Transmuted Leadership with Karria Lawrence: Purpose, Healing and Impact After Trauma

The 600,000 Laid-Off Black Women are Building Businesses | Doing it Scared with LaKesha Moore

What happens when a layoff becomes the push to finally build the business that has been calling your name? In this episode of the Black Woman Bliss Podcast, Mercedes sits down with LaKesha “Rolling with Keke” Moore, Senior Event Strategist, accessibility advocate, and founder of Rolling With Keke™. Keke brings over 20 years of experience helping organizations build spaces that are truly inclusive, accessible, and safe for all. She has saved organizations over $260K and served events of over 8,000! This conversation is all about KeKe about stepping out on faith, building her business based on her Black Woman Brilliance, and learning how to move even when you’re scared. Keke shares what it means to be one of the 600,000 Black women impacted by layoffs and how she is using this season to pivot with purpose, strategy, and heart. We talk about her journey into event strategy, why accessibility is not optional, and how her lived experience as a plus-size Black woman with a disability informs the way she shows up in business, leadership, and life. During this episode, we're covering: * Why strategic and accessible event planning is more than logistics * How Keke became the “unicorn” of event planning * What it means to build a business after being laid off * Navigating entrepreneurship as a plus-size Black woman with a disability * Why accessibility should be centered from the beginning, not added at the end * How to take action on your dreams before you feel fully ready * The connection between faith, purpose, business, and Black Woman Brilliance Connect with LaKesha Moore LaKesha “Rolling with Keke” Moore is a Senior Event Strategist and founder of Rolling With Keke™. Her work centers accessibility, safety, inclusion, and strategy in event design. She helps organizations create experiences where people are not just invited into the room, but fully considered once they arrive. Connect with Keke and learn more about Rolling With Keke™. Website: https://rollingwithkeke.com/ [https://rollingwithkeke.com/] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lakeshamoore-events/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/lakeshamoore-events/] Join the Black Woman Bliss Community The BWB Community is a safe, powerful space created by and for Black women navigating big goals in career, life, and business. With coaching, training, resources, and sisterhood built in, you don’t have to walk this journey alone. Start your free trial here: https://www.mercedesswan.com/career-and-business-community-for-black-women [https://www.mercedesswan.com/career-and-business-community-for-black-women] 1:1 Career & Business Coaching with Mercedes Ready for more personalized support as you build? Mercedes offers 1:1 career and business coaching for Black women who are ready to move with clarity, confidence, and strategy. Whether you’re navigating a career pivot, recovering from a layoff, building a business from your brilliance, or trying to create a life that feels aligned, coaching gives you the space to get clear and take intentional action. Together, we’ll focus on helping you discover your Black Woman Brilliance, clarify your next move, and create a plan that supports your career, business, lifestyle, and long-term vision. Learn more about 1:1 coaching with Mercedes here: https://www.mercedesswan.com/connect [https://www.mercedesswan.com/connect] Subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with a sis who is building something beautiful after a hard season. Your support helps the Black Woman Bliss Podcast reach and empower more Black women. Transcripts: https://www.mercedesswan.com/blog/what-to-do-after-being-laid-off-black-women-business [https://www.mercedesswan.com/blog/what-to-do-after-being-laid-off-black-women-business]

How Balance your 9-5 and your Business

For years, I struggled to balance my career and my business. I’m talking no sales, no sleep, toxic jobs, overworking, and no balance, okay? But in this episode of The Black Woman Bliss Podcast, I’m sharing what finally clicked and how I built a business that served me, created consistent revenue, and ultimately helped me leave my 9-5.This is a deep dive episode for the Black women building businesses after work, during lunch breaks, on weekends, and in between everything else. I’m telling the truth about what it looked like to balance my 9-5 and business, including the toxic work environments, overperformance, identity shifts, systems and the business decisions that helped me move toward my exit point.In this episode, we’ll cover:🤎 How I went from no sales to consistent sales🤎 Why clarity is one of the biggest foundations in business🤎 The mindset shift that helped me stop moving like only an employee🤎 How toxic jobs can drain the energy you need for your business🤎 How I used routines, habits, and calendaring to stay consistent🤎 Why repeatable services, SOPs, and systems helped me scale🤎 How I knew what to double down on before exiting my 9-5🤎 What a real week looked like when I was working full-time and coaching after hours👑 JOIN THE BLACK WOMAN BLISS COMMUNITYThe Community is a space for Black women ready to create aligned careers, businesses, and lifestyles we love. Inside, you’ll get strategy, support, sisterhood, trainings, and community as you step into your Black Woman Bliss Era.https://www.mercedesswan.com/join [https://www.mercedesswan.com/join]🤙🏾 SCHEDULE A 1:1 CLARITY AND STRATEGY SESSIONReady to get clear on the business you’re building while working your 9-5? Book a Clarity & Strategy Session so we can identify what’s working, what’s draining you, and the aligned next steps that will help you build with more confidence, structure, and ease.Book your session now: https://hello.mercedesswan.com/shop/8f5a153c-c508-4957-9618-f18677f65f30 [https://hello.mercedesswan.com/shop/8f5a153c-c508-4957-9618-f18677f65f30]📊CAREER AND BUSINESS LOVE ASSESSMENTNot sure whether this season needs you to focus on your career, your business, or both? Take the Career and Business Love Assessment to discover where to focus your time and energy next, whether that’s advancing your career, building your business, or creating a hybrid strategy that supports your full Black Woman Bliss Era.https://www.mercedesswan.com/quiz [https://www.mercedesswan.com/quiz]✨ WATCH THE BLACK WOMAN BLISS WEBINARIf you’re ready to get clear on your career, business, and next chapter, watch the Black Woman Bliss Webinar and start creating your aligned vision.https://www.mercedesswan.com/bliss [https://www.mercedesswan.com/bliss]Subscribe, leave a review, and share this with a professional sister in love who is building her business while working her 9-5.Chapters00:00 My Journey to Career Liberation02:47 Mindset Shifts for Black Women Entreprenuers05:54 Identifying Barriers to Business Growth09:09 The Importance of Business Clarity and Focus11:56 Navigating Toxic Work Environments15:07 Setting Boundaries and Priorities17:54 Building a Supportive Business Community21:10 Shifting Your Identity as a Business Owner24:11 Productivity Strategies for Balancing Career and Business29:17 Business Structures and Systems36:12 Optimizing Your Time40:46 Creating Repeatable Business Systems44:31 Doubling Down: Focusing on What Works56:05 Balancing Career and Business: Finding Your PathBLOG: https://www.mercedesswan.com/blog/how-to-build-a-business-while-working-a-9-5

The Equity Pivot with Tishayla Williams: Black Women and Advocacy in the Workplace

Can one pivot change the way you see work, equity, and your worth? In this powerful episode, Mercedes sits down with Tishayla Williams to talk about the equity pivot and what it means for Black women navigating today’s workplace. As an I/O psychologist and founder of The TW Collective, Tishayla brings a real, unfiltered perspective on performative equity, workplace harm, pay inequity, and the courage it takes to pivot with purpose. Together, Mercedes and Tishayla explore the hidden cost of ambition, how systems fail Black women, and why creating your own opportunities is often the first step toward liberation. This conversation is honest, validating, and full of the kind of wisdom that reminds you that you are not imagining what you’ve experienced at work and you are not stuck there either. During this episode, you’ll learn: * How performative equity shows up when organizations quietly remove their commitments as soon as the political climate shifts * Why pay inequity is often the foundation of broader workplace inequity for Black women * How Tishayla’s journey from the Army and social work into I/O psychology shaped her lens on policy, compliance, and systems change * What it looks like to advocate for yourself when a workplace is not designed to protect or value you * Why Black women must stop waiting for permission and start creating their own opportunities * How to think about your career pivot, business, or next move as a path toward greater autonomy and alignment Pivot with Tishayla Williams Tishayla Williams is an I/O psychologist and the founder of The TW Collective, where she helps organizations build more equitable workplaces and supports Black women in protecting themselves within them. A former social worker and Army veteran, Tishayla uses her voice and expertise to unpack the hidden cost of ambition, examine policy and systems through an equity lens, and help Black women navigate work with more clarity, strategy, and self-advocacy. Connect with Tishayla on TikTok: Dr. Tishayla Williams [https://www.tiktok.com/@drtishaylawilliams?lang=en]Learn more about The TW Collective: https://www.thetwcollective.com/thebackboneframework Email The TW Collective: impact@thetwcollective.com Read Tishayla's Essence Article: "I Walked Away At My Breaking Point. Now I Help Black Women Protect Themselves At Work" https://www.essence.com/news/money-career/redefining-success-after-burnout/ Step Into Your Black Woman Bliss You deserve a career, business, and life that actually feels aligned. If you’re ready to stop settling, make your next pivot with intention, and build something that honors your brilliance, Mercedes has support for you. ✨ Join the Black Woman Bliss Community: https://www.mercedesswan.com/join [https://www.mercedesswan.com/join] ✨ Register for the Black Woman Bliss Blueprint Webinar: https://www.mercedesswan.com/bliss [https://www.mercedesswan.com/bliss] ✨ Work 1:1 with Mercedes: https://www.mercedesswan.com/connect [https://www.mercedesswan.com/products/black-woman-bliss-training-portal] Key takeaway from this episode As Tishayla reminds us, Black women cannot afford to wait for systems to suddenly become safe, equitable, or affirming. We have to advocate for ourselves, create opportunities when doors do not open, and stay willing to pivot toward the life, work, and freedom we deserve. Transcript: https://www.mercedesswan.com/blog/equity-pivot-black-women-advocate-performative-workplaces [https://www.mercedesswan.com/blog/equity-pivot-black-women-advocate-performative-workplaces]

Yap: Being a Black Woman with ADHD, Depression, and Big Business Goals

Girl, Q1 of 2026 took me out! This is not how I envisioned my year! Everything from business launches, heartbreak, food poisoning, a doggy cancer diagnosis, and a depressive episode... tapped ya girl out! I decided to take a breather and create this pretty raw yap session! I know sharing the reality of sharing what it looks like and feels like to build a life you love, even when nothing is going right. In this episode, I share more about my mental health journey, how I've been coping with my Dog's Osteosarcoma diagnosis, the different empty cup dynamic that mission-driven Black women face and what my goals are for this quarter. I'm sharing some of the huge lessons I'm learning as a growing business owner and some inspirational thoughts to help you continue to choose your bliss even when life seems out of control!Make sure to subscribe to listen to the podcast anywhere, including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and more! Join the Black Woman Bliss CommunityConnect with a supportive group of Black women who are building their dream careers with sisterhood, strategy, and support. The Community features connection circles, group coaching, coworking, and a training portal featuring over 60 lessons!Join now with a 14-day free trial: https://www.mercedesswan.com/offers/eJeeU6Va/checkout [https://www.mercedesswan.com/offers/eJeeU6Va/checkout]Black Woman Bliss Webinar: The Black Woman Bliss Webinar shares my journey navigating workplace-induced anxiety and depression to overcoming it to build a thriving career and business. Learn more about how Black Woman Bliss can help you create a career, business and life you love, even when it doesn't feel so blissful! Register for Free: https://www.mercedesswan.com/bliss [https://www.mercedesswan.com/bliss] Work with Mercedes Swan:Mercedes loves coaching and mentoring Black women who are launching their job search, learning to navigate the workplace with confidence or are planning their 9-5 exit by building a business she loves.Connect with Mercedes here to explore 1:1 Coaching or Mentoring: https://www.mercedesswan.com/connect [https://www.mercedesswan.com/connect]Chapters00:00 Introduction to Black Woman Bliss07:10 Reflections on Community and Support16:07 Coping with Loss and Grief21:10 Black Women with ADHD and Business26:04 Black women with ADHD, PMDD and Depression 31:04 The Importance of Filling Your Cup38:14 Reevaluating Time and Energy Investments46:11 Prioritizing Self-Care and Business Growth53:03 Defining Joy in Challenging Times56:38 Choosing Joy Amidst AdversityTranscripts: https://www.mercedesswan.com/blog/16-ambitious-black-women-with-adhd-depression-grief-and-big-goals

Transmuted Leadership with Karria Lawrence: Purpose, Healing and Impact After Trauma

Can one moment change your entire life? In this inspiring episode, Mercedes sits down with Karria Lawrence, who received a divine ultimatum and calling on her life to heal, grow, and lead. Together, we explore how Black women can heal from trauma, connect with purpose, impact their community, and grow authentically as leaders. Karria shares her story, lessons, and how Black women can grow as leaders and transmute our experiences to make an impact. During this episode, you'll learn: * How to identify the pivotal moments and spiritual signs directing you to purpose * How to define who you are as a leader * The importance of community, boundaries, and self-care * The challenges and changes required for leadership * How to decide if leadership is right for you * How to pursue non-profit and community leadership Transform with Karria Lawrence Karria Lawrence is the founder of Pretty Gyrlz Pray and CEO of Arkitype & Co., a strategic operations and consulting firm that helps organizations improve internal systems and leadership. As an organizational strategist, speaker, and 2x author, Karria empowers women, especially Black women and girls, to lead with confidence, overcome personal and professional obstacles, and reach their full potential. With a background in community development, team alignment, and trauma-informed leadership, she creates spaces for healing, growth, and impact. Work with Karria: https://www.linkedin.com/in/consultwithkarria/ Learn more about Arkitype & Co.: https://www.arkitypeand.co/ Connect with her nonprofit, Pretty Gyrlz Pray: https://prettygyrlzprayinc.org/ Step Into Your Black Woman Bliss You deserve to create a life and career that feels like freedom, alignment, and fulfillment. If you’re ready to quit that toxic job, launch your business, or finally step into your purpose with confidence, join Mercedes for the Black Woman Bliss Blueprint Webinar. ✨ You’ll learn how to: * Get clear on your Black Woman Brilliance * Build a career or business rooted in your values and gifts * Create an exit plan that lets you walk away from burnout and step into your Bliss Era 👉🏾 Register for the free Black Woman Bliss Blueprint Webinar here: ⁠https://www.mercedesswan.com/bliss ⁠ Ready to Keep Building? Join the conversation and connect with other powerful Black women creating aligned careers, businesses, and lives inside the Black Woman Bliss Community: ⁠https://www.mercedesswan.com/join Transcripts: https://www.mercedesswan.com/blog/how-to-start-a-nonprofit-as-a-black-woman