Leadership Tea

By Shelby Smith-Wilson and Belinda Jackson Farrier

On Leadership Tea, we talk about what it takes to reach the executive level, and how to thrive when you get there. Powerful leaders share their journeys, insights, and triumphs in conversations wit

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FAQs about Leadership Tea:

How many episodes does Leadership Tea have?

The podcast currently has 46 episodes available.

Leadership Tea episodes:

July 30, 2025Repost of S1 EP11: Create Your 90-Day Plan
Belinda and Shelby introduce this oldie-but-goodie by catching you up on what we're doing this summer. And in the episode, we talk about how to master the first 90 days in your new role, as you transition from colleague to commander.
How can you build trust and credibility when transitioning to a new leadership position? discuss strategies that have worked for us as we've navigated change management, tough conversations, financial restraints, and the dynamics of managing former peers.
We're taking a break for August to rest and refresh. We hope that you enjoy the rest of your summer and that you re-listen to some of our other past episodes. See you in September!
Send us a comment!
We publish new episodes every other Wednesday.

Subscribe to the Leadership Tea Podcast

Subscribe to Leadership Tea on YouTube!

Follow us on Instagram @Leadership_Tea for more inspiration and insights.

Get your FREE copy of our Strategic Change Workbook

Learn more about us at stirringsuccess.com
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28min
July 16, 2025Navigating Career Pivots and Layoffs: What Got You Here Won't Get You There | S3 EP13
Are you navigating a career pivot or a layoff? It’s not uncommon these days. If you’re looking ahead to what’s next, Shelby and Belinda want to remind you that times have changed, so what worked for you before won't necessarily get you where you want to go. In other words, the tools and mindset that brought you success in the past might need a serious overhaul.
Whether you're facing a forced career pivot, adapting to a restructured team, or aspiring to higher levels of leadership, this episode is a call not just to let go of habits that no longer serve you, but also to uncouple your identity from your career.
Watch episode 13 on YouTube
Send us a comment!
We publish new episodes every other Wednesday.

Subscribe to the Leadership Tea Podcast

Subscribe to Leadership Tea on YouTube!

Follow us on Instagram @Leadership_Tea for more inspiration and insights.

Get your FREE copy of our Strategic Change Workbook

Learn more about us at stirringsuccess.com
...more
17min
July 02, 2025Leadership Lessons from a Gen-Z Grad | S3 EP12
Recent high school grad Viola Wilson speaks with Shelby (her mom) and Belinda to share a fresh perspective on what leadership means to her.
Viola speaks fluent Spanish and had lived in four countries by the time she was 9 years old. She graduated from high school with honors, earning a 4.3 GPA while excelling in varsity swim, varsity track and field, swimming on a year-round travel swim team, doing extra-curricular activities, community service, and working part-time as a lifeguard. She will enter Virginia Tech this fall as an engineering major.
Watch Episode 12 on YouTube: https://youtu.be/J8Dsn8zCSQg
Send us a comment!
We publish new episodes every other Wednesday.

Subscribe to the Leadership Tea Podcast

Subscribe to Leadership Tea on YouTube!

Follow us on Instagram @Leadership_Tea for more inspiration and insights.

Get your FREE copy of our Strategic Change Workbook

Learn more about us at stirringsuccess.com
...more
16min
June 18, 2025Don't crash out or burn out! Reclaiming your peace in the chaos | S3 EP11
Belinda and Shelby acknowledge the current speed of change and wild news cycle, and the emotional toll that it can take. They share practical steps they are taking to prevent crashing out and to improve their well-being.
They emphasize that while awareness of external events is important, protecting your inner peace and mental health is paramount to effectively show up for yourself and your teams.
Embracing intentional self-care and a future-focused outlook can help you stay sane and lead with clarity, even when the world feels chaotic.
What will you do this summer to avoid crashing out in a world that feels chaotic?
Watch this episode on YouTube
Send us a comment!
We publish new episodes every other Wednesday.

Subscribe to the Leadership Tea Podcast

Subscribe to Leadership Tea on YouTube!

Follow us on Instagram @Leadership_Tea for more inspiration and insights.

Get your FREE copy of our Strategic Change Workbook

Learn more about us at stirringsuccess.com
...more
16min
June 04, 2025Ambassador Robert Gilchrist: Leading with Integrity, Empathy & Ice Cream | S3 EP10
Belinda and Shelby welcome a distinguished former diplomat and senior leader, Ambassador Robert Gilchrist (Ret.). He shares insights from a career spent navigating complex global challenges, from leading teams under intense pressure in Iraq to advocating for democracy and human rights in Eastern Europe.
Hear how he stays grounded in his values, including his Quaker faith and his commitment to civil rights. He offers advice for leaders at every level on how to address toxic environments, maintain integrity in the face of ethical dilemmas, and cultivate self-awareness to become more effective leaders.
In this episode:
"Ice cream diplomacy" for breaking down barriers and fostering team connection
How Ambassador Gilchrist grounds his leadership style in his values
Leading with empathy and maintaining resilience in challenging or
Ways staff and leaders can address toxic work environments
Why self-awareness and humility are crucial for effective leadership
Watch this episode on YouTube
Send us a comment!
We publish new episodes every other Wednesday.

Subscribe to the Leadership Tea Podcast

Subscribe to Leadership Tea on YouTube!

Follow us on Instagram @Leadership_Tea for more inspiration and insights.

Get your FREE copy of our Strategic Change Workbook

Learn more about us at stirringsuccess.com
...more
35min
May 24, 2025Building Bravery & Community: An Invitation to Grow | S3 EP9
Join Shelby and Belinda on May 31 for our first ever live virtual event: “Shoot Your Shot LIVE: A Celebration & Strategy Session to Keep You Bold.”
We’re wrapping up our month-long challenge with a celebration of YOU, our listeners, who dared to ask for what they want. Expect real talk, live coaching, audience celebrations, strategy sharing, and soul-nourishing tea. We’re creating space to keep the momentum going and help you step boldly into your next season of leadership and power.
Learn more and get your ticket!
In this bonus episode we discuss the importance of self-belief, overcoming limitations, and embracing your true potential. And we share highlights of our May 31 event. We're looking forward to seeing you there!
Send us a comment!
We publish new episodes every other Wednesday.

Subscribe to the Leadership Tea Podcast

Subscribe to Leadership Tea on YouTube!

Follow us on Instagram @Leadership_Tea for more inspiration and insights.

Get your FREE copy of our Strategic Change Workbook

Learn more about us at stirringsuccess.com
...more
11min
May 21, 2025Leadership & Risk Management: Empowering Others to Shoot Their Shot | S3 EP8
Belinda and Shelby continue their "Shoot Your Shot" series by exploring the role of risk management when empowering others. They discuss situations when they’ve given team members opportunities to shine, both when it’s led to success and when it has failed. They also share personal stories of how others took a chance on them.
This episode highlights the importance of emotional intelligence, motivation, and trust in identifying when to empower others. Know that leadership involves nurturing the next generation of talent, rather than hoarding opportunities.
In this episode:
When taking a risk on people failed, and when it worked better than expected
Trusting your instincts and having uncomfortable conversations
Discerning whether someone lacks motivation or needs more challenge
Seeing potential in others and creating an environment where they can thrive
Join the “Shoot Your Shot” Challenge!
We challenge you to get a little uncomfortable, take inspired action, and ask for what you want! It's time to "shoot your shot" with a community of support!
Sign up to get the pledge sheet and links to the playlists at https://www.stirringsuccess.com/challenge
Send us a comment!
We publish new episodes every other Wednesday.

Subscribe to the Leadership Tea Podcast

Subscribe to Leadership Tea on YouTube!

Follow us on Instagram @Leadership_Tea for more inspiration and insights.

Get your FREE copy of our Strategic Change Workbook

Learn more about us at stirringsuccess.com
...more
34min
May 07, 2025Your Leadership Genius: Are You Born a Leader? | S3 EP7
What are some of the core qualities that differentiate exceptional leaders? And what strengths do you bring to your leadership role? From staying calm under pressure to leading with empathy, understanding your leadership genius is key to thriving at the executive level.
Belinda and Shelby discuss the idea of a leadership zone of genius, whether it's innate or developed through personal experiences. They discuss how early life experiences have impacted their leadership skills and identify their strengths as leaders.
Join the “Shoot Your Shot” Challenge!
We challenge you to get a little uncomfortable, take inspired action, and ask for what you want! It's time to "shoot your shot" with a community of support!
Sign up to get the pledge sheet and links to the playlists at https://www.stirringsuccess.com/challenge
Send us a comment!
We publish new episodes every other Wednesday.

Subscribe to the Leadership Tea Podcast

Subscribe to Leadership Tea on YouTube!

Follow us on Instagram @Leadership_Tea for more inspiration and insights.

Get your FREE copy of our Strategic Change Workbook

Learn more about us at stirringsuccess.com
...more
24min
April 23, 2025Shoot Your Shot: Ask for What You Want | S3 EP6
This episode is about calculated risks and proactive steps towards your goals. Inspired by their previous coaching session, Belinda and Shelby challenge you to take action and step out of your comfort zone to achieve your goals.
Belinda talks about asking for what she wants for her business and notes the positive outcomes and valuable data she's gained. Shelby reflects on her "unconstrained self" from her boarding school days, aiming to bring that same bold and audacious energy to her goals today.
They encourage you to identify one area in your professional life where you need to ask for what you want – and to do it in the next 30 days. Like Dion Sanders says: You've gotta keep making plays!
And to support you in this challenge, Belinda and Shelby have created a pledge sheet and a hype music playlist!
In this episode:
Belinda and Shelby sharing their progress after their previous coaching session
Belinda shares some of the results of asking for what she wants in her business
Shelby reflects on her confident "unconstrained self" and aims to bring that energy to her current goals
Belinda and Shelby challenge listeners to identify one area for self-advocacy in the next 30 days
Take action!
Download the challenge pledge sheet
Listen to the Spirit-Led and Bold playlist
Listen to the Big Energy, Bold Moves playlist
Send us a comment!
We publish new episodes every other Wednesday.

Subscribe to the Leadership Tea Podcast

Subscribe to Leadership Tea on YouTube!

Follow us on Instagram @Leadership_Tea for more inspiration and insights.

Get your FREE copy of our Strategic Change Workbook

Learn more about us at stirringsuccess.com
...more
18min
April 09, 2025For Middle Managers: Finding Your Power in the Messy Middle | S3 EP5
This episode is dedicated to middle managers, who face unique pressures in the "messy middle" between upper management's demands and their teams' needs.

Shelby and Belinda know from personal experience that being a middle manager is tough. Drawing from their own experiences, they offer practical advice on navigating the messy middle.
In this episode:
Balancing support for your team with helping your boss look good
Adapting your management style to meet the moment
Challenging times are when you build your leadership skills
Staying focused on the mission rather than getting caught up in "what-if" scenarios
Support the podcast:
If you enjoyed this episode, then subscribe to the Leadership Tea Podcast so you’ll know when we drop a new episode.
Please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts; it can help us reach more listeners!
We encourage you to watch us on YouTube, where you can also leave your comments or suggestions for future topics.
Send us a comment!
We publish new episodes every other Wednesday.

Subscribe to the Leadership Tea Podcast

Subscribe to Leadership Tea on YouTube!

Follow us on Instagram @Leadership_Tea for more inspiration and insights.

Get your FREE copy of our Strategic Change Workbook

Learn more about us at stirringsuccess.com
...more
17min

FAQs about Leadership Tea:

How many episodes does Leadership Tea have?

The podcast currently has 46 episodes available.

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