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Winning Season

Winning Season

Written by: A ZeroGap.co Production
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Winning Season is the go-to podcast for mid-career professionals who want strategy, not just motivation. Host Jacqueline V. Twillie delivers actionable tools, negotiation frameworks, and candid conversations to help you lead with clarity, advocate for yourself, and find the win in every season. From navigating career transitions to thriving in challenging work environments, each episode is packed with insights you can use today. Powered by ZeroGap.co’s Resilient Leaders Program.A ZeroGap.co Production Careers Economics Personal Success
Episodes
  • Why Standing in Your Power Is Not One-Size-Fits-All And How to Find Yours
    Apr 20 2026

    Standing in Your Power: A Conversation with Denise Foss on Self-Leadership and Transformation

    Discover how Denise’s journey from dance to leadership led her to create a powerful deck focused on helping individuals reclaim their strength and authenticity. In this episode, we explore the nuances of standing in your power, navigating unexpected challenges, and cultivating resilience within yourself and teams.In this episode:

    • Denise shares her story of transition from a dance career to leadership roles and why she created her "Stand in Your Power" deck.
    • The importance of presence, awareness, and intuition in professional and personal settings.
    • How to recognize and navigate moments where you lose connection to your power.
    • The five ways to utilize the deck for individual growth and team development.
    • The insight, inspiration, and integration framework—three key steps to embodying new perspectives.
    • Practical ideas for group or team activities using the deck, including retreats, meetings, and social gatherings.
    • Denise’s holistic coaching approach that integrates life design, movement, and leadership development.
    • Her philosophy of “and”—embracing dualities and holding space for contradictions.
    • The ongoing journey of self-evolution and the importance of self-compassion and patience.
    • Create Loudly Website
    • Create Loudly Instagram
    • Denise’s LinkedIn
    • Stand in Your Power Deck
    • Instagram – Create Loudly Co
    • LinkedIn – Denise
    • Email – info@createloudly.com

    Chapters:00:00 - Introduction to Denise and the theme of standing in your power
    02:50 - How Denise’s background shaped her approach to leadership and self-awareness
    06:00 - The pivotal moment that inspired her deck creation
    09:15 - Understanding what it truly means to stand in your power
    12:45 - Tools Denise used to reconnect during a challenging leadership moment
    14:58 - Exploring Layla Delia’s quote and its relationship to power
    16:15 - The "and" philosophy: holding multiple truths simultaneously
    19:40 - How the deck works: insight, inspiration, and integration
    21:30 - Five creative ways to use the deck for personal and group growth
    26:30 - The importance of mindful reflection and active embodiment
    29:00 - Denise's coaching practice and holistic approach to living a fulfilled life
    33:15 - Embracing multi-passionate identities in coaching and life design
    37:10 - What Denise hopes listeners will take away: becoming and transformation
    39:50 - Special offer: a free shipping code for the deck and how to connect with Denise
    41:10 - Final words: celebrating personal power and ongoing growthResources & Links:Connect with Denise:Special Offer:
    Use code POWER26 at checkout for free shipping on the deck. This promo is valid until May 31, 2026, and is available only in the US.Note: This episode was released on April 26, 2026. Stay inspired and continue to step confidently into your power!

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    39 mins
  • The Real You vs. Work You: Why 61% of Us Are Hiding at Work
    Mar 3 2026
    Discover how authentic leadership, community, and self-awareness can transform your career and life. Suezette shares practical insights, personal stories, and strategies to help you lead fearlessly beyond titles.In this episode:Suezette’s journey from education reform to tech leadershipThe true meaning of authenticity in leadershipHow to uncover and eliminate self-imposed dissonanceThe impact of authentic leadership on organizational performance (147% stronger)The power of community and mutual support in growthPractical tools: reflective questions at each chapter to overcome fearHow to align your career with your purpose and valuesThe significance of self-assessment, discernment, and strategic alignmentIntroducing Suezette’s authentic leadership framework and upcoming trainingsWhy professional development is a vital investment, not selfishnessCharacteristics of inspiring leaders: curiosity, directness, and mentorshipThe “no titles” chapter: embracing your full potential beyond labelsHow to create environments that support authentic self-expressionPractical steps for leaders to foster empathy, vulnerability, and inclusionThe importance of living fully at 80 and beyondConnecting with Suezette: website, social media, and community programsBonus: Recommendations for supportive organizations and actionable tipsSuezette Yasmin Robotham’s WebsiteSuezette’s Book: Beyond TitlesLinkedIn - Suezette Yasmin RobothamSuezette’s TED TalkOfficial Training & CoursesWebsiteInstagramTwitterCommunity & Mentoring ProgramsTimestamps: 00:00 - Introduction & Suezette’s powerful journey to authentic leadership 02:48 - The secret sauce of attracting mutually beneficial relationships 04:24 - Misconceptions about authenticity and true leadership 07:57 - The reflective questions that heal & how to process fear 10:14 - Real stories of understanding real self versus work self 13:12 - Transition from education reform to tech industry—lessons learned 16:27 - The importance of alignment & trusting when things flow naturally 18:32 - Challenging hustle mentality & embracing ease through discernment 20:37 - Suezette’s mentorship program & how to unlock your full potential 24:17 - Characteristics of admired leaders and cultivating curiosity 27:07 - Upcoming curriculum on authentic leadership & organizational impact 30:50 - Advice for newcomers into tech & managing perceptions 34:28 - Strategies for identifying where environments align with your values 35:18 - The significance of “no titles” for self-awareness & growth 37:01 - How self-assessment leads to greater impact & fuller life 40:50 - Recognizing dissonance and releasing what no longer serves 42:34 - Final thoughts — living as your best self & embracing full capacity 43:16 - Connecting with Suezette: resources, social media & community call-to-actionResources & Links:Connect with Suezette:Embrace your authentic self — lead fearlessly and live fully!Suezette Yasmin Robotham’s WebsiteSuezette’s Book: Beyond TitlesLinkedIn - Suezette Yasmin RobothamSuezette’s TED TalkOfficial Training & CoursesWebsiteInstagramTwitterCommunity & Mentoring Programs
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    43 mins
  • Call and Response: Leadership Lessons w L. Michelle Smith
    Feb 10 2026
    Unlock the powerful leadership principles grounded in Black church traditions and culture. In this episode, L.Michelle Smith shares her insights on how call and response, faith, community, and resilience can transform your leadership approach and drive authentic connections.L.Michelle's inspiration behind writing Call and Response and how her church experiences shape her leadership philosophyThe leadership lessons derived from Black church traditions, especially faith, purpose, and communityThe science behind attunement, oxytocin, and brain science that support community-building and resilienceThe historical roots of call and response from Africa to the Black church and their relevance to modern leadershipPractical strategies for applying these principles in corporate and community settingsHow to develop heart-centered, courageous, and emotionally intelligent leaders across industriesThe importance of integrity, accountability, and cultural competency in today's leadership landscapeResources: pre-order discounts, workshops, curriculum, and recommended readingCall and Response by L. Michelle SmithBook preorder & leadership toolkitL. Michelle Smith - WebsiteBlack Church Study - The Black Church: This Is Our Story, This Is Our Song by Dr. Henry Louis Gates Jr.Follow L.Michelle Smith on LinkedInFollow L.Michelle Smith on TwitterWebsiteRequest Speaking EngagementsPre-order the book and access curriculumLeverage the principles of call and response in team meetings and organizational cultureIncorporate storytelling, attunement, and community-building techniques into your leadership stylePractice integrity and accountability daily to build trust and resilience in your teamsUse the provided leadership questions and curriculum to foster critical thinking and strategic growthJoin the movement to develop more heart-centered, courageous leaders across industriesEmbrace these culturally rooted, science-backed strategies to lead with authenticity, influence, and purpose.—Thank you for listening! Don't forget to share your copies of the book and tag L.Michelle Smith on social media with your leadership insights.In this episode:Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction to Michelle Smith and her leadership journey02:00 - The story behind Call and Response and cultural influences04:50 - Black church leadership lessons: faith and purpose08:30 - The science of community: oxytocin and brain synchronization12:00 - Roots of call and response: from Africa to modern music and culture16:20 - The role of resilience: lessons from grandmothers and gospel hymns20:56 - Building integrity and accountability in leadership24:05 - Practical tips for applying call and response strategies in organizations27:40 - Addressing generational shifts and the importance of social-emotional skills31:15 - The significance of community as a covenant and collective success35:30 - Cultivating influential, heart-centered leaders: Carla Harris, Sint Marshall, and others40:10 - How to get the book, resources for leaders, and call to action43:05 - Final thoughts: leading with authenticity and cultural intelligenceResources & Links:Connect with Elle Michelle Smith:To Enhance Your Leadership:
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    43 mins
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