Unlock the powerful leadership principles grounded in Black church traditions and culture. In this episode, L.Michelle Smith shares her insights on how call and response, faith, community, and resilience can transform your leadership approach and drive authentic connections.

• L.Michelle's inspiration behind writing Call and Response and how her church experiences shape her leadership philosophy
• The leadership lessons derived from Black church traditions, especially faith, purpose, and community
• The science behind attunement, oxytocin, and brain science that support community-building and resilience
• The historical roots of call and response from Africa to the Black church and their relevance to modern leadership
• Practical strategies for applying these principles in corporate and community settings
• How to develop heart-centered, courageous, and emotionally intelligent leaders across industries
• The importance of integrity, accountability, and cultural competency in today's leadership landscape
• Resources: pre-order discounts, workshops, curriculum, and recommended reading

• Call and Response by L. Michelle Smith
• Book preorder & leadership toolkit
• L. Michelle Smith - Website
• Black Church Study - The Black Church: This Is Our Story, This Is Our Song by Dr. Henry Louis Gates Jr.
• Follow L.Michelle Smith on LinkedIn
• Follow L.Michelle Smith on Twitter

• Website
• Request Speaking Engagements
• Pre-order the book and access curriculum

• Leverage the principles of call and response in team meetings and organizational culture
• Incorporate storytelling, attunement, and community-building techniques into your leadership style
• Practice integrity and accountability daily to build trust and resilience in your teams
• Use the provided leadership questions and curriculum to foster critical thinking and strategic growth
• Join the movement to develop more heart-centered, courageous leaders across industries

Embrace these culturally rooted, science-backed strategies to lead with authenticity, influence, and purpose.

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Thank you for listening! Don't forget to share your copies of the book and tag L.Michelle Smith on social media with your leadership insights.

In this episode:Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction to Michelle Smith and her leadership journey
02:00 - The story behind Call and Response and cultural influences
04:50 - Black church leadership lessons: faith and purpose
08:30 - The science of community: oxytocin and brain synchronization
12:00 - Roots of call and response: from Africa to modern music and culture
16:20 - The role of resilience: lessons from grandmothers and gospel hymns
20:56 - Building integrity and accountability in leadership
24:05 - Practical tips for applying call and response strategies in organizations
27:40 - Addressing generational shifts and the importance of social-emotional skills
31:15 - The significance of community as a covenant and collective success
35:30 - Cultivating influential, heart-centered leaders: Carla Harris, Sint Marshall, and others
40:10 - How to get the book, resources for leaders, and call to action
43:05 - Final thoughts: leading with authenticity and cultural intelligenceResources & Links:Connect with Elle Michelle Smith:To Enhance Your Leadership: