Episodes

  • You're Never Stuck: Erica Rooney on Curiosity, AI, and the Questions That Change Everything

    You're Never Stuck: Erica Rooney on Curiosity, AI, and the Questions That Change Everything
    Jun 25 2026
    A room full of women builders at MIT asked ChatGPT to draw them based on everything it knew. It drew the same white man over and over. That moment sparked Erica Rooney's new book, The AI Gap, and this conversation. Erica joins Jacqueline as the first AI expert on Winning Season to break down the four gaps quietly widening between who AI was built on and who gets left behind, and the surprisingly simple mindset shift that closes them. If you have ever felt like the tech wasn't built for you, this one is for you.KEY TAKEAWAYSAI is not introducing bias, it is accelerating ours. It is a pattern recognition machine trained on a history that was never neutral. When the pattern says most CEOs are named John, that is what it draws back.There are four gaps, and the costly one is compounding. Awareness, authority, compounding, and infrastructure. The compounding gap (contribution versus ownership, who gets capital) is where the existing wealth disparity threatens to explode rather than close.You don't have to learn ChatGPT. You have to become AI fluent. Mastering one tool is like saying you can only drive a Toyota. The real skill is knowing how to talk to the machine and asking, with everything you do, how can AI help me with this.Access is where organizations start. Men are being encouraged to experiment with AI at higher rates than women. Don't wait for permission. Be professionally annoying and raise your hand, because nobody is coming to save us.A human coach does what AI cannot. AI is built to keep you engaged and tell you what you want to hear. A coach interrupts the pattern and asks you why.Chapters: 00:00 Welcome to Erica, the first AI expert on Winning Season00:52 The MIT story that sparked The AI Gap04:27 Greg Boone runs the experiment, and race bias shows up too05:41 Why AI does this: history was never neutral07:45 The four gaps, and why compounding is the one to watch10:39 HER Collective and making executive education accessible13:13 AI is a mindset: becoming fluent, not just clicking buttons17:00 Inside the community: the HER framework and weekly calls19:08 Her first book, Glass Ceilings and Sticky Floors21:28 What coaching with Erica actually looks like23:00 Why a human coach beats AI sycophancy23:39 Where companies should start: access for everyone25:22 Erica's two podcastsGUEST BIOErica Anderson Rooney is an executive, speaker, and community builder. A former Chief People Officer recognized as a top CHRO, she is the author of The AI Gap and Glass Ceilings and Sticky Floors, founder of HER Collective, and host of two podcasts. She helps Fortune 500 companies and ambitious women learn to use AI as a voice, not become a victim of it.RESOURCES MENTIONEDErica's workThe AI Gap (her new book): https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-ai-gap-women-ai-and-the-next-great-leap-forward-erica-rooney/086fb229b711e6c2?ean=9781955811965Glass Ceilings and Sticky Floors (her first book and OG podcast, 300+ episodes): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/glass-ceilings-and-sticky-floors-shatter-limiting/id1619692554AI: Voice or Victim? (her AI podcast, co-hosted with Greg Boone): https://voiceorvictim.com/HER Collective (her community, membership $684/year): https://www.joinhercollective.com/Connect with Erica on LinkedIn (tag her with your AI image result): https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericarooneyReferenced in the conversationGreg Boone, aka AISerious, Erica's business partner and Voice or Victim co-hostRadical Candor by Kim ScottHala Taha (Young and Profiting), a past Glass Ceilings guestCarol Dweck's growth mindset (Jacqueline's reference)Ruth Bader Ginsburg, "We belong in the rooms where decisions are made"The Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay ActMighty Networks, the platform HER Collective runs onCALL TO ACTIONRun the experiment yourself. Ask your AI to generate an image of you based on everything it knows, then tag Erica on LinkedIn with what you get. Grab The AI Gap
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    29 mins
  • Embracing Service, Leadership, and Ubuntu: An Inspirational Journey with Hermence Matsotsa

    Embracing Service, Leadership, and Ubuntu: An Inspirational Journey with Hermence Matsotsa
    Jun 15 2026
    Hermence Matsotsa, a global leadership expert, author, and advocate for community-centered health and transformation joins Jacqueline Twillie in Conversation. In this episode, Hermence shares her multicultural background, her journey through global health, and the profound lessons she's learned about service, vulnerability, and interconnectedness. This conversation reveals how embracing humility and community can shape the next era of global health and leadership.Main Topics:Hermence's multicultural upbringing and love story of her parents from Gabon and OregonHer early career in global health and service through Peace Corps in West AfricaThe transformative lessons learned from living in Ecuador, embracing vulnerability and cultural humilityFoundations of trust in global communities and the importance of seeing shared humanityThe philosophy of Ubuntu and its influence on Hermence's leadership and business, Mbutu SpeaksHow her company offers transformational leadership, cultural competence, and positive intelligence coachingThe power of storytelling and capturing community histories through her workThe significance of living intentionally, self-love, and continuous growth, as outlined in her book "Better Than Yesterday"Perspectives on the future of global health: community-led programs, cultural understanding, and capacity buildingThe story behind her artwork featuring Ubuntu and its significanceChapters:00:00 - Introduction to Hermence Matsotsa and her multifaceted expertise02:15 - Hermence's cultural background and love story of her parents04:17 - Early career and calling into service through Peace Corps05:44 - The impact of living in Ecuador and learning vulnerability10:55 - Understanding and tapping into personal power13:32 - Making a difference through community storytelling15:30 - Global health work in Togo and community empowerment17:36 - How Hermence transitioned into CDC and her approach to trust-building20:13 - Key principles of establishing trust in diverse communities22:21 - The meaning behind "Mbutu" and the philosophy of Ubuntu24:41 - Overview of Hermence's company services and leadership philosophy27:26 - The importance of authentic leadership and psychological safety30:48 - Recognizing and evolving personal saboteurs and inner critics34:12 - The role of positive intelligence in leadership wellness37:07 - Hermence’s book "Better Than Yesterday" and personal transformation41:42 - Soleil's influence and her daughter’s role as a young author43:50 - The impact of sharing personal stories and community growth44:22 - Future visions for global health: community-driven, sustainable, and culturally sensitive49:44 - The significance of her artwork inspired by Ubuntu and cultural connection51:23 - How to connect with Hermence and access her bookResources & Links:Email Address/ Phone Number hermence@ubuntuworkforce.com / 1-202-421-9184 uBuntuSpeaks (uBuntu) website https//www.ubuntuworkforce.com LinkedIn Profile https://www.linkedin.com/in/hermencematsotsa-transformationalleadershipstrategist/Books Better Than Yesterday: How to Take Intentional Steps to Self You EnvisionBuy on AmazonPluto, Special Just the Same Dwarf Planet by Soleil Cross (my daughter)Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ubuntuspeaks_hermence/TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@sageelevation
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    52 mins
  • This Is How You Love Her: A Radical Journey to Self-Love with Traci Saulsberry

    This Is How You Love Her: A Radical Journey to Self-Love with Traci Saulsberry
    Jun 5 2026

    Join us as we dive into Traci Saulsberry's inspiring journey of self-discovery, leadership, and radical self-love. Traci shares powerful insights from her debut book, revealing how vulnerability, curiosity, and authenticity can transform our lives and careers.

    In this episode:

    • Traci's experience breaking barriers as one of the youngest Black executives at NBC and leading at Peacock
    • The meaning behind her book's title and its importance for self-love
    • How writing the book rewrote her, revealing unexpected truths and healing
    • The importance of honoring your body and mental health in high-pressure environments
    • Practical questions and journaling practices to foster self-awareness
    • The power of surrendering to life's unfolding rather than forcing solutions
    • How to navigate the "unnamed seasons" of transformation without rushing the process
    • The role of worthiness and storytelling in advocating for yourself
    • Book recommendations and how to pre-order This Is How You Love Her

    Timestamps:

    • (00:00) - Welcome and introducing Traci Saulsberry, author of This Is How You Love Her
    • (02:06) - Traci describes herself as a "light, quiet storm, and builder"
    • (04:24) - Love languages and how Traci freely gives love
    • (08:55) - The cost of maintaining "okayness" at work and in life
    • (11:29) - How writing the book transformed Traci
    • (15:00) - Staying anchored amidst diverse roles and identities
    • (16:47) - Recognizing the gap between external achievements and inner authenticity
    • (22:07) - Navigating grief while building anew
    • (25:43) - The unfolding journey: embracing serendipity and surrender
    • (36:26) - The significance of anchors like childhood and relationships in understanding yourself
    • (40:01) - What self-love really means beyond spa days
    • (41:41) - Lessons learned the hard way, including imperfection and agency
    • (42:48) - How to support Traci's book and pre-order information

    • Resources & Links:

      • This Is How You Love Her — Pre-order Traci Saulsberry's debut book
      • Calm App — Meditation and sleep app
      • Junot Diaz - The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao — Book that inspired Traci
      • NBC — Traci's leadership origin
      • Abrams Books — Purchase links for Traci's book

      Connect with Traci Saulsberry:

      • LinkedIn
      • Instagram
      • Website


      Special note: This episode is a treasure trove of practical wisdom for anyone on a journey to self-love, leadership, and authentic living. Be sure to grab your copy of This Is How You Love Her and reflect on the meaningful questions Traci shares.
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    41 mins
  • Unlocking Leadership and Community Impact with Alison Anthony

    Unlocking Leadership and Community Impact with Alison Anthony
    May 27 2026

    Summary

    In this inspiring interview, Alison Anthony shares her journey from corporate leadership to nonprofit impact, emphasizing the power of preparation, authentic communication, and strategic use of AI in advancing community goals. Discover how to leverage your strengths, build trust, and make impactful asks to create lasting change.


    Key Topics

    1. Preparation and strategic planning in negotiation
    2. The role of AI in nonprofit work
    3. Building trust and authentic communication
    4. Transitioning from corporate to nonprofit leadership
    5. Legacy giving and community impact


    Takeaways

    • Preparation is key to successful negotiation and relationship building.
    • AI can be a powerful tool if used responsibly and ethically.
    • Authentic communication and vulnerability strengthen leadership.
    • Leverage community and corporate partnerships for greater impact.
    • Focus on human connection and trust over technology alone.


    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to Alison Anthony

    02:42 The Evolution of Preparation in Negotiation

    05:46 Corporate vs. Nonprofit Negotiation Strategies

    08:32 Mindset Shifts for Women in Negotiation

    11:30 The Importance of Clarity and Conciseness

    14:28 Fundraising Trends and Community Impact

    17:29 Engaging Volunteers in Fundraising Efforts

    23:53 Embedding Mission in Fundraising

    26:46 Celebrating Legacy and Endowment Growth

    30:42 The Role of AI in Nonprofit Work

    38:51 Radical Honesty and Personal Growth


    Connect with Alison on LinkedIn

    Follow the work of the Tulsa Area United Way
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    47 mins
  • Why Standing in Your Power Is Not One-Size-Fits-All And How to Find Yours

    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

    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

    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
  • Pinpoint What Decision-Makers Actually Value

    Pinpoint What Decision-Makers Actually Value
    Oct 13 2025

    This episode of Winning Season features a real lesson from Jacqueline V. Twillie, originally delivered live to a group of mid-career professionals. In it, Jacqueline unpacks the moment she cracked a high-stakes global project stalemate by identifying the single metric and timeline that mattered most to a senior leader.

    She walks listeners through her signature L.A.T.T.E. Framework—Look, Anticipate, Think, Talk, Evaluate—and shows how to use it to translate your solution into the language of decision makers. You’ll learn how to pinpoint priorities, anticipate objections, and present your ideas in a way that earns approvals faster.

    Whether you're preparing for a big pitch or navigating shifting priorities, this lesson gives you a repeatable playbook to get a clear yes.

    This podcast episode is an actual lesson taught by Jacqueline V. Twillie, founder of ZeroGap and creator of the L.A.T.T.E. Framework. You’ll hear her teaching in real time, not a scripted studio segment, so grab a notebook and get ready to apply these strategies immediately.

    📌 Note
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    29 mins