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 you want to go. In other words, the tools and mindset that brought you success in the past might need a serious overhaul. 

Whether you're facing a forced career pivot, adapting to a restructured team, or aspiring to higher levels of leadership, this episode is a call not just to let go of habits that no longer serve you, but also to uncouple your identity from your career.

Recent high school grad Viola Wilson speaks with Shelby (her mom) and Belinda to share a fresh perspective what leadership means to her.  Viola speaks fluent Spanish and had lived in four countries by the time she was 9 years old. She graduated from high school with honors, earning a 4.3 GPA while excelling in varsity swim, varsity track and field, swimming on a year-round travel swim team, doing extra-curricular activities, community service, and working part-time as a lifeguard. She will enter Virginia Tech this fall as an engineering major. 

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.

Ambassador Robert Gilchrist is a distinguished former diplomat and senior leader. He shares insights gleaned from a career spent navigating complex global challenges, from leading teams under intense pressure in Iraq to advocating for democracy and human rights in Eastern Europe.

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 it has failed. They also share personal stories of how others took a chance on them.

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 thriving at the executive level.

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.

Middle managers face unique pressures in the "messy middle" between the demands of upper management and the needs of their teams. Drawing from their own experiences, Shelby and Belinda offer practical advice on navigating the messy middle.

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 insights and actionable advice.

When Cathy Duffy received an unexpected "early retirement" from her executive position at a major insurance company, she faced a choice: retreat and hide or embrace transparency and reinvent herself. Her decision to accelerate her plans to study at Oxford University reveals powerful lessons for anyone navigating sudden professional transitions.

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.

As they celebrate the one-year anniversary of the Leadership Tea Podcast, Shelby and Belinda reflect on their personal responses to and offer practical advice for navigating the current challenging political climate.

In this episode, Belinda and Shelby reflect on the enduring values of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Through his teachings, we've learned that when we prioritize community over our egos, we can use our positions as leaders to effectively address economic and social challenges.

Your work week doesn't have to elicit feelings of dread and exhaustion. What if you could start your work week with a sense of calm purpose instead? Discover strategies to cultivate a fulfilling life where you don't suffer from the "Sunday scaries."

Belinda and Shelby explore strategies for leading through turbulent times, with a focus on acceptance, emotional regulation, and radical honesty. 

Belinda and Shelby speak with Heather A. Kollar, an entrepreneur and coach who shares her journey, highlighting the crucial role of integrity in building meaningful business relationships.

This isn't your typical leadership podcast. We’re here to break down barriers and offer you a seat at our table. Join our community of thought leaders and changemakers — and let's cultivate a space for growth, reflection, and the unapologetic pursuit of excellence.

Co-hosts Belinda Jackson Farrier and Shelby Smith-Wilson blend their diplomatic and corporate experience with real-life challenges as working moms who have led teams across the world. They and their guests share insights about thriving and overcoming challenges without compromising their values.