Black Woman Leading

In this conversation, Laura welcomes Lauren Dike to explore the importance of attuning to one's body wisdom, particularly for Black women. Lauren shares her journey from corporate America to becoming a nervous system resilience expert

They discuss the significance of understanding one's nervous system, the impact of societal expectations on Black women, and practical steps for self-regulation. The conversation highlights the importance of professional support in the healing process and the need to reconnect with our body's sensations, while emphasizing the need for self-awareness and emotional processing.

With regard to workplace experiences, they explore the themes of fawning and people-pleasing, particularly among Black women in the workplace. They discuss the historical context of these behaviors, the impact on mental health, and the importance of self-awareness and self-advocacy. The dialogue emphasizes the need for healing, understanding one's body, and the significance of self-care in navigating personal and professional challenges.

About Lauren

Lauren Dike is a certified somatic practitioner, nervous system resilience expert, and DEI consultant dedicated to fostering safety, openness, and connection within organizations and individuals.

Her work helps organizations evolve by witnessing behaviors rather than shaming them, understanding that behaviors incongruent with compassion, openness, and connection often stem from stress, trauma, or a lack of capacity.

By addressing these root causes, Lauren enables transformative behavior change, making authentic connection and collaboration more accessible. She specializes in working with Black women, focusing on the disproportionate workplace and racial trauma they face.

Lauren partners with collectives like IKONI Collective, CRIADO Studios, and the Center for Black Women's Wellness to create spaces for healing and empowerment through somatic practices, workshops, and speaking engagements.

Connect with Lauren

Website: www.harmonna.org

Instagram @harmonnawellbeing

LinkedIn

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
• Full podcast episodes are now on Youtube. Subscribe to the BWL channel today!

Credits:

Learn about all Black Woman Leading® programs, resources, and events at www.blackwomanleading.com

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

Youtube: @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 welcomes Breanna Colón to discuss the journey to becoming financially unstoppable. Breanna shares her insights on financial freedom, the importance of money behavior, and practical strategies for achieving financial goals.

The discussion emphasizes the need for a shift in mindset regarding money and the significance of understanding one's financial behavior to break free from cycles of debt to achieve true financial independence. Breanna emphasizes the importance of viewing budgeting as a financial planning tool rather than a chore. She discusses the significance of savings, debt management, and understanding insurance and retirement planning.

The conversation also delves into the emotional aspects of financial decision-making, highlighting the need for self-awareness and acknowledgment of spending habits. Breanna encourages listeners to take control of their financial futures by being intentional with their money. She also shares insights on the vital role of financial planning in driving career paths and life choices, particularly for Black women.

About Breanna

Breanna Colón is the Founder of Integrity Financial Solutions, Inc. and Managing Partner of Wright Time Financial, LLC. She is a dynamic and driven financial strategist, two-time author and professional speaker with roots in Augusta, Georgia, and currently living in the Washington, D.C. area. Breanna and her team bring over 20 years of combined financial industry experience to help individuals and families achieve financial freedom.

Passionate about personal finance, Breanna offers more than just advice; she creates a transformative journey for families. Her mission is to instill confidence towards financial success with honest, customer- first service. Armed with a Bachelor's Degree in Management/Accounting, her expertise spans retirement planning, college savings, insurance, investments, mortgages, and budgeting.​ Host of Your Life Your Money with Breanna Colón podcast, she has inspired audiences nationwide, speaking at churches, seminars, conferences, and women's events, where her energy and insights leave a lasting impact. As an author of the book & The Secrets of Saving Money: Experiencing the Unlimited and currently working on her second book, she shares practical strategies and inspiring stories to empower others on their financial journey.

Connect with Breanna

Website: ​​https://www.breannacolon.com

Website: https://www.wrighttimefinancial.com/

Instagram @iambreannacolon

Facebook

Youtube @IAmBreannaColon

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
• Full podcast episodes are now on Youtube. Subscribe to the BWL channel today!

Credits:

Learn about all Black Woman Leading® programs, resources, and events at www.blackwomanleading.com

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

Youtube: @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 engaging conversation, Laura and Sandria Washington explore the themes of healing, self-discovery, community, and self-advocacy. They discuss the concept of 'healing out loud,' which highlights the importance of vulnerability and stretching outside of your comfort zone through everyday moments.

Sandria shares her own experiences and insights, emphasizing the significance of authenticity and the need to break cultural stigmas surrounding mental health and personal struggles. She shares her profound journey of discovering her adoption at the age of 38, the subsequent healing process that followed, and her own quiet revolution of healing out loud through this journey.

Sandria emphasizes the importance of community, vulnerability, and breaking generational curses through open conversations about personal experiences. The discussion highlights the unique challenges faced by Black women in sharing their stories and the significance of community care in fostering healing and connection. Additionally, the conversation emphasizes the need to challenge fears, and how being unapologetically self-serving in pursuit of personal and professional growth can also be an avenue to serving others.

About Sandria

Sandria M. Washington is an author, wellnesspreneur, podcaster, speaker and media personality with a passion for personal development and collective healing. As the creator and Chief (Self) Exploration Officer of She Field Trips, Sandria empowers Black women to utilize the power of self discovery and play to "come back for yourself" in their healing journeys through workshops, curated events, online community, and inspiring offline tools and products from her Real G's Move In Alignment brand. Sandria is also our resident emcee of the annual Black Woman Leading LIVE! Conference + Retreat.

Connect with Sandria

Instagram - Personal: https://www.instagram.com/sandriawashington/

Instagram -Black to the Beginning: https://www.instagram.com/blacktothebeginning_/

The Black Adoption Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/6552wLTLZ2qAsMT14NUids

Black to the Beginning Official Website: https://www.blacktothebeginning.com/

"A Year of Black Joy" Children's Book (Sandria is a contributing author "The Joy of Owning Your Voice"):

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
• Full podcast episodes are now on Youtube. Subscribe to the BWL channel today!

Credits:

Learn about all Black Woman Leading® programs, resources, and events at www.blackwomanleading.com

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

Youtube: @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 welcomes Daphne Valcin to discuss the importance of mastering strategic networking for career growth. They explore Daphne's journey as a leader, the definition of strategic networking, and the cultural nuances that affect networking for Black women. The conversation also delves into the connection between confidence and networking, as well as practical tips for introverts to navigate networking events effectively.

They explore the nuances of networking, particularly in virtual environments. They also discuss strategies for setting networking goals, the importance of follow-up, and how to advocate for oneself in professional settings. The dialogue emphasizes the significance of intentionality in networking and the need to prepare before engaging in networking opportunities. They also share personal anecdotes and practical tips to enhance networking effectiveness, especially in a hybrid professional context.

About Daphne

Daphne Valcin is a keynote speaker, trainer, and executive coach who has facilitated leadership and team development programming for over 400 individual clients and for over 200 organizational clients across 4 countries. She is the CEO and founder of Valcin Strategic Solutions, a boutique consulting firm focused on leadership and team development who has been featured in Forbes.com and Voyage Magazine and recognized as a 40 Under 40 recipient for her professional work.

As a results-driven corporate trainer and consultant, Daphne's clients have enhanced their team dynamic, increased productivity, enhanced their personal brand, exponentially increased their annual revenue, and moved up multiple levels in seniority. She resides right outside of Atlanta, GA, with her husband and two little girls, and looks forward to continuing to make an impact through her work.

Connect with Daphne

Website: Valcinstrategicsolutions.com

Connect on LinkedIn

Get her book: Becoming the Ripple: Your Guide to Exponentially Increasing Your Professional Success and Influence

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
• Full podcast episodes are now on Youtube. Subscribe to the BWL channel today!

Credits:

Learn about all Black Woman Leading® programs, resources, and events at www.blackwomanleading.com

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

Youtube: @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

Welcome to Season 7 of Black Woman Leading, the podcast!

In this episode, Laura introduces season seven of the Black Woman Leading podcast, focusing on the theme of 'Driving the Narrative of Your Career.' She emphasizes the importance of setting a personal vision and advocating for oneself while balancing heart work and head work, all core elements that will be revisited from multiple angles with solo and guest episodes this season.

Laura answers the core questions for this season, sharing her personal journey of entrepreneurship, the growth of the Black Woman Leading iniative, the significance of self-advocacy, and the necessity of self-care in achieving professional goals. The episode sets the stage for an exciting season filled with valuable insights and discussions.

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
• Full podcast episodes are now on Youtube. Subscribe to the BWL channel today!

Credits:

Learn about all Black Woman Leading® programs, resources, and events at www.blackwomanleading.com

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

Youtube: @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

We are celebrating the completion of our sixth season! Our season theme was "Community Care is Critical," as our core questions throughout the season explored how embracing community fuels our personal and professional growth.

We define community care as the ways we intentionally support and uplift each other, and how we create and nurture the spaces where we feel seen, supported, and empowered to grow.

In addition to this theme, which connected all episodes, we covered various topics with our guest experts. And, some organic themes emerged across episodes about self-awareness, self-care, and personal branding.

Tune in to this episode to get a high-level summary of all the wisdom shared, as Laura provides a recap and shares her personal highlights and takeaways from the season.

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 speaks with BB Arrington, a nutritional therapy practitioner specializing in gut health, to discuss getting your gut health in check.

They discuss the importance of gut health, its connection to mental well-being, the unique challenges faced by Black women in the wellness space, and the need for representation in healthcare. Additionally, the conversation covers practical steps for improving gut health, including the importance of slowing down, hydration, and fiber intake.

BB discusses the multifaceted aspects of gut health, emphasizing the importance of dietary fats, exercise, and redefining one's relationship with food. She explains the roles of probiotics and prebiotics, the concept of sealing the gut, and navigating food sensitivities.

The discussion also highlights the significance of community care and the normalization of seeking help in health journeys, ultimately encouraging listeners to take charge of their gut health and overall well-being.

About BB

BB Arrington is a Nutritional Therapy Practitioner who specializes in gut health for creative individuals. She teaches creatives to become more health autonomous so they can focus on flow and share their gifts with the rest of the world. In addition to her clinical work, she has contributed her expertise to venture backed fitness apps, the US Air Force, as well as many online publications.

Connect with BB

Website: www.bbarrington.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bb.arrington

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 short, but powerful, solo episode, Laura shares her personal practice for creating a personal vision that provides guidance and inspiration for the year.

Laura shares prompts for exploration and also explains the connection between your vision and values. After clarifying a guiding vision, Laura explains how you can then use that vision to inform your tactical goals, deadlines, and action steps.

Your leadership vision is rooted in your WHY (purpose for this season). You deserve this dedicated time to clarify this for yourself!

Grab your notebook and pen, let your thoughts flow, and follow along with Laura as she walks you through a guided reflection exercise to create your personal leadership vision for the year.

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:

• 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 2025 Black Woman Leading LIVE! Conference +Retreat, May 27-30, 2025 in Virginia Beach! Learn more at bwlretreat.com
• BWL podcast episode S1E3 Getting in Alignment with Yourself (Values Clarification). Listen on Apple podcast or Spotify

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 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