Leadership Tea
Episodes
Got a Bad Performance Review? What to Do Next
29 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
A bad performance review can feel personal—but your response is what actually shapes your career.In this episode, we walk through exactly how to han...
Change the Tape: How Leaders Break Out of Stuck Patterns
16 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
When you feel stuck, doing more isn’t the answer. Clarity is.In this episode, we sit down with Bobby Staten III (Chief of Clarity) to unpack what’...
Crisis Management for Leaders: Calm, Clarity, and Hard Decisions
01 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
What does leadership look like when the playbook breaks down?In this episode of The Leadership Tea Podcast, Shelby and Belinda reflect on what crisis ...
AI Can’t Replace Leadership: Wisdom, Strategy, and the Human Edge
18 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
AI is moving fast, but leadership still requires judgment.In this episode, Shelby and Belinda are joined by Nadeen Matthews, Founder and CEO of Cresce...
How to Have Difficult Conversations at Work: Boundaries, Timing, and Leadership
04 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Hard conversations are part of the job, and avoiding them costs more than most leaders realize.In this episode, Shelby and Belinda share a practical f...
Culinary Diplomacy: Leadership, Relationships, and Soft Power with Jeremiah Knight
18 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
What can the kitchen teach leaders about influence, trust, and soft power?In this episode, Shelby and Belinda are joined by Jeremiah Knight, Foreign S...
Outrage Is Not Leadership: Judgment, Discernment, and When to Speak Up
04 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
What does it really mean to stand for something as a leader right now?In this episode of The Leadership Tea Podcast, Shelby and Belinda discuss the gr...
Choosing Yourself at Work: Skill Security, Power & Leadership
28 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Cathy Duffy joins us to explore redefining power at work, building skill security, and choosing yourself as a leader in today’s evolving workplace.I...
How Senior Leaders Win Q1: 4 Strategic Moves for a Productive First Quarter (2026)
14 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Ready to start 2026 with clarity instead of chaos? Belinda & Shelby lay out a four-move blueprint to make your first quarter productive and sane: ...
Before You Plan 2026, Reflect on This About 2025
21 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this Leadership Tea Podcast episode, Belinda and Shelby take stock of 2025 with clear eyes, celebrate wins, acknowledge lows, and set 2026 on two p...
What’s Really Breaking Women Leaders? A Conversation on Burnout & Broken Systems | S4 EP 20
14 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this heartfelt conversation, Shelby and Belinda dive into the 2024 Women in the Workplace report by McKinsey & LeanIn.org, which highlights the...
Smart Money Moves for 2026: Tips to Manage Your Financial Health | S4 EP 19
10 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Shelby and Belinda are joined by two financial professionals from the State Department Federal Credit Union (SDFCU): Samia "Sam" Salmon (Vic...
How Successful Executives Reset on Sundays; Beat Anxiety & Start Strong
07 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of The Leadership Tea Podcast, Belinda & Shelby break down the Sunday rituals that high-performing leaders use to reduce anxiety, ...
Failure Isn't Final - Turning Setbacks Into Comebacks
30 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
A layoff can feel like a verdict. We treat it as a turning point. In this candid conversation, we unpack what it means to “fail forward” when the ...
Women Leading with Authenticity | S4 EP16
26 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Belinda and Shelby host a candid conversation with a panel of high-achieving women from South Africa: Samantha Kavuma, Ayanda Nkosi, Lehlohonolo Siwun...
Sunday Scaries To Sunday Strategy
24 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the Leadership Tea Podcast, learn how to thrive as an executive with the newly launched Sunday Scaries to Sunday Strategy Series. H...
Leadership Lessons From The Shutdown: Confidence, Money & Boundaries
17 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Airports jammed, paychecks paused, nerves frayed—crisis has a way of revealing what actually keeps leaders steady. Belinda and Shelby peel back the ...
Managing Anxiety in the Age of AI with Soribel Feliz, The AI Therapist | S4 EP13
12 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Belinda and Shelby are joined by tech policy and AI governance expert, Soribel Feliz, also known as The AI Therapist. Soribel tackles the anxiety curr...
Part VI: Shutdown, But Not Shut Out - There is Growth in Discomfort | S4 EP12
09 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Finding Growth in Discomfort: Strategies for Transition and CopingIn this episode of the Leadership Tea Podcast, hosts discuss the challenges and grow...
Part V: Shutdown But Not Shut Out - Resiliency with a Game Seven Mentality | S4 EP11
03 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Shelby and Belinda reflect on managing personal and professional lives amidst the prolonged government shutdown. They discuss its impacts, such as the...
Practicing Wellness In Unwell Times: Reflections on Repose 2025 With Ellen Tannor | S4 EP10
29 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Shelby and Belinda welcome a special guest, Ellen Tannor, a former senior diplomat who recently participated in the 'Repose, a Day of Reflection&...
Part IV: Shutdown, But Not Shut Out - Rise Like a Phoenix | S4 EP9
27 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Belinda and Shelby discuss the ongoing challenges of the government shutdown and share personal strategies for maintaining hope and resilience. They r...
Part III: Shutdown, But Not Shut Out - If You Had Nothing to Lose, What Would You Try? | S4 EP8
20 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 su...
Managing Professional Grief and Stress with Kimya Imani Jackson, PhD | S4 EP7
15 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Kimya Imani Jackson, PhD, joins Belinda and Shelby to discuss the emotional impact of professional grief. Amid the government shutdown and massive lay...
Part II - Shutdown, But Not Shut Out | S4 EP6
13 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Shelby and Belinda discuss our personal experiences and emotional journey during the ongoing government shutdown. We share how the shutdown is affecti...
Shutdown, But Not Shut Out | S4 EP5
06 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Shelby and Belinda discuss the need to shift focus from operational excellence to survival strategies in difficult times, such as the current federal ...
Your Next Steps: When “Outwit, Outlast, Outplay” Isn't Working | S4 EP4
01 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In our 50th episode 🎉, Shelby and Belinda discuss why courage is essential in today's professional landscape, and what it looks like when lead...
How Leaders Can Create Joyful Boundaries with Boniswa Siwundla Madikizela | S4 EP3
17 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Shelby and Belinda welcome special guest Boniswa Siwundla Madikizela, a transformational leader from South Africa, for a conversation on how to stay g...
Choosing Community and Clarity in Challenging Times | S4 EP2
10 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Career transitions can be emotionally challenging, but with the right community and strategic approach, they become opportunities for growth, authenti...
How leaders can protect their mental health and support their teams | S4 EP1
03 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Our special guest, Lisa Povoni, a therapist and coach with a specialty in trauma, discusses how leaders can recognize and manage chronic stress and bu...
Repost of S1 EP11: Create Your 90-Day Plan
30 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 m...
Navigating Career Pivots and Layoffs: What Got You Here Won't Get You There | S3 EP13
16 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Leadership Lessons from a Gen-Z Grad | S3 EP12
02 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 spe...
Don't crash out or burn out! Reclaiming your peace in the chaos | S3 EP11
18 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 th...
Ambassador Robert Gilchrist: Leading with Integrity, Empathy & Ice Cream | S3 EP10
04 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Belinda and Shelby welcome a distinguished former diplomat and senior leader, Ambassador Robert Gilchrist (Ret.). He shares insights from a career spe...
Building Bravery & Community: An Invitation to Grow | S3 EP9
24 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 Bol...
Leadership & Risk Management: Empowering Others to Shoot Their Shot | S3 EP8
21 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Belinda and Shelby continue their "Shoot Your Shot" series by exploring the role of risk management when empowering others. They discuss sit...
Your Leadership Genius: Are You Born a Leader? | S3 EP7
07 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What are some of the core qualities that differentiate exceptional leaders? And what strengths do you bring to your leadership role? From staying calm...
Shoot Your Shot: Ask for What You Want | S3 EP6
23 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This episode is about calculated risks and proactive steps towards your goals. Inspired by their previous coaching session, Belinda and Shelby challen...
For Middle Managers: Finding Your Power in the Messy Middle | S3 EP5
09 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This episode is dedicated to middle managers, who face unique pressures in the "messy middle" between upper management's demands and th...
What’s holding you back? Two coaches coach each other | S3 EP4
26 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Belinda and Shelby turn the tables and engage in a coaching session with each other. They open up about their professional challenges and discuss stra...
Taking Your Power Back with Cathy Duffy | S3 EP3
12 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
How can you transform unexpected career changes into opportunities for reinvention and personal growth? With returning guest Cathy Duffy, Belinda and ...
Facing Your Fears, Leading with Love | S3 EP2
26 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Belinda and Shelby address how leaders can navigate the current climate of fear. They emphasize the importance of grounding yourself in your core valu...
Letting Go of Perfection, Doubling Down on Self-Care | S3 EP1
12 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
As they celebrate the first anniversary of the Leadership Tea Podcast, Shelby and Belinda reflect on their responses to and offer practical advice for...
Channeling Dr. King's Vision for Community and Service | S2 EP12
20 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Shelby and Belinda explore Dr. Martin Luther King Jr's lasting impact and his advocacy for community building. We challenge you to integrate Dr....
Finding Your Calm Center | S2 EP11
15 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
2025 in Focus: Three Words, One Goal | S2 EP10
06 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 em...
Transform & Thrive in 2025 | S2 EP9
26 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Navigating uncertainty requires strong team communication and personal well-being. Today, Belinda and Shelby explore strategies for leading through tu...
Crafting Your Brand: Leadership as a Lifestyle, with Heather A. Kollar | S2 EP8
11 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Join us for an inspiring conversation with entrepreneur and coach Heather A. Kollar as we unlock the secrets to building strong and meaningful busines...
Accepting Change & Reimagining Your Future | S2 EP7
02 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 str...
Designing Your Destiny, with Ambassador Aurelia Brazeal | S2 EP6
13 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Ambassador Aurelia Brazeal joins us for an inspiring conversation on leadership, resilience, and navigating life's adversities. Her story offers ...
Managing from the Middle & the Power of Emotional Intelligence | S2 EP5
30 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Trust, Teamwork & Transformation, with Kendra Gaither | S2 EP4
16 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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...
How to Block Out the Noise & Lead with Purpose | S2 EP3
02 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Being a leader means managing the emotional stress that comes with striving for excellence amidst external criticism. Belinda and Shelby discuss real-...
Leading with Self-Awareness and Empathy, with Nichole Gladden McCall | S2 EP2
19 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Leadership is not just about strategy and performance; it's about people. What if self-awareness could be your secret weapon in effective leaders...
Leading with a Startup Mindset: Leadership Strategies for Success | S2 EP1
19 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Curious about how to lead with a startup mindset in any sector, including government or private industry? In this episode, Belinda and Shelby break do...
Reflections on a Season of Leadership Growth | S1 EP19
07 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Belinda and Shelby share our favorite moments and quotes from season 1 of the podcast. Belinda recounts Perlita's insights on the unsustainabilit...
Pivoting from Diplomacy to the Private Sector | S1 EP18
24 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
What happens when a seasoned diplomat becomes an entrepreneur? From an emotional farewell to the State Department to entering the private sector and e...
Creativity, Curiosity & the Achievement Addiction, with Erika Bennett | S1 EP17
10 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 t...
How Do Power Couples Stay Grounded? | S1 EP16
03 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Ever wondered how power couples juggle careers while keeping their families grounded? Shelby and Belinda share our secrets to balancing demanding jobs...
How the Pandemic Challenged Us to Grow (Part 2) | S1 EP15
26 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Could adversity be your greatest growth opportunity? Belinda and Shelby share insights from our experiences during the pandemic and beyond. We discuss...
Leadership Lessons from Our Fathers | S1 EP14
16 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Belinda and Shelby celebrate Father's Day with a discussion with our dads. From transitioning careers to overcoming humble beginnings, we share t...
Leading with Generosity, Empathy & Kindness, with Dr. Debernee Privott | S1 EP13
12 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
What if leadership was less about authority and more about generosity, empathy, and kindness? In this episode, we have the privilege of speaking with ...
How the Pandemic Challenged Us to Grow (Part 1) | S1 EP12
29 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The COVID pandemic has challenged even the most seasoned leaders, forcing us to navigate uncharted waters without a playbook. We're reimagining l...
Transitioning to a New Leadership Role? Create Your 90 Day Plan | S1 EP11
15 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 day...
How Our Mothers Planted Seeds of Leadership | S1 EP10
12 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this special Mother's Day episode, we're joined by two extraordinary women, Cora and Gloria, our own mothers, who bring a rich mix of exp...
A Diplomat's Perspective on Leadership, Mentorship & Vulnerability | S1 EP9
01 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Emily Haber, former German ambassador to the United States, shares her wisdom in this conversation about advocacy and allyship. Emily embodies leaders...
Managing Peer Dynamics with Grace | S1 EP8
17 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Belinda and Shelby reflect on our efforts to form strong bonds with our peers. We discuss why regular check-ins and internal diplomacy aren't jus...
Meet our Mentors: Ambassador Harry Thomas and Ambassador Teddy Taylor | S1 EP7
03 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Belinda and Shelby discuss the unwritten rules of mentorship with our mentors, Ambassador Harry Thomas and Ambassador Teddy Taylor. With a combined 73...
Tough Leadership Decisions: Tips & Best Practices | S1 EP6
20 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
As a leader, have you ever stood at the crossroads of a tough decision? This episode highlights a few principles we have used to navigate complex situ...
Reading the Tea Leaves: Should I Stay Or Should I Go? With Dr. Renée Rattray | S1 EP5
06 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Have you ever been offered a huge opportunity, only to be held back by doubts and uncertainty? In this episode, we talk with Renée Rattray, whose ins...
Cultivating Your Village and Leading with Purpose | S1 EP4
21 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
How strong is your support network? Leadership isn't just about making tough calls; it's also about embracing vulnerability and fostering re...
Gratitude & Future Plans | S1 EP3
14 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Thank you to all of our listeners who supported us during our first week as a live podcast. Thanks to you, we rocketed to the top of Apple's &quo...
Radical Self-Reflection & Designing Your Future, with Cathy Duffy | S1 EP2
07 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
What would a year dedicated entirely to self-discovery and personal growth do for your future? Our guest, Cathy Duffy, did just that last year. We tal...
Pursuing Excellence: Crafting Our Leadership Blueprint | S1 EP1
07 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Belinda and Shelby introduce ourselves and share more details explaining why we have created this podcast. This isn't your typical leadership pod...
Trailer: Welcome to Leadership Tea
03 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to the Leadership Tea Podcast, where co-hosts Belinda Jackson Farrier and Shelby Smith-Wilson blend our diplomatic and corporate experience wi...