Black Woman Leading

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 ou...

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 ...

In this conversation, Laura welcomes Dr. La-Toya Gaines, Founder & CEO of Family Matters Counseling and Psychological Services, to explore what it truly means to practice whole self-care—beyond the trends, beyond the myths, and beyond the surface.

La-Toya expands the definition of self-care beyond activities and indulgence to include rest, boundaries, community support, emotional tending, identity work, an...

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 the "hardware" and "software" elements needed for a team to thrive and for people to feel a meaningful connection to their work.  She covers three key areas that must be addressed including foundational elements, enablers that optimize team culture, and then the ro...

In this conversation, Laura welcomes Kamilah Martin, Founder & CEO of Katalyst. 

Given the recent stats about Black women exiting the workplace in staggering numbers, Laura & Kamilah explore consulting as an option for Black women in transition. The discussion also touches on the importance of community and support in navigating these transitions.

Kamilah Martin shares her journey from a tradi...

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.  

Assessing the personal side of this experience, they explore how integrated elements of misplaced identity, burnout, and grief might deepen the loss of employment for many Black women.

They explore the power of community to support peo...

In this conversation, Laura welcomes Dr. Menah Pratt, scholar and author. Using Menah's memoir, Blackwildgirl, as a powerful example; they explore how journaling can be a tool for self-awareness and growth.

In Blackwildgirl, Menah shares her journey from eight years old to present day and her quest to reclaim the untamed, bold, and creative spirit of girlhood that was stifled in her rigid upbringing. She r...

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 of research, Dr. Larde breaks down her Multidimensional Framework of Joy, built upon a foundation of well-being. She shares how joy connects to our communities and our approaches to liberation, citing current examples of how joy can serve as a source...

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 introduces season eight of the Black Woman Leading podcast, focusing on the theme of 'Leaning Into Joy.' We'll be exploring how to make space and create intentional plans for simple experiences of joy in all areas of our lives (yes, even at work!).

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 season emphasized the importance of setting a personal vision and the journey of accessing resources, advocating for oneself, and practicing self-care while pursuing that vision. 

In addition to this theme, which connected all episodes, we covered vari...

In this conversation, Laura welcomes Dr. Avis Proctor, President of Harper College. 

Dr. Proctor shares her journey from a mathematics educator to a college president, emphasizing need for intentionality in leadership, self-advocacy,  and the power of community support in achieving success.

She reflects on her career journey and the pivotal choices that shaped her path.  She also provides insi...

In this conversation, Laura welcomes Ange Matthews, an investor and personal finance expert, to discuss strategies for optimizing your salary. 

Ange shares her journey from a $40,000 salary to building seven figures of passive wealth, offering insights into making every dollar work for you. 

She emphasizes the importance of giving every dollar a job and making your money work overtime. Ang...

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 explore how to navigate transitions with grace, the importance of emotional honesty, and the power of community and self-care. Dr. Daniela shares her PivotWell framework for navigating life changes, and shares her insights on "leading while breaking" a...

In this conversation, Laura welcomes Dr. Nicole Bryan to discuss the unique strengths of introverts and the importance of recognizing and leveraging introverted qualities, such as deep thinking and observation, to succeed in the workplace. The discussion emphasizes embracing one's unique qualities and leveraging them for career growth and influence.

Laura and Dr. Nicole explore the unique nuances of Black ...

In this conversation, Laura welcomes Nakisha Muhammad to discuss the leadership competencies of diplomacy and political savvy, through her point of reference as an executive leader.  

Nakisha shares her unique journey from entrepreneurship to her current role as Chief Technology Officer at 1nHealth, chronicling how she learned to honor her own boundaries while navigating the demands of leadership and empha...

In this bonus episode, Laura shares her highlights from the 2025 Black Woman Leading LIVE! Conference + Retreat, which took place May 27-30, 2025 in Virginia Beach, VA.

Black Woman Leading LIVE! is the premier leadership development conference to help Black women professionals learn, heal, and grow in their leadership capacity.

Join us at the 2026 event, which will take place May 11-14, 2026 i...

 In this solo episode, Laura discusses the complexities of navigating change in both personal and professional contexts. She emphasizes the importance of self-awareness, resilience, and adaptability as leaders face inevitable disruptions. The conversation explores various models of the human side of change, the emotional processes involved, and practical strategies for supporting oneself and others through transitions. Laura highli...

In this solo episode, Laura discusses the importance of asking for what you want in your career, particularly for Black women. She emphasizes that self-advocacy is not just about the words you use but also about your internal mindset and sense of worthiness. She shares frameworks to help listeners work on both the heart work and head work needed for effective self-advocacy. Laura encourages self-reflection on past expe...

In this episode, Laura  hosts an alumni panel of Black Woman Leading alums from the
Early Career and Mid-Career Programs (Alexys Anderson, Shelby Norman, and SherAaron Hurt) to discuss our season's theme of Driving the Narrative of Your Career.

Emphasizing the importance of setting a personal vision and advocating for oneself while balancing heart work and head work along the career growth journey, they  e...