Decolonizing Leadership and Embracing Belonging with Shoshana Allice

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In episode 151 of Empowered and Embodied, Kim and Louise dive into the powerful intersections of leadership, identity, and belonging with their incredible guest, Shoshana Allice. Shoshana is a neuro-inclusive leadership coach and consultant, committed to decolonizing leadership and fostering spaces where true belonging—not just fitting in—is possible.

We explore the difference between belonging and fitting in, the armor we carry through life, and how our deeply ingrained systems shape the way we move through the world. Shoshana shares her journey of unlearning, embracing curiosity, and making space for courageous conversations that challenge power structures and systemic inequities.

Consider this an invitation to ask hard questions, sit in the discomfort of growth, and to recognize that getting it “wrong” is part of the process. From recognizing our internalized beliefs to reimagining leadership in a way that centers humanity, this episode is a powerful call to action: to show up, stay curious, and create spaces of true connection. This is one of those conversations that leaves you feeling full—of ideas, questions, and a renewed sense of purpose. 

"If you want to start decolonizing your leadership, start with curiosity and humility. Be willing to unlearn what you think you know." - Shoshana Allice

Key Takeaways:

• Belonging is not about changing who you are to fit in—it’s about being fully accepted as you are.
• Decolonizing leadership means questioning the systems we operate in and unlearning the ways we uphold them.
• Armor has served us, but softening it allows for deeper connection and authenticity.
• Curiosity and humility are the keys to unlearning and moving toward collective liberation.
• Rest is resistance—shoutout to Tricia Hersey and The Nap Ministry!

Key Moments: 

00:00 – Welcome, guest introduction & celebrations

07:28 – The power of asking questions

11:33 – Struggles and self-judgment

14:34 – Decolonizing leadership

19:59 – The importance of land acknowledgments

23:28 – Unlearning leadership assumptions

29:58 – The weight of systemic armor

34:36 – Privilege, belonging, and identity

41:22 – The illusion of fitting in

46:50 – Learning from younger generations

52:02 – Final reflections and takeaways

Resources Mentioned:

📖 Rest as Resistance by Tricia Hersey

🎥 This is Water

Connect with Shoshana:

Website: www.decolonizingleadership.com

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WorkshopsThatDontSuck/

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