Leading Without Belonging (And Creating It Anyway!)

What does leadership feel like when you are the only one in the room?Being the only woman, the only Black person, the only immigrant, the only young leader shapes not just how you show up, but how others experience your leadership. It is about navigating power, identity, and belonging while still being expected to carry the weight of leading.In this episode of Lime, Listen & Learn: The People Leadership Lounge, host Abbiola Ballah is in conversation with Geronda Wollack-Spiller to talk about what it means to lead while being the only and what belonging really requires from everyone involved.This isn’t a panel. We’re not here for perfect soundbites. This is a lime, a Trinidadian term that means to hang out, connect, and vibe.Abbiola and Geronda talk honestly about the complexity of leading when your presence is both necessary and misunderstood. The conversation invites leaders to look closely at voice, access, and care, and to reflect on how the way we speak to one another shapes how we work together.Grab your snacks and a drink. Come lime with us!This Conversation Touches On:Leading while being the only in a spaceBelonging as a shared responsibility, not an individual burdenCuriosity as a pathway to understanding and trustPower, voice, and access in everyday leadershipHolding both logic and vulnerability in hard conversationsAbout Our GuestAs a queer Black woman, Geronda Wollack-Spiller (she/her) has become familiar with what it means to be "the only" and has made it into a superpower for understanding the true meaning of belonging. As a result, she helps leaders and teams implement actionable strategies for increasing belonging, enabling everyone to thrive, feel valued, and foster an inclusive culture that promotes growth. She lives in the beautiful state of Maine with her wife and three fur babies!Learn more about Geronda’s work here:Website | LinkedIn | YouTubeAbout Our HostAbbiola Ballah (she/her) is a people leadership consultant, coach, and facilitator who supports directors & managers navigating the human side of leadership. She is the Founder of Phern Education Studios and the creator of the CLEARER Conversations™ Experience, a signature leadership program designed to help people leaders approach hard conversations with care, discernment, and intention.With over 20 years of experience in leadership development, program design, and organizational learning, Abbiola partners with organizations across the health, education, philanthropy, and nonprofit sectors to design and facilitate people-centered leadership experiences that improve communication, support managers & directors through team dynamics, and rebuild trust. Originally from Trinidad and Tobago, she brings a global perspective shaped by long-term, cross-cultural work with leaders and organizations.Learn more about Abbiola's work here:Website | LinkedIn | Instagram