Boss Like Belle

It’s 1914: Belle da Costa Greene pens a moving letter to Eleanor Elkins Widener, still grieving the loss of her son—Harvard graduate and passionate bibliophile Harry Elkins Widener—who perished on the Titanic. This tragedy would inspire the creation of the Harry Elkins Widener Memorial Library at Harvard. Today, Anne-Marie is asked to lead a bold new public engagement initiative at Widener Library, echoing Belle’s mission to open doors and break barriers. Joined by Harvard’s University Librarian Martha Whitehead, Anne-Marie reflects on legacy, transformation, and what it means to “boss like Belle” while making history in real time.Enjoyed Season 1? Help spread the word by rating or reviewing Boss Like Belle on your favorite podcast platform!

Ever wondered about the stories hidden behind the walls of Harvard’s iconic Widener Library? In this special bonus episode, I take you inside Widener on my very first day as Director of the Public Engagement Project. Joining me is Peter Accardo, a true walking encyclopedia of Harvard history and Curator of the Harry Elkins Widener Collection. We explore the building’s fascinating origin story, its ties to the Titanic, Belle da Costa Greene’s surprising connections, and even an attempted Gutenberg Bible heist!  Whether you're a history lover, a library enthusiast, or just curious about how we make exclusive spaces more inclusive, this episode offers a rare peek into the past—and a look at an exciting future. Join us for reflections, revelations, and a little librarian lore.

It’s 1938: Belle stands on the brink of becoming a fellow of the Medieval Academy of America amidst stiff competition from male Ivy League professors. Inspired by her appointment, Anne-Marie Eze embraces her identity as a medievalist. She speaks with Lisa Fagin Davis, Executive Director of the Medieval Academy of America, and Nahir Otaño Gracia of the Medievalists of Color, uncovering the collaboration and tensions that shaped Belle’s new legacy as the patron saint of diversity in medieval studies. Together with co-host Rachael Lowell Ellison, Anne-Marie delves into the power of representation and breaking the mold in professional arenas.**Special Offer** Use code BELLE2025 to get a 30% discount on Nahir Otaño Gracia's book The Other Faces of Arthur: Chivalric Whiteness in the Global North Atlantic from publisher Penn Press. Offer expires October 1, 2025.

It's 1912: Belle makes headlines for challenging traditional gender roles through her high-profile career and bold fashion choices. Over a century later, Anne-Marie Eze draws inspiration from Belle's stereotype-defying leadership. Exploring Belle's strategic personal branding, she connects with Angela Pitter, a digital marketing expert, and hair stylist Deidre Stubbs to reinvent her professional image. Together, they uncover how Belle's legacy empowers contemporary career women, especially those of color, to confidently navigate their paths with authenticity.

Isn't it amazing how my co-host, @Rachael Lowell Ellison, interprets Belle's leadership style through a modern lens, making it practical and applicable for you? In this engaging bonus episode, I switch things up by interviewing Rachael, delving into her journey as an executive coach and leadership expert. We explore her innovative SHIFT framework and the art of self-regulation, both essential for today's leaders. Whether you're navigating complex work environments or seeking self-improvement, this conversation is a goldmine of inspiration and actionable advice. Join us for a blend of personal stories and professional insights—and don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more enriching discussions!

It's 1944: Belle co-founds the Hroswitha Club, a society for women bibliophiles, in response to exclusion from the men-only Grolier Club. Inspired by Belle’s vision, Anne-Marie seeks out Black women library directors, speaking with Rhonda Evans and Petrina Jackson, who lead the libraries at the New York Botanical Garden and Harvard Radcliffe Institute. Together, they explore themes of influence, community-building, and the experiences of Black women, past and present, navigating a predominantly white profession.

Do you love the theme music for the Boss Like Belle podcast? You're in for a treat!   Dive into the full version of the rap, "The Ballad of Belle da Costa Greene," and discover the fascinating origin story behind its creation. Join us for an exclusive conversation with emcee Big Piph and your host, Anne-Marie Eze. Learn about the inspiration, thoughts, and artistic process that went into crafting this unique musical tribute. Whether you're a fan of hip-hop, history, or just great storytelling, this episode is a must-listen!    Hit play and immerse yourself in the world of Belle da Costa Greene through powerful lyrics and engaging dialogue. Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more incredible content! 

It's 1937: Belle defies the Nazi regime by attempting to rescue Otto Homburger, an art historian labeled "non-Aryan" because of his Jewish ancestry. Today, Anne-Marie reconnects with Binalakshmi Nepram, a women’s rights and disarmament activist exiled from India, whom she hosted at Harvard through the Scholars at Risk Program—a global organization inspired by Belle’s fearless actions. Together they explore leadership, courage, and social justice, examining Belle’s legacy in the ongoing fight for human rights and academic freedom.

It's 1921: Belle becomes a mother at 41, as does Anne-Marie a century later. Both embrace late parenthood after assuming children weren’t in their future. Inspired by Belle, Anne-Marie learns to boss like a mom. Reconnecting with her "fertility fairy godmother" Rosanne Austin, she explores how the Fearlessly Fertile Method has empowered many ambitious career women to carve their own paths to motherhood. This episode discusses women’s reproductive medicine and so may not be appropriate for younger listeners or those who are sensitive to this topic.

It's 1934: Belle advocates fiercely for “the best men (women!)” at Baltimore’s Walters Art Gallery, ensuring her protégé Dorothy Miner earns a higher salary than her male peers. Jump to today, Anne-Marie feels inspired by Belle’s bold advocacy and pledges to champion rising librarians and curators of color. Join Anne-Marie as she visits the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum to reconnect with her protégé, Adrienne Chaparro.

Meet Belle and Anne-Marie, two Black librarians born a century apart and with a lot in common despite living in very different times. When Anne-Marie is struggling with imposter syndrome after being promoted in her job at Harvard Library, she challenges herself to boss like the legendary Belle to boost her confidence.  Executive coach and leadership expert Rachael Lowell Ellison joins her on this journey of personal growth.

Dive into Boss Like Belle, a podcast that blends history and personal growth through the stories of Belle da Costa Greene and Anne-Marie Eze. Belle, a Black woman who passed as white, becoming a cultural trailblazer in J. Pierpont Morgan's library. Her legacy empowers Anne-Marie, a Black librarian at Harvard, to lead boldly. Join Anne-Marie, leadership expert Rachael Lowell Ellison, and guests to explore themes of identity, audacity, and empowerment. Discover how connecting past and present can inspire bold steps in your journey.