The Inclusive Business Lab

Lekeshia Angelique

This podcast is where you will learn how to start your own journey towards active allyship, tap into the power of inclusion in life and business and you know be a good human. My mission is to empower you with the knowledge you need to make the mistakes that are necessary to create authentic and safe spaces where people can truly belong.

  1. 02/28/2025

    Curls & Conversations: A Winter Hair Guide Beyond the Chair: Real Talk on Black Hair Care

    Black women’s hair is more than just hair—it’s history, culture, and identity. In this episode of The Inclusive Business Lab, I sit down with my very own hairstylist, Bethany of Book by Bee, to talk all things winter hair care. From the importance of moisture to protecting your curls from heat damage, Bethany shares expert tips to keep your hair healthy all season long. But this conversation goes beyond products and styling. We dive into the challenges of finding the right stylist, the lack of curly hair education in cosmetology schools, and the way Black hair has been commercialized sometimes at our expense. Bethany keeps it real about the industry, from overpriced ‘curly cuts’ to the rise of scam bookings. And yes, we talk about that struggle of finding a stylist who actually respects your time and your hair. Whether you're rocking a silk press this winter or staying curly all year long, this episode is packed with knowledge, laughs, and those “yes, girl!” moments. Bethany also shares details on her new eBook, designed to help beginners (and parents of curly-haired kids) master natural hair care at home. Tune in for expert hair advice, honest conversations, and a whole lot of love for Black hair! Book an appointment with Bethany and grab her eBook here: https://booked-with-bee.square.site/product/basic-curly-hair-care-for-beginners-e-book/30?cs=true&cst=custom Find Bethany: https://linktr.ee/bethanytinalea

    23 min
  2. Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the Workplace with Emily Williams

    07/20/2022

    Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the Workplace with Emily Williams

    From people asking to touch your hair to "you speak so well", women of color have been victims to the challenges of micro and macro aggressions in corporate for a very long time. But what happens when you want to speak up for yourself yet you don't know how? You hire Emily Williams! Emily Williams has led transformative change processes with organizations and community stakeholders in more than 20 countries to further Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion. She has experience leading organizations through change and to greater impact as Founder, Executive, and Consultant. Emily is an expert Trainer, Speaker, and Consultant with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Beloit College and Master of Arts in Women’s and Gender Studies from DePaul University. She is an organizer at heart and relishes working on projects that create a foundation for inclusive and sustainable growth. Join me and Emily as we discuss: MicroaggressionsCareer goalsAmbitionsCommunityMicroaggressionsToxicity at workEmpowermentSystems of Oppression Voices of Women of ColorDEI ProgramsCourageous conversationsWeaponizing white woman tearsSystemic ChangeHonorable Mentions Women in the Workplace Study Toxic Femininity: When So-Called Allies Curb Your Career Emily Williams' LinkedIn Post about the word "Empower" Women are advancing in the workplace, but women of color still lag behind 5 ways diversity and inclusion help teams perform better Where can you find Emily Williams  https://www.linkedin.com/in/emilyforwardever/ https://www.instagram.com/heyemilyraquel/ https://forwardeverglobal.com/services 👩🏽‍❤️‍💋‍👩🏽👨🏿‍🤝‍👨🏿👩🏽‍❤️‍💋‍👩🏽👨🏿‍🤝‍👨🏿 This podcast is hosted Lekeshia Angelique. Lekeshia's mission Is to empower not just black women but every human to have a powerful voice and an equitable seat at any table they desire to sit! Lekeshia is an Army Veteran, Mom, Coach, Taco Aficionado, and creator of safe spaces to educate folx. The key to change is knowledge and empathy. Ready to learn more? Contact Lekeshia here! 👩🏽‍❤️‍💋‍👩🏽👨🏿‍🤝‍👨🏿👩🏽‍❤️‍💋‍👩🏽👨🏿‍🤝‍👨🏿 Lekeshia wants us all to start a conversation! She invites you to leave a review and a five-star rating wherever you listen to this podcast!  Don't forget to tell your friends to listen as well! Want to learn more about Lekeshia and/or her guests?  Follow her on Instagram and Twitter. Are you ready to activate your allyship? Join us in the Activation Program now!

    38 min
  3. Being Transgender in Business with Aiden Howery

    06/22/2022

    Being Transgender in Business with Aiden Howery

    HAPPY PRIDE MONTH!!! I could not let this month pass without showcasing an amazing LGBTQ+ company named The Noun Lounge! I am so fortunate to bring you one of the founders, Aiden Howery, a 24-year old trans man. Aiden started his first clothing brand when he was 17 called Mistaken Artists. But he wanted to create something different and unique. The other co-founder, Taylor Ray came to him saying he would love to start a business, but didn’t know what. One day he was like “you know what would be dope? An LGBTQ+ inspired streetwear brand…” aaaaand The Noun Lounge was born! The Noun Lounge is a trans-owned all inclusive LGBTQ+ streetwear brand based out of the Midwest. The main goals are to bring awareness to LGBTQ+ community by spreading a positive message through apparel.  Join me and Aiden as we discuss: Why the name "The Noun Lounge"The importance of pronounsComing outHelping pay for gender transitioning surgeryThe danger of existingAfraid of failureBeing an artistInclusive sizingHonorable Mentions "Say it with your chest" collection Understanding Pronouns Explaining the Latest Texas Anti-Transgender Directive Where can you find Aiden Howery  @thenounlounge @beastinme816 👩🏽‍❤️‍💋‍👩🏽👨🏿‍🤝‍👨🏿👩🏽‍❤️‍💋‍👩🏽👨🏿‍🤝‍👨🏿👩🏽‍❤️‍💋‍👩🏽👨🏿‍🤝‍👨🏿 This podcast is hosted Lekeshia Angelique. Lekeshia's mission Is to empower not just black women but every human to have a powerful voice and an equitable seat at any table they desire to sit! Lekeshia is an Army Veteran, Mom, Coach, Taco Aficionado, and creator of safe spaces to educate folx. The key to change is knowledge and empathy. Ready to learn more? Contact Lekeshia here! 👩🏽‍❤️‍💋‍👩🏽👨🏿‍🤝‍👨🏿👩🏽‍❤️‍💋‍👩🏽👨🏿‍🤝‍👨🏿👩🏽‍❤️‍💋‍👩🏽👨🏿‍🤝‍👨🏿 Lekeshia wants us all to start a conversation! She invites you to leave a review and a five-star rating wherever you listen to this podcast!  Don't forget to tell your friends to listen as well! Want to learn more about Lekeshia and/or her guests?  Follow her on Instagram and Twitter. Are you ready to activate your allyship? Join us in the Activation Program now!

    20 min

About

This podcast is where you will learn how to start your own journey towards active allyship, tap into the power of inclusion in life and business and you know be a good human. My mission is to empower you with the knowledge you need to make the mistakes that are necessary to create authentic and safe spaces where people can truly belong.