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. Why Your Confidence at Work Suffers (and What to Do About It)

    3d ago

    Why Your Confidence at Work Suffers (and What to Do About It)

    Why does your confidence at work seem to disappear—even when you're performing well? If you've ever received performance feedback that didn't match your experience, questioned your value after a review, or struggled with self-doubt despite strong results, this episode is for you. Discover why workplace confidence isn't built by competence alone—and what you can do when your contributions aren't being reflected back to you. I explore what I call the Confidence Disconnect—a powerful concept that explains why confidence can erode even when you're doing everything "right." You'll learn why visibility, recognition, communication, and workplace dynamics all influence your confidence, and how to use influence—not just hard work—to close the disconnect. Whether you're an emerging leader, a mid-career professional, or someone who feels overlooked despite consistently delivering results, you'll walk away with practical strategies to strengthen your influence, communicate your impact more effectively, and navigate your next crossroads with greater clarity and confidence. Take Your Next Step: You've listened, now decide what to do next. Continue the Conversation: I'd love to hear your thoughts on this episode. Share your biggest takeaway or tell me about the crossroads you're navigating. 🎙️ Leave a voicemail: Crossroadsandcatalysts.com 📧 Email: connect@crossroadsandcatalysts.com 🌐 Website: Crossroadsandcatalysts.com ⭐ Follow Crossroads & Catalysts so you never miss an episode. If this episode encouraged or challenged you, please leave a rating and review. Know someone standing at a crossroads? Share this episode with them—you never know how one conversation can become someone else's catalyst. Upcoming Events & Resources: Ready to take the next step? Download the What's Next? A Crossroads Reflection Guide to assist you with identifying your crossroads, choices, and next steps. Register for my confidence masterclass. Or join my email list to be the first to know about upcoming events. Episodes For Your Journey: If you enjoyed this episode, check out: Leadership Readiness: Why Waiting Is Costing You—and What to Do Instead How to Build Confidence When You Don't Feel Ready Enjoying the Show?If today's episode encouraged or challenged you, here are a few ways you can help others discover the show: • Share this episode with someone navigating a leadership or life crossroads. • Follow the podcast and leave a rating or review. • Fuel future episodes by buying me a coffee. Your support helps me continue creating practical resources and thoughtful conversations that move us from insight to action. Thanks for listening. I appreciate your support and look forward to being with you again next week. At every crossroads, your next move matters. Make it with clarity, strategy, and intention.

    18 min
  2. Why Smart Women Struggle with Self-Doubt (and How to Quiet Your Inner Critic)

    Jun 29

    Why Smart Women Struggle with Self-Doubt (and How to Quiet Your Inner Critic)

    Why do competent women struggle with self-doubt, even after years of success? If you've ever questioned your confidence, overthought a decision, or stayed silent despite knowing the answer, you're not alone. This episode explores why competence and confidence don't always grow together—and how that disconnect can quietly influence your leadership, career growth, and the choices you make. Rather than accepting self-doubt as part of who you are, you'll discover a different way to understand it so you can stop letting hesitation make decisions for you. Perfect for you if: You're a new manager learning to lead with confidence.You're a mid-career woman navigating career growth or your next leadership opportunity.You're a professional who struggles with self-doubt despite a proven track record.You tend to overthink decisions or hesitate to speak up in meetings.You're ready to quiet your inner critic and make your next move with greater confidence. Hit play now to listen. Because the voice that questions your ability doesn't deserve the final say. Your next move does. Take Your Next Step: You've listened, now decide what to do next. Continue the Conversation: I'd love to hear your thoughts on this episode. Share your biggest takeaway or tell me about the crossroads you're navigating. 🎙️ Leave a voicemail: Crossroadsandcatalysts.com 📧 Email: connect@crossroadsandcatalysts.com 🌐 Website: Crossroadsandcatalysts.com ⭐ Follow Crossroads & Catalysts so you never miss an episode. If this episode encouraged or challenged you, please leave a rating and review. Know someone standing at a crossroads? Share this episode with them—you never know how one conversation can become someone else's catalyst. Upcoming Events & Resources: Ready to take the next step? What's Next? A Crossroads Reflection Guide Or join my email list to be the first to know about upcoming events. Episodes For Your Journey: If you enjoyed this episode, check out: Leadership Readiness: Why Waiting Is Costing You—and What to Do Instead How to Build Confidence When You Don't Feel Ready Enjoying the Show?If today's episode encouraged or challenged you, here are a few ways you can help others discover the show: • Share this episode with someone navigating a leadership or life crossroads. • Follow the podcast and leave a rating or review. • Fuel future episodes by buying me a coffee. Your support helps me continue creating practical resources and thoughtful conversations that move us from insight to action. Thanks for listening. I appreciate your support and look forward to being with you again next week. At every crossroads, your next move matters. Make it with clarity, strategy, and intention.

    16 min
  3. Leadership Readiness: Why Waiting Is Costing You—and What to Do Instead

    Jun 22

    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 offer 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
  4. 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
  5. 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
  6. 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
  7. 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
  8. 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
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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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