In this episode, Laura discusses navigating life changes with Kumari Williams.  Kumari shares her journey as an executive leader, and how she has navigated both personal and professional challenges and changes throughout her career.  She emphasizes the importance of emotional intelligence, resilience, and the need for support systems while navigating life transitions. 

Kumari reflects on her experiences in leadership, the significance of consistent self-checks, and the value of extending grace to oneself and others during difficult times.  Overall, Kumari encourages listeners to embrace their humanity and seek help when needed.  She vulnerably shares how she is navigating grief, embracing strengthening her areas of growth, and how she has given herself more space to lean on her personal relationships for support.

About Kumari

At the time of our recording, Kumari L. Williams held the position of Vice President of VIBE™ (Value, Inclusion, Belonging & Equity) at Workday. She was recently promoted to the position of Chief Diversity Officer at Workday. With a passion for fostering inclusive, supportive, and equitable work environments, she serves as a visionary thought leader in the talent domain. Kumari spearheads strategic initiatives, including the Employee Belonging Council, Giving & Doing, and Disability Inclusion programs. Her vision revolves around fostering an environment in which each person feels esteemed, respected, and equipped to unleash their fullest potential.

With more than two decades of experience and a comprehensive track record in developing and executing effective strategies, Kumari brings her invaluable knowledge and insights to her position. Prior to joining Workday in 2021, Kumari worked in various senior leadership positions at HARMAN International and ADP. These roles included serving as the Senior Director of Global Talent Management & Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), Senior Director of Talent Acquisition & Employer Branding, and Director of Client Operations.

Kumari and her devoted husband, originally from Metro Detroit, currently reside in Georgia. They actively engage in their church and community activities alongside their two sons, fostering a strong sense of belonging and purpose.

Connect with Kumari on LinkedIn here. 

Resources:

• Now enrolling for our spring 2025 leadership development programs starting in January 2025.  Learn more at https://blackwomanleading.com/programs-overview/
• Event: Join us for the Black Woman Leading LIVE! Conference +Retreat, May 27-30, 2025 in Virginia Beach! Learn more at bwlretreat.com

Credits:

Learn more about our consulting work with organizations at https://knightsconsultinggroup.com/

Email Laura: [email protected]

Connect with Laura on LinkedIn

Follow BWL on LinkedIn

Instagram: @blackwomanleading

Facebook: @blackwomanleading

Podcast Music & Production: Marshall Knights 

Graphics: Téa Campbell

Listen and follow the podcast on all major platforms:

• Apple Podcasts
• Spotify
• Stitcher
• iHeartRadio
• Audible
• Podbay

In this conversation, Laura discusses rising above injustice in the workplace with Leah Davis, Founder of Leah Davis Coaching.  

Leah shares her personal experience of workplace injustice, the impact of imposter syndrome, and the healing journey that led her to reclaim her voice and lean deeper into her community.

She also shares insights on maintaining peace, power, and presence while advocating for oneself in difficult situations. 

Overall, the conversation emphasizes the significance of establishing boundaries, finding a supportive community, and the power of self-care as a form of resistance against oppression, particularly for Black women.

About Leah Davis

Leah Davis is a Wealth and Wellness Coach dedicated to empowering people of color by mastering their money mindsets, financial habits, and behaviors. Her coaching programs offer accessible and comprehensive education grounded in empathy, enabling her clients to achieve economic empowerment and personal autonomy. 

Leah has 10+ years of experience in the financial and nonprofit sectors, during which she has guided numerous families toward financial stability. In her private practice, she predominantly serves Black, Indigenous, Latina, and all women of color, with a special focus on addressing the needs of those impacted by gender-based and childhood domestic violence.

Connect with Leah

Website: https://leahcoaching.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leah-davis-coach/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leahcoaching/

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

Resources:

• Now enrolling for our spring 2025 leadership development programs starting in January 2025.  Learn more at https://blackwomanleading.com/programs-overview/
• Event: Join us for the Black Woman Leading LIVE! Conference +Retreat, May 27-30, 2025 in Virginia Beach! Learn more at bwlretreat.com

Credits:

Learn more about our consulting work with organizations at https://knightsconsultinggroup.com/

Email Laura: [email protected]

Connect with Laura on LinkedIn

Follow BWL on LinkedIn

Instagram: @blackwomanleading

Facebook: @blackwomanleading

Podcast Music & Production: Marshall Knights 

Graphics: Téa Campbell

Listen and follow the podcast on all major platforms:

• Apple Podcasts
• Spotify
• Stitcher
• iHeartRadio
• Audible
• Podbay

In this solo episode, Laura shares the importance of trust as a foundational component of a high performing team.  Research indicates that teams with higher levels of trust have better collaboration, increased productivity, higher levels of morale and employee engagement, yield better results, and have stronger employee retention. 

Laura provides an overview of key terms related to building trust on the team, and insight on how you can diagnose the root causes of trust issues in the workplace.

She also shares the “hardware” and “software” components of trust, and what you can do to create more of it on your team.  Finally, if your trust in the work environment has been negatively impacted, she provides insights to help you explore what your next steps should be.

Whether you are the leader of the team or a member of the team that wants to do your part to cultivate an environment of trust where everyone thrives, this episode is for you!

About Laura Laura Knights is the Creator of Black Woman Leading® and host of the podcast. She is an executive coach, speaker, facilitator, and licensed clinical social worker with 20+ years of experience creating personal and professional development programs that have touched leaders worldwide.

Her expertise and background in business, human resources, adult education, and social work uniquely equip her to teach others how to deal with both the "head work" and "heart work" required to succeed at work and in life.  She is the Founder and CEO of Knights Consulting LLC,  a leadership development consultancy that provides customized training and coaching programs to create more confident leaders and high-performing teams.

Black Woman Leading® is a research-backed initiative which offers leadership development programming, a podcast, and an annual conference for Black women professionals. Black Woman Leading® is an initiative of Knights Consulting LLC. Learn more at blackwomanleading.com.

Resources:

• We are now enrolling for both our Early Career and Mid-Career leadership development programs.  Learn more and see which program is best for you at https://blackwomanleading.com/programs-overview/
• Event: Join us for the 2025 Black Woman Leading LIVE! Conference +Retreat, May 27-30, 2025 in Virginia Beach! Learn more at bwlretreat.com

Credits:

Learn more about our consulting work with organizations at https://knightsconsultinggroup.com/

Email Laura: [email protected]

Connect with Laura on LinkedIn

Follow BWL on LinkedIn

Instagram: @blackwomanleading

Facebook: @blackwomanleading

Podcast Music & Production: Marshall Knights 

Graphics: Te’a Campbell

Listen and follow the podcast on all major platforms:

• Apple Podcasts
• Spotify
• Stitcher
• iHeartRadio
• Audible
• Podbay

In this conversation, Laura discusses the concept of giving as a way of life with Dr. Froswa Booker-Drew, a network weaver and philanthropy expert. They explore the importance of strategic giving and recognizing the value that Black women bring to philanthropy.

Dr. Froswa' discusses the concept of giving circles and the importance of relationships and social capital in community building. She emphasizes that Black people have always been philanthropists, giving their time, talents, and resources to support others. 

Dr. Froswa encourages Black women to amplify their leadership by being strategic with their giving power and building intentional relationships. She highlights the value of mentorship, coaching, and sponsorship in personal and professional growth. They also discuss the need for Black women to ask for what they need and set boundaries. The conversation highlights the power of community and the role of “mirrors” in supporting Black women in their personal and professional growth. 

About Dr. Froswa

Froswa’ Booker-Drew, Ph.D. is a Network Weaver who believes relationships are the key to our personal, professional, and organizational growth. She has been quoted and featured in several publications due to her extensive background in leadership, nonprofit management, philanthropy, partnership development, training, and education. 

She is the founder of Soulstice Consultancy, LLC providing DEI, leadership training, community engagement strategies and philanthropic/partnership guidance for institutions. She also founded The Reconciliation & Restoration Foundation in 2022 with a group of deeply experienced and invested nonprofit leaders with the intent to support the growth of Black-led nonprofit. Formerly the Vice President of Community Affairs for the State Fair of Texas, Froswa’ was responsible for grantmaking, educational programming and community initiatives. More than 70% of organizations funded were led by people of color. As the previous National Community Engagement Director for World Vision, she served as a catalyst, partnership broker, and builder of the capacity of local partners in multiple locations across the US to improve and sustain the well-being of children and their families. She is also co-founder of HERitage Giving Circle, one of the first Black women Giving Circles in the State of Texas and co-founder of both Power in Action-Dallas and the South Dallas Employment Project. 

Froswa’ graduated with a PhD from Antioch University in Leadership and Change with a focus on social capital, diverse women, change management, and relational leadership. She is currently an adjunct professor at Tulane University in the Master of Public Administration Program teaching the Governance, Leadership and Sustainability course and is an affiliate faculty member at the Graduate School of Leadership and Change at Antioch University. 

Connect with Dr. Froswa

Website: https://www.drfroswabooker.com/

Resources:

• Event: Join us for the Black Woman Leading LIVE! Conference +Retreat, May 27-30, 2025 in Virginia Beach! Learn more at bwlretreat.com

Credits:

Learn more about our consulting work with organizations at https://knightsconsultinggroup.com/

Email Laura: [email protected]

Connect with Laura on LinkedIn

Follow BWL on LinkedIn

Instagram: @blackwomanleading

Facebook: @blackwomanleading

Podcast Music & Production: Marshall Knights 

Graphics: Te’a Campbell

Listen and follow the podcast on all major platforms:

• Apple Podcasts
• Spotify
• Stitcher
• iHeartRadio
• Audible
• Podbay

In this episode, Laura chats with Taiia Smart Young, Book Coach, Writing Consultant & Story Strategist, to discuss the importance of defining your leader story to support your personal brand and professional growth. 

They emphasize the power of storytelling and emotional resonance in building connections and influencing others. They also highlight the value of integrating all of your experiences, including your #strugglestory and life-changing moments, into your narrative. 

Taiia shares the building blocks of your leader story and practical ways to share your story to amplify your brand. She emphasizes that everyone has a story to tell, and your story is what separates you from everyone else.  Tune in to this insightful episode!

About Taiia

Taiia Smart Young is a book coach, writing consultant and story strategist. She teaches coaches, consultants, speakers and entrepreneurs how to use their expertise and experiences to write and self-publish brand-building, sticky stories that make bank. Ms. Young has interviewed celebrities including Michelle Obama, Mary J. Blige. Nas, 50, Tabitha Brown, La La Anthony and more. 

Her work has appeared in ESSENCE, Latina, Refinery29.com, TIDAL, Verizon.com and The New York Times.

Taiia is the author of S.T.E.P. Into Your Story™: Position Your Expertise, Propel Your Brand and Prepare For Visibility by Writing a Best-Selling Book. The S.T.E.P. Into Your Story™ writing and publishing intensive is based on the book.

Connect with Taiia

Website: http://taiiasmartyoung.com/

Connect with Taiia on Instagram

Resources:

• Event: Join us for the Black Woman Leading LIVE! Conference +Retreat, May 27-30, 2025 in Virginia Beach! Learn more at bwlretreat.com

Credits:

Learn more about our consulting work with organizations at https://knightsconsultinggroup.com/

Email Laura: [email protected]

Connect with Laura on LinkedIn

Follow BWL on LinkedIn

Instagram: @blackwomanleading

Facebook: @blackwomanleading

Podcast Music & Production: Marshall Knights 

Graphics: Te’a Campbell

Listen and follow the podcast on all major platforms:

• Apple Podcasts
• Spotify
• Stitcher
• iHeartRadio
• Audible
• Podbay

In this solo episode, Laura shares the power of mindful self-talk and how it can transform your leadership journey. Our internal dialogue plays a pivotal role in shaping not just how we see ourselves but how we show up in the world—and especially in the workplace. Laura explores how positive self-talk can help rewire limiting beliefs and reduce stress, while also providing strategies to challenge negative thoughts and embrace your present without judgment.

She shares mindfulness points  for High Achievers, key elements of self-compassion, and how to consciously shift your internal narrative to foster growth and unlock your potential as a leader.

Whether you're looking to advance in your career, build confidence, or improve your leadership mindset, this episode offers valuable tools for growth. Tune in!

About Laura Laura Knights is the Creator of Black Woman Leading® and host of the podcast. She is an executive coach, speaker, facilitator, and licensed clinical social worker with 20+ years of experience creating personal and professional development programs that have touched leaders worldwide.

Her expertise and background in business, human resources, adult education, and social work uniquely equip her to teach others how to deal with both the "head work" and "heart work" required to succeed at work and in life.  She is the Founder and CEO of Knights Consulting LLC,  a leadership development consultancy that provides customized training and coaching programs to create more confident leaders and high-performing teams.

Black Woman Leading® is a research-backed initiative which offers leadership development programming, a podcast, and an annual conference for Black women professionals. Black Woman Leading® is an initiative of Knights Consulting LLC. Learn more at blackwomanleading.com.

Resources:

• Event: Join us for the 2025 Black Woman Leading LIVE! Conference +Retreat, May 27-30, 2025 in Virginia Beach! Learn more at bwlretreat.com
• Self-compassion resources: https://self-compassion.org/
• BWL podcast episode S3E16 Rewriting Your Rules

Credits:

Learn more about our consulting work with organizations at https://knightsconsultinggroup.com/

Email Laura: [email protected]

Connect with Laura on LinkedIn

Follow BWL on LinkedIn

Instagram: @blackwomanleading

Facebook: @blackwomanleading

Podcast Music & Production: Marshall Knights 

Graphics: Te’a Campbell

Listen and follow the podcast on all major platforms:

• Apple Podcasts
• Spotify
• Stitcher
• iHeartRadio
• Audible
• Podbay

In this episode, Laura discusses the power of community-based mental health care with guests, Camesha Jones-Brandon and Dr. Marion Malcome. Camesha and Dr. Marion share about their work with the Chicago-based Heal TogetHER program, which provides peer support for Black women to be seen, heard, and build authentic connections that empower mental well-being. Heal TogetHER provides support to people who have mild to moderate mental health concerns with brief 1-on-1 emotional support, resource connections, and education about mental health conditions.

They discuss preventative approaches in mental health, the significance of social connections for our overall wellness, and practical strategies we can implement in our daily interactions to support the mental health of our friends and family.

Learn more about the Heal TogetHER program at https://www.communitycare.sistaafya.com/healtogether.

Guest Bios

::Camesha Jones-Brandon

Camesha L. Jones, LCSW is a Community Mental Wellness Changemaker who serves at the intersection of culture, community, and social justice. She is the Executive Director of Sista Afya Community Mental Wellness, a social enterprise that provides mental wellness care that centers the experiences of Black women in Chicago. Since Sista Afya's founding in 2017, they've served over 1000 Black women through their innovative, community-driven programs. In 2020, she launched Sista Afya Community Care NFP, a nonprofit that provides free mental wellness care and education to women experiencing multiple barriers to care. Camesha's work at Sista Afya has been featured in the Chicago Tribune, Vogue, Allure, TEDx, and Rolling Out. Camesha is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Illinois who graduated from Spelman College with a Bachelor's in Sociology and received her Master's in Social Work from the University of Chicago. Camesha strongly believes in eliminating barriers in the mental health field that people of diverse cultural backgrounds experience by creating affordable and accessible care that centers the well-being of the whole person.

Connect with Camesha

Website: www.communitycare.sistaafya.com

Connect on Instagram & Facebook - @sistaafya

::Dr. Marion Malcome

Dr. Marion Malcome is a mother, scholar, social worker and a born-and-raised Chicagoan - south side! Dr. Malcome is currently an Assistant Professor at Loyola University Chicago School of Social Work where she teaches courses on clinical assessment and diagnosis and power, oppression, privilege and social justice. Her research is situated at the intersection of race, place and mental health in which centers the lived experiences of Black women and mothers to understand how where one lives coupled with experiences of racism shapes mental health and wellbeing over the life course. Dr. Malcome’s community work has long been focused on “helping people help people” through the lens of Black mental health and is grounded in close to 20 years of direct clinical social work practice experience. She also co-created the Becoming an Anti-racist Mental Health Clinician in 2013 which has trained just over a thousand clinicians across the country.

Connect with Dr. Marion

Website

Connect on LinkedIn

Resources:

• Event: Join us for the Black Woman Leading LIVE! Conference +Retreat, May 27-30, 2025 in Virginia Beach! Learn more at bwlretreat.com

Credits:

Learn more about our consulting work with organizations at https://knightsconsultinggroup.com/

Email Laura: [email protected]

Connect with Laura on LinkedIn

Follow BWL on LinkedIn

Instagram: @blackwomanleading

Facebook: @blackwomanleading

Podcast Music & Production: Marshall Knights 

Graphics: Téa Campbell

Listen and follow the podcast on all major platforms:

• Apple Podcasts
• Spotify
• Stitcher
• iHeartRadio
• Audible
• Podbay

In this episode, Laura discusses increasing visibility on LinkedIn with Portia Obeng, Social Media Strategist & LinkedIn Coach.  They discuss how LinkedIn can be a powerful tool for professional growth and personal branding, while also addressing the challenges and reservations people have with using the platform. 

Portia provides tactical tips for optimizing LinkedIn profiles, including the use of keywords and avoiding cliches. She also emphasizes the importance of mindset and self-worth in personal branding, and discusses strategies for building meaningful connections on LinkedIn to help individuals increase their professional opportunities. 

About Portia

Portia Obeng is a social media strategist and LinkedIn coach with over 10 years of experience in social media strategy and content management. She helps people level up on LinkedIn, gain clarity, and make more money.

Portia loves being Ghanaian, spicy food, dancing, roller skating, live music, listening to podcasts, experiencing new countries, and reading a good book (preferably on a beautiful beach in Ghana).and more. 

Connect with Portia

Website: www.portiaobeng.com

Connect with Portia on TikTok 

Connect with Portia on LinkedIn

Resources:

• Event: Join us for the Black Woman Leading LIVE! Conference +Retreat, May 27-30, 2025 in Virginia Beach! Learn more at bwlretreat.com

Credits:

Learn more about our consulting work with organizations at https://knightsconsultinggroup.com/

Email Laura: [email protected]

Connect with Laura on LinkedIn

Follow BWL on LinkedIn

Instagram: @blackwomanleading

Facebook: @blackwomanleading

Podcast Music & Production: Marshall Knights 

Graphics: Te’a Campbell

Listen and follow the podcast on all major platforms:

• Apple Podcasts
• Spotify
• Stitcher
• iHeartRadio
• Audible
• Podbay

In this episode, Laura interviews Ariane Hunter, Speaker, Author, and Career Equity Expert, about her book 'Dreaming on Purpose: A Manifesto for Black Women on Taking the Leap, Building Your Dreams, and Being Your Own Boss.'

Ariane shares her personal journey and the challenges she faced as a Black woman in the corporate world. She emphasizes the importance of self-discovery, defining success on your own terms, and centering care in your career. 

Ariane and  Laura also discuss the importance of dreaming as a form of resistance and reclaiming oneself. Ariane emphasizes the need to acknowledge and validate our dreams, take action towards them, and ask for help when needed.

About Ariane

Ariane Hunter is a Speaker, Author, and Career Equity expert who champions work culture and career empowerment solutions for Black millennial professional women. With over twenty years of experience in career and leadership strategy, she is dedicated to helping marginalized groups thrive and cultivate healthy work relationships. 

As a mental health advocate for Black women, Ariane underscores the importance of firm boundaries and restful practices for a flourishing professional life. Ariane’s training encompasses social justice, technology, intersectionality, and futurist insights, aiming to foster sustainable and impactful change. Her professional background includes working with leading marketing and branding agencies in New York City, supporting high-profile clients to achieve industry leadership. She holds an MBA and is a certified career coach. 

Ariane’s debut book, "Dreaming on Purpose: A Manifesto for Black Women on Taking the Leap, Building Your Dreams & Being Your Own Boss," will be released by Indigo River Publishers on August 20, 2024. This business leadership book inspires and guides Black women on a care-centered approach to thriving in business, life, and beyond. 

She was among the 3% chosen for the Goldman Sachs Black in Business program and was selected for NYC's inaugural BE NYC mentoring program for entrepreneurs, endorsed by Bill De Blasio. Ariane has collaborated with prominent organizations such as Women in STEM Leadership at Stony Brook University, the Women’s Catalyst group at Hewlett Packard, and Oracle. She has spoken for The Grio, Ladies Get Paid, Jopwell, NYU Stern Women in Business, Advancing Women in Tech, Karen Millen, ABC Home, and Emerging Leaders for NY Arts. Ariane is also a published writer whose work appears in Time.com, Levo League, Ivy Exec, and The Muse. She has been featured on NBC, CBS, and other local media networks and quoted in Fast Company, Business Insider, CNBC, The Daily Worth, Her Agenda, and more. 

Connect with Ariane

Connect with Ariane on LinkedIn

Connect with Ariane on Instagram

Resources:

• Event: Join us for the Black Woman Leading LIVE! Conference +Retreat, May 27-30, 2025 in Virginia Beach! Learn more at bwlretreat.com

Credits:

Learn more about our consulting work with organizations at https://knightsconsultinggroup.com/

Email Laura: [email protected]

Connect with Laura on LinkedIn

Follow BWL on LinkedIn

Instagram: @blackwomanleading

Facebook: @blackwomanleading

Podcast Music & Production: Marshall Knights 

Graphics: Téa Campbell

Listen and follow the podcast on all major platforms:

• Apple Podcasts
• Spotify
• Stitcher
• iHeartRadio
• Audible
• Podbay

In this episode, Laura Knights interviews Shayla Atkins, Founder and CEO of Atkins Impact Consulting,  about leading with authenticity. 

Shayla shares her personal journey of code-switching and conforming in the corporate world, and how she eventually found success by embracing her authentic self. They discuss the importance of alignment, clarity, and healing in leadership, and how authenticity is the new leadership currency.

Shayla introduces the concept of SPICE (Savvy, Performance, Image, Communication, and Exposure) as the key skills for effective leadership. She also emphasizes the need for building networks, finding mentors, and creating environments that allow individuals to show up authentically.

About Shayla

Shayla N. Atkins has a proven track record in the private sector earning her the coveted title of award-winning DE&I leader as her team was awarded "The Most Innovative DE&I Team". Her thought leadership, results, and commitment to community service earned her the 2022 Lifetime Presidential Achievement Award presented by President Joseph R. Biden and now as a CEO of a consulting firm, a certified Lean Six Sigma blackbelt, executive coach and organizational effectiveness strategist making a global impact, she challenges the norms, systems, and practices in the corporate landscape to "level the playing field" for every person and business to thrive.

She is the Bestselling Author of "Black Women Lead With S.P.I.C.E." underscoring her belief that “Authenticity is the new leadership currency”. Shayla strives to change the leadership landscape by advancing authentic and effective women into senior leadership through her talks, development programs, courses and books.

Shayla N. Atkins not only boasts education in Organizational Effectiveness and a myriad of certifications (Lean Six Sigma Blackbelt, DE&I Certified, Organizational Change Management, etc.), but she has also nearly two decades of real-world global senior HR leadership experience and emerged as an award-winning authority in leadership development, diversity, equity and inclusion, and workplace culture transformation in leading mid-size and large companies.

Connect with Shayla

• Website: www.theatkinsimpact.com
• Connect with Shayla on LinkedIn
• Get her book on amazon: https://a.co/d/eyJd5In 
• Download her free guide: www.leadwithspice.com

Resources:

• Event: Join us for the Black Woman Leading LIVE! Conference +Retreat, May 27-30, 2025 in Virginia Beach! Learn more at bwlretreat.com

Credits:

Learn more about our consulting work with organizations at https://knightsconsultinggroup.com/

Email Laura: [email protected]

Connect with Laura on LinkedIn

Follow BWL on LinkedIn

Instagram: @blackwomanleading

Facebook: @blackwomanleading

Podcast Music & Production: Marshall Knights 

Graphics: Téa Campbell

Listen and follow the podcast on all major platforms:

• Apple Podcasts
• Spotify
• Stitcher
• iHeartRadio
• Audible
• Podbay