Her Next Power Move

🎙️ Episode 23: The Space Between: Where Leadership Gets Lost and How to Finds it AgainYou can say the right thing… and still not be heard the way you intended.In this episode of Her Next Power Move, L. Michelle Smith explores the often overlooked space between what leaders say and how their message is actually received—especially in moments of change.As organizations lean into AI, leaders are being asked to communicate with confidence about what’s possible. The messaging is clear. The intention is right. And still, something doesn’t fully land.Why?Because communication doesn’t end when something is said. It continues in how it is interpreted, filtered, and carried forward by the people who heard it.Drawing from neuroscience and real-world leadership dynamics, this episode breaks down what is happening beneath the surface when teams hear about change—and why uncertainty, cognitive overload, and unspoken questions can quietly shape behavior.This is not a messaging problem. It’s a meaning-making problem.And how you lead in that space determines whether your team moves with you—or begins to pull away.In this episode, you’ll explore:Why people don’t hear your message the way you think they doHow the brain processes change, uncertainty, and perceived threatWhat happens when questions go unspokenThe hidden cost of cognitive overload and constant task switchingHow to close the gap between what is said and what is understoodResearch & Insights Referenced:NeuroLeadership Institute: Uncertainty activates threat responses in the brainJournal of Experimental Psychology: Task switching can reduce productivity by up to 40% and increase errorsFoundational neuroscience on the amygdala and threat perceptionPowerful Thought:People don’t resist what you say.They resist what they think it means for them.Powerful Question:Where in your leadership are you communicating clearly… but not creating understanding?Stay Connected:If this episode resonated with you, and you’re ready to deepen how you lead in moments that matter, I invite you to explore The Circle—my leadership growth community.This is where we do the deeper work:how you show up, how you’re experienced, and how you lead with intention in real time.Learn more:👉 lmichellesmith.com/thecircle This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit lmichellesmith.substack.com/subscribe

NEW YORK CITY & NEW JERSEY:The Call and Response book tour will be in your area soon! Mark your calendar to sit with myself and Carla Harris for a conversation about how heart-centered leadership is built, why we need it today, and where those foundational lessons came from for the both of us and many other amazing corporate leaders that are at the top of their games today.Join us and special host Michael Hyter for the engaging and actionable conversation.6 p..- 7 p.m. ET Wednesday, May 6, 2026Barnes & Noble Upper East SideCome a little early to snag your seat and mingleI will sign books immediately following. Head over to the Barnes & Noble UES Events Page to add this event to your calendar, and invite a friend or colleague to join us.Learn more about Call and Response: 10 Leadership Lessons from the Black Church, and the leadership platform inspired by it. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit lmichellesmith.substack.com/subscribe

HER NEXT POWER MOVEEpisode 22: Capacity Is an Inside JobHosted by L. Michelle SmithIn this first episode back since the end of 2025, L. Michelle reflects on what has come into sharper focus during her Call and Response book and media tour and introduces the deeper shift happening across her work: a stronger emphasis on heart-centered leadership.This episode takes a closer look at capacity, but not from the usual team-performance angle. Instead, it explores a leader’s personal capacity: the inner room to think clearly, stay grounded, remain emotionally available, and lead with intention when life and work both feel demanding.Drawing from neuroscience, positive psychology, and her evolving Leadership Revival framework, L. Michelle invites listeners to consider how pressure changes the way leaders think, respond, and relate. She also offers a reflective lens for noticing when leadership has become compressed by overextension, even when performance still looks strong on the surface.If you have been carrying a lot, pushing through, and wondering why your leadership feels tighter than it used to, this episode will meet you there.IN THIS EPISODE, L. MICHELLE EXPLORES: Why capacity issues often show up in the leader before they show up in the team How sustained pressure affects the brain and narrows leadership range What heart-centered leadership asks of us in this season Why internal capacity shapes relationships, judgment, and presence A simple reflection to help you lead from a fuller placeLISTEN IF YOU ARE: Leading while stretched thin Feeling productive, but not especially spacious Trying to show up well for others without losing yourself Rethinking what sustainable leadership really requiresMENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:Call and Response by L. Michelle Smith Subscribe to Her Next Power Move on Substack Learn more about coaching, workshops, and speaking at lmichellesmith.comREFLECTION QUESTION:Where might the strain in your leadership be less about performance and more about capacity?CONNECT WITH L. MICHELLE:Website: lmichellesmith.comSubstack: Her Next Power MoveBook: Call and Response This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit lmichellesmith.substack.com/subscribe

Seems befitting that a I leverage AI for my end-of-year wrap up, in a year where I integrated AI into my coach-facilitator and C-suite advisement practice. Her Next Power Move is officially in hiatus until the New Year, so take a listen to the podcast created with the data I fed the platform to create the audio and the visuals you see here.This year wasn’t about visibility.It was about validity.I spent 2025 heads down—researching, testing, translating, and pressure-checking ideas in real leadership environments. No big splash. No rush to summarize the work before it was ready.This visual is a glimpse into Call & Response, the book's core premise and a framework rooted in cultural wisdom, applied science, and lived leadership practice translated into modern theory. Years of interviews. Nearly 200 citations. A lot of listening.A decade from concept to publication.And to think, it all started in 2016 when someone asked, "Where'd you learn to speak like that?" when writing a book about this was furthest from my mind!This isn't a trend. It's a sustainable body of work.Universities, companies and churches are already asking about curriculum.If you're also interested, I've got you. Just reach out.Educators: my publishers will work with you on text books, we're already receiving requests.Alongside that work, I stayed in the classroom and in the field:– Continuing as adjunct faculty with the Executive Leadership Council Institute– Joining the faculty at The CaPP Institute to help prepare certified coaches for their ICF credentials– Onboarding as an Academy Partner with The Academy for Advancing Excellence as a coach and facilitatorNo big splash. Just alignment.The infographic I’m sharing is a snapshot of what that kind of year actually produces when you commit to substance over noise: leaders coached, insights delivered, programs built, and ideas translated into scalable impact.This wasn’t a year of visibility.It was a year of positioning.And I’m entering the next chapter clear, grounded, and ready.Next year, my team and I shift gears. Who's ready to join me?2026, let's go!Call and Response: 10 Leadership Lessons from the Black Church is a collaboration between Amistad Books, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishing, the oldest and most storied publisher of Black voices in the nation and JVL Media, the imprint of Viola Davis, Julius Tennon and Lavaille Lavette. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit lmichellesmith.substack.com/subscribe

Summary:As the year winds down, many high-performing leaders find themselves mentally drained in a way that sleep alone can’t fix. This episode breaks down the neuroscience of year-end fatigue—why your brain feels foggy, unfocused, or simply done—and why this season hits harder than any other quarter.Grounded in research from cognitive science and positive psychology, we explore how chronic decision-making depletes the prefrontal cortex, how emotional residue builds through the year, and why stress narrows your perception just when clarity matters most.You’ll learn how to shift from high output to high intention, simplify decisions, conserve cognitive energy, and reconnect to purpose so you can finish strong—without finishing yourself.In this episode, you’ll learn:• Why Q4 is the most cognitively expensive quarter of the year• What neuroscience says about cognitive fatigue and emotional residue• How chronic stress reshapes attention, motivation, and clarity• Why “pushing through” actually sabotages performance• How micro-rest practices restore cognitive energy• A weekly micro-practice to regain control and clarity• A powerful thought and coaching question to carry forwardMicro-Practice:The Five-Minute Finish — a brief end-of-day ritual that restores clarity and reduces mental clutter.Powerful Question:What is one thing you can stop doing this season that will help you finish the year with strength and clarity instead of depletion?Call to Action:Preorder Call & Response: Ten Leadership Lessons from the Black Church and learn how to build grounded, unshakeable leadership rooted in science and cultural wisdom. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit lmichellesmith.substack.com/subscribe

Episode 20 — When It Feels Like the Wrong People Are WinningOverviewEvery leader eventually encounters a moment when it looks like the wrong people are getting ahead — the shortcut-takers, the corner-cutters, the ones who maneuver instead of lead. It’s frustrating, not because you’re chasing recognition, but because you’re committed to integrity. In today’s episode of Her Next Power Move™, we explore what happens in the brain during these moments and how to rise above them without letting cynicism cloud your purpose.Grounded in neuroscience and positive psychology, this conversation helps you understand why unfairness hits so hard — and what strong, values-based leaders do to protect their clarity, character, and direction.What You’ll LearnThe neuroscience behind “unfair wins” and why your brain reacts so stronglyHow moral disgust, reward prediction errors, and social comparison affect motivationInsights from positive psychology on psychological capital and justice sensitivityHow principled leaders sustain influence even in broken systemsA simple micro-practice (“The Integrity Audit”) to regain agency and clarityPowerful ThoughtThe wrong people may win rounds, but they never win destinies. Character compounds. So does clarity.Coaching QuestionWhere is your integrity asking you to stay the course, even when the path feels unfair?Call to ActionIf you want to build this kind of grounded, unshakeable leadership in a community that puts heart and humanity at the center, I invite you to preorder my forthcoming book, Call & Response: Ten Leadership Lessons from the Black Church, published by Amistad/HarperCollins and JVL Media.If today’s message stirred something in you, this book will give you the framework and the muscle to lead with conviction, purpose, and truth — no matter what’s happening around you.Preorder wherever books are sold. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit lmichellesmith.substack.com/subscribe

Uncertainty is the leader’s constant companion. When everything around you feels unstable, it’s not about avoiding the chaos—it’s about learning to lead through it.In this episode of Her Next Power Move™, I explore what happens in the brain during moments of instability and how leaders can use neuroscience-backed tools to stay calm, clear, and focused. You’ll learn why calm isn’t just an emotional state—it’s a leadership strategy.What You’ll Learn* How uncertainty triggers the amygdala and shuts down strategic thinking* The neuroscience behind why breathing, reframing, and purpose reset the brain* How to reengage clarity and composure when leading through volatility* Three practical tools for keeping yourself and your team grounded in turbulent timesHer Next Power Move is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Powerful ThoughtUncertainty doesn’t always mean danger. Sometimes it means possibility. The leaders who thrive in it aren’t the ones who always know what’s next—they’re the ones who stay calm long enough to see clearly when others can’t.Coaching QuestionWhen uncertainty strikes, what helps you regain calm—and how can you model that same composure for your team?ResourcesJoin The Circle, my online leadership growth group, where leaders like you learn to apply neuroscience and positive psychology to real-world leadership challenges.Learn more at lmichellesmith.com/thecircle.Pre-order Call & Response: 10 Leadership Lessons from the Black Church and become a Call & Response Ambassador. Learn more at lmichellesmith.com/callandresponse. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit lmichellesmith.substack.com/subscribe

The world feels unsteady. You can see it in the way people hold their breath in meetings, measure their words, guard their ideas.We can’t fix everything out there—but as leaders, we can build trust in here.Psychological safety isn’t warm and fuzzy. It’s powerfully practical. It’s the thing that makes teams speak up before problems grow, collaborate more fully, and dare to imagine something better.Start small. Acknowledge uncertainty. Reward the brave thing someone says. Model your own imperfection.When people feel safe, they don’t shrink. They expand.Reach out if you’d like explore what it might take to ground your team culture in trust.LMSHer Next Power Move is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit lmichellesmith.substack.com/subscribe

🎙️ Show NotesThank you for your patience as I’ve been on deadline for the past several days but we still managed to crank this episode out for you. Enjoy!OverviewWe’ve been taught that the harder we grind, the more successful we’ll be. But what if that belief is holding us back? In this episode of Her Next Power Move™, we’re dismantling the myth of hustle culture and redefining success on our own terms.Grounded in positive psychology and neuroscience, I’ll show you why overwork sabotages creativity and decision-making — and how rest, reflection, and sustainability fuel the kind of leadership that truly lasts.This isn’t about doing less. It’s about doing what matters most — and leading with clarity, intention, and impact.🔑 What You’ll Learn* Why hustle culture is a leadership trap — and what the data says about productivity and burnout.* How Dr. Martin Seligman’s PERMA framework redefines success as flourishing, not overworking.* The neuroscience behind rest, creativity, and sustained high performance.* Four micro-practices to help you step off the hamster wheel and lead with purpose.💡 Micro-PracticeBlock 30 minutes of white space on your calendar each day this week — no meetings, no email, no tasks. Use that time to think, reflect, and recharge. Notice how it changes the way you lead.✨ Powerful ThoughtYour value as a leader isn’t measured in hours or output — it’s reflected in the clarity of your vision, the depth of your impact, and the sustainability of your brilliance.🧭 Coaching QuestionWhere have you been confusing busyness with impact — and what might shift if you pursued sustainability and significance instead?🔗 Resources & Links* Join The Circle: lmichellesmith.com/thecircle* Follow me on LinkedIn, Threads, and Bluesky: @lmichellesmith This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit lmichellesmith.substack.com/subscribe

Uncertainty is the leader’s constant companion. But what if you had a tool that didn’t just help you endure the unknown—but helped you thrive in it?In this episode of Her Next Power Move™, I dive into Hope Theory, developed by Dr. C.R. Snyder, and show you how hope is more than a feeling. It’s a framework—rooted in psychology and neuroscience—that gives leaders both the belief they can act and the creativity to find new pathways forward.Backed by research, personal stories, and practical steps, this episode will help you understand how to cultivate hope for yourself and spread it to your teams.🔑 What You’ll Learn in This Episode* What Hope Theory really is and how leaders can apply it* How hope activates the prefrontal cortex and releases dopamine, fueling creativity and persistence* Why hopeful leaders are more resilient, engaged, and effective under pressure* Practical ways to shift from fear to hope in your daily leadership💡 Micro-Practice to Try TodayAt the end of your day, take five minutes to write down two things:* A challenge you faced* One pathway you see toward progressEven small steps train your brain to seek possibility over paralysis.✨ Powerful ThoughtHope isn’t a soft skill—it’s a leadership edge. It doesn’t erase uncertainty, but it paints possibility across it.📝 Coaching QuestionWhere in your leadership right now do you need to shift from fear to hope—and what’s one pathway you can begin to create today?🔗 Resources & Links* Join The Circle—my online leadership growth group where we explore topics like resilience, hope, and emotional agility in real time: lmichellesmith.com/thecircle* Connect with me on LinkedIn, Instagram, Threads, and Bluesky: @lmichellesmith This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit lmichellesmith.substack.com/subscribe

Here are the show notes for Episode 16 of Her Next Power Move™.Episode OverviewAdversity is something every leader will face—whether it’s a failed launch, a tough layoff, or even personal loss. These moments can shake us to our core. But they can also become the very soil where new growth takes root.In this episode of Her Next Power Move™, I explore post-traumatic growth—the powerful transformation that can happen after hardship. Backed by neuroscience and positive psychology, you’ll learn how adversity reshapes the brain, how optimism fuels recovery, and how setbacks can be reframed into stepping stones.This isn’t about “bouncing back.” It’s about rising stronger, wiser, and more purpose-driven than before.🔑 What You’ll Learn in This Episode* What psychologists mean by post-traumatic growth and why it matters for leaders* How adversity changes the brain through stress and neuroplasticity* Why optimism and reframing are critical for resilience and renewal* Four practical strategies leaders can use to turn adversity into an advantage💡 Micro-Practices to Try Today* Name the adversity — don’t minimize or gloss over it* Seek meaning — ask: What can this experience teach me?* Lean on relationships — growth happens in community* Reframe setbacks as stepping stones toward clarity and purpose✨ Powerful ThoughtAdversity doesn’t define you—it refines you. The scar doesn’t erase the wound; it shows you healed.📝 Powerful QuestionWhat’s one challenge you’ve faced that—when you look closely—may have planted the seeds for growth you didn’t expect?🔗 Resources & Links* Join The Circle—my online leadership growth group where we explore topics like resilience, growth, and emotional agility in real time: lmichellesmith.com/thecircle* Register for the AI-Ready Leader Masterclass Series: lmichellesmith.com * Book me to speak: lmichellesmith.com/speaking* Connect with me on LinkedIn, Instagram, Threads, and Bluesky: @lmichellesmith This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit lmichellesmith.substack.com/subscribe

In a world of constant connectivity, leaders are facing an invisible threat: digital overload. Emails, Slack messages, notifications, dashboards… they’re all competing for your attention and sabotaging your focus, decision-making, and leadership presence.In this episode, I break down the neuroscience behind task-switching and attention fragmentation, explore the real costs of digital overload, and share actionable strategies for leaders to reclaim clarity and control.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:* How task-switching can reduce productivity by up to 40% (APA, 2019) and rewire your brain for shallow focus.* Why protecting your attention is as critical as completing your to-do list.* Practical micro-practices for creating focus: batching communications, scheduling deep work, and mindful transitions.* How a simple “digital detox” can restore your prefrontal cortex activity for better decision-making, creativity, and leadership presence.Micro-Practices to Try Today:* Implement a “no notifications” policy for one hour each day.* Reflect at the end of your day: Which tasks distracted you from your most strategic work?* Create a mini digital Sabbath over the weekend—disconnect for a few hours to recharge.Powerful Coaching Question:Where could you reclaim focus this week, and what would you accomplish if your attention wasn’t constantly being hijacked?Resources & Links Mentioned in the Episode:* Join my online leadership growth group, The Circle, to practice focus and leadership strategies in community: lmichellesmith.com/thecircle* American Psychological Association study on task-switching: https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/stress/2019/multitaskingConnect With Me:* Instagram / Threads: @lmichellesmith* LinkedIn: L. Michelle Smith* Bluesky: @lmichellesmith* Podcast feedback & questions: DM meEpisode Takeaway:Leadership is not about doing more. It’s about protecting your capacity to think, focus, and lead. Disconnecting strategically from digital distractions isn’t optional—it’s essential for high-performing leaders in today’s hyperconnected world. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit lmichellesmith.substack.com/subscribe

AI is transforming leadership—but the speed and volume of information can overwhelm even the sharpest minds. In this episode, L. Michelle Smith explores how constant task switching and digital overload impact your brain’s focus, decision-making, and emotional regulation. Drawing on neuroscience and recent research, she offers practical strategies to help you harness AI’s power without sacrificing clarity or control. Learn how to lead with intentionality in a fast-paced, AI-driven world.What You’ll Learn:* The cognitive cost of frequent task switching and “attention residue”* Research-backed evidence on how multitasking impacts productivity and errors* Practical tips for integrating AI tools into your leadership workflow* How to maintain focus, presence, and values-driven decision-making* Coaching questions to reflect on your digital overwhelm and regain control ChatGPT-5.0 is here—and leaders are moving fast. Are you?McKinsey reports 72% of business leaders have already integrated generative AI into at least one area of their organization. But most are still stuck at surface level—using it to write instead of leveraging it to analyze, optimize, and forecast.On September 18, 2025, I’m kicking off the AI-Ready Leader Masterclass, a 3-session series designed to help high-performing leaders:Assess their AI readinessMaster strategic, role-based promptingBuild an integration roadmap that makes AI part of every leadership decisionStart now by downloading the complimentary AI-Ready Leader Toolkit and taking the AI Proficiency Assessment. You’ll discover exactly where you stand—and your next steps to become a transformational leader who wields AI as a weapon of mass innovation.Get your toolkit: https://loom.ly/XxK8ydAHow are you using AI in your business and what are some of your favorite tools?Resources Mentioned:* Study: Journal of Experimental Psychology, 2022 on task switching and cognitive performance* Take the AI-Ready Leader Assessment and get the free tool kit here: https://nsccoaching.info/AIReadyLeader. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit lmichellesmith.substack.com/subscribe

Burnout isn’t just about being tired. It’s about depletion—emotionally, mentally, physically—and it’s hitting high-achieving leaders especially hard right now.In this episode, L. Michelle Smith unpacks the neuroscience of burnout and recovery, revealing what truly works beyond just rest. Drawing from positive psychology, she shares a blueprint for bouncing back and building a life and leadership rhythm that’s sustainable, joyful, and powerful.You’ll learn:* The real difference between stress and burnout* How chronic pressure affects your brain* What traditional advice gets wrong* Evidence-based tools that actually work* And how to begin rebuilding—without guiltThis one’s for the leaders holding it all together while quietly falling apart. Let’s shift from survival mode to thriving leadership.💡 Coaching Question:What’s one small change you can make this week to refill—not just your schedule—but your spirit?🎧 Listen now and subscribe to never miss a dose of soulful, science-backed strategy.Want to book a complimentary discovery call for executive coaching services? You can do so at https://lmichellesmith.com/book-an-appointment. If you are interested in joining The Circle, learn more and join us at http://lmichellesmith.com/thecircle. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit lmichellesmith.substack.com/subscribe

The Power of Emotional Agility: Why Flexibility Beats Control in LeadershipEpisode Summary:In this episode of Her Next Power Move, host L. Michelle Smith dives into one of the most underestimated yet essential leadership skills: emotional agility. Based on the research of Harvard psychologist Dr. Susan David and rooted in neuroscience, this solo episode offers practical tools for leading with grace, intention, and resilience.If you’ve been powering through and feeling stuck, this is your reminder that flexibility—not control—is the mark of a mature leader.In this episode, you’ll learn:* What emotional agility really is (and what it’s not)* How neuroscience supports emotion labeling for better decision-making* A four-step strategy to lead through emotional challenges with clarity* Micro-practices to help build this leadership muscle over timePowerful Thought:Flexibility beats control.Coaching Question:What emotion have you been avoiding—and what might happen if you faced it with curiosity instead of control?Want the Feels Wheel? Let me know in the comments, and I’ll share it with you.🎧 Tune in now and start leading with more clarity, grace, and strength.Subscribe and listen on Substack: lmichellesmith.substack.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit lmichellesmith.substack.com/subscribe

Writing "Call & Response" was an incredible journey. The conversations I had with dear friends like Cynt Marshall were so powerful, and sometimes, we got in a few laughs.You've probably heard "the red hooker shoes" story before? She tells this story from the platform, in media interviews and even in her debut book "You've Been Chosen: Thriving Through the Unexpected."In fact, it was in my first book No Thanks: 7 Ways to Say I'll Just Include Myself.But it is important to emphasize, that those were her CHURCH SHOES.Cynt talks about how leadership lessons from her time in the Pentecostal church taught her to not only unleash her authentic self, but how to unleash it in the people she leads.After all, "come as you are" is a church mantra.Are you welcoming of the "hot pink shoes" on your staff?Or do you make these unicorns keep it "in the car?"Call & Response: 10 Leadership Lessons from the Black Church is a collaboration between Amistad Books, a HarperCollins imprint and JVL Media, the brainchild of Viola Davis, Julius Tennon and Lavaille Lavette. Coming soon! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit lmichellesmith.substack.com/subscribe

Show Notes for Episode 11 — “Emotional Regulation Isn’t Suppression”Her Next Power Move with L. Michelle Smith, MS, ACC, CPECYou’ve probably heard the advice: “Keep your emotions out of it.” But what if that’s the exact opposite of what great leaders do?In this episode, I explore the science and strategy behind emotional regulation—how it differs from suppression, why it matters to leadership, and how you can cultivate the kind of presence that calms the room and clarifies decision-making.Grounded in neuroscience and positive psychology, this 8-minute masterclass offers micro-practices to help you ride the waves of tough emotions and lead with confidence and clarity.Takeaways include:* Why emotional suppression backfires* What the research says about regulation and performance* Three proven practices to stay grounded in high-pressure moments* How to use emotion as data to lead with intention🎧 Listen now on Substack or wherever you stream podcasts. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit lmichellesmith.substack.com/subscribe

What if fear wasn’t your enemy… but your engine?In this soul-stirring episode of Her Next Power Move, I invite high-performing leaders to sit with fear—not to silence it, but to listen. You’ll learn how to use anxiety as a signal for alignment, growth, and resilience, instead of allowing it to derail your leadership.I’ll unpack:* The neuroscience behind fear and motivation* The difference between fear-based avoidance and fear-driven alignment* Micro-practices that help you shift from panic to purpose💡 This is more than a mindset talk. It’s a masterclass in emotional intelligence and executive presence.🔊 Listen now and discover how to use fear not just to survive, but to lead with conviction.Coaching Question of the Week:When was the last time fear pointed you to a necessary change—and did you follow it?✨ Subscribe to hear new episodes first and connect in the comments.Her Next Power Move is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit lmichellesmith.substack.com/subscribe

🎧 Episode 9 Show NotesTitle: It’s Lonely at the Top: Combating Isolation in LeadershipHost: L. Michelle Smith, MS, ACC, CPECSummary:Leadership can be deeply fulfilling—but it can also be profoundly lonely. In this episode, we explore the quiet cost of success: emotional isolation at the top. Drawing from neuroscience, positive psychology, and real-life leadership coaching, L. Michelle unpacks why so many leaders—especially in today’s volatile work environments—feel disconnected, and what we can do about it.You’ll learn:* The latest research on workplace loneliness and its surprising health impact* Why high-performing leaders are especially vulnerable* How oxytocin and connection fuel your ability to lead* 5 micro-practices that can help you feel more grounded and less alone* A coaching question to help you reflect and resetToday’s Coaching Question: Where in your leadership do you feel most alone, and what small step could you take this week to create connection?🔗 Plus, discover The Circle, a supportive growth group for leaders who want more than just a seat at the table.Looking for a safe space to grow, connect, and lead with more clarity?Join The Circle—my online leadership growth group created especially for high-performing leaders like you who are tired of doing it all alone. Inside, you’ll find community, monthly live coaching, exclusive tools, and science-backed strategies that support both your leadership and your life.You don’t have to lead in isolation.Learn more and sign up today at lmichellesmith.com/thecircle.BTW, it’s time for a Leadership Revival. Join Coach L. as she reflects on the three pillars of the leadership framework that are the backbone of her upcoming book, Call & Response: 10 Leadership Lessons from the Black Church (Amistad-HarperCollins/JVL Media, 2026), in a three-part series of essays. It’s the prelude to a new series on The Culture Soup Podcast, coming soon. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit lmichellesmith.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode of Her Next Power Move, L. Michelle Smith, MS, ACC, CPEC, dives into the powerful concept of cognitive distortions and how they can shape our perceptions and reactions. Learn how to identify these thought patterns and, more importantly, how to reframe them to build a mindset rooted in growth and resilience.Key Highlights:* Understand what cognitive distortions are and why they matter.* Explore common distortions like black-and-white thinking, catastrophizing, and personalization.* Discover practical techniques for reframing thoughts and breaking the cycle of negative thinking.* Learn how neuroscience supports cognitive reframing as a tool for leadership and personal growth.Coaching Question:What common thought pattern do you find yourself repeating, and how can you begin to reframe it for positive change?Tune in to Her Next Power Move for insights that will help you move past limiting beliefs and build a mindset that serves your growth.Listen now: Her Next Power Move on SubstackIf you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to subscribe and share it with someone who might benefit from a mindset shift.If you are wanting to register for the complimentary Regaining Your Peace & Productivity masterclass, here’s the link to do that.See you soon!Coach L. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit lmichellesmith.substack.com/subscribe

What happens when positivity becomes pressure?In this powerful episode, I unpack the fine line between authentic optimism and the subtle trap of toxic positivity. If you’ve ever felt pressured to "just stay positive" in the face of real adversity, this conversation is for you.Drawing from research by Dr. Susan David, author of Emotional Agility, and the latest insights from positive psychology, this episode explains how ignoring difficult emotions doesn’t make you stronger—it disconnects you from your humanity and ultimately stunts your growth. Instead, I explore how to hold space for complexity, practice radical honesty, and still move forward with hope.In this episode, you’ll learn:* How to recognize the signs of toxic positivity* Why acknowledging tough emotions is essential to resilience* How to replace positivity pressure with grounded hope* Micropractices to foster emotional agility and authentic leadershipCoaching Question: What uncomfortable emotion are you avoiding right now—and what truth might it be trying to tell you? Listen now and reflect on how to lead and live with hope—without bypassing the truth. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit lmichellesmith.substack.com/subscribe

Now streaming on Her Next Power Move…Resilience isn’t just something we’re born with—it’s something we can build. And in this episode, we explore how.Join L. Michelle Smith as she breaks down the science of neuroplasticity—your brain’s ability to adapt and change, even in the face of adversity—and why that’s good news for high-performing leaders navigating uncertainty.You’ll learn:* What neuroplasticity really means for your leadership,* Why resilience is a skill anyone can grow,* How your daily choices—from gratitude to movement—reshape your brain,* What neuroscience and positive psychology say about bouncing forward, not just back,* And how to reclaim your power, even in the middle of challenge or change.This one is soulful, science-backed, and rooted in the truth that you are not broken—you are becoming.📌 Coaching Question: What is one small shift you can make today that will help rewire your brain for strength, not survival?🔗 Subscribe and listen wherever you get your podcasts.✨ Want more? Join the growth community at lmichellesmith.com or subscribe on Substack: lmichellesmith.substack.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit lmichellesmith.substack.com/subscribe

🎙️ Episode 5 — Finding the Message in the MessNow streaming on Her Next Power MoveDescription:Grief isn’t always loud.Sometimes it’s dressed in power suits and full calendars,masked by resilience,muted by responsibility.But what if I told you growth lives here, too?In this episode, we explore post-traumatic growth—the quiet yet radical process of becoming whole again after a seismic shift. Whether you're mourning a job, an identity, or the imagined future you thought was yours… this conversation is for you.We’ll walk gently through the science and the soul of grief,and I’ll share tools from neuroscience and positive psychology to help you center hope,regain clarity,and make meaning—even when the map is missing.In this episode, you'll learn:What post-traumatic growth really is (and what it’s not)Why grief often returns in cycles, and how to ride the wave instead of drown in itThe connection between calm, focus, and creativityHow to practice emotional agility using “feeling words”The role of mindfulness in navigating ongoing changeA personal story about choosing grace over grindCoaching Question:What would it look like if you gave yourself the grace to be still, even for a day?💡 This episode is your permission slip to pause. To feel. To let healing lead.🧠 Resources mentioned:Post-Traumatic Growth theory by Tedeschi & CalhounBarbara Fredrickson’s broaden-and-build theory of positive emotionEmotional Agility by Susan David, Ph.D.VIA Character Strengths framework📲 Let’s keep the conversation goingTag me on Threads or LinkedIn and share what this episode sparked for you.And if it moved you, forward it to a friend who may need the gentle reminder:You are not broken. You are becoming. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit lmichellesmith.substack.com/subscribe

Joy Goddess.That’s what Langston Hughes called her. Because A’Lelia Walker didn’t just exist—she illuminated. She knew how to create an experience that put people in their feelings. Sound familiar?She made spaces sacred, turned gatherings into history, and brought the Harlem Renaissance to life.She mastered personal branding before it was ever even a phrase!And now, her great-granddaughter, the incredible A'Lelia Bundles, is telling her story in Joy Goddess—a book that’s as rich and radiant as the woman herself.Tomorrow, for Women’s History Month, I’m sharig my conversation with my friend A’Lelia Bundles on The Culture Soup Podcast® to talk about legacy, liberation, and the lessons we can learn from one of the most fascinating women in history.🎙 Streams TOMORROW (Thursday) wherever you listen to podcasts. Don’t miss this one.SHOW NOTES:The Culture Soup Podcast® – Women’s History Month Episode🎙 Guest: A’Lelia Bundles, Award-Winning Author & Journalist📖 Joy Goddess: A’Lelia Walker and the Harlem Renaissance✨ What if you were so extraordinary—so magnetic, so dazzling—that Langston Hughes himself called you “Joy Goddess”? ✨A’Lelia Walker wasn’t just the daughter of Madam C.J. Walker. She was the heartbeat of the Harlem Renaissance—a woman who turned salons into sanctuaries for Black brilliance, who made a space where art, activism, and ambition could thrive. She owned her story, commanded her presence, and lived as a beacon of joy and power.This Women’s History Month, we celebrate her legacy with someone who knows it intimately—her great-granddaughter, award-winning journalist and author A’Lelia Bundles. In her newest book, Joy Goddess, Bundles unearths the layers of A’Lelia Walker’s life—the glamour, the grit, the business, and the burden of being her mother’s daughter.In this episode, we explore:✨ The power and influence of A’Lelia Walker during the Harlem Renaissance✨ The art of legacy—how we shape it, carry it, and redefine it✨ What it means to lead in your own right, beyond expectations and history🔥 This is one you don’t want to miss. Streams Thursday, March 20, wherever you listen to podcasts.Names That Made This Episode Shine✨ A’Lelia Bundles – Award-winning journalist, historian, and author of Joy Goddess. The great-granddaughter of Madam C.J. Walker and the storyteller who brings this legacy to life.✨ A’Lelia Walker – The original Joy Goddess, a woman who turned salons into sanctuaries for the brightest minds of the Harlem Renaissance. She was a visionary, a patron, a tastemaker—Black excellence personified.✨ Madam C.J. Walker – An empire builder, America’s first self-made female millionaire, and a mother whose legacy both empowered and weighed on her daughter’s path.✨ Langston Hughes – The Harlem Renaissance poet who saw something so radiant in A’Lelia Walker that he named her the Joy Goddess of Harlem’s 1920s.✨ Jean Toomer – Author of Cane, a defining literary voice of the Harlem Renaissance.✨ Countee Cullen – A poet whose work captured the spirit and struggles of Black life, often a guest at A’Lelia Walker’s legendary salons.✨ James Reese Europe – A jazz legend, a conductor of cultural shifts, and a force in Harlem’s music scene.✨ Addison Scurlock – The brilliant photographer who captured some of the most iconic images of Madam C.J. Walker and A’Lelia Walker.✨ Scott Joplin – The King of Ragtime, whose music was part of the vibrant culture that influenced A’Lelia Walker’s early years in St. Louis.✨ Alberta Hunter – The celebrated blues singer who knew A’Lelia Walker personally and once praised her singing voice.✨ Annie Malone – A beauty industry mogul, one of Madam C.J. Walker’s early business influences, and a reminder that Black women were building empires long before they were widely recognized for it.✨ Dr. Wiley Wilson – One of A’Lelia Walker’s love interests, a doctor who brought romance and complexity to her story.✨ Dr. James Arthur Kennedy (Gentleman Jack) – A suave, poetry-writing, tennis-playing gentleman who was also a suitor of A’Lelia Walker.✨ Allison Seymour – WUSA 9 journalist and host of L. Michelle Smith’s DC Public Library event.✨ Valorie Burton – A powerhouse in personal development, coaching leaders to step fully into their purpose.✨ Carole Simpson – A trailblazing journalist and the first Black woman to anchor a major network newscast, paving the way for so many.✨ Peter Jennings – A broadcast journalism icon whose influence shaped generations of news consumers.✨ The National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) – A vital organization that has uplifted and supported Black journalists for decades, fostering truth-tellers and trailblazers.Places That Shaped the Story🏙️ The Dark Tower (Harlem, New York) – A’Lelia Walker’s legendary salon, where the brightest minds and artists of the Harlem Renaissance gathered to create, connect, and inspire.🏙️ Harlem, New York – The beating heart of Black culture in the early 20th century, where A’Lelia Walker made her mark.🏙️ Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania – The city where A’Lelia Walker first stepped into leadership in her mother’s company.🏙️ Indianapolis, Indiana – The home base of Madam C.J. Walker’s empire and where A’Lelia Walker’s personal archives were preserved.🏙️ St. Louis, Missouri – Where Madam C.J. Walker and A’Lelia Walker first built dreams that would take them far beyond the Midwest.🏙️ Denver, Colorado – A crucial stop on their journey toward business and cultural influence.🏙️ Irvington, New York – The site of Madam C.J. Walker’s stunning mansion, a testament to Black success.🌍 Cairo, Egypt – A’Lelia Walker collected artifacts here, weaving the richness of African history into her life.🌍 Monte Carlo, France – A glamorous stop on A’Lelia Walker’s international travels.🌍 Palestine – A key destination on her Holy Land tour, where faith, history, and business met.🌍 Ethiopia (Addis Ababa) – Where A’Lelia Walker had an extraordinary audience with Empress Zauditu.🏛️ MLK Memorial Library, Washington, DC – The site of an upcoming conversation with L. Michelle Smith, hosted by Allison Seymour, on leadership and happiness as a career strategy.💻 The Executive Leadership Council (ELC) Virtual Powerlong Summit – A major event where L. Michelle Smith will be a featured speaker and moderator.This episode is a celebration of legacy, of joy, of Black excellence that spans generations. It’s about the names we know, the names we should know, and the places that shaped history.🔥 Listen Thursday, 3/20, The Culture Soup Podcast® wherever you stream your podcasts. 🔥#TheCultureSoupPodcast #WomensHistoryMonth #JoyGoddess #HarlemRenaissance #BlackExcellence #Legacy #Leadership #Podcast This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit lmichellesmith.substack.com/subscribe

Completely geeked to have this marketing legend on the show—fellow LEAD360 faculty member and downright world beater, Dorinda Walker. You have GOT to hear her story. Talk about unprecedented resilience! It was a joy to discuss #blackwomensequalpayday, what happens when you brand shines too brightly for your employer and what really needs to happen at companies to ensure equity and inclusion... on tomorrow’s episode of The Culture Soup Podcast®️! Welcome to all my new listeners! #tech #business This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit lmichellesmith.substack.com/subscribe

This week, I dig into the crates to uncover a gem of a conversation between me and my girlfriend Valorie Burton.  It's a throwback to Ep 17 in February.  It's worth a revisit as you read her new book It's About Time: Placing the Meaningful Over the Urgent.  Enjoy! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit lmichellesmith.substack.com/subscribe

This week, I dig into the crates to uncover a gem of a conversation between me and my girlfriend Valorie Burton.  It's a throwback to Ep 17 in February.  It's worth a revisit as you read her new book It's About Time: Placing the Meaningful Over the Urgent.  Enjoy! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit lmichellesmith.substack.com/subscribe

He’s a “Daddy on Duty 365” by day and a TV news anchor by night. I’m talking about This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit lmichellesmith.substack.com/subscribe

He’s a “Daddy on Duty 365” by day and a TV news anchor by night. I’m talking about This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit lmichellesmith.substack.com/subscribe

I started my first agency with only two paychecks in the bank. That was my capital. Laughable to some, but I wasn’t even certain that I wanted to start a business. I “fell” into entreprenuership after deciding to freelance. I’d made VP before the age of 30. I was young. Why not? In short order, my staff and I would celebrate reaching our million dollar milestone. We weathered some storms too. In fact, when the recession hit, I didn’t take a paycheck for an entire year to avoid layoffs. (But that’s another leadership story for another post.) In business, I’ve lived it. So what does it take to get more clients fast for your service-oriented business? ✅ Consistency ✅ Innovation ✅ Speed ✅ Diversification ✅ Systems ✅ Determination All good on strategy, LMS, you say, but what about the tactics? We’ll get into that. This is a rebroadcast of this #30MinuteMentor Masterclass which aired a few weeks ago. The video is on-demand at The30MinuteMentor.com. JIt is based on my recent Black Enterprise Magazine article, “Dear Sis,” which has been picked up and republished across multiple outlets. But we go a bit deeper. Hear more about my successes and fast fails. Register for the on demand video here: https://lnkd.in/esGXwWJ (https://lnkd.in/esGXwWJ) This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit lmichellesmith.substack.com/subscribe

I started my first agency with only two paychecks in the bank. That was my capital. Laughable to some, but I wasn’t even certain that I wanted to start a business. I “fell” into entreprenuership after deciding to freelance. I’d made VP before the age of 30. I was young. Why not? In short order, my staff and I would celebrate reaching our million dollar milestone. We weathered some storms too. In fact, when the recession hit, I didn’t take a paycheck for an entire year to avoid layoffs. (But that’s another leadership story for another post.) In business, I’ve lived it. So what does it take to get more clients fast for your service-oriented business? ✅ Consistency ✅ Innovation ✅ Speed ✅ Diversification ✅ Systems ✅ Determination All good on strategy, LMS, you say, but what about the tactics? We’ll get into that. This is a rebroadcast of this #30MinuteMentor Masterclass which aired a few weeks ago. The video is on-demand at The30MinuteMentor.com. JIt is based on my recent Black Enterprise Magazine article, “Dear Sis,” which has been picked up and republished across multiple outlets. But we go a bit deeper. Hear more about my successes and fast fails. Register for the on demand video here: https://lnkd.in/esGXwWJ (https://lnkd.in/esGXwWJ) This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit lmichellesmith.substack.com/subscribe

Because I’m committed to getting YOUR brand right, you need to meet this guy, Nick F. Nelson, aka The BRANDPRENEUR. We go deep—on answering the question what problem you solve, to understanding your audience, to the power of images in telling your story. Nick is a fellow LEAD360 faculty member, and he hosted the Masterclass right next door to mine at this year’s Lead 360 Combine. Find out what he told them, including what key takeaway in marketing he learned in church. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit lmichellesmith.substack.com/subscribe

Because I’m committed to getting YOUR brand right, you need to meet this guy, Nick F. Nelson, aka The BRANDPRENEUR. We go deep—on answering the question what problem you solve, to understanding your audience, to the power of images in telling your story. Nick is a fellow LEAD360 faculty member, and he hosted the Masterclass right next door to mine at this year’s Lead 360 Combine. Find out what he told them, including what key takeaway in marketing he learned in church. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit lmichellesmith.substack.com/subscribe

When it's the intersection of #workplace culture, #tech and business, you turn to "The Workplace Doctor" herself, Natasha Bowman, JD, SPHR. My fellow LEAD360 Faculty member joins me for a compelling conversation about tenacity in the face of staggering odds, how#MeToo and #TimesUp left some women out and how she navigated a collision between her personal brand and the corporate workplace that seemed to be working at first. It got sticky...but she's real, so she shares. Tune in on Thursday for the next episode of#theculturesouppodcast. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit lmichellesmith.substack.com/subscribe

When it's the intersection of #workplace culture, #tech and business, you turn to "The Workplace Doctor" herself, Natasha Bowman, JD, SPHR. My fellow LEAD360 Faculty member joins me for a compelling conversation about tenacity in the face of staggering odds, how#MeToo and #TimesUp left some women out and how she navigated a collision between her personal brand and the corporate workplace that seemed to be working at first. It got sticky...but she's real, so she shares. Tune in on Thursday for the next episode of#theculturesouppodcast. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit lmichellesmith.substack.com/subscribe

We're reaching back into the crates and pulling the most downloaded episode of all times with this employee advocacy guru, and my friend John Graham, Jr.  A special tribute to Jinja beverage company founder Reuben Canada is also included at the end of the episode.  RIP, Reuben, your friends, John and L Michelle. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit lmichellesmith.substack.com/subscribe

We're reaching back into the crates and pulling the most downloaded episode of all times with this employee advocacy guru, and my friend John Graham, Jr.  A special tribute to Jinja beverage company founder Reuben Canada is also included at the end of the episode.  RIP, Reuben, your friends, John and L Michelle. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit lmichellesmith.substack.com/subscribe

The volume increased on the equal pay conversation with P&G’s sizable monetary gift to the champion US Women’s Soccer Team. But how does that impact hashtag#women in workplace? I asked my friend Jacqueline V. Twillie the question on this week’s episode. She is one of the warriors in the trenches everyday with professionals and companies trying to solve for the issue. She’s getting results. Find out how she is doing it, and some advice she has for women to increase their credibility in the workplace around the topic and improve their negotiation skills to stave off the issue. It’s coming up on Thursday on The Culture Soup Podcast™️. Find it wherever fine podcasts stream. hashtag#tech hashtag#culture hashtag#business hashtag#equalpay hashtag#paygap hashtag#genderquality This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit lmichellesmith.substack.com/subscribe

The volume increased on the equal pay conversation with P&G’s sizable monetary gift to the champion US Women’s Soccer Team. But how does that impact hashtag#women in workplace? I asked my friend Jacqueline V. Twillie the question on this week’s episode. She is one of the warriors in the trenches everyday with professionals and companies trying to solve for the issue. She’s getting results. Find out how she is doing it, and some advice she has for women to increase their credibility in the workplace around the topic and improve their negotiation skills to stave off the issue. It’s coming up on Thursday on The Culture Soup Podcast™️. Find it wherever fine podcasts stream. hashtag#tech hashtag#culture hashtag#business hashtag#equalpay hashtag#paygap hashtag#genderquality This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit lmichellesmith.substack.com/subscribe

We’re celebrating PRIDE on this episode of podcast with a man who has pioneered in pop culture and has the resume to prove it.  Patrick Riley has produced for the likes of Oprah and Wendy Williams, but is also an author and a publicity guru.  We talk about strides for the LGBTQIA culture in pop culture and his latest projects. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit lmichellesmith.substack.com/subscribe

We’re celebrating PRIDE on this episode of podcast with a man who has pioneered in pop culture and has the resume to prove it.  Patrick Riley has produced for the likes of Oprah and Wendy Williams, but is also an author and a publicity guru.  We talk about strides for the LGBTQIA culture in pop culture and his latest projects. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit lmichellesmith.substack.com/subscribe

That live FREE on-air laser coaching happens on this episode, and it turns out that this marketing pro wants to hack a challenge she is having around networking.  Perfect timing, because this show also shares the replay of the Women's Opera Networking webinar recently that covers off on the subject.  You'll want to take notes.  We go deep.  My client walked away with a plan.  You should too. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit lmichellesmith.substack.com/subscribe

That live FREE on-air laser coaching happens on this episode, and it turns out that this marketing pro wants to hack a challenge she is having around networking.  Perfect timing, because this show also shares the replay of the Women's Opera Networking webinar recently that covers off on the subject.  You'll want to take notes.  We go deep.  My client walked away with a plan.  You should too. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit lmichellesmith.substack.com/subscribe

p.p1 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px 'Helvetica Neue'; color: #454545}We unmask privilege just in time for July 4th. After all, what is more American than privilege? Find out what question I posed to Dr. Jeff that made him call it the most provocative question he’s been asked for a while. And before you guess that we went all in on white privilege, well, let me just say that the term itself is layered. You need to listen to this episode... there may be a lesson in privilege for you. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit lmichellesmith.substack.com/subscribe

p.p1 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px 'Helvetica Neue'; color: #454545}We unmask privilege just in time for July 4th. After all, what is more American than privilege? Find out what question I posed to Dr. Jeff that made him call it the most provocative question he’s been asked for a while. And before you guess that we went all in on white privilege, well, let me just say that the term itself is layered. You need to listen to this episode... there may be a lesson in privilege for you. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit lmichellesmith.substack.com/subscribe

p.p1 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px 'Helvetica Neue'; color: #454545}We’re throwing it back to last spring this Thursday, when Darryl M. Bell and I took on the campus of @thelanecollege at their first ever leadership conference. ICYMI, It was the second time the podcast recorded live, and it was the first ever double episode. It was also the show that catapulted the show to number 6 on Apple Podcasts Business/Business News with a great tailwind from the first live recorded episode that rounded out women’s history month the week before with the Hidden Figures in Sports on behalf of the Black Sports Network of North Texas. Travel back down memory lane with me this Thursday and relive these compelling conversations with one of the stars of the best television sitcoms to ever air on television, A Different World, and the President of Lane College, Dr. Logan Hampton. We also detail a very moving visit to the National Civil Rights Museum. First show will drop after midnight ET, the other will drop at noon on Thursday. Spread the word!! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit lmichellesmith.substack.com/subscribe

p.p1 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px 'Helvetica Neue'; color: #454545}We’re throwing it back to last spring this Thursday, when Darryl M. Bell and I took on the campus of @thelanecollege at their first ever leadership conference. ICYMI, It was the second time the podcast recorded live, and it was the first ever double episode. It was also the show that catapulted the show to number 6 on Apple Podcasts Business/Business News with a great tailwind from the first live recorded episode that rounded out women’s history month the week before with the Hidden Figures in Sports on behalf of the Black Sports Network of North Texas. Travel back down memory lane with me this Thursday and relive these compelling conversations with one of the stars of the best television sitcoms to ever air on television, A Different World, and the President of Lane College, Dr. Logan Hampton. We also detail a very moving visit to the National Civil Rights Museum. First show will drop after midnight ET, the other will drop at noon on Thursday. Spread the word!! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit lmichellesmith.substack.com/subscribe

We’re throwing it back to last spring this Thursday, when Darryl M. Bell and I took on the campus of @thelanecollege at their first ever leadership conference. ICYMI, It was the second time the podcast recorded live, and it was the first ever double episode. It was also the show that catapulted the show to number 6 on Apple Podcasts Business/Business News with a great tailwind from the first live recorded episode that rounded out women’s history month the week before with the Hidden Figures in Sports on behalf of the Black Sports Network of North Texas. Travel back down memory lane with me this Thursday and relive these compelling conversations with one of the stars of the best television sitcoms to ever air on television, A Different World, and the President of Lane College, Dr. Logan Hampton. We also detail a very moving visit to the National Civil Rights Museum. First show will drop after midnight ET, the other will drop at noon on Thursday. Spread the word!! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit lmichellesmith.substack.com/subscribe

We’re throwing it back to last spring this Thursday, when Darryl M. Bell and I took on the campus of @thelanecollege at their first ever leadership conference. ICYMI, It was the second time the podcast recorded live, and it was the first ever double episode. It was also the show that catapulted the show to number 6 on Apple Podcasts Business/Business News with a great tailwind from the first live recorded episode that rounded out women’s history month the week before with the Hidden Figures in Sports on behalf of the Black Sports Network of North Texas. Travel back down memory lane with me this Thursday and relive these compelling conversations with one of the stars of the best television sitcoms to ever air on television, A Different World, and the President of Lane College, Dr. Logan Hampton. We also detail a very moving visit to the National Civil Rights Museum. First show will drop after midnight ET, the other will drop at noon on Thursday. Spread the word!! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit lmichellesmith.substack.com/subscribe

NFL Pro Bowler and former Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Jacoby Jones is having a full-circle moment as he returns to his alma mater to coach the football team.  He says his job isn’t just football. It’s a mission to pour into young men as someone did for him.  And by the way, this guy has to be one of the smartest men alive. Check out what he says about the awesomeness of women!  It’s coming up Thursday on The Culture Soup Podcast™️. @digital_12 #hbcus #tech #business #culture #sports #football @thelanescollege This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit lmichellesmith.substack.com/subscribe