Send us a textRacial abuse and exhaustion are not just buzzwords but lived realities for Black women in the workplace. Join us as we mark the four-year journey of the Toya Talks podcast, reflecting on the emotional and societal challenges that Black Women continually face. We underscore the importance of community support, vigilance, and documentation as essential tools in the fight for dignity and respect.Witness the power of community mobilization in action, highlighted through the story of...

Send us a textExhaustion, stress, and societal pressure often push us beyond our limits. But what if acknowledging burnout could change your life? Join me as I share my personal journey through the demanding terrain of professional fatigue, exploring how it manifested physically and emotionally, and how a timely holiday to Dubai became a turning point. We delve into the unique struggles black women face in the workplace, the difficult balance of rest and responsibility, and the societal press...

Send us a textRethinking Networking and Inclusivity in Tech Events Networking within the tech industry, especially at events targeted at the Black community, often feels more like a social affair than a professional gathering. We voice our skepticism about the effectiveness of these events and advocate for more inclusive and meaningful opportunities that align with the true professional aspirations of attendees. Highlighting the lack of Black representation in senior leadership, we emph...

Send us a textWe explore the influential role of Black women in politics, drawing parallels between the US and the UK. We reflect on the groundbreaking impact of leaders like Barack Obama and Kamala Harris on political diversity and leadership. Despite these strides, the absence of a Black Prime Minister in the UK remains striking. We delve into Kamala Harris's career, examining her tenure as Attorney General and the criticisms she has faced. This segment underscores the ongoing challenges an...

Send us a Text Message.What if the working world is demanding hypocrisy from you? Let’s pivot to the music industry and dissect the contrasting paths of Drake and Kendrick Lamar. We'll explore Drake's perceived struggle despite a privileged background and juxtapose it against Kendrick's authenticity and hard-earned success. This conversation leads us to a critical examination of Rishi Sunak's controversial tenure as the UK's Prime Minister, scrutinising his leadership challenges and the ...

Send us a Text Message.Back Like I never left.Sponsorships - Email me: [email protected] TikTok: toya_washington Twitter: @toya_w (#ToyaTalksPodcast) Snapchat: @toyawashington Instagram: @toya_washington & @toya_talks www.toyatalks.comhttps://toyatalks.com/

The world can be unkind, and for Black Women, the sting of racism and microaggressions is a harsh reality. I share a potent blend of personal stories and societal critique, focusing on my own experience at a swim school that became a battleground for parental rights and racial tensions. The episode also casts a lens on the political landscape, dissecting the Labour Party's response to bigotry and the media's role in shaping public perception. Through this narrative, we uncover the vital...

Ever felt the weight of expectations tipping the scales against your authentic self? I've wrestled with the same challenge, longing for societal acceptance while yearning to embrace my true identity. In the heartfelt echoes of this episode, I share my personal voyage from the chains of people-pleasing to the serene shores of self-acceptance. A particular spotlight shines on Black Women, as we delve into our unique narratives, encouraging you to redefine success and seize the freedom that...

From the viral tales of Ressa Tessa on TikTok to the tumultuous life lessons from the Wendy Williams documentary, we take an unflinching look at the importance of recognising red flags and holding true to our values in the quest for love and fulfilment. Navigating the dating world can often feel like a high stakes game where knowing oneself is both the board and the prize. This episode is a candid reflection on the societal pressures to conform, the complexities of culture and societies view...

Ever questioned the value of your voice in a world that seems to echo with others' expectations? This episode turns the spotlight on the empowering art of personal branding, and the tenacity required to purge toxic relationships from our lives. Our narrative begins with the importance of inspiration, drawing from the negotiation prowess of my mother and the legendary ambition of figures like Michael Jordan and 50 Cent. We unravel the influence of assertiveness and the courage to carve out our...

Bouncing back from a job rejection can feel like an enormous task, especially when you're juggling the complexities of life's many roles. As a full-time mom nursing swollen glands, conjunctivitis and the many hats of motherhood, I've been there, and in this episode, I share my experience to encourage you to channel rejections into stepping stones. We'll navigate the treacherous waters of job hunting and relationships with recruiters, armed with personal stories and your shared dilemmas, to...

I've always believed that embracing your true self is a rebellious act of self-love, especially when the world tries to carve you into something you're not. This belief echoes through today’s conversation, sparked by Laura Matsu's powerful reflections on self-acceptance. I delve into the pivotal updates in UK employment law, specifically the new flexible working legislation. It's essential intel for every working woman in the UK.  The energy shifts as we navigate the delicate dance of...

Ready to challenge societal norms and redefine success on your own terms as a working mom? Buckle up as we tackle the complex world of balancing work and motherhood, shedding light on the stereotypes and expectations that often hinder our progress. From my personal experiences returning to work after maternity leave, to the guilt associated with placing a child in full-time nursery, we pull back the curtain on the realities often glossed over. Fancy a peek inside the nerve-wracking job...

As the year comes to a close, I find myself in a poignant reflection of the personal and societal transformations that have left an indelible mark on 2023. The landscape of the UK has been one of tumultuous change, from royal family disclosures to political upheaval and an economic maelstrom that has held our leaders' feet to the fire. Yet, amid this national backdrop, my journey into motherhood has been the most transformative of all, fraught with joys, trials, and the task of breaking...

This is a Dilemma Episode. This episode contains x6 dilemmas. As we delve deeper, we share impactful tales of overcoming discrimination and hostility in the workplace. One listener shares her story of triumph in the financial services industry while dealing with uncooperative colleagues and an unsupportive line manager. We debunk the misconception that compressed hours are only for those with families and emphasise the importance of self-care in professional settings. Finally, we tackle...

What happens when a key member decides to leave a popular podcast? We had an up-close look at the dynamics of The Receipts Podcast as Milena announced her departure. We shed light on the aftermath of her decision.  We're not just talking about The Receipts in this episode; we're also shedding light on the larger picture - the challenges faced by Black women in podcasting and beyond. From being labeled as bullies for simply being confident, to struggling to bring others into our success, we...

Number 10 Downing St is the HQ. For us mere mortals it represents organisations we work for. Suella Braverman is an employee. The sacking of Braverman is more than an angry boss letting go of an employee this is the dynamics of a manager, CEO, Line Manager and HR not recruiting well and then dealing with the fall out of a rogue employee. In this episode we delve deeper and draw learnings for our own strategic ventures in the world of work. Let me be clear, I do not believe democracy exists...

This Episode contains x2 dilemmas. My manager wants me to cancel my one week course to attend his Team Meeting Away Day.She disliked me all along - Confrontation?Sponsorships - Email me: [email protected] TikTok: toya_washington Twitter: @toya_w (#ToyaTalksPodcast) Snapchat: @toyawashington Instagram: @toya_washington & @toya_talks www.toyatalks.com https://toyatalks.com/

Spot Light Episode: In this episode we will be discussing Tyler Perry and his bid to own BET Network. We take the learning lessons from this discussion into the world of work. Knowing your value and when you are being undervalued or taking advantage of  and knowing when it’s time to move on. Sponsorships - Email me: [email protected] TikTok: toya_washington Twitter: @toya_w (#ToyaTalksPodcast) Snapchat: @toyawashington Instagram: @toya_washington & @toya_talks ...

This is a dilemma episode covering x2 dilemmas on of which touches on the topic of ‘Unlawful deduction  of Wages’. The Employment Rights Act 1996 (ERA) protects workers/employees from unauthorised deductions from pay. The rules on unlawful deduction of wages relate to underpayment or non-payment of an employee's wage or salary without their permission or consent. Sponsorships - Email me: [email protected] TikTok: toya_washington Twitter: @toya_w (#ToyaTalksPodcast) Snapchat:...

In this episode we discuss the abusive and manipulative technique of the 'Silent Treatment' adopted by some managers and colleagues in a position of any scrap of power. This is also a dilemma episode. Sponsorships - Email me: [email protected] TikTok: toya_washington Twitter: @toya_w (#ToyaTalksPodcast) Snapchat: @toyawashington Instagram: @toya_washington & @toya_talks www.toyatalks.com https://toyatalks.com/

The workplace has never been a safe place and is not a safe space for Black Women. Being pregnant places women in a vulnerable position, your hormones are raging, your body is changing and you are growing a whole human. Many of us are also managing underlying health conditions too. In spaces where Black Women are not afforded fragility I never felt safe to share with employers  or colleagues that I was pregnant. I held down two contracts whilst pregnant and did not disclose my pregnancy. I...

This is a dilemma Episode. - An organisation offered this woman a role and from there demonstrated so many red flags that included reducing the salary twice.  Sponsorships - Email me: [email protected] TikTok: toya_washington Twitter: @toya_w (#ToyaTalksPodcast) Snapchat: @toyawashington Instagram: @toya_washington & @toya_talks www.toyatalks.com https://toyatalks.com/

In this episode we discuss a recent article by Rani Molla ‘Don’t Schedule meetings after 4pm’. https://www.vox.com/technology/23802010/hybrid-work-meetings-flexibility-managers Sponsorships - Email me: [email protected] TikTok: toya_washington Twitter: @toya_w (#ToyaTalksPodcast) Snapchat: @toyawashington Instagram: @toya_washington & @toya_talks www.toyatalks.com https://toyatalks.com/