You Win Some, You Lose Some: Building Through the Mess

You Win Some, You Lose Some: Building Through the Mess

In this short solo episode, I'm pulling back the curtain on the setbacks, disappointments, and behind-the-scenes moments that came with one of BLKGirl Ambition's biggest seasons yet. From signing with the ALIVE Podcast Network and hosting our first-ever IRL community dinner to dealing with lost photos, a butchered magazine article, missed expectations, and lessons in letting go of perfection, this episode is a reflection on what it really takes to build something meaningful. Because the truth is, most people only share the highlight reel. They don't post the mistakes, the detours, or the moments when everything goes sideways. But that's always where the growth happens. If you're building a career, a business, a platform, a community, or a vision bigger than yourself, this episode is a reminder that success isn't about avoiding the mess, it's about learning to build through it. Thank you for an incredible Season 3. Season 4 loading.

What it Costs to Be "The First" w/ Edelman CEO Lisa Osborne-Ross

What does it actually cost to be the first? In this episode of BLKGirl Ambition, Niya Baxter sits down with Lisa Osborne Ross former U.S. CEO of Edelman, one of the largest public relations firms in the world, and the first Black person to hold the role for an honest conversation about power, leadership, vulnerability, and the pressure of representation. We talk about: * the myth of the fearless Black woman * navigating corporate America without shrinking yourself * colorism, beauty, and respectability politics * the loneliness of being the first * vulnerability as a leadership strength * and why ambition should include joy, softness, friendship, family, and peace Lisa also reflects on the gift of weightlessness her parents gave her growing up in Washington, D.C. and how being raised without limitation shaped the way she moved through elite spaces and leadership. This conversation is thoughtful, funny, deeply human, and full of the kind of wisdom that only comes from someone who has led at the highest levels without losing herself in the process. If youve ever felt pressure to be perfect, unbreakable, or endlessly strong to succeed this episode is for you. Get in Touch w/ Lisa: linkedin.com/in/lisa-osborne-ross [https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-osborne-ross/?lipi=urn%3Ali%3Apage%3Ad_flagship3_profile_view_base_contact_details%3BfUyAyjbzSmy8v1gcMThxPg%3D%3D] Thanks for all your love and support. Tag me while listening @blkgirlambition & as always love to hear your thoughts :) Join the BLKGirl Ambition community at www.blkgirlambition.com to stay in the know on events, products and insider tips. And find us on IG, LinkedIn and TikTok: @blkgirlambition

All The Rules Are Fake. Go Off, Sis: Building Community, Vision & Ambition in Real Time

In this solo episode, Niya reflects on a season of growth, exhaustion, vision, and what it means to keep building even when youre tired. From signing with the ALIVE podcast network to hosting BLKGirl Ambitions first-ever in-person event, The Conversation Dinner Series, this episode is about what happens when vision meets consistencyand community. Stay tuned to the end for a very special message from Bozoma Saint John, Former Chief Marketing Officer of Netflix and Uber, turned entrepreneur and star of the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills! This episode is part reflection, part encouragement, and part reminder to stop waiting and go after the thing thats been on your heart.  Thanks for all your love and support. Tag me while listening @blkgirlambition & as always love to hear your thoughts :) Join the BLKGirl Ambition community at www.blkgirlambition.com to stay in the know on future events, products and insider tips. And find us on IG, LinkedIn and TikTok: @blkgirlambition

Know Your Place, Black Girl: How Systems Shape What We See as Possible

Most of us live and work within systems shaped by fear, bias, and legacy narrativesoften without even realizing it. In this episode of BLKGirl Ambition, Niya Baxter sits down with Theresa Wilsonattorney, TEDx speaker, and equity expertto explore the powerful framework of place consciousness. Not as a limitation, but as a key to understanding how societal structures shape what we can see as possible. Theresa also demystifies the process of taking the TEDx stagebreaking down how to turn your expertise into a compelling idea, navigate the application process, and position yourself for a career-defining platform. If youre navigating complex systems and trying to understand your place within them, this conversation offers language, clarity, and a new way forward. Because awareness isnt the end goal. Its the starting point for change. Chapters: 00:00 Welcome to Black Girl Ambition 00:55 Introducing Theresa Wilson 02:28 Early Life and Influences 09:31 Navigating Ambition and Fear 12:32 The Power of Place Consciousness 16:39 Understanding Privilege 23:59 Training on Bias and Discrimination 27:45 The TEDx Journey 32:21 Hope for the Future 34:22 Fear and Societal Structures 41:53 Internalized Oppression and Respectability Politics 43:40 Reforming Systems from Within  49:20 Legacy and Ambition Get In Touch with Theresa: TEDx: https://youtu.be/ircUGYXnKzU?si=BGyBYJWnVe4kRPZA [https://youtu.be/ircUGYXnKzU?si=BGyBYJWnVe4kRPZA] Website: http://rmschrysalisproject.org/ [http://rmschrysalisproject.org/] LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/theresa-wilson-coney [http://www.linkedin.com/in/theresa-wilson-coney] Thanks for all your love and support. Tag me while listening @blkgirlambition & as always love to hear your thoughts :) Join the BLKGirl Ambition community on IG, LinkedIn and TikTok: @blkgirlambition

Encore | Lighting the Way: Harlem Brands CEO Teri Johnson on Legacy & Defining Black Luxury

As Season 3 of BLKGirl Ambition comes to a close, Im revisiting one of my favorite conversationsmy interview with Teri Johnson, Founder and CEO of Harlem Candle Co. Teris journey is a masterclass in building something meaningful, staying rooted in your vision, and navigating the realities of entrepreneurship with intention, grace and grit. In this episode, we talk about what it really takes to build a brand, the discipline behind creativity, and the mindset required to keep goingeven when the path isnt clear or easy. If youre like me and in a season of building this conversation is a reminder: the climb is rarely linear, but its always worth it. Chapters: 00:00 Welcome to BLKGirl Ambition 02:38 Teri Johnsons unconventional path to entrepreneurship 05:16 How travel shapes identity and perspective 07:56 The rise of Travelista Teri 10:17 Lessons learned from building a digital brand before its time 12:49 Founding Harlem Brands: turning passion into legacy 15:30 Building legacy through luxury fragrance 17:44 Storytelling as strategy: weaving culture into business 20:38 Facing challenges, fueling growth 22:43 Expanding into the Harlem Perfume Company 25:21 The mindset every founder needs to thrive 27:38 Practical gems for aspiring entrepreneurs 30:34 Dreaming forward: future aspirations & community impact 33:04 Final reflections on ambition and legacy Support Teri Johnson and the Harlem Brands: Purchase Harlem Candles, Totes, Mugs and Journals: www.harlembrands.com Purchase Harlem Perfume: www.sephora.com and www.harlemperfumeco.com Connect with Teri Johnson: @terijohnsonnyc on IG Email me with your episode ideas or guest suggestions at niya@blkgirlambition.com Thanks for all your love and support. Tag me while listening @blkgirlambition & as always love to hear your thoughts :) Join the BLKGirl Ambition community on IG and LinkedIn: @blkgirlambition and @glamourgirlniya ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.