In this powerful episode of the Evolving to Exceptional Podcast, host Jessica Tietjen sits down with Rhoda Banks—culture and inclusion executive, speaker, and author of the new memoir Daughter of an Assassin.
Rhoda shares her remarkable life story, growing up in St. Louis in a household shaped by trauma and contradiction. Through vulnerability and insight, she unpacks how her early experiences shaped her relationships, leadership, and deep commitment to healing work—both personal and professional.
This conversation dives into:
The complex duality of growing up in a household with both love and danger
The lasting impact of childhood attachment and trauma
Why leaders must understand the role of trauma in workplace dynamics
A behind-the-scenes look at Rhoda’s upcoming memoir and the healing it offers others
Join us next week for part two of this episode—don’t miss what’s next as Rhoda reveals more about how we can all break cycles, rewrite legacies, and lead with deeper awareness.
Purchase Rhoda's brand new book, Daughter of an Assassin, here: https://a.co/d/fl5Jpg2
Purchase my book Fiercely Cherished Beings: https://amzn.to/3PKBFem
Download the first chapter for FREE: https://www.evolvingtoexceptional.com/fiercely-cherished-beings
Website - https://www.evolvingtoexceptional.com/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/evolving-to-exceptional/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jessicatietjenj
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Evolving-To-Exceptional-109687844842573
Buy The Exceptional Life R-Evolution book - https://www.amazon.com/dp/1952566282/
Get the first Chapter of The Exceptional Life R-Evolution Free at: https://www.evolvingtoexceptional.com/firstchapterfreedownload
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