Episode Highlight: On this episode of the Embracing "Only" podcast, we are featuring one of the most impactful moments from episode 71 with guest Animah Kosai. This episode is a must-listen if you’ve ever felt pressured to conform, questioned your leadership style, or struggled to stay authentic in high-stakes environments.

 Animah is a passionate advocate for ethical leadership, diversity, and inclusion in the workplace. She founded Speak Up At Work to diagnose the speak up culture in companies and assess their response to reports on wrongdoing, harassment, unsafe, and unethical practices.

This episode is just a short snippet that highlights the best and most powerful learning moment from a past episode. You can listen to the full episode (filled with more wisdom) here: Episode 71: Speaking Up in the Workplace with Animah Kosai.

Key Discussion Points:

00:59 Bullying vs. Strong Leadership: There is a difference between strong assertive leadership and bullying. Transformation is possible if the bully is open to learning and acknowledging what they did wrong.

03:49 Understanding the DARVO Pattern: Deny, Attack, and Reverse Victim and Offender is a common corporate response to being called out.

05:18 Toxic Leadership Conditioning: Past experiences shape behaviors. Leadership mirrors toxic systems until we consciously choose another path.

08:09 The Challenge of Disrupting Systems: We are living in a world designed by and for  cis straight white men from certain educational backgrounds.

10:32 Authenticity as Resistance: The roots of “professionalism” are deeply racialized and gendered, and it serves to erase identity.

In Summary: Animah Kosai encourages self-awareness in leadership, especially in addressing and transforming bullying behavior. She discusses the need for authenticity and systemic change in corporate cultures to promote inclusivity and challenge existing biases.

Resources from this episode:

Follow Animah on LinkedIn or visit her website.

If you happen to be a woman of color and you are looking for a community of like minded women, join Olivia here: https://www.mysistersshoulders.com/

Ready to make a change?

→ If you are struggling to navigate your corporate career but are ambitious and have goals you want to accomplish quickly, Olivia is the coach for you. She can help you reach your goals.

Reach out to her on LinkedIn or visit oliviacream.com.

→ If you are ready to transition out of Corporate and want to start building a profitable portfolio career as a business owner, board member or more, but you’re unsure of the next steps, Archita can guide you through a successful transition to entrepreneurship.

Reach out to her on LinkedIn or visit architafritz.com.

Connect with your hosts:

Follow Embracing Only on Linkedin, Instagram, and Facebook, or check out the website.

_________

Produced by Ideablossoms

Episode Highlight: On this episode of the Embracing "Only" podcast, we sit down with Kim Crowder, transformational leadership expert and founder of Courageous Crowd. Kim is known for helping Fortune 500 companies transform crises into catalysts for growth, and she brings both her extensive corporate experience and entrepreneurial wisdom to this conversation. We explore how high-achieving women of color can hold boundaries, navigate toxic environments, and trust their values when stepping into alignment and away from overwork.

As a LinkedIn Top Voice, Kim has been featured in Forbes, the New York Times, CBS, and Business Insider. She now leads a team of experts creating sustainable leadership culture in the most complex workplaces.

Key Discussion Points:

02:50 Defining Boundaries While Holding Influence:  There are stark differences between being a boundary-holder in corporate America vs. consulting.

09:43 The Importance of Living Your Values: Showing up as yourself and staying true to your values will help you attract the right kind of clients & team members.

15:31 Finding Alignment With Yourself and With Work: Finding moments of quiet is the way to find alignment within yourself, which will then flow into your work.

20:01 Sacred Work vs. Strategic Work: Not all passions are meant for capitalism. There are some things that you may be extremely passionate about but would prefer to keep sacred.

27:30 What Alignment Actually Feels Like: Alignment often comes in small moments. There is power in recognizing the value of these.

30:58 Turning Chaos Into a Superpower: The chaos that you are currently living through could later on become the foundation of what you can build on your own.

41:17 Being a Black Woman in the Boardroom Today:  Cultivate and honor what makes you unique as your superpower. You may not be able to ignore how other people feel about it, but you don't have to internalize it.

In Summary: Kim Crowder emphasizes the importance of setting boundaries, leveraging experiences as superpowers, and maintaining mental health and creativity through journaling and finding quiet moments.

Resources from this episode:

Follow Kim on LinkedIn.

If you happen to be a woman of color and you are looking for a community of like minded women, join Olivia here: https://www.mysistersshoulders.com/.

Ready to make a change?

→ If you are struggling to navigate your corporate career but are ambitious and have goals you want to accomplish quickly, Olivia is the coach for you. She can help you reach your goals.

Reach out to her on LinkedIn or visit oliviacream.com.

→ If you are ready to transition out of Corporate and want to start building a profitable portfolio career as a business owner, board member or more, but you’re unsure of the next steps, Archita can guide you through a successful transition to entrepreneurship.

Reach out to her on LinkedIn or visit architafritz.com.

Connect with your hosts:

Follow Embracing Only on

Ready to make a change?
→ Struggling with your corporate career but have big goals?
Reach out to Olivia on LinkedIn or visit oliviacream.com.
→ Ready to leave corporate or start a side venture? Archita can guide your next steps.
Reach out to her on LinkedIn or visit architafritz.com.

Episode Highlight: On this episode of the Embracing "Only" podcast, we are featuring one of the most impactful moments from episode 26 with guest Monique Ball. What does it take to rise above stereotypes and rewrite the narrative? Monique shares how identity, education, and self-belief can become tools for empowerment.

Monique is a licensed real estate agent and previously worked in broadcasting and digital advertising. Throughout Monique’s life, she has continued to break societal stereotypes, and through education, she has been empowered to rise above the expectations placed on her.

This episode is just a short snippet that highlights the best and most powerful learning moment from a past episode. You can listen to the full episode (filled with more wisdom) here: Episode 26: Breaking stereotypes and leading with curiosity.

Key Discussion Points:

00:58 Ignorance and Misinformation: We have to think critically about the information we consume, especially in times of crisis.

01:59 Navigating Stereotypes: People choose to accept stereotypes and misinformation rather than educate themselves. Use this as motivation to supersede whatever judgment society has placed on you.

07:05 Understanding Historically Black Universities:  Historically black colleges and universities are institutions that were founded on the principle of helping minorities have higher education.

08:08 Empowerment in Belonging: There is empowerment that comes with being part of the majority.

In Summary: Monique encourages us to challenge stereotypes, use adversity as motivation, and invest in education as a path to empowerment. She urges us to seek environments that affirm our identity and build self-confidence.

Resources from this episode:

Follow Monique on LinkedIn.

If you happen to be a woman of color and you are looking for a community of like minded women, join Olivia here: https://www.mysistersshoulders.com/

Ready to make a change?

→ If you are struggling to navigate your corporate career but are ambitious and have goals you want to accomplish quickly, Olivia is the coach for you. She can help you reach your goals.

Reach out to her on LinkedIn or visit oliviacream.com.

→ If you are ready to transition out of Corporate and want to start building a profitable portfolio career as a business owner, board member or more, but you’re unsure of the next steps, Archita can guide you through a successful transition to entrepreneurship.

Reach out to her on LinkedIn or visit architafritz.com.

Connect with your hosts:

Follow Archita on Linkedin or check out her website.

Follow Olivia on Linkedin or check out her website.

Follow Embracing Only on Linkedin, Instagram, and Facebook, or check out the website.

_________

Produced by Ideablossoms

Episode Highlight: On this episode of the Embracing "Only" podcast, we are featuring one of the most impactful moments from episode 24 with guest Annette Maxberry-Carrara. Feeling behind or unsure if it's too late to pivot? This conversation will remind you that reinvention isn’t about timing; it’s about courage, clarity, and action.

Annette is a screenwriter, celebrated author, and political activist. She embodies empathy, compassion, and courage, from saving her Afghan daughter from the Taliban and escaping the Algerian Civil War, to getting involved in political activism in the United States.

This episode is just a short snippet that highlights the best and most powerful learning moment from a past episode. You can listen to the full episode (filled with more wisdom) here: Episode 24: Writing Success Stories with Courage, Compassion And Empathy.

Key Discussion Points:

01:00 Reinventing Yourself: You can reinvent yourself at any age, no matter your background or education. All it takes is courage.

02:57 Stepping Out in the Face of Fear: Failure is not the end of the world. True failure is letting fear hold you back from trying anything.

03:33 Doing What You Can with What You Have: Don’t let what you don’t have hold you back. Rather, explore what you can do with what you have.

06:56 Tapping Into an Untapped Market: If you are looking for a business opportunity, all you need is a bit of creativity and an untapped market.

In Summary: Annette reminds us that reinvention is always possible, regardless of age, setbacks, or fear. She encourages us to act before we feel ready and to embrace failure as part of the process.

Resources from this episode:

Follow Annette on LinkedIn.

If you happen to be a woman of color and you are looking for a community of like minded women, join Olivia here: https://www.mysistersshoulders.com/

Ready to make a change?

→ If you are struggling to navigate your corporate career but are ambitious and have goals you want to accomplish quickly, Olivia is the coach for you. She can help you reach your goals.

Reach out to her on LinkedIn or visit oliviacream.com.

→ If you are ready to transition out of Corporate and want to start building a profitable portfolio career as a business owner, board member or more, but you’re unsure of the next steps, Archita can guide you through a successful transition to entrepreneurship.

Reach out to her on LinkedIn or visit architafritz.com.

Connect with your hosts:

Follow Archita on Linkedin or check out her website.

Follow Olivia on Linkedin or check out her website.

Follow Embracing Only on Linkedin, Instagram, and Facebook, or check out the website.

_________

Produced by Ideablossoms

Episode Highlight: On this episode of the Embracing "Only" podcast, we spotlight a powerful moment from episode 70 with guest Cindy Gallop. What happens when your values no longer align with your workplace? Cindy shares insight on walking away, speaking up, and building a career rooted in authenticity and impact.

Cindy is a bold entrepreneur, brand innovator, and advocate for social change with over 30 years in advertising. Known for her disruptive style, she calls herself the Michael Bay of business.

This short clip features one of the most impactful learning moments from a past episode. You can listen to the full episode (filled with more wisdom) here: Episode 70: Disrupting the Status Quo.

Key Discussion Points:

01:00 The Value of Being Your Own Filter: When you are your own filter and put what you are out there, you will attract your tribe and you'll keep away the people who are not for you.

03:37 Aligning with Your Values (As an Individual and a Business): When businesses come together with their consumers and employees based on shared values, they can make things happen that will benefit consumers, employees, society, and the company.

06:55 Knowing the Right Time to Leave a Job: Working at a company that is not in alignment with your values will cause you stress. This means it’s time to get out.

09:52 Overcoming Fear by Taking Action: The micro-action that will have the single biggest positive effect on your life is saying what you think. This is how you bring your value to the table and become your own filter.

In Summary: Cindy emphasizes the power of authenticity, value alignment, and fearless self-expression in both life and work. She encourages individuals to be their own filter and live their values unapologetically.

Resources from this episode:

Follow Cindy on LinkedIn or visit her website.

You can support Cindy Gallpo’s mission by making a tax-deductible donation to Inspire Access x MLNP—an initiative championing equity and access in business. Whether you're a major investor or simply passionate about real change, we highly encourage you to contribute.

👉 Donate here to support a visionary female founder.

If you happen to be a woman of color and you are looking for a community of like minded women, join Olivia here: https://www.mysistersshoulders.com/

Ready to make a change?

→ If you are struggling to navigate your corporate career but are ambitious and have goals you want to accomplish quickly, Olivia is the coach for you. She can help you reach your goals.

Reach out to her on LinkedIn or visit oliviacream.com.

→ Ready to leave Corporate and build a profitable portfolio career? Archita can guide your transition to entrepreneurship with clarity and confidence.

Reach out to her on LinkedIn or visit architafritz.com.

Connect with your hosts:

Follow Embracing Only on Linkedin, Instagram, and Facebook, or check out the website.

_________

Produced by Ideablossoms

Episode Highlight: On this episode of the Embracing "Only" podcast, we are featuring one of the most impactful moments from episode 30 with guest Sanhita Sen. How do you stay true to your values in corporate systems that resist change? Sanhita is sharing insight on navigating identity, power, and purpose in corporate environments.

Sanhita is an experienced Assistant District Attorney with a demonstrated history of working in the law practice industry. She has a Doctor of Law from the University of Pennsylvania Law School.

This episode is just a short snippet that highlights the best and most powerful learning moment from a past episode. You can listen to the full episode (filled with more wisdom) here: Episode 30: Choosing to Challenge Systemic Racism in the U.S Justice System with Curiosity And Kindness.

Key Discussion Points:

00:59 Moving Beyond Surface-Level Diversity: We need to stop running from real conversations about power and privilege, and instead confront them honestly and intentionally.

05:01 Staying True to Your Values Within the System: You do not have to dedicate your life to the downfall of capitalism; rather, you can choose to act intentionally in the systems you live in.

03:35 The Social Networking Aspect to Dismantling Racism: People are more likely to change when ideas have been introduced to them by a friend.

10:29 Making Space for Less Privileged Voices:  You can use your privilege and platform to make room for voices that don't naturally have access to that privilege.

In Summary: Sanhita Sen encourages those more privileged to use that power to amplify marginalized voices. She explains that investing in imagination is the only way to create a more inclusive future.

Resources from this episode:

Follow Sanhita on LinkedIn.

If you happen to be a woman of color and you are looking for a community of like minded women, join Olivia here: https://www.mysistersshoulders.com/

Ready to make a change?

→ If you are struggling to navigate your corporate career but are ambitious and have goals you want to accomplish quickly, Olivia is the coach for you. She can help you reach your goals.

Reach out to her on LinkedIn or visit oliviacream.com.

→ If you are ready to transition out of Corporate and want to start building a profitable portfolio career as a business owner, board member or more, but you’re unsure of the next steps, Archita can guide you through a successful transition to entrepreneurship.

Reach out to her on LinkedIn or visit architafritz.com.

Connect with your hosts:

Follow Archita on Linkedin or check out her website.

Follow Olivia on Linkedin or check out her website.

Follow Embracing Only on

Ready to make a change?
→ Struggling with your corporate career but have big goals?
Reach out to Olivia on LinkedIn or visit oliviacream.com.
→ Ready to leave corporate or start a side venture? Archita can guide your next steps.
Reach out to her on LinkedIn or visit architafritz.com.

Episode Highlight: On this episode of the Embracing "Only" podcast, we are featuring one of the most impactful moments from episode 28 with Olivia Grant-Cream from before she was a host on the show. Olivia is sharing the exact steps you need to take to advocate for yourself in the workplace.

 Olivia is a US veteran, born and raised in Jamaica, with over 12 years of experience in HR leadership. She has recently left her corporate job to pursue entrepreneurship full-time, where she helps ambitious women of color break through barriers and create the success they deserve.

This episode is just a short snippet that highlights the best and most powerful learning moment from a past episode. You can listen to the full episode (filled with more wisdom) here: Episode 28: From First Black Woman Engineer Officer in The U.S. Coast Guard to Corporate America.

Key Discussion Points:

00:58 Advocating for Yourself in the Workplace: You cannot accomplish anything in your organization without knowing what you want, networking, and adding value.

05:11 Stop Trying to Prove People Wrong: Don’t chase things just because someone says you can’t do it. That doesn’t help you in your life.

06:05 Understanding Your Why: Without a clear why, you’ll waste energy chasing goals that don’t actually belong to you.

In Summary: Olivia shares practical strategies for career growth by focusing on clarity, strategic networking, and adding visible value. She urges us to define our “why” instead of chasing goals rooted in ego or external doubt.

Resources from this episode:

Start with Why & Leaders Eat Last by Simon Sinek

If you happen to be a woman of color and you are looking for a community of like minded women, join Olivia here: https://www.mysistersshoulders.com/

Ready to make a change?

→ If you are struggling to navigate your corporate career but are ambitious and have goals you want to accomplish quickly, Olivia is the coach for you. She can help you reach your goals.

Reach out to her on LinkedIn or visit oliviacream.com.

→ If you are ready to transition out of Corporate and want to start building a profitable portfolio career as a business owner, board member or more, but you’re unsure of the next steps, Archita can guide you through a successful transition to entrepreneurship.

Reach out to her on LinkedIn or visit architafritz.com.

Connect with your hosts:

Follow Archita on Linkedin or check out her website.

Follow Olivia on Linkedin or check out her website.

Follow Embracing Only on Linkedin, Instagram, and Facebook, or check out the website.

_________

Produced by Ideablossoms

Episode Highlight: On this episode of the Embracing "Only" podcast, we are featuring one of the most impactful moments from episode 67 with guest Mary Waweru. We’re diving into creating inclusive workplaces as Mary shares impactful DEI practices and the importance of anti-racism.

Mary is an intersectionality, racial equity, decoloniality, and social impact consultant. As the CEO and founder of Crest Impact, she guides organisations to build safe and inclusive cultures, practices, policies, and communications.

This episode is just a short snippet that highlights the best and most powerful learning moment from a past episode. You can listen to the full episode (filled with more wisdom) here: Episode 67: Taking Action To Be Anti-Racist.

Key Discussion Points:

01:00 Recognizing the Value of DEI: DEI affects every aspect of a business, from the brand and the people within the organization to people externally and brands wanting to partner with the organization.

04:06 Creating Safe Spaces for Conversation: Hard conversations don’t have to be scary. Normalise having these conversations and allow people to make mistakes, make guesses, and be unsure.

08:18 The Value of an Expert to Assist with DEI Work: DEI shouldn’t be assigned as a side project to the only woman or person of color on the team.

09:40 The Need for Anti-Racism: It’s not enough to be “not racist,” you have to take action to be anti-racist.

In Summary: Mary emphasizes the importance of cultural humility, racial equity, and social impact within organizations. She encourages us to be anti-racist through action, commitment, education, and learning.

Resources from this episode:

Follow Mary on LinkedIn or visit her website.

Find Mary’s anti-racism courses here.

If you happen to be a woman of color and you are looking for a community of like minded women, join Olivia here: https://www.mysistersshoulders.com/

Ready to make a change?

→ If you are struggling to navigate your corporate career but are ambitious and have goals you want to accomplish quickly, Olivia is the coach for you. She can help you reach your goals.

Reach out to her on LinkedIn or visit oliviacream.com.

→ If you are ready to transition out of Corporate and want to start building a profitable portfolio career as a business owner, board member or more, but you’re unsure of the next steps, Archita can guide you through a successful transition to entrepreneurship.

Reach out to her on LinkedIn or visit architafritz.com.

Connect with your hosts:

Follow Archita on Linkedin or check out her website.

Follow Olivia on Linkedin or check out her website.

Follow Embracing Only on Linkedin, Instagram, and Facebook, or check out the website.

_________

Produced by Ideablossoms