In this timely and empowering episode, Laura sits down with Sarah Boyd, Founder & CEO of The Formation, to unpack what it truly means to leverage strategic self-advocacy—especially for Black women navigating today's complex corporate landscape.

Drawing from her experience working with C-suite leaders and building community for Black women in corporate spaces, Sarah introduces a more nuanced understanding of self-advocacy—one that goes beyond simply "speaking up" and instead centers strategy, clarity, and sustainability.

Together, Laura and Sarah explore why self-advocacy is not just a career skill, but a critical tool for protecting the investments Black women have made in their careers—particularly in a moment shaped by economic uncertainty, technological disruption, and shifting workplace dynamics.

The conversation also acknowledges a deeper layer: the trauma component of advocacy. For many Black women, pushing against systems hasn't always felt safe. Sarah offers insight into how leaders can begin to advocate for themselves in ways that are both effective and self-honoring—without overextending or sacrificing their wellbeing.

About Sarah

Sarah Boyd is the Founder & CEO of The Formation — a community-based app that serves up real talk, real resources, and real tight-knit community for Black women navigating the realities of corporate America. As a certified talent development leader, Sarah has worked with C-suite executives and senior leaders coaching, mentoring, and building impactful programs to help both individuals and teams succeed. After working in enterprise, startup, and social impact spaces, Sarah launched The Formation community to fill the glaring resource gap she saw in each of these environments. Today, she lends her expertise to creating resources for strategic disruption — actionable tools Black women can use to advocate for ourselves in the workplace, and safeguard the investments we've made in our careers.

Connect with Sarah

Website: https://www.weareyourformation.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahwilliamsboyd/

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Credits:

Learn about all Black Woman Leading® programs, resources, and events at www.blackwomanleading.com

Learn more about our consulting work with organizations at https://knightsconsultinggroup.com/

Email Laura: [email protected]

Connect with Laura on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauraeknights/

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Podcast Music & Production: Marshall Knights - https://marshallknights.com/

Graphics: Dara Adams

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