Leadership Tea

In the newly launched Sunday Scaries to Sunday Strategy Series as part of the Leadership Tea Podcast, Belinda and Shelby help executives with tips to lean into the week and strategies for long-term professional growth. This episode highlights how to future-proof your career in an unpredictable world, focusing on four critical soft skills: digital fluency, influence without authority, cross-cultural communication, and purpose-driven career design. Not theory—practical habits, stories from Belinda and Shelby’s experience as diplomats and executives leading enterprise teams, and concrete steps to leverage your personal brand and network to stay ahead. Join the conversation and learn how to prepare for future challenges while building a legacy in your executive role.00:00 Introduction to the Leadership Tea Podcast00:21 Launching the Sunday Strategy Series00:42 Future Proofing Your Career01:50 Defining Future Proofing03:16 Digital Fluency: Embracing Technology07:04 Influence Without Authority11:19 Cross-Cultural Communication14:47 Purpose-Driven Career Design20:47 Starting Your Future Proofing Journey23:15 Conclusion and Call to ActionSend us a comment!Leadership isn’t easy and sometimes, the podcast isn’t enough. That’s why we’re creating The Leadership Lounge, a members-only community designed for leaders who want to go deeper, reflect more, and stay grounded.What do you get? A monthly group coaching session led by the Leadership Tea Podcast hosts and monthly virtual community connection sessions, as well as leadership resources and articles. Find more information about the Leadership Lounge here.For leaders who want more than surface-level advice. What do you get?A virtual monthly group coaching session led by the Leadership Tea Podcast hosts.A monthly Community Connection virtual meet-up.Leadership resources and articles.We publish new episodes every other Wednesday. Subscribe to the Leadership Tea Podcast Subscribe to Leadership Tea on YouTube! Follow us on Instagram @Leadership_Tea for more inspiration and insights.

Airports jammed, paychecks paused, nerves frayed—crisis has a way of revealing what actually keeps leaders steady. Belinda and Shelby peel back the layers of the recent shutdown and run our lessons through “priority screening,” naming the habits and guardrails that matter when systems fail and people still need direction.First, Belinda and Shelby get practical about money. Financial fragility isn’t just stressful; it impairs judgment. They also challenge unbounded vulnerability. Empathy fuels trust, but unchecked venting drains morale. Values become the compass: hold standards, keep momentum, and resist the urge to pass your frustration down the chain. Finally, Belinda and Shelby share how boundaries protect high-EQ leaders from burnout.As they close the shutdown series, Belinda and Shelby preview a new flow of episodes, “No Sunday Scaries,” designed to reset your week with intention and ease. Your take matters—what lessons make the cut for priority screening?Send us a comment!Find more information about the Leadership Lounge here.For leaders who want more than surface-level advice. What do you get?A virtual monthly group coaching session led by the Leadership Tea Podcast hosts.A monthly Community Connection virtual meet-up.Leadership resources and articles.We publish new episodes every other Wednesday. Subscribe to the Leadership Tea Podcast Subscribe to Leadership Tea on YouTube! Follow us on Instagram @Leadership_Tea for more inspiration and insights.

Belinda and Shelby are joined by tech policy and AI governance expert, Soribel Feliz, also known as The AI Therapist. Soribel tackles the anxiety currently gripping the professional world: fear of being replaced by artificial intelligence. If you're wondering what your kids should study, how to upskill mid-career, or how to maintain your mental health amid constant doom-and-gloom headlines, this episode is for you.Soribel discusses the legitimate concerns surrounding AI, from plagiarism in higher education to the AI automation impacting white-collar work. She dispels one of the biggest myths—that AGI will be "god-like.” And she offers practical advice on how to manage your anxiety around AI by focusing on what you can control, and how executives can build a collaborative AI adoption strategy. Also in this episode:Legitimate concerns everyone should have about AI's impact on work and societyWhy learning all the AI tools is an overwhelming and ineffective strategySoribel's advice for maximizing your data privacy and security immediatelyHow leaders can create a vision for integrating AI on their teamsFind Soribel:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/soribelfeliz/YouTube: https://youtube.com/@soribelaitherapistYou can also watch our conversation on YouTube: https://youtu.be/A-RocnSZfl0Send us a comment!Leadership isn’t easy and sometimes, the podcast isn’t enough. That’s why we’re creating The Leadership Lounge, a members-only community designed for leaders who want to go deeper, reflect more, and stay grounded.What do you get? A monthly group coaching session led by the Leadership Tea Podcast hosts and monthly virtual community connection sessions, as well as leadership resources and articles. Find more information about the Leadership Lounge here.For leaders who want more than surface-level advice. What do you get?A virtual monthly group coaching session led by the Leadership Tea Podcast hosts.A monthly Community Connection virtual meet-up.Leadership resources and articles.We publish new episodes every other Wednesday. Subscribe to the Leadership Tea Podcast Subscribe to Leadership Tea on YouTube! Follow us on Instagram @Leadership_Tea for more inspiration and insights.

Finding Growth in Discomfort: Strategies for Transition and CopingIn this episode of the Leadership Tea Podcast, hosts discuss the challenges and growth opportunities during a shutdown. Shelby shares her experiences transitioning out of government work, dealing with introversion through networking, and finding new ways to communicate and cope during uncomfortable times. Belinda talks about the importance of focus for entrepreneurs, challenges in self-promotion, and breaking down larger goals to avoid feeling overwhelmed. They both highlight the importance of family communication and maintaining relationships during financial strains. The episode emphasizes finding hope and possibilities even in challenging circumstances, offering practical advice and personal anecdotes.00:00 Introduction to the Leadership Tea Podcast00:16 Embracing Discomfort for Growth00:56 Shelby's Networking Strategies03:32 Belinda's Entrepreneurial Focus05:49 The Challenge of Self-Promotion10:52 Communicating Through Crisis18:24 Finding Hope and Possibilities19:56 Conclusion and Community SupportJOIN THE LEADERSHIP LOUNGEIf you're a leader who wants more than surface-level advice, join Shelby & Belinda for exclusive content, practical tools, and a supportive community that fuels your growth. Learn more at https://www.stirringsuccess.com/leadershiploungeSend us a comment!Find more information about the Leadership Lounge here.For leaders who want more than surface-level advice. What do you get?A virtual monthly group coaching session led by the Leadership Tea Podcast hosts.A monthly Community Connection virtual meet-up.Leadership resources and articles.We publish new episodes every other Wednesday. Subscribe to the Leadership Tea Podcast Subscribe to Leadership Tea on YouTube! Follow us on Instagram @Leadership_Tea for more inspiration and insights.

Shelby and Belinda reflect on managing personal and professional lives amidst the prolonged government shutdown. They discuss its impacts, such as the end of SNAP benefits and continued layoffs at major companies. Shelby and Belinda also draw parallels between the resilience seen in the World Series and the mindset needed to navigate challenging times. They emphasize the importance of mutual support, filling each other's cups, and maintaining a 'game seven mentality' to stay motivated and impactful. The episode concludes with a call for listeners to share their thoughts and strategies for approaching 2026. *Please note, the reference to Manuel Rojas was an error; in their excitement, the hosts misspoke and meant to say Miguel Rojas.Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Leadership Tea Podcast00:10 Reflecting on the Government Shutdown01:35 Personal Impacts and Client Success Stories04:04 Mentees and Restoring Faith07:42 Lessons from the World Series14:11 Filling Each Other's Cups18:15 Conclusion and Call to ActionJOIN THE LEADERSHIP LOUNGEIf you're a leader who wants more than surface-level advice, join Shelby & Belinda for exclusive content, practical tools, and a supportive community that fuels your growth. Learn more at https://www.stirringsuccess.com/leadershiploungeSend us a comment!Find more information about the Leadership Lounge here.For leaders who want more than surface-level advice. What do you get?A virtual monthly group coaching session led by the Leadership Tea Podcast hosts.A monthly Community Connection virtual meet-up.Leadership resources and articles.We publish new episodes every other Wednesday. Subscribe to the Leadership Tea Podcast Subscribe to Leadership Tea on YouTube! Follow us on Instagram @Leadership_Tea for more inspiration and insights.

Shelby and Belinda welcome a special guest, Ellen Tannor, a former senior diplomat who recently participated in the 'Repose, a Day of Reflection' retreat at Salamander Resort in Middleburg. Ellen shares her rich career experiences, including her service as a special agent and protective detail member for Secretary of State Colin Powell. Now pursuing a master’s degree in journalism at American University, Ellen reflects on her transition from being a diplomat and the importance of mental and spiritual refreshers. The discussion highlights key takeaways from the retreat, such as the importance of moving with purpose, making 'better mistakes tomorrow,' and the benefits of lifting others as a way to protect one's mental health. The episode encapsulates the essence of intentionality, community, and forward-thinking, leaving listeners with valuable insights on how to thrive in their personal and professional lives.Chapters00:00 Welcome to the Leadership Tea Podcast00:05 Introducing Ellen Tannor01:40 Reflecting on the Repose Event04:01 Key Takeaways from the Retreat06:28 The Importance of Being Intentional08:00 Executing Big Ideas11:09 Transitioning from Diplomacy to Journalism19:20 Maintaining Mental Health and Resilience22:47 Final Thoughts and GratitudeJOIN THE LEADERSHIP LOUNGEIf you're a leader who wants more than surface-level advice, join Shelby & Belinda for exclusive content, practical tools, and a supportive community that fuels your growth. Learn more at https://www.stirringsuccess.com/leadershiploungeSend us a comment!Leadership isn’t easy and sometimes, the podcast isn’t enough. That’s why we’re creating The Leadership Lounge, a members-only community designed for leaders who want to go deeper, reflect more, and stay grounded.What do you get? A monthly group coaching session led by the Leadership Tea Podcast hosts and monthly virtual community connection sessions, as well as leadership resources and articles. Find more information about the Leadership Lounge here.For leaders who want more than surface-level advice. What do you get?A virtual monthly group coaching session led by the Leadership Tea Podcast hosts.A monthly Community Connection virtual meet-up.Leadership resources and articles.We publish new episodes every other Wednesday. Subscribe to the Leadership Tea Podcast Subscribe to Leadership Tea on YouTube! Follow us on Instagram @Leadership_Tea for more inspiration and insights.

Belinda and Shelby discuss the ongoing challenges of the government shutdown and share personal strategies for maintaining hope and resilience. They reflect on the inspiration drawn from historical figures like Harriet Tubman and the symbolism of the Phoenix rising from the ashes. The conversation emphasizes the importance of fighting for joy, seeking peace, and building a support system during tough times. They also preview an upcoming episode about their recent experience at 'repose' and how it has reinvigorated their spirit.Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Leadership Team Podcast00:25 Embracing the Phoenix Mode01:54 Drawing Strength from Harriet Tubman03:38 Celebrating Repose and Choosing Hope04:03 Fighting for Joy Amidst the Shutdown07:55 Finding Peace in Unprecedented Times09:02 Wrapping Up and Looking AheadJOIN THE LEADERSHIP LOUNGEIf you're a leader who wants more than surface-level advice, join Shelby & Belinda for exclusive content, practical tools, and a supportive community that fuels your growth. Learn more at https://www.stirringsuccess.com/leadershiploungeSend us a comment!Find more information about the Leadership Lounge here.For leaders who want more than surface-level advice. What do you get?A virtual monthly group coaching session led by the Leadership Tea Podcast hosts.A monthly Community Connection virtual meet-up.Leadership resources and articles.We publish new episodes every other Wednesday. Subscribe to the Leadership Tea Podcast Subscribe to Leadership Tea on YouTube! Follow us on Instagram @Leadership_Tea for more inspiration and insights.

What if a shutdown could be your reset button? We sat down with digital strategist and communicator Afua Riverson to explore how a forced pause can surface buried passions, heal old narratives, and point you toward work that actually feels like yours. The conversation starts with a candid check-in on grief, time, and why a week of D’Angelo and 90s R&B can do more for your spirit than another round of headlines. From there, we trace a path many first-gen leaders know too well: the pressure to choose “serious” careers, the habit of overperforming to earn love, and the quiet cost of shelving creative callings.Afua lets us into her turning point - health challenges and the radical question: Who am I without the titles? What she finds looks like a treasure chest: sketchbooks, museums, movement in nature, the old dream of fashion and creative direction. She builds a “joy list,” a simple, repeatable practice that grounds her when anxiety spikes and imposter syndrome knocks. We dig into the leadership skills that emerge from this reset - creative direction, innovation, and culture-building - and how those gifts translate into real value for teams and brands. If you’re navigating the prestige treadmill or wrestling with immigrant expectations, this is permission to pivot without apology.Connect with Afua on LinkedIn If this conversation gave you language for what you’re feeling, hit follow, leave a review, and pass it to a friend who needs a hopeful nudge today.JOIN THE LEADERSHIP LOUNGEIf you're a leader who wants more than surface-level advice, join Shelby & Belinda for exclusive content, practical tools, and a supportive community that fuels your growth. Learn more at https://www.stirringsuccess.com/leadershiploungeSend us a comment!We publish new episodes every other Wednesday. Subscribe to the Leadership Tea Podcast Subscribe to Leadership Tea on YouTube! Follow us on Instagram @Leadership_Tea for more inspiration and insights.

Kimya Imani Jackson, PhD, joins Belinda and Shelby to discuss the emotional impact of professional grief. Amid the government shutdown and massive layoffs, it can feel impossible to move forward. How do you begin to build a new career when you're feeling a profound sense of loss? Kimya shares how she has found the motivation to pivot and reinvent herself throughout her storied career. And she provides science-backed strategies for processing professional loss and professional grief while simultaneously opening the door to new possibilities. This conversation can help you if you’re experiencing professional loss, corporate grief, and a sense of overwhelm after sudden career-ending changes. Also in this video:Practices that include the burden tree, daydreaming, and dream journalsHolistic approaches to calm hyper-activated nervous systemsHow professional grief affects not just people who are leaving, but also those left behindCultivating community through hobbies and maintaining contact with friends and loved onesFind Dr. Jackson at https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimya-imani-jackson-phd JOIN THE LEADERSHIP LOUNGEIf you're a leader who wants more than surface-level advice, join Shelby & Belinda for exclusive content, practical tools, and a supportive community that fuels your growth. Learn more at https://www.stirringsuccess.com/leadershiploungeSend us a comment!We publish new episodes every other Wednesday. Subscribe to the Leadership Tea Podcast Subscribe to Leadership Tea on YouTube! Follow us on Instagram @Leadership_Tea for more inspiration and insights.

Shelby and Belinda discuss our personal experiences and emotional journey during the ongoing government shutdown. We share how the shutdown is affecting our households, businesses, and mental health. We talk about the importance of mental resilience and practical steps to cope with financial and emotional stress during uncertain times. We also introduce the Leadership Lounge, our new initiative created to build a supportive community for personal and professional growth.JOIN THE LEADERSHIP LOUNGELooking to build your leadership community? Join our exclusive membership area for leadership resources and deeper, unconstrained conversations. You'll get a monthly bonus episode of the Leadership Tea Podcast, group coaching sessions for Lounge members, and quarterly Q&A episodes with Shelby and Belinda.Learn more and join at https://www.stirringsuccess.com/leadershiplounge00:00 Introduction to the Leadership Tea Podcast00:21 Impact of the Government Shutdown02:00 Personal Reflections and Financial Concerns08:46 Coping Strategies and Community Support17:08 Leadership Lounge and Community Building20:56 Final ThoughtsSend us a comment!We publish new episodes every other Wednesday. Subscribe to the Leadership Tea Podcast Subscribe to Leadership Tea on YouTube! Follow us on Instagram @Leadership_Tea for more inspiration and insights.