Black Woman Leading

Laura Knights
Black Woman Leading

This podcast amplifies the needs and experiences of Black women leaders in the workplace with a holistic focus on three core areas -- leadership development, mental wellness, and relationship management. Our ultimate aim is to help Black women learn, heal, and grow in their leadership capacity.

  1. JUL 10

    S7E13: Staying Rooted Through Life Shifts with Dr. Daniela Peel Hunter

    In this conversation, Laura welcomes Dr. Daniela Peel Hunter to explore the journey of staying rooted through life’s seismic shifts.   Laura and Dr. Daniela explore how to navigate transitions with grace, the importance of emotional honesty, and the power of community and self-care. Dr. Daniela shares her PivotWell framework for navigating life changes, and shares her insights on “leading while breaking” and the mindset shift required for thriving through life’s tough moments.    About Dr. Daniela Dr. Daniela Peel Hunter, PhD, CDP, CDR, CPC, CDRC is a bold disruptor in the wellness space—a United Nations Peace Ambassador, Certified Diversity Professional, sound bath practitioner, and Chief Alchemist of Transformation of The Heal Well Collective. With over 16 years in healthcare  and in leadership, she’s redefined what it means to heal well by merging mental health advocacy, cultural inclusion, and spiritual restoration. Through her signature PivotWell Coaching and 5-step framework, Dr. Daniela helps women navigate seismic life shifts—menopause, career transitions, loss—with radical self-awareness, strategy, and unapologetic grace. Connect with Dr. Daniela on LinkedIn and on Instagram @thehealwellcollective Get Dr. Daniela’s book, Shattered Silence: Navigating Workplace Trauma and Thriving   BWL Resources: BWL podcast episode S1E3: Getting Into Alignment with Yourself (referenced for values clarification exercise) Now enrolling for both the August 2025 sessions of the Early Career and Mid-Career programs.  Learn more at https://blackwomanleading.com/programs-overview/ Full podcast episodes are now on Youtube.  Subscribe to the BWL channel today!   Credits: Learn about all Black Woman Leading® programs, resources, and events at www.blackwomanleading.com Learn more about our consulting work with organizations at https://knightsconsultinggroup.com/ Email Laura: info@knightsconsultinggroup.com Connect with Laura on LinkedIn Follow BWL on LinkedIn Instagram: @blackwomanleading Facebook: @blackwomanleading Youtube: @blackwomanleading  Podcast Music & Production: Marshall Knights  Graphics: Téa Campbell Listen and follow the podcast on all major platforms: Apple Podcasts Spotify Stitcher iHeartRadio Audible Podbay

    53 min
  2. JUN 26

    S7E12: Using Your Introvert Superpowers with Dr. Nicole Bryan

    In this conversation, Laura welcomes Dr. Nicole Bryan to discuss the unique strengths of introverts and the importance of recognizing and leveraging introverted qualities, such as deep thinking and observation, to succeed in the workplace. The discussion emphasizes embracing one's unique qualities and leveraging them for career growth and influence. Laura and Dr. Nicole explore the unique nuances of Black women introverts, with specific regard to navigating office politics in leadership roles. They discuss the importance of relationship building in office dynamics, and how introverts can redefine their approach to self-advocacy. Their discussion also highlights the need for inclusive environments that allow introverts to contribute in ways that align with their strengths, including the use of strategic silence as a powerful communication tool.  Dr. Nicole shares her concept of  'quiet disruptors,’ highlighting how introverted leaders can create impactful change within organizations.    About Dr. Nicole Dr. Nicole A. Bryan went from the ‘Block to the Boardroom’ and is now a certified leadership career coach, organizational consultant and psychotherapist, with 25+ years' experience helping introvert women define their own success, lead with confidence, expertly navigate company politics, and secure their executive seat to maximize their income, influence, and impact. Nicole's world-class programs at TheChangeDoc, LLC integrate psychology, key business principles, organizational behavior and decades of real-world experience as a corporate executive to empower introvert women to make a difference, lead bolder and create positive change for themselves, their teams, and the world! Nicole was raised in Brooklyn, NY and always represents her Bajan (Barbados) roots.  She's passionate about health, wealth and hot yoga!  She also believes that life is all about loving and learning and has received the following degrees: Ph.D. Counseling Psychology at University of Maryland College Park; Masters of Education, Counseling - University of Maryland College Park; Masters of Education, Personnel Counseling - Fordham University, M.B.A. - Cornell University, Masters of Industrial Labor Relations - Cornell University; Bachelor of Arts, Business - Michigan State University. Connect with Dr. Nicole on LinkedIn   Resources: Now enrolling for both the August 2025 sessions of the Early Career and Mid-Career programs.  Learn more at https://blackwomanleading.com/programs-overview/ Full podcast episodes are now on Youtube.  Subscribe to the BWL channel today! Credits: Learn about all Black Woman Leading® programs, resources, and events at www.blackwomanleading.com Learn more about our consulting work with organizations at https://knightsconsultinggroup.com/ Email Laura: info@knightsconsultinggroup.com Connect with Laura on LinkedIn Follow BWL on LinkedIn Instagram: @blackwomanleading Facebook: @blackwomanleading Youtube: @blackwomanleading  Podcast Music & Production: Marshall Knights  Graphics: Téa Campbell Listen and follow the podcast on all major platforms: Apple Podcasts Spotify Stitcher iHeartRadio Audible Podbay

    50 min
  3. JUN 19

    S7E11: Demonstrating Diplomacy & Political Savvy with Nakisha Muhammad

    In this conversation, Laura welcomes Nakisha Muhammad to discuss the leadership competencies of diplomacy and political savvy, through her point of reference as an executive leader.   Nakisha shares her unique journey from entrepreneurship to her current role as Chief Technology Officer at 1nHealth, chronicling how she learned to honor her own boundaries while navigating the demands of leadership and emphasizing the importance of understanding oneself and others in fostering effective communication and diplomacy.  Laura and Nakisha share the intricate dynamics of leadership, focusing on integrity, boundaries, and the importance of self-care, while navigating work spaces as Black women. They also discuss the challenges of maintaining personal values in professional settings, the necessity of setting and respecting boundaries, and the strategies for dealing with resistance in leadership roles.   Overall, the dialogue emphasizes the need for political savvy as a crucial skill for career advancement, and strategies for engaging in difficult conversations while maintaining professionalism. About Nakisha Nakisha serves as the Chief Technology Officer at 1nHealth, bringing her cross-industry technology background into healthcare. A serial entrepreneur, Nakisha has founded, operated, and scaled SaaS businesses as well as eCommerce brands. A self-taught developer and technologist, Nakisha has built multiple data-management and data visualization companies, managing developer teams and IT infrastructure. Nakisha’s philosophy in software engineering is rooted in a methodology that centers on the user experience first and then building the functionality around the user’s needs. Connect with Nakisha on LinkedIn   Resources: Now enrolling for both the August 2025 sessions of the Early Career and Mid-Career programs.  Learn more at https://blackwomanleading.com/programs-overview/ Full podcast episodes are now on Youtube.  Subscribe to the BWL channel today! Credits: Learn about all Black Woman Leading® programs, resources, and events at www.blackwomanleading.com Learn more about our consulting work with organizations at https://knightsconsultinggroup.com/ Email Laura: info@knightsconsultinggroup.com Connect with Laura on LinkedIn Follow BWL on LinkedIn Instagram: @blackwomanleading Facebook: @blackwomanleading Youtube: @blackwomanleading  Podcast Music & Production: Marshall Knights  Graphics: Téa Campbell Listen and follow the podcast on all major platforms: Apple Podcasts Spotify Stitcher iHeartRadio Audible Podbay

    39 min
  4. JUN 5

    S7E9: Navigating Change

    In this solo episode, Laura discusses the complexities of navigating change in both personal and professional contexts. She emphasizes the importance of self-awareness, resilience, and adaptability as leaders face inevitable disruptions. The conversation explores various models of the human side of change, the emotional processes involved, and practical strategies for supporting oneself and others through transitions. Laura highlights the significance of understanding resistance to change and offers insights on how to effectively manage it while fostering a growth mindset. About Laura Laura Knights is the Creator of Black Woman Leading® and host of the podcast. She is an executive coach, speaker, facilitator, and licensed clinical social worker with 20+ years of experience creating personal and professional development programs that have touched leaders worldwide. Her expertise and background in business, human resources, adult education, and social work uniquely equip her to teach others how to deal with both the "head work" and "heart work" required to succeed at work and in life.  She is the Founder and CEO of Knights Consulting LLC,  a leadership development consultancy that provides customized training and coaching programs to create more confident leaders and high-performing teams. Black Woman Leading® is a research-backed initiative which offers leadership development programming, a podcast, and an annual conference for Black women professionals. Black Woman Leading® is an initiative of Knights Consulting LLC. Learn more at blackwomanleading.com.   Resources: Now enrolling for both the August 2025 sessions of the Early Career and Mid-Career programs.  Learn more at https://blackwomanleading.com/programs-overview/ Full podcast episodes are now on Youtube.  Subscribe to the BWL channel today! Credits: Learn about all Black Woman Leading® programs, resources, and events at www.blackwomanleading.com Learn more about our consulting work with organizations at https://knightsconsultinggroup.com/ Email Laura: info@knightsconsultinggroup.com Connect with Laura on LinkedIn Follow BWL on LinkedIn Instagram: @blackwomanleading Facebook: @blackwomanleading Youtube: @blackwomanleading  Podcast Music & Production: Marshall Knights  Graphics: Téa Campbell Listen and follow the podcast on all major platforms: Apple Podcasts Spotify Stitcher iHeartRadio Audible Podbay

    45 min
  5. MAY 15

    S7E8: Asking for What You Want

    In this solo episode, Laura discusses the importance of asking for what you want in your career, particularly for Black women. She emphasizes that self-advocacy is not just about the words you use but also about your internal mindset and sense of worthiness. She shares frameworks to help listeners work on both the heart work and head work needed for effective self-advocacy. Laura encourages self-reflection on past experiences to understand internal and external factors that influence one's ability to ask for what they want. Ultimately, she empowers listeners to advocate for themselves and recognize their worth. About Laura Laura Knights is the Creator of Black Woman Leading® and host of the podcast. She is an executive coach, speaker, facilitator, and licensed clinical social worker with 20+ years of experience creating personal and professional development programs that have touched leaders worldwide. Her expertise and background in business, human resources, adult education, and social work uniquely equip her to teach others how to deal with both the "head work" and "heart work" required to succeed at work and in life.  She is the Founder and CEO of Knights Consulting LLC,  a leadership development consultancy that provides customized training and coaching programs to create more confident leaders and high-performing teams. Black Woman Leading® is a research-backed initiative which offers leadership development programming, a podcast, and an annual conference for Black women professionals. Black Woman Leading® is an initiative of Knights Consulting LLC. Learn more at blackwomanleading.com.   Resources: Article reference: https://www.forbes.com/sites/janicegassam/2022/10/04/new-study-finds-that-black-employees-are-penalized-for-self-promotion/ Book reference: Negotiating While Black by Damali Peterman Now enrolling for both the August 2025 sessions of the Early Career and Mid-Career programs.  Learn more at https://blackwomanleading.com/programs-overview/ Full podcast episodes are now on Youtube.  Subscribe to the BWL channel today! Credits: Learn about all Black Woman Leading® programs, resources, and events at www.blackwomanleading.com Learn more about our consulting work with organizations at https://knightsconsultinggroup.com/ Email Laura: info@knightsconsultinggroup.com Connect with Laura on LinkedIn Follow BWL on LinkedIn Instagram: @blackwomanleading Facebook: @blackwomanleading Youtube: @blackwomanleading  Podcast Music & Production: Marshall Knights  Graphics: Téa Campbell Listen and follow the podcast on all major platforms: Apple Podcasts Spotify Stitcher iHeartRadio Audible Podbay

    43 min
  6. MAY 1

    S7E7: Driving the Narrative of Your Career with BWL Alums

    In this episode, Laura  hosts an alumni panel of Black Woman Leading alums from the Early Career and Mid-Career Programs (Alexys Anderson, Shelby Norman, and SherAaron Hurt) to discuss our season’s theme of Driving the Narrative of Your Career. Emphasizing the importance of setting a personal vision and advocating for oneself while balancing heart work and head work along the career growth journey, they  explore the significance of mentorship, the challenges of navigating identity, and the importance of community support.  The discussion highlights how embracing intersectionality and self-affirmation can empower Black women to take charge of their career narratives and pursue their professional visions with confidence. In this conversation, our program alums discuss the importance of intentionality in actions, the power of dreaming big, navigating fear and doubt, and the significance of self-advocacy. They also share their personal experiences and insights gained from the Black Woman Leading programs.  The discussion also highlights transformative moments in their leadership journeys, encouraging listeners to embrace discomfort and give themselves grace in their career paths   Guest Bios: ::Alexys Anderson Alexys Anderson is a Higher Education professional with a passion for supporting students on their journeys to and through graduation. Her professional roles have encompassed student success strategies, leadership development, and student retention.She received her Bachelor's in Psychology from Salisbury University and Master's degree in College Student Affairs from Rutgers University.  Connect with Alexys LinkedIn.   ::SherAaron Hurt SherAaron Hurt is a visionary leader in data science education and inclusive community building. As the Director of Workshops and Training for The Carpentries, she oversees global workshop strategy and leads instructor and trainer development, certification, and community engagement. With a background in Business Administration, Marketing, and Hospitality Management, SherAaron brings a service-first approach to advancing equitable, high-impact learning experiences around the world. She supports thousands of instructors and trainers across the globe, creating sustainable engagement and championing inclusive education through thoughtful programming and strategic leadership. She shares her insights on inclusive pedagogy, equitable access, and community-led learning at national and international conferences. Known for her warmth, intentionality, and authenticity, she builds lasting relationships and inspires teams to thrive. Outside of her professional pursuits, SherAaron is a luxury travel enthusiast, fur-mom to her Shih Tzu  Oreo, and a certified fitness instructor affectionately known in gym circles as HypeChicSher. She teaches high-energy Cardio Kickboxing and proudly serves as a Brand Ambassador for Orangetheory Fitness.  Her experience in the Black Women Leading (BWL) community helped spark her pursuit of a deeper calling—combining her passions for faith, flying, and fitness. Through her work and her workouts, SherAaron hopes to inspire others to elevate—one learner, one leader, and one lunge at a time. Connect with SherAaron on LinkedIn and Instagram @sherfitlife   ::Shelby Norman Shelby Norman (she/her/hers) serves as the Associate Director of Professional Development & Outreach for the Office of Academic Excellence and Opportunity. Raised in Atlanta, Georgia, she has always been immersed in diverse expressions of southern culture and community. Shelby is an alumna of The University of Alabama, where she received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science with a concentration in Political Theory, and Master of Arts degree in Women's Studies with a research concentration in Critical Gender and Race Theories. As the Associate Director of Professional Development and Outreach, Shelby leads the strategic development and implementation of new professional development opportunities and initiatives for faculty and staff. Shelby also develops and enhances collaborative partnerships across university departments and promotes her office as a consultative resource to support all Tulanians reach their full potential. Shelby's diverse experiences in higher education span across student and academic affairs in small and large state institutions, as well as private. Shelby has a strong history with mentorship and leadership initiatives, especially those rooted in diversity, equity and inclusion practices. Shelby is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Tri Iota Honors Society ,Omicron Delta Kappa National Leadership Honor Society, Order of Omega Honor Society and The XXXI Women's Honor Society. Connect with Shelby on LinkedIn and Instagram   Resources: Event: Join us for the 2025 Black Woman Leading LIVE! Conference +Retreat, May 27-30, 2025 in Virginia Beach! Learn more at bwlretreat.com Full podcast episodes are now on Youtube.  Subscribe to the BWL channel today!   Credits: Learn about all Black Woman Leading® programs, resources, and events at www.blackwomanleading.com Learn more about our consulting work with organizations at https://knightsconsultinggroup.com/ Email Laura: info@knightsconsultinggroup.com Connect with Laura on LinkedIn Follow BWL on LinkedIn Instagram: @blackwomanleading Facebook: @blackwomanleading Youtube: @blackwomanleading  Podcast Music & Production: Marshall Knights  Graphics: Téa Campbell Listen and follow the podcast on all major platforms: Apple Podcasts Spotify Stitcher iHeartRadio Audible Podbay

    1h 16m
  7. APR 17

    S7E6: Managing Uneven Power Dynamics with Nicole S. Palmer

    In this conversation, Laura welcomes Nicole Palmer to discuss the unique experiences of Black women in corporate America, with regard to managing uneven power dynamics. Nicole shares the inspiration behind her book, and the concept of 'Black womaning' as a way to navigate the challenges faced in the workplace. They explore themes of fear, purpose, and the shared experiences of Black women across various industries, emphasizing the need for support and understanding in overcoming obstacles. Nicole also shares her personal journey of navigating a toxic work environment, the impact of PTSD, and the steps she took towards healing from workplace trauma, including self-forgiveness and practicing emotional detachment. Through Nicole’s story, they explore the challenges of navigating uneven power relationships and the importance of setting boundaries to foster healthy workplace relationships.    About Nicole Nicole S. Palmer is an author, founding partner of publishing company Delnic Media, and host of 5-star rated podcast Black Womaning in Corporate America™. She is also the author of “Playing the Game While Black Womaning in Corporate America.” When she isn’t writing, she’s speaking, and she’s usually talking about equity. Connect with Nicole Website: https://delnicmedia.com Instagram @nicolespalmer Nicole on LinkedIn ​​ Purchase Nicole’s book on Amazon or Barnes & Noble.   Resources: Event: Join us for the 2025 Black Woman Leading LIVE! Conference +Retreat, May 27-30, 2025 in Virginia Beach! Learn more at bwlretreat.com Full podcast episodes are now on Youtube.  Subscribe to the BWL channel today!   Credits: Learn about all Black Woman Leading® programs, resources, and events at www.blackwomanleading.com Learn more about our consulting work with organizations at https://knightsconsultinggroup.com/ Email Laura: info@knightsconsultinggroup.com Connect with Laura on LinkedIn Follow BWL on LinkedIn Instagram: @blackwomanleading Facebook: @blackwomanleading Youtube: @blackwomanleading  Podcast Music & Production: Marshall Knights  Graphics: Téa Campbell Listen and follow the podcast on all major platforms: Apple Podcasts Spotify Stitcher iHeartRadio Audible Podbay

    1h 5m
5
out of 5
48 Ratings

About

This podcast amplifies the needs and experiences of Black women leaders in the workplace with a holistic focus on three core areas -- leadership development, mental wellness, and relationship management. Our ultimate aim is to help Black women learn, heal, and grow in their leadership capacity.

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