Leadership Tea

Shelby and Belinda welcome special guest Boniswa Siwundla Madikizela, a transformational leader from South Africa, for a conversation on how to stay grounded and aligned in a world that feels chaotic. Boniswa shares her personal practices for protecting herself from energy vampires, defining (and refining) her core purpose or "golden thread," and the joy of setting boundaries. ALSO IN THIS EPISODEStaying grounded in an off-kilter worldPausing before you commit to a decisionLeaving a place that doesn’t align with your valuesRecognizing and overcoming the hesitation to shineABOUT BONISWA Boniswa Siwundla Madikizela is a South African financial expert, educator, and advocate known for her work in financial literacy and accounting education, holding a CA(SA), MCom, and is a PhD candidate. She is a senior lecturer in accounting at the University of Johannesburg and is the founder of the Financial Literacy and Inclusion Center of Southern Africa (FLIC_SA). Find Boniswa at https://linktr.ee/Boniswa_MSend 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. Get your FREE copy of our Strategic Change WorkbookLearn more about us at stirringsuccess.com

Career transitions can be emotionally challenging, but with the right community and strategic approach, they become opportunities for growth, authentic connection, and clarity. In this bonus episode:Shelby shares her experience being laid off after a 26-year career and launching her business, The Fendall Collaborative.Belinda introduces her new Clarity Lab initiative -- a group coaching program designed to help professionals navigate career transitions through community connections.Shelby and Belinda emphasize the importance of recalibrating based on new information rather than sticking rigidly to outdated plans, the value of authentic community, and the importance of grieving losses while moving forward."Repose: A Day of Reflection" - October 25, 2025 We're excited to announce our in-person event, "Repose: A Day of Reflection." This will be an intimate gathering at Salamander Middleburg (Virginia) for professionals seeking community in a safe space where they can pause for reflection, strategic thinking, and networking.Join us! Tickets are available now (and prices increase in October): https://www.stirringsuccess.com/reposeMentioned in this episode:The Fendall Collaborative: thefendallcollaborative.comThe Clarity Lab: sweetgrassadvisorygroup.com/the-clarity-labFemme Factor: thefemmefactor.com/eventsSend 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. Get your FREE copy of our Strategic Change WorkbookLearn more about us at stirringsuccess.com

Our special guest, Lisa Povoni, a therapist and coach with a specialty in trauma, discusses how leaders can recognize and manage chronic stress and burnout in themselves and their teams. She shares actionable micro-practices, the difference between shame and guilt, and the importance of creating space for people to be human in quickly changing, high-pressure environments.Whether you're an executive feeling the weight of constant pressure or a middle manager, this conversation offers practical wisdom for maintaining your mental health while performing at your best. In this episode:The difference between chronic stress, burnout, and traumaMicro-practices to re-center yourselfCreating a safe environment for your teamWhen to seek a coach, a therapist, or bothSend 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. Get your FREE copy of our Strategic Change WorkbookLearn more about us at stirringsuccess.com

Belinda and Shelby introduce this oldie-but-goodie by catching you up on what we're doing this summer. And in the episode, we talk about how to master the first 90 days in your new role, as you transition from colleague to commander. How can you build trust and credibility when transitioning to a new leadership position?  discuss strategies that have worked for us as we've navigated change management, tough conversations, financial restraints, and the dynamics of managing former peers. We're taking a break for August to rest and refresh. We hope that you enjoy the rest of your summer and that you re-listen to some of our other past episodes. See you in September!Send 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. Get your FREE copy of our Strategic Change WorkbookLearn more about us at stirringsuccess.com

Are you navigating a career pivot or a layoff? It’s not uncommon these days. If you’re looking ahead to what’s next, Shelby and Belinda want to remind you that times have changed, so what worked for you before won't necessarily get you where you want to go. In other words, the tools and mindset that brought you success in the past might need a serious overhaul. Whether you're facing a forced career pivot, adapting to a restructured team, or aspiring to higher levels of leadership, this episode is a call not just to let go of habits that no longer serve you, but also to uncouple your identity from your career.Watch episode 13 on YouTubeSend 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. Get your FREE copy of our Strategic Change WorkbookLearn more about us at stirringsuccess.com

Recent high school grad Viola Wilson speaks with Shelby (her mom) and Belinda to share a fresh perspective on what leadership means to her. Viola speaks fluent Spanish and had lived in four countries by the time she was 9 years old. She graduated from high school with honors, earning a 4.3 GPA while excelling in varsity swim, varsity track and field, swimming on a year-round travel swim team, doing extra-curricular activities, community service, and working part-time as a lifeguard. She will enter Virginia Tech this fall as an engineering major.Watch Episode 12 on YouTube: https://youtu.be/J8Dsn8zCSQgSend 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. Get your FREE copy of our Strategic Change WorkbookLearn more about us at stirringsuccess.com

Belinda and Shelby acknowledge the current speed of change and wild news cycle, and the emotional toll that it can take. They share practical steps they are taking to prevent crashing out and to improve their well-being. They emphasize that while awareness of external events is important, protecting your inner peace and mental health is paramount to effectively show up for yourself and your teams.Embracing intentional self-care and a future-focused outlook can help you stay sane and lead with clarity, even when the world feels chaotic.What will you do this summer to avoid crashing out in a world that feels chaotic? Watch this episode on YouTubeSend 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. Get your FREE copy of our Strategic Change WorkbookLearn more about us at stirringsuccess.com

Join former diplomat Ambassador Robert Gilchrist, who has a rich background in advocating for democracy and human rights. He shares his unique approach to leadership, using "ice cream diplomacy" to foster team connections. Gilchrist emphasizes the importance of integrity and empathy, especially in challenging environments. He discusses the necessity of self-awareness and mental health in leadership, offering strategies to tackle toxic workplaces. With personal stories and reflections grounded in his Quaker faith, he provides invaluable insights for leaders at any level.

Join Shelby and Belinda as they dive into the power of self-belief and breaking free from limitations. Discover how authenticity can build a vibrant community, and get inspired by their upcoming live event focused on connection and growth. The hosts share their personal journeys of creativity and leadership, encouraging listeners to embrace their own transformative experiences. Prepare for real talk, live coaching, and strategies to empower you as you step boldly into your next chapter!

Belinda and Shelby dive into the art of empowering others through risk-taking in leadership. They share personal stories of when they took chances on team members, highlighting both successes and failures. The discussion emphasizes emotional intelligence, motivation, and trust as vital components in recognizing potential. They explore the delicate balance of accountability versus compassion and the significance of clear communication. Don’t miss their 'Shoot Your Shot' challenge, urging listeners to embrace discomfort and seize opportunities!