
Leadership Tea
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.
Latest episodes

Oct 30, 2024 • 17min
Managing from the Middle & the Power of Emotional Intelligence | S2 EP5
How can you keep team morale high when the people above you can't see eye to eye? Managing from the middle can feel like walking a tightrope when you're caught in the crossfire of clashing bosses. Drawing from our personal experiences, Belinda and Shelby reveal the art of leading small teams while gracefully managing upwards. We explore the power of emotional intelligence in turning a challenging dynamic into an opportunity for growth. Discover how we approached bosses who didn’t get along, and the proactive steps we took to safeguard our teams. Whether you're a middle manager seeking advice or simply curious about the nuances of corporate life, this episode will help you thrive in the middle. 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

Oct 16, 2024 • 34min
Trust, Teamwork & Transformation, with Kendra Gaither | S2 EP4
What if the key to successful leadership is knowing when to say no? Join us as we uncover strategic problem-solving and leadership secrets with Kendra Gaither. This episode promises to equip you with strategies for balancing team success with well-being, focusing on essential tasks, and staying aligned with your team's North Star, even when unexpected opportunities knock on your door.Kendra shares her experiences rallying teams towards shared objectives, fostering a culture of respect, and striving for excellence. Learn how the collective efforts and trust-building within a team can culminate in achieving ambitious outcomes, making each attempt a learning milestone rather than a failure.We delve into the pitfalls of perfectionism, the joy of embracing one's unique qualities at work, and the power of expecting to win. As we prepare for the upcoming transition from 2024 to 2025, we tackle the challenges of mission creep and the importance of gratitude and friendship in leadership. Kendra's Recommended Resources:"Expect to Win" by Carla Harris "Atomic Habits" by James Clear "Born in Blackness: Africans, and the Making of the Modern World, 1471 to the Second World War" by Howard French Dare to Lead podcast by Brene BrownWorkLife podcast by Adam GrantSend 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

Oct 2, 2024 • 19min
How to Block Out the Noise & Lead with Purpose | S2 EP3
Being a leader means managing the emotional stress that comes with striving for excellence amidst external criticism. Belinda and Shelby discuss real-world challenges that leaders face, from microaggressions to the relentless pressures to lead new initiatives. Through personal stories and practical advice, we share how to preserve your mental energy, pick your battles wisely, and ensure your responses are both considered and impactful. Developing strong habits and building a supportive community early in your career can help you maintain a high level of performance. It's all about safeguarding your internal strength and staying steadfast on your path to success.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

Sep 19, 2024 • 40min
Leading with Self-Awareness and Empathy, with Nichole Gladden McCall | S2 EP2
Leadership is not just about strategy and performance; it's about people. What if self-awareness could be your secret weapon in effective leadership? Accomplished leader Nichole Gladden McCall shares her insights on leading with authenticity and empathy. Nichole opens up about the importance of self-awareness, detailing her daily practice of self-check-ins. She shares actionable strategies for navigating tough conversations with team members, as well as for creating an environment where every voice is valued. The conversation wraps up with a fun lightning round, reflecting on personal preferences and the central role of love in leadership. About Nichole Gladden McCallSend 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

Sep 19, 2024 • 39min
Leading with a Startup Mindset: Leadership Strategies for Success | S2 EP1
Curious about how to lead with a startup mindset in any sector, including government or private industry? In this episode, Belinda and Shelby break down how agility and creativity can help you when embarking on new projects or building teams. If you're struggling with mission creep or feeling overwhelmed by tasks, we’ve got you covered. We discuss how to set goals for the year ahead and maintain clear objectives. And we talk about a crisis communication project where calm leadership was essential.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

Aug 7, 2024 • 23min
Reflections on a Season of Leadership Growth | S1 EP19
Belinda and Shelby share our favorite moments and quotes from season 1 of the podcast. Belinda recounts Perlita's insights on the unsustainability of fight-or-flight leadership. Shelby reflects on our conversation with Emily Haber, focusing on leading with vulnerability. As we take a brief hiatus to plan for the next season, we'll stay active on Instagram and our email updates. The most impactful lessons often come from the community we've built around us.Your voice matters to us; share your thoughts, suggest topics, and share the podcast with colleagues and friends! We're grateful for your support and excited about the connections and conversations awaiting us in season two. Until then, let's continue to inspire and uplift each other!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

Jul 24, 2024 • 34min
Pivoting from Diplomacy to the Private Sector | S1 EP18
What happens when a seasoned diplomat becomes an entrepreneur? From an emotional farewell to the State Department to entering the private sector and entrepreneurship, Belinda's story is a testament to the possibilities of embracing change.Belinda discusses bravely letting go of what no longer served her and how redefining her boundaries led to a new sense of empowerment. Belinda leveraged her skills, network, and dreams to create a life of limitless success.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

Jul 10, 2024 • 35min
Creativity, Curiosity & the Achievement Addiction, with Erika Bennett | S1 EP17
How can you build a team that thrives on creativity and curiosity? Our guest Erika Bennett, founder and CEO of Conscious Culture Creative, does just that. Her unique leadership style fosters deep relationships and creates an environment where curiosity is valued. Erika shares how nurturing diverse talents can lead to substantial growth for everyone on the team. Erika reflects on her rise from intern to executive, as well as her transition from high-profile roles to a more balanced life as an entrepreneur, emphasizing the importance of mental health and personal fulfillment. About Erika BennettSend 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

Jul 3, 2024 • 36min
How Do Power Couples Stay Grounded? | S1 EP16
Ever wondered how power couples juggle careers while keeping their families grounded? Shelby and Belinda share our secrets to balancing demanding jobs and family obligations. We bring our spouses into the mix, revealing how communication, adaptability, and mutual support help us manage it all. We liken marriage to a relay race, where the baton is passed to whoever is best positioned to move forward. This type of teamwork relies on mutual support, bravery, and open communication. Our flexibility sets positive examples for our children and contributes to our professional achievements. 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

6 snips
Jun 26, 2024 • 27min
How the Pandemic Challenged Us to Grow (Part 2) | S1 EP15
Discover how adversity can lead to growth opportunities and the power of maintaining a positive mindset. Learn about the importance of self-care for leaders, making thoughtful decisions, and leading with empathy and resilience during uncertain times.