BsquaredC Podcast: The Black Woman Corporate Career "Brownprint"

Nancy

Welcome to BsquaredC, a podcast amplifying the unique stories of Black women in the corporate world across various industries globally.The odds of thriving in the corporate world are stacked against Black women more than others. Tune into BsquaredC monthly, for authentic stories from our inspiring guests about how they are navigating their careers offering insights, strategies and invaluable career advice. Whether you’re a recent grad, seasoned professional, or simply curious about the career experiences of Black women, "BsquaredC" is the podcast for you! https://www.bsquaredc.com/

  1. Ep. 85-Becoming the Blueprint: Jourdan Clark on Vision and Resilience as a First-Gen Black American

    FEB 4

    Ep. 85-Becoming the Blueprint: Jourdan Clark on Vision and Resilience as a First-Gen Black American

    In this episode, we sit down with  Jourdan Clark, a first-generation black American whose journey is a masterclass in resilience and vision.  From overcoming post-grad depression and anxiety to embracing her identity as a storyteller and "humble servant," Jourdan offers an empowering look at what it means to lead with faith and resilience. Her story is a testament to the idea that career paths are rarely linear and that finding peace in the "gray areas" is a vital part of professional and personal growth 🌍 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: How to navigate the "gray areas" of career transitions and overcome the pressure of post-grad depression and anxiety. The importance of a "Word of the Year" to anchor your personal and professional growth. How to leverage the discipline and patience learned from personal passions like Southern cooking into leadership and professional excellence. 🔑 3 Key Takeaways: Don't Let Your Dreams Die in a Box: Take actionable steps to pivot when things don't go as planned; your worth is not defined by a job offer or a linear path. Great Things Take Time: Embrace the "baking principle" in your career, you cannot rush perfection and must learn to flow with life’s ebbs and flows. Leading with Peace: Intentionality in your mental space allows you to remain grounded and effective, regardless of external workplace or family pressure 👂 Tune In If You’re… A first-generation college student or graduate looking for inspiration on how to build your own "blueprint" for success. A career-driven professional struggling with the weight of expectation and seeking ways to prioritize mental peace and resilience. An aspiring leader interested in how storytelling and authenticity can shape a powerful employer brand and professional identity. 👉 Loved this episode? Share it with a sister-friend, mentor, or mentee. And don’t forget to subscribe to *BsquaredC* on your favourite podcast platform. Leave us a review, every word helps amplify voices like Jourdan  If you loved this episode, buy us coffee, wine or water with the link below! https://www.buymeacoffee.com/BsquaredC Resources & Links:📌 Follow BsquaredC on Instagram and Linkedin for more inspiring episodes To all the black women in the corporate world out there, KEEP MAKING BOLD MOVES AND KEEP TAKING UP SPACE🎙️🎊

    59 min
  2. Ep. 84- Kenya to Germany: How Elizabeth Manifested Her Dream Global Tech Career with Family

    JAN 7

    Ep. 84- Kenya to Germany: How Elizabeth Manifested Her Dream Global Tech Career with Family

    In this empowering conversation, I sit with Elizabeth Orayo Osumba, a visionary Product Designer who navigated her career from Kenya to the thriving tech landscape of Germany.    Elizabeth candidly shares her journey of overcoming childhood challenges to find her true calling in the world of design and technology. From leveraging LinkedIn to unlock global opportunities to championing the importance of female representation in leadership, her story is a masterclass in resilience and intentionality. And she did all of this with her husband and 2 children in tow! 🌍 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: How to effectively use the "Red Car Theory" and gratitude journaling to identify and seize professional opportunities. Strategies for navigating corporate environments as a minority, including the vital role of building supportive peer communities The critical importance of optimizing your digital presence on LinkedIn to access global career markets and diverse roles 🔑 3 Key Takeaways: Don't Eliminate Yourself: Women often downplay their skills; you should apply for roles even if you don't meet 100% of the qualifications Own Your Space: Authenticity is your greatest asset—by owning your unique skills and identity, you pave the way for future generations Manifest Through Action: Define your goals with specificity, such as Elizabeth’s goal to become a Director of Design, and stay focused on that vision  Elizabeth’s infectious energy and deep-seated belief in "manifesting" one's destiny provide a “brownprint” for anyone looking to own their space and redefine what is possible in their career 👂 Tune In If You’re… An immigrant professional looking for the courage to manifest a bigger life abroad  An international professional navigating the challenges and triumphs of relocating for a career in a new country A woman in tech seeking inspiration on balancing professional ambition with family life and personal growth If you loved this episode, buy me a coffee, wine or water with the link below! https://www.buymeacoffee.com/BsquaredC Resources & Links:📌 Follow BsquaredC on Instagram, Linkedin , YouTube and TikTok for more inspiring episodes.  Elizabeth’s youtube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@therajoreclan2284⁠ Elizabeth’s LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabeth-orayo-osumba-a1a6869b⁠  To all the black women in the corporate world out there, KEEP MAKING BOLD MOVES AND KEEP TAKING UP SPACE🎙️🎊

    1h 35m
  3. Ep 83- End of 2025 Reflection: 10K Downloads, Community, and Lessons Learned with Nancy and Akosua

    12/03/2025

    Ep 83- End of 2025 Reflection: 10K Downloads, Community, and Lessons Learned with Nancy and Akosua

    In this episode, hosts Akosua and Nancy wrap up an incredible year of the BsquaredC Podcast, looking back on their favorite episodes, gems and their personal growth from the year.     They celebrate reaching over 10,000 downloads, share impressions from the Black Girls Tech Summit, and revisit the most impactful conversation from the podcast this year, from the power of personal branding and redefining impact in the diaspora to navigating career pivots as a mother and embracing neurodivergence as a superpower, this episode is packed with inspiration to give you a flavor of BTS of the BsquaredC podcast.   🌍 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: The pivotal lessons on career, leadership, and personal growth from the BsquaredC guests this year How to reposition yourself and successfully pivot careers while managing other life responsibilities The essential shift in perspective on office politics, leveraging your innate strengths, and the power of a non-linear career path driven by curiosity 🔑 3 Key Takeaways: Experience is the best teacher: Actively seek out opportunities like "gigs" or temporary roles to truly test your interest in a new career path before fully committing Leverage your strengths: Focus on building and expressing your value through what comes naturally to you, rather than trying to perfect areas of weakness Go beyond the website for DEI: When job searching, audit a company's reality by checking LinkedIn for employee demographics and asking bold, direct questions during the interview process 👂 Tune In If You’re… Seeking inspiration on how to consistently grow a meaningful venture over several years Looking for an honest, no-sugarcoating approach to professional development, especially regarding career pivots and workplace navigation Ready to redefine your sense of personal and professional impact. As mentioned in the episode: Visit Girls talk page: https://www.girlstalklondon.com/about-us/ If you loved this episode, buy us coffee, wine or water with the link below! https://www.buymeacoffee.com/BsquaredC Nominate yourself or another BOLD black woman you know for a chance to be featured on the podcast: https://bit.ly/Boldnominations. Follow BsquaredC on our socials with the links below:   Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/b_squaredcpodcast/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bsquaredc/  Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@BsquaredCPodcast/  To all the black women in the corporate world out there, KEEP MAKING BOLD MOVES AND KEEP TAKING UP SPACE🎙️🎊

    48 min
  4. Ep. 82- Elevate Your Job Search: Keki Mwaba on Self-Knowledge, Inclusion & Asking Hard Questions

    11/05/2025

    Ep. 82- Elevate Your Job Search: Keki Mwaba on Self-Knowledge, Inclusion & Asking Hard Questions

    This month we welcome Keki Mwaba, a highly respected career coach and former tech recruiter from companies like Uber and Disney, for a special reflection episode on navigating career pivots and finding community abroad. This powerful conversation dives into key lessons from past guest interviews, providing expert advice on how to intentionally audit your life, choose a workplace committed to true diversity, and approach the job hunt with confidence and self-knowledge . 🌍 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Keki Mwaba's career path: from studying work and organizational psychology to becoming a tech recruiter at major companies and finally pivoting to full-time career coaching Expert strategies for job seekers to genuinely assess a company's commitment to Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) beyond its website Actionable tips for career pivoting, including how to leverage transferable skills   🔑 3 Key Takeaways: Audit for Real Inclusion: Beyond the company website,  request follow-up conversations with team members during the interview process to gauge true company culture. Know Your "Why" to Drive Your Career: Career progression should be tied to self-knowledge to help you uncover your core motivations, values, and desired work environment. Harness Your Wins: Regularly track a "win sheet" of all your professional achievements, no matter how small  to build confidence, provide a strong foundation for performance reviews, and combat self-doubt on hard days . 👂 Tune In If You’re… An international professional looking for advice on finding a community, navigating work in Europe . Thinking about a career pivot and need practical advice on identifying transferable skills  Seeking insights on how to approach the interview process with confidence, including advice on disclosing neurodivergence and asking for interview adjustments If you loved this episode, buy us coffee, wine or water with the link below! https://www.buymeacoffee.com/BsquaredC Follow BsquaredC on our socials with the links below:   Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/b_squaredcpodcast/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bsquaredc/  Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@BsquaredCPodcast/  To all the black women in the corporate world out there, KEEP MAKING BOLD MOVES AND KEEP TAKING UP SPACE🎙️🎊

    1h 2m
  5. Ep. 81- Cultivating Resilience: Giralda Chiverton on Growth, Leadership and Embracing Neurodivergence

    10/01/2025

    Ep. 81- Cultivating Resilience: Giralda Chiverton on Growth, Leadership and Embracing Neurodivergence

    Giralda Chiverton is a tech leader, and community builder whose path has spanned childhood dreams of medicine, entrepreneurial ventures, and a thriving career in tech management in the Netherlands. Along the way, she has navigated her neurodivergence, cultural adjustments, and the realities of being a Black woman in leadership, all while championing mentorship, advocacy, and community as keys to professional growth.  In this episode, Giralda opens up about resilience, mental health, the power of genuine networking, and the lessons she has learned from her various career transitions. She also shares her involvement with Rise and Lead, an initiative empowering women in leadership, and how support systems including partners and mentors have fueled her journey. 🌍 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: How your environment can impact mental health and career decisions The role of  neurodivergence in shaping professional paths Why genuine networking and mentorship are essential for career growth Cultural adjustments of moving abroad and building community in a new country The importance of allies, advocacy, and confidence in navigating workplace diversity 🔑 3 Key Takeaways: Resilience is your foundation. Challenges from ADHD to cultural shifts can be catalysts for growth when met with resilience and curiosity. Networking is about connection, not transaction. Building authentic relationships across differences is crucial for both career and personal development. Support systems matter. Partners, mentors, and communities like Rise and Lead can be pivotal in sustaining career growth and confidence. 👂 Tune In If You’re... A woman in tech navigating career growth while balancing mental health and resilience Interested in how neurodivergence can shape career success Living abroad and adjusting to new cultural and workplace dynamics Seeking inspiration to embrace your story, own your value, and build community along the way 👉 Loved this episode? Share it with a sister-friend, mentor, or mentee. And don’t forget to subscribe to BsquaredC on your favourite podcast platform. Leave us a review; every word helps amplify voices like Giralda's If you loved this episode, buy us coffee, wine or water with the link below! https://www.buymeacoffee.com/BsquaredC Resources & Links:📌 Follow BsquaredC on Instagram and Linkedin for more inspiring episodes 📌 Sign up for our newsletter here. 📌 Nominate yourself or another black woman here To all the black women in the corporate world out there, KEEP MAKING BOLD MOVES AND KEEP TAKING UP SPACE🎙️🎊

    1 hr
  6. Ep. 79- The Mountain Is You: Oluchi Okpala on Self-Belief, Focus & Building a Life in Tech

    08/06/2025

    Ep. 79- The Mountain Is You: Oluchi Okpala on Self-Belief, Focus & Building a Life in Tech

    We’re back with another heart-opening episode of the BsquaredC Podcast, and this one is for anyone navigating career, culture, and selfhood across borders. We sat down with Oluchi, a brilliant software developer, LinkedIn Learning instructor, and co-host of the Unscripted Duo podcast. In this warm and deeply personal conversation, she shares what it means to build a life abroad while staying rooted in identity, values, and purpose. In this episode, Oluchi unpacks: 🌍 Migrating not just countries, but mindsets  and why Berlin wasn’t part of the original plan 🧠 How being empathic, self-aware, and open-minded shapes her journey through tech and life 💬 The quiet power of saying “this is not my timeline, and that’s okay” 💡 From YouTube tutorials to LinkedIn Learning instructor, her unfiltered story of self-taught success Whether you’re building a career far from home or learning to trust your own pace, this episode is a reminder that your journey is valid and that identity and ambition can coexist. 🔑 3 Key Takeaways: 1. Your dreams are valid even when they change. Oluchi’s journey from aspiring lawyer to software developer shows how curiosity and courage open new doors, especially when the path isn’t linear. 2. Cultural identity is power, not baggage. From embracing her full name, Oluchukwu (“the work of God”) to podcasting about diasporic life, Oluchi proves that we carry home with us wherever we go. 3. It’s okay to save yourself first. Whether navigating burnout, language barriers, or loneliness abroad, Oluchi shares why self-preservation is essential, even when you're committed to making change back home. 👂 Tune In If You’re... A Black woman in tech navigating cultural or career transitionsLiving abroad and figuring out how to belong while staying rootedCurious about how community, job security, and self-discovery intersectReady to be reminded that you are not behind, you’re becoming 👉 Loved this episode? Share it with a sister-friend, mentor, or mentee. And don’t forget to subscribe to BsquaredC on your favourite podcast platform. Leave us a review; every word helps amplify voices like Oluchi’s. If you loved this episode, buy us coffee, wine or water with the link below! https://www.buymeacoffee.com/BsquaredC Resources & Links: 📌 Follow B Squared C on Instagram and LinkedIn for more inspiring episodes 📌 Sign up for our newsletter here. 📌 Nominate yourself or another black woman here To all the black women in the corporate world out there, KEEP MAKING BOLD MOVES AND KEEP TAKING UP SPACE🎙️🎊

    57 min
  7. Ep. 78-Play the Game or Get Played: Philipa Biritwum on Identity and Thriving in Corporate Culture

    06/04/2025

    Ep. 78-Play the Game or Get Played: Philipa Biritwum on Identity and Thriving in Corporate Culture

    In this powerful reflection episode, we welcome Philipa Biritwum, an entrepreneur, leadership consultant, and founder of AMACON Lead for a deep dive into what it takes to thrive as a woman of colour in corporate and entrepreneurial spaces. Reflecting on key stories from Season 4, Philipa unpacks the layers of leadership, self-worth, and playing smart in systems not built for you. 💡 Key Themes: Work-Life Realism: Why “balance” is a myth and how integration empowers you to manage multiple roles authentically. Power & Politics: How to stop being just a high performer and start becoming visible with sponsors, allies, and strategy. Identity as Leverage: Reclaiming your name, voice, and cultural identity in environments that ask you to shrink. ✅ 3 Takeaways You Don’t Want to Miss: You can’t pour from an empty cup: prioritise yourself without apology.Influence is possible without a title: start with consistency, curiosity, and a clear intention.Don’t just survive, thrive by navigating politics with awareness, not avoidance. 👂 Tune In If You’re... A working parent, emerging leader, corporate misfit, or anyone trying to lead without losing themselves. If you loved this episode, buy us coffee, wine or water with the link below! https://www.buymeacoffee.com/BsquaredC Stay in the loop and be the first to know about our latest initiatives, groundbreaking episodes, and empowering content. Sign up for our newsletter using this link: https://bit.ly/BOLDmailinglist Nominate yourself or another BOLD black woman you know for a chance to be featured on the podcast: https://bit.ly/Boldnominations Follow BsquaredC on our socials with the links below:   Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/b_squaredcpodcast/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bsquaredc/  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BsquaredCPodcast/  To all the black women in the corporate world out there, KEEP MAKING BOLD MOVES AND KEEP TAKING UP SPACE

    1h 32m
5
out of 5
12 Ratings

About

Welcome to BsquaredC, a podcast amplifying the unique stories of Black women in the corporate world across various industries globally.The odds of thriving in the corporate world are stacked against Black women more than others. Tune into BsquaredC monthly, for authentic stories from our inspiring guests about how they are navigating their careers offering insights, strategies and invaluable career advice. Whether you’re a recent grad, seasoned professional, or simply curious about the career experiences of Black women, "BsquaredC" is the podcast for you! https://www.bsquaredc.com/