Ladies Leading Host Ava Thompson Greenwell is joined by her family members as she announces a new direction for the podcast.  Can you say pause? You can use this link to listen (or relisten) to previous episodes.

Managing Editor Daschell Phillips works with a variety of writing genres – including the sacred and the secular.

Diversity, equity and inclusion, also known as DEI, are the buzz words in many workplaces.  Corporate leader Stefanie Hicks breaks down what it means, why it's important in every industry and how to assess whether your companie's DEI plans are more than just talk.

Journalist Deborah Douglas has traveled many writing roads.  This time, her journey has prompted her to write the first book to cover the offcial civil rights trail in the South. 

Sheryl Lewis is the author of From the Kitchen Table: Words of Wisdom, Acts of Love, and Food for the Soul.  She says her life has been deliciously full because of her love for family.  

Surrenthia Parker is one of the first Black women orthopaedic surgeons in the U.S.  She is listed as a pioneer in The History of Black Women in Orthopaedic Surgery website.  Although still low, she says she is seeing progress as the number of Black women surgeons grows.

Taking the editorial helm of Essence Magazine has been a "pinch me" moment for Danielle Cadet.  Like many who have ascended to high-profile positions in legacy media,  she's juggling the pros and cons of social media.

Global Girls executive director and founder Marvinetta Penn wants Black girls to be the center of attention.  For more than two decades, Penn has been building self esteem through the arts. 

Have you always wanted to write a novel or a memoir? Publisher Julia Royston coaches would-be authors on how to succeed.  This year she is celebrating 15 years in the publishing business. You can learn more about her offerings here.

Nathalie Loma wants to go global with her wedding and evening gown designs.  She credits her seamstress mother for sewing into her a spirit of creativity.  Take a look at her exquisite designs. 

Carolyn Booth has sold enough Mary Kay products to earn 16 cars.  She explains what it takes make it in the sales game.  

Today marks the official start of Black History month in the U.S. Marcia Walker-McWilliams, a black history baby, is all grown up now and taking the lead on teaching the public about the treasures of embracing Black history for survival.

Consignment shop owner Vivian Killebrew explains how "Stepping Out on Faith"  tested her faith during the pandemic and what led her to full-time entrepreneurship.

Journalist turned author Lisa Frazier Page became a New York Times best selling author with The Pact in 2003.  Since then she's been the ghost writer for several famous people, including mathematician Katherine Johnson of Hidden Figures fame and U.S. Senator Raphael Warnock.  She explains what keeps her writinng.

Ninety-year-old Lillie Parsons gives us something to chew on this Thanksgiving.  She talks turkey about the importance of good parenting and love for family.

If your voice is your money-maker, you know you can't make a living if you lose your voice. Nationally recognized voice and communications strategist Cathy Runnels provides tips on how to enhance and preserve your speaking voice regardless of age.  Her company,Accent on Speech, provides services that help with delivery, dialect reduction and other impediments. 

Nikitta Foston discusses how her journalism background serves her well in her new role as senior speechwriter for the American Medical Association and why she decided to launch her personal podcast, Pivotal Moment.

Dr. Hazel Glasper wants us to prioritize our dental health and understand that the mouth is the gateway to overall health. Listen to how she is influencing her industry through “Teach Me Dental,” a movement she founded to save lives..

Santrice Martin has just joined the c-suite as COO of the Illinois Children's Healthcare Foundation.  She shares the secret sauce on how to access money from foundations like hers and what it's like working for an organization whose primary job is to give money.  Learn more by going to: https://ilchf.org/grantees-applicants/  

Now it's your turn to tell me your thoughts about The Ladies Leading Podcast.  Go to https://ladiesleading.net/ to tell me what you think and make guest recommendations. Once you take the survey get a special code at the end and get your free e-book: Ladies Leading: The Black Women Who Control Television News.  It'll make for great summer reading.    

Lt. Cmdr. Brenda E. Robinson started flying planes in the Navy and then transitioned to commercial airlines.  Now she's passing along her love for technology to the next generation.

Law Professor Joyce Hughes is one of the first Black women to earn tenure at a predominately white university.  Her recent retirement brought both rejoicing and regrets.

Dr. Sharon Robinson talks about the crisis in the physician ranks and why it's now more important than ever to recruit and retain medical doctors of color.

Sonya Gilkey explains what it takes to follow your dream of being an inventor and an entrepreneur.