Conversations Spoken In the Dark

with Hermence Matsotsa

Greetings my fellow Insomniacs!! Is it daybreak and are you exhausted and slightly confused? Can't seam to quiet down the loud conversations you're having with yourself out of your head? Do you wish you could put them into words and share them in the light of day? Are you seeking answers to the questions you fear to ask? You are not alone. In fact we are the majority and you have just found your podcast tribe! Together we will discuss those hard and intimate conversations we have with ourselves but fear sharing with others. We will find strategies to quiet the noise. - Hermence Matsotsa

  1. Beyond the Burnout: From Doers to Achievers in Life, Work, and Culture with Elizabeth Davila-Sleigh

    11/14/2025

    Beyond the Burnout: From Doers to Achievers in Life, Work, and Culture with Elizabeth Davila-Sleigh

    Greetings everyone, and welcome to another episode of Conversations Spoken in the Dark. I’m your host, Hermence Matsotsa, Transformational Leadership and Career Transition Coach and Founder of uBuntuSpeaks. I created this podcast because too often, the most meaningful conversations — the ones about identity, healing, belonging, and how we live, learn, and lead — are whispered in the dark. They go unspoken, overlooked, or carried as silent burdens. Conversations Spoken in the Dark is a space to bring those stories into the light so we can name them, understand them, and begin to heal — both individually and collectively. In this episode, I’m joined by my dear friend and business partner, Elizabeth (Liz) Davila-Sleigh, an ICF-accredited coach, facilitator, and leadership consultant who helps women lead with intention and balance. Together, we’re diving into a topic so many high-achieving women know too well — burnout. We explore how culture, gender norms, and workplace expectations shape the way we experience burnout — and what it takes to move from constant doing to intentional achieving. This is a conversation about rediscovering joy, alignment, and purpose — moving from survival mode to living and leading with clarity. ✨ So take a breath, and join us in this honest, heart-centered dialogue. 💡About the Guest — Elizabeth (Liz) Davila-Sleigh Elizabeth Davila-Sleigh, ACC, is an International Coaching Federation–accredited coach, facilitator, and leadership consultant who helps leaders and organizations elevate performance, navigate change, and foster cultures of inclusion and purpose. With over two decades of leadership experience in higher education and professional development, Liz’s work blends strategic insight with deep empathy. She is passionate about helping women find alignment between success and well-being — guiding them to lead with clarity, confidence, and compassion. 🔗 Connect with Liz: LinkedIn: Elizabeth Davila-Sleigh, ACC 💡About the Host — Hermence Matsotsa Hermence Matsotsa is the Founder and CEO of uBuntuSpeaks, LLC and host of Conversations Spoken in the Dark. She is a Transformational Leadership and Career Transition Coach dedicated to helping leaders and teams thrive in high-pressure, multicultural environments. Through Positive Intelligence (PQ) coaching, Cultural Intelligence (CQ) training, psychological safety workshops, and inclusive leadership development, Hermence empowers organizations to build workplaces where people feel valued, connected, and inspired. Grounded in the South African philosophy of UBUNTU — “I am because we are” — Hermence created Conversations Spoken in the Dark to bring light to the unspoken stories of identity, healing, and belonging that connect us all. 🔗 Connect with Hermence:Website: www.ubuntuworkforce.comLinkedIn: Hermence MatsotsaInstagram: @ubuntuspeaksFacebook: uBuntuSpeaks LLCBook a session: Schedule a Conversation This episode will inspire you to pause, reflect, and reclaim your energy — so you can lead, live, and love without losing yourself in the process. 🎧 Listen now and share with another woman who needs this reminder.

    1h 20m
  2. Learning Without Limits with Jeremy W. Grandstaff

    10/23/2025

    Learning Without Limits with Jeremy W. Grandstaff

    Greetings everyone, and welcome to another episode of Conversations Spoken in the Dark. I’m your host, Hermence Matsotsa, Transformational Leadership and Career Transition Coach and Founder of uBuntuSpeaks. I created this podcast because too often, the most meaningful conversations the ones about identity, healing, belonging, and how we live, learn, and lead are whispered in the dark. They go unspoken, overlooked, or carried as silent burdens. Conversations Spoken in the Dark is a space to bring those stories into the light so we can name them, understand them, and begin to heal both individually and collectively. In today’s episode, titled Learning Without Limits, I’m joined by Jeremy Grandstaff, leadership and talent development strategist, facilitator, and champion for creating inclusive, courageous systems together. Jeremy is passionate about helping organizations spark the change they want to see, and his approach to learning and development challenges us to think differently about how growth really happens. Together, we’ll explore what it means to learn without limits to move beyond routine learning and toward a culture where people can grow, experiment, and show up as their full selves. So settle in and join me for this insightful conversation.Let’s learn, lead, and grow — together in the light. 🎙️ About the Guest Jeremy Grandstaff is a senior learning and development and change management executive with 25+ years of experience in stakeholder engagement, instructional design, andorganizational transformation. He is driven by a belief in accessible user experiences, inclusive leadership, collaborative processes, and culture-centered strategy. Currently, he serves as the Director of Learning Initiatives for Penny Forward and co-facilitates workshops with the Institute for Culture, Change, and Leadership, including Learning without Limits, The Culture Professionals Mastermind, and the Professional Certificate in cultural Competence. Jeremy’s professional background includes senior roles at CurbCutOS, IBM Global Services, Cogent Analytics, and the Alliance for Biking & Walking. He spent two decades as CEO of S&G Endeavors, helping clients across public, private, and nonprofit sectors implement collaborative learning and organizational change. As a  2025 TEDxYpsilanti speaker, an author, and A blind, gay advocate, Jeremy brings authenticity, curiosity, and measurability to every engagement. Connect with Jeremy: jwg@SGEndeavors.com Connect on LinkedIn 🎙️ About the Host Hermence Matsotsa is the Founder and CEO of uBuntuSpeaks, LLC and host of Conversations Spoken in the Dark. She is a Transformational Leadership and Career Transition Coach dedicated to helping leaders and teams thrive in high-pressure, multicultural environments. Through Positive Intelligence (PQ) coaching, Cultural Intelligence (CQ) training, psychological safety workshops, and inclusive leadership development, Hermence empowers organizations to build workplaces where people feel valued, connected, and empowered. Grounded in the South African philosophy of UBUNTU — “I am because we are” — Hermence created Conversations Spoken in the Dark to bring light to the unspoken stories of identity, healing, and belonging that connect us all. Connect with Hermence: hermence@ubuntuworkforce.com ⁠Connect on LinkedIn⁠ Book a conversation www.ubuntuworkforce.com

    1h 8m
  3. Why Being “The Strong One” Is a Form of Self-Sabotage with Dr. Lisette Sanchez

    10/13/2025

    Why Being “The Strong One” Is a Form of Self-Sabotage with Dr. Lisette Sanchez

    Greetings everyone, and welcome to another episode of Conversations Spoken in the Dark. I’m your host, Hermence Matsotsa, Transformational Leadership and Career Transition Coach and Founder of uBuntuSpeaks. I created this podcast because too often, the most meaningful conversations — the ones about identity, healing, belonging, and how we live, learn, and lead — are whispered in the dark. They go unspoken, overlooked, or carried as silent burdens. Conversations Spoken in the Dark is a space to bring those stories into the light so we can name them, understand them, and begin to heal — both individually and collectively. In today’s episode, I’m joined by Dr. Lisette Sanchez, bilingual and bicultural psychologist, international speaker, writer, and contributor to Oprah Daily, where she recently published the article “Why Being ‘The Strong One’ Is a Form of Self-Sabotage.” We’re unpacking what it really means to be “the strong one,” especially for Black, Indigenous, and Women of Color — and how that strength, while often celebrated, can become a form of self-sabotage that keeps us from rest, support, and true resilience. Together, we’ll explore impostor phenomenon, intergenerational healing, and how we can redefine what strength looks and feels like for ourselves and our communities. Also learn Dr. Sanchez LOOP method when applied will help us take better care of ourselves. So settle in and join me for this powerful conversation.Let’s step into the light together. About Guest: Dr. Lisette Sanchez is a bilingual and bicultural psychologist, international speaker, writer, and founder of Calathea Wellness, a virtual platform dedicated to supporting first-generation professionals. Raised in Southern California by Salvadoran and Mexican immigrant parents, she brings both expertise and lived experience to her work on identity, belonging, and intergenerational healing. Through her work, she helps individuals and organizations break through barriers like impostor phenomenon, build resilience, and honor cultural roots. Whether in therapy, on the page, or at the podium, Dr. Lisette is a trusted guide helping individuals transform cultural complexity into clarity, pride, and purpose. Links: Website: https://www.calatheawellness.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thefirstgenpsychologist/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefirstgenpsychologist/  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thefirstgenpsychologist  CSID Podcast Host Hermence Matsotsa is the Founder and CEO of uBuntuSpeaks, LLC and host of Conversations Spoken in the Dark. She is a Transformational Leadership and Career Transition Coach dedicated to helping leaders and teams thrive in high-pressure, multicultural environments. Through Positive Intelligence (PQ) coaching, Cultural Intelligence (CQ) training, psychological safety workshops, and inclusive leadership development, Hermence empowers organizations to build workplaces where people feel valued, connected, and empowered. Grounded in the South African philosophy of UBUNTU — “I am because we are” — Hermence created Conversations Spoken in the Dark to bring light to the unspoken stories of identity, healing, and belonging that connect us all. Connect with Hermence:📧 hermence@ubuntuworkforce.com📅 Book a conversation🌍 www.ubuntuworkforce.com Social Media Social media links: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/hmubuntuworkforce/ Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/uBuntuSpeaksLLC Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ubuntuspeaks_hermence/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/uBuntuSpeaksLLC TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@sageelevation

    1h 5m
  4. Permission to Play and Reclaim Our Joy - A Conversation with Tina O Hoang

    09/22/2025

    Permission to Play and Reclaim Our Joy - A Conversation with Tina O Hoang

    What happens when adults are taught that play is childish, joy is indulgent, and rest must be earned? In this powerful episode of Conversations Spoken in the Dark, Hermence sits down with Tina O’Hoang—researcher, writer, and host of The Courageous Inner Beast podcast—for a raw and reflective conversation about reclaiming joy and challenging the invisible rules that govern how we show up in the world. We’re talking about the societal, cultural norms, and personal weight many adults carry when it comes to the concept of play, joy, and simply being allowed to let go. In a world—and within communities—where achievement, responsibility, and quiet strength are often prioritized, play can feel… indulgent. Even selfish. Or completely out of reach. We discuss what gets suppressed, what gets passed down, and what it takes to reclaim joy on your own terms. We’re unpacking generational patterns, expectations around seriousness, and the invisible scripts that tell adults who they should be… and who they’re not allowed to be. ✨ This conversation is for anyone who has ever felt like joy had to be earned or delayed—and is finally ready to rewrite that story. Guest Bio -Tina O’Hoang Tina O’Hoang is a brilliant researcher, writer, and voice in the space of cultural identity, healing, and reclaiming joy. Her work explores how cultural norms shape Asian women’s relationship to play—what gets suppressed, what gets passed down, and what it takes to reclaim joy on your own terms. She is the host of The Courageous Inner Beast podcast, where she creates space for honest, often uncomfortable conversations around mental health, creativity, and breaking free from generational and cultural expectations. 🔗 Connect with Tina: Podcast: The Courageous Inner Beast — Listen on Spotify LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/tina-o-hoang Conversations Spoken in the Dark is Hosted by Hermence Matsotsa, Founder of uBuntuSpeaks® , Transformational Leadership Strategist and Workforce Development Speaker and Positive Intelligence Coach for high-performing professionals and entrepreneurs. Hermence creates powerful spaces for raw, honest conversations on leadership, identity, healing, and the parts of our lives we rarely speak out loud—until now. 🌐 www.ubuntuworkforce.com 📧 hermence@ubuntuworkforce.com📸 Instagram: @ubuntuspeaks_hermence 💼 LinkedIn: Hermence Matsotsa UBUNTU- I Am Who I Am Because We Are!

    1h 4m
  5. Sacred Unraveling: When Career, Identity, and Purpose Transform Together: A conversation with Michelle Wincell O’Leary, MA, LICSW

    09/02/2025

    Sacred Unraveling: When Career, Identity, and Purpose Transform Together: A conversation with Michelle Wincell O’Leary, MA, LICSW

    Welcome back to Conversations Spoken in the Dark with Hermence —a space where we speak the truths most often carried in silence, and where transformation is allowed to take up space. In this deeply soul-stirring episode, I, your host, Hermence Matsotsa am joined by Michelle Wincell O’Leary—Author, Therapist, Intuitive Guide, Master Alchemist, and Conscious Co-Creator. Michelle is a former mental health executive and clinician whose life looked “successful” on paper… until she chose to honor a deeper calling. What followed was what she calls a sacred unraveling: releasing a long-standing marriage, selling the family home, and letting go of the identity she once built to make space for who she truly is. Together, we talk about what it means to walk away from the life you thought you were supposed to live—and step into the one your soul has been calling for. We unpack grief, awakening, courage, identity, and the messy, beautiful truth about transformation. This conversation isn’t about reinvention—it’s about realignment. About trusting the voice within, even when the world outside doesn’t understand. And about leading from your truth, not your title. ✨ If you're in a season of transition—or feel like one is quietly building inside you—this episode is for you. 🌿 Want to connect with Michelle or explore her offerings? Visit:🔗 Website: https://spiritoftherapyllc.net🔗 Linktree: https://linktr.ee/michellewincelloleary📧 Email: michellewincelloleary@gmail.com📱 Instagram: @michellewincelloleary🔗 LinkedIn: Michelle Wincell O’Leary📘 Facebook: Michelle Wincell O’Leary 🧘🏽‍♀️ Special Offer for My Listeners:Receive 25% off Michelle’s Resilience Skills Master Class (valued at $149) by contacting her directly and mentioning Conversations Spoken in the Dark. That’s a $37 savings on this transformative offering. ___________________________________________________________ Conversations Spoken in the Dark hosted by Hermence Matsotsa, Founder of uBuntuSpeaks® and Positive Intelligence Coach for high-performing professionals and entrepreneurs. Hermence creates powerful spaces for raw, honest conversations on identity, healing, work, leadership, and the parts of our lives we rarely speak out loud—until now. UBUNTU- I am who I am because we all are! 📧 Email: hermence@ubuntuworkforce.com🌐 Website: www.ubuntuworkforce.com📱 TikTok: @SageElevationWithHermence📸 Instagram: @ubuntuspeaks_hermence💼 LinkedIn: Hermence Matsotsa📘 Facebook: uBuntuSpeaks LLC 🎙️ To learn more, book a session, or explore future speaking and podcast collaborations, visit my website or reach out directly.

    1h 10m
  6. Unfiltered & Unapologetic: Dating After 40 & Marriage After 50; A conversation with Jamia S. Dixon

    08/02/2025

    Unfiltered & Unapologetic: Dating After 40 & Marriage After 50; A conversation with Jamia S. Dixon

    Welcome back to Conversations Spoken in the Dark with your host, Hermence Matsotsa—where we ditch the filters and speak the truths we usually keep to ourselves. In this episode, I sit down with the bold and brilliant Jamia S. Dixon for a no-holds-barred conversation about dating after 40 and getting married at 50. Jamia keeps it real—from navigating dry dating pools and ghosting culture to holding boundaries, honoring your worth, and finally saying yes to love on her terms. We talk about what changes when you’ve done the inner work, raised your kids, built your career—and you’re no longer interested in shrinking, pretending, or settling just to be in a relationship. This isn’t your typical “love story.” It’s a grown-woman, real-world, unfiltered talk about love, desire, second chances, and what it means to choose yourself first—before letting anyone else in. 🎧 Get ready for laughs, gems, and some seriously relatable moments. Let’s get into it. ------------------------------------------------------------- Guest Bio: Jamia S. Dixon is a devoted mother, proud veteran, and lifelong learner who raised two daughters as a single parent while building a successful career in Human Resources. Her journey is one of perseverance, growth, and faith—balancing professional ambition with the deep commitment of parenthood. After years of pouring into her family and career, Jamia stepped into a new season of joy and love—dating again in her late 40s and marrying at 50 and embracing the beauty of God’s perfect timing and proving that life continues to blossom at every stage. She believes in leading with heart, living with purpose, and embracing joy at every opportunity. ---------------------------------------------------------------- Podcast Host Bio and Contact Hosted by Hermence Matsotsa, Founder of uBuntuSpeaks® and a Transformational Leadership Coach and Strategist Positive Intelligence Coach for high-performing professionals and entrepreneurs, Conversations Spoken in the Dark is a podcast where unfiltered truth meets personal transformation. Hermence creates a brave space to talk about the things that keep us up at night—identity, resilience, relationships, transitions, and the quiet doubts we rarely say out loud. Her mission? To remind us that we’re not alone in our thoughts, and there are strategies to quiet the noise, reframe the fear, and move forward with intention. These are the conversations we need to hear—and maybe the ones we’ve been afraid to speak. Subscribe, listen, and join the conversation. 📩 To connect with Hermence or be a guest on the show, email hermence@ubuntuworkforce.com.

    1h 10m
  7. Beyond the Body: Bridging Physical & Energetic Self-Care - A conversation with Abigail White, RN & Medical Intuitive

    07/29/2025

    Beyond the Body: Bridging Physical & Energetic Self-Care - A conversation with Abigail White, RN & Medical Intuitive

    Welcome back to Conversations Spoken in the Dark—where we speak the truths so many of us carry in silence, and bring light to the parts of ourselves we've been taught to ignore. In this powerful, honest, and at times raw episode, I’m joined by Abigail White, RN, BSN—a medical intuitive, public speaker, and the founder of Breath of Life LLC, an intuitive guidance and wellness company that helps people reconnect their energetic and physical bodies to achieve deep, lasting healing. Abigail is the creator of the 1% Method, a groundbreaking approach that fuses decades of biomedical knowledge with life-long intuitive gifts. She’s helped clients heal from chronic illnesses, mental health challenges, fertility struggles, gut issues, and more—not just by treating the symptoms, but by addressing the energetic roots. A recipient of the Excellence in Healthcare award from the internationally recognized Health 2.0 Organization, and a featured member of Marquis Who's Who in America, Abigail is redefining what it truly means to care for ourselves. In this episode, we explore how modern medicine and energetic healing don’t have to be in opposition—they can be in conversation. If you’re ready to rethink self-care and explore healing through a more integrated lens, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss. Let’s begin! Hermence Matsotsa, Podcast Host Email: hermence@ubuntuworkforce.com LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/hmubuntuworkforce Website: ⁠www.ubuntuworkforce.com⁠ Call: 202.421.9184 Let's Talk: https://app.simplymeet.me/hermenceubuntuworkforce ---------------------------------------------------------------- Guest Expert Contacts: Abigail White, RN,BSN Email: breathoflife069@gmail.com Links: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/breathoflife_healer/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/breathoflifeintuitive Website - https://www.breathoflifellc.com

    1h 1m

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Greetings my fellow Insomniacs!! Is it daybreak and are you exhausted and slightly confused? Can't seam to quiet down the loud conversations you're having with yourself out of your head? Do you wish you could put them into words and share them in the light of day? Are you seeking answers to the questions you fear to ask? You are not alone. In fact we are the majority and you have just found your podcast tribe! Together we will discuss those hard and intimate conversations we have with ourselves but fear sharing with others. We will find strategies to quiet the noise. - Hermence Matsotsa