Crossroads + Catalysts Leadership Podcast

Shenita Brown
  • 4.2 (5)
  • Careers
  • Updated Weekly

Feeling stuck in your career? Passed over for promotion? Struggling with leadership challenges that no one prepared you for? You're not alone—and you don't have to navigate these crossroads by yourself. Crossroads & Catalysts is the executive leadership podcast for directors, senior managers, and ambitious professionals ready to advance their careers with strategic clarity and confidence. Shenita Brown, an executive and leadership strategist, delivers actionable career advice, proven leadership frameworks, and the mindset shifts you need to move from stuck to strategic. If you're ready to elevate your leadership and stop perpetuating the poor examples you may have witnessed, this show is for you. You'll learn the leadership development skills that get you promoted, career advancement strategies designed for mid-career professionals, and how to navigate workplace challenges with confidence. We'll tackle the messy, everyday realities of leading teams—giving feedback that lands, holding people accountable without damaging relationships, navigating difficult conversations, and building genuine engagement. And yes, this show will tell you the hard truths you need to hear—because sometimes the issue isn't just your team or your organization, it's you. Real growth requires honest self-reflection, and that's exactly what we'll do together. We'll also cover executive presence, strategic thinking frameworks, decision-making, and other tactics that actually work. Perfect for women leaders, directors seeking executive roles, and professionals ready to turn career uncertainty into their next breakthrough moment. No fluff, no theory—just strategic insights you can implement immediately. New episodes every week. Because every crossroads is an opportunity for growth—and every catalyst starts with a decision. crossroadsandcatalysts.com ( http://crossroadsandcatalysts.com )

  1. Leadership Readiness: Why Waiting Is Costing You—and What to Do Instead

    17h ago

    Leadership Readiness: Why Waiting Is Costing You—and What to Do Instead

    Readiness, confidence, and self-doubt are often more connected than we realize. Whether you're considering a career move, launching a new venture, having a difficult conversation, or pursuing a goal that's been sitting on the sidelines, this episode challenges the belief that confidence must come before action. We'll talk about why the pursuit of readiness can sometimes become a form of avoidance and offers a different perspective on what it means to move forward when certainty is nowhere to be found. Perfect For: • Professionals navigating a career or life transition • Women working to build confidence and trust themselves • Leaders facing a new challenge or opportunity • Anyone struggling with self-doubt or overthinking • People waiting for the "right time" to take action • High achievers who tend to over-prepare before making a move Resources: What's Next? A Crossroads Reflection Guide Episode(s) to check out: How to Build Confidence Contact Me: Leave a voice note or feedback here. Get notifications about events and webinars here. Support the show and Buy Me A Coffee

    14 min
  2. How to Build Confidence When You Don't Feel Ready

    Jun 15

    How to Build Confidence When You Don't Feel Ready

    Do you struggle with self-doubt, imposter syndrome, or waiting until you feel more confident before speaking up, applying for opportunities, setting boundaries, or stepping into leadership? In this episode, you'll learn why confidence isn't the prerequisite for action—it's the result of it. Discover how courage, not confidence, is the true starting point and how taking small, intentional actions can help you build lasting confidence and influence. You'll learn: Why confidence is a result, not a requirementHow overpreparing, delaying decisions, and seeking constant validation can become forms of avoidanceThe connection between confidence, courage, and leadership growthPractical ways to build confidence through small, consistent actionsHow to move forward even when fear, uncertainty, or imposter syndrome show up This episode is for professionals, emerging leaders, and ambitious women who know they're capable of more but find themselves waiting until they feel "ready" before taking the next step. If you've been postponing an important conversation, leadership opportunity, career move, or personal decision, this episode will help you stop waiting for confidence and start creating it. 🎙️ Follow Crossroads & Catalysts for more leadership and self-leadership insights that help you navigate life's crossroads with greater clarity, confidence, and intention. Have a suggestion or want to connect? Email me or leave a voice note here. Join my email list to stay updated on webinars, events, and other happenings. Wanna support the show? Buy Me A Coffee

    16 min
  3. The Hidden Cost of People-Pleasing in Leadership and How to Fix It

    Jun 8

    The Hidden Cost of People-Pleasing in Leadership and How to Fix It

    Are you constantly saying yes when you really want to say no? Many leaders struggle with people-pleasing without realizing the impact it's having on their effectiveness, confidence, and well-being. Learn how people-pleasing can lead to overwork, overwhelm, burnout, poor boundaries, and leadership fatigue. Through a timeless fable and practical leadership insights, you'll learn why the need for approval can undermine your decision-making, how people-pleasing may function as a learned coping mechanism, and what it takes to lead with clarity instead of constantly accommodating the expectations of others. If you've ever felt overcommitted, exhausted by last-minute requests, or responsible for solving everyone else's problems, this episode will help you recognize the hidden costs of people-pleasing and develop healthier leadership habits. In this episode, you'll discover: • The connection between people-pleasing and leadership burnout • Why saying yes to everything can damage your effectiveness as a leader • The role of boundaries in confident leadership • How approval-seeking affects decision-making • Practical strategies for saying no without guilt • A simple action step to begin breaking the people-pleasing cycle Whether you're an emerging leader, manager, entrepreneur, or professional navigating a season of growth, this episode will help you stop carrying unnecessary burdens and start leading with greater confidence, wisdom, and intention. Upcoming Events: Get your ticket to She Leads Her Money virtual workshop here. Contact Me: Send an email to Connect@crossroadsandcatalysts.com or go to my website and leave a voice note. Support Looking for a way to show your support? Buy Me A Coffee.

    25 min
  4. Imposter Syndrome in Leadership: How To Get Past It.

    Jun 1

    Imposter Syndrome in Leadership: How To Get Past It.

    This leadership podcast for new managers explores how imposter syndrome, self-doubt, and limiting beliefs quietly interfere with leadership performance and decision-making. In this episode of Crossroads and Catalysts, Shenita B. shares practical new leader strategies to help you recognize the difference between healthy self-assessment and destructive self-doubt. Many professionals are not underperforming because they lack skill or competency. They are underperforming because doubt is disrupting their execution. From hesitation and perfectionism to overthinking and silence in leadership spaces, this episode examines how fear and uncertainty can become bigger obstacles than actual inexperience. If you’ve ever questioned whether you belong in the room this conversation will challenge how you evaluate your own readiness and ability. Perfect For:New managers and emerging leadersWomen in leadershipProfessionals experiencing imposter syndromeFirst-time people leadersHigh achievers struggling with self-doubtProfessionals transitioning into leadership rolesWomen navigating executive presenceCorporate leadership developmentCareer growth and mindset developmentLeadership mindset shift conversations Be sure to follow Crossroads and Catalysts so you never miss an episode. Other Episodes of Interest: Imposter Syndrome Sign up for the She Leads Her Money online workshop. Do you enjoy the show? Buy Me A Coffee to show your support. Have an idea for a topic or want to leave some feedback? Leave a voice note here or go to my website CrossroadsandCatalysts.com.

    21 min
  5. From Peer to Leader: The Mistake Most New Leaders Make & What To Do

    May 25

    From Peer to Leader: The Mistake Most New Leaders Make & What To Do

    Transitioning from peer to leader is one of the most overlooked — and emotionally complex — shifts in leadership. In this episode of Crossroads and Catalysts, a leadership podcast for new leaders, Shenita B. discusses straightforward new leader strategies you can apply today as you navigate the challenges that come with leading former coworkers, establishing credibility, and adjusting to changing workplace dynamics. This conversation explores the leadership mindset shift required when moving into management and why so many first-time leaders feel unprepared for the emotional and relational changes that come with increased responsibility. Whether you’re stepping into your first leadership role, managing former peers, or preparing for future opportunities, this episode offers practical insight and thoughtful guidance to help you navigate the transition wisely and lead with greater intention. Joint me for the She Leads Her Money online workshop. Support the show and Buy Me A Coffee. Have some feedback or want to hear a topic? Leave a voice note or send an email I appreciate your listenership.

    14 min
  6. Managing Up Part 2: Self Advocacy Skills and Strategies for New Leaders

    May 18

    Managing Up Part 2: Self Advocacy Skills and Strategies for New Leaders

    Managing up is one of the most underrated new leader strategies — and a core self-advocacy skill. If you're a new leader looking for strategic thinking frameworks that in the real world, this episode is for you. I pick up where Part 1 left off, diving deeper into how learning to speak up in meetings and in the workplace is one of the most important leadership presence moves you can make — and why most people were never taught how to do it strategically. You'll learn how managing up creates the relational foundation that makes self-advocacy effective, why silence gets misinterpreted as agreement or availability, and how to communicate your needs clearly without coming across as demanding or self-promotional. I also cover how to advocate for your team without creating division, how to disagree professionally and affably, and why visibility and communication matter just as much as the quality of your work. Whether you're a new manager, a team lead, or a senior leader navigating complex workplace dynamics, this episode will help you build the trust, credibility, and communication skills needed to influence decisions, protect your team, and advance your career — without sacrificing your integrity or your relationships. Topics covered: self-advocacy skills, new leader strategies, strategic thinking frameworks, speak up in meetings, leadership presence, managing up, leadership communication, professional boundaries, how to disagree at work, advocating for your team, workplace visibility, career advancement, avoiding burnout, executive presence, leadership maturity. Continue advocating for yourself by taking charge of and leading your money. Join me for the live webinar, She Leads Her Money. Support the show and Buy Me A Coffee Have a topic you want to hear about or feedback you'd like to share? Send me a voicemail or email. Book time with me, click here to access my calendar. Looking for more to fuel your growth? The Catalysts newsletter is a short, thoughtful read designed to inspire and equip you for the week ahead. Leaders who are serious about growth don't wait for motivation to find them — they go after it. Subscribe today using the link in the show notes and let's keep growing together. The Catalysts

    27 min
  7. Managing Up Part 1: The New Leader Strategy That Gets You Noticed

    May 11

    Managing Up Part 1: The New Leader Strategy That Gets You Noticed

    Managing up is one of the most underrated new leader strategies — and a core self-advocacy skill that most people learn too late. Yet it's one of the highest-leverage moves you can make for your career and your team. In this episode, we're breaking down what it actually looks like to manage up with intention — not to impress your boss, but to create real alignment, communicate for impact, and close the gaps before they become problems. Because the leaders who move forward aren't just doing good work — they're making sure the right people understand it. If you've been waiting for someone to notice your contributions, this episode is your turning point. Managing up is how you take ownership of your own visibility, strengthen your leadership presence, and become a leader your manager sees, hears, and advocates for. Whether you're navigating workplace challenges, stepping into a new role, or simply ready to stop being overlooked — this is the new leader strategy that changes how you show up, speak up, and lead. Check-out Ep. 61 about your power and your choice. Join me for the She Leads Her Money live workshop. Leave a voicemail or email and let me know what topic you'd like to hear on a webinar. Enjoying what you hear? Become a supporter today and Buy Me A Coffee. Ready to take the next step in your journey? Book some time on my calendar.

    22 min
  8. Why High-Performing Women Struggle With Connection—And What To Do Differently

    May 4

    Why High-Performing Women Struggle With Connection—And What To Do Differently

    What happens when the traits that make you successful at work… start working against you at home? In this episode of Crossroads and Catalysts, we’re unpacking a tension many high-achieving women experience but rarely name—the disconnect between how you show up in leadership and how you show up in your relationships. If you’ve ever been called “too much,” “too controlling,” or “too opinionated” outside of work, this conversation will challenge you to take a closer look at how your leadership mindset is showing up outside of work. We’ll explore: The difference between leading and relatingWhy strong leadership traits like decisiveness, independence, and high standards can create disconnection when misappliedThe role of clarity, communication, and emotional intelligence in building stronger relationships This episode is for the woman who knows she’s capable—but is starting to question whether her approach is creating distance instead of connection. This episode is perfect for you if: You’re a high-achieving woman who leads confidently at work but feels tension in your personal relationships You’ve been told you’re “too much,” “too controlling,” or “hard to deal with”—and you’re trying to understand why You’re developing new manager leadership skills and want to apply them with more awareness and emotional intelligence You’re ready to strengthen both your leadership and your relationships—without dimming who you are Call to Action: If you’re ready to bring more clarity and confidence into another critical area of your life—your finances—I invite you to join me for my live, virtual workshop, She Leads Her Money, on June 13th at 10am. This beginner-friendly session will help you understand your money, your decision-making patterns, and how to build a strategy that actually works for you. Save your seat here. I want to hear from you. Leave a voicemail. Want to support the show? Buy Me A Coffee

    19 min
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Trailer

4.2
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

Feeling stuck in your career? Passed over for promotion? Struggling with leadership challenges that no one prepared you for? You're not alone—and you don't have to navigate these crossroads by yourself. Crossroads & Catalysts is the executive leadership podcast for directors, senior managers, and ambitious professionals ready to advance their careers with strategic clarity and confidence. Shenita Brown, an executive and leadership strategist, delivers actionable career advice, proven leadership frameworks, and the mindset shifts you need to move from stuck to strategic. If you're ready to elevate your leadership and stop perpetuating the poor examples you may have witnessed, this show is for you. You'll learn the leadership development skills that get you promoted, career advancement strategies designed for mid-career professionals, and how to navigate workplace challenges with confidence. We'll tackle the messy, everyday realities of leading teams—giving feedback that lands, holding people accountable without damaging relationships, navigating difficult conversations, and building genuine engagement. And yes, this show will tell you the hard truths you need to hear—because sometimes the issue isn't just your team or your organization, it's you. Real growth requires honest self-reflection, and that's exactly what we'll do together. We'll also cover executive presence, strategic thinking frameworks, decision-making, and other tactics that actually work. Perfect for women leaders, directors seeking executive roles, and professionals ready to turn career uncertainty into their next breakthrough moment. No fluff, no theory—just strategic insights you can implement immediately. New episodes every week. Because every crossroads is an opportunity for growth—and every catalyst starts with a decision. crossroadsandcatalysts.com ( http://crossroadsandcatalysts.com )

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