Winning Season

Hermence Matsotsa, a global leadership expert, author, and advocate for community-centered health and transformation joins Jacqueline Twillie in Conversation.

In this episode, Hermence shares her multicultural background, her journey through global health, and the profound lessons she's learned about service, vulnerability, and interconnectedness.

This conversation reveals how embracing humility and community can shape the next era of global health and leadership.

Main Topics:

• Hermence's multicultural upbringing and love story of her parents from Gabon and Oregon
• Her early career in global health and service through Peace Corps in West Africa
• The transformative lessons learned from living in Ecuador, embracing vulnerability and cultural humility
• Foundations of trust in global communities and the importance of seeing shared humanity
• The philosophy of Ubuntu and its influence on Hermence's leadership and business, Mbutu Speaks
• How her company offers transformational leadership, cultural competence, and positive intelligence coaching
• The power of storytelling and capturing community histories through her work
• The significance of living intentionally, self-love, and continuous growth, as outlined in her book "Better Than Yesterday"
• Perspectives on the future of global health: community-led programs, cultural understanding, and capacity building
• The story behind her artwork featuring Ubuntu and its significance
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Chapters:

00:00 - Introduction to Hermence Matsotsa and her multifaceted expertise
02:15 - Hermence's cultural background and love story of her parents
04:17 - Early career and calling into service through Peace Corps
05:44 - The impact of living in Ecuador and learning vulnerability
10:55 - Understanding and tapping into personal power
13:32 - Making a difference through community storytelling
15:30 - Global health work in Togo and community empowerment
17:36 - How Hermence transitioned into CDC and her approach to trust-building
20:13 - Key principles of establishing trust in diverse communities
22:21 - The meaning behind "Mbutu" and the philosophy of Ubuntu
24:41 - Overview of Hermence's company services and leadership philosophy
27:26 - The importance of authentic leadership and psychological safety
30:48 - Recognizing and evolving personal saboteurs and inner critics
34:12 - The role of positive intelligence in leadership wellness
37:07 - Hermence’s book "Better Than Yesterday" and personal transformation
41:42 - Soleil's influence and her daughter’s role as a young author
43:50 - The impact of sharing personal stories and community growth
44:22 - Future visions for global health: community-driven, sustainable, and culturally sensitive
49:44 - The significance of her artwork inspired by Ubuntu and cultural connection
51:23 - How to connect with Hermence and access her book

Resources & Links:

Email Address/ Phone Number [email protected] / 1-202-421-9184 uBuntuSpeaks (uBuntu) website https//www.ubuntuworkforce.com

LinkedIn Profile https://www.linkedin.com/in/hermencematsotsa-transformationalleadershipstrategist/

Books Better Than Yesterday: How to Take Intentional Steps to Self You EnvisionBuy on Amazon

Pluto, Special Just the Same Dwarf Planet by Soleil Cross (my daughter)

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

TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@sageelevation

Join us as we dive into Traci Saulsberry's inspiring journey of self-discovery, leadership, and radical self-love. Traci shares powerful insights from her debut book, revealing how vulnerability, curiosity, and authenticity can transform our lives and careers.

In this episode:

• Traci's experience breaking barriers as one of the youngest Black executives at NBC and leading at Peacock
• The meaning behind her book's title and its importance for self-love
• How writing the book rewrote her, revealing unexpected truths and healing
• The importance of honoring your body and mental health in high-pressure environments
• Practical questions and journaling practices to foster self-awareness
• The power of surrendering to life's unfolding rather than forcing solutions
• How to navigate the "unnamed seasons" of transformation without rushing the process
• The role of worthiness and storytelling in advocating for yourself
• Book recommendations and how to pre-order This Is How You Love Her

Timestamps:

• (00:00) - Welcome and introducing Traci Saulsberry, author of This Is How You Love Her
• (02:06) - Traci describes herself as a "light, quiet storm, and builder"
• (04:24) - Love languages and how Traci freely gives love
• (08:55) - The cost of maintaining "okayness" at work and in life
• (11:29) - How writing the book transformed Traci
• (15:00) - Staying anchored amidst diverse roles and identities
• (16:47) - Recognizing the gap between external achievements and inner authenticity
• (22:07) - Navigating grief while building anew
• (25:43) - The unfolding journey: embracing serendipity and surrender
• (36:26) - The significance of anchors like childhood and relationships in understanding yourself
• (40:01) - What self-love really means beyond spa days
• (41:41) - Lessons learned the hard way, including imperfection and agency
• (42:48) - How to support Traci's book and pre-order information

Resources & Links:

• This Is How You Love Her — Pre-order Traci Saulsberry's debut book
• Calm App — Meditation and sleep app
• Junot Diaz - The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao — Book that inspired Traci
• NBC — Traci's leadership origin
• Abrams Books — Purchase links for Traci's book

Connect with Traci Saulsberry:

• LinkedIn
• Instagram
• Website




Special note: This episode is a treasure trove of practical wisdom for anyone on a journey to self-love, leadership, and authentic living. Be sure to grab your copy of This Is How You Love Her and reflect on the meaningful questions Traci shares.

Summary

In this inspiring interview, Alison Anthony shares her journey from corporate leadership to nonprofit impact, emphasizing the power of preparation, authentic communication, and strategic use of AI in advancing community goals. Discover how to leverage your strengths, build trust, and make impactful asks to create lasting change.

Key Topics

1. Preparation and strategic planning in negotiation
2. The role of AI in nonprofit work
3. Building trust and authentic communication
4. Transitioning from corporate to nonprofit leadership
5. Legacy giving and community impact

Takeaways

• Preparation is key to successful negotiation and relationship building.
• AI can be a powerful tool if used responsibly and ethically.
• Authentic communication and vulnerability strengthen leadership.
• Leverage community and corporate partnerships for greater impact.
• Focus on human connection and trust over technology alone.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Alison Anthony

02:42 The Evolution of Preparation in Negotiation

05:46 Corporate vs. Nonprofit Negotiation Strategies

08:32 Mindset Shifts for Women in Negotiation

11:30 The Importance of Clarity and Conciseness

14:28 Fundraising Trends and Community Impact

17:29 Engaging Volunteers in Fundraising Efforts

23:53 Embedding Mission in Fundraising

26:46 Celebrating Legacy and Endowment Growth

30:42 The Role of AI in Nonprofit Work

38:51 Radical Honesty and Personal Growth

Connect with Alison on LinkedIn

Follow the work of the Tulsa Area United Way

Standing in Your Power: A Conversation with Denise Foss on Self-Leadership and Transformation

Discover how Denise’s journey from dance to leadership led her to create a powerful deck focused on helping individuals reclaim their strength and authenticity. In this episode, we explore the nuances of standing in your power, navigating unexpected challenges, and cultivating resilience within yourself and teams.In this episode:

• Denise shares her story of transition from a dance career to leadership roles and why she created her "Stand in Your Power" deck.
• The importance of presence, awareness, and intuition in professional and personal settings.
• How to recognize and navigate moments where you lose connection to your power.
• The five ways to utilize the deck for individual growth and team development.
• The insight, inspiration, and integration framework—three key steps to embodying new perspectives.
• Practical ideas for group or team activities using the deck, including retreats, meetings, and social gatherings.
• Denise’s holistic coaching approach that integrates life design, movement, and leadership development.
• Her philosophy of “and”—embracing dualities and holding space for contradictions.
• The ongoing journey of self-evolution and the importance of self-compassion and patience.

• Create Loudly Website
• Create Loudly Instagram
• Denise’s LinkedIn
• Stand in Your Power Deck

• Instagram – Create Loudly Co
• LinkedIn – Denise
• Email – [email protected]

Chapters:00:00 - Introduction to Denise and the theme of standing in your power
02:50 - How Denise’s background shaped her approach to leadership and self-awareness
06:00 - The pivotal moment that inspired her deck creation
09:15 - Understanding what it truly means to stand in your power
12:45 - Tools Denise used to reconnect during a challenging leadership moment
14:58 - Exploring Layla Delia’s quote and its relationship to power
16:15 - The "and" philosophy: holding multiple truths simultaneously
19:40 - How the deck works: insight, inspiration, and integration
21:30 - Five creative ways to use the deck for personal and group growth
26:30 - The importance of mindful reflection and active embodiment
29:00 - Denise's coaching practice and holistic approach to living a fulfilled life
33:15 - Embracing multi-passionate identities in coaching and life design
37:10 - What Denise hopes listeners will take away: becoming and transformation
39:50 - Special offer: a free shipping code for the deck and how to connect with Denise
41:10 - Final words: celebrating personal power and ongoing growthResources & Links:Connect with Denise:Special Offer:
Use code POWER26 at checkout for free shipping on the deck. This promo is valid until May 31, 2026, and is available only in the US.Note: This episode was released on April 26, 2026. Stay inspired and continue to step confidently into your power!

Discover how authentic leadership, community, and self-awareness can transform your career and life. Suezette shares practical insights, personal stories, and strategies to help you lead fearlessly beyond titles.In this episode:

• Suezette’s journey from education reform to tech leadership
• The true meaning of authenticity in leadership
• How to uncover and eliminate self-imposed dissonance
• The impact of authentic leadership on organizational performance (147% stronger)
• The power of community and mutual support in growth
• Practical tools: reflective questions at each chapter to overcome fear
• How to align your career with your purpose and values
• The significance of self-assessment, discernment, and strategic alignment
• Introducing Suezette’s authentic leadership framework and upcoming trainings
• Why professional development is a vital investment, not selfishness
• Characteristics of inspiring leaders: curiosity, directness, and mentorship
• The “no titles” chapter: embracing your full potential beyond labels
• How to create environments that support authentic self-expression
• Practical steps for leaders to foster empathy, vulnerability, and inclusion
• The importance of living fully at 80 and beyond
• Connecting with Suezette: website, social media, and community programs
• Bonus: Recommendations for supportive organizations and actionable tips

• Suezette Yasmin Robotham’s Website
• Suezette’s Book: Beyond Titles
• LinkedIn - Suezette Yasmin Robotham
• Suezette’s TED Talk
• Official Training & Courses

• Website
• Instagram
• Twitter
• Community & Mentoring Programs

Timestamps: 

00:00 - Introduction & Suezette’s powerful journey to authentic leadership

02:48 - The secret sauce of attracting mutually beneficial relationships

04:24 - Misconceptions about authenticity and true leadership 07:57 - The reflective questions that heal & how to process fear 10:14 - Real stories of understanding real self versus work self 13:12 - Transition from education reform to tech industry—lessons learned

16:27 - The importance of alignment & trusting when things flow naturally

18:32 - Challenging hustle mentality & embracing ease through discernment

20:37 - Suezette’s mentorship program & how to unlock your full potential

24:17 - Characteristics of admired leaders and cultivating curiosity

27:07 - Upcoming curriculum on authentic leadership & organizational impact

30:50 - Advice for newcomers into tech & managing perceptions

34:28 - Strategies for identifying where environments align with your values

35:18 - The significance of “no titles” for self-awareness & growth

37:01 - How self-assessment leads to greater impact & fuller life 40:50 - Recognizing dissonance and releasing what no longer serves

42:34 - Final thoughts — living as your best self & embracing full capacity

43:16 - Connecting with Suezette: resources, social media & community call-to-action

Resources & Links:

Connect with Suezette:Embrace your authentic self — lead fearlessly and live fully!

• Suezette Yasmin Robotham’s Website
• Suezette’s Book: Beyond Titles
• LinkedIn - Suezette Yasmin Robotham
• Suezette’s TED Talk
• Official Training & Courses

• Website
• Instagram
• Twitter
• Community & Mentoring Programs

Unlock the powerful leadership principles grounded in Black church traditions and culture. In this episode, L.Michelle Smith shares her insights on how call and response, faith, community, and resilience can transform your leadership approach and drive authentic connections.

• L.Michelle's inspiration behind writing Call and Response and how her church experiences shape her leadership philosophy
• The leadership lessons derived from Black church traditions, especially faith, purpose, and community
• The science behind attunement, oxytocin, and brain science that support community-building and resilience
• The historical roots of call and response from Africa to the Black church and their relevance to modern leadership
• Practical strategies for applying these principles in corporate and community settings
• How to develop heart-centered, courageous, and emotionally intelligent leaders across industries
• The importance of integrity, accountability, and cultural competency in today's leadership landscape
• Resources: pre-order discounts, workshops, curriculum, and recommended reading

• Call and Response by L. Michelle Smith
• Book preorder & leadership toolkit
• L. Michelle Smith - Website
• Black Church Study - The Black Church: This Is Our Story, This Is Our Song by Dr. Henry Louis Gates Jr.
• Follow L.Michelle Smith on LinkedIn
• Follow L.Michelle Smith on Twitter

• Website
• Request Speaking Engagements
• Pre-order the book and access curriculum

• Leverage the principles of call and response in team meetings and organizational culture
• Incorporate storytelling, attunement, and community-building techniques into your leadership style
• Practice integrity and accountability daily to build trust and resilience in your teams
• Use the provided leadership questions and curriculum to foster critical thinking and strategic growth
• Join the movement to develop more heart-centered, courageous leaders across industries

Embrace these culturally rooted, science-backed strategies to lead with authenticity, influence, and purpose.

—
Thank you for listening! Don't forget to share your copies of the book and tag L.Michelle Smith on social media with your leadership insights.

In this episode:Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction to Michelle Smith and her leadership journey
02:00 - The story behind Call and Response and cultural influences
04:50 - Black church leadership lessons: faith and purpose
08:30 - The science of community: oxytocin and brain synchronization
12:00 - Roots of call and response: from Africa to modern music and culture
16:20 - The role of resilience: lessons from grandmothers and gospel hymns
20:56 - Building integrity and accountability in leadership
24:05 - Practical tips for applying call and response strategies in organizations
27:40 - Addressing generational shifts and the importance of social-emotional skills
31:15 - The significance of community as a covenant and collective success
35:30 - Cultivating influential, heart-centered leaders: Carla Harris, Sint Marshall, and others
40:10 - How to get the book, resources for leaders, and call to action
43:05 - Final thoughts: leading with authenticity and cultural intelligenceResources & Links:Connect with Elle Michelle Smith:To Enhance Your Leadership:

This episode of Winning Season features a real lesson from Jacqueline V. Twillie, originally delivered live to a group of mid-career professionals. In it, Jacqueline unpacks the moment she cracked a high-stakes global project stalemate by identifying the single metric and timeline that mattered most to a senior leader.

She walks listeners through her signature L.A.T.T.E. Framework—Look, Anticipate, Think, Talk, Evaluate—and shows how to use it to translate your solution into the language of decision makers. You’ll learn how to pinpoint priorities, anticipate objections, and present your ideas in a way that earns approvals faster.

Whether you're preparing for a big pitch or navigating shifting priorities, this lesson gives you a repeatable playbook to get a clear yes.

This podcast episode is an actual lesson taught by Jacqueline V. Twillie, founder of ZeroGap and creator of the L.A.T.T.E. Framework. You’ll hear her teaching in real time, not a scripted studio segment, so grab a notebook and get ready to apply these strategies immediately.

📌 Note

Summary

In this episode of the Winning Season podcast, host Jacqueline Twillie interviews Alair Castro, a Director of Diversity and Inclusion Strategy and Marketing at Northwestern Mutual and founder of the AC Consultancy. Alair shares her journey and passion for addressing the racial wealth gap, advocating for Black women, and creating inclusive marketing strategies. The conversation explores the importance of building trust within communities, measuring success beyond traditional metrics, and the significance of maintaining authenticity in consultancy work. Alair emphasizes the need for multiple streams of income and the value of unplugged family time for personal and professional growth.

Takeaways

• Alair Castro is a Director of Diversity and Inclusion Strategy and Marketing.
• Her career is dedicated to advocating for Black women.
• The racial wealth gap is a significant issue affecting the Black community.
• Building trust within the Black community is crucial for financial services.
• Inclusive marketing can drive business goals and community impact.
• Success indicators should go beyond clicks and impressions.
• Maintaining authenticity is key in consultancy work.
• Monetizing your skills can create additional income streams.
• Unplugged family time is essential for mental well-being.
• Effective communication of boundaries is vital in leadership.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Alair Castro

01:40 Passion for Racial Wealth Gap

03:48 Understanding the Racial Wealth Gap

05:14 Building Buy-In for Inclusion

06:44 The Business Case for Inclusive Marketing

07:42 Cultural Insights in Marketing

09:23 Measuring Success Beyond Clicks

10:40 Overcoming Analysis Paralysis

12:15 Monetizing Your Genius

14:05 The Importance of Unplugged Time

16:00 Turning Conflict into Collaboration

17:56 Marketing and Money Rules for Change Makers

18:24 Fun and Personal Insights with Alair Castro

Connect with Alair

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

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

Online https://www.theacconsultancy.com/

Winning Season Podcast - Mini Episode Show Notes

Host: Jacqueline Twillie
Episode Type: Mini Episode - Career and Negotiation Inspiration
Duration: ~3 minutes

Episode Overview

A quick-hit episode sharing actionable career and negotiation tips from two of Jacqueline's current projects, designed to give listeners a boost in their professional journey.

Main Tip: Highlight Your Unique Value

• Identify what makes you stand out from other candidates
• Lead confidently with your unique strengths in your job search
• Implementation strategies:

When: August 21st
Where: Maven.com
Cost: Free

Core Concept: Going from "Almost" to "Absolutely"

A 5-step method for building a negotiation strategy:

• L - Look
• A - Anticipate
• T - Think
• T - Talk
• E - Evaluate

Framework Benefits:

• Preparation for challenges and questions from the other party
• Addresses potential objections that typically arise early in negotiations
• Builds confidence and prevents being thrown off your game
• Leads to faster, mutually beneficial agreements

• Small tweaks can create significant impact in career development
• Preparation is crucial for successful negotiations
• Confidence comes from being ready to address challenges
• The power to shape your career is in your hands

• The Table: 30-day pop-up career strategy group
• Instant Negotiation Strategy Class: Free class on Maven.com (August 21st)

"The power to shape your career and own your negotiation - it only takes a few tweaks."

Keep winning!

Chapters

00:00 - 00:15 - Welcome & Introduction
Host introduction and episode overview

00:15 - 01:30 - The Table: Career Strategy for Black Women
30-day pop-up group supporting those impacted by 2025 job market

01:30 - 02:45 - The LATTE Framework for Negotiation
5-step method from the Instant Negotiation Strategy class

02:45 - 03:00 - Wrap-up & Closing Thoughts

Summary

In this episode of the Winning Season podcast, Lexie Mendelson shares her extensive experience in building partnerships and launching innovative products like Google Pay. She emphasizes the importance of values such as truth and loyalty in partnerships, the need for adaptability in international rollouts, and the significance of aligning diverse stakeholders. Lexie also discusses the challenges of navigating regulatory environments, the importance of modeling realistic workloads, and the value of genuine relationships in professional networks. She offers valuable advice for emerging leaders on building authentic connections and understanding the needs of others.

Takeaways

Lexie's journey spans art history to tech and finance.

Building infrastructure for new market categories is key.

Truth and loyalty are essential in partnerships.

Understanding success for all parties is crucial.

Adapt products for different markets to succeed.

Meetings enhance communication and stakeholder alignment.

Leaders should model realistic workloads for teams.

Genuine care for colleagues fosters strong relationships.

Empathy is vital in professional conversations.

Emerging leaders should focus on authentic connections.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Lexi's Journey

02:16 Connecting Career Chapters

04:27 Values-Driven Leadership

07:45 Launching Google Pay Internationally

09:58 Aligning Stakeholders for Success

12:50 Navigating Regulations in Banking

15:10 Normalizing Workloads for Team Performance

19:54 Building Authentic Relationships

22:13 Foundational Skills for Emerging Leaders

24:03 Rapid Fire Fun Questions