#304: Is being too “realistic” keeping you stuck?

This week, I’m getting into something I’ve been thinking about a lot lately: how being “realistic” can actually be a form of shrinking our goals to fit our fears.

In this solo episode, I’m unpacking why being realistic isn’t always the wise or grounded choice it’s made out to be, and how it might actually be self-sabotage disguised as protection.

I also share some mindset shifts that have helped me stop shrinking my goals to fit what feels “safe” and start thinking bigger again—without spiraling into overwhelm. If you’ve ever talked yourself out of something because it felt too bold or too unlikely, this one’s for you.

In this episode, I talk about:

• Why “being realistic” can be a trap
• How I’ve noticed it showing up in my own life
• What to do when your big goals start to feel too far away
• The difference between grounded strategy and self-sabotage
• Encouragement to stop playing small and dream a little bigger

Resources:

• Follow me on IG @lesalfred
• Follow She’s So Lucky on IG @shessoluckypod
• Follow me on TikTok @balancedles
• Follow She’s So Lucky on TikTok @shessoluckypod
• Download my free Best Case Scenario Journal Template

Sponsors:

• Nutrafol: Get stronger, healthier hair with Nutrafol. For a limited time, Nutrafol is offering $10 OFF your first month’s subscription and free shipping when you go to nutrafol.com and enter promo code BALANCEDLES.
• Shopify: Start your online business with Shopify. Sign up for your $1 per month trial at shopify.com/balancedblackgirl.
• Simply Pop is a new fruit-forward bevy of prebiotic sodas with 6 grams of fiber. Go to cokeurl.com/simplyPOP to find out where you can try it.
• The Real Real: The Real Real is attainable luxury that upgrades your personal style. Get $25 off your first purchase when you go to therealreal.com/lucky.
• Function: Take charge of your health through lab testing with Function. Visit functionhealth.com/lucky or use the gift code LUCKY for a $100 credit towards your membership.

Please note that this episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct or indirect financial interest in products or services referred to in this episode.

Produced by Dear Media.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#303: What does it look like to build a brand that’s rooted in real community, not just clout? That’s what we’re diving into this week with our guest, Nana Agyemang.

Nana is a journalist-turned-entrepreneur, founder of EveryStylishGirl, and the visionary behind Sip N’ Slay — one of today’s most sought-after events for women creatives and media professionals.

In this episode, we talk about building an authentic personal brand, why community is the best business strategy, and how Nana is planning for early retirement (at 40!) without sacrificing joy or alignment.

We Also Talk About…

• What it really means to build an authentic brand
• How Sip N’ Slay became the go-to event for women creatives
• Mapping out your long game (and making peace with slow growth)
• Shifting your money mindset for legacy and wealth
• Knowing when to say no, and why boundaries are essential

Resources:

• Get your tickets for Sip N’ Slay NYC on August 23
• Follow Nana on Instagram @itsreallynana
• Follow Nana on TikTok @itsreallynanaaa
• Follow EveryStylishGirl on Instagram @everystylishgirl
• Download my free Best Case Scenario Journal Template

Sponsors:

• Function: Take charge of your health through lab testing with Function. Visit functionhealth.com/lucky or use the gift code LUCKY for a $100 credit towards your membership.
• Cotton: Cotton is the fabric of our lives. Learn more at thefabricofourlives.com.
• Opill: Opill is birth control in your control, and you can use code BALANCEDLES for 25% off your first month at www.opill.com
• Simply Pop is a new fruit-forward bevy of prebiotic sodas with 6 grams of fiber. Go to cokeurl.com/simplyPOP to find out where you can try it.
• NOCD: NOCD offers accessible OCD treatment. Go to nocd.com and schedule a free 15-minute call with their team.

Keep in touch:

• Follow on IG: @shessoluckypod @lesalfred
• Follow on TikTok: @shessoluckypod @lesalfred
• Visit our website at balancedblackgirl.com

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#302: What if the version of success you’re chasing isn’t actually yours?

In this episode I’m joined by Amina AlTai, executive coach and author of The Ambition Trap, to unpack what it really means to pursue ambition with purpose. We talk about the difference between chasing success to prove something vs. purposeful ambition that aligns with your values and desires.

Amina shares the personal and professional wake-up calls that led her to redefine ambition, why we can feel our lowest during moments that are supposed to be our highest, and why fulfillment isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. If you’ve ever hit a milestone and felt underwhelmed, this conversation is for you.

We Also Talk About…

• Why performative ambition can leave you feeling empty
• The signs you’re stuck in the Ambition Trap
• How to reconnect with purposeful, aligned goals
• The difference between identity-driven success and ego-driven success
• Permission to want more, but for the right reasons

Resources:

• Check out Amina’s book The Ambition Trap
• Follow Amina on Instagram @aminaaltai
• Follow Amina on TikTok @aminaaltai
• Follow Amina on LinkedIn
• Check out Amina’s podcast, Amina Change Your Life
• Download my free Best Case Scenario Journal Template

Sponsors:

• Simply Pop is a new fruit-forward bevy of prebiotic sodas with 6 grams of fiber. Go to cokeurl.com/simplyPOP to find out where you can try it.
• Cotton: Cotton is the fabric of our lives. Learn more at thefabricofourlives.com.
• Nutrafol: Get $10 off your first month’s subscription and free shipping by visiting nutrafol.com and using the promo code BALANCEDLES.

Keep in touch:

• Follow on IG: @balancedles @lesalfred
• Follow on TikTok @balancedles
• Visit our website at balancedblackgirl.com

Please note that this episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct or indirect financial interest in products or services referred to in this episode.

Produced by Dear Media.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.