This Woman Can

In this episode of This Woman Can, Janice welcomes Dr. Nikki Coleman, an award-winning psychologist and pleasure coach, who shares her inspiring journey from academia to entrepreneurship. 

After nearly two decades in a tenured position, Dr. Nikki faced burnout and realized she needed to prioritize her own happiness. She took a bold leap into the corporate healthcare DEI sector before fully investing in herself as a full-time entrepreneur in 2021.

Join Janice and Dr. Nikki as they discuss the power of self-advocacy, the importance of prioritizing pleasure, and the challenges of navigating societal expectations as a Black woman in midlife. 

Dr. Nikki reveals how she created the Pleasure Pursuit, a planner and journal designed to help women prioritize their pleasure and well-being. 

In this episode, you’ll learn: 

Whether you're contemplating a career shift or seeking to reclaim your joy, this conversation will empower you to embrace your journey with clarity and purpose.

Connect with Dr. Nikki:

I'm Janice Sutherland, a Career and Life Strategist passionate about helping mature Black women navigate their midlife journeys. I help you discover your own answers, cultivate confidence, gain clarity, and effectively self-advocate for success.

Connect with Janice:

You’ve done the soul-searching. You know something needs to shift. But when it comes time to actually say yes to yourself, you freeze.

In this powerful finale of the Permission to Reinvent series, Janice speaks directly to the woman standing on the edge of change.

If you’ve even thought about reinvention, the 50 Forward: Fearless Future program is calling your name. 

Register for the next round commencing soon. Join a community of powerful Black women who are rewriting their second act with purpose and passion.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Feeling unsure about your next career move? Take my FREE quiz, "Mid-Career Fearlessness: Is Your Confidence Compass Pointing True?"—designed specifically for Black women over 50 ready to embrace their second act with confidence. Click here to begin:  https://gsiqwgep.forms.app/midcareerfearless

------------------------------------------------------------------------------ You deserve a career—and a life—that excites you, challenges you, and aligns with your values. And you don’t have to figure it out alone. Join us for 50 Forward, Fearless Future and take the first step toward the life you’ve been dreaming about. Spots are limited to ensure a personalized and impactful experience. Find out more here: https://www.janicesutherland.com/50-forward-fearless-future

------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Are you a mature Black woman feeling stuck in your career?

Discover how to plan your next chapter with confidence and clarity. Subscribe to my FREE newsletter for exclusive career tips for the mature Black woman: https://www.janicesutherland.com/subscribe-to-twc-newsletter

I'm Janice Sutherland, a Career and Life Strategist passionate about helping mature Black women navigate their midlife journeys. I help you discover your own answers, cultivate confidence, gain clarity, and effectively self-advocate for success.

Connect with Janice:

Web: https://www.janicesutherland.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamjanicesutherland/

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

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thiswomancan

In this episode of This Woman Can, host Janice Sutherland sits down with Denise Reese - tech executive, entrepreneur, and fearless midlife trailblazer to talk about what it really takes to pivot when life throws you off course.

After an unexpected layoff, Denise didn’t just bounce back, she redefined success on her own terms. With over 25 years of experience in technology and digital transformation, Denise shares how she turned a challenging career setback into a luxurious new chapter with Grace the Collection, her home fragrance brand born during the pandemic.

Together, Janice and Denise dive into what it means to “do it afraid,” especially as a Black woman over 50 navigating reinvention, entrepreneurship, and self-worth beyond a job title.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

How to embrace fear and move forward anyway

Why networking (and asking for help!) is your career superpower

How to rediscover your identity after job loss or burnout

The power of grace, self-love, and starting over in midlife

Real talk on aging, ambition, and thriving after 50

Whether you're facing a career crossroads or dreaming of your next act, this episode will inspire you to move forward with courage, clarity, and confidence.

Connect with Denise:

Web: https://gracethecollection.com/

Email: [email protected]

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Register for the next round of 50 Forward, Fearless Future commencing  in June! Join a community of powerful Black women who are rewriting their second act with purpose and passion.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Feeling unsure about your next career move? Take my FREE quiz, "Mid-Career Fearlessness: Is Your Confidence Compass Pointing True?"—designed specifically for Black women over 50 ready to embrace their second act with confidence. Click here to begin:  https://gsiqwgep.forms.app/midcareerfearless

------------------------------------------------------------------------------ You deserve a career—and a life—that excites you, challenges you, and aligns with your values. And you don’t have to figure it out alone. Join us for 50 Forward, Fearless Future and take the first step toward the life you’ve been dreaming about. Spots are limited to ensure a personalized and impactful experience. Find out more here: https://www.janicesutherland.com/50-forward-fearless-future

------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Are you a mature Black woman feeling stuck in your career?

Discover how to plan your next chapter with confidence and clarity. Subscribe to my FREE newsletter for exclusive career tips for the mature Black woman: https://www.janicesutherland.com/subscribe-to-twc-newsletter

I'm Janice Sutherland, a Career and Life Strategist passionate about helping mature Black women navigate their midlife journeys. I help you discover your own answers, cultivate confidence, gain clarity, and effectively self-advocate for success.

Connect with Janice:

Web: https://www.janicesutherland.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamjanicesutherland/

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

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thiswomancan

Let’s be real most “plans” are just pretty notebooks and good intentions.

But real reinvention? It needs structure, soul, and a strategy that fits you.

In this episode, we’re breaking down how to create a reinvention plan that actually works one that supports your values, goals, and grown ass-woman lifestyle. I’ll guide you through the key elements your plan must include, how to avoid common missteps, and why your plan isn’t a prison, it’s a pathway.

Whether you’re at the “idea” stage or knee-deep in transition, this episode will give you the clarity and confidence to keep moving forward.

Register for the next round of 50 Forward, Fearless Future commencing  in June! Join a community of powerful Black women who are rewriting their second act with purpose and passion.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Feeling unsure about your next career move? Take my FREE quiz, "Mid-Career Fearlessness: Is Your Confidence Compass Pointing True?"—designed specifically for Black women over 50 ready to embrace their second act with confidence. Click here to begin:  https://gsiqwgep.forms.app/midcareerfearless

------------------------------------------------------------------------------ You deserve a career—and a life—that excites you, challenges you, and aligns with your values. And you don’t have to figure it out alone. Join us for 50 Forward, Fearless Future and take the first step toward the life you’ve been dreaming about. Spots are limited to ensure a personalized and impactful experience. Find out more here: https://www.janicesutherland.com/50-forward-fearless-future

------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Are you a mature Black woman feeling stuck in your career?

Discover how to plan your next chapter with confidence and clarity. Subscribe to my FREE newsletter for exclusive career tips for the mature Black woman: https://www.janicesutherland.com/subscribe-to-twc-newsletter

I'm Janice Sutherland, a Career and Life Strategist passionate about helping mature Black women navigate their midlife journeys. I help you discover your own answers, cultivate confidence, gain clarity, and effectively self-advocate for success.

Connect with Janice:

Web: https://www.janicesutherland.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamjanicesutherland/

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

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thiswomancan

Planning gets a bad rap. It’s often labeled as rigid, overwhelming, or something we’ll “get to later.”

But what if planning wasn’t pressure - what if it was your power play? In this episode of the mini series Permission to Reinvent, we reframe the idea of planning as an act of self-trust and empowerment.

Whether you’re plotting a career pivot or dreaming of something radically different, I’ll show you how the right kind of planning can liberate your future, not limit it. Listen and learn how to make decisions your future self will thank you for with ease and clarity.

Register for the next round of 50 Forward, Fearless Future commencing  in June! Join a community of powerful Black women who are rewriting their second act with purpose and passion.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Feeling unsure about your next career move? Take my FREE quiz, "Mid-Career Fearlessness: Is Your Confidence Compass Pointing True?"—designed specifically for Black women over 50 ready to embrace their second act with confidence. Click here to begin:  https://gsiqwgep.forms.app/midcareerfearless

------------------------------------------------------------------------------ You deserve a career—and a life—that excites you, challenges you, and aligns with your values. And you don’t have to figure it out alone. Join us for 50 Forward, Fearless Future and take the first step toward the life you’ve been dreaming about. Spots are limited to ensure a personalized and impactful experience. Find out more here: https://www.janicesutherland.com/50-forward-fearless-future

------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Are you a mature Black woman feeling stuck in your career?

Discover how to plan your next chapter with confidence and clarity. Subscribe to my FREE newsletter for exclusive career tips for the mature Black woman: https://www.janicesutherland.com/subscribe-to-twc-newsletter

I'm Janice Sutherland, a Career and Life Strategist passionate about helping mature Black women navigate their midlife journeys. I help you discover your own answers, cultivate confidence, gain clarity, and effectively self-advocate for success.

Connect with Janice:

Web: https://www.janicesutherland.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamjanicesutherland/

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

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thiswomancan

This third episode of the mini series "Permission to Reinvent" is all about repackaging your value & experience to execute your midlife pivot, as epitomized by guest Laverne Benton, founder of BzyPeach. She shares how she used her creativity and resilience to build her vibrant second act.

From a 28-year corporate career to launching a thriving fiber arts brand, Laverne shares how embracing joy, mental health, and community helped her create a business and life she truly loves.

Tune in for real talk, a few laughs, and the inspiration to start your next chapter with boldness and a little peachy magic.

Don’t forget: the next round of 50 Forward, Fearless Future starts in June! Join a community of powerful Black women who are rewriting their second act with purpose and passion.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Feeling unsure about your next career move? Take my FREE quiz, "Mid-Career Fearlessness: Is Your Confidence Compass Pointing True?"—designed specifically for Black women over 50 ready to embrace their second act with confidence. Click here to begin:  https://gsiqwgep.forms.app/midcareerfearless

------------------------------------------------------------------------------ You deserve a career—and a life—that excites you, challenges you, and aligns with your values. And you don’t have to figure it out alone. Join us for 50 Forward, Fearless Future and take the first step toward the life you’ve been dreaming about. Spots are limited to ensure a personalized and impactful experience. Find out more here: https://www.janicesutherland.com/50-forward-fearless-future

------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Are you a mature Black woman feeling stuck in your career?

Discover how to plan your next chapter with confidence and clarity. Subscribe to my FREE newsletter for exclusive career tips for the mature Black woman: https://www.janicesutherland.com/subscribe-to-twc-newsletter

I'm Janice Sutherland, a Career and Life Strategist passionate about helping mature Black women navigate their midlife journeys. I help you discover your own answers, cultivate confidence, gain clarity, and effectively self-advocate for success.

Connect with Janice:

Web: https://www.janicesutherland.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamjanicesutherland/

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

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thiswomancan

Fear isn’t the problem — waiting for it to disappear is.

In the second episode of Permission to Reinvent mini series, Janice explores some of the fears that show up when you're over 50 and ready for change.

Whether you’re pivoting your career, chasing a long-held dream, or figuring out what’s next, this episode will help you distinguish fear from unreadiness — and move forward anyway.

It’s time to stop waiting for perfect conditions and start trusting your growth. 

Listen now and give yourself permission to do it scared.

Don’t forget: the next round of 50 Forward, Fearless Future starts in June! Join a community of powerful Black women who are rewriting their second act with purpose and passion.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Feeling unsure about your next career move? Take my FREE quiz, "Mid-Career Fearlessness: Is Your Confidence Compass Pointing True?"—designed specifically for Black women over 50 ready to embrace their second act with confidence. Click here to begin:  https://gsiqwgep.forms.app/midcareerfearless

------------------------------------------------------------------------------ You deserve a career—and a life—that excites you, challenges you, and aligns with your values. And you don’t have to figure it out alone. Join us for 50 Forward, Fearless Future and take the first step toward the life you’ve been dreaming about. Spots are limited to ensure a personalized and impactful experience. Find out more here: https://www.janicesutherland.com/50-forward-fearless-future

------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Are you a mature Black woman feeling stuck in your career?

Discover how to plan your next chapter with confidence and clarity. Subscribe to my FREE newsletter for exclusive career tips for the mature Black woman: https://www.janicesutherland.com/subscribe-to-twc-newsletter

I'm Janice Sutherland, a Career and Life Strategist passionate about helping mature Black women navigate their midlife journeys. I help you discover your own answers, cultivate confidence, gain clarity, and effectively self-advocate for success.

Connect with Janice:

Web: https://www.janicesutherland.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamjanicesutherland/

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

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thiswomancan

What does it look like when Black women stop adapting to work—and make work adapt to them?

This week I’m in conversation with Dr. Kimani Norrington-Sands, co-creator behind the 2025 Job Liberation Virtual Summit for Black Women.

We’re talking freedom, fulfillment, and how to design work that actually works—for your life, your values, and your next chapter.

We also touch on the unique challenges midlife women face and why this moment is ripe for reinvention.

Click below to find out more and register to secure your spot at the 2025 Job Liberation Summit For Black Women

https://2025jobliberationsummit.heysummit.com/?ac=7lreSDbj

You can watch my earlier conversation with Dr. Kimani, where discuss her experience of working in a toxic environment here: https://youtu.be/0sgbkK0S0Z4

------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Feeling unsure about your next career move? Take my FREE quiz, "Mid-Career Fearlessness: Is Your Confidence Compass Pointing True?"—designed specifically for Black women over 50 ready to embrace their second act with confidence. Click here to begin:  https://gsiqwgep.forms.app/midcareerfearless

------------------------------------------------------------------------------ You deserve a career—and a life—that excites you, challenges you, and aligns with your values. And you don’t have to figure it out alone. Join us for 50 Forward, Fearless Future and take the first step toward the life you’ve been dreaming about. Spots are limited to ensure a personalized and impactful experience. Find out more here: https://www.janicesutherland.com/50-forward-fearless-future

------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Are you a mature Black woman feeling stuck in your career?

Discover how to plan your next chapter with confidence and clarity. Subscribe to my FREE newsletter for exclusive career tips for the mature Black woman: https://www.janicesutherland.com/subscribe-to-twc-newsletter

I'm Janice Sutherland, a Career and Life Strategist passionate about helping mature Black women navigate their midlife journeys. I help you discover your own answers, cultivate confidence, gain clarity, and effectively self-advocate for success.

Connect with Janice:

Web: https://www.janicesutherland.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamjanicesutherland/

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

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thiswomancan

Feeling disconnected in midlife? In this episode of This Woman Can, we explore how Black women over 50 can create their own supportive community.

With real-life stories and actionable tips, learn how to find your tribe, nurture deep friendships, and embrace a life filled with connection. 

------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Feeling unsure about your next career move? Take my FREE quiz, "Mid-Career Fearlessness: Is Your Confidence Compass Pointing True?"—designed specifically for Black women over 50 ready to embrace their second act with confidence. Click here to begin:  https://gsiqwgep.forms.app/midcareerfearless

------------------------------------------------------------------------------ You deserve a career—and a life—that excites you, challenges you, and aligns with your values. And you don’t have to figure it out alone. Join us for 50 Forward, Fearless Future and take the first step toward the life you’ve been dreaming about. Spots are limited to ensure a personalized and impactful experience. Find out more here: https://www.janicesutherland.com/50-forward-fearless-future

------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Are you a mature Black woman feeling stuck in your career?

Discover how to plan your next chapter with confidence and clarity. Subscribe to my FREE newsletter for exclusive career tips for the mature Black woman: https://www.janicesutherland.com/subscribe-to-twc-newsletter

I'm Janice Sutherland, a Career and Life Strategist passionate about helping mature Black women navigate their midlife journeys. I help you discover your own answers, cultivate confidence, gain clarity, and effectively self-advocate for success.

Connect with Janice:

Web: https://www.janicesutherland.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamjanicesutherland/

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

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thiswomancan

Midlife isn’t a stopping point—it’s a launchpad! In this episode of This Woman Can, I sit down with the incredible Fransesca Quartey, an actress-turned-CEO-turned-coach, whose journey is a masterclass in reinvention.

From her roots in Sweden to leading a regional theatre and now guiding others through transformation, Fransesca shares powerful insights on career transitions, embracing creativity at any age, and the importance of building a strong community—especially for Black women over 50. If you’ve ever wondered how to navigate midlife with confidence and purpose, this conversation is for you.

Connect with Fransesca:

Web: https://www.fransescaquartey.com/

Email: [email protected]

------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Feeling unsure about your next career move? Take my FREE quiz, "Mid-Career Fearlessness: Is Your Confidence Compass Pointing True?"—designed specifically for Black women over 50 ready to embrace their second act with confidence. Click here to begin:  https://gsiqwgep.forms.app/midcareerfearless

------------------------------------------------------------------------------ You deserve a career—and a life—that excites you, challenges you, and aligns with your values. And you don’t have to figure it out alone. Join us for 50 Forward, Fearless Future and take the first step toward the life you’ve been dreaming about. Spots are limited to ensure a personalized and impactful experience. Find out more here: https://www.janicesutherland.com/50-forward-fearless-future

------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Are you a mature Black woman feeling stuck in your career?

Discover how to plan your next chapter with confidence and clarity. Subscribe to my FREE newsletter for exclusive career tips for the mature Black woman: https://www.janicesutherland.com/subscribe-to-twc-newsletter

I'm Janice Sutherland, a Career and Life Strategist passionate about helping mature Black women navigate their midlife journeys. I help you discover your own answers, cultivate confidence, gain clarity, and effectively self-advocate for success.

Connect with Janice:

Web: https://www.janicesutherland.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamjanicesutherland/

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

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thiswomancan