In this episode of Business of the Beat, Kendra and Leslie kick things off with Halloween costumes, makeup, and wardrobe—but quickly connect it all to a deeper theme: confidence. From affirmations with their daughters to boardrooms, negotiations, and entrepreneurship, they break down what confidence really is (and what it’s not), how it shows up in leadership, and why being grounded in who you are is non-negotiable. Leslie shares her now-iconic “because this is what we do” moment, plus hard-earned insights from years in recruiting about how different people advocate for themselves—especially when it comes to roles and salary. Kendra unpacks how knowledge, preparation, personal branding, and consistency shape how others experience your leadership, whether you’re pitching investors, running a company, or advocating for your child’s health.

Listeners will learn:

How to define confidence for yourself—beyond titles, looks, and perfection

Why preparation and self-knowledge are the true roots of unshakable confidence

How your style, presence, and consistency become part of your leadership brand

Ways to stop “selling yourself short” and start asking for what you’re really worth

Starting strong gets the spotlight — but how you finish defines your legacy. In this episode, Kendra and Leslie explore why endings matter just as much as beginnings in business, leadership, and life.

From closing a company to leaving a job or ending a partnership, the way you exit reveals your values, your integrity, and your emotional intelligence. The hosts unpack what it means to “finish well,” how to navigate transitions with grace, and why your final impression often determines the opportunities that come next.

They also spotlight Diarrha Ndiaye Mbaye, founder of Ami Colé, whose recent, transparent closure of her brand, followed by her new role as VP of Beauty and Fragrance at Kim Kardashian’s SKIMS exemplifies what it looks like to move forward with authenticity and strength.

Tune in for:

Real talk on endings, pivots, and evolution in entrepreneurship

Lessons on maintaining relationships and reputation during transitions

A blueprint for exiting with purpose, gratitude, and grace

Because in leadership and in life how you exit is just as important as how you start.

Kendra Bracken-Ferguson and Leslie Roberson get real about the one thing that powers every win in business (and life): how you treat people. From juggling motherhood and meetings to navigating tough “no’s,” they break down the soft skills that drive hard results—researching before the call, asking smarter questions, reading the room, and closing the loop with thoughtful follow-ups. Leslie pulls from years in talent acquisition to share why your final touchpoint matters most, how to be a good steward of introductions, and the virtual etiquette (turn your camera on!) that shapes your personal brand.

Plus: the group chat, a quick Oregon detour, and a reminder that confidence and character are your ultimate calling cards.

You’ll learn:

A simple prep framework for first meetings

The art of the ask—and the responsibility of the connector

Why endings (thank-yous, updates, rejections) build long-term equity

Virtual meeting cues that signal respect and credibility

How reciprocity, accountability, and kindness compound over time

Rate, review, and comment how you’re nurturing relationships this week

In this episode of Business of the Beat, co-hosts Kendra and Leslie explore the powerful return of the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show and what it says about the future of beauty, fashion, and female empowerment. Once known for its narrow definition of “sexy,” Victoria’s Secret is undergoing a bold transformation—renovating, refocusing, and reclaiming its legacy through authenticity and inclusion.

With athletes like Angel Reese and Suni Lee stepping onto the runway, the brand is bridging performance and beauty in a way that celebrates confidence, strength, and real stories of womanhood. Kendra and Leslie unpack how this cultural reboot reflects a broader movement: the rise of athletes as beauty icons, the blending of sport and style, and the power of evolving with purpose.

Tune in for a conversation that connects the dots between cultural relevance, brand reinvention, and the unstoppable force of women redefining beauty on their own terms.

Live from the Women of Color in Retail B.I.G. Summit in NYC, hosts Kendra Bracken-Ferguson and Leslie Roberson welcome Karla Davis of Bath & Body Works and Kareena Phillips of LaGuardia Gateway Partners to Business of the Beat.

Karla unpacks how brands can reimagine retail—elevating store experiences, showing up on college campuses, and building with culture. Kareena shares how airport retail is evolving with local pop-ups, food programs, and traveler-first design.

From omni-channel buzzwords to birthday laughs and rapid-fire Q&A, this episode is packed with

insights for founders, retailers, and anyone rethinking the future of retail.

For the first time on Business of the Beat, Kendra welcomes her mom, Teresa Bledsoe, for a heartfelt conversation on leadership, love, and entrepreneurship. Together, they reflect on Teresa’s journey from corporate executive to entrepreneur, the side hustles that shaped Kendra’s early experiences, and the generational wisdom passed from grandmother to mother to daughter.

This intimate conversation highlights stories and experiences rooted in resilience, legacy, and the importance of “treating people right and doing the best you can.”

Tune in for inspiration, laughter, advice for working moms, and the reminder to not miss out on following your dreams—no matter your age.

In this episode of Business of the Beat, co-hosts Kendra Bracken-Ferguson and Leslie Roberson return for Part 2 of their candid conversation, taking listeners deeper into their personal journeys. From daily rituals and guilty pleasures to nostalgic TV favorites and the beauty trends that shaped their perspectives, Kendra and Leslie open up about the experiences that continue to influence their lives and careers.

They share reflections on dream jobs, the evolution of their partnership, and the importance of health practices and personal growth in sustaining success.

With honesty and humor, the hosts highlight the tools they rely on for resilience while envisioning the next chapters of their journey.

✨ Tune in for inspiration, laughter, and lessons on balance, business, and becoming your best self.

Find more shows like this on the Mean Ole Lion app.

In this episode of *Business of the Beat*, hosts **Kendra Bracken-Ferguson** and **Leslie Roberson** open up about their personal and professional journeys, reflecting on the big wins, defining moments, and pivotal relationships that have shaped their careers.

In part two of our deep dive into beauty retail shake-ups, Kendra Bracken-Ferguson and Leslie Roberson break down Bath & Body Works’ surprising move onto college campuses.

Is it a genius strategy or just a gimmick? The hosts unpack what this means for Gen Z consumers, the future of retail touchpoints, and how innovation from brands like LumiNicole is paving the way for beauty in high-traffic spaces like airports, hotels, and bookstores. Plus, Kendra and Leslie share personal parenting wins and candid insights into building models where everybody wins.

Tune in to hear why the future of beauty isn’t just about what you sell—it’s about where you sell it.

In this episode of Business of the Beat, hosts Kendra Bracken-Ferguson and Leslie Roberson reflect on their latest wins, including a successful event in Martha’s Vineyard. They dive into the shifting retail landscape with a candid discussion on the Ulta x Target partnership ending—what it means for emerging brands, the role of DEI in retail, and the future of the shop-in-shop model.

Kendra and Leslie also share their vision for Lumina Cole, their venture dedicated to amplifying underrepresented brands. Plus, they drop a teaser for next week’s episode featuring Bath & Body Works.

✨ Find more shows like this on the Mean Ole Lion app.