Ep.6 Pay it Forward

In this powerful episode, Nataki Garrett unpacks the urgent need for leadership development coaching in the performing arts—especially for women and leaders of color. Drawing from her own lived experience at the helm of major institutions, Nataki explores why coaching is too often withheld until a leader is in crisis, and how systems designed to protect traditional power structures actively resist supporting visionary leadership.She shares the personal and professional catalysts that led her to create Ladder Leadership—a coaching platform built for those navigating toxic systems, carrying transformational visions, and leading at the edge. With honesty and clarity, Nataki breaks down how systemic bias, professional violence, and silence clauses isolate ousted leaders, and why access to coaching before the breakdown is a radical act of care, strategy, and survival.This episode is a must-listen for anyone questioning why leadership feels so lonely—and what we can do to change that. For more information about Ladder Leadership visit www.natakigarrett.com/theladder This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit bealadderleader.substack.com/subscribe