Ep 196: Finding Your Giant Steps When the Ground Feels Shaky with Lelani Brown

???? Episode SummaryThe job market isn’t giving today’s college seniors much to smile about—and that includes the Class of 2025. On this timely and powerful episode of The Culture Soup Podcast®, L. Michelle Smith welcomes leadership expert and author Leilani M. Brown for a heart-to-heart on what it takes to launch strong, even in uncertain times.With candor, warmth, and serious know-how, Leilani unpacks what students, families, employers—and even leaders—need to understand about the transition from campus to career. You’ll hear about the emotional toll of today’s job market, what matters most to Gen Z job seekers, and how both individuals and organizations can shift with intention.???? Show ShoutoutsPeople MentionedLeilani M. Brown – Guest, author, CEO of Giant Steps LLCL. Michelle Smith – Host, author, executive coachLeilani’s son – Class of 2025, mentioned as a source of inspirationParents & college students – Broad shoutout to listeners navigating this landscapeOrganizations & InstitutionsGiant Steps LLC – Leilani’s consulting and leadership firmSpelman College – Both Leilani and L. Michelle are alumnaeHoward University – Mentioned in context of the HBCU communityThe Culture Soup Podcast® – In its 8th year, hosted by L. Michelle SmithThe Circle – L. Michelle’s leadership growth and coaching communityNSC Coaching – Executive & personal coaching firm founded by L. MichelleSOAR Academy – Digital learning platform for leadersBooksFrom Campus to Career – Career launch guide for young professionals by LeilaniYour Giant Steps – Leilani’s latest book on professional clarity and growthNo Thanks: 7 Ways to Say I’ll Just Include Myself – L. Michelle’s bestselling bookCultural/Professional ThemesClass of 2025 – Core focus of the episodeGrit, grace, gumption – Leilani’s leadership mantraPurpose, performance, people – Three pillars for career success“The kids are not alright” – Referenced as a cultural truth“You’re not stuck—you’re shifting” – A powerful Leilani quote echoed by L. Michelle???? Learn MoreLeilani M. Brown – leilanimbrown.comL. Michelle Smith & The Culture Soup Podcast® – lmichellesmith.com/theculturesouppodcastJoin The Circle – lmichellesmith.com/thecircle