S2, E2 | Speak Up, Level Up: Self-Advocacy, Negotiation, and Navigating the Workplace with Lauren Simone

S2, E2 | Speak Up, Level Up: Self-Advocacy, Negotiation, and Navigating the Workplace with Lauren Simone

In this episode of The You Are Friendly Black Coworker Podcast, I’m joined by my girl Lauren Simone and we break down the crucial practice of self-advocacy in the professional world. Lauren shares the pivotal, yet humbling, story of her first post-grad job, where her eagerness to accept an offer without negotiating left her looking for a new role, a lesson that spurred her transformation into a fierce self-advocate. We chat about some actionable advice on negotiation tactics, such as asking for a sign-on bonus when base salary increases are off the table, and setting high-end salary expectations from the start. We also dive into how to address mistreatment and hostile environments, stressing the importance of documenting repeated unprofessional behavior, seeking out allies, and realizing that we spend too much time at the workplace to be unhappy.

S2, E1 | Finding Balance and Belonging with Haley

I'm so excited to kick off this new season with a laughter-filled episode featuring Haley. We have a refreshing conversation about what it means to thrive in Strategy & Consulting as a Black woman. From breaking down what S&C actually is to sharing how she protects her peace and pours back into herself, Haley keeps it honest about navigating client-facing roles, finding community, and staying grounded in spaces that weren’t built for us. We also talk about whether the industry feels safe for Black women, the importance of support from other Black professionals, and her last piece of advice for anyone trying to build a fulfilling career on their own terms. If you’ve ever questioned how to show up authentically in corporate spaces or just need a reminder that you’re not alone. this episode is for you. 🎧✨

S1 | Episode 5: Lonnie

Welcome back to another episode! I know I say this every show, but Lonnie dropped some major gems as we sat down and reflected on the beginnings of our career, where we are (at the time of this recording), and what could be next for us. We also compare our experiences working at agencies, talk about making mistakes at work, and giving ourselves grace personally and professionally.

S1 | E4: Noreesa Williams

Hey CoWorkers and welcome to season 1 episode 4 of Your Friendly Black CoWorker. In this episode, we get a FRESH perspective from my good friend Noreessa Williams, on how corporate America has treated her as a black women engineer. We talk code switching, she drops some AMAZING interview tips and we kiki on how messy drinking can be with coworkers. I hope you enjoy and I’ll see you in the next one!

S1 | E3: Brianna Coleman

Hey Coworkers! In this episode, I sit down with my good sis Brianna Coleman and we chat about her unique perspective as a 9-5er at Howard University with a nonprofit and several side hustles.