Leadership Tea

Hosted by Shelby Smith-Wilson and Belinda Jackson Farrier

Business Careers Management Education

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Episodes

Latest episode

Aug 2026

Language

EN-US

About the show

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.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

August 5, 2026Episode 1619 min

Don’t Ghost Your Mentor -- and Other Rules for Mentees

We wrap the season by getting specific about what it means to be a good mentee, not just someone who wants access to a mentor. We share the habits that build real trust, the red flags that tell you to move on, and the practical ways to grow a “village” that supports your career and your life. We discuss issues such as: • remembering you always have options beyond assigned pairings • being in relationship with mentors beyond transactional asks • reaching out before a crisis and making clear, focused asks • leaning into virtual coffee chats in hybrid and remote work If you're listening on audio, please also subscribe to our YouTube channel! Send us a comment! Support the show We publish new episodes every other Wednesday. Subscribe to the Leadership Tea Podcast Subscribe to Leadership Tea on YouTube! Follow us on Instagram @Leadership_Tea for more inspiration and insights.

July 23, 2026Episode 1539 min

Before You Move Abroad: The Money Mistakes No One Warns You About

You've dreamed about it. Maybe you've even Googled it. But what does moving abroad actually cost — financially, practically, and emotionally? In Part 2 of our series with the State Department Federal Credit Union (SDFCU), Shelby and Belinda sit back down with Sam Salmon and Josh Barrett — two financial professionals who aren't just advising on international living, they're currently doing it. From hidden garbage taxes in Spain to bills buried in junk mail in Belgium, this conversation gets into the real details that most people don't think about until they're already on the plane. We cover banking across borders, credit strategy, U.S. tax obligations that follow you everywhere, and what to do in the 12-18 months before you make the move. If you've ever seriously considered planting roots somewhere new, this one's for you. Here are a few acronyms that were used in this episode: WISE (Wise is an international money movement solution); SDFCU has info on WISE on their website, https://sdfcu.org/ FBAR (Foreign Bank Account Reporting Requirements) AARO (Association of American residents overseas) FAWCO (Federation of American Women's Clubs Overseas) ACA (American Citizens Abroad) Missed Part 1? We kicked off this series talking about raising money-smart kids — find it wherever you're listening now. Learn more about SDFCU's international services: https://sdfcu.org/ Send us a comment! Smells Like Humans Like listening to funny friends discuss curious human behavior. Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Support the show We publish new episodes every other Wednesday. Subscribe to the Leadership Tea Podcast Subscribe to Leadership Tea on YouTube! Follow us on Instagram @Leadership_Tea for more inspiration and insights.

July 15, 2026Episode 1440 min

How Great Leaders Raise Money-Smart Kids | Financial Lessons Every Parent Needs

How do you raise children who understand the value of money in a world where almost every payment is digital? In this episode of Leadership Tea, Shelby Smith-Wilson and Belinda Jackson welcome back financial experts Sam Salmon and Josh Barrett from the State Department Federal Credit Union to discuss practical strategies for raising financially confident kids. Together, they explore allowances, saving, budgeting, first jobs, spending habits, and how parents can build healthy financial mindsets through consistent conversations, not fear or shame. Whether you're raising young children or preparing teenagers for adulthood, this conversation offers practical ideas that leaders can apply both at home and at work. In this episode: • The biggest mistake parents make when teaching kids about money • Why communication matters more than the size of an allowance • Helping children understand needs versus wants • Teaching financial responsibility in a cashless world • Preparing teens for their first paycheck • Why it's never too late to build better money habits Part 1 of a two-part series with the State Department Federal Credit Union. -------------------- Our company, Grounded and Global Advisory, is pleased to offer a quarterly advisory retainer. For $275 per month (billed quarterly, with the option to renew each quarter), you'll receive: One 60-minute coaching session per month Priority access to our calendar One annual 90-minute strategic intensive This offer is for the person who knows what good advisory support feels like and doesn't want to lose it. Spots are limited. If you're interested, email us directly at hello@stirringsuccess.com, and we'll be in touch. Send us a comment! Smells Like Humans Like listening to funny friends discuss curious human behavior. Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Support the show We publish new episodes every other Wednesday. Subscribe to the Leadership Tea Podcast Subscribe to Leadership Tea on YouTube! Follow us on Instagram @Leadership_Tea for more inspiration and insights.

July 12, 2026Episode 143 min

Bonus Episode -- New Studio + A Big Announcement: Cape Town 2027

Surprise! We recorded from a new space this week, Cowo & Crèche here in the DMV, and it feels like the start of a new chapter for Leadership Tea. We're also making an announcement we've been sitting on: Rooted & Rising, our first international leadership retreat, taking place January 17–22, 2027 in Cape Town, South Africa. We talk through what to expect: Table Mountain, wine country in Stellenbosch, meaningful reflection tied to Dr. King's birthday, and real connection with local business leaders — and why this is the next chapter for our company, Grounded & Global. Early bird pricing ends July 31. Full details and booking: https://tri.ps/UCyae As always, community is clutch. For more information on Cowo & Crèche, check out their website https://www.cowocreche.com/ or follow them on IG, https://www.instagram.com/cowo.creche/ Send us a comment! Support the show We publish new episodes every other Wednesday. Subscribe to the Leadership Tea Podcast Subscribe to Leadership Tea on YouTube! Follow us on Instagram @Leadership_Tea for more inspiration and insights.

July 1, 2026Episode 1327 min

Take Back Your Power After a Forced Career Pivot | Cathy Duffy

What happens when the career you've spent decades building suddenly ends? In this special re-release of one of Leadership Tea's most impactful conversations, executive leader Cathy Duffy shares how being unexpectedly pushed into early retirement became the beginning of an entirely new chapter. Shelby Smith-Wilson and Belinda Jackson explore identity, leadership, resilience, and what it truly means to take your power back after a forced career pivot. If you're navigating layoffs, organizational change, or questioning what's next in your own career, this episode offers practical leadership lessons that feel especially relevant today. -------------------- Our company, Grounded and Global Advisory, is pleased to offer a quarterly advisory retainer. For $275 per month (billed quarterly, with the option to renew each quarter), you'll receive: One 60-minute coaching session per month Priority access to our calendar One annual 90-minute strategic intensive This offer is for the person who knows what good advisory support feels like and doesn't want to lose it. Spots are limited. If you're interested, email us directly at hello@stirringsuccess.com, and we'll be in touch. Send us a comment! Smells Like Humans Like listening to funny friends discuss curious human behavior. Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Support the show We publish new episodes every other Wednesday. Subscribe to the Leadership Tea Podcast Subscribe to Leadership Tea on YouTube! Follow us on Instagram @Leadership_Tea for more inspiration and insights.

June 17, 2026Episode 1227 min

When the Career You Loved Ends: Rebuilding After a Layoff

After nearly three decades of public service, Shelby shares her experience navigating a Reduction in Force (RIF), the grief that follows career loss, and the challenge of rebuilding professional identity after an unexpected transition. In this candid coaching conversation, Belinda and Shelby explore what it means to process professional grief, move forward without bitterness, and build confidence in the face of uncertainty. They discuss leadership during difficult seasons, the importance of community, and why resilience often begins by remembering the challenges you've already survived. In this episode: Professional grief and career loss Leadership during personal transition Rebuilding confidence after a layoff Identity shifts and reinvention Coaching, therapy, and resilience Faith, community, and healing Moving from reflection to action If you're navigating a career transition, organizational change, retirement, or an unexpected life pivot, this conversation offers practical wisdom and encouragement for the road ahead. -------------------- Our company, Grounded and Global Advisory, is pleased to offer a quarterly advisory retainer. For $275 per month (billed quarterly, with the option to renew each quarter), you'll receive: One 60-minute coaching session per month Priority access to our calendar One annual 90-minute strategic intensive This offer is for the person who knows what good advisory support feels like and doesn't want to lose it. Spots are limited. If you're interested, email us directly at hello@stirringsuccess.com, and we'll be in touch. Send us a comment! Smells Like Humans Like listening to funny friends discuss curious human behavior. Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Support the show We publish new episodes every other Wednesday. Subscribe to the Leadership Tea Podcast Subscribe to Leadership Tea on YouTube! Follow us on Instagram @Leadership_Tea for more inspiration and insights.

June 3, 2026Episode 1142 min

When Leaders Become Caregivers: Family Crisis, Boundaries & Hard Decisions

Leadership often means making difficult decisions, staying calm under pressure, and showing up for others. But what happens when the hardest leadership challenge isn't at work, it's at home? In this episode, Shelby and Belinda sit down with former diplomat and operations leader Brittany Carroll to discuss becoming a caregiver for her father while managing a demanding professional career. Together, they explore: Leadership during personal crisis Caregiving and aging parents Difficult family conversations Workplace flexibility and employee support Boundaries, resilience, and decision-making Financial and legal preparedness The hidden challenges many professionals face outside the office Whether you're a leader supporting employees through difficult seasons, caring for a loved one yourself, or simply preparing for the future, this episode offers practical insights and thoughtful leadership lessons about navigating life's most complex responsibilities. -------------------- Our company, Grounded and Global Advisory, is pleased to offer a quarterly advisory retainer. For $275 per month (billed quarterly, with the option to renew each quarter), you'll receive: One 60-minute coaching session per month Priority access to our calendar One annual 90-minute strategic intensive This offer is for the person who knows what good advisory support feels like and doesn't want to lose it. Spots are limited. If you're interested, email us directly at hello@stirringsuccess.com , and we'll be in touch. Send us a comment! Smells Like Humans Like listening to funny friends discuss curious human behavior. Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Support the show We publish new episodes every other Wednesday. Subscribe to the Leadership Tea Podcast Subscribe to Leadership Tea on YouTube! Follow us on Instagram @Leadership_Tea for more inspiration and insights.

May 27, 2026Episode 1030 min

Brewing Purpose: Building a Life-Giving Space from the Ground Up

In this episode of Leadership Tea, Shelby and Belinda sit down with Kahana Samms, founder of Good Spirit Cafe, to discuss reinvention, entrepreneurship, wellness, and building community after uncertainty. After years working in federal IT and cybersecurity, Kahana found herself navigating furloughs, layoffs, and major life transitions, prompting her to rethink stability, purpose, and what it truly means to build a meaningful life. Together, they discuss: Entrepreneurship and sacrifice Building a “third space” for healing and connection The emotional realities of starting over Leadership, energy, and authenticity Creativity as a pathway to purpose Why community-centered spaces matter now more than ever This conversation is grounding, inspiring, and honest, especially for anyone navigating transition or building something from the heart. -------------------- Our company, Grounded and Global Advisory, is pleased to offer a quarterly advisory retainer. For $275 per month (billed quarterly, with the option to renew each quarter), you'll receive: One 60-minute coaching session per month Priority access to our calendar One annual 90-minute strategic intensive This offer is for the person who knows what good advisory support feels like and doesn't want to lose it. Spots are limited. If you're interested, email us directly at hello@stirringsuccess.com , and we'll be in touch. Send us a comment! Smells Like Humans Like listening to funny friends discuss curious human behavior. Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Support the show We publish new episodes every other Wednesday. Subscribe to the Leadership Tea Podcast Subscribe to Leadership Tea on YouTube! Follow us on Instagram @Leadership_Tea for more inspiration and insights.

May 13, 2026Episode 920 min

Your Employee Was Blindsided by Their Review. That’s On You.

Performance reviews are not just paperwork. They’re a reflection of leadership. In this episode, Shelby and Belinda break down how strong leaders handle employee evaluations, difficult feedback, and accountability conversations without damaging trust or team morale. They discuss: Why employees should never be surprised by feedback How to write more specific and actionable evaluations The difference between performance issues and personality conflicts Why documentation and HR processes matter What leaders get wrong about firing employees Whether you’re a first-time manager or a seasoned executive, this episode offers practical leadership advice for navigating one of the hardest parts of management: evaluating people fairly and effectively. ------------------------------------ Our company, Grounded and Global Advisory, is pleased to offer a quarterly advisory retainer. For $275 per month (billed quarterly, with the option to renew each quarter), you'll receive: One 60-minute coaching session per month Priority access to our calendar One annual 90-minute strategic intensive This offer is for the person who knows what good advisory support feels like and doesn't want to lose it. Spots are limited. If you're interested, email us directly at hello@stirringsuccess.com , and we'll be in touch. Send us a comment! Support the show We publish new episodes every other Wednesday. Subscribe to the Leadership Tea Podcast Subscribe to Leadership Tea on YouTube! Follow us on Instagram @Leadership_Tea for more inspiration and insights.

April 29, 2026Episode 829 min

Got a Bad Performance Review? What to Do Next

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 handle a negative evaluation at work—from figuring out what’s true to deciding whether (and how) to push back. We talk about: How to separate facts from emotions Using your “receipts” to support your performance When to challenge feedback—and when to accept it How to rebuild your reputation moving forward Why doing the work alone isn’t enough anymore Whether your review felt unfair or just didn’t reflect your best work, this episode will help you move forward with clarity and strategy. ------------------------------------ Our company, Grounded and Global Advisory, is pleased to offer a quarterly advisory retainer. For $275 per month (billed quarterly, with the option to renew each quarter), you'll receive: One 60-minute coaching session per month Priority access to our calendar One annual 90-minute strategic intensive This offer is for the person who knows what good advisory support feels like and doesn't want to lose it. Spots are limited. If you're interested, email us directly at hello@stirringsuccess.com , and we'll be in touch. Send us a comment! Smells Like Humans Like listening to funny friends discuss curious human behavior. Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Support the show We publish new episodes every other Wednesday. Subscribe to the Leadership Tea Podcast Subscribe to Leadership Tea on YouTube! Follow us on Instagram @Leadership_Tea for more inspiration and insights.