Melanated Midlife

In this episode, you will meet June Hudson, who shares her experiences of unimaginable loss and finding joy through personal transition. The conversation delves into the beauty of having loved ones around in the last moments and the significance of love and legacy. It also explores the process of grief and the understanding that love never dies. The discussion is rich with personal experiences and insights that provide a deep understanding of the themes of love, loss, and the continuity of life.

• Get my book: https://a.co/d/1RGMHML
• If you’re a midlife professional who feels underestimated, behind, or quietly written off, download my FREE guide "Collect Your Receipts": https://upskillservices.mykajabi.com/pl/2148735853
• Over 50 and feel passed over for career opportunities? It might not be ageism. You might need a better strategy. Learn from my course Beyond the Resume: https://upskillservices.mykajabi.com/beyondtheresume

What do you do when your degree, your career path, or your life choices do not fit the traditional blueprint of success?

In this episode of The Melanated Midlife Podcast, I sit down with Monique Da Sant-Crawford, an accomplished HR leader, executive coach, board member, and working mother who has built a powerful career by making intentional moves, not perfect ones.

Monique shares her real story of navigating a nontraditional academic path, building credibility without a linear roadmap, and learning how to balance ambition, family, and self without apology. From working in Spanish-speaking communities early in her career to leading at the executive and board level, her journey is a masterclass in visibility, reinvention, and self trust.

*Connect with Monique:*
Website: http://www.unlimtedstrategicsolutions.com
Instagram: monique.uss
LinkedIn: Unlimited Strategic Solutions, LLC
Facebook: Unlimited Strategic Solutions, LLC

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*Get my book:* https://a.co/d/1RGMHML

*Looking to uplevel your midlife career? Download my FREE career guide bundle:* https://bit.ly/career-bundle

*Are you a midlife professional who feels passed over for career opportunities?* It might not be ageism. You might need a better strategy. Learn from my course "Beyond the Resume": https://upskillservices.mykajabi.com/beyondtheresume

Akilah sits down with coach and HR operations leader Tiffany Nelson for talk on rebuilding life at 40+. We unpack why many Gen-X Black women get stuck in routine, how to “release to rebuild,” and the courageous first steps that unlock momentum. Tiffany shares her divorce-to-clarity story, the power of choosing yourself, and her mantra: apply irresponsibly—go after the role, relationship, or life you want.

You’ll hear practical strategies for finding clarity (time and money audits), using the benefits you’re already paying for, and “changing tables” to find communities that reflect your next chapter. We also touch on downsizing, dating after disruption, letting go of other people’s expectations, and building confidence through small experiments. If you’re newly laid off, navigating a quiet season, or ready to stop waiting for permission, this conversation offers language, tools, and a nudge to move. Drop your takeaways in the comments and tell us the one courageous step you’ll try this week.

• Get my book: https://a.co/d/1RGMHML
• Looking to uplevel your midlife career? Download my FREE career guide bundle: https://upskillservices.mykajabi.com/bundled-freebie
• Are you a midlife professional thinking of making a career shift? My course “The Job Search Blueprint” + individual coaching is for you: https://upskillservices.mykajabi.com/coaching
• Join The Redesign Lab for a 6-week reset of your Self, Career & Home. Join the waitlist and experience the first session for FREE:http://melanatedmidlife.com/redesign

In this episode, we are emphasizing the importance of being present during the holiday season. Let's prioritize meaningful connections over material obligations by creating a 'holiday connection list' instead of a shopping list. The conversation highlights the significance of intentional relationships and the joy that comes from connecting with loved ones.

• Get my book: https://a.co/d/1RGMHML
• Looking to uplevel your midlife career? Download my FREE career guide bundle: https://upskillservices.mykajabi.com/bundled-freebie
• Are you a midlife professional thinking of making a career shift? My course “The Job Search Blueprint” + individual coaching is for you: https://upskillservices.mykajabi.com/coaching
• Join The Redesign Lab for a 6-week reset of your Self, Career & Home. Join the waitlist and experience the first session for FREE:http://melanatedmidlife.com/redesign

In this episode, I sat down with Zach Nunn, founder of Living Corporate, for a candid conversation on work in 2025: layoffs, DEI backlash, AI hype, and how midlife professionals can protect their income and well-being. We unpack why work loyalty often goes unrewarded, how companies use AI as a scapegoat for cuts, and what over 40 and over 50 professionals must do now to stay marketable.

Zach shares practical strategies for severance negotiations, building a portfolio career, setting healthy boundaries, and developing courage as a daily muscle. We also talk about the shift from “bring your whole self to work” to clear, sustainable limits that honor your life outside the office.

• Get my book: https://a.co/d/1RGMHML
• Looking to uplevel your midlife career? Download my FREE career guide bundle: https://upskillservices.mykajabi.com/bundled-freebie
• Are you a midlife professional thinking of making a career shift? My course “The Job Search Blueprint” + individual coaching is for you: https://upskillservices.mykajabi.com/coaching
• Join The Redesign Lab for a 6-week reset of your Self, Career & Home. Join the waitlist and experience the first session for FREE:http://melanatedmidlife.com/redesign

This episode is actually a reposting of my guest appearance on the Dr. Will Show, the mobile university for educators interested in edupreneurship. This was my third time visiting with Dr. Will. We dove deep into my reflections and lessons learned from hosting a live event for this community, insights from my book, as well as some overall goals for more ways to serve this community in the very near future. With his permission, I am sharing that full episode here for you to see. Enjoy!

P.S. Be sure to subscribe to the Dr. Will Show on Apple Podcasts!

• Get my book: https://a.co/d/1RGMHML
• Looking to uplevel your midlife career? Download my FREE career guide bundle: https://upskillservices.mykajabi.com/bundled-freebie
• Are you a midlife professional thinking of making a career shift? My course “The Job Search Blueprint” + individual coaching is for you: https://upskillservices.mykajabi.com/coaching
• Join The Redesign Lab for a 6-week reset of your Self, Career & Home. Join the waitlist and experience the first session for FREE:http://melanatedmidlife.com/redesign

Get my book: https://a.co/d/enqxBIH

Visit my website: http://melanatedmidlife.com

In this episode of the Melanated Midlife Podcast, Akilah Willery discusses the challenges faced by midlife professionals, particularly women, as they navigate their careers after 50. She emphasizes the importance of shifting mindsets around work, disengaging from overworking, and focusing on impact rather than effort. Akilah shares five key tips for reclaiming joy, celebrating personal achievements, and redefining success in this stage of life, encouraging listeners to prioritize their well-being and fulfillment.

• Get my book: https://a.co/d/1RGMHML
• Looking to uplevel your midlife career? Download my FREE career guide bundle: https://upskillservices.mykajabi.com/bundled-freebie 
• Are you a midlife professional thinking of making a career shift? My course “The Job Search Blueprint” + individual coaching is for you: https://upskillservices.mykajabi.com/coaching
• Join The Redesign Lab for a 6-week reset of your Self, Career & Home. Join the waitlist and experience the first session for FREE: http://melanatedmidlife.com/redesign