vs force in wealth creation and living life in celebratory fashion. As a proud North Carolina A&T Aggie Alum, her academic credentials, including an MBA from Emory University and an honorary doctorate in Humanitarianism, bolster her practical strategies for balancing demanding careers with personal well-being. She resides in the Atlanta area, enjoying the adventures of life with her remarkable husband, Eric, and their brilliant and kind son, Zaire Aasir. Connect with Lakila Instagram: LInkedIn: Website: Take the Guilt Detox Assessment: BWL Resources: Now enrolling for both the January sessions of the Early Career and Mid-Career programs. Learn more at Full podcast episodes are now on Youtube. Check out the BWL theme song Check out the BWL line dance tutorial Download the free Black Woman Leading Career Reset Kit - Credits: Learn about all Black Woman Leading® programs, resources, and events at Learn more about our consulting work with organizations at Email Laura: info@knightsconsultinggroup.com Instagram: Facebook: Youtube: Podcast Music & Production: Graphics: Dara Adams Listen and follow the podcast on all major platforms: /episode/index/show/blackwomanleading/id/39451595

S8E8: Strengthening Your Leader Identity with BWL Alums 12/11/2025

S8E8: Strengthening Your Leader Identity with BWL Alums In this episode, Laura hosts an alumni panel of Black Woman Leading alums from the Early Career and Mid-Career Programs (LaKeisha Williams, Jabina Coleman, and Valerie Black) for an honest, reflective, and deeply affirming conversation about what it means to strengthen your leader identity as a Black woman. Each guest shares her personal journey, from the early narratives that shaped her understanding of leadership to the mindset shifts, breakthroughs, and heart work that helped her step into a more aligned, confident, and purpose-driven version of herself. The alums discuss how their perceptions of themselves as leaders have grown since participating in the Black Woman Leading® program, and how their sense of agency, confidence, and clarity have expanded. Additionally, they discuss navigating boundaries to stay aligned with their values and the role of community in supporting them along their leadership journeys. The conversation is rich with wisdom, lived experience, vulnerability, and community. It highlights the transformative power of intentional leadership development and the importance of spaces where Black women can be seen, supported, and celebrated. Guest Bios: ::LaKeisha Williams LaKeisha Williams is a dedicated wife and mother, an insurance professional with over 11 years of experience, and a lifelong learner who holds multiple designations in both commercial and personal lines insurance. She is also a jewelry entrepreneur of more than five years, passionate about connecting with new people and building meaningful relationships through sales. Outside of work, LaKeisha loves to laugh, spend time with her family, explore new places, and create joyful experiences through travel with her husband. Whether in the corporate world or her growing business, she leads with heart, expertise, and a genuine love for helping others shine. . ::Jabina Coleman Jabina Coleman, known nationally as The Lactation Therapist, is a reproductive psychotherapist, maternal health researcher, and Philadelphia’s first Black non-nurse International Board Certified Lactation Consultant. Trained first as a behavioral scientist at Penn State and later clinically as a Social Worker at the University of Pennsylvania, she has become one of the most compelling voices advancing Black maternal health equity, perinatal mental health, and community-centered lactation care. Her current doctoral training in Health Science at Thomas Jefferson University further deepens this work to bring evidence, rigor, and lived expertise into the rooms where systems, policy, and practice are shaped. Jabina is the Co-Founder and Executive Director of Breastfeeding Awareness & Empowerment (BAE) Culture, a community-rooted, Black women–led health equity ecosystem builder that weaves reproductive justice, trauma-informed care, and perinatal mental health to support Black families, strengthen racially concordant care, and eliminate disparities in breastfeeding and maternal healthcare. She is also the Co-Founder of the Perinatal Mental Health Alliance for People of Color within Postpartum Support International — a national collaborative that builds capacity, community, and equity in perinatal mental health care for BIPOC families. She currently serves as Chair of the Pennsylvania Breastfeeding Coalition, Adjunct Professor in Drexel’s Human Lactation Program, and a health equity consultant with Temple University, where she was previously the Director of Health Equity, Training & Quality Improvement. As a mother of two, her personal lived experience has shaped and informed her professional lens, deepening her commitment to centering care that is grounded in humanity and dignity. Her signature call to action, “Everyone wants to hold the baby, who will hold the mother®?” has impacted national discourse, shifted culture, and catalyzed a new standard for accountability in Black maternal health. . . ::Valerie Black Valerie Black-Turner serves as director of community partnerships for the Kansas Health Foundation and has been with KHF since 2002. Her responsibilities include building and maintaining trustworthy relationships with community organizations and agencies whose missions align with the Foundation’s values and who serve communities impacted by racial and health inequities in Kansas. Before becoming the director of community partnerships, Valerie held previous roles as KHF’s community impact officer, senior community organizer and information technology officer. Valerie received her bachelor’s degree in business administration from Wichita State University with an emphasis in business management and received her Master of Divinity degree from Phillips Theological Seminary. She is a member of Dellrose United Methodist Church and serves as lead minister of worship and as Christian Education Coordinator. BWL Resources: Now enrolling for both the January sessions of the Early Career and Mid-Career programs. Learn more at Full podcast episodes are now on Youtube. Check out the BWL theme song Check out the BWL line dance tutorial Download the free Black Woman Leading Career Reset Kit - Credits: Learn about all Black Woman Leading® programs, resources, and events at Learn more about our consulting work with organizations at Email Laura: info@knightsconsultinggroup.com Instagram: Facebook: Youtube: Podcast Music & Production: Graphics: Dara Adams Listen and follow the podcast on all major platforms: /episode/index/show/blackwomanleading/id/39371185

Black Woman Leading

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