This conversation is a faith-forward career discussion with Kelvin B Henry, whose background spans the military, Procter & Gamble, PepsiCo, ministry, and coaching. He and Jacqueline Twillie reflect on mentorship, career reinvention, layoffs, AI disruption, and the personal adversity that shaped his book Rise.Kelvin shares the framework behind Rise and how it helped him process setbacks, a cancer diagnosis, and seasons of discouragement.

The episode is especially useful for anyone navigating career transition, seeking resilience, or trying to make sense of what comes next.

Key topics

• Kelvin B Henry’s path from the University of Florida to the military, then into Procter & Gamble and PepsiCo
• A full-circle mentoring story where Kelvin helped Jacqueline prepare for her first major interview
• What it takes to succeed in Fortune 25 environments: planning, organization, collaboration, integrity, and results
• Why reputation becomes your brand in corporate America and how others may see strengths before you do
• The origin of the RISE framework as a response to adversity rather than theory
• The childhood football story that helped reveal Kelvin’s identity as an encourager
• How RISE applies to cancer, job loss, and other disruptions through recognition, reframing, information, strength, and execution
• Why AI should be approached as a tool and accelerator, not a reason for fear
• Guidance for listeners facing layoffs, especially those experiencing it for the first time
• The importance of taking daily, practical action when rebuilding after a setback

Quotes from Kelvin Henry:

• “If you’re still breathing, God is still building.”
• “Faith doesn’t remove the adversity, it helps reframe it.”
• “Your comeback from any setback is literally just around the corner.”

Chapters

(00:00) Opening prayer and introduction of Kelvin B Henry
(01:58) Jacqueline introduces Kelvin’s background and career achievements
(03:23) Greek life, shared connections, and the long friendship between guest and host
(04:13) The mentorship story that helped shape Jacqueline’s early career
(06:57) Why Kelvin’s career took him from military service to Louisiana
(09:01) Forty years of marriage and meeting his wife at the University of Florida
(10:00) What it takes to thrive in Fortune 25 companies
(12:27) Reputation, personal brand, and the importance of resilience
(14:26) The backstory behind the RISE framework
(16:14) The childhood football setback that revealed Kelvin’s encourager identity
(17:55) How Rise became a book meant to help others recover with purpose
(22:15) Cancer diagnosis, fear, and learning to surrender the moment
(23:22) Recognize, inform, strengthen, execute: applying RISE to health challenges
(26:45) How to think about AI without panic or avoidance
(30:06) Why internal work comes before external movement
(31:19) Advice for listeners facing layoffs in a difficult job market
(34:52) Encouragement to read Rise as a group and apply the framework together
(35:41) Kelvin’s closing reminder that God still writes comebacks

RISE is available now https://amzn.to/4xpG2lSConnect with Kelvin on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelvin-henry/Learn more about Kelvin's coaching services https://www.abundantlyaboveconsulting.com/about

Ashwini Balasubramanian, Vice President of R&D for Transportation and Energy Business at 3M and former Harley-Davidson leader, joins Jacqueline to discuss her debut book, Map Your Ascent, and the lived experiences that shaped it. The conversation centers on navigating change, especially through career pivots, motherhood, and moments of personal uncertainty.We discuss how to move from survival mode to thriving, why generosity matters more than transactional networking, and how vulnerability can become a leadership strength rather than a liability.

Key topics

• Ashwini shares the car accident that became a major inflection point in her life, pushing her to stop waiting for the right moment and start thriving instead of merely surviving.
• In the book, the core framework is the three Ps: personality, perspective, and presence.
• Personality is about understanding your wiring, belief systems, belonging, and which habits or assumptions no longer serve you.
• Perspective is about using different lenses to navigate change, broaden mindset, and adapt to new environments and roles.
• Presence is about showing up with impact, not just visibility, and influencing people, products, and environments in a meaningful way.
• Ashwini explains what it means to be rooted in transition, using her early career dress choices as a metaphor for fitting in versus becoming herself.
• Motherhood became another major pivot point, especially when pregnancy made testing work on vehicle test tracks physically difficult and forced her to adjust how she worked.
• A manager’s insight reframed her thinking: a temporary situation is not the same as a limitation.
• She shares how her friend Artie showed up consistently during a difficult season involving family needs, gestational diabetes, a new job, and an early delivery.
• The conversation highlights the women’s employee resource group Ashwini helped start and how vulnerability helped create community across multiple locations.
• Ashwini explains that shame fades when you recognize that many life circumstances are not self-inflicted and are often outside your control.
• The book’s generosity section argues that true influence is built through consistency, character, and care for people, not transactional networking.
• She reframes reputation as a byproduct of how you show up over time, not something you can manufacture like a brand.
• For people facing job market instability, she advises not to blame yourself, ask for help, and lean on the tribe you have built.
• The episode closes with Ashwini reflecting that writing the book was an act of trust in herself and a way to help others harness change more confidently.

Chapters

Chapter 1: A turning point

00:00 - Welcome, Ashwini Balasubramanian and the theme of mapping your ascent
01:04 - The car accident that changed how Ashwini viewed survival and ambition

Chapter 2: The three Ps

07:24 - The three Ps framework: personality, perspective, and presence
12:46 - Learning to stay rooted while moving through major transitions

Chapter 3: Motherhood and identity

16:04 - Motherhood, maternity clothing, and the shift from fitting in to being herself
17:16 - Pregnancy on test tracks and redesigning work around physical reality
20:27 - A manager reframes motherhood as a temporary situation, not a limitation

Chapter 4: Support and vulnerability

21:54 - How Artie’s steady support became a model for real friendship and care
25:08 - Starting a women’s resource group and turning vulnerability into action

Chapter 5: Generosity and influence

30:01 - Why generosity, not networking, is the foundation of lasting influence
33:48 - Why change rarely asks for permission and how to face career disruption

Chapter 6: Closing reflections

39:18 - The win in this season: saying yes to writing a book and helping more people

Get The Book: Map Your Ascent https://amzn.to/4zuJJZ1

Visit Ashwini's website https://mapyourascent.com/

Connect with Ashwini on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashwini-balasubramanian/

Kristine Frost grew up in Pontiac, Michigan, in the years when General Motors was pulling out and the families left behind built their own support systems out of mac and cheese, popsicles, and each other. She watched her grandmother, Vienna, run a government-subsidized community while her own health was failing, showing up for refugees and immigrants day after day. That is where Kristine's philanthropy started, and you can trace a straight line from it to the morning she saw a Facebook post at 4 a.m. and decided to donate a kidney to a stranger.

In this conversation, Kristine walks us through the whole arc. A trained labor and employment attorney who never wanted a law firm, she started on the floor of a stamping plant outside Detroit and rose to become the only woman in the C-suite of a male-dominated industry. Ten months ago she stepped out of that seat, founded Shattered Glass Advisory, and started answering the question so many in our community are living right now: who am I when the title is gone?

We talk about heart-centered leadership, leading up, the non-negotiable morning ritual that anchors her, and the piece of advice most people in transition don't want to hear at first: enjoy it. Kristine is a connector to her core, and this is a conversation you'll want to sit with.

🎧 Kristine is writing a book about the emotions of transition. She's coming back for the launch.

Chapters

00:01 — Welcome & meet Kristine Frost

00:38 — Growing up a Midwesterner (and why she's really a Detroiter)

03:32 — Pontiac, Flint & GM: community built close to poverty

05:40 — Vienna: the grandmother who shaped her philanthropy

07:43 — The kidney donation story begins

10:02 — Directed vs. non-directed donation & the highly sensitized program

12:22 — Finding a match: 20 vials of blood and anonymous matchmaking

14:14 — Meeting John: December 18, 2019

17:20 — From attorney to the stamping plant floor

18:58 — What a stamping plant actually is

20:01 — Real life on the floor: leading humans, not machines

22:42 — Leading up: giving executives the yes/no

25:04 — The best leader is the best ambassador of people

25:35 — Founding Shattered Glass Advisory

28:52 — "Who am I now?" Leading yourself through transition

31:03 — The formula: non-negotiables & starting the day happy

34:15 — Wanderlust, family time & what her daughter noticed

36:05 — Live, laugh, love and D.W.Y.S.Y.W.D.E.

38:21 — Where to find Kristine & closing

Links & Resources

Connect with Kristine Frost

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kfroesq/
• Shattered Glass Advisory: https://shatteredglassadvisory.com/

Mentioned in this episode

• Living kidney donation (directed vs. non-directed, the process Kristine describes) — Donate Life America: https://donatelife.net/donation/types/living-donation/
• Kidney donation facts & the national waiting list — Donate Life America: https://donatelife.net/donation/organs/kidney-donation/
• National Donate Life Registry (register your decision): https://registerme.org/

Main topics:

• Guerlyne’s journey from collegiate soccer to executive life
• Understanding and processing grief beyond loss of loved ones
• How faith and scriptural reflection sustain us through hard seasons
• The importance of self-acceptance and owning your identity
• Practical steps to navigate and transform grief into strength
• The role of gratitude and thanksgiving in healing
• Supporting others with compassion in workplaces and communities

Chapters:00:00 - Introduction to Guerlyne Guercy and her book, Grief is a Gateway
02:29 - How tearing her ACL marked a grief point and reshaped her identity
04:10 - Lessons in resilience learned from her sports career transition
05:56 - Navigating a non-linear career path from psychology to business development
06:37 - Debunking myths about sales and emphasizing authentic connection
09:34 - The role of affirmation and self-awareness in owning your strengths
12:10 - Why Guerlyne felt compelled to write about grief and faith
15:22 - The journey of accepting and walking through personal loss
16:38 - How grief reveals character and deepens spirituality
20:24 - Understanding grief as an access point to divine comfort
24:50 - Practical tools: acceptance, thanksgiving, and intentional living
27:47 - Scriptural anchors: Psalm 63 and Psalm 100 as sources of strength
30:23 - How faith evolves through seasons of loss and growth
32:36 - The significance of personal reflection and faith journaling in healing
34:28 - Supporting others in grief within the workplace and communities
37:02 - Guerlyne’s availability for speaking engagements and workshops
37:54 - Final words: Embrace your season, seek comfort, and continue moving forward

Resources & Links:

• ⁠Grief is a Gateway - Guerlyne Guercy⁠
• ⁠Psalm 63 - Bible Gateway⁠
• ⁠Psalm 100 - Bible Gateway⁠
• ⁠Poopari by Suzy Batiz⁠ (for insights on ideas and manifestation)

Connect with Guerlyne Guercy:

• ⁠Instagram⁠
• ⁠LinkedIn⁠
• ⁠Website & Newsletter Signup⁠

Support and speaking engagements:

• Available for church, corporate, and community workshops on navigating grief, faith, and resilience.
• Topics include: "Transforming Grief into Growth," "Leading with Empathy," "Faith-Based Resilience," and "Supporting Wellness at Work."

Remember, grief is not the end but a gateway to renewed strength, faith, and purpose. Embrace your season, lean into your faith, and let gratitude pave your way forward.

A room full of women builders at MIT asked ChatGPT to draw them based on everything it knew. It drew the same white man over and over. That moment sparked Erica Rooney's new book, The AI Gap, and this conversation. Erica joins Jacqueline as the first AI expert on Winning Season to break down the four gaps quietly widening between who AI was built on and who gets left behind, and the surprisingly simple mindset shift that closes them. If you have ever felt like the tech wasn't built for you, this one is for you.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• AI is not introducing bias, it is accelerating ours. It is a pattern recognition machine trained on a history that was never neutral. When the pattern says most CEOs are named John, that is what it draws back.
• There are four gaps, and the costly one is compounding. Awareness, authority, compounding, and infrastructure. The compounding gap (contribution versus ownership, who gets capital) is where the existing wealth disparity threatens to explode rather than close.
• You don't have to learn ChatGPT. You have to become AI fluent. Mastering one tool is like saying you can only drive a Toyota. The real skill is knowing how to talk to the machine and asking, with everything you do, how can AI help me with this.
• Access is where organizations start. Men are being encouraged to experiment with AI at higher rates than women. Don't wait for permission. Be professionally annoying and raise your hand, because nobody is coming to save us.
• A human coach does what AI cannot. AI is built to keep you engaged and tell you what you want to hear. A coach interrupts the pattern and asks you why.

Chapters:

• 00:00 Welcome to Erica, the first AI expert on Winning Season
• 00:52 The MIT story that sparked The AI Gap
• 04:27 Greg Boone runs the experiment, and race bias shows up too
• 05:41 Why AI does this: history was never neutral
• 07:45 The four gaps, and why compounding is the one to watch
• 10:39 HER Collective and making executive education accessible
• 13:13 AI is a mindset: becoming fluent, not just clicking buttons
• 17:00 Inside the community: the HER framework and weekly calls
• 19:08 Her first book, Glass Ceilings and Sticky Floors
• 21:28 What coaching with Erica actually looks like
• 23:00 Why a human coach beats AI sycophancy
• 23:39 Where companies should start: access for everyone
• 25:22 Erica's two podcasts

GUEST BIO

Erica Anderson Rooney is an executive, speaker, and community builder. A former Chief People Officer recognized as a top CHRO, she is the author of The AI Gap and Glass Ceilings and Sticky Floors, founder of HER Collective, and host of two podcasts. She helps Fortune 500 companies and ambitious women learn to use AI as a voice, not become a victim of it.

RESOURCES MENTIONED

Erica's work

• The AI Gap (her new book): https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-ai-gap-women-ai-and-the-next-great-leap-forward-erica-rooney/086fb229b711e6c2?ean=9781955811965
• Glass Ceilings and Sticky Floors (her first book and OG podcast, 300+ episodes): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/glass-ceilings-and-sticky-floors-shatter-limiting/id1619692554
• AI: Voice or Victim? (her AI podcast, co-hosted with Greg Boone): https://voiceorvictim.com/
• HER Collective (her community, membership $684/year): https://www.joinhercollective.com/
• Connect with Erica on LinkedIn (tag her with your AI image result): https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericarooney

Referenced in the conversation

• Greg Boone, aka AISerious, Erica's business partner and Voice or Victim co-host
• Radical Candor by Kim Scott
• Hala Taha (Young and Profiting), a past Glass Ceilings guest
• Carol Dweck's growth mindset (Jacqueline's reference)
• Ruth Bader Ginsburg, "We belong in the rooms where decisions are made"
• The Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act
• Mighty Networks, the platform HER Collective runs on

CALL TO ACTION

Run the experiment yourself. Ask your AI to generate an image of you based on everything it knows, then tag Erica on LinkedIn with what you get. Grab The AI Gap

Hermence Matsotsa, a global leadership expert, author, and advocate for community-centered health and transformation joins Jacqueline Twillie in Conversation.

In this episode, Hermence shares her multicultural background, her journey through global health, and the profound lessons she's learned about service, vulnerability, and interconnectedness.

This conversation reveals how embracing humility and community can shape the next era of global health and leadership.

Main Topics:

• Hermence's multicultural upbringing and love story of her parents from Gabon and Oregon
• Her early career in global health and service through Peace Corps in West Africa
• The transformative lessons learned from living in Ecuador, embracing vulnerability and cultural humility
• Foundations of trust in global communities and the importance of seeing shared humanity
• The philosophy of Ubuntu and its influence on Hermence's leadership and business, Mbutu Speaks
• How her company offers transformational leadership, cultural competence, and positive intelligence coaching
• The power of storytelling and capturing community histories through her work
• The significance of living intentionally, self-love, and continuous growth, as outlined in her book "Better Than Yesterday"
• Perspectives on the future of global health: community-led programs, cultural understanding, and capacity building
• The story behind her artwork featuring Ubuntu and its significance
• 
  

Chapters:

00:00 - Introduction to Hermence Matsotsa and her multifaceted expertise
02:15 - Hermence's cultural background and love story of her parents
04:17 - Early career and calling into service through Peace Corps
05:44 - The impact of living in Ecuador and learning vulnerability
10:55 - Understanding and tapping into personal power
13:32 - Making a difference through community storytelling
15:30 - Global health work in Togo and community empowerment
17:36 - How Hermence transitioned into CDC and her approach to trust-building
20:13 - Key principles of establishing trust in diverse communities
22:21 - The meaning behind "Mbutu" and the philosophy of Ubuntu
24:41 - Overview of Hermence's company services and leadership philosophy
27:26 - The importance of authentic leadership and psychological safety
30:48 - Recognizing and evolving personal saboteurs and inner critics
34:12 - The role of positive intelligence in leadership wellness
37:07 - Hermence’s book "Better Than Yesterday" and personal transformation
41:42 - Soleil's influence and her daughter’s role as a young author
43:50 - The impact of sharing personal stories and community growth
44:22 - Future visions for global health: community-driven, sustainable, and culturally sensitive
49:44 - The significance of her artwork inspired by Ubuntu and cultural connection
51:23 - How to connect with Hermence and access her book

Resources & Links:

Email Address/ Phone Number [email protected] / 1-202-421-9184 uBuntuSpeaks (uBuntu) website https//www.ubuntuworkforce.com

LinkedIn Profile https://www.linkedin.com/in/hermencematsotsa-transformationalleadershipstrategist/

Books Better Than Yesterday: How to Take Intentional Steps to Self You EnvisionBuy on Amazon

Pluto, Special Just the Same Dwarf Planet by Soleil Cross (my daughter)

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ubuntuspeaks_hermence/

TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@sageelevation

Join us as we dive into Traci Saulsberry's inspiring journey of self-discovery, leadership, and radical self-love. Traci shares powerful insights from her debut book, revealing how vulnerability, curiosity, and authenticity can transform our lives and careers.

In this episode:

• Traci's experience breaking barriers as one of the youngest Black executives at NBC and leading at Peacock
• The meaning behind her book's title and its importance for self-love
• How writing the book rewrote her, revealing unexpected truths and healing
• The importance of honoring your body and mental health in high-pressure environments
• Practical questions and journaling practices to foster self-awareness
• The power of surrendering to life's unfolding rather than forcing solutions
• How to navigate the "unnamed seasons" of transformation without rushing the process
• The role of worthiness and storytelling in advocating for yourself
• Book recommendations and how to pre-order This Is How You Love Her

Timestamps:

• (00:00) - Welcome and introducing Traci Saulsberry, author of This Is How You Love Her
• (02:06) - Traci describes herself as a "light, quiet storm, and builder"
• (04:24) - Love languages and how Traci freely gives love
• (08:55) - The cost of maintaining "okayness" at work and in life
• (11:29) - How writing the book transformed Traci
• (15:00) - Staying anchored amidst diverse roles and identities
• (16:47) - Recognizing the gap between external achievements and inner authenticity
• (22:07) - Navigating grief while building anew
• (25:43) - The unfolding journey: embracing serendipity and surrender
• (36:26) - The significance of anchors like childhood and relationships in understanding yourself
• (40:01) - What self-love really means beyond spa days
• (41:41) - Lessons learned the hard way, including imperfection and agency
• (42:48) - How to support Traci's book and pre-order information

Resources & Links:

• This Is How You Love Her — Pre-order Traci Saulsberry's debut book
• Calm App — Meditation and sleep app
• Junot Diaz - The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao — Book that inspired Traci
• NBC — Traci's leadership origin
• Abrams Books — Purchase links for Traci's book

Connect with Traci Saulsberry:

• LinkedIn
• Instagram
• Website

Special note: This episode is a treasure trove of practical wisdom for anyone on a journey to self-love, leadership, and authentic living. Be sure to grab your copy of This Is How You Love Her and reflect on the meaningful questions Traci shares.

Summary

In this inspiring interview, Alison Anthony shares her journey from corporate leadership to nonprofit impact, emphasizing the power of preparation, authentic communication, and strategic use of AI in advancing community goals. Discover how to leverage your strengths, build trust, and make impactful asks to create lasting change.

Key Topics

1. Preparation and strategic planning in negotiation
2. The role of AI in nonprofit work
3. Building trust and authentic communication
4. Transitioning from corporate to nonprofit leadership
5. Legacy giving and community impact

Takeaways

• Preparation is key to successful negotiation and relationship building.
• AI can be a powerful tool if used responsibly and ethically.
• Authentic communication and vulnerability strengthen leadership.
• Leverage community and corporate partnerships for greater impact.
• Focus on human connection and trust over technology alone.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Alison Anthony

02:42 The Evolution of Preparation in Negotiation

05:46 Corporate vs. Nonprofit Negotiation Strategies

08:32 Mindset Shifts for Women in Negotiation

11:30 The Importance of Clarity and Conciseness

14:28 Fundraising Trends and Community Impact

17:29 Engaging Volunteers in Fundraising Efforts

23:53 Embedding Mission in Fundraising

26:46 Celebrating Legacy and Endowment Growth

30:42 The Role of AI in Nonprofit Work

38:51 Radical Honesty and Personal Growth

Connect with Alison on LinkedIn

Follow the work of the Tulsa Area United Way

Standing in Your Power: A Conversation with Denise Foss on Self-Leadership and Transformation

Discover how Denise’s journey from dance to leadership led her to create a powerful deck focused on helping individuals reclaim their strength and authenticity. In this episode, we explore the nuances of standing in your power, navigating unexpected challenges, and cultivating resilience within yourself and teams.In this episode:

• Denise shares her story of transition from a dance career to leadership roles and why she created her "Stand in Your Power" deck.
• The importance of presence, awareness, and intuition in professional and personal settings.
• How to recognize and navigate moments where you lose connection to your power.
• The five ways to utilize the deck for individual growth and team development.
• The insight, inspiration, and integration framework—three key steps to embodying new perspectives.
• Practical ideas for group or team activities using the deck, including retreats, meetings, and social gatherings.
• Denise’s holistic coaching approach that integrates life design, movement, and leadership development.
• Her philosophy of “and”—embracing dualities and holding space for contradictions.
• The ongoing journey of self-evolution and the importance of self-compassion and patience.

• Create Loudly Website
• Create Loudly Instagram
• Denise’s LinkedIn
• Stand in Your Power Deck

• Instagram – Create Loudly Co
• LinkedIn – Denise
• Email – [email protected]

Chapters:00:00 - Introduction to Denise and the theme of standing in your power
02:50 - How Denise’s background shaped her approach to leadership and self-awareness
06:00 - The pivotal moment that inspired her deck creation
09:15 - Understanding what it truly means to stand in your power
12:45 - Tools Denise used to reconnect during a challenging leadership moment
14:58 - Exploring Layla Delia’s quote and its relationship to power
16:15 - The "and" philosophy: holding multiple truths simultaneously
19:40 - How the deck works: insight, inspiration, and integration
21:30 - Five creative ways to use the deck for personal and group growth
26:30 - The importance of mindful reflection and active embodiment
29:00 - Denise's coaching practice and holistic approach to living a fulfilled life
33:15 - Embracing multi-passionate identities in coaching and life design
37:10 - What Denise hopes listeners will take away: becoming and transformation
39:50 - Special offer: a free shipping code for the deck and how to connect with Denise
41:10 - Final words: celebrating personal power and ongoing growthResources & Links:Connect with Denise:Special Offer:
Use code POWER26 at checkout for free shipping on the deck. This promo is valid until May 31, 2026, and is available only in the US.Note: This episode was released on April 26, 2026. Stay inspired and continue to step confidently into your power!

Discover how authentic leadership, community, and self-awareness can transform your career and life. Suezette shares practical insights, personal stories, and strategies to help you lead fearlessly beyond titles.In this episode:

• Suezette’s journey from education reform to tech leadership
• The true meaning of authenticity in leadership
• How to uncover and eliminate self-imposed dissonance
• The impact of authentic leadership on organizational performance (147% stronger)
• The power of community and mutual support in growth
• Practical tools: reflective questions at each chapter to overcome fear
• How to align your career with your purpose and values
• The significance of self-assessment, discernment, and strategic alignment
• Introducing Suezette’s authentic leadership framework and upcoming trainings
• Why professional development is a vital investment, not selfishness
• Characteristics of inspiring leaders: curiosity, directness, and mentorship
• The “no titles” chapter: embracing your full potential beyond labels
• How to create environments that support authentic self-expression
• Practical steps for leaders to foster empathy, vulnerability, and inclusion
• The importance of living fully at 80 and beyond
• Connecting with Suezette: website, social media, and community programs
• Bonus: Recommendations for supportive organizations and actionable tips

• Suezette Yasmin Robotham’s Website
• Suezette’s Book: Beyond Titles
• LinkedIn - Suezette Yasmin Robotham
• Suezette’s TED Talk
• Official Training & Courses

• Website
• Instagram
• Twitter
• Community & Mentoring Programs

Timestamps: 

00:00 - Introduction & Suezette’s powerful journey to authentic leadership

02:48 - The secret sauce of attracting mutually beneficial relationships

04:24 - Misconceptions about authenticity and true leadership 07:57 - The reflective questions that heal & how to process fear 10:14 - Real stories of understanding real self versus work self 13:12 - Transition from education reform to tech industry—lessons learned

16:27 - The importance of alignment & trusting when things flow naturally

18:32 - Challenging hustle mentality & embracing ease through discernment

20:37 - Suezette’s mentorship program & how to unlock your full potential

24:17 - Characteristics of admired leaders and cultivating curiosity

27:07 - Upcoming curriculum on authentic leadership & organizational impact

30:50 - Advice for newcomers into tech & managing perceptions

34:28 - Strategies for identifying where environments align with your values

35:18 - The significance of “no titles” for self-awareness & growth

37:01 - How self-assessment leads to greater impact & fuller life 40:50 - Recognizing dissonance and releasing what no longer serves

42:34 - Final thoughts — living as your best self & embracing full capacity

43:16 - Connecting with Suezette: resources, social media & community call-to-action

Resources & Links:

Connect with Suezette:Embrace your authentic self — lead fearlessly and live fully!

• Suezette Yasmin Robotham’s Website
• Suezette’s Book: Beyond Titles
• LinkedIn - Suezette Yasmin Robotham
• Suezette’s TED Talk
• Official Training & Courses

• Website
• Instagram
• Twitter
• Community & Mentoring Programs

Unlock the powerful leadership principles grounded in Black church traditions and culture. In this episode, L.Michelle Smith shares her insights on how call and response, faith, community, and resilience can transform your leadership approach and drive authentic connections.

• L.Michelle's inspiration behind writing Call and Response and how her church experiences shape her leadership philosophy
• The leadership lessons derived from Black church traditions, especially faith, purpose, and community
• The science behind attunement, oxytocin, and brain science that support community-building and resilience
• The historical roots of call and response from Africa to the Black church and their relevance to modern leadership
• Practical strategies for applying these principles in corporate and community settings
• How to develop heart-centered, courageous, and emotionally intelligent leaders across industries
• The importance of integrity, accountability, and cultural competency in today's leadership landscape
• Resources: pre-order discounts, workshops, curriculum, and recommended reading

• Call and Response by L. Michelle Smith
• Book preorder & leadership toolkit
• L. Michelle Smith - Website
• Black Church Study - The Black Church: This Is Our Story, This Is Our Song by Dr. Henry Louis Gates Jr.
• Follow L.Michelle Smith on LinkedIn
• Follow L.Michelle Smith on Twitter

• Website
• Request Speaking Engagements
• Pre-order the book and access curriculum

• Leverage the principles of call and response in team meetings and organizational culture
• Incorporate storytelling, attunement, and community-building techniques into your leadership style
• Practice integrity and accountability daily to build trust and resilience in your teams
• Use the provided leadership questions and curriculum to foster critical thinking and strategic growth
• Join the movement to develop more heart-centered, courageous leaders across industries

Embrace these culturally rooted, science-backed strategies to lead with authenticity, influence, and purpose.

—
Thank you for listening! Don't forget to share your copies of the book and tag L.Michelle Smith on social media with your leadership insights.

In this episode:Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction to Michelle Smith and her leadership journey
02:00 - The story behind Call and Response and cultural influences
04:50 - Black church leadership lessons: faith and purpose
08:30 - The science of community: oxytocin and brain synchronization
12:00 - Roots of call and response: from Africa to modern music and culture
16:20 - The role of resilience: lessons from grandmothers and gospel hymns
20:56 - Building integrity and accountability in leadership
24:05 - Practical tips for applying call and response strategies in organizations
27:40 - Addressing generational shifts and the importance of social-emotional skills
31:15 - The significance of community as a covenant and collective success
35:30 - Cultivating influential, heart-centered leaders: Carla Harris, Sint Marshall, and others
40:10 - How to get the book, resources for leaders, and call to action
43:05 - Final thoughts: leading with authenticity and cultural intelligenceResources & Links:Connect with Elle Michelle Smith:To Enhance Your Leadership: