S8E20: Exploring Professional Wanderlust with Dr. Crystal Moten

In this episode, Laura is joined by Dr. Crystal Moten, an award-winning writer, historian, and expert on Black women's history who has spent her career amplifying the lives and labors of Black women. Dr. Moten introduces the concept of professional wanderlust, a term she coined to reframe how we think about career mobility. Drawing inspiration from the idea of wanderlust in travel, she explores how many Black women navigate their careers as spaces of learning, growth, and exploration rather than following a single, linear path. A self-described professional wanderlust herself, Dr. Moten shares how she once felt shame about frequently changing roles before recognizing the deeper power in refusing to wait for permission to pursue opportunity, wellbeing, and alignment. Through both personal experience and historical insight, she challenges the stigma often attached to "job hopping" and invites listeners to see career movement through a more expansive lens. Together, Laura and Dr. Moten discuss the many reasons Black women move between roles—from seeking fair compensation to leaving toxic work environments to pursuing personal growth and joy. The conversation highlights how career mobility can be both a strategic and liberatory response to workplace realities. Aligned with Season 8's theme Leaning Into Joy, this episode encourages listeners to reimagine their professional journeys as acts of courage, curiosity, and self-determination.   About Crystal Dr. Crystal Marie Moten is an award-winning writer and expert on Black women's history.  She has spent her professional life amplifying the life and labors of Black women. A self-proclaimed "professional wanderlust," she is one of many Black women who have left job after job for a myriad of personal and professional reasons. At first, this continual movement made her ashamed–until she recognized the power in refusing to wait for anyone's permission to reclaim her destiny, walk in her power and write her own ticket. Connect with Crystal Learn more about her upcoming book, The Ticket: Confessions of a Professional Wanderlust at https://profwanderlust.com/ Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cmmoten/ Connect on Instragram: @crystalmariemoten   BWL Resources Join us at the 2026 Black Woman Leading LIVE! Conference & Retreat.  May 11-14, 2026 in Myrtle Beach, SC.  Save your seat at www.BWLretreat.com   Full podcast episodes are now on Youtube.  Subscribe to the BWL channel today! Check out the BWL theme song here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l68EqEJjXq0 Learn the BWL line dance tutorial here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eui89AmJwUg Download the free Black Woman Leading Career Reset Kit - https://blackwomanleading.com/career-reset-kit/   BWL Resources Learn about all Black Woman Leading® programs, resources, and events at www.blackwomanleading.com Learn more about our consulting work with organizations at https://knightsconsultinggroup.com/ Email Laura: [email protected]  Connect with Laura on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauraeknights/  Follow BWL on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/blackwomanleading  Instagram: @blackwomanleading Facebook: @blackwomanleading Youtube: @blackwomanleading  Podcast Music & Production: Marshall Knights - https://marshallknights.com/  Graphics: Dara Adams Listen and follow the podcast on all major platforms: Apple Podcasts Spotify Stitcher iHeartRadio Audible Podbay