Dare to Disrupt with Zenica Chatman

Consider this a gardener's guide to getting unstuck. In this episode, Zenica breaks down the real reason so many of us feel out of rhythm, stuck, or questioning ourselves: we’re trying to skip the season we’re actually in.Using a powerful gardening metaphor (and one very dramatic basil plant), she explores the four phases of growth—planning, planting, cultivating, and harvesting—and why everything changes when you stop fighting the season you’re in.You’ll hear: • why planning feels productive but often becomes procrastination • what happens when you miss the natural rhythm of your creative spark • the messy, uncomfortable truth about the planting season • how to keep showing up when there’s no visible progress • and the confidence required to walk boldly into your harvestIf you’ve been waiting for a sign to get moving, this is it. The harvest isn’t coming if you never get dirty. Let’s lean into the season we’re actually in—and disrupt the noisy, busy world by moving in alignment, not anxiety.

You do not have to quit your job to be free! So many ambitious women say they want more freedom...more time, more creativity, more space to breathe, but they are waiting for permission to claim it. It's time for you to stop living in the freedom gap. This is what I call that space between the freedom you want and the freedom you have access to right now.In this episode, Zenica breaks down why so many women, especially Black women, struggle to set boundaries or trust their decisions and unpacks how the authoritarian nature of traditional work environments impacts your confidence and decision making. Email Zenica and share your micro permission and rituals at [email protected]

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and this week we’re tackling a crisis that too often goes unseen at work. On this episode, Zenica sits down with advocate, author, and survivor Melody Gross to explore how domestic violence impacts women far beyond their homes and how this toxic behavior impacts workplaces.They unpack the parallels between toxic relationships and toxic work cultures, and the small but powerful ways we can “sit with survivors” to create safer spaces for our colleagues.If you lead teams, care about culture, or want to be part of disrupting harm at work and beyond, this conversation will open your eyes — and your heart.

You've heard me say things like “HR is for the company, not the employee.” But is that the full story? In this powerful conversation, HR expert Heather Holland joins me to bust the biggest myths about HR, explain how to protect yourself in toxic workplaces, and share what every woman should know about documentation, boundaries, and building allies.Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest03:12 Challenging HR Norms05:42 Navigating Direct Communication in the Workplace08:37 Experiences with HR and Workplace Bullying11:27 Understanding HR's Role and Responsibilities13:51 The Importance of Documentation15:40 When to Engage HR18:06 The Burden on Employees20:45 Intangible Factors in Workplace Dynamics23:03 The Power of Documentation25:47 Addressing Microaggressions and Comments26:40 Addressing Unprofessional Comments30:50 Leveraging HR for Career Growth34:37 Navigating HR Concerns

In honor of National Bullying Prevention Month, we’re revisiting one of the most powerful episodes of the Dare to Disrupt podcast. In this deeply personal episode, Zenica shares how she rebuilt her confidence, reclaimed her peace, and learned to trust her own worth after enduring workplace bullying at her dream job. Whether you’re healing from a toxic environment or supporting someone who is, this replay is a reminder: you can survive...and thrive too!

This week’s episode almost didn’t happen and that's probably a good thing. Because while I was sulking about having to pivot yet again, I came across a trend called The Great Lock-In, and it reminded me of something I’ve seen in my own life and with my clients: transformation doesn’t come from coasting. It comes from deciding to lean in, even when it would be easier to lean out.In this episode, I’m introducing you to the "DUMB method," my simple framework for setting goals to help close the gap from where you are to where you want to be without overthinking or overcomplicating.If you’re tired of piling on more goals that leave you feeling stuck or overwhelmed, this is your invitation to dumb it down, lock it in, and crush Q4 with intention.I want to hear from you! Email me your DUMB goal with the subject line “I’m Locking In” so I can celebrate with you (and maybe even shout you out on the next episode). My email address is [email protected]. And if you want a little extra, I’ve recorded a bonus audio track where I share my own lock-in goal and strategy for this last quarter of the year. To get it, just email me or DM me the word BONUS and I’ll send it your way.

Ever feel like you've given it your all, but you've hit a wall? And now you've got nothing left? In this episode, Zenica shares two moments from her own journey of navigating workplace bullying and growing this very podcast that left her feeling exactly the same way. She shares what she learned about separating pain from suffering in the stories we tell ourselves, shifting from outcomes to outputs, and reconnecting with purpose. If you’re in a season where it feels like nothing’s working, consider this your pep talk: you’re not failing, you’re just not finished.And if you’re a woman working a 9-to-5 but thinking like an entrepreneur, I want to hear from you. I’m building something new just for you, and I’d love to invite you for a virtual coffee chat. Send me an email to [email protected] with “coffee chat” in the subject line so we can dream and build together.

Let's be real...job hunting in 2025? Let’s be real—it feels a little like the Hunger Games out here. Between endless applications, interview anxiety, and rejection fatigue, it’s easy to lose confidence (and your sanity).That’s why I sat down with executive coach Alison Begor to talk about how to navigate the search differently. From managing rejection and spotting red flags to reframing interviews so you feel empowered—not desperate—you’ll walk away with practical strategies and a reminder that you’re interviewing them just as much as they’re interviewing you.Whether you’re actively in the hunt or just storing up tools for the future, this episode will help you protect your peace while pursuing your next opportunity.Learn more about Alison’s work here: https://alisonbegor.com/Get the "Black Girls Burnout Too" Masterclass: https://www.zenicachatman.com/burnout-masterclass

School maybe over, but your learning isn’t. This mini pod is your reminder that  continuous learning is the ultimate glow-up, because it sparks confidence, connection, and creativity.  Drop your voice in the survey and email me at [email protected] to tell me your “extra credit” goal for the season. Bonus: fill it out the survey by Friday for a chance to win a pumpkin spice latte on me. 

Remember recess? Swing sets, jump ropes, and that sweet break from the classroom grind? Turns out, that little slice of joy wasn’t just for kids — it was the original reset button.In this episode, Zenica shares why recess never stopped being good for us, we just stopped giving ourselves permission to take it. From sharper focus and emotional regulation to stronger connections and movement that feels fun (not forced), you’ll learn how to bring recess back into your life as a grown-woman  and how to use it as an antidote to overwork and burnout.Whether it’s a walk around the block, a laugh with a friend, or ten minutes to breathe between meetings, your brain, body, and spirit still crave recess. Tune in and take the pop quiz! Email me and let me know which one you're focusing on this week. 

Before you sharpen your goals this season, make sure your backpack is stocked.It’s back-to-school season, and while we may not be shopping for crayons and Trapper Keepers anymore, grown women still need the right supplies to thrive. In this episode, Zenica shares three essentials every woman should pack in her “grown woman backpack” to step into a new season with confidence: boundaries, courage with clarity, and community. Tune in for a mix of nostalgia, practical wisdom, and a quick pop quiz to help you show up fully prepared for what’s ahead.

In this mini episode, I’m inviting you to pause and check in with yourself before burnout makes a decision for you today that you might regret later. Too many women are rationalizing away their little bits of daily joy—lipstick, room sprays, rest—and calling it self-discipline. Sis, it’s not; it's self-sacrifice. In this short but powerful reflection, I’m sharing 3 reflection questions to help you get honest about what you want, who you need to become to pursue it, and what small shift you can make this week to move in that direction.Take a breath. Sit with these questions. Let the whispers in your spirit speak to you. And if you're craving deeper support, check out this link to learn more about private VIP coaching experiences.

Sis, if your job offers paid time off and you’re not using it, you’re basically donating money back to the company—and we’re not in the business of unpaid charity work. In this summer flashback episode, we’re talking rest, resistance, and why your dream vacation might just be the productivity hack you didn’t know you needed. From ancestral hustle trauma to alligators in kitchens (yes, really), this episode is your official reminder that you don’t have to earn your rest. Whether you’re planning a luxury escape or a no-screen weekend two towns over, it’s time to unplug, unwind, and prepare the others—because you will not be available.💥 Ready to make rest a reality? I’m currently accepting new private coaching clients for VIP Days and 3-month packages. Email me at [email protected] to explore which option is best for you.

This week, I’m taking a moment to rest and soak up summer, but I didn’t want to leave you hanging. In this special Summer Rewind episode, we’re circling back to a powerful conversation on the difference between fighting systems and fighting each other. Inspired by the book Sisterhood Heals and a viral moment in Olympic gymnastics, I unpack how white supremacy and patriarchy pits women—especially Black women—against one another in workplaces. If you’ve ever felt hurt by another sister, this episode offers a lens-shifting perspective and a call to lead with compassion, community, and truth. Because real healing starts when we stop fighting each other and start fighting the systems.✨ Ready to reclaim your time and stop doing the most for the bare minimum? Book your Reclaiming My Time Audit and let’s get clear on what’s draining you—and how to take your power back.

What does your relationship with money have to do with overwork and burnout? More than you might think.In this very personal episode, Zenica shares the behind-the-scenes story of how she paid off nearly $14,000 in consumer debt in four months—and why the most important transformation wasn’t financial, but emotional and energetic. From releasing shame to rewriting her beliefs about freedom, she unpacks the mindset shift that helped her reclaim her time, her energy, and her voice.If you’ve ever stayed in a toxic job or burned yourself out because you couldn’t afford to walk away, this episode will hit home.Plus: Want support in creating your own roadmap to rest and realignment? Check out the Reclaiming My Time Audit — a coaching strategy session designed to help you reset and reclaim what matters most.

If someone looked at your calendar today, would they see a life you’re proud of—or just a long list of obligations? In this honest and deeply personal episode, Zenica opens up about how her calendar once reflected survival, not joy. She explores how our schedules reveal more than our plans—they expose our priorities, our hidden beliefs, and the stories we’re telling ourselves about who we need to be.Whether your calendar is packed with work, self-help content, or everyone else’s needs but your own, this episode will help you ask the real question: Am I living, or am I just managing time? You'll walk away with three powerful truths and a few reflection questions to help you stop living on autopilot and start building a life—and calendar—that truly reflects the woman you’re becoming.

This week, we're calling out one of the biggest lies we tell ourselves: “I'll do it when things slow down.” In this episode, I’m breaking down the myths that keep high-achieving women stuck in cycles of overwork, guilt, and delay—and what it really takes to reclaim your time (and summer) with intention. If you’ve been waiting for the “perfect time” to start living differently, this is your wake-up call.Ready to stop running on autopilot and start reclaiming your time with clarity and ease? Book your Reclaiming My Time Audit now and get a customized 7-day plan designed to help you take back your time and energy—without adding more to your to-do list. 👉https://zenicachatmancoaching.as.me/reclaimingmytime 

You’ve been doing all the things — checking the boxes, showing up early, staying late, raising your hand — and yet… the breakthrough still hasn’t come. In this episode, Zenica is unpacking why "going hard" isn’t a strategy — and how so many high-achieving women (especially Black women) get trapped in a cycle of overwork with no payoff.  Taking insights from her dual professions as an executive coach and marketing strategist — Zenica is showing showing you how to shift from reactive (doing )to proactive (intentional planning) that actually moves the needle.If you’re tired of being broke and busy, this one’s for you.Plus, I’ll tell you how to get your hands on my Reclaiming My Time Audit — a powerful 7-day reset designed to help you stop spinning and start moving with purpose.

You don't need another to-do list, you just need to move with intention. In this episode, Zenica shares a personal story of how reclaiming summer for herself became a crucial part of her journey to success. She encourages you to reflect on your own summer experiences and consider how you can create a summer focused on personal fulfillment and intentionality. Ready to take back your summer. Book you Reclaiming my Time Audit today! Email me with your ideal summer at [email protected]

In this episode, Zenica addresses a listener question about rebuilding confidence after leaving a leaving a toxic job. She emphasizes the importance of recognizing and dropping the lies implanted by toxic work environments, grounding yourself in truth, and taking consistent action to rebuild confidence. Zenica shares her own personal experience with workplace bullying and practical strategies to help  navigate career crossroads and reclaim your confidence.Book a Reclaiming My Time Audit and Detox. Chapters00:00 Introduction to Ask a Coach00:28 Navigating Toxic Workplaces01:19 Rebuilding Confidence After Toxicity05:05 Dropping the Lies and Finding Truth10:15 Taking Action to Rebuild Confidence

In this episode, Zenica wraps up the series 'Sis Put It Down' by sharing personal stories and practical strategies for reclaiming your time, voice, and vision. This episode emphasizes the importance of small shifts in to achieve liberation from overwork and encourages listeners to take actionable steps towards personal growth and self-care.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Liberation from Overwork02:33 Reclaiming Your Time05:17 Finding Your Voice07:00 Reclaiming Your Vision11:09 Small Shifts for Big Changes

In this episode, Zenica explores the guilt associated with rest, particularly among overworked women, especially black women. She discusses the cultural conditioning that leads to this guilt, the historical context of work and rest, and the importance of giving yourself permission to rest. Zenica emphasizes that rest isn't just about time or sleep, but about reclaiming your identity and understanding the benefits of rest. She encourages listeners to reflect on their own beliefs about rest and offers a personalized 'reclaiming my time audit' to help them find balance and joy in their lives.Chapters00:00 The Guilt of Resting09:49 Cultural Conditioning and Identity12:09 Permission to Rest and Reclaiming Time

In this episode, Zenica addresses the challenges faced by individuals coming out of toxic work environments, particularly focusing on the paralysis caused by fear and offers practical coaching strategies to help listeners identify their fears, understand their nature, and develop actionable plans to overcome them, ultimately empowering them to reclaim their power and maximize their impact. Got a question for Zenica, email them to [email protected] Few Key Themes: Many people feel paralyzed by fear after toxic work experiences.Common advice to is often unhelpful.Recovering from a toxic environment requires time to rebuild confidence.Fear can manifest in various forms, including fear of failure and fear of success.Identifying the specific nature of fear is crucial for overcoming it.Worst-case scenarios often exaggerate the reality of fear.Understanding the likelihood of fears can help mitigate them.Creating a plan can help manage fear effectively.

In this episode of the Dare to Disrupt Podcast, Zenica explores the unique challenges faced by working women, particularly black women, in navigating burnout as a result of workplace toxicity. She discusses the systemic issues that contribute to feelings of inadequacy and the normalization of chaos in professional environments. Zenica emphasizes the importance of acknowledging emotions, setting boundaries, and understanding the flawed meritocracy that often leads to burnout. This episode encourages listeners to reclaim their worth beyond productivity and to recognize the impact of systemic challenges on their professional lives.Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Series and Theme of Burnout03:39 Understanding Workplace Toxicity and Its Impact06:32 The Struggle with Productivity and Boundaries09:21 The Myth of Meritocracy in the Workplace12:38 Acknowledging Emotions and the Role of Reflection15:17 Reclaiming Worth Beyond Productivity

In this episode, Zenica explores the pressures women, particularly black women, face in the workplace, emphasizing the concept of 'performing fine' as a survival mechanism. She discusses the cultural armor that women wear, known as the superwoman schema, which includes the obligation to appear strong and suppress emotions. Zenica highlights the emotional toll of these coping mechanisms, leading to burnout and isolation and encourages listeners to reflect on their own experiences while providing actionable steps to take off the mask and prioritize self-care. Wanna go deeper? Let's chat about creating your very own VIP Day to Detox From Overwork. Chapters00:00 The Burden of Performing 'Fine'03:19 Cultural Armor and the Superwoman Schema06:39 The Consequences of Overwork and Isolation09:32 Reflection and Permission to Change12:20 Taking Action Towards Self-Care

In this episode Zenica discusses a unique challenge faced by black women in the workplace; the gap between their internal struggles and external perceptions. She also explores how cultural conditioning leads to emotional suppression. This episode emphasizes the importance of recognizing and addressing these issues to reclaim power and improve workplace dynamics.Ready stop playing "fine" and actually become "exceptional?" Let's plan your very own VIP Day and Detox from Overwork. Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Silent Struggle02:50 Understanding the Superwoman Schema05:31 The Impact of Emotional Suppression10:01 The Consequences of Performing Fine13:22 Reflection and Moving Forward

In this episode, Zenica explores the pervasive issue of overwork and its detrimental effects on mental and physical health. She shares her personal experiences with overwork, cultural conditioning, and the societal pressures that lead individuals to equate their worth with productivity. Zenica emphasizes the importance of redefining success, setting boundaries, and reclaiming time for rest and joy as essential steps towards a healthier work-life balance. Want to learn more about VIP Day Experiences? Book a call to learn more. TakeawaysOverworking is often a default response to external pressures.Cultural conditioning glorifies overwork and equates it with success.Rest is often viewed as a weakness, especially among women.Seeking external validation can lead to burnout and exhaustion.Setting boundaries is crucial for maintaining mental health.Redefining success to include well-being is essential.Cutting unnecessary tasks can free up time for self-care.Reclaiming joy and fun is vital for a balanced life.Identifying small boundaries can lead to significant changes.Rest should be seen as a necessary part of success, not a reward.Chapters00:00 - The Burden of Overwork02:55 - Personal Journey and Realizations05:53 - Cultural Conditioning and Its Impact08:56 - The Hidden Costs of Overworking12:01 - Shifting Mindsets: Redefining Success14:56 - Practical Steps to Reclaim Your Time18:01 - Setting Boundaries for a Healthier Life

Are you a seasoned professional woman (15+ years in the game) feeling…Bored? Like your career is stuck on repeat?Tired? Drained by the constant pressure and endless to-do lists?Stuck? Despite hitting your "smart" goals, you're not feeling fulfilled?If you're nodding along, this episode is a must-listen! Host, Zenica Chatman challenges the conventional wisdom of relying solely on SMART goals for personal and professional development, especially for women who've been navigating the workforce for over a decade.00:00 Introduction to Non-SMART Goals00:28 History and Concept of SMART Goals01:23 Challenges with SMART Goals07:08 Intrinsic vs. Extrinsic Motivation08:18 Cognitive Dissonance and Goal Alignment09:54 Rethinking Realistic Goals13:23 Process-Oriented Goal Setting15:53 Personalized Goal Setting Frameworks20:46 VIP Coaching and Final ThoughtsWant to dive deeper? Email Zenica with your biggest "aha!" moments from this episode and any decisions you're making to level up your vibe!Ready for a total career glow-up? Learn more about the Recover from Overwork VIP Day, a coaching intensive designed for women ready to redefine success without burning out.  https://calendly.com/zenica-zenicachatman/30min Don't forget to subscribe to Dare to Disrupt for more empowering conversations that challenge the status quo and help you create a career and life you truly love!

In this live recording of the Dare to Disrupt podcast from Charlotte, North Carolina, host Zenica Chatman welcomes financial coach and debt-free millionaire Bernadette Joy. Bernadette shares her impactful journey of paying off $300,000 in debt, achieving millionaire status, and working only 20 hours a week. The episode covers effective budgeting strategies, the significance of negotiation, the psychological aspects of financial freedom, and practical tips for women looking to redefine their work-life balance. Bernadette offers insights on generating passive income, making wise investments, and the personal fulfillment that comes with financial independence and living a balanced life.00:00 Introduction to the Episode00:47 Meet Bernadette Joy02:05 Bernadette's Financial Journey05:54 The Turning Point: Paying Off Debt16:09 Budgeting Made Simple21:21 Negotiation and Self-Worth33:31 Empowerment and Financial Independence35:52 Embracing Financial Freedom36:22 Prioritizing Personal Joy38:14 Making Time for Yourself39:34 Effective Use of Money40:09 Audience Q&A Begins42:05 Steps to Start Investing43:43 Managing Debt and Investments49:05 Exploring Passive Income57:34 Paying Off Mortgages Early01:05:25 Final Thoughts and Encouragement01:11:56 Upcoming Classes and Resources

In this episode, the Zenica addresses the challenging start to 2025 and emphasizes the importance of maintaining your mental health amidst political and social turbulence.00:00 Introduction: Reimagine Your Work-Life Balance00:34 The Struggles of 2025: Personal and Collective Challenges01:36 Protecting Your Mental Health: Turn It Off02:55 Listen to Your Body: The Mind-Body Connection03:55 Remember Who You Are: Lessons from Black Panther08:15 Building Community: The Power of Social Support10:48 Conclusion: Prioritize Your Well-being

Want to completely change your life this year? Join me and LaShell Wooten as we dive into a journey of completely changing your life. In this episode we talk about:LaShell's decision to leave a comfortable job to pursue a life of her dreamsLaShell's unique approach to manifesting and vision boardsHow to handle a toxic work environmentWatch LaShell on Season 2 of Deal or No Deal Island on NBC. 

“Girl, I’m burnt out!” We say it all the time, but what does it really mean? In this episode, burnout specialist Cait Donovan goes deep into what burnout actually is and offers practical advice on recognizing and addressing burnout. 

In this episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Elsa Issac, a celebrity stylist for some of the leading female journalists, entrepreneurs and authors. We delved into topics like adorning your body and building your personal uniform. Links - Get tickets to join Zenica live in Charlotte, NC in December. 

I'm going on the road and I want to meet you! Join me for an incredibly lively and real discussion about finances! Me and my good friend Bernadette Joy are going to have an open dialogue about the personal challenges and rewards of redefining success and pursuing financial freedom. Seat are limited, so get your tickets now.  

Coach. Consultant. Advisor. Guru. How is a coach different? This episode, Zenica breaks down what a coach does and how a coach can help fuel your goals. Connect with Zenica to learn more about coaching programs and upcoming events. 

What does it mean to "disrupt" your life? Or how to you navigate when life throws a little disruption your way? Life and leadership coach, Zenica Chatman breaks it down in this episode. Learn more about coaching programs. 

What does it feel like to be bullied at work. It hurts, but you can bounce back. Read my Fast Company article. Join the Dare to Disrupt Facebook group to connect with other disruptors. 

Sometimes you gotta pay the cost to be the boss and in this episode, Zenica breaks down the cost associated with disrupting your life for the better. Sign up to learn more about coaching and live events here. 

Get ready to get ya edges snatched! This episode breaks down what you do when you encounter a sister who doesn't seem to be in your camp and why it hurts so much. Want to know more about Zenica and how she helps women reclaim their power and maximize their impact? Tell me a little more about you and I'll design a plan just for you. 

Do you feel like you're behind in some way? In this solo episode, Zenica gives a loving "kick in the butt" to encourage you to reset, refresh and lean back into your dreams. Join the conversation and learn more in the Dare to Disrupt private community on Facebook. 

In this episode Zenica takes you through a virtual coaching session to help you take action when you feel stuck. Get more and join the discussion in the Dare to Disrupt private community. 

We all love a good vacay, but do you know how to plan a vacation that you don't actually need another vacation to recover. Life and leadership coach, Zenica Chatman is giving you the tea on how to maximize your PTO this summer. Join the discussion in this the Dare to Disrupt Private Facebook community. 

A few years ago, I was almost fired from my dream job because of workplace bullies. Here's how I survived and what I learned from that experience. Connect with other disruptors and learn more about coaching programs and events in the Dare to Disrupt Private Facebook community. 

Struggling with getting your point across? On this episode, Zenica is joined by fellow coach and podcast host, Kandia Johnson. Kandia shares her best tips on how to communicate your value and get your point across even in moments of conflict. Share your biggest takeaway and join the Dare to Disrupt private community. 

Zenica explores what it looks like when we are connected with our emotions. Join the discussion and connect with other disrupters in the Dare to Disrupt private Facebook Community. 

What happens when you've been wounded by another sister? Zenica is joined by Tiffany Bethea who shares her story of healing from the hurt caused by those who claim to be friends and how she found the confidence to build a new tribe and turn it into a ministry. Share your story in the Dare to Disrupt private community.  Learn more about Tiffany and the Successful & Surrounded Circle on her website. 

Let's talk money Disruptors. Get into this conversation with financial coach, Chianté Jones. Join the Dare to Disrupt private community and get entered to win a free coaching session with Zenica. Follow Chianté:Website: https://dollarsandchange.com/LinkedIn: Chianté Jones

Get ya cowboy hats and boots ready! It's time to get in the saddle disruptors! Drop your biggest takeaway and enter to win a free coaching session in the Dare to Disrupt! private community. 

This week we're joined by Executive Coach, Linda Taliaferro, a dedicated champion for the development of emotional intelligence and cultivating executive presence for Black and Brown women.  We had such a great conversation that this episode couldn't hold it all! Get the rest of the tea in the bonus episode in the Dare to Disrupt private Facebook community. Connect with Linda here:Website - https://www.lindataliaferro.com Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/theteewithlinda/Being Conference - https://www.lindataliaferro.com/copy-of-services 

Get into these foundational principles of goal setting and goal getting! Zenica lays out what it takes to create goals you'll actually want to achieve this year. Join the Dare to Disrupt private community to learn more about coaching programs and to share your goals for this year.