Breakthrough Conversations with Rhoda & Co

Rhoda Banks

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. Jul 23

    The Invisible Costs Women Pay at Work | The Tradeoffs Behind Success, Caregiving, and Career Growth

    Some workplace challenges never appear on a job description or a performance review, yet they shape careers every day. In this episode of Breakthrough Conversations with Rhoda & Co., Rhoda sits down with Leslie Tolliver for an honest, energetic, and meaningful conversation about the invisible costs women often carry throughout their careers. Together, they explore how caregiving, leadership, neurodiversity, menopause, and evolving definitions of success influence the way women experience work and life. In this episode, you'll discover:  Why the "invisible costs" of work deserve more attention.  The hidden emotional, financial, and career tradeoffs many women navigate.  How neurodiversity can become a leadership strength instead of a barrier.  Practical ways organizations can create more inclusive workplaces.  Why menopause belongs in workplace conversations.  How women are redefining success on their own terms.  What the future of work could look like if it were designed for people to thrive. This conversation is filled with laughter, authenticity, and practical insights for leaders, HR professionals, working parents, and anyone committed to building healthier, more human centered workplaces. Connect with Leslie on LinkedIn, and if this conversation resonated with you, share it with someone who needs to hear it.

  2. Jul 16

    Connected Leadership in the Age of AI: The Human Skills That Still Matter Most

    In this episode of Breakthrough Conversations with Rhoda & Co., Rhoda sits down with leadership expert Michael Marker to explore why human connection has become one of the most valuable leadership skills in the age of artificial intelligence. Drawing on more than 30 years of experience advising leaders, Michael shares practical insights on building trust, creating connected teams, strengthening client relationships, and leading with purpose when technology is changing the way we work.  In this episode, you'll learn: 1) Why organizations risk losing connection as they embrace AI. What connected leadership really looks like. 2) The difference between communicating with people and truly connecting with them. 3) Common leadership behaviors that create disconnection within teams. Why strong client relationships matter even more in an AI driven world. Simple, science based habits that build trust every day. 4) Leadership lessons from Ernest Shackleton's legendary Endurance expedition. 5) How to lead people through uncertainty, change, and exhaustion. Where to begin if your team feels disconnected.  If this conversation encouraged you, share it with another leader, subscribe to Breakthrough Conversations with Rhoda & Co., and leave a review. Your support helps us continue bringing conversations that equip leaders to grow, connect, and create lasting impact.

  3. Jul 9

    What happens when women stop competing and start connecting?

    In this special episode of Breakthrough Conversations with Rhoda & Co., Rhoda is joined by Shannon Norman and Becki Feldman for a conversation about the heart behind Women Unite to Ignite, a one day experience designed to help women reconnect with themselves, build authentic community, and step boldly into what's next. Together, they explore the meaning behind this year's theme, You Matter. You Belong. You Rise., share why this event is unlike a traditional conference, and offer encouragement for every woman who has been putting herself last. If you've been longing for confidence, connection, and a breakthrough, this conversation is your invitation. Ready to invest in yourself? Join us on October 2 for Women Unite to Ignite. Reserve your seat today through Eventbrite and come experience a day of inspiration, meaningful connections, and practical tools that will help you move forward with confidence. We can't wait to welcome you.

  4. Jul 2

    250 Years Later, Are We Leading the Way We Said We Would?

    In this episode of Breakthrough Conversations with Rhoda & Co., Rhoda sits down with Paula Robinson to explore what 250 years of progress has meant for women and underrepresented groups in the workplace. Together, they discuss where meaningful progress has been made, where organizations continue to fall short, and what leadership must look like over the next decade. Paula shares practical insights on building trust, creating opportunity, and moving from good intentions to lasting impact. If you care about leadership, culture, and creating workplaces where people truly belong, this conversation is for you.

  5. Jun 25

    Rich As A Mother: Healing, Hustle, and Breaking Generational Cycles

    In this powerful episode of Breakthrough Conversations with Rhoda & Co., Rhoda sits down with entrepreneur, business coach, podcast host, and founder of Rich As A Mother™, Lacey Burkett. Lacey shares her journey of surviving domestic violence, intentionally pursuing healing, and breaking generational cycles to create a different future for herself and her children. Together, Rhoda and Lacey discuss motherhood, entrepreneurship, burnout, resilience, and what it truly means to build a life rich in purpose, presence, peace, and legacy. This conversation is a reminder that healing is possible, success can be redefined, and the cycles that shaped your past do not have to determine your future. In This Episode: • Breaking generational cycles and creating a new legacy • Healing beyond survival mode • Motherhood and entrepreneurship without burnout • Redefining success and personal fulfillment • Creating safe spaces for women to grow and thrive • The power of intentional healing and self-worth Connect with Lacey Burkett Founder of Rich As A Mother™ Business Coach | Systems Strategist | Podcast Host https://www.richasamother.com/ If this conversation resonates with you, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs the reminder that healing and purpose can coexist.

  6. Jun 11

    Courage Is Built Here: Leading, Healing, and Building Spaces That Transform

    What does courageous leadership look like in today's world of burnout, disconnection, and constant change? In this episode of Breakthrough Conversations with Rhoda & Co., Rhoda sits down with author, speaker, and leadership expert Justine Froelker to discuss authentic leadership, resilience, and building cultures rooted in connection and belonging. Together, they explore the Courage Is Built Here™ framework, the importance of doing your own work as a leader, and how organizations can create environments where people and performance thrive. Whether you're leading a team, an organization, or yourself, this conversation offers practical insights on leading with courage and authenticity. Connect with Justine: LinkedIn Website: justinefroelker.com Email: justine@justinefroelker.com Connect with Rhoda: www.therhodaexperience.com Connect with Rhoda Follow Breakthrough Conversations with Rhoda & Co. on all podcast platforms for weekly conversations on leadership, resilience, growth, and breakthrough moments. Clarity creates confidence. Confidence drives action.

  7. Jun 4

    From Burnout to Brand: Building a Life and Career That Fits

    In this episode of Breakthrough Conversations with Rhoda & Co., Rhoda sits down with executive coach and leadership expert Ali Carson to discuss burnout, personal branding, and building a career that aligns with who you truly are. Ali shares her journey from corporate leadership to entrepreneurship, the lessons burnout taught her, and why understanding your strengths matters in both leadership and life. Together, Rhoda and Ali explore how to define your personal brand, rebuild confidence, and lead with authenticity. In This Episode: • Recognizing the signs of burnout • Defining your personal brand • Rebuilding confidence and clarity • Leveraging your strengths in leadership • Creating a career that fits who you are About Ali Carson Ali Carson is the Founder and CEO of Movere Coaching, LLC, executive coach, leadership facilitator, and two-time #1 international bestselling author. She helps professionals and organizations lead authentically, strengthen teams, and unlock their full potential through strengths-based coaching and leadership development. Connect with Ali LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ali-carson/ Website: moverecoaching.com Connect with Rhoda Follow Breakthrough Conversations with Rhoda & Co. on all podcast platforms for weekly conversations on leadership, resilience, growth, and breakthrough moments. Clarity creates confidence. Confidence drives action.

  8. May 28

    Unapologetically Heard: Owning Your Voice at Work with Monique McKinney

    In this powerful episode of Breakthrough Conversations with Rhoda & Co., Rhoda sits down with Monique McKinney for an honest conversation about voice, perception, and the workplace experiences many Black women continue to navigate every day.  Together, they unpack the harmful labels often placed on confident women, especially Black women, when they speak directly, advocate for themselves, or lead with conviction. Monique shares a personal workplace experience that sparked deeper reflection around bias, communication, and authenticity.  The conversation explores: • Why Black women are often labeled “loud” or “aggressive” • The emotional and professional impact of those stereotypes • How workplace culture shapes who feels safe to speak • The pressure many women feel to soften themselves to be accepted • Practical ways women can confidently use their voice at work • What leaders must do to create healthier, more inclusive environments Monique also discusses insights inspired by the book I'm Not Yelling by Elizabeth Leiba and why owning your voice matters now more than ever.  This episode is a reminder that confidence should not be mistaken for aggression, and authenticity should never require shrinking. Memorable Takeaway “Your voice is not the problem. The environment that mislabels it might be.”  Listen, Share, and Join the Conversation If this episode resonated with you, share it with a woman who needs the reminder to speak up, take up space, and lead unapologetically. Welcome to another breakthrough conversation.

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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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