I’m so excited to have another Chicago gal in the house today with me, Harper A. Bailey. Harper and I discovered we had SO much in common with our stories, perspectives, etc. that I hope to meet up with her IRL (in real life) sometime soon!

During today’s show, Harper and I talked about:

1. What it felt like for her to be the first Black woman to lead a prominent national women’s healthcare nonprofit.
2. Her burnout story and the grief of transition between who she was and who she became after the experience.
3. The story behind her name Harper A. Bailey and what her real name is and why she decided to use it (grab a tissue).
4. Her book, It Was Her: A Memoir.
5. The differences between macro and micro grief.
6. The moments of grief in corporate that no one talks about. I even share an example I have processed recently.

If you are willing to dig a bit deeper on how grief touches us in unexpected ways and is related to burnout and our healing, listen to today’s conversation.

Here is more about Harper:

Harper A. Bailey is the pen name of Tiosha Bailey, a Chicago native,

public health leader, and powerful storyteller who challenges the status

quo. She was the first Black woman to lead a prominent national

women's healthcare nonprofit, where she prioritized health equity and

amplified the voices of underserved communities.

Her first book, It Was Her: A Memoir—featuring a foreword by renowned

motivational speaker Lisa Nichols—invites readers into a deeply personal

story shaped by loss, resilience, and transformation. Through honest and

compelling storytelling, Harper explores identity, healing, and the

courage it takes to reclaim your narrative.

As a speaker, Harper brings clarity, depth, and humor to conversations

about leadership, purpose, and the lived experiences of Black women.

She connects with audiences through truth-telling and a passion for

creating spaces where people feel seen, heard, and empowered.

If the Brave Women at Work Podcast has helped you personally or professionally, please share it with a friend, colleague, or family member. And your ratings and reviews help the show continue to gain traction and grow. Thank you again!

I’m so pumped to let you know that the E-Book for Brave Women at Work: Lessons in Authenticity is now available on Amazon!

If you have a story to share and a deep desire to become an author, please contact me at [email protected]. I am happy to share the details on the project.