Send us a textAmbassador Aurelia Brazeal joins us for an inspiring conversation on leadership, resilience, and navigating life's adversities. Learn how growing up in the dynamic environment near Atlanta's Spelman and Morehouse Colleges instilled in her the timeless values of humility, compassion, and truth. These values have been her guiding compass through a distinguished career in diplomacy, equipping her with the tools to lead through challenging times with grace and audacity. Ambassador B...

Send us a textManaging from the middle can feel like navigating a tightrope, especially when you're caught in the crossfire of clashing bosses. Ever wondered how to keep team morale high when the ones above you can't see eye to eye? Join us as we unpack the unique struggles of middle management. Drawing from our personal experiences, we reveal the art of leading small teams while gracefully managing upwards. It's about being the calm in the storm, ensuring productivity doesn't wane amidst upp...

Send us a textWhat if the key to successful leadership is knowing when to say no? Join us as we uncover strategic problem-solving and leadership secrets with the insightful Kendra Gaither. This episode promises to equip you with strategies for balancing team success with well-being, focusing on essential tasks, and staying aligned with your team's North Star, even when unexpected opportunities knock on your door.Courage and collaboration take center stage as we explore a recent engagement wit...

Send us a textEver felt the weight of external negativity and wondered how to keep your inner strength intact? This episode promises to equip you with essential strategies for maintaining resilience and intentionality in leadership. We dive into the real-world challenges leaders face, from microaggressions to the relentless pressures of pioneering new initiatives. Through personal stories and practical advice, we share how to preserve your mental energy, pick your battles wisely, and ensure y...

Send us a textWhat if self-awareness could be your secret weapon in effective leadership? In Season 2 of the Leadership Tea Podcast, we are thrilled to welcome Nichole Gladden McCall, an accomplished leader and proud member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Incorporated, who shares her profound insights on leading with authenticity and empathy. Nichole opens up about the critical importance of self-awareness, detailing her daily practice of mindful self-checks and accountability to ensure her leade...

Send us a textFind us on YouTube. Ever wondered how to lead with a startup mindset in any sector—be it government or private industry? Our latest season promises to equip you with all the tools you need. We kick off Season 2 of the Leadership Tea Podcast with our first full YouTube episode, breaking down how agility, flexibility, and creativity are vital when embarking on new projects or building teams. As the seasons change, we discuss the importance of reassessing your goals and preparing e...

Send us a Text Message.This season finale of the Leadership Tea podcast is an opportunity to reflect on our journey, where we share our favorite moments and impactful quotes from the season. Belinda recounts Perlita's powerful insights on the unsustainability of constant fight-or-flight leadership, urging us to find balance and authenticity in our roles. Shelby reminisces about our enlightening conversation with mentor Emily Haber, focusing on the strength that vulnerability brings to leaders...

Send us a Text Message.What happens when a seasoned diplomat becomes an entrepreneur? Belinda shares her inspiring journey of courage and self-discovery after leaving a career in diplomacy. This episode is not just a conversation—it's a heartfelt exchange filled with wisdom and authenticity. Shelby begins with a powerful personalized hype poem encapsulating Belinda's essence and accomplishments. From the emotional farewell to the State Department to navigating the uncharted waters of the priv...

Send us a Text Message.Curious about how to build a team that thrives on creativity and curiosity? Join us on the Leadership Tea Podcast as we welcome Erika Bennett, founder and CEO of Conscious Culture Creative. Erika's unique leadership approach fosters deep relationships and encourages an environment where curiosity is valued. Drawing from her rich experiences, Erika shares how nurturing diverse talents can lead to substantial personal and professional growth for everyone on the team. Have...

Send us a Text Message.Ever wondered how power couples juggle careers while keeping their families grounded? Join us for a compelling conversation where we share our secrets to balancing demanding jobs and family obligations. In this bonus episode, we bring our spouses into the mix, offering a unique glimpse into our lives and revealing how communication, adaptability, and mutual support help us manage it all. Our discussion likens marriage to a relay race, where the baton is passed to whoeve...

Send us a Text Message.Could adversity really be your greatest opportunity for growth? Discover the transformative power of reframing challenges in "Leading in the Gray, Part II," where we share vital insights from our experiences during the pandemic and beyond. Learn how maintaining a positive mindset can turn difficult situations into bursts of creativity and progress. We also highlight the necessity of self-care, emphasizing personal strategies like having a therapist and a leadership coac...

Send us a Text Message.Listen in as we celebrate Father's Day with a heartfelt discussion with our dads. From transitioning careers to overcoming humble beginnings, we recount the stories of these incredible men and their profound impact on our perspectives of fatherhood, leadership, and the importance of being present.Our dads share their journeys, highlighting the twists and turns that required adaptability, specialization, and effective communication. We discuss how unexpected challenges h...

Send us a Text Message.What if leadership was less about authority and more about generosity, empathy, and kindness? On this episode of the Leadership Tea Podcast, we have the privilege of speaking with Dr. Debernee Privott, who shares her journey from a supportive family upbringing to becoming a distinguished community leader and professor. Dr. Privott reveals how the principles of understanding, sacrifice, and inclusivity, instilled in her from a young age, have shaped her leadership ...

Send us a Text Message.COVID-19 has challenged even the most seasoned leaders, forcing us to navigate uncharted waters without a playbook. Join us as we share their journeys of "leading in the grey" amid the chaos of the pandemic. Discover how the pandemic amplified leadership responsibilities and drove us to rethink our strategies, providing invaluable lessons on adapting and supporting our teams in an uncertain world.In this episode, we also tackle the complex dynamics of remote work, explo...

Send us a Text Message.From crafting a rock-solid foundation to fostering trust and credibility, we discuss different angles to ensure that you're not just surviving but thriving when transitioning to a new leadership role. Our candid discussion reveals how to navigate the intricate dance of change management, the finesse required in transitioning from colleague to commander, and the importance of aligning your vision with the heartbeat of your team. Together, we unpack the strategies that ha...

Send us a Text Message.Mother's Day brings varied emotions and reflections for many of us, and it takes on many different forms, as you will see reflected in the stories of today's guests. This special podcast episode takes a heartfelt look at motherhood's role in crafting leaders. We're joined by two extraordinary women, Cora and Gloria, our own mothers, who bring a rich tapestry of experiences and wisdom. Their stories demonstrate how the virtues they learned from the mothers and mother fig...

Send us a Text Message.When Emily Haber, the former German ambassador to the United States, shares her wisdom, you know it's time to sit up and listen—and that's exactly what we did in this discussion about advocacy and allyship. This was a transformative discussion and Emily shared a number of important lessons with us. Her narrative is a testament to the courage required in any professional journey.Emily embodies leadership's true essence - responsibility, adaptability, and a steadfas...

Send us a Text Message. This episode is a  reflection on our efforts to form strong bonds with our peers. We discuss why regular check-ins and internal diplomacy aren't just buzzwords but essential practices for any leader seeking to build a team that not only works together but thrives together. Tune in and equip yourself with the knowledge to create a culture of support and collaboration that will elevate your leadership and your team. We publish new episodes every other Wednesday. Follow...

Join us as we discuss the unwritten rules of effective mentorship with our 'uncles',  Ambassador Harry Thomas and Ambassador Teddy Taylor. Drawing from a combined 73 years of public service, our 'uncles' opened up about the power of genuine connections and the commitment required to guide and uplift others. This episode is a masterclass on the nuanced dance of mentor-mentee relationships, where honest feedback and active listening lead to personal and professional growth. Our conversation...

Have you ever stood at the crossroads of a tough leadership decision? This episode highlights a few principles we have used to navigate complex situations. From ethical dilemmas to strategic choices, we'll share insights we gleaned from our leadership journeys. Listen to our candid discussion on navigating the murky waters of high stakes decision-making, while staying grounded, and leading with empathy. Your thoughts and participation mean the world to us, so join the conversation on social...

Have you ever found yourself on the brink of a major decision or opportunity, only to be held back by fear and uncertainty? In this episode, we delve into Renée Rattray's inspiring journey of transition and resilience. Renée’s story of change serves as a powerful reminder that clarity of purpose and unwavering passion can propel us toward remarkable achievements. Join us as Renée shares her insights, urging us to claim our spaces, seize opportunities, and embrace our authentic selves.  Get...

Have you ever felt the power of a personal and professional support network? Leadership isn't just about making the tough calls; it's about embracing vulnerability and fostering relationships while navigating competitive workplaces. Join us as we chat with our friend and former colleague Perlita Mururi, who shares her secrets to building a robust "village" of friends and family capable of weathering any storm. We also discuss how these relationships help buoy leaders through career...

We have created this bonus episode to say "Thank You" to all of you who have supported us during our first week as a live podcast. Thanks to all of you, we rocketed to the top of the Apple "Career" charts. You made our debut an unimaginable success. Thank you! We're calling on you to join the conversation, whether you are scrolling through Instagram, tuning in during your commute, or seeking inspiration at your desk. We're all about fostering a community of go-getters who dare to dream and...

Welcome to the Leadership Tea Podcast!  In this episode, we want to introduce ourselves to you and share more details explaining why we have created this podcast and what we hope you get out of this series. This isn't your typical leadership podcast. We are here to break down barriers and offer you a seat at our table. Join our community of thought leaders and changemakers, and let's cultivate a space for growth, reflection, and the unapologetic pursuit of excellence. Every other week,...