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. 2D AGO

    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

  2. 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

  3. JAN 22

    Navigating the Chaos: Leading from Within in a Complex World

    In this episode of Breakthrough Conversations with Rhoda & Co., Rhoda sits down with global speaker, author, and conscious leadership practitioner Michele Risa to explore what it truly means to lead from within during uncertain times. Drawing on decades of global experience, from post-Soviet Russia to the Middle East to Fortune 500 boardrooms, Michele shares insights on agency, authenticity, and navigating chaos with clarity and courage. The conversation also highlights her work with university students through Universities United, preparing the next generation with the inner and outer competencies needed to thrive in today’s workplace. Together, they explore:  Why remembering who we are is foundational to leadership  How inner work drives outer impact  The role of trust and authenticity in engagement and retention  What young leaders need to navigate complexity and uncertainty This episode is a must-listen for leaders, educators, and anyone committed to human-centered leadership. Guest Bio: Michele Risa is a global speaker, former Citibank executive, award-winning author, and conscious leadership practitioner. She is co-author of Conscious Entrepreneurs and the founder of Collaborative Solutions Global. Michele has spoken at the World Economic Forum, TEDx Manhattan, and for organizations including Microsoft, MasterCard, and the New York Stock Exchange. Connect with Michele: Website: www.CollaborativeSolutions.Global

    41 min

  4. JAN 15

    From Fragmented to Whole: Reclaiming Power Through Boundaries

    In this episode of Breakthrough Conversations with Rhoda & Co., Rhoda sits down with boundaries coach, speaker, and podcast host Barb Nangle for a deeply honest conversation about healing, codependence, and reclaiming personal power. After decades of surface-level healing, Barb’s life transformed at age 52 through 12- step recovery. By addressing codependence, intergenerational trauma, and compulsive overeating, she learned to build healthy boundaries that changed every aspect of her life—from relationships and career to physical and emotional well-being. Together, Rhoda and Barb explore:  Why boundaries are essential, not selfish  How codependence keeps women stuck in self-neglect  The connection between emotional healing and physical health  How inner transformation creates broader social impact This episode is a must-listen for women ready to break old patterns, reclaim their voice, and become whole. Guest Bio: Barb Nangle is a boundaries coach, speaker, author, and podcast host of Fragmented to Whole. After a life-changing recovery journey at 52, Barb now empowers professional women to break cycles of self-neglect, heal deep-rooted wounds, and build healthy boundaries that support personal growth and social change. Connect with Barb: Website: https://higherpowercc.com/ Podcast: https://higherpowercc.com/podcast/

    37 min

  5. JAN 8

    The Thinking Patient: Where Healthcare Expertise Meets Lived Experience

    In this episode of Breakthrough Conversations with Rhoda & Co., Rhoda sits down with healthcare consultant, speaker, and survivor Dana E. Sherwin for a powerful conversation at the intersection of expertise and lived experience. With over 35 years in healthcare leadership and consulting, and as a six-and-a-half-year survivor of a stem cell transplant, Dana offers a unique perspective on patient–physician communication, patient advocacy, and what it truly means to center care around the human experience. Together, they explore:  Why patient–physician communication is foundational to quality care  How Dana’s personal medical journey reshaped her professional mission  What healthcare leaders can do to elevate the patient experience  How patients can become informed, empowered partners in their own care  This conversation is a must-listen for healthcare leaders, clinicians, patients, and anyone passionate about creating more compassionate, effective healthcare systems. Guest Bio: Dana E. Sherwin is a healthcare consultant and speaker focused on healthcare management and patient–physician communication. She has held executive and consulting roles across hospitals, managed care plans, and leading national consulting firms. Dana holds a Master of Health Services Administration from the University of Michigan and a Bachelor of Science from Cornell University. She is a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives and serves on multiple editorial and advisory boards. Dana is also a stem cell transplant survivor and the voice behind The Thinking Patient. Connect with Dana: Website: www.thethinkingpatient.com

    29 min

  6. 12/11/2025

    The Future of Leadership is Human

    In this heart-centered and insightful episode, Rhoda sits down with former colleague and transformational leader, Erik Person, to explore why the future of leadership is increasingly human-driven, rooted in empathy, authenticity, and honoring people’s unique strengths. Erik shares:  His philosophy of building teams of “loveable misfits”  How empathy transforms outcomes in leadership  What human-centric leadership looks like in practice  How to lead teams through uncertainty and change  The role of mindfulness, resiliency, and authenticity in modern organizations  The legacy he hopes to leave for the leaders coming behind him This is a conversation for anyone who leads, wants to lead, or wants to be led by someone who truly sees them. Key Questions Explored  What does “The future of leadership is human” mean in today’s world?  How does empathy differ from simply “being nice”?  What does a human-centric leader look like in action?  How can leaders balance compassion with accountability?  Why is empathy essential during change and uncertainty?  What breakthrough insight would Erik offer to emerging leaders? Takeaways  Empathy is not a weakness, it’s strategic strength.  The best teams are built from unique, diverse gifts.  Leadership legacy is created one human moment at a time.  Resiliency begins with people feeling seen, valued, and supported.

    34 min

  7. 11/27/2025

    Panic-Free Leadership: Calm Power, Clarity & Conscious Confidence with Elle Ingalls

    In this episode of Breakthrough Conversations with Rhoda & Co., Rhoda sits down with peak-performance coach Elle Ingalls to explore how leaders move from reaction-based leadership to conscious, grounded leadership rooted in presence and self-regulation. They discuss:  Why reactive leadership happens, and how to break the cycle  Tools for leading with calm, clarity, and confidence  Women’s leadership and the “over-responsibility” pattern  The nervous system’s role in emotional presence and decision-making  Practical techniques for stress-free high performance  How to replace urgency with intentionality and self-trust Key Takeaway: Calm is not passive, calm is power. Leaders don’t rise by doing more; they rise by grounding more deeply in who they are and how they show up. Connect with Elle:  https://elleingalls.com/  Panic Free Peak Performance resources available on her site Connect with Rhoda: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/virtualrhodabanks Podcast: Breakthrough Conversations with Rhoda & Co.

    43 min

  8. 11/20/2025

    The Only Imposter is the Syndrome

    In this powerful episode, Rhoda sits down with leadership strategist and OD expert Joani Alsop to reframe one of the most pervasive challenges facing women in leadership: imposter syndrome. But Joani doesn’t believe you are the imposter. She believes the syndrome itself is lying to you, and today, she breaks down how to silence that false narrative while owning your power. In this episode:  Why self-doubt often rises with success, not failure  How systems, not individuals, can trigger the “imposter” feeling  Practical reframes and rituals for stepping into rooms with confidence  Language shifts that help you stop minimizing and start owning This conversation is for every woman who has ever over-prepared, over-apologized, or over-delivered just to feel worthy. You’re not alone, and more importantly, you were never the imposter. Call to Action  If this episode reminded you of your own quiet battles with confidence, take a moment to reframe the story you tell yourself. You were never the imposter, the feeling was.  Share this episode with a woman in your world who needs that reminder today and tag us using #BreakthroughConversations so we can cheer her on too. Stay Connected with Rhoda: Website: www.therhodaexperience.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/therhodaexperience/ Instagram: @rhoda.banks Podcast: Breakthrough Conversations with Rhoda & Co. Speaking Inquiries: breakthrough@therhodaexperience.com Tag us with your takeaways using #BreakthroughConversations

    28 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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