Do Better with Debra

Anna Malaika Tubbs is a bestselling storyteller and truth-teller whose work pulls back the curtain on the erasure of Black women and the systems never built for us. Her latest book, Erased: What the American Patriarchy Has Hidden From Us, is part manifesto, part mirror, helping us see the system clearly and reminding us that our stories matter.

In this episode, Anna and I talk about what it means to live and lead boldly inside structures designed to silence us, and how she turns painful erasure into powerful storytelling. We talk about joy, creativity, and faith as acts of resistance, and why young people deserve these conversations just as much as adults do.

This is a conversation for every woman who has ever wondered if the problem was her only to discover the truth: it was always the system.

🎧 Available now on Apple Podcasts & Spotify.

Key Takeaways

• Patriarchy is not personal, it's structural, and we can name it.

• Writing and sharing our stories is a radical act of visibility.

• Young people are not too young for the truth, they are the leaders who will carry it forward.

• Joy and creativity are not luxuries; they are tools of survival and power.

About Anna Malaika Tubbs Anna Malaika Tubbs is the New York Times bestselling author of The Three Mothers and Erased: What the American Patriarchy Has Hidden From Us. Her work has been featured in TIME Magazine, CNN, The Guardian, and more. A sought-after speaker and educator, Anna is dedicated to celebrating difference, advocating for women of color, and helping us all see the systems around us more clearly.

🔗 Connect with Anna on Instagram: @annamalaikatubbs 🌐 Learn more at annamalaikatubbs.com

About Dr. Debra Griffith Dr. Debra Griffith is an executive coach, consultant, and the voice behind the Do Better with Debra podcast. With a career rooted in education and equity-centered leadership, she now supports women of color leaders and executives navigating professional transitions and leading transformative change.

🌐 Learn more at Do Better Executive Coaching 🔗 Connect with Debra on LinkedIn

The Courage to Choose You with Maria Elena De Guevara (Part 2)

In Part 2 of our conversation, Maria Elena introduces the ACE framework a powerful tool she's used throughout her life and leadership journey to navigate hard choices with clarity and intention.

We talk about knowing when to accept what is, when to push for change, and when to make the brave decision to walk away.

Maria shares how she used this framework during one of the most demanding seasons of her life, and how it helped her hold onto her values while navigating toxic systems.

We also get into salary negotiation, advocating for your worth, and why leadership at its core is personal.

Maria doesn't hold back, and this conversation is full of the wisdom, strategy, and heart she's known for.

If you've ever struggled to speak up for yourself, stayed too long in a role that drained you, or needed a reminder that your values don't make you difficult, they make you powerful, this episode is for you.

The ACE Framework is a leadership tool. Accept, Change, Exit, three options for navigating challenges with intention, clarity, and power.

Toxic environments don't define your worth. Sometimes staying is strategic. Sometimes leaving is survival. Either way, you get to decide.

Advocating for yourself isn't selfish, it's strategy. Do your homework, know your impact, and speak their language when it comes to salary and worth.

Leadership is deeply personal. The way you show up fully, unapologetically is as important as the systems you try to change.

Legacy isn't just what you do, it's who you empower. Maria Elena's impact lives on through the women she mentored who now lead with courage of their own.

Maria Elena De Guevara is a retired Director of Human Resources with over 40 years of leadership experience across city, county, manufacturing, and higher education. As Principal Consultant of HR Works!, she has guided organizations and individuals in building stronger systems and healthier workplaces.

🔗 Connect with Maria on LinkedIn

Dr. Debra Griffith is an executive coach, consultant, and the voice behind the Do Better with Debra podcast. With a career rooted in education and equity-centered leadership, she now supports women of color leaders and executives navigating professional transitions and leading transformative change.

🌐 Learn more at Do Better Executive Coaching 🔗 Connect with Debra on LinkedIn

The Courage to Choose You with Maria Elena De Guevara (Part 1)

My friend and former colleague, Maria Elena De Guevara, is someone I've admired for years. She's a brilliant HR leader whose career spans higher ed, government, and county leadership but what makes her unforgettable is how she's navigated those spaces with courage, heart, and honesty.

In this episode, Maria shares how she learned to walk away from environments that demanded everything and gave little back. We talk about what it means to reclaim your power, protect your peace, and decide that choosing yourself isn't selfish it's survival.

This is a conversation for anyone who's ever felt the weight of toxic leadership, questioned when it's time to move on, or wondered if it's possible to lead without losing yourself in the process.

Part 1 is about the decision to leave the turning point that reshaped Maria's relationship with work and herself.

Listen in and take what you need.

🎧 Available now on Apple Podcasts & Spotify.

• Leadership isn't just titles: it's how you reclaim your power in spaces not built for you.

• Healing is part of leadership: walking away, reflecting, and returning stronger is as valuable as any strategy.

• Legacy lives in people: the impact you leave behind is measured in lives touched, not job descriptions.

• Courage is a practice: choosing yourself, your values, and your joy is leadership in action.

About Us

Maria Elena De Guevara is a retired Director of Human Resources with over 40 years of leadership experience across city, county, manufacturing, and higher education. As Principal Consultant of HR Works!, she has guided organizations and individuals in building stronger systems and healthier workplaces.

🔗 Connect with Maria on LinkedIn

Dr. Debra Griffith is an executive coach, consultant, and the voice behind the Do Better with Debra podcast. With a career rooted in education and equity-centered leadership, she now supports women of color leaders and executives navigating professional transitions and leading transformative change.

🌐 Learn more at Do Better Executive Coaching 🔗 Connect with Debra on LinkedIn

Don't Wait to Hit Empty with Lindsey Fuller: Burnout, Boundaries & Microdosing Wellness

What if you didn't wait until you were completely depleted to take care of yourself?

In this episode of Do Better with Debra, Lindsey Fuller, Executive Director of Teaching Well shares why she's committed to healing out loud and how microdosing wellness has become her way to stay grounded, present, and whole.

We talk about:

• The real cost of burnout — emotional, financial, and relational

• Why rest is not a luxury, but a daily practice

• The power of trusted confidants in your healing journey

• How to choose boundaries without apology

If you've been running on empty, this episode is your reminder: you don't have to break yourself to serve others.

🕒 34 minutes | Authentic, heart-centered conversation

If this episode spoke to you, follow Do Better with Debra on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube (coming soon) and share it with someone who needs the reminder.

Lindsey Fuller (she/her) Executive Director of Teaching Well

Lindsey Fuller is a leader, visionary, and advocate committed to creating trauma-sensitive environments that sustain the adults at the center of schools. Through her leadership at Teaching Well, she helps educators and leaders reimagine wellness as a daily, necessary practice not an afterthought. Lindsey's work centers on resilience, boundaries, and healing out loud.

📩 Contact Lindsey

• LinkedIn: Lindsey's Fuller

• Website: Teaching Well Website

Dr. Debra Y Griffith Founder & CEO, Do Better Executive Coaching & Do Better by Design

Debra Griffith is an executive coach, consultant, and host of Do Better with Debra. With over 26 years of leadership experience across K-12, community colleges, and universities, she partners with women of color leaders to navigate career strategy, resilience, and transformative leadership. Debra's work is rooted in equity, authenticity, and the belief that we don't have to wait for permission to lead differently.

📩 Contact Debra

• LinkedIn: Debra Griffith

• Website: dobetterexecutivecoaching dobetterbydesign

• Email: [email protected]

• Instagram: @dobebrawithdebra

In this episode, I sit down with muralist, creative visionary, and founder of Artfully United, Mike Norice, someone whose message stopped me in my tracks when I first heard him speak to a group of high school students about purpose and staying true to your dreams.

We talk about legacy, discipline, joy, and what it means to choose alignment over approval. Mike shares how he moved from survival to purpose, from painting for a paycheck to creating from a place of deep integrity and vision.

This conversation is about owning your gift, redefining success, and creating a life rooted in intention, not imitation.

Learn more about Mike's work: www.artfullyunited.com Follow Mike on Instagram: @artfullyunited

Connect with me: www.dobetterexecutivecoaching.com Instagram: @dobetterwithdebra Email: [email protected]

If this episode spoke to you, share it with someone who's ready to say yes to their purpose.

In this deeply personal and powerful episode, Debra sits down with artist, author, and youth advocate Lawrence Carroll to talk about identity, legacy, and the complicated relationship many of us have with our hair. From childhood messages to cultural expectations, Lawrence shares the story behind his poetic love letter, My Dear Queen, originally written for his sister and now a self-love anthem for Black and Brown women everywhere. Together, they explore how hair shapes our sense of self, the affirmations we didn't grow up hearing, and the healing that happens when we rewrite the story with intention and love.

This episode is a reminder that our hair, our stories, and our worth are all connected. Tune in and reflect on your own journey.

🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and coming soon to YouTube.

Episode 10

In this episode, we're honored to have Dr. Regina Stanback-Stroud, an accomplished leader who has held numerous titles including Dean, Chancellor, and President, in various educational institutions. She discusses the nuances of her leadership journey, which is a combination of intentional efforts and unforeseen opportunities. Dr. Stanback-Stroud shares invaluable lessons on leadership, sacrifice, and purpose.

In this episode we discuss:

• The influence of her early community and the weight of ancestral hopes and dreams.

• The big sacrifices of her ancestors: More than money, it was about lives.

• How others recognized her potential and 'pushed her up' in her career.

• Leadership lessons from unexpected mentors.

• The transformative power of understanding your purpose.

Key Quotes

"I had to fulfill and live up to the hopes and aspirations of people that I now call my ancestors."

"If you understand your purpose and what you stand for, it is your beacon. It is your guiding framework."

More About Dr. Regina Stanback-Stroud

Dr. Regina Stanback-Stroud is the CEO of RSSC Consulting and co-founder of The Village Demands. With a career spanning over 35 years in education, Dr. Stanback-Stroud has held a range of prestigious roles, including serving as President and Chancellor at several community colleges. She's lauded for her initiatives in student equity, diversity, and community development. A transformative leader, she has spearheaded programs like the Skyline College Promise and the Equity Institute. Awarded the title of President Emerita by the San Mateo County Community College District Board of Trustees, she continues to make an impact on both regional and state educational policies

Stay tuned for our next episode where we'll dive deeper into the practicalities of leadership. Be sure to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast!

Get your Do-Better SWAG! https://do-better.store/

USE CODE: DOBETTER20 for a special gift just for our podcast listeners!

My coaching books are officially open! Learn more about my Executive Coaching for Women of Color and Leadership Coaching by booking your free consultation here!

To learn more about the Do Better Revolution, visit www.do-better.net and follow us on social!

YouTube: www.youtube.com/@dobetterrevolution

Instagram: @dobetterwithdebra

In this solo episode, I reflect on my top five lessons from 2023, a year I label as one of growth and discovery. Join me on a journey of introspection, learning, and potential transformation as I share my insights and experiences from the past year.

In this episode I share

Embracing New Beginnings: My big move to Los Angeles and transition to a new sector, emphasizing the importance of embracing change and being open to new experiences.

Navigating Relationships: I explore the dynamics of making and letting go of relationships, emphasizing the idea of 'seasons, reasons, lifetime' and the growth that comes from navigating these changes.

Speaking Your Truth: I share my journey towards finding and elevating my voice, especially in challenging workplace scenarios, and how speaking up can led to personal empowerment and self-respect.

Join me as I delve into these lessons, tying them back to the core mission of the Do Better Revolution: to continually grow, learn, and improve ourselves and our relationships.

Connect with Debra at [email protected]

Get your Do-Better SWAG! https://do-better.store/

USE CODE: DOBETTER20 for a special gift just for our podcast listeners!

Step Into Your Power with Do Better Executive Coaching. I have a few slots opening in January. Specifically designed for Women of Color Executives. Don't miss this opportunity—schedule your discovery call now and let's embark on a journey of impactful and meaningful development together."

To learn more about the Do Better Revolution, visit www.do-better.net and follow us on social!

YouTube: www.youtube.com/@dobetterrevolution

Instagram: @dobetterwithdebra

Episode 13

In this engaging episode, we delve into a captivating conversation with Kamelle Mills, Senior SoulCycle Instructor. We explore his remarkable journey, highlighting the transformative effects of his unwavering passion, steadfast perseverance, and commitment to self-empowerment. The episode delves into Kamelle's multifaceted career and life experiences, exploring themes of diversity, personal growth, and the impact of representation in leadership and wellness spaces. Through his stories and reflections, Kamelle illuminates the path to self-love and empowerment, offering valuable insights and inspiration.

• Insights into Kamelle's personal growth strategies, including how he embraces vulnerability and authenticity to inspire and empower not only others but also himself.

• The importance of representation and diversity in leadership, particularly for people of color, and his personal experiences navigating these challenges.

• Strategies for personal empowerment and self-love, including overcoming self-doubt and the transformative power of authenticity in both personal and professional realms.

Kamelle is a vibrant embodiment of creativity and determination. Defining himself as a creative self-starter with a deep-rooted passion for people, Kamelle brings an extraordinary energy to every facet of his life. As a trained actor and esteemed senior instructor at SoulCycle, NYC, he seamlessly blends his artistic talents with a profound commitment to wellness and personal growth. Kamelle's daily mission is to inspire others through a transformative mind-body experience, deeply rooted in the interplay of physical vigor and mental resilience. He wears many hats with equal aplomb – as a healer, coach, speaker, and performer. Kamelle's career is more than just a job; it's a testament to changing lives professionally while restoring spirits as a true calling. His presence is not just felt – it's experienced, leaving a lasting impact on everyone he encounters.

Connect with Kamelle Kamelle Mills (@kamellemills)

Get your Do-Better SWAG! https://do-better.store/

USE CODE: DOBETTER20 for a special gift just for our podcast listeners!

Take Charge of Your Professional Growth! My executive coaching books are currently open. Specifically designed for Women of Color in leadership. Don't miss this opportunity—schedule your discovery call now and let's embark on a journey of impactful and meaningful development together."

To learn more about the Do Better Revolution, visit www.do-better.net and follow us on social!

YouTube: www.youtube.com/@dobetterrevolution

Instagram: @dobetterwithdebra

Episode 11: Harnessing the Power of Manifestation and Taking Proactive Steps Towards Your Goals

In this episode, I have an inspiring conversation with Niki, where we delve into the fascinating techniques she employs to manifest her dreams. Niki has a unique approach, blending the realms of the right brain and left brain, creating a holistic vision for her life. What's remarkable is that Niki constantly keeps her vision board in her line of sight, spending around six hours a day at her desk, allowing her to stay connected with her goals throughout the day. This deep interaction with her vision board serves as a powerful reminder, helping her stay focused and centered on her journey. Tune in as we explore the significance of this practice and how it influences Niki's path to success

In this episode we discuss:

• An approach of dividing your vision board into quadrants for a holistic view of both your personal and life goals.

• How the constant interaction with your vision board serves as a powerful reminder of objectives and helps maintain focus and motivation.

Learn more about my guests passion for helping others:

Niki Riga

Website: Yourlimitlessstudio

Connect: [email protected]

Niki Riga, an experienced fitness studio owner turned coach, brings over a decade of insight into the world of boutique fitness. Having weathered every challenge in the industry, she's passionate about empowering clients to break barriers and achieve their goals. Niki's coaching style is akin to a supportive big sister, offering clear guidance and unwavering accountability to fellow studio owners. Her coaching journey began when peers, overwhelmed by business ownership, sought her expertise. She's now dedicated to helping entrepreneurs reach their long-term aspirations with practical to-do lists and a knack for celebrating milestones along the way.

Get your Do-Better SWAG! https://do-better.store/

USE CODE: DOBETTER20 for a special gift just for our podcast listeners!

My coaching books are officially open! Learn more about my Executive Coaching for Women of Color and Leadership Coaching by booking your free consultation here!

To learn more about the Do Better Revolution, visit www.do-better.net and follow us on social!

YouTube: www.youtube.com/@dobetterrevolution

Instagram: @dobetterwithdebra

TikTok: @debraygriffith

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/dobetter.net/

Stay tuned for our Do Better Revolution Community!