Breakthrough Conversations with Rhoda & Co

Rhoda Banks
  • 5.0 (3)
  • BUSINESS

Welcome to Breakthrough Conversations with Rhoda & Co., the podcast wherereal talk sparks real change.Hosted by Rhoda Banks—HR Executive, Certified Coach, Leadership Expert, and Two- Time Author—this show dives deep into the stories of women who have shattered barriers and lifted others along the way. From leadership lessons to candid conversations on resilience, sisterhood, andbreaking through the glass and concrete ceilings—especially for African Americanwomen—each episode delivers insights, inspiration, and actionable strategies for rising, leading, and lifting as you climb. Whether you're navigating the boardroom, pushing past career ceilings, or redefining success on your own terms, Breakthrough Conversations with Rhoda & Co. is your space to learn, grow, glow, and build a legacy worth remembering. Because every barrier is breakable.

  1. 1D AGO

    From Corporate to Startup and Back Again: Reinventing Leadership at Every Stage

    In this episode of Breakthrough Conversations with Rhoda & Co., Rhoda sits down with Aaron Adams, a seasoned leader in the startup technology space whose career spans corporate leadership, executive consulting, entrepreneurship, and high-growth startups. Aaron shares:  The key differences between corporate and startup leadership  What consulting teaches you about influence  Lessons learned from navigating multiple career pivots  Advice for seasoned leaders feeling restless  Guidance for emerging leaders building their foundation With a background in Industrial-Organizational Psychology and certifications in SHRM and PROSCI change management, Aaron offers practical wisdom on leading through growth, ambiguity, and reinvention. If you’re navigating career transitions, building leadership capacity, or wondering when it’s time to pivot, this episode is for you.

    26 min

  2. MAR 12

    Wings of Purpose: Transforming Pain Into Power

    In this powerful episode of Breakthrough Conversations with Rhoda & Co., Rhoda sits down with the co-founder of The Royal Butterfly, Lashonda J. to explore how pain can become purpose. From personal adversity to building a movement that empowers vulnerable youth, this conversation dives into healing, leadership, resilience, and what it means to grow wings through hardship. If you’ve ever wondered whether your story matters, this episode is for you.

    30 min

  3. MAR 5

    Scaling with Soul: Building a Brand, Business, and Legacy That Aligns

    In this episode of Breakthrough Conversations with Rhoda & Co., Rhoda sits down with business growth strategist and author Fredah Mainah to explore what it really takes to grow a business with intention. Fredah shares insights on brand clarity, revenue optimization, and sustainable scaling, along with the critical role self-leadership plays in entrepreneurial success. From mindset to monetization, this conversation offers practical wisdom for emerging and established business owners ready to grow with alignment and purpose. About Our Guest — Fredah Mainah Fredah Mainah is a business growth strategist, author, and founder of SPIRAL with Fredah. She helps businesses expand their brand presence, optimize revenue, and scale sustainably through strategy grounded in self-leadership and alignment

    35 min

  4. FEB 26

    Leading with Intention: HR Stories from the Front Lines

    In this episode of Breakthrough Conversations with Rhoda & Co., Rhoda sits down with HR leader Riunita Martin to explore what intentional leadership looks like in action. With more than 20 years in corporate operations and over a decade in HR leadership, Riunita shares lessons from partnering with executives, leading through organizational change, and supporting workforce growth across industries, including manufacturing and telecommunications. Together, they discuss influencing leaders as an HR Business Partner, balancing accountability with psychological safety, and creating people-first cultures where employees and organizations thrive. About Our Guest — Riunita Martin Riunita Martin is a Human Resources Business Partner with over a decade of HR leadership experience and more than 20 years in corporate operations. She specializes in supporting business growth, guiding leaders through change, and translating strategy into actionable people solutions. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, is PHR-certified, a Certified Change Management Professional, and has completed advanced leadership training through Cornell University.

    37 min

  5. FEB 19

    From Vision to Impact: Aligning Strategy, Systems, and Leadership in Healthcare

    In this episode of Breakthrough Conversations, Rhoda Banks sits down with healthcare strategy and operations executive Katie Nowak to explore what it takes to turn complex healthcare goals into measurable outcomes. Katie shares insights on bridging the gap between clinicians and the business of healthcare, applying systems thinking in real- world environments, and leading transformation with both discipline and compassion. This conversation is a must-listen for leaders navigating change, complexity, and execution in healthcare and beyond. Key Topics Covered:  Bridging clinicians, business, and technology  Systems thinking in healthcare strategy execution  Turning vision into measurable population health outcomes  Reducing friction through aligned planning and governance  Leading high-performing cultures with empathy  Navigating resistance and change  The future of healthcare leadership About the Guest: Katie Nowak is a Vice President of Commercial Accounts and a seasoned healthcare strategy and operations leader with deep expertise in population health, transformation, and execution. She is passionate about improving patient and community outcomes by aligning strategy, systems, and people.

    36 min

  6. FEB 12

    You Can’t Pour From Empty, But You Can Lead From Full

    In this powerful episode of Breakthrough Conversations with Rhoda & Co. Rhoda sits down with self-care advocate and leadership mentor Sharon to explore the truth that self-care isn’t a luxury, it’s leadership. They unpack the conditioning that keeps high- achieving leaders, especially women and women of color, in cycles of over- responsibility, depletion, and self-sacrifice, and how to break free. You’ll learn:  Why real leadership requires self-care, not self-neglect  The identity shifts women leaders must make to lead with ease  How to build boundaries without apology  Daily practices for emotional and energetic self-regulation  The mindset shift from “carrying it all” to conscious leadership  What leading from overflow actually looks like If you’re tired of pushing through and ready to lead from power, peace, and presence, this episode is your invitation. Connect with Sharon: Website: https://selfcareyouacademy.com/ Instagram & Resources linked on her site Connect with Rhoda: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/virtualrhodabanks Podcast: Breakthrough Conversations with Rhoda & Co. Join Fortitude & Free Circle 🔗 https://www.skool.com/fortitude-free-7478 Learn more about: https://selfcareyouacademy.com

    44 min

  7. FEB 5

    Pushed to Purpose

    Sometimes life whispers, sometimes it nudges, and sometimes it pushes us out of comfort and into calling. In this solo episode of Breakthrough Conversations with Rhoda & Co., Rhoda shares her personal journey of learning to trust those pushes, from leaving roles and relationships that no longer served her to writing Daughter of an Assassin. You’ll hear:  What happens when we resist the nudge (burnout, stress, loss of joy).  The cost of conforming to the world’s expectations.  Why purpose lives beyond the four walls of work.  Practical steps to move forward when fear and “what ifs” try to hold you back. Reflection: Where are you resisting the push? And what’s one small step you can take this week toward alignment with your purpose? Purpose doesn’t wait for perfect timing. It waits for your yes.

    14 min

  8. JAN 29

    Chosen, Not Chasing: Dr. Markay Winston’s Leadership Journey

    In this deeply inspiring episode of Breakthrough Conversations with Rhoda & Co., Rhoda sits down with Dr. Markay Winston, whose rise to the superintendency is less a story of pursuit and more a story of preparation, sponsorship, self-belief, and courageous acceptance. Dr. Winston’s journey spans more than three decades in K–12 education, from school psychologist to district leadership, shaped by equity-driven purpose, resilience, and powerful sponsors who saw her potential before she fully saw it herself. Rather than chasing titles, Dr. Winston focused on excellence, service, and impact, trusting that the right doors would open at the right time. When they did, she had to confront her own doubts, lean into belief, and step fully into her calling. This episode is a masterclass in:  The power of sponsorship over self-promotion  Leading with humility, authenticity, and courage  Navigating imposter syndrome and stepping into big leadership roles  Building trust through deep listening and community connection If you’ve ever questioned your readiness, struggled with self-doubt, or waited for permission to lead, this conversation will speak directly to your heart. Dr. Winston’s Leadership Journey Highlights  30+ years in public education  Former School Psychologist  Chief of Diverse Learners — Chicago Public Schools  Assistant Superintendent → Deputy Superintendent → Superintendent (MCCSC)  Architect of community-centered leadership strategies  Champion for equity, access, and inclusive education Why This Episode Matters Dr. Winston’s story reframes leadership success. Instead of asking, "How do I get there faster?" she teaches us to ask: "Who am I becoming while I prepare?" Her journey reminds us that:  Sponsorship matters  Self-belief is learned  And leadership is something we step into, not chase This episode will resonate deeply with:  Women navigating executive leadership paths  Educators and administrators  Professionals wrestling with imposter syndrome  Anyone standing at the edge of their next breakthrough Favorite Quote from the Episode “I didn’t chase the role — I had to accept that I was ready for it.” Host Message This episode is a reminder that your breakthrough doesn’t always come from pushing harder, sometimes it comes from believing deeper. — Rhoda Banks Breakthrough Conversations with Rhoda & Co.

    33 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Welcome to Breakthrough Conversations with Rhoda & Co., the podcast wherereal talk sparks real change.Hosted by Rhoda Banks—HR Executive, Certified Coach, Leadership Expert, and Two- Time Author—this show dives deep into the stories of women who have shattered barriers and lifted others along the way. From leadership lessons to candid conversations on resilience, sisterhood, andbreaking through the glass and concrete ceilings—especially for African Americanwomen—each episode delivers insights, inspiration, and actionable strategies for rising, leading, and lifting as you climb. Whether you're navigating the boardroom, pushing past career ceilings, or redefining success on your own terms, Breakthrough Conversations with Rhoda & Co. is your space to learn, grow, glow, and build a legacy worth remembering. Because every barrier is breakable.

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