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:

This episode of Winning Season features a real lesson from Jacqueline V. Twillie, originally delivered live to a group of mid-career professionals. In it, Jacqueline unpacks the moment she cracked a high-stakes global project stalemate by identifying the single metric and timeline that mattered most to a senior leader.

She walks listeners through her signature L.A.T.T.E. Framework—Look, Anticipate, Think, Talk, Evaluate—and shows how to use it to translate your solution into the language of decision makers. You’ll learn how to pinpoint priorities, anticipate objections, and present your ideas in a way that earns approvals faster.

Whether you're preparing for a big pitch or navigating shifting priorities, this lesson gives you a repeatable playbook to get a clear yes.

This podcast episode is an actual lesson taught by Jacqueline V. Twillie, founder of ZeroGap and creator of the L.A.T.T.E. Framework. You’ll hear her teaching in real time, not a scripted studio segment, so grab a notebook and get ready to apply these strategies immediately.

📌 Note

Summary

In this episode of the Winning Season podcast, host Jacqueline Twillie interviews Alair Castro, a Director of Diversity and Inclusion Strategy and Marketing at Northwestern Mutual and founder of the AC Consultancy. Alair shares her journey and passion for addressing the racial wealth gap, advocating for Black women, and creating inclusive marketing strategies. The conversation explores the importance of building trust within communities, measuring success beyond traditional metrics, and the significance of maintaining authenticity in consultancy work. Alair emphasizes the need for multiple streams of income and the value of unplugged family time for personal and professional growth.

Takeaways

• Alair Castro is a Director of Diversity and Inclusion Strategy and Marketing.
• Her career is dedicated to advocating for Black women.
• The racial wealth gap is a significant issue affecting the Black community.
• Building trust within the Black community is crucial for financial services.
• Inclusive marketing can drive business goals and community impact.
• Success indicators should go beyond clicks and impressions.
• Maintaining authenticity is key in consultancy work.
• Monetizing your skills can create additional income streams.
• Unplugged family time is essential for mental well-being.
• Effective communication of boundaries is vital in leadership.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Alair Castro

01:40 Passion for Racial Wealth Gap

03:48 Understanding the Racial Wealth Gap

05:14 Building Buy-In for Inclusion

06:44 The Business Case for Inclusive Marketing

07:42 Cultural Insights in Marketing

09:23 Measuring Success Beyond Clicks

10:40 Overcoming Analysis Paralysis

12:15 Monetizing Your Genius

14:05 The Importance of Unplugged Time

16:00 Turning Conflict into Collaboration

17:56 Marketing and Money Rules for Change Makers

18:24 Fun and Personal Insights with Alair Castro

Connect with Alair

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/alaircastro/

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

Online https://www.theacconsultancy.com/

Winning Season Podcast - Mini Episode Show Notes

Host: Jacqueline Twillie
Episode Type: Mini Episode - Career and Negotiation Inspiration
Duration: ~3 minutes

Episode Overview

A quick-hit episode sharing actionable career and negotiation tips from two of Jacqueline's current projects, designed to give listeners a boost in their professional journey.

Main Tip: Highlight Your Unique Value

• Identify what makes you stand out from other candidates
• Lead confidently with your unique strengths in your job search
• Implementation strategies:

When: August 21st
Where: Maven.com
Cost: Free

Core Concept: Going from "Almost" to "Absolutely"

A 5-step method for building a negotiation strategy:

• L - Look
• A - Anticipate
• T - Think
• T - Talk
• E - Evaluate

Framework Benefits:

• Preparation for challenges and questions from the other party
• Addresses potential objections that typically arise early in negotiations
• Builds confidence and prevents being thrown off your game
• Leads to faster, mutually beneficial agreements

• Small tweaks can create significant impact in career development
• Preparation is crucial for successful negotiations
• Confidence comes from being ready to address challenges
• The power to shape your career is in your hands

• The Table: 30-day pop-up career strategy group
• Instant Negotiation Strategy Class: Free class on Maven.com (August 21st)

"The power to shape your career and own your negotiation - it only takes a few tweaks."

Keep winning!

Chapters

00:00 - 00:15 - Welcome & Introduction
Host introduction and episode overview

00:15 - 01:30 - The Table: Career Strategy for Black Women
30-day pop-up group supporting those impacted by 2025 job market

01:30 - 02:45 - The LATTE Framework for Negotiation
5-step method from the Instant Negotiation Strategy class

02:45 - 03:00 - Wrap-up & Closing Thoughts

Summary

In this episode of the Winning Season podcast, Lexie Mendelson shares her extensive experience in building partnerships and launching innovative products like Google Pay. She emphasizes the importance of values such as truth and loyalty in partnerships, the need for adaptability in international rollouts, and the significance of aligning diverse stakeholders. Lexie also discusses the challenges of navigating regulatory environments, the importance of modeling realistic workloads, and the value of genuine relationships in professional networks. She offers valuable advice for emerging leaders on building authentic connections and understanding the needs of others.

Takeaways

Lexie's journey spans art history to tech and finance.

Building infrastructure for new market categories is key.

Truth and loyalty are essential in partnerships.

Understanding success for all parties is crucial.

Adapt products for different markets to succeed.

Meetings enhance communication and stakeholder alignment.

Leaders should model realistic workloads for teams.

Genuine care for colleagues fosters strong relationships.

Empathy is vital in professional conversations.

Emerging leaders should focus on authentic connections.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Lexi's Journey

02:16 Connecting Career Chapters

04:27 Values-Driven Leadership

07:45 Launching Google Pay Internationally

09:58 Aligning Stakeholders for Success

12:50 Navigating Regulations in Banking

15:10 Normalizing Workloads for Team Performance

19:54 Building Authentic Relationships

22:13 Foundational Skills for Emerging Leaders

24:03 Rapid Fire Fun Questions

Summary

In this episode, Jacqueline Twillie discusses the intricacies of navigating difficult conversations and negotiations. She introduces the Latte Framework, which consists of Look, Anticipate, Think, Talk, and Evaluate, providing practical strategies for each stage. The conversation covers how to observe tension, anticipate derailments, address bad behavior, maintain composure in power imbalances, know when to walk away, and reflect on negotiation outcomes. Jacqueline emphasizes the importance of preparation, emotional intelligence, and continuous evaluation in becoming a successful negotiator.

Takeaways

• The real negotiation begins before the first word is even uttered.
• Successful negotiators expect derailments to happen.
• Observing the environment and your internal state is crucial.
• Address behavior, not character, to maintain psychological safety.
• Using power phrases can help redirect conversations effectively.
• Maintaining composure in high-stakes situations is essential.
• Knowing your walk-away points is critical for negotiation success.
• Reflection after negotiations helps in learning and improvement.
• Every difficult conversation is an opportunity for growth.
• Practice one technique at a time to build negotiation skills.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Difficult Conversations

01:59 Understanding the Latte Framework

06:39 Navigating Tension in Conversations

09:56 Keeping Conversations on Track

10:47 Addressing Bad Behavior

13:46 Maintaining Composure Under Pressure

17:30 Knowing When to Walk Away

21:28 Reflecting on Negotiations

Summary

In this episode of the Confidence Rewired series, Jacqueline Twillie explores the science of self-trust and the mental skill of confidence. She emphasizes that confidence can be trained through neuroplasticity, which allows the brain to rewire itself based on experiences. Jacqueline introduces the 90-day confidence circuit plan, which includes identity anchors, micro actions, and reflection to build lasting confidence. The episode concludes with a final leadership lab challenge, encouraging listeners to map their next 90 days and commit to intentional actions that reinforce their values.

Takeaways

• Confidence is a mental skill that can be trained.
• Neuroplasticity allows the brain to rewire itself based on experience.
• True change happens through intention and repetition.
• The 90-day confidence circuit plan combines identity, micro actions, and reflection.
• Choose one identity anchor to guide your actions.
• Set up weekly challenges to align with your values.
• Track your progress visibly to reinforce learning.
• Reflect on your actions with data, not drama.
• Confidence is built through consistent, intentional decisions.
• Your brain learns through repetition and visibility.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Confidence Rewired

01:00 Understanding Neuroplasticity and Confidence

03:56 The 90-Day Confidence Circuit Plan

07:01 Final Leadership Lab Challenge and Conclusion

Keywords: confidence, neuroplasticity, self-trust, leadership, mental skills, personal development, emotional regulation, identity anchors, micro actions, habit formation

This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical or mental health treatment.

Summary

In this episode of the Confidence Rewired series, host Jacqueline Twillie explores the intersection of breath work and confidence, emphasizing the importance of breath in high-stress situations. She introduces cyclic sighing as a powerful technique for reducing anxiety and enhancing leadership presence. The episode also outlines practical steps for incorporating breath work into daily routines, particularly through a 2 p.m. reset routine, and highlights the significance of building resilience and introspective awareness for effective leadership.

Takeaways

• Confidence can be cultivated through breath work.
• Cyclic sighing is an effective anxiety-reduction technique.
• Breath work activates the parasympathetic nervous system.
• The vagus nerve plays a crucial role in stress regulation.
• Slowing your breath enhances decision-making under stress.
• Daily routines can help maintain confidence levels.
• Pairing breath with affirmations boosts self-trust.
• Introspective awareness is a superpower in leadership.
• One minute of breath work can shift your mood.
• Building resilience is essential for leading through challenges.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Confidence and Breath Work

01:46 The Science of Breath and Anxiety Reduction

03:34 Implementing the 2 PM Reset Routine

06:02 Building Confidence Through Practice

Keywords

confidence, breath work, leadership, anxiety reduction, resilience, cyclic sighing, mindfulness, self-trust, neuroplasticity, personal development

This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical or mental health treatment.

Summary

In this episode of the Winning Season Podcast, the Confidence Rewired Series, host Jacqueline Twillie discusses the importance of dopamine in building confidence and motivation. She introduces the concept of the 'confidence comeback loop' and emphasizes the significance of tiny wins in stimulating dopamine release. Jacqueline provides a practical framework called the 'Tiny Win System' to help listeners identify small, achievable goals that can lead to greater emotional resilience and motivation. The episode concludes with encouragement to track progress and celebrate wins, reinforcing the idea that consistent, small achievements can lead to significant growth in confidence.

Takeaways

• You need dopamine, not just any kind.
• Dopamine is the brain's reward chemical.
• Tiny intentional wins matter for motivation.
• Small achievements can stimulate dopamine release.
• Breaking down goals into smaller steps trains the brain.
• Create small, doable moments for dopamine hits.
• Big confidence comes from consistent wins.
• Celebrate wins out loud to reinforce the dopamine loop.
• Track your wins to build momentum.
• Tiny wins are powerful for personal development.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Confidence Rewired

00:23 Understanding the Dopamine Comeback Loop

01:41 Implementing the Tiny Win System

04:35 Looking Ahead: Breath-Powered Reset

Summary

In this episode of the Confidence Rewired Series of the Winning Season Podcast, host Jacqueline Twillie explores the concept of the 'messy middle' where life and work pressures collide, leading to a dip in confidence. She discusses the neuroscience behind confidence, emphasizing how chronic stress affects the brain's ability to function effectively. Jacqueline introduces the BLAST method, a five-step process designed to help individuals reset their confidence and manage stress effectively. The episode concludes with a call to action for listeners to implement the BLAST method in their daily lives.

Takeaways

• When life and work pile on, confidence can take a hit.
• Chronic stress affects the brain's decision-making abilities.
• Confidence is not just a mindset; it's rooted in neuroscience.
• Performance-based confidence can falter under pressure.
• Identity anchors help maintain confidence during chaos.
• The BLAST method is a practical tool for resetting confidence.
• Breathing techniques can calm the nervous system.
• Movement is essential for boosting brain function.
• Tracking responses to stress helps in understanding triggers.
• You can train your brain to rise above chaos.

Chapters

00:00 Understanding the Messy Middle of Confidence

03:23 The BLAST Method: Rewiring Confidence

06:24 Looking Ahead: Dopamine Loops and Tiny Wins

This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical or mental health treatment.