Leadership Tea
On Leadership Tea, we talk about what it takes to reach the executive level, and how to thrive when you get there. Powerful leaders share their journeys, insights, and triumphs in conversations with hosts Shelby Smith-Wilson and Belinda Jackson Farrier.
Join us every other Wednesday to be inspired by the unvarnished stories of amazing executives who know what it's like to be "the only" at the table and who have succeeded regardless. They have proven leadership experience in their respective fields, from international affairs to the private sector to academia, and want to help others create their own success stories.
Episodes
62 episodes
Why Resilience Isn’t a Flex — And What Women Leaders Should Do Instead| S4 EP16
Belinda and Shelby host a candid conversation with a panel of high-achieving women from South Africa: Samantha Kavuma, Ayanda Nkosi, Lehlohonolo Siwundla, and Carmin Varnicker. We discuss internal barriers that can block our professional progre...
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Season 4
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Episode 16
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55:23
Sunday Scaries To Sunday Strategy | S4 EP15
In the newly launched Sunday Scaries to Sunday Strategy Series as part of the Leadership Tea Podcast, Belinda and Shelby help executives with tips to lean into the week and strategies for long-term professional growth. This episode highligh...
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Season 4
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Episode 15
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25:39
Leadership Lessons From The Shutdown: Confidence, Money & Boundaries | S4 EP14
Airports jammed, paychecks paused, nerves frayed—crisis has a way of revealing what actually keeps leaders steady. Belinda and Shelby peel back the layers of the recent shutdown and run our lessons through “priority screening,” naming the habit...
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Season 4
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Episode 14
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14:23
Managing Anxiety in the Age of AI with Soribel Feliz, The AI Therapist | S4 EP13
Belinda and Shelby are joined by tech policy and AI governance expert, Soribel Feliz, also known as The AI Therapist. Soribel tackles the anxiety currently gripping the professional world: fear of being replaced by artificial intelligence. If y...
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Season 4
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Episode 13
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29:44
Part VI: Shutdown, But Not Shut Out - There is Growth in Discomfort | S4 EP12
Finding Growth in Discomfort: Strategies for Transition and CopingIn this episode of the Leadership Tea Podcast, hosts discuss the challenges and growth opportunities during a shutdown. Shelby shares her experiences transitioning out of...
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Season 4
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Episode 12
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21:23
Part V: Shutdown But Not Shut Out - Resiliency with a Game Seven Mentality | S4 EP11
Shelby and Belinda reflect on managing personal and professional lives amidst the prolonged government shutdown. They discuss its impacts, such as the end of SNAP benefits and continued layoffs at major companies. Shelby and Belinda also draw p...
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Season 4
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Episode 11
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20:23
Practicing Wellness In Unwell Times: Reflections on Repose 2025 With Ellen Tannor | S4 EP10
Shelby and Belinda welcome a special guest, Ellen Tannor, a former senior diplomat who recently participated in the 'Repose, a Day of Reflection' retreat at Salamander Resort in Middleburg. Ellen shares her rich career experiences, including he...
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Season 4
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Episode 10
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25:36
Part IV: Shutdown, But Not Shut Out - Rise Like a Phoenix | S4 EP9
Belinda and Shelby discuss the ongoing challenges of the government shutdown and share personal strategies for maintaining hope and resilience. They reflect on the inspiration drawn from historical figures like Harriet Tubman and the symbolism ...
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Season 4
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Episode 9
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10:32
Part III: Shutdown, But Not Shut Out - If You Had Nothing to Lose, What Would You Try? | S4 EP8
What if a shutdown could be your reset button? We sat down with digital strategist and communicator Afua Riverson to explore how a forced pause can surface buried passions, heal old narratives, and point you toward work that actually feels like...
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Season 4
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Episode 8
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31:24
Managing Professional Grief and Stress with Kimya Imani Jackson, PhD | S4 EP7
Kimya Imani Jackson, PhD, joins Belinda and Shelby to discuss the emotional impact of professional grief. Amid the government shutdown and massive layoffs, it can feel impossible to move forward. How do you begin to build a new career when you'...
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Season 4
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Episode 7
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29:49
Part II - Shutdown, But Not Shut Out | S4 EP6
Shelby and Belinda discuss our personal experiences and emotional journey during the ongoing government shutdown. We share how the shutdown is affecting our households, businesses, and mental health. We talk about the importance of mental resil...
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Season 4
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Episode 6
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21:46
Shutdown, But Not Shut Out | S4 EP5
Shelby and Belinda discuss the need to shift focus from operational excellence to survival strategies in difficult times, such as the current federal government shutdown affecting many in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia. We emph...
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Season 4
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Episode 5
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27:58
Your Next Steps: When “Outwit, Outlast, Outplay” Isn't Working | S4 EP4
In our 50th episode 🎉, Shelby and Belinda discuss why courage is essential in today's professional landscape, and what it looks like when leaders are radically honest with themselves when "outwit, outlast, outplay" isn’t working. We...
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Season 4
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Episode 4
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13:58
How Leaders Can Create Joyful Boundaries with Boniswa Siwundla Madikizela | S4 EP3
Shelby and Belinda welcome special guest Boniswa Siwundla Madikizela, a transformational leader from South Africa, for a conversation on how to stay grounded and aligned in a world that feels chaotic. Boniswa shares her personal pra...
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Season 4
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Episode 3
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31:04
Choosing Community and Clarity in Challenging Times | S4 EP2
Career transitions can be emotionally challenging, but with the right community and strategic approach, they become opportunities for growth, authentic connection, and clarity. In this bonus episode:Shelby shares her exp...
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Season 4
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Episode 2
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37:15
How leaders can protect their mental health and support their teams | S4 EP1
Our special guest, Lisa Povoni, a therapist and coach with a specialty in trauma, discusses how leaders can recognize and manage chronic stress and burnout in themselves and their teams. She shares actionable micro-practices, the difference bet...
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Season 4
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Episode 1
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34:56
Repost of S1 EP11: Create Your 90-Day Plan
Belinda and Shelby introduce this oldie-but-goodie by catching you up on what we're doing this summer. And in the episode, we talk about how to master the first 90 days in your new role, as you transition from colleague to commander. <...
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Season 3
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Episode 14
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27:16
Navigating Career Pivots and Layoffs: What Got You Here Won't Get You There | S3 EP13
Are you navigating a career pivot or a layoff? It’s not uncommon these days. If you’re looking ahead to what’s next, Shelby and Belinda want to remind you that times have changed, so what worked for you before won't necessarily get you where yo...
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Season 3
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Episode 13
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16:28
Leadership Lessons from a Gen-Z Grad | S3 EP12
Recent high school grad Viola Wilson speaks with Shelby (her mom) and Belinda to share a fresh perspective on what leadership means to her. Viola speaks fluent Spanish and had lived in four countries by the time she was 9...
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Season 3
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Episode 12
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15:12
Don't crash out or burn out! Reclaiming your peace in the chaos | S3 EP11
Belinda and Shelby acknowledge the current speed of change and wild news cycle, and the emotional toll that it can take. They share practical steps they are taking to prevent crashing out and to improve their well-being. They emphas...
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Season 3
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Episode 11
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15:29
Ambassador Robert Gilchrist: Leading with Integrity, Empathy & Ice Cream | S3 EP10
Belinda and Shelby welcome a distinguished former diplomat and senior leader, Ambassador Robert Gilchrist (Ret.). He shares insights from a career spent navigating complex global challenges, from leading teams under intense pressure in Iraq to ...
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Season 3
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Episode 10
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34:14
Building Bravery & Community: An Invitation to Grow | S3 EP9
Join Shelby and Belinda on May 31 for our first ever live virtual event: “Shoot Your Shot LIVE: A Celebration & Strategy Session to Keep You Bold.” We’re wrapping up our month-long challenge with a celebration of YOU, our...
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Season 3
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Episode 9
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10:24
Leadership & Risk Management: Empowering Others to Shoot Their Shot | S3 EP8
Belinda and Shelby continue their "Shoot Your Shot" series by exploring the role of risk management when empowering others. They discuss situations when they’ve given team members opportunities to shine, both when it’s led to success and when i...
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Season 3
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Episode 8
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33:45
Your Leadership Genius: Are You Born a Leader? | S3 EP7
What are some of the core qualities that differentiate exceptional leaders? And what strengths do you bring to your leadership role? From staying calm under pressure to leading with empathy, understanding your leadership genius is key to thrivi...
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Season 3
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Episode 7
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23:57
Shoot Your Shot: Ask for What You Want | S3 EP6
This episode is about calculated risks and proactive steps towards your goals. Inspired by their previous coaching session, Belinda and Shelby challenge you to take action and step out of your comfort zone to achieve your goals. Bel...
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Season 3
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Episode 6
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17:39