
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
36 episodes
What’s holding you back? Two coaches coach each other | S3 EP4
Belinda and Shelby turn the tables and engage in a coaching session with each other. They open up about their professional challenges and discuss strategies for navigating roadblocks and pursuing entrepreneurial goals, providing listeners with ...
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Season 3
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Episode 4
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21:52

Taking Your Power Back with Cathy Duffy | S3 EP3
How can you transform unexpected career changes into opportunities for reinvention and personal growth? With returning guest Cathy Duffy, Belinda and Shelby talk about how to respond to forced career pivots, a reality many professionals are fac...
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Season 3
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Episode 3
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33:49

Facing Your Fears, Leading with Love | S3 EP2
Belinda and Shelby address how leaders can navigate the current climate of fear. They emphasize the importance of grounding yourself in your core values, maintaining personal integrity, and fostering a culture of empathy and love. T...
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Season 3
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Episode 2
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19:12

Letting Go of Perfection, Doubling Down on Self-Care | S3 EP1
As they celebrate the first anniversary of the Leadership Tea Podcast, Shelby and Belinda reflect on their responses to and offer practical advice for navigating the current challenging political climate. Acknowledging the em...
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Season 3
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Episode 1
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16:14

Channeling Dr. King's Vision for Community and Service | S2 EP12
Shelby and Belinda explore Dr. Martin Luther King Jr's lasting impact and his advocacy for community building. We challenge you to integrate Dr. King's principles of humility and service into your everyday interactions. And on Mart...
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Season 2
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Episode 12
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11:51

Finding Your Calm Center | S2 EP11
Is your work week defined more by dread rather than by excitement and purpose? Belinda and Shelby examine strategies for creating a more balanced and intentional life, focusing on the power of rest, self-reflection, and strategic decluttering.&...
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Season 2
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Episode 11
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26:01

2025 in Focus: Three Words, One Goal | S2 EP10
Shelby and Belinda discuss the idea of selecting three words to guide our intentions for 2025. We share our chosen words and discuss strategies for embodying and implementing them throughout the year.In this episode:• Our three w...
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Season 2
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Episode 10
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26:50

Transform & Thrive in 2025 | S2 EP9
Navigating uncertainty requires strong team communication and personal well-being. Today, Belinda and Shelby explore strategies for leading through turbulent times, focusing on acceptance and radical honesty. We discuss how overcom...
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Season 2
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Episode 9
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25:27

Crafting Your Brand: Leadership as a Lifestyle, with Heather A. Kollar | S2 EP8
Join us for an inspiring conversation with entrepreneur and coach Heather A. Kollar as we unlock the secrets to building strong and meaningful business relationships. Heather shares her incredible journey, highlighting the crucial roles of inte...
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Season 2
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Episode 8
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35:07

Accepting Change & Reimagining Your Future | S2 EP7
Imagine facing an unexpected shift in your career trajectory just as you reached the peak of your success. Our conversation aims to equip you with strategies to embrace resilience and clarity, even amid uncertainty. We discuss the non-linear pa...
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Season 2
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Episode 7
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41:02

Designing Your Destiny, with Ambassador Aurelia Brazeal | S2 EP6
Ambassador Aurelia Brazeal joins us for an inspiring conversation on leadership, resilience, and navigating life's adversities. Her story offers a window into her resilient mindset and risk-taking approach, illustrating how history and upbringi...
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Season 2
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Episode 6
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33:50

Managing from the Middle & the Power of Emotional Intelligence | S2 EP5
How can you keep team morale high when the people above you can't see eye to eye? Managing from the middle can feel like walking a tightrope when you're caught in the crossfire of clashing bosses. Drawing from our personal experiences, Belinda ...
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Season 2
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Episode 5
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17:06

Trust, Teamwork & Transformation, with Kendra Gaither | S2 EP4
What if the key to successful leadership is knowing when to say no? Join us as we uncover strategic problem-solving and leadership secrets with Kendra Gaither. This episode promises to equip you with strategies for balancing team success with w...
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Season 2
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Episode 4
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33:36

How to Block Out the Noise & Lead with Purpose | S2 EP3
Being a leader means managing the emotional stress that comes with striving for excellence amidst external criticism. Belinda and Shelby discuss real-world challenges that leaders face, from microaggressions to the relentless pressures to lead ...
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Season 2
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Episode 3
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19:24

Leading with Self-Awareness and Empathy, with Nichole Gladden McCall | S2 EP2
Leadership is not just about strategy and performance; it's about people. What if self-awareness could be your secret weapon in effective leadership? Accomplished leader Nichole Gladden McCall shares her insights on leading with authenticity an...
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Season 2
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Episode 2
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40:25

Leading with a Startup Mindset: Leadership Strategies for Success | S2 EP1
Curious about how to lead with a startup mindset in any sector, including government or private industry? In this episode, Belinda and Shelby break down how agility and creativity can help you when embarking on new projects or building teams.&n...
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Season 2
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Episode 1
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39:00

Reflections on a Season of Leadership Growth | S1 EP19
Belinda and Shelby share our favorite moments and quotes from season 1 of the podcast. Belinda recounts Perlita's insights on the unsustainability of fight-or-flight leadership. Shelby reflects on our conversation with Emily Haber, focusi...
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Season 1
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Episode 19
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23:02

Pivoting from Diplomacy to the Private Sector | S1 EP18
What happens when a seasoned diplomat becomes an entrepreneur? From an emotional farewell to the State Department to entering the private sector and entrepreneurship, Belinda's story is a testament to the possibilities of embracing change.<...
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Season 1
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Episode 18
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34:13

Creativity, Curiosity & the Achievement Addiction, with Erika Bennett | S1 EP17
How can you build a team that thrives on creativity and curiosity? Our guest Erika Bennett, founder and CEO of Conscious Culture Creative, does just that. Her unique leadership style fosters deep relationships and creates an environment where c...
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Season 1
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Episode 17
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35:25

How Do Power Couples Stay Grounded? | S1 EP16
Ever wondered how power couples juggle careers while keeping their families grounded? Shelby and Belinda share our secrets to balancing demanding jobs and family obligations. We bring our spouses into the mix, revealing how communication, adapt...
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Season 1
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Episode 16
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36:15

How the Pandemic Challenged Us to Grow (Part 2) | S1 EP15
Could adversity be your greatest growth opportunity? Belinda and Shelby share insights from our experiences during the pandemic and beyond. We discuss how pausing to reflect before making decisions can and how small but intentional actions with...
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Season 1
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Episode 15
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26:30

Leadership Lessons from Our Fathers | S1 EP14
Belinda and Shelby celebrate Father's Day with a discussion with our dads. From transitioning careers to overcoming humble beginnings, we share the stories of these incredible men and their profound impact on our lives.Is leadership ...
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Season 1
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Episode 14
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38:42

Leading with Generosity, Empathy & Kindness, with Dr. Debernee Privott | S1 EP13
What if leadership was less about authority and more about generosity, empathy, and kindness? In this episode, we have the privilege of speaking with Dr. Debernee Privott, a distinguished professor and community leader.The principles of ...
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Season 1
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Episode 13
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36:26

How the Pandemic Challenged Us to Grow (Part 1) | S1 EP12
The COVID pandemic has challenged even the most seasoned leaders, forcing us to navigate uncharted waters without a playbook. We're reimagining leadership and fostering trust in a workplace transformed by the pandemic. Belinda and Shelby share ...
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Season 1
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Episode 12
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24:50

Transitioning to a New Leadership Role? Create Your 90 Day Plan | S1 EP11
How can you build trust and credibility when transitioning to a new leadership position? In this episode, we talk about how to master the first 90 days in your new role, as you transition from colleague to commander. We discuss stra...
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Season 1
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Episode 11
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30:16
