Shows / Black Woman Leading
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.
Episodes
Black Woman LeadingS9E20: Taking Care of Others While Caring for Yourself with Kendra Thomas
In June of 2025, Kendra Thomas welcomed her first daughter. By November, she had lost her father after a long battle with cancer. In between, she was a…
Black Woman LeadingS9E19: Investing in Our Young Sisters with Tiffany Collie Bailey
Tiffany Collie Bailey, CEO of Girls Inc. of Greater Atlanta, joins Laura to talk about what it really takes to pour into the next generation of Black girls…
Black Woman LeadingS9E18: Embracing Your Ambition
Black women are the most ambitious demographic in the American workforce, and also the least supported in it. In this solo episode, Laura names the quiet…
Black Woman LeadingS9E17: Scaling Your Nonprofit with Strategy with Jamila Trimuel
Most grassroots organizations never make it out of survival mode. Jamila Trimuel did the rare thing. What began in 2011 with six girls meeting at a Chicago…
Black Woman LeadingS9E16: Activating the Power of the Village with Gabby Albert
After twenty years in corporate leadership, Gabby Albert took a 65 percent pay cut to become executive director of 4Kira4Moms, and calls herself the happiest…
Black Woman LeadingS9E15: Quitting Your Toxic Job with Mercedes Swan
In a season when so many Black women are being laid off, Mercedes Swan makes the case for the women who are choosing to leave: the ones walking away from a job…
Black Woman LeadingS9E14: Leaning Into Difficult Conversations
The conversation you have been avoiding is the one that is costing your relationship the most. We tell ourselves that staying quiet is the kind thing — that…
Black Woman LeadingS9E13: Influencing from the Middle with Kelli King-Jackson
Middle management may be the hardest seat in any organization: accountable to the leaders above you, responsible for the team below, with authority that is…
Black Woman LeadingS9E12: Catching up with Confidence with Deme Jackson
Deme Jackson had the receipts: an HBCU grad, a decade advising C-suite leaders, a nonprofit founder. And still, after repeated layoffs and real workplace…
Black Woman LeadingS9E11: Strategizing Your Career Pivot with Natina Hill
At a career crossroads, by choice or by circumstance? Natina Hill, affectionately known as the Pivot Muse, joins Laura with a real strategic framework for…
Black Woman LeadingS9E10: Abolishing Limiting Beliefs About Money with Dr. Billina Shaw
Most money advice is tactical: budget this, invest that. Dr. Billina Shaw brings something almost no one else does, a psychiatrist's lens. A Yale-educated…
Black Woman LeadingS9E9: Communicating to Connect with Keshawn Hughes
Neuroscience strategist Keyshawn Hughes joins Laura to explain what's actually happening in the brain when we communicate, and why so many of us feel more…
Black Woman LeadingS9E8: 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…
Black Woman LeadingS9E7: 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…
Black Woman LeadingS9E6: 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…
Black Woman LeadingS9E5: 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…
Black Woman LeadingS9E4: 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…
Black Woman LeadingS9E3: 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…
Black Woman LeadingS9E2: 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…
Black Woman LeadingS9E1: 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…
Black Woman LeadingS8E29: 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…
Black Woman LeadingS8E28: 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…
Black Woman LeadingS8E27: 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…
Black Woman LeadingS8E26: 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…
Black Woman LeadingS8E25: 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…
Black Woman LeadingS8E24: 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…
Black Woman LeadingS8E23: 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…
Black Woman LeadingS8E22: 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…
Black Woman LeadingS8E21: 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…
Black Woman LeadingS8E20: 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…
Black Woman LeadingS8E19: 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…
Black Woman LeadingS8E18: 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…
Black Woman LeadingS8E17: 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…
Black Woman LeadingS8E16: 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…
Black Woman LeadingS8E15: 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…
Black Woman LeadingS8E14: 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…
Black Woman LeadingS8E13: 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…
Black Woman LeadingS8E12: 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…
Black Woman LeadingS8E11: 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…
Black Woman LeadingS8E10: 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…
Black Woman LeadingS8E9: 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…
Black Woman LeadingS8E8: 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…
Black Woman LeadingS8E7: Practicing Whole Self-Care with Dr. La-Toya Gaines
In this conversation, Laura welcomes Dr. La-Toya Gaines, Founder & CEO of Family Matters Counseling and Psychological Services, to explore what it truly means…
- Black Woman Leading
S8E6: Cultivating a Positive Team Culture
In this solo episode, Laura shares tips and insights for creating a positive team culture based on her work with teams around the world. She highlights both…
Black Woman LeadingS8E5: Creating Pathways Through Consulting with Kamilah Martin
In this conversation, Laura welcomes Kamilah Martin, Founder & CEO of Katalyst. Given the recent stats about Black women exiting the workplace in staggering…
Black Woman LeadingS8E4: Recovering from a Layoff with Dr. Chinasa Elue & Dr. Karma Hill
In this conversation, Laura chats with Black Woman Leading® coaches, Dr. Chinasa Elue & Dr. Karma Hill, to explore the heart work of recovering from a layoff…
Black Woman LeadingS8E3: Honoring Our Stories with Dr. Menah Pratt
In this conversation, Laura welcomes Dr. Menah Pratt, scholar and author. Using Menah's memoir, Blackwildgirl, as a powerful example; they explore how…
Black Woman LeadingS8E2: Activating Joy with Dr. Pamela Larde
In this conversation, Laura welcomes Dr. Pamela Larde, social scientist, author, and coach, to explore the practice and science of joy. Based on over 16 years…
Black Woman LeadingS8E1: Welcome to Season 8!
Welcome to Season 8 of Black Woman Leading, the podcast! This podcast is an extension of the Black Woman Leading programs and events. In this episode, Laura…
Black Woman LeadingS7E16: Season 7 Reflections & Recap
We are celebrating the completion of our seventh season! Our season's theme was "Driving the Narrative of Your Career," as our core questions throughout the…
Black Woman LeadingS7E15: Navigating Shifting Terrains with Dr. Avis Proctor
In this conversation, Laura welcomes Dr. Avis Proctor, President of Harper College. Dr. Proctor shares her journey from a mathematics educator to a college…
Black Woman LeadingS7E14: Optimizing Your Salary with Ange Matthews
In this conversation, Laura welcomes Ange Matthews, an investor and personal finance expert, to discuss strategies for optimizing your salary. Ange shares her…
Black Woman LeadingS7E13: Staying Rooted Through Life Shifts with Dr. Daniela Peel Hunter
In this conversation, Laura welcomes Dr. Daniela Peel Hunter to explore the journey of staying rooted through life's seismic shifts. Laura and Dr. Daniela…
Black Woman LeadingS7E12: Using Your Introvert Superpowers with Dr. Nicole Bryan
In this conversation, Laura welcomes Dr. Nicole Bryan to discuss the unique strengths of introverts and the importance of recognizing and leveraging…
Black Woman LeadingS7E11: Demonstrating Diplomacy & Political Savvy with Nakisha Muhammad
In this conversation, Laura welcomes Nakisha Muhammad to discuss the leadership competencies of diplomacy and political savvy, through her point of reference…
Black Woman LeadingS7E10: 2025 BWL LIVE! Conference Recap
In this bonus episode, Laura shares her highlights from the 2025 Black Woman Leading LIVE! Conference + Retreat, which took place May 27-30, 2025 in Virginia…
Black Woman LeadingS7E9: Navigating Change
In this solo episode, Laura discusses the complexities of navigating change in both personal and professional contexts. She emphasizes the importance of…
Black Woman LeadingS7E8: Asking for What You Want
In this solo episode, Laura discusses the importance of asking for what you want in your career, particularly for Black women. She emphasizes that…
Black Woman LeadingS7E7: Driving the Narrative of Your Career with BWL Alums
In this episode, Laura hosts an alumni panel of Black Woman Leading alums from the Early Career and Mid-Career Programs (Alexys Anderson, Shelby Norman, and…
Black Woman LeadingS7E6: Managing Uneven Power Dynamics with Nicole S. Palmer
In this conversation, Laura welcomes Nicole Palmer to discuss the unique experiences of Black women in corporate America, with regard to managing uneven power…