B5. Profiles in Thriving: Black Women Rising Higher in Tech

Seeds & Strategies: Navigating a Layoff Season

Are you preparing for a potential layoff? Or have you just survived a layoff and dealing with the aftermath? Or are you currently riding the wave of this layoff season, trying to remain encouraged as you wait for (or create!) your next opportunity? If so, you are not alone. In 2025, Black Women are experiencing a disproportionate rise in unemployment, but somehow have to find a way forward and to remain encouraged. Join us in this episode for an intentional conversation on navigating layoffs from a mental health, human resources, and career strategy lens. Listen now on Apple [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/thriving-in-the-game-podcast/id1793236576], Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/6Xbo5wfY2pqM8jovXlY1in?si=a516ff84f68e4113], and YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@ThrivinginTheGame] Show Notes In this thoughtful discussion, host Alicia Cyrus is joined by esteemed guests April Preston, Carolyn Whiteman, and Kimmoy Matthews. Together they delve into the challenges faced by Black women navigating layoffs in today's workforce, sharing personal stories and offering practical strategies for overcoming the emotional and professional hurdles of job loss. The conversation explores: * significant impact of layoffs on Black women in 2025, highlighting the need for strategic resilience & planning in navigating career transitions * importance of having mental health strategies, including community support & self-care, to cope with the emotional challenges of job loss * necessity of regularly updating resumes & capturing feedback, providing practical tips for effectively documenting achievements and skills, and leveraging AI tools to identify your gaps * shift towards contract work, discussing its potential benefits for career flexibility & greater control over professional paths * strategies for recognizing early signs of layoffs, providing practical tips for preparation, including incorporating AI skills, & building skills presentations to drive attention during interviews * leveraging job loss as an opportunity for growth and reinvention This episode is filled with practical advice and encouragement for anyone facing career transitions and is a beacon of hope and empowerment for Black Women affected by layoffs. Tune in to discover how to thrive and bloom where you're planted, even in the toughest of times. [00:00:00] Introduction: Alicia Cyrus opens the discussion on the disproportionate impact of layoffs on Black women in 2025, setting the stage for a conversation on resilience and strategy [00:07:30] April Preston delves into mental health strategies, emphasizing the importance of community support and self-care practices during job loss [00:16:00] Carolyn Whiteman discusses the necessity of updating resumes every six months, sharing tips on documenting achievements and skills effectively [00:24:00] Kimmoy Matthews explores the shift towards contract work, highlighting its potential for flexibility and control over career paths [00:32:30] Panelists discuss identifying early signs of layoffs, such as company restructuring, and setting personal boundaries to manage stress [00:41:00] Panelists discuss strategies for leveraging professional networks; building connections and using LinkedIn effectively to uncover new job opportunities [00:49:30] April Preston explains the stages of grief associated with job loss, offering guidance on navigating emotions like anger and denial [00:58:00] Closing Thoughts: Panelists provide encouragement, emphasizing the importance of viewing layoffs as opportunities for growth and reinvention. Connect with April Preston on LinkedIn [http://linkedin.com/in/april-preston-ma-lmft-86457610] | Instagram [https://www.kovuhealing.com/] | Website [https://www.kovuhealing.com/] Connect with Carolyn Whiteman on LinkedIn [http://linkedin.com/in/carolyn-whiteman-0921112] Connect with Kimmoy Matthews on LinkedIn [http://linkedin.com/in/kimmoym] | Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/kimmoy100] | Website [https://www.techcopyexpert.com/] In this episode Kimmoy also mentions: * AI Tools for resume improvement & skills-building * I Will Teach You to be Rich [https://www.iwillteachyoutoberich.com/i-will-teach-you-to-be-rich-second-edition/] by Ramit Sethi Join our community: * TITG Newsletter [https://thrivinginthegamepodcast.substack.com/] * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thrivinginthegame/ [https://www.instagram.com/thrivinginthegame/] * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thrivinginthegame/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/thrivinginthegame/] * Bluesky: http://@thrivinginthegame.bsky.social [http://@thrivinginthegame.bsky.social] * If you have a comment or recommendation, DM or Email: TITG Podcast [TITGPodcast@cyalicreativegroup.com] Music by Praz Khanal [https://pixabay.com/users/prazkhanal-24653570/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=110235] from Pixabay [https://pixabay.com//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=110235] Produced & Edited by Jay for Podcast Mechanic. Check out his portfolio and schedule a call at bit.ly/PodMechPro [http://bit.ly/PodMechPro] This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thrivinginthegamepodcast.substack.com [https://thrivinginthegamepodcast.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

B5. Profiles in Thriving: Black Women Rising Higher in Tech

What does it take to move to the next level in the corporate technology industry? Learn how to maneuver in “the game” with finesse. Join us in this episode as we analyze how to strategically play and successfully rise higher in corporate tech. Listen now on Apple [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/thriving-in-the-game-podcast/id1793236576], Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/6Xbo5wfY2pqM8jovXlY1in?si=a516ff84f68e4113], and YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@ThrivinginTheGame] Show Notes In this captivating conversation, host Alicia Cyrus is joined by Charlitta Hatch, the inaugural Chief Data and Analytics Officer for the City of Charlotte, North Carolina. Charlitta shares her inspiring journey from a first-generation college student at Hampton University to a thriving career in the technology industry. She sheds light on the strategic decisions and impact of a pivotal connection made during a chance encounter in the airport - a connection that propelled her into a successful career in consulting with impactful roles at IBM, Accenture, and beyond. They discuss the key strategies for her career development and success in corporate tech: * the value of mentors, sponsors, & authentic connections in career advancement * learning to navigate corporate dynamics with strategic resilience * avoiding "career traps" & developing competitive technical skills * establishing a strong brand & saying "yes" to learning opportunities that align with one's core values * the necessity of having a strong supportive network & caring for your mental health Throughout the episode, Charlitta offers personal anecdotes and practical advice on building confidence, operating with a learner’s mindset, and developing critical problem-solving skills. She provides invaluable insight for Black Women seeking to thrive in “the game” and rise higher in corporate tech with grace and confidence. 00:00 Introduction to Thriving In the Game 01:34 Profile in Thriving: Charlitta Hatch 03:48 Charlitta's Early Career Journey 05:33 Navigating Challenges and Building Confidence 09:04 The Importance of Mentorship and Technical Skills 18:34 Unspoken Skills for Success 24:52 The Importance of Representation and Belonging 25:39 Transition to Accenture: A Diverse Experience 26:17 Building a Brand as a Problem Solver 28:45 Professional Growth and Personal Challenges 29:28 The Power of Saying Yes and Knowing Your Worth 31:42 Aligning Roles with Personal Values 34:27 Navigating Mental Health and Work-Life Balance 39:37 Outsourcing and Building a Support System 44:44 Final Thoughts for Early Career Black Women in Tech In this episode Charlitta also mentions: * Become the CEO of You, Inc.: A Pioneering Executive Shares Her Secrets for Career Success [https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/become-the-ceo-of-you-inc-susan-bulkeley-butler/1140188357] by Susan Bulkeley Butler * National Black MBA Association (NBMBAA) [https://nbmbaa.org/] * National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) [https://nsbe.org/] Connect with Charlitta on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlittahatch/] | Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/charlittahatch/] | Website [https://charlittahatch.com/] Join our community: * TITG Newsletter [https://thrivinginthegamepodcast.substack.com/] * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thrivinginthegame/ [https://www.instagram.com/thrivinginthegame/] * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thrivinginthegame/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/thrivinginthegame/] * Bluesky: http://@thrivinginthegame.bsky.social [http://@thrivinginthegame.bsky.social] * If you have a comment or recommendation, DM or Email: TITG Podcast [TITGPodcast@cyalicreativegroup.com] Music by Praz Khanal [https://pixabay.com/users/prazkhanal-24653570/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=110235] from Pixabay [https://pixabay.com//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=110235] Special thanks to Hiwote Getaneh and the Emerging Voices Podcast Accelerator! Join her newsletter [https://www.newsletter.depthandcandor.com/] or follow her Instagram @hiwote.getaneh [https://www.instagram.com/hiwote.getaneh/] and @emergingvoicespod [https://www.instagram.com/emergingvoicespod/]. Interested in starting your own podcast? Book a call [https://calendly.com/hiwote/discovery-call-st-clone] with Hiwote Produced by Jay for Podcast Mechanic. Check out his portfolio and schedule a call at bit.ly/PodMechPro [http://bit.ly/PodMechPro] This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thrivinginthegamepodcast.substack.com [https://thrivinginthegamepodcast.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

B4. Profiles in Thriving: Black Women Balancing a Business + Tech

How do you know if you're really ready to take on building a business in addition to your corporate technology role? Be real and have your support in place. Join us in this episode as we walk through the journey of building a successful career in corporate tech alongside entrepreneurship. Listen now on Apple [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/thriving-in-the-game-podcast/id1793236576], Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/6Xbo5wfY2pqM8jovXlY1in?si=a516ff84f68e4113], and YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@ThrivinginTheGame] Show Notes In this enlightening conversation with Amanda Dawson, she and host Alicia Cyrus reflect on her unconventional journey from aspiring pediatrician to tech professional and entrepreneur. Amanda opens up about her early journey in the technology industry, initially starting at a help desk and advancing to project and program management. The discussion also highlights the founding and growth of her event planning business, Urban Elegance LLC, noting the role of her Howard University network, faith, and hard work in sustaining the business for over 15 years. Amanda focuses on the factors that have been vital to her success: * identifying & operating in one's gifts * pushing past perfectionism & being open to making mistakes * being clear on the cost of entrepreneurship & securing funding * maintaining a balanced life while pursuing dual careers * the power of community support, mentorship, & self-care in sustaining growth Amanda shares personal anecdotes and practical advice on developing confidence in tech and building a business of your own. Her story is a testament to the leadership, adaptability, and strategic resilience that Black Women need to create joy and fulfillment in their corporate tech career and entrepreneurship. 00:00 Introduction to Thriving In the Game 01:20 Profile in Thriving: Amanda Dawson 03:31 Amanda's Journey into Tech 06:03 Building Confidence and Leadership 07:45 The Importance of Community and Mentorship 10:06 The Birth of Urban Elegance, LLC 13:15 Balancing Two Careers 16:26 Sustaining Success and Overcoming Challenges 17:21 Withstanding the Test of Time 21:19 Lessons Learned and Advice for Early Career Women 22:54 Maintaining Balance and Self-Care 32:08 Final Thoughts and Future Goals Connect with Amanda on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-dawson-pmp-62b2704/] | Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/urban_elegancellc/] | Website [https://urbaneleganceaffairs.com/] Join our community: * TITG Newsletter [https://thrivinginthegamepodcast.substack.com/] * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thrivinginthegame/ [https://www.instagram.com/thrivinginthegame/] * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thrivinginthegame/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/thrivinginthegame/] * Bluesky: http://@thrivinginthegame.bsky.social [http://@thrivinginthegame.bsky.social] * If you have a comment or recommendation, DM or Email: TITG Podcast [TITGPodcast@cyalicreativegroup.com] Music by Praz Khanal [https://pixabay.com/users/prazkhanal-24653570/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=110235] from Pixabay [https://pixabay.com//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=110235] Special thanks to Hiwote Getaneh and the Emerging Voices Podcast Accelerator! Join her newsletter [https://www.newsletter.depthandcandor.com/] or follow her Instagram @hiwote.getaneh [https://www.instagram.com/hiwote.getaneh/] and @emergingvoicespod [https://www.instagram.com/emergingvoicespod/]. Interested in starting your own podcast? Book a call [https://calendly.com/hiwote/discovery-call-st-clone] with Hiwote Produced by Jay for Podcast Mechanic. Check out his portfolio and schedule a call at bit.ly/PodMechPro [http://bit.ly/PodMechPro] This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thrivinginthegamepodcast.substack.com [https://thrivinginthegamepodcast.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

B3. Profiles in Thriving: Black Women Flourishing in Business Beyond Tech

What happens when you decide it’s time to leave the corporate technology world behind? Define your vision and be steadfast. Join us in this episode as we examine how to successfully build a career beyond corporate tech. Listen now on Apple [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/thriving-in-the-game-podcast/id1793236576], Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/6Xbo5wfY2pqM8jovXlY1in?si=a516ff84f68e4113], and YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@ThrivinginTheGame] Show Notes In this delightful conversation, host Alicia Cyrus sits down with Lesley "Lady Clipper" Bryant, as she shares her remarkable journey from an artistic teen to barber queen! Starting from her high school passion for art, Lesley details her journey to her 12-year career as a graphic designer. She reveals the pivotal moment that led to her redefining her career and ultimately, finding her true passion and success as a barber and business owner. Lesley shares the crucial elements that helped her to remain steadfast in her transition out of the technology industry, including: * the power of customer service & building trust * defining a clear vision, but being flexible * establishing a consistent brand early on * investing in a strong support system * finding a sustainable schedule in managing work-life balance Despite experiencing self-doubt and challenges as a woman in male-dominated fields, Lesley emphasizes the significance of planning, perseverance, and leveraging one's unique skills to forge a new career path. Her valuable insights provide a roadmap for Black Women looking to carve their own lanes, build confidence, and build a thriving career beyond corporate tech. 00:00 Introduction to Thriving In the Game 01:22 Profile in Thriving: Lesley "Lady Clipper" Bryant 03:13 The Turning Point: From Corporate Tech to Barbering 06:39 Navigating Challenges in a Male-Dominated Industry 17:19 Defining the Vision: The Lady Clipper Barber Shop 21:52 Setting the Standard for Customer Service 22:37 Empowering Early Career Black Women 24:37 Creating a Competitive Edge in Business 28:24 Creating an Inclusive Barbershop 30:12 Balancing Work and Self-Care 32:09 Finding Inspiration in the Future of Barbering 33:17 Structuring Your Support & Knowing When to Stretch 34:52 Final Thoughts and Reflections In this episode Lesley also mentions: * Corcoran College of Art and Design [https://corcoran.gwu.edu/] Connect with Lesley “Lady Clipper” on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/ladyclipper/?hl=en] | Website [https://www.theladyclipper.com/] Join our community: * TITG Newsletter [https://thrivinginthegamepodcast.substack.com/] * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thrivinginthegame/ [https://www.instagram.com/thrivinginthegame/] * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thrivinginthegame/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/thrivinginthegame/] * Bluesky: http://@thrivinginthegame.bsky.social [http://@thrivinginthegame.bsky.social] * If you have a comment or recommendation, DM or Email: TITG Podcast [TITGPodcast@cyalicreativegroup.com] Music by Praz Khanal [https://pixabay.com/users/prazkhanal-24653570/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=110235] from Pixabay [https://pixabay.com//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=110235] Special thanks to Hiwote Getaneh and the Emerging Voices Podcast Accelerator! Join her newsletter [https://www.newsletter.depthandcandor.com/] or follow her Instagram @hiwote.getaneh [https://www.instagram.com/hiwote.getaneh/] and @emergingvoicespod [https://www.instagram.com/emergingvoicespod/]. Interested in starting your own podcast? Book a call [https://calendly.com/hiwote/discovery-call-st-clone] with Hiwote Produced by Jay for Podcast Mechanic. Check out his portfolio and schedule a call at bit.ly/PodMechPro [http://bit.ly/PodMechPro] This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thrivinginthegamepodcast.substack.com [https://thrivinginthegamepodcast.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

B2. Profiles in Thriving: Black Women Strategically Transitioning into Tech

What does it look like to transition your career into the technology industry? It requires persistence and flexibility. Join us in this episode as we contemplate how to strategically prepare and navigate transitioning to corporate tech. Listen now on Apple [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/thriving-in-the-game-podcast/id1793236576], Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/6Xbo5wfY2pqM8jovXlY1in?si=a516ff84f68e4113], and YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@ThrivinginTheGame] Show Notes In this insightful conversation, host Alicia Cyrus is joined by Simone Thomas, a seasoned digital marketing professional who outlines her non-linear career transition from the advertising industry to becoming a Product Marketing Manager at Meta. Simone shares her calculated career changes, the importance of networking, and the strategies she leveraged as the key to a successful transition. Together, their candid discussion highlights the: * value of assessing & evolving perspective on your definition of success * importance of career progression aligning with personal values * significance of mentorship & building networks * the necessity of setting boundaries & prioritizing wellbeing * benefits of staying curious & adaptable as your transition takes shape Through her compelling story and personal anecdotes, Simone emphasizes the importance of authenticity and flexibility in one's career path. Her insights on balancing ambition with personal well-being and staying true to one's path - despite the inevitable twists and turns - aims to inspire Black Women seeking to carve out their unique paths in transitioning to corporate tech. 00:00 Introduction to Thriving In the Game 01:10 Profile in Thriving: Simone Thomas 02:34 Simone's Career Journey and Insights 05:41 Navigating Career Transitions 08:52 The Importance of Networking and Community 11:41 Balancing Career and Personal Life 14:45 Strategic Career Growth and Leadership 24:35 Future Goals and Entrepreneurship 30:15 Maintaining Health and Well-being 34:12 Final Thoughts and Advice In this episode Simone also mentions: * 2005 Stanford Commencement Speech: Steve Jobs [https://youtu.be/5BSbOc5VYY8?si=1lzMgO4QY9nnooMv] * Management Leadership for Tomorrow: Programs and Initiatives [https://mlt.org/program-overview/] Connect with Simone on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/simoneelisethomas/] and follow her forge new paths at The Meaningful Shift [https://themeaningfulshift.substack.com/podcast] Join our community: * TITG Newsletter [https://thrivinginthegamepodcast.substack.com/] * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thrivinginthegame/ [https://www.instagram.com/thrivinginthegame/] * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thrivinginthegame/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/thrivinginthegame/] * Bluesky: http://@thrivinginthegame.bsky.social [http://@thrivinginthegame.bsky.social] * If you have a comment or recommendation, DM or Email: TITG Podcast [TITGPodcast@cyalicreativegroup.com] Music by Praz Khanal [https://pixabay.com/users/prazkhanal-24653570/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=110235] from Pixabay [https://pixabay.com//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=110235] Special thanks to Hiwote Getaneh and the Emerging Voices Podcast Accelerator! Join her newsletter [https://www.newsletter.depthandcandor.com/] or follow her Instagram @hiwote.getaneh [https://www.instagram.com/hiwote.getaneh/] and @emergingvoicespod [https://www.instagram.com/emergingvoicespod/]. Interested in starting your own podcast? Book a call [https://calendly.com/hiwote/discovery-call-st-clone] with Hiwote Produced by Jay for Podcast Mechanic. Check out his portfolio and schedule a call at bit.ly/PodMechPro [http://bit.ly/PodMechPro] This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thrivinginthegamepodcast.substack.com [https://thrivinginthegamepodcast.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]