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In this episode of The Black Woman in the Corner Office, Dr. Ebony Stone sits down with leadership executive, researcher, and author Dr. Takisha Robinson to discuss a challenge many ambitious women know all too well: trying to excel at work, show up for family, lead others, and somehow still find time for themselves.

Drawing from her doctoral research, executive leadership experience, and personal journey as a wife, mother, and caregiver, Dr. Robinson challenges the traditional concept of work-life balance and introduces a more sustainable approach: work-life integration.

Together, they explore the realities of burnout, the hidden weight of guilt, the importance of support systems, and how women can intentionally design lives that align with their current season rather than trying to do everything at once.

Key Points from the Episode

• Why work-life balance may be setting women up for failure

• The difference between balance and integration

• How burnout is often the result of systems that were never designed with caregivers in mind

• The importance of understanding your current season of life

• How energy mapping can help women work smarter and reduce overwhelm

• The power of building a village and learning to ask for help

• Supporting a neurodivergent child while navigating executive leadership

• Why high-achieving women must release guilt in order to thrive

One of the most powerful takeaways from this conversation is that success should not require constant sacrifice. Dr. Robinson reminds us that we were never meant to do this alone. Through intentional support systems, self-awareness, and a commitment to designing our lives around our values and current realities, women can create sustainable success without losing themselves in the process.

If you've been feeling overwhelmed, stretched thin, or questioning whether balance is even possible, this episode offers a refreshing perspective and practical tools to help you move forward.

Connect with Dr. Takisha Robinson

Website:
www.drtakisharobinson.com

Learn more about:
• The Mom Integration Playbook
• Leadership Development
• Executive Speaking Engagements
• Research on Work-Life Integration and Transformational Leadership

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If you enjoyed what you heard, there is much more on my website and you can catch more episodes here and on the Black Woman in the Corner Office YouTube channel.

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Ashley Varnado is a former corporate executive, strategist, wealth management leader, philanthropist, and speaker. After spending nearly two decades leading national teams and managing multi-billion-dollar portfolios, Ashley made the bold decision to step away from corporate America following a major health crisis and life-altering personal events.

She is currently working on her upcoming book, Out of the Yazoo Clay, which explores lineage, legacy, burnout, rest, and redefining success for Black women.

Ashley now speaks nationally about leadership, healthy ambition, healing, purpose, and the power of intentional pause. What happens when you achieve everything you thought you wanted… and still feel empty?

In this deeply honest and emotional conversation, Dr. Ebony Stone sits down with former wealth management executive Ashley Varnado to discuss corporate success, generational pressure, burnout, identity, faith, and the courage to walk away from it all.

Ashley shares her journey from humble beginnings in Mississippi to becoming one of the youngest Managing Directors in corporate finance, overseeing multi-billion-dollar portfolios and national teams — only to discover that titles, money, and status could not fill the void she felt inside.

After the sudden loss of her mother-in-law, mounting stress, and surviving three strokes, Ashley made the life-changing decision to step away from corporate America and enter what she calls her “Radical Sabbatical.”

Together, Dr. Ebony and Ashley unpack:

• The hidden pressure of being “the first”
• Black women and burnout in corporate America
• Building legacy while protecting your peace
• Why success doesn’t always equal fulfillment
• The physical toll of stress and overachievement
• The importance of rest, healing, and redefining ambition
• How generational trauma and survival shape our relationship with work
• The courage it takes to pivot when God calls you elsewhere

This conversation is raw, powerful, healing, and necessary for every Black woman navigating leadership, ambition, family expectations, and purpose.

Connect with Ashley Varnado

• Instagram: @theeashleyexchange
• Website: www.theashleyexchange.com
• LinkedIn: Ashley D. Varnado

Don't forget to sign up for early notifications of Ashley's new book, "Out of the Yazoo Clay" on her website: www.theashleyexchange.com

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Grab your copy of The Power of the Pause today!

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To learn more about Dr. Ebony Stone, visit www.drebonystone.com

If you enjoyed what you heard, there is much more on my website and you can catch more episodes here and on the Black Woman in the Corner Office YouTube channel.

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There are some conversations that stay with you long after the microphones turn off… and this is one of them.

In this deeply transparent episode of The Black Woman in the Corner Office, Dr. Ebony Stone sits down with transformational coach and entrepreneur Tracey Ilene for a conversation about resilience, reinvention, healing, and what it means to rebuild your life after trauma, layoffs, loss, and disappointment.

Tracey shares her journey from retail sales at Kenny Shoes and Winkleman’s to leadership roles in the wireless and automotive industries — including applying for 49 positions over 10 years before finally landing her dream automotive role. She opens up about navigating corporate America as a Black woman, being downsized, relocating across the country, rebuilding after divorce, and ultimately stepping fully into entrepreneurship.

But this episode goes even deeper.

Tracey courageously shares her personal story of childhood trauma, homelessness, abuse, grief, losing loved ones unexpectedly, and how writing down her pain became the beginning of her healing journey. That healing ultimately led her to create:

• Release Pain to Power
  
  
• Heavenly Connects App
  
  

Together, Dr. Ebony and Tracey discuss:

• Why Black women are constantly forced to reinvent themselves
• The emotional reality of layoffs and downsizing
• Healing through therapy, writing, and faith
• Entrepreneurship after corporate leadership
• Balancing identity, motherhood, marriage, and ambition
• Creating purpose from pain
• Why telling your truth matters — even when it makes others uncomfortable

This episode is raw, inspiring, healing, and incredibly honest.

If you’ve ever had to start over…
If you’ve ever questioned your worth after rejection…
If you’ve ever carried pain silently while still showing up for everyone else…

This conversation is for you.

Connect with Tracey Illene

• Release Pain to Power Website
  
  
• Heavenly Connects App
  
  

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Grab your copy of The Power of the Pause today!

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To learn more about Dr. Ebony Stone, visit www.drebonystone.com

If you enjoyed what you heard, there is much more on my website and you can catch more episodes here and on the Black Woman in the Corner Office YouTube channel.

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What happens when excellence is expected… but authority is denied?

In this powerful and deeply honest conversation, Dr. Ebony Stone sits down with Dr. Rehva Jones to unpack a reality too many Black women know—but haven’t always had language for.

From a childhood moment that shaped her life’s work to groundbreaking research on “appropriated value,” Dr. Jones breaks down how systems extract brilliance without reciprocating power, pay, or promotion.

This episode will challenge how you think about:

• Leadership
• Hard work
• Corporate systems
• And what it really takes to advance

💥 Key Takeaways You Don’t Want to Miss

• 💡 “Appropriated Value” defined:
  ⚠️ Why working harder is NOT the answer (and may actually be the trap)
• 📉 How AI is amplifying bias through what Dr. Jones calls “weaponized neutrality”
• 🚫 Why highly qualified Black women are being filtered out before interviews even happen
• 💸 The hidden cost of overperformance, overcredentialing, and student debt
• 🤝 The difference between mentorship, sponsorship, and advocacy (and why you need all three)

Dr. Jones doesn’t just name the problem—she gives strategy. Do NOT miss this episode!

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Grab your copy of The Power of the Pause today!

Show you are a part of The Corner Office Collective by sporting BWCO apparel, no available.

To learn more about Dr. Ebony Stone, visit www.drebonystone.com

If you enjoyed what you heard, there is much more on my website and you can catch more episodes here and on the Black Woman in the Corner Office YouTube channel.

Looking to read The Power of the Pause, order your copy here - Dr. Ebony Stone - My Book

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In this powerful and deeply inspiring episode, Dr. Ebony Stone sits down with Olympian, advocate, and entrepreneur Zara Northover to discuss what it really takes to pursue big dreams, stand firm in your purpose, and advocate for yourself—even when the odds feel stacked against you.

From representing Jamaica in the 2008 Beijing Olympics to navigating corporate challenges, Zara shares an unfiltered look at perseverance, faith, identity, and courage.

This conversation explores what it means to believe in your calling, push beyond limitations, and use your voice—even when systems fail.

Whether you are navigating corporate spaces, pursuing a dream, or simply trying to stay encouraged in challenging seasons, this episode will remind you that your journey has purpose.

💡 The Power of Declaring Your Vision - What it means to advocate for yourself—even when others doubt you

🧠 Life After the Olympics - Building a purpose-driven brand: Moving in Faith

⚖️ Navigating Corporate Leadership as a Black Woman - Why self-advocacy is critical in environments that resist change

• Speak your goals boldly—even before you feel “ready”
• Advocacy is often uncomfortable, but necessary
• Documentation protects your voice
• Community is essential when navigating difficult systems
• Faith and perseverance can carry you through unexpected challenges
• Your journey may be bigger than your original dream

Zara is the Founder & CEO of Moving in Faith, a global empowerment brand focused on encouraging others to move boldly toward purpose. Follow Zara for continued inspiration and updates on Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn

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To learn more about Dr. Ebony Stone, visit www.drebonystone.com

If you enjoyed what you heard, there is much more on my website and you can catch more episodes here and on the Black Woman in the Corner Office YouTube channel.

Looking to read The Power of the Pause, order your copy here - Dr. Ebony Stone - My Book

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In this powerful and transparent conversation, Dr. Ebony Stone sits down with author and podcast host Cassandra Crawley-Mayo to explore the question many high-achieving women quietly ask themselves:

Is my own thinking… holding me back?

From navigating corporate spaces as the first Black woman in leadership roles, to learning how comparison can rob us of joy, Cassandra shares deeply personal lessons from her book Is Your Way In Your Way? and explains how we can move from burnout and self-doubt to clarity, purpose, and authentic success.

This episode is a reminder that growth often requires us to step aside and allow our purpose to step forward.

If you have ever felt stuck, overlooked, or unsure of your next step — this conversation will encourage you to trust yourself again.

• The Journey to Authentic Success
• The Hidden Cost of Comparison
• Navigating Corporate Spaces as a Black Woman
• The Moment That Changes Everything
• Mentorship, Faith, and Support Systems
• Writing Through Fear

Cassandra shares a powerful airport story that sparked a mindset shift and inspired her book’s core message: Sometimes the biggest obstacle isn’t external… it’s internal.

✔ Authenticity is not a liability — it is a leadership advantage
✔ Comparison often distracts us from our own calling
✔ Growth requires courage, honesty, and support
✔ You may be closer to your purpose than you think
✔ Sometimes the biggest breakthrough comes when you stop blocking yourself

Book: Is Your Way In Your Way? by Cassandra Crawley-Mayo
A powerful collection of love-letter style reflections designed to help women recognize the internal barriers that hold them back from their fullest potential.

Website: CassandraCrawley.com
Coaching Program: Rise Beyond Limits
Focus: Helping women achieve clarity, confidence, and purpose-driven success

The Black Woman in the Corner Office is a leadership and career podcast designed to uplift, equip, and empower Black women navigating professional spaces.

Hosted by Dr. Ebony Stone, each episode brings honest conversations, practical wisdom, and encouragement for women pursuing leadership, purpose, and impact.

If this conversation encouraged you:

• Share with a friend who may need this message
• Subscribe so you never miss an episode
• Leave a review to help more women discover the podcast

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Grab your copy of The Power of the Pause today!

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To learn more about Dr. Ebony Stone, visit www.drebonystone.com

If you enjoyed what you heard, there is much more on my website and you can catch more episodes here and on the Black Woman in the Corner Office YouTube channel.

Looking to read The Power of the Pause, order your copy here - Dr. Ebony Stone - My Book

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In this powerful and insightful episode, Dr. Ebony Stone sits down with co-authors Elaine Meryl Brown and Rhonda Joy McLean to discuss their latest book, The Next Little Black Book of Success: New Laws of Leadership for Black Women.

Together, they explore how leadership has evolved in a post-pandemic world, the importance of visibility in virtual spaces, and how Black women can navigate workplace challenges with confidence, strategy, and authenticity.

This conversation is packed with real-life experiences, practical advice, and cross-generational wisdom for thriving in today’s workforce.

Key Topics & Takeaways

✨ 1. Leadership in a Post-Pandemic World

🎥 2. Visibility Matters: Turn Your Camera On

🧠 3. Psychological Safety & Workplace Trust

🤝 4. Cross-Generational Mentorship

💬 5. Speaking Up & Setting Boundaries

💡 6. Creative Strategies for Being Heard

🧭 7. Staying Focused Despite Workplace Challenges

📱 8. The Digital Generation & Leadership Gaps

This episode is a masterclass in modern leadership, resilience, and intentional visibility. It reminds us that while the workplace continues to evolve, the core principles of leadership—confidence, connection, and courage—remain essential.

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Grab your copy of The Power of the Pause today!

Show you are a part of The Corner Office Collective by sporting BWCO apparel, no available.

To learn more about Dr. Ebony Stone, visit www.drebonystone.com

If you enjoyed what you heard, there is much more on my website and you can catch more episodes here and on the Black Woman in the Corner Office YouTube channel.

Wanna rock BWCO mech, find it here - BWCO Merchandise

Looking to read The Power of the Pause, order your copy here - Dr. Ebony Stone - My Book

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Grab your copy of The Power of the Pause today!

Show you are a part of The Corner Office Collective by sporting BWCO apparel, no available.

To learn more about Dr. Ebony Stone, visit www.drebonystone.com

If you enjoyed what you heard, there is much more on my website and you can catch more episodes here and on the Black Woman in the Corner Office YouTube channel.

Looking to read The Power of the Pause, order your copy here - Dr. Ebony Stone - My Book

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Without this guest, this podcast — and The Power of the Pause audiobook — would not exist.

In this powerful, full-circle conversation, Dr. Ebony Stone sits down with Detroit media entrepreneur Robin Kinney, founder of Motor City Woman Studios and co-founder of Audio Engineers of Detroit.

From riding in her mother’s Ford Tempo listening to Martha Jean the Queen…
To going door-to-door as a young AmeriCorps intern…
To launching a recording studio while pregnant with her third child…
To pivoting during the pandemic and expanding nationally…

Robin’s story is a masterclass in community, courage, and creative ownership.

And as she says:
“The community you’re seeking is also seeking you.”

🔥 In This Episode, We Discuss:

• How mentorship can shape your confidence for life
• What to do when your boss isn’t your mentor
• Why Black women must build intentional community
• Motherhood+leadership+identity — without pretending children don’t exist
• Creating product-based revenue inside a service business
• Why media ownership matters now more than ever
• The importance of hobbies and joy as stress management
• Faith, movement, and trusting the next step — not the next 25
• Legacy thinking: honoring the women who persisted before us

Learn more about Robin and her services at - https://motorcitywoman.com/

Also, don't forget to grab your copy of "The Power of the Pause" - https://www.drebonystone.com/my-book

Don't forget to like and subscribe so that you can get more content just like this!

Grab your copy of The Power of the Pause today!

Show you are a part of The Corner Office Collective by sporting BWCO apparel, no available.

To learn more about Dr. Ebony Stone, visit www.drebonystone.com

If you enjoyed what you heard, there is much more on my website and you can catch more episodes here and on the Black Woman in the Corner Office YouTube channel.

Looking to read The Power of the Pause, order your copy here - Dr. Ebony Stone - My Book

Don't forget to subscribe so you don't miss out on any of the goodness coming your way.