Leadership Tea

Shelby Smith-Wilson and Belinda Jackson Farrier
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On Leadership Tea, we talk about what it takes to reach the executive level, and how to thrive when you get there. Powerful leaders share their journeys, insights, and triumphs in conversations with hosts Shelby Smith-Wilson and Belinda Jackson Farrier. Join us every other Wednesday to be inspired by the unvarnished stories of amazing executives who know what it's like to be "the only" at the table and who have succeeded regardless. They have proven leadership experience in their respective fields, from international affairs to the private sector to academia, and want to help others create their own success stories.

  1. 1d ago

    The Advice That Almost Kept Us Apart

    What if the fear holding you back isn't even your own?  In the Season 6 premiere of Leadership Tea, Belinda and Shelby get personal about the voices that tell us we're not ready, and what happens when we choose to walk through the door anyway. They revisit the unlikely story of how they became friends and professional partners, including the surprising reason Belinda almost never got to know Shelby. They talk about the career disappointment that pushed Shelby toward an opportunity she initially resisted, how Belinda encouraged her to take the leap, and the unexpected turns that ultimately shaped both of their careers. They also reflect on building the Leadership Tea Podcast itself and everything they've had to learn along the way, from technology and editing to social media and video. At its heart, this conversation is about leading unscripted: learning to distinguish your own fear from someone else's, letting go of ego, staying agile when the plan changes, and having the courage to take the next step even when you don't know exactly where it will lead. In this episode, Belinda and Shelby talk about: • How fear can keep us from opportunities we're actually ready for • The difference between your own fear and someone else's fear • What happens when someone else believes in you before you believe in yourself • Career disappointment, ego, and learning to recognize an unexpected opportunity • Why the right door isn't always the door you planned to walk through • Faith, uncertainty, discomfort, and taking the first step Timestamps 00:00 — Welcome to Season 6: Leading Unscripted 01:17 — Is fear keeping you in a box? 02:35 — How Vincent introduced Belinda and Shelby 03:44 — The advice that almost kept them apart 05:44 — When someone else's doubts become your own 06:55 — The story of power, water, and momentum 07:47 — Getting past the fear of video 08:17 — Is this fear yours or someone else's? 09:36 — When the dream job doesn't work out 10:06 — Why Shelby hesitated to join the Operations Center 12:19 — “You are built for this moment” 13:30 — Quieting the voices that sabotage your growth 14:00 — Walking through doors you didn't expect 14:43 — How Togo and Peru became the right places 15:29 — Why agility matters more than ego 15:41 — Learning to build a podcast unscripted 16:38 — Getting comfortable with YouTube and video 17:06 — Faith over fear 17:51 — Knowing when to shake off negativity 18:21 — There is no growth in comfort 18:34 — What does leading unscripted mean for you? A few quotes to carry with you: “Fear is blocking you from your blessings.” “I never end up where I wanted to be, but I always end up where I'm supposed to be.” “There’s no growth in comfort.” What fear are you learning to move through right now? Tell us in the comments. We'd love to hear your story. And if you're listening on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or another audio platform, come join us on YouTube for Season 6. We're excited to bring you more conversations about leadership, culture, clarity, uncertainty, and what it really means to lead unscripted. Send us a comment! Two Repose seats have opened back up. On October 24th at Salamander Resort in Middleburg, VA, we're gathering a small group for one full day to put down what they've been carrying and reconnect with themselves. Grab yours before they're gone: https://www.groundedandglobal.com/tickets/p/oct-24-repose-fall-retreat-at-salamander-middleburg-va Support the show We publish new episodes every other Wednesday. Subscribe to the Leadership Tea PodcastSubscribe to Leadership Tea on YouTube!Follow us on Instagram @Leadership_Tea for more inspiration and insights.

  2. Aug 5

    Don’t Ghost Your Mentor -- and Other Rules for Mentees

    We wrap the season by getting specific about what it means to be a good mentee, not just someone who wants access to a mentor. We share the habits that build real trust, the red flags that tell you to move on, and the practical ways to grow a “village” that supports your career and your life. We discuss issues such as: • remembering you always have options beyond assigned pairings  • being in relationship with mentors beyond transactional asks   • reaching out before a crisis and making clear, focused asks  • leaning into virtual coffee chats in hybrid and remote work  If you're listening on audio, please also subscribe to our YouTube channel!  Send us a comment! Support the show We publish new episodes every other Wednesday. Subscribe to the Leadership Tea PodcastSubscribe to Leadership Tea on YouTube!Follow us on Instagram @Leadership_Tea for more inspiration and insights.

  3. Jul 23

    Before You Move Abroad: The Money Mistakes No One Warns You About

    You've dreamed about it. Maybe you've even Googled it. But what does moving abroad actually cost — financially, practically, and emotionally? In Part 2 of our series with the State Department Federal Credit Union (SDFCU), Shelby and Belinda sit back down with Sam Salmon and Josh Barrett — two financial professionals who aren't just advising on international living, they're currently doing it. From hidden garbage taxes in Spain to bills buried in junk mail in Belgium, this conversation gets into the real details that most people don't think about until they're already on the plane. We cover banking across borders, credit strategy, U.S. tax obligations that follow you everywhere, and what to do in the 12-18 months before you make the move. If you've ever seriously considered planting roots somewhere new, this one's for you. Here are a few acronyms that were used in this episode: WISE (Wise is an international money movement solution); SDFCU has info on WISE on their website, https://sdfcu.org/FBAR (Foreign Bank Account Reporting Requirements) AARO (Association of American residents overseas)FAWCO (Federation of American Women's Clubs Overseas)ACA (American Citizens Abroad)Missed Part 1? We kicked off this series talking about raising money-smart kids — find it wherever you're listening now. Learn more about SDFCU's international services: https://sdfcu.org/ Send us a comment! Support the show We publish new episodes every other Wednesday. Subscribe to the Leadership Tea PodcastSubscribe to Leadership Tea on YouTube!Follow us on Instagram @Leadership_Tea for more inspiration and insights.

  4. Jul 15

    How Great Leaders Raise Money-Smart Kids | Financial Lessons Every Parent Needs

    How do you raise children who understand the value of money in a world where almost every payment is digital? In this episode of Leadership Tea, Shelby Smith-Wilson and Belinda Jackson welcome back financial experts Sam Salmon and Josh Barrett from the State Department Federal Credit Union to discuss practical strategies for raising financially confident kids. Together, they explore allowances, saving, budgeting, first jobs, spending habits, and how parents can build healthy financial mindsets through consistent conversations, not fear or shame. Whether you're raising young children or preparing teenagers for adulthood, this conversation offers practical ideas that leaders can apply both at home and at work. In this episode: • The biggest mistake parents make when teaching kids about money • Why communication matters more than the size of an allowance • Helping children understand needs versus wants • Teaching financial responsibility in a cashless world • Preparing teens for their first paycheck • Why it's never too late to build better money habits Part 1 of a two-part series with the State Department Federal Credit Union. -------------------- Our company, Grounded and Global Advisory, is pleased to offer a quarterly advisory retainer. For $275 per month (billed quarterly, with the option to renew each quarter), you'll receive: One 60-minute coaching session per month Priority access to our calendar One annual 90-minute strategic intensive This offer is for the person who knows what good advisory support feels like and doesn't want to lose it. Spots are limited.  If you're interested, email us directly at hello@stirringsuccess.com, and we'll be in touch. Send us a comment! Support the show We publish new episodes every other Wednesday. Subscribe to the Leadership Tea PodcastSubscribe to Leadership Tea on YouTube!Follow us on Instagram @Leadership_Tea for more inspiration and insights.

  5. Jul 12 ·  Bonus

    Bonus Episode -- New Studio + A Big Announcement: Cape Town 2027

    Surprise! We recorded from a new space this week, Cowo & Crèche here in the DMV, and it feels like the start of a new chapter for Leadership Tea. We're also making an announcement we've been sitting on: Rooted & Rising, our first international leadership retreat, taking place January 17–22, 2027 in Cape Town, South Africa. We talk through what to expect: Table Mountain, wine country in Stellenbosch, meaningful reflection tied to Dr. King's birthday, and real connection with local business leaders — and why this is the next chapter for our company, Grounded & Global. Early bird pricing ends July 31. Full details and booking: https://tri.ps/UCyae  As always, community is clutch. For more information on Cowo & Crèche, check out their website https://www.cowocreche.com/ or follow them on IG, https://www.instagram.com/cowo.creche/ Send us a comment! Support the show We publish new episodes every other Wednesday. Subscribe to the Leadership Tea PodcastSubscribe to Leadership Tea on YouTube!Follow us on Instagram @Leadership_Tea for more inspiration and insights.

  6. Jul 1

    Take Back Your Power After a Forced Career Pivot | Cathy Duffy

    What happens when the career you've spent decades building suddenly ends? In this special re-release of one of Leadership Tea's most impactful conversations, executive leader Cathy Duffy shares how being unexpectedly pushed into early retirement became the beginning of an entirely new chapter. Shelby Smith-Wilson and Belinda Jackson explore identity, leadership, resilience, and what it truly means to take your power back after a forced career pivot. If you're navigating layoffs, organizational change, or questioning what's next in your own career, this episode offers practical leadership lessons that feel especially relevant today. -------------------- Our company, Grounded and Global Advisory, is pleased to offer a quarterly advisory retainer. For $275 per month (billed quarterly, with the option to renew each quarter), you'll receive: One 60-minute coaching session per month Priority access to our calendar One annual 90-minute strategic intensive This offer is for the person who knows what good advisory support feels like and doesn't want to lose it. Spots are limited.  If you're interested, email us directly at hello@stirringsuccess.com, and we'll be in touch. Send us a comment! Support the show We publish new episodes every other Wednesday. Subscribe to the Leadership Tea PodcastSubscribe to Leadership Tea on YouTube!Follow us on Instagram @Leadership_Tea for more inspiration and insights.

  7. Jun 17

    When the Career You Loved Ends: Rebuilding After a Layoff

    After nearly three decades of public service, Shelby shares her experience navigating a Reduction in Force (RIF), the grief that follows career loss, and the challenge of rebuilding professional identity after an unexpected transition. In this candid coaching conversation, Belinda and Shelby explore what it means to process professional grief, move forward without bitterness, and build confidence in the face of uncertainty. They discuss leadership during difficult seasons, the importance of community, and why resilience often begins by remembering the challenges you've already survived. In this episode: Professional grief and career lossLeadership during personal transitionRebuilding confidence after a layoffIdentity shifts and reinventionCoaching, therapy, and resilienceFaith, community, and healingMoving from reflection to actionIf you're navigating a career transition, organizational change, retirement, or an unexpected life pivot, this conversation offers practical wisdom and encouragement for the road ahead. -------------------- Our company, Grounded and Global Advisory, is pleased to offer a quarterly advisory retainer. For $275 per month (billed quarterly, with the option to renew each quarter), you'll receive: One 60-minute coaching session per month Priority access to our calendar One annual 90-minute strategic intensive This offer is for the person who knows what good advisory support feels like and doesn't want to lose it. Spots are limited.  If you're interested, email us directly at hello@stirringsuccess.com, and we'll be in touch. Send us a comment! Support the show We publish new episodes every other Wednesday. Subscribe to the Leadership Tea PodcastSubscribe to Leadership Tea on YouTube!Follow us on Instagram @Leadership_Tea for more inspiration and insights.

  8. Jun 3

    When Leaders Become Caregivers: Family Crisis, Boundaries & Hard Decisions

    Leadership often means making difficult decisions, staying calm under pressure, and showing up for others. But what happens when the hardest leadership challenge isn't at work, it's at home? In this episode, Shelby and Belinda sit down with former diplomat and operations leader Brittany Carroll to discuss becoming a caregiver for her father while managing a demanding professional career. Together, they explore: Leadership during personal crisisCaregiving and aging parentsDifficult family conversationsWorkplace flexibility and employee supportBoundaries, resilience, and decision-makingFinancial and legal preparednessThe hidden challenges many professionals face outside the officeWhether you're a leader supporting employees through difficult seasons, caring for a loved one yourself, or simply preparing for the future, this episode offers practical insights and thoughtful leadership lessons about navigating life's most complex responsibilities. -------------------- Our company, Grounded and Global Advisory, is pleased to offer a quarterly advisory retainer. For $275 per month (billed quarterly, with the option to renew each quarter), you'll receive: One 60-minute coaching session per monthPriority access to our calendarOne annual 90-minute strategic intensiveThis offer is for the person who knows what good advisory support feels like and doesn't want to lose it. Spots are limited.  If you're interested, email us directly at hello@stirringsuccess.com, and we'll be in touch. Send us a comment! Support the show We publish new episodes every other Wednesday. Subscribe to the Leadership Tea PodcastSubscribe to Leadership Tea on YouTube!Follow us on Instagram @Leadership_Tea for more inspiration and insights.

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About

On Leadership Tea, we talk about what it takes to reach the executive level, and how to thrive when you get there. Powerful leaders share their journeys, insights, and triumphs in conversations with hosts Shelby Smith-Wilson and Belinda Jackson Farrier. Join us every other Wednesday to be inspired by the unvarnished stories of amazing executives who know what it's like to be "the only" at the table and who have succeeded regardless. They have proven leadership experience in their respective fields, from international affairs to the private sector to academia, and want to help others create their own success stories.

Information

  • Creator
    Shelby Smith-Wilson and Belinda Jackson Farrier
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    86
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Leadership Tea
  • Show Website
    Leadership Tea

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