"It’s important to identify your values and to see how those values impact your leadership decisions, especially when you're feeling stretched thin."
What if saying "no" made you a stronger, more effective leader?
Leadership isn’t just about what you take on—it’s about what you let go of. In this episode, we explore how intentional leadership and values alignment create stronger teams, healthier cultures, and better results—without burnout.
Stephanie Waite, Founder of 7air Consulting, shares powerful insights on setting boundaries, making deliberate decisions, and leading with clarity in today’s evolving workplace.
Available now wherever you listen to your podcasts - find the link in the comments.
Resources:
- Connect with Stephanie on LinkedIn
- Connect with 7 Air Consulting
- Managing Transitions by William Bridges
- The Power of a Positive No by William Ury
Connect with me:
"You can only lead others through change effectively when you’ve first mastered leading yourself through uncertainty."
In this episode, Tiffany Perry, culture change architect and founder of Amberus Partners, shares why slowing down and focusing on what you can control is key to leadership resilience. From journaling to executive coaching to reconnecting with nature—discover the tools that help leaders stay grounded and effective in times of major upheaval.
Available now wherever you listen to your podcasts - find the link in the comments.
Resources:
- Connect with Tiffany on LinkedIn
Connect with me:
Did you know that 40-50% of new senior leaders fail within their first 12 months? Stepping into a senior role isn’t just about a new title—it’s about navigating complexity, managing change, and redefining what success looks like.
In this episode with Alida Al-Saadi, we dive into the leadership change model we co-developed, designed to support leaders during this pivotal transition.
Whether you’re stepping into an executive role for the first time or refining your leadership approach, this conversation is for you.
Resources:
- Connect with Alida on LinkedIn
Connect with me:
Burnout isn’t an individual struggle—it is an organizational crisis.
According to a recent survey by On Ramps and The Memo I Never Got, 95% of social sector senior executives experience burnout, and 63% are considering leaving their roles because of it. The pressure to perform at the highest level, constantly be ‘on,’ and navigate todays complex challenges is relentless.
But here’s the truth: Rest isn’t a luxury—it’s an organizational imperative. Sabbaticals aren’t about stepping away; they’re about regaining clarity, energy, and perspective.
In this week’s conversation with Sonya Martinez, she opens up about her experience with burnout, the warning signs leaders often overlook and the transformative role of community in recovery.
After listening, consider one way to prioritize your well-being.
Resources:
- Sabbaticals and the Case for More Rest for Leaders of Color
- Research on burnout by On Ramps and The Memo I Never Got
- Connect with Sonya on LinkedIn
Connect with me:
It’s time to step out of the shadows. As women, we often let our corporate roles define us, losing sight of who we truly are. In this episode of The Intersection, I speak with Catlin O'Shaughnessy Coffrin where we unpack what it takes to reclaim our identities and rediscover who we were meant to be.
Listen to the full conversation on your favorite podcast platform to explore what it means to cultivate your personal brand and proclaim your voice. Find the link in the first comment below.
Resources:
- Learn more at captivatingco.com
- Connect with Cat on LinkedIn:
- Book we discussed 'The Artist's Way'
Connect with me:
With the upcoming holidays upon us, I'm taking time off but for your listening pleasure I'm rebroadcasting the most downloaded episode of 2024.
My guest, Nyerere K Billups, shares his personal journey as a leader which resonated with so many in The Intersection Podcast community. Grab your beverage of choice and listen to this powerful episode (link is in the first comment).
I'm sending a heartfelt thank you to everyone who has liked, shared, or listened to the podcast. It means the world to me.
Cheers to a healthy and peaceful holiday season!
We’re joined by Alexandra Levit is the Founder and CEO of Inspiration at work and the founder of Driven—an app and program designed to support historically underrepresented job seekers as they navigate the emotional stress of unemployment. Alexandra shares how a protracted job search impacts mental health, particularly for Gen Z, who are entering the workforce with the worst mental health of any generation.
We explore actionable insights on managing the emotional toll of a job search while focusing on proven psychological frameworks to improve job-seeking behaviors.
Tune in for a powerful conversation about the relationship between your employment status and your mental health.
Resources:
- Learn more at alexandralevit.com
- Connect with Alexandra on LinkedIn
- Research Article
Connect with me:
How might organizations support financially stressed employees and why does it matter? For three decades Jaquette Timmons has explored the intersection of money, business, and life. During my conversation with Jaquette we discussed the often-overlooked issue of financial stress and its impact on both personal well-being and workplace engagement.
Tune in for a powerful conversation about the relationship between your personal finances, employee engagement, and what organizations can do to bring about change.
Resources:
- Learn more at jacquettetimmons.com
- Connect with Jaquette on LinkedIn
- Pwc Wellness Survey
Connect with me:
What does it take to lead in today's complex workplace? Sonya Kaleel, a future-focused leader and founder of The Inclusion Practice is conducting cutting-edge research on the competencies needed to lead and communicate in tumultuous times.
Sonya discusses the fear of saying the wrong thing, the isolation many senior leaders experience, and the importance of epic listening.
Tune in for a powerful conversation about what is possible when we lead from authenticity and connection.
Resources:
- Learn more at The Inclusion Practice
- Connect with Sonya on LinkedIn
- Northwestern Research: Social Justice in Organizational Change
- William Bridges Change Model
Connect with me:
I’ve been feeling it lately. What is the “it” you ask? It’s the apprehension some leaders have when discussing DEI. Most of us working in this space have experienced this troubling shift in our organizations and/or clients.
This got me thinking…why?
In this episode I discuss…
- Possible reasons why we’re experiencing this shift
- What you can do differently
- Two disruptive voices to follow - head on over to their profiles (after you listen to the podcast 😀) @Paul Lidio and @ Lily Zheng.
Psst…it’s not all doom and gloom.
Listen to the full episode of The Intersection on your favorite podcast platform to hear more about the destruction of DEI and why what we’re doing no longer works. Find the link to the episode in the comments.
This week’s replay is with the amazing Halleemah Nash, Founder of Rosecrans Ventures. Hallemah is a people strategist, social entrepreneur, and internship innovator dedicated to scaling professional development for Generation Z talent of color.
Halleemah is passionate about creating cultures where excellence and cultural authenticity intersect.
We discuss building today’s workforce for tomorrow and reimagining what talent looks like. Because if we don’t it’s too easy to hire the same people and end up with the same thing over and over.
In this replay we discuss:
- The challenges faced by underrepresented interns, such as navigating cultural differences and microaggressions in the workplace.
- Debunking the common excuse that it’s difficult to find diverse talent.
- The need to embrace a broader definition of skills and transferable experiences such as entrepreneurship and community-based work.
In today's polarized society, Hallemah believes it's important for people to have leaders that look like them and represent them at the highest levels of organizations and government.
Thank you for listening to The Intersection Podcast. Don't forget to subscribe, share, and catch up on any missed episodes.
Resources:
Halleemah Nash on LinkedIn
Rosecrans Ventures on Linkedin
The summer hiatus is winding down and new episodes are on the horizon. Stay tuned for Season 6…we’ve got exciting topics and guests on the horizon.
This throwback episode was recorded with Lauren Leader during Women’s History Month at the height of the Pandemic. Many of the same issues like work life integration, child care, and lack of remote work options are still an everyday struggle for many women.
Lauren is the co-founder and CEO of All In Together, a non-partisan, non-profit organization dedicated to women's civic education and participation. She is also the People, Culture & Leadership Advisor for Leader Chivee Advisors LLC, specializing in diversity, public affairs, engagement, communications, and corporate social responsibility. She is an author, activist, and DE&I expert.
Lauren talks about the impact of the pandemic on women’s economic participation, and how public policy influences the workplace. We discuss the impact of the pandemic which forced many women to choose between domestic and work-related responsibilities.
In this replay we discuss:
- The pre-existing challenges faced by working women, such as the high cost of childcare, and the potential catastrophic effects of the pandemic on women's labor force participation and the overall economy.
- The connection between workplace challenges and public policy, and the need for women to participate in the political process to hold elected leaders accountable.
- Lauren’s advice for CEOs and CHROs to amplify the voices of underrepresented groups within organizations, addressing the disproportionate attrition of people of color from senior ranks, and being intentional about recruiting and promoting qualified women and people of color.
If she could wave a magic wand, Lauren would have equal representation for women and people of color in all decision-making spaces and tables where the world is being shaped. Including having a woman president.
Thank you for listening to The Intersection Podcast. Don't forget to subscribe, share, and catch up on any missed episodes.
Resources:
Lauren Leader on LinkedIn
The summer hiatus continues and I’m making some exciting updates to the podcast. I can’t wait to share them!
In the meantime I’ve got another awesome replay of one of my favorite episodes featuring John Higginson, formerly CTO at Chief. He is now at Curriculum Associates, and in addition to his role John is also a tech advisor to the board of directors of several organizations and a member, investor, and advisor with Hyde Park Angels.
“[Things] have changed some, but if you look at technology teams at most companies in America, it still skews quite a bit to male and white,” John Higginson remarks. “There has been progress, but there’s still a lot of way to go.”
In this replay we talk about:
- What has changed in the 10 years since a 2014 study that showed 70% of tech teams in North America were white and male.
- The data for embracing more diverse teams - from creativity and problem solving, to productivity and innovation.
- The opportunities to disrupt the way we think about and do things in technology (and other) organizations.
- Practices you can embed to make diversity a part of your company’s culture
Thank you for listening to The Intersection Podcast. Don't forget to subscribe, share, and catch up on any missed episodes.
Resources:
We all need a break and I’m taking a summer hiatus to rest and restore. Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered with a replay of one of my favorite episodes featuring Dr. Tina Opie and Dr. Beth A. Livingston the authors of Shared Sisterhood: How to Take Collective Action for Racial and Gender Equity at Work.
Dr. Tina Opie is an Associate Professor of Management and a prominent voice in the fields of research, teaching, consulting, and public speaking. Dr. Opie is the founder of Opie Consulting Group LLC, where she guides corporations towards transformative change.
Dr. Beth A. Livingston is the Ralph L. Sheets Associate Professor in Industrial Relations at the University of Iowa's Tippie College of Business. With a prolific career studying gender, stereotyping, discrimination, and work-family dynamics, Dr. Livingston's insights enrich our understanding of complex workplace issues.
We explore the following topics in our conversation today:
- Why DEIJ goals and metrics do not signify true equity.
- How leaders can prepare for the impact on the DEI workplace
- The Shared Sisterhood framework of Dig, Bridge, and Collective Action
Thank you for listening to The Intersection Podcast. Don't forget to subscribe, share, and catch up on any missed episodes.
Resources:
Shared Sisterhood: How to Take Collective Action for Racial and Gender Equity at Work
Dr. Tina Opie - Linkedin
Dr. Beth A. Livingston - Linkedin
Colorlines: Asian Americans in an Anti-Black World
Happy Wednesday and welcome back to the Intersection Podcast! In this episode, I have the privilege of speaking with Gizelle Clemens, Director of Alumni and Donor Engagement at National Medical Fellowships. Gizelle is a fervent leader working at the intersection of disability, gender, and race. She is both a disruptor and unifier driving systemic organizational change
Giselle shares her personal experience as a Black disabled woman and the challenges she faced in getting a proper medical diagnosis. She emphasizes the importance of representation, highlighting how having a Black female doctor finally led to her medical issues being identified and treated.
In this conversation, we discuss…
- Gizelle’s commitment to health equity.
- The challenges faced by people with disabilities in the workplace and how organizations can create cultures of equity and belonging.
- Her vision for disability justice, which includes eliminating barriers to transportation, housing, and access to resources.
This episode is a must-listen for organizational leaders. Giselle challenges us to take action and make our workplaces and communities more accessible for people with disabilities, which ultimately benefits us all.
Resources:
Gizelle Clemens Linkedin
Crip Camp
DisabilityLead
Emily Blum
One thing I know for sure is that doing the work of DEI and social justice can be emotionally draining. Finding ways to nurture yourself is critical. Which is why, on this week's episode, I'm honored to speak with Taylor Elyse Morrison. She is the Founder of The Inner Workout, Facilitator, and Podcast host. Inner Workout is Taylor’s brainchild, born out of her mission to help others beat burnout through sustainable self-care practices. Inner Workout is a personal development tool inspired by yogic philosophy. It has been featured in various well-known platforms such as Forbes, Entrepreneur, and PopSugar. Taylor talks about the origins of Inner Workout and shares why she felt it was a necessary invention. She discusses the five dimensions of well-being, which are physical, energetic, mental and emotional, wisdom, and bliss.
Resources:
Taylor Elyse Morrison's Linkedin
Welcome back to the Intersection Podcast! In this episode, I have the privilege of speaking with Corliss Gardner, the Executive Vice President and Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer at Old National Bank. Corliss began her career in finance and, like many of us, found her passion in creating more equitable and inclusive workplaces. .
We discuss Corliss's background, beginning with her early start in banking and how she navigated spaces often being “the only” .
In this conversation, we discuss…
- The importance of mentorship and sponsorship in navigating your career.
- the challenges and successes she faced often being the only Black woman in professional spaces.
- the significance of building support networks and communities to foster a sense of belonging and combat isolation.
- insights into her collaborative approach, partnering with stakeholders to ensure DEI lens is embedded in processes and practices.
This episode is a must-listen for those commited to driving meaningful change in organizational culture. Corliss Gardner's experiences and insights provide valuable guidance for navigating professional spaces, embedding DEI into business practices, and envisioning a future of true belonging.
Resources:
Welcome back to the Intersection Podcast! This week’s conversation is with Jamaal Glenn, an Entrepreneur, Professor, Writer, and Speaker. Jamaal is the founder and CEO of an investment holding company that advises on strategy, investment execution, and corporate governance.
In this conversation, we discuss…
- Why offering remote work options are critical to attracting and retaining top talent
- the importance of experimenting with generative AI to extend the capabilities of existing workers versus fearing it
- the imperative of embedding diversity and inclusion in both the input and output for shaping AI technologies
- why empathy and experimentation are crucial skills for leaders
Join us for this very interesting conversation. Thank you for tuning in!
Resources:
Jamaal’s Linkedin
Jamaal’s Substack
Jamaal’s Website
Happy Wednesday, and welcome back to the Intersection Podcast!
This week I am speaking with Author, Activist, and DEIB Champion Ericka Carmona-Vega. Ericka is a former Human Resource Executive who left the corporate world to pursue her dream of transforming the way we think about leadership. Ericka is also the founder of Flor y Canto Academy.
Ericka’s soon to be published book, RISE: The West Awakens, is a revolutionary take on how ancestral knowledge and wisdom can inform how we lead today.
In our conversation, Ericka and I discuss…
- Her upcoming book series 'Rise', which aims to validate culturally relevant leadership philosophies and empower readers to embrace their unique leadership styles
- the challenges of leading across different generations
- the need for leaders to move away from punitive and fault-finding approaches, and celebrate individual talents, strengths, and empowerment
- why it’s important for leaders to be generous with their wisdom and knowledge, and to walk with gratitude and abundance
Join us for this heartfelt conversation. Thank you for tuning in!
Resources:
Happy Wednesday, and welcome back for another episode of the Intersection Podcast! I’m excited to host Thane Kreiner, co-founder of the Black Corporate Board Readiness program at Santa Clara University with Dennis Lanham. In addition to this role he is a board member, Advisor, and former CEO with over 30 years experience starting and growing enterprises.
In our conversation, Thane and I discuss the mission to increase Black representation on corporate boards. We tackle this conversation by discussing…
- The programs powerful framework of “for us, by us” that can be used for any organization seeking to build community and sustainability
- Obliterating the myth that there are no qualified Black executives for board roles
- and the impact of anti-DEI rhetoric on this movement and others like it
Thane elaborates how BCBR has evolved into a community and movement. The program has over 280 alumni and 130 corporate board seats occupied by graduates.
Join us for this enlightening conversation on driving diversity and empowering Black leadership in corporate governance. Thank you for tuning in!
Resources:
Black Corporate Board Readiness
Welcome to this episode of the Intersection Podcast! Today, I’m privileged to host Suzanne Jakstavich, Human Resource Executive, Leadership Coach and proud mom. Suzanne has a deep commitment to developing people and culture strategies that empower talent, foster growth, and drive business success.
Suzanne's leadership journey was shaped by personal experiences, including growing up with disabled grandparents and observing her parents' work environments. Her people-centric approach emphasizes psychological safety, curiosity, and vulnerability as essential elements of leadership.
In our conversation, Suzanne delves into the challenges facing organizations today, such as:
- managing multi-generational workforces
- navigating work-life integration
- and combating burnout in hybrid work environments.
She underscores the importance of leadership capabilities in allyship, mentorship, and sponsorship to create inclusive and affirming workplaces.
Balancing her career while caring for her autistic son has taught Suzanne the importance of resilience, self-reflection, and finding supportive communities.
Her advice for leaders centers on adopting a growth mindset, prioritizing learning, and remaining curious amidst change.
If given a magic wand, Suzanne would improve employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities, recognizing the transformative power that everyone can bring to the workplace..
Join us as we explore the dynamic intersection of leadership, inclusivity, and workplace culture with Suzanne Jakstavich.
Thank you for listening!
Resources:
Suzanne Jakstavich’s Linkedin
Aspire Chicago
Welcome to this week's episode of the Intersection Podcast! We are excited to have Kate North, a workplace strategy expert, to explore hybrid work and its impact on inclusive workplaces.
As a principal at Global Workplace Analytics (GWA), Kate brings over 30 years of experience as a trusted advisor to business, HR, and real estate leaders. Her passion lies in crafting transformative workplace strategies that align organizational culture with business goals.
Kate is dedicated to helping organizations optimize hybrid work arrangements to boost innovation, engagement, and inclusivity.
The highlights of our discussion about the future of the workplace:
- The challenges and opportunities surrounding hybrid work models.
- Why we must be intentional when designing hybrid workplace models to ensure inclusive cultures.
- The significance of gathering employee feedback, testing different approaches, and prioritizing employee experience.
- Why it is imperative for leaders to be empathetic and transparent when leading in hybrid models
Thank you for listening! You can also follow Kate North for more on hybrid work, and the future of the workplace
Thank you for listening!
Resources:
Hybrid work article
Inclusivity article
Kate North Linkedin
Welcome to this week's episode of the Intersection Podcast! We are honored to have Emily Voorde, Founder and CEO of INTO Strategies, a disabled-led firm dedicated to fostering inclusivity in moments, movements, and campaigns.
Emily’s journey from an AmeriCorps member to 2nd grade teacher and then serving as a liaison to Disabled Americans and K-12 educators in the Biden-Harris Administration is nothing short of inspiring. With a passion for justice and equitable access to education, Emily brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise on disability representation.
The highlights of our discussion:
- Emily shares insights from her career journey, including her experiences working on Pete Buttigieg's presidential campaign and in the White House Office of Public Engagement.
- We delve into the prevalence of disabilities in the U.S. and the importance of distinguishing between having a disability and disabled identity.
- Practical steps organizations can take to foster disability inclusion including using inclusive language, auditing accessibility, and collecting data on disability representation.
- The impact of disability inclusion on organizational culture and the competitive advantage it brings.
Thank you for joining this vital conversation. You can also follow Emily Voorde for more on advancing equity, inclusion, and accessibility.
Thank you for listening!
Resources:
INTOStrategies.com
@INTOStrategies on Instagram
@ShortyVoorde on Instagram
Emily Voorde Linkedin
Hello, and welcome back to the Intersection Podcast.
This is the third conversation in our series that celebrates and lifts up Black leaders. These conversations are near and dear to my heart. After spending years in Corporate America, often feeling unseen and unheard, I wanted to give voice to our unique experiences. This series provides resources, tools, and a community to let you know you’re not alone.
In this episode, "Owning Your Story - One Leader's Journey to Healing & Wholeness" with Nyerere Billups, we discuss how to empower and support Black employees. Nyerere is a senior pharmaceutical leader extensive experience developing innovative life cycle management strategies from clinical development to commercialization and launch
Nyerere is a people, culture and equity advocate. Believing that when we can show up full it benefits everyone.
In this episode we discuss:
➡️ The importance of therapy and coaching to provide a safe space for self-acceptance. .
➡️ The value of owning your authentic story and lived experience.
➡️ The parallels between therapy and coaching provide a safe space for self-acceptance.
➡️ Why you shouldn’t take assessments personally.
Thank you for being a part of this community as we acknowledge the contributions of Black leaders.
Thank you for listening!
Resources:
Nyerere Billups Linkedin
Hello, and welcome to this week's episode of the Intersection Podcast.
In this second installment of “A Love Letter to Black Leaders” we are delighted to have Shayna Hammond. Shayna is Founder & CEO of Lead For Liberation and IndigoWomen. Shayna centers spiritually-inspired and research based coaching methods to center Black leaders and entrepreneurs.
She is also an author with extensive expertise in leadership and life coaching, workplace culture redesign, business strategy, and education. Shayna recently founded Shayna Renee Media, where she delivers keynote speeches, co-curates liberatory events, and will soon launch a podcast (be sure to check it out).
This important series gives voice to our unique experiences as black leaders and provides resources, tools, and a community to let you know you’re not alone.
In this episode we discuss:
⚫ What motivates Shayna - from her early childhood experiences with discrimination to her career in education.
⚫ What liberatory leadership is and how it enables everyone to thrive, innovate and experience a sense of belonging.
⚫ The challenges often facing Black leaders as we navigate lack of support, grace and trust.
⚫ The imperative of self-preservation practices for Black leaders and how to center and make space for your own emotions.
Thank you for listening and being a part of this community as we acknowledge the immeasurable contributions of Black leaders.
Resources:
Shayna Hammond Linkedin
Lead for Liberation
IndigoWomen
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Leading with Heart: Navigating Change Without Comproming Your Values
44:42
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Unshakeable Leadership: Building Resilience in Turbulent Times
36:47
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Leading Through Change: A Proven Model for New Senior Leaders
37:27
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Work, Rest, Repeat - The Life Changing Power of time off
41:46
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You Are More Than Your Job - Owning Your Personal Brand
39:03
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[REPLAY] Owning Your Story - One Leader's Journey to Healing & Wholeness
47:13
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Stressed? Burned Out and Frustrated? | The realities of today’s job search
38:36
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Raise your hand if you want to be financially stressed | How Personal Finances Impact You At Work
43:46
So Who Are You Voting For? Facilitating Difficult Conversations at Work
40:54
The Destruction of DEI | Why What You’re Doing Won’t Work Anymore
16:06
{REPLAY} It's More Than What You Know - The Importance of Skills Based Hiring
34:43
[REPLAY] Hard Decisions: Family vs. Career in Times of a Pandemic
29:48
[REPLAY] Has Anything Really Changed?
33:26
[REPLAY] Sisters Standing Together: The Collective Power of Uniting for Gender & Racial Equity
48:54
Equity, Belonging, and Disability Justice: One Leaders Commitment to Systemic Change
38:24
[REPLAY] The Resilient Leader - Tools for Navigating Change
41:43
The Power of Community: One Leader's Commitment to Belonging
37:27
Bridging the Gap: AI, Remote Work, and Equity in the Workplace
47:17
The Power of Ancestral Wisdom to Guide Todays Leaders
37:41
Pioneering Pathways for Corporate Board Leadership
37:52
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Leading with Heart: One Woman's Commitment to Reimagine Work
30:55
Redefining The 9-5: Embracing Hybrid Work To Drive Diversity & Inclusion
42:47
Moving Beyond Performative Accessibility - Cultivating Truly Inclusive Workplaces
40:47
Owning Your Story - One Leader's Journey to Healing & Wholeness
47:13
"Leading While Black" The Power of Liberatory Leadership
37:37