ArchivesLeading Below the Surface

on March 25, 2024 July 23, 2025

Ep 22: Supporting the Trans Community

Host LaTonya Wilkins welcomes special guest, Rhodes Perry, a celebrated author and influential community builder to the podcast. Rhodes has made significant strides in fostering inclusive environments both in and out of the workplace. With a rich background that includes working in the White House and the Department of Justice, Rhodes has been featured in numerous publications for his groundbreaking work. His best-selling books, “Belonging at Work” and “Imagine Belonging,” alongside his creation of the Belonging Circle, showcase his commitment to building communities where everyone feels they belong. In this episode of The Leading Below the Surface Podcast, we sit down with Rhodes to discuss the importance of visibility and inclusion for transgender individuals in the workplace and beyond.

Tips from Today’s Episode:

-Encourage Exposure and Education: Increase your exposure to transgender communities and educate yourself and your team on transgender experiences and challenges. Utilize resources like the 2022 US Trans Survey to dispel myths and understand the realities of transgender lives.

-Challenge Misinformation: Actively challenge misinformation when you encounter it. Simple questions like “Where did you hear that?” can prompt reflection and encourage more accurate understanding and discussions.

-Reflect on Personal Gender Experiences: Encourage your team to reflect on their own experiences with gender and how societal expectations have impacted them. This can foster empathy and a deeper understanding of the need for gender inclusivity and expression freedom.

Resources from today’s episode:

– Link 2022 US Trans Survey

– Link to “Belonging at Work” the book

– rhodesperry.com

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Connect with us:

Email us at ⁠info@changecoaches.io⁠

Learn more about ⁠Change Coaches⁠

Follow LaTonya on ⁠LinkedIn⁠

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For More on the Book ⁠Leading Below the Surface⁠

on March 11, 2024 July 23, 2025

Ep 21: Exploring What’s Holding Women Back in the Workplace

Ellen Taaffe, a former Fortune 50 senior executive turned board director, professor, leadership coach, and author, joins host, LaTonya Wilkins, on The Leading Below the Surface Podcast. Beyond her corporate achievements, Ellen’s impactful work as an author, particularly with her book “The Mirrored Door: Break Through the Hidden Barrier that Locks Successful Women in Place,” is a vital resource for women navigating the complexities of the workplace. In this conversation, LaTonya and Ellen dissect the challenges and strategies for women’s advancement in the workplace. Specifically, they cover the concept of “The Mirrored Door”, how leaders can support women, as well as five tips to propel women forward.

Tips from Today’s Episode:

-How to encourage women to raise their hands for new opportunities before they feel completely “ready.”

-How to help women see the potential that they have.

-Effective ways to deliver feedback – especially to women.

Resources from today’s episode:

– https://ellentaaffe.com/

– Ellen LinkedIn

– The Mirrored Door Workbook

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Connect with us:

Email us at ⁠info@changecoaches.io⁠

Learn more about ⁠Change Coaches⁠

Follow LaTonya on ⁠LinkedIn⁠

Follow Change Coaches on ⁠LinkedIn⁠

For More on the Book ⁠Leading Below the Surface⁠

on February 26, 2024 July 23, 2025

Ep 20: Reparations: What they are and how to talk about them

Erin Corine Johnson (also known as The Identity & Belonging Coach) an award-winning artist, creative founder, and international community organizer, joins LaTonya Wilkins this Black History Month on the Leading Below the Surface podcast. In their conversation, LaTonya and Erin explore reparations. In addition to discussing what reparations are, they discuss common misconceptions, and how to overcome these both individually and within organizations. They end with an actionable framework that can be applied in our everyday lives.

Tips from Today’s Episode:

– There are things that you may already be doing to support a reparations mindset.

– You don’t have to be a large organization to make a difference.

– How to apply a reparations mindset in everyday life.

Resources from today’s episode:

–⁠Erin’s LinkedIn⁠

–⁠holamagnolia.com⁠

–⁠https://ko-fi.com/holamagnolia⁠

Connect with us:

Email us at ⁠info@changecoaches.io⁠

Learn more about ⁠Change Coaches⁠

Follow LaTonya on ⁠LinkedIn⁠

Follow Change Coaches on ⁠LinkedIn⁠

For More on the Book ⁠Leading Below the Surface⁠

on February 12, 2024 July 23, 2025

Ep 19: Below the Surface Leadership Lessons from an LGBTQ+ Black Mayor

Welcome to Season Two of the Leading Below the Surface podcast, where we kick off with a special episode for Black History Month featuring Mayor Bruce Teague, the first Black LGBTQ+ mayor of Iowa City, Iowa. In our conversation, we discuss the challenges of leading a diverse community in today’s polarized world, Mayor Teague’s approach to navigating difficult conversations and decisions, and the role that empathy, understanding, and open communication play in fostering a community that values diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Mayor Teague’s story is a powerful testament to the impact that below the surface leadership can have on a community and beyond.

Resources from today’s episode:

⁠LBTS Blog: When being labeled “the first” detracts from genuine belonging⁠

Connect with us:

Email us at ⁠info@changecoaches.io⁠

Learn more about ⁠Change Coaches⁠

Follow LaTonya on ⁠LinkedIn⁠

Follow Change Coaches on ⁠LinkedIn⁠

For More on the Book ⁠Leading Below the Surface⁠

on January 29, 2024 July 23, 2025

Ep 18: Three Myths Surrounding Asian-Americans in the Workplace and How to Navigate Them

In episode 18 of the Leading Below the Surface podcast, host LaTonya Wilkins interviews special guest Amy Yip. Amy shares her experiences as a former corporate professional at companies like Clorox, Booz Allen, and Google, and discusses her decision to leave her job to travel and volunteer in Ghana with her husband. Amy’s book, “Unfinished Business: Breaking Down the Great Wall Between Adult Child and Immigrant Parents,” is a central topic of discussion. The book explores the relationship between children of immigrants and their parents, particularly within Asian American communities. The podcast also addresses three myths surrounding Asian American immigrants in corporate America.

Tips from Today’s Episode:

–It’s all about practice

-Go on a “no” diet

-Be clear on what your boundaries are

**Listen in to learn more about how to put these tips into practice.

Resources from today’s episode:

-Amy’s book, ⁠Unfinished Business: Breaking Down the Great Wall Between Adult Child and Immigrant Parents⁠

-Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/amycyip⁠ & ⁠https://www.facebook.com/amyyipcoaching⁠

-LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/amycyip⁠ & ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/amyyipcoaching⁠

-Instagram: ⁠@amyyipcoaching⁠

-Website: ⁠https://amyyipcoaching.com⁠

Connect with us:

Email us at ⁠info@changecoaches.io⁠

Learn more about ⁠Change Coaches⁠

Follow LaTonya on ⁠LinkedIn⁠

Follow Change Coaches on ⁠LinkedIn⁠

For More on the Book ⁠Leading Below the Surface⁠

on January 15, 2024 June 5, 2026

Ep 17: Black Women in the Workplace, Claudine Gay, and The Glass Cliff

Host LaTonya Wilkins discusses the challenges faced by Black women in leadership roles, particularly focusing on the concept of the “glass cliff” and its impact on Dr. Claudine Gay, Harvard’s first Black woman president. The episode also discusses several other examples of Black women who have been pushed off this cliff after being hired to lead during difficult times (Rosalind Brewer at Walgreens Boots Alliance, and Nataki Garrett at Oregon Shakespeare Festival) as well as how labeling “the first” can detract from genuine belonging. Finally, LaTonya wraps up with 3 actionable tips to avoid the “glass cliff” in your organization.

Tips from Today’s Episode:

-Call it Out: Address situations directly.

-See Something, Say Something: Be observant in your workplace; if you notice discriminatory behavior, bring it up with your team or management.

-Focus on Structures and Systems: Work towards creating sustainable change by addressing systemic issues within organizations rather than just pointing fingers.

Resources from today’s episode:

–Leading Below the Surface Monthly Newsletter: When being labeled “the first” detracts from genuine belonging

-DEI in 2024

Connect with us:

Email us at ⁠info@changecoaches.io⁠

Learn more about ⁠Change Coaches⁠

Follow LaTonya on ⁠LinkedIn⁠

Follow Change Coaches on ⁠LinkedIn⁠

For More on the Book ⁠Leading Below the Surface

on January 3, 2024 July 23, 2025

Ep 16: What it Takes to Create Real Change in Organizations — Three Actionable Tips from an Expert

In this episode, LaTonya Wilkins welcomes change management expert, Oneka Jefferson-Cornelius. Oneka is a seasoned Talent & Organization Effectiveness Executive with diverse experience in HR, Employee Onboarding, Change Management, Communications, Learning, Talent Management, Mentoring, Leadership Development, and Workforce Transformation. Her expertise leverages over 15 years in internal and management consulting built on deep cross-functional workforce experience within the Financial Services, Contact Center, Utilities, Communication & High Tech, IT, and Food & Beverage industries.

Oneka and LaTonya discuss how to approach change management, how to navigate ambiguity, where change fails, and clear steps to address barriers of change from an organizational perspective. This episode ends with three actionable steps you can apply in your workplace to create REAL change.

Tips from Today’s Episode:

-Lead with conversation

-Be willing to pivot

-Stick to the strategy

Resources from today’s episode:

Connect with us:

Email us at ⁠info@changecoaches.io⁠

Learn more about ⁠Change Coaches⁠

Follow LaTonya on ⁠LinkedIn⁠

Follow Change Coaches on ⁠LinkedIn⁠

For More on the Book ⁠Leading Below the Surface⁠

on December 18, 2023 June 5, 2026

Ep 15: Three Coaching Prompts to Close Your Year Out Strong

In this episode, LaTonya Wilkins offers three coaching prompts to close the year strong. She also explores questions we often forget to ask ourselves at the end of the year. The episode wraps with meaningful tips to end 2023 and start 2024 on a positive note.

Tips from Today’s Episode:

-Explore what motivates you.

-Avoid extremes and negativity bias.

-Start less, continue more.

Resources from today’s episode:

–Leading Below the Surface Accelerator⁠

–⁠Leading Below the Surface LinkedIn Newsletter⁠

Connect with us:

Email us at ⁠info@changecoaches.io⁠

Learn more about ⁠Change Coaches⁠

Follow LaTonya on ⁠LinkedIn⁠

Follow Change Coaches on ⁠LinkedIn⁠

For More on the Book ⁠Leading Below the Surface⁠

on December 4, 2023 July 23, 2025

Ep 14: What is Trauma Intelligence?

In this episode, LaTonya Wilkins dives into the topic: “What is Trauma Intelligence?” with special guest Blythe Landry. Blythe is a dually mastered LCSW/MSW and M.Ed with 20 years of experience helping people around the world recover from trauma, grief, and addictions. She is also a certified Grief Recovery Method specialist, Death Doula, and the creator of Trauma Intelligence Training. Blythe’s passion is serving those who are in seemingly insurmountable pain and guiding them to find healing and hope.

LaTonya and Blythe talk about trauma dumping, trauma in the workplace, and how to support those dealing with unresolved trauma. Blythe discusses the 5 types of trauma and trauma-sensitive approaches to have supportive and impactful conversations with those affected by trauma.

Tips from Today’s Episode:

-Don’t be afraid to look within. We tend to look outward but what’s missing may be inside.

-If you understand trauma, you can understand why some things happen at work.

-Instead of avoiding difficult conversations, reframe them.

Resources from today’s episode:

⁠Blythe’s book: Trauma Intelligence: The Art of Helping⁠

⁠Sign up for Blythe’s upcoming FREE Mini Course and mention Leading Below the Surface Podcast!⁠

Connect with us:

Email us at ⁠info@changecoaches.io⁠

Learn more about ⁠Change Coaches⁠

Follow LaTonya on ⁠LinkedIn⁠

Follow Change Coaches on ⁠LinkedIn⁠

For More on the Book ⁠Leading Below the Surface

on November 20, 2023 July 23, 2025

Ep 13: How Coaching Can Help You Navigate Today’s Times

In this episode, LaTonya Wilkins dives into the topic: “What is coaching?” She explores a few other questions that she often hears as well: What are the benefits of coaching? Is coaching too expensive? Why should coaching be a part of your leadership or professional development plan? She ends with tips to integrate coaching into your organization.