The Black Woman in the Corner Office

Our Ancestors Didn’t Survive for Us to Burn Out

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2443029/fan_mail/new] Ashley Varnado is a former corporate executive, strategist, wealth management leader, philanthropist, and speaker. After spending nearly two decades leading national teams and managing multi-billion-dollar portfolios, Ashley made the bold decision to step away from corporate America following a major health crisis and life-altering personal events. She is currently working on her upcoming book, Out of the Yazoo Clay, which explores lineage, legacy, burnout, rest, and redefining success for Black women. Ashley now speaks nationally about leadership, healthy ambition, healing, purpose, and the power of intentional pause.  What happens when you achieve everything you thought you wanted… and still feel empty? In this deeply honest and emotional conversation, Dr. Ebony Stone sits down with former wealth management executive Ashley Varnado to discuss corporate success, generational pressure, burnout, identity, faith, and the courage to walk away from it all. Ashley shares her journey from humble beginnings in Mississippi to becoming one of the youngest Managing Directors in corporate finance, overseeing multi-billion-dollar portfolios and national teams — only to discover that titles, money, and status could not fill the void she felt inside. After the sudden loss of her mother-in-law, mounting stress, and surviving three strokes, Ashley made the life-changing decision to step away from corporate America and enter what she calls her “Radical Sabbatical.” Together, Dr. Ebony and Ashley unpack: *  The hidden pressure of being “the first”  *  Black women and burnout in corporate America  *  Building legacy while protecting your peace  *  Why success doesn’t always equal fulfillment  *  The physical toll of stress and overachievement  *  The importance of rest, healing, and redefining ambition  *  How generational trauma and survival shape our relationship with work  *  The courage it takes to pivot when God calls you elsewhere  This conversation is raw, powerful, healing, and necessary for every Black woman navigating leadership, ambition, family expectations, and purpose. Connect with Ashley Varnado *  Instagram: @theeashleyexchange  *  Website: www.theashleyexchange.com [http://www.theashleyexchange.com] *  LinkedIn: Ashley D. Varnado  Don't forget to sign up for early notifications of Ashley's new book, "Out of the Yazoo Clay" on her website: www.theashleyexchange.com  Don't forget to like and subscribe so that you can get more content just like this! Black Girl Vitamins Her Balance Vaginal Probiotic Gummy - Try it today for 20% off your first order using code "DrEbony". Grab your copy of The Power of the Pause [https://www.drebonystone.com/my-book] today! Show you are a part of The Corner Office Collective by sporting BWCO apparel [https://bwcomerch.myshopify.com/], no available. To learn more about Dr. Ebony Stone, visit www.drebonystone.com  If you enjoyed what you heard, there is much more on my website [https://www.drebonystone.com/] and you can catch more episodes here and on the Black Woman in the Corner Office YouTube channel [https://www.youtube.com/@drebonystone]. Looking to read The Power of the Pause, order your copy here - Dr. Ebony Stone - My Book [https://www.drebonystone.com/my-book] Don't forget to subscribe so you don't miss out on any of the goodness coming your way.

From Trauma to Transformation: How Tracy Ileen Turned Pain Into Purpose

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2443029/fan_mail/new] There are some conversations that stay with you long after the microphones turn off… and this is one of them. In this deeply transparent episode of The Black Woman in the Corner Office, Dr. Ebony Stone sits down with transformational coach and entrepreneur Tracey Ilene for a conversation about resilience, reinvention, healing, and what it means to rebuild your life after trauma, layoffs, loss, and disappointment. Tracey shares her journey from retail sales at Kenny Shoes and Winkleman’s to leadership roles in the wireless and automotive industries — including applying for 49 positions over 10 years before finally landing her dream automotive role. She opens up about navigating corporate America as a Black woman, being downsized, relocating across the country, rebuilding after divorce, and ultimately stepping fully into entrepreneurship. But this episode goes even deeper. Tracey courageously shares her personal story of childhood trauma, homelessness, abuse, grief, losing loved ones unexpectedly, and how writing down her pain became the beginning of her healing journey. That healing ultimately led her to create: * Release Pain to Power [https://releasepaintopower.com?utm_source=chatgpt.com] * Heavenly Connects App [https://heavenlyconnects.com?utm_source=chatgpt.com] Together, Dr. Ebony and Tracey discuss: *  Why Black women are constantly forced to reinvent themselves  *  The emotional reality of layoffs and downsizing  *  Healing through therapy, writing, and faith  *  Entrepreneurship after corporate leadership  *  Balancing identity, motherhood, marriage, and ambition  *  Creating purpose from pain  *  Why telling your truth matters — even when it makes others uncomfortable  This episode is raw, inspiring, healing, and incredibly honest. If you’ve ever had to start over…  If you’ve ever questioned your worth after rejection…  If you’ve ever carried pain silently while still showing up for everyone else… This conversation is for you. RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Connect with Tracey Illene * Release Pain to Power Website [https://releasepaintopower.com?utm_source=chatgpt.com] * Heavenly Connects App [https://heavenlyconnects.com?utm_source=chatgpt.com] Don't forget to like and subscribe so that you can get more content just like this! Black Girl Vitamins Her Balance Vaginal Probiotic Gummy - Try it today for 20% off your first order using code "DrEbony". Grab your copy of The Power of the Pause [https://www.drebonystone.com/my-book] today! Show you are a part of The Corner Office Collective by sporting BWCO apparel [https://bwcomerch.myshopify.com/], no available. To learn more about Dr. Ebony Stone, visit www.drebonystone.com  If you enjoyed what you heard, there is much more on my website [https://www.drebonystone.com/] and you can catch more episodes here and on the Black Woman in the Corner Office YouTube channel [https://www.youtube.com/@drebonystone]. Looking to read The Power of the Pause, order your copy here - Dr. Ebony Stone - My Book [https://www.drebonystone.com/my-book] Don't forget to subscribe so you don't miss out on any of the goodness coming your way.

Appropriated Value: Why You’re Doing the Work But Not Getting the Promotion

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2443029/fan_mail/new] What happens when excellence is expected… but authority is denied? In this powerful and deeply honest conversation, Dr. Ebony Stone sits down with Dr. Rehva Jones to unpack a reality too many Black women know—but haven’t always had language for. From a childhood moment that shaped her life’s work to groundbreaking research on “appropriated value,” Dr. Jones breaks down how systems extract brilliance without reciprocating power, pay, or promotion. This episode will challenge how you think about: *  Leadership  *  Hard work  *  Corporate systems  *  And what it really takes to advance 💥 Key Takeaways You Don’t Want to Miss *  💡 “Appropriated Value” defined:   ⚠️ Why working harder is NOT the answer (and may actually be the trap)  *  📉 How AI is amplifying bias through what Dr. Jones calls “weaponized neutrality” *  🚫 Why highly qualified Black women are being filtered out before interviews even happen *  💸 The hidden cost of overperformance, overcredentialing, and student debt  *  🤝 The difference between mentorship, sponsorship, and advocacy (and why you need all three)  Dr. Jones doesn’t just name the problem—she gives strategy.  Do NOT miss this episode! Don't forget to like and subscribe so that you can get more content just like this! Black Girl Vitamins Her Balance Vaginal Probiotic Gummy - Try it today for 20% off your first order using code "DrEbony". Grab your copy of The Power of the Pause [https://www.drebonystone.com/my-book] today! Show you are a part of The Corner Office Collective by sporting BWCO apparel [https://bwcomerch.myshopify.com/], no available. To learn more about Dr. Ebony Stone, visit www.drebonystone.com  If you enjoyed what you heard, there is much more on my website [https://www.drebonystone.com/] and you can catch more episodes here and on the Black Woman in the Corner Office YouTube channel [https://www.youtube.com/@drebonystone]. Looking to read The Power of the Pause, order your copy here - Dr. Ebony Stone - My Book [https://www.drebonystone.com/my-book] Don't forget to subscribe so you don't miss out on any of the goodness coming your way.

Beyond the Circle: The Olympian Who Turned Perseverance into Purpose; an Interview with Zara Northover

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2443029/fan_mail/new] In this powerful and deeply inspiring episode, Dr. Ebony Stone sits down with Olympian, advocate, and entrepreneur Zara Northover to discuss what it really takes to pursue big dreams, stand firm in your purpose, and advocate for yourself—even when the odds feel stacked against you. From representing Jamaica in the 2008 Beijing Olympics to navigating corporate challenges, Zara shares an unfiltered look at perseverance, faith, identity, and courage. This conversation explores what it means to believe in your calling, push beyond limitations, and use your voice—even when systems fail. Whether you are navigating corporate spaces, pursuing a dream, or simply trying to stay encouraged in challenging seasons, this episode will remind you that your journey has purpose. 💡 The Power of Declaring Your Vision -  What it means to advocate for yourself—even when others doubt you  🧠 Life After the Olympics - Building a purpose-driven brand: Moving in Faith ⚖️ Navigating Corporate Leadership as a Black Woman - Why self-advocacy is critical in environments that resist change  💬 KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM THIS EPISODE *  Speak your goals boldly—even before you feel “ready”  *  Advocacy is often uncomfortable, but necessary  *  Documentation protects your voice  *  Community is essential when navigating difficult systems  *  Faith and perseverance can carry you through unexpected challenges  *  Your journey may be bigger than your original dream  🔗 CONNECT WITH ZARA NORTHOVER Zara is the Founder & CEO of Moving in Faith, a global empowerment brand focused on encouraging others to move boldly toward purpose. Follow Zara for continued inspiration and updates on Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn Don't forget to like and subscribe so that you can get more content just like this! Black Girl Vitamins Her Balance Vaginal Probiotic Gummy - Try it today for 20% off your first order using code "DrEbony". Grab your copy of The Power of the Pause [https://www.drebonystone.com/my-book] today! Show you are a part of The Corner Office Collective by sporting BWCO apparel [https://bwcomerch.myshopify.com/], no available. To learn more about Dr. Ebony Stone, visit www.drebonystone.com  If you enjoyed what you heard, there is much more on my website [https://www.drebonystone.com/] and you can catch more episodes here and on the Black Woman in the Corner Office YouTube channel [https://www.youtube.com/@drebonystone]. Looking to read The Power of the Pause, order your copy here - Dr. Ebony Stone - My Book [https://www.drebonystone.com/my-book] Don't forget to subscribe so you don't miss out on any of the goodness coming your way.

Is Your Way In Your Way? How Black Women Overcome Self-Doubt, Comparison & Career Masks

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2443029/fan_mail/new] In this powerful and transparent conversation, Dr. Ebony Stone sits down with author and podcast host Cassandra Crawley-Mayo to explore the question many high-achieving women quietly ask themselves: Is my own thinking… holding me back? From navigating corporate spaces as the first Black woman in leadership roles, to learning how comparison can rob us of joy, Cassandra shares deeply personal lessons from her book Is Your Way In Your Way? and explains how we can move from burnout and self-doubt to clarity, purpose, and authentic success. This episode is a reminder that growth often requires us to step aside and allow our purpose to step forward. If you have ever felt stuck, overlooked, or unsure of your next step — this conversation will encourage you to trust yourself again. 💡 IN THIS EPISODE, WE DISCUSS * The Journey to Authentic Success * The Hidden Cost of Comparison * Navigating Corporate Spaces as a Black Woman * The Moment That Changes Everything * Mentorship, Faith, and Support Systems * Writing Through Fear Cassandra shares a powerful airport story that sparked a mindset shift and inspired her book’s core message: Sometimes the biggest obstacle isn’t external… it’s internal. 🔑 KEY TAKEAWAYS ✔ Authenticity is not a liability — it is a leadership advantage  ✔ Comparison often distracts us from our own calling  ✔ Growth requires courage, honesty, and support  ✔ You may be closer to your purpose than you think  ✔ Sometimes the biggest breakthrough comes when you stop blocking yourself 📚 FEATURED RESOURCE Book: Is Your Way In Your Way? by Cassandra Crawley-Mayo A powerful collection of love-letter style reflections designed to help women recognize the internal barriers that hold them back from their fullest potential. 🌱 CONNECT WITH THE GUEST Website: CassandraCrawley.com  Coaching Program: Rise Beyond Limits  Focus: Helping women achieve clarity, confidence, and purpose-driven success 🎙 ABOUT THE PODCAST The Black Woman in the Corner Office is a leadership and career podcast designed to uplift, equip, and empower Black women navigating professional spaces. Hosted by Dr. Ebony Stone, each episode brings honest conversations, practical wisdom, and encouragement for women pursuing leadership, purpose, and impact. 🔊 SHARE THIS EPISODE If this conversation encouraged you: • Share with a friend who may need this message  • Subscribe so you never miss an episode  • Leave a review to help more women discover the podcast Don't forget to like and subscribe so that you can get more content just like this! Black Girl Vitamins Her Balance Vaginal Probiotic Gummy - Try it today for 20% off your first order using code "DrEbony". Grab your copy of The Power of the Pause [https://www.drebonystone.com/my-book] today! Show you are a part of The Corner Office Collective by sporting BWCO apparel [https://bwcomerch.myshopify.com/], no available. To learn more about Dr. Ebony Stone, visit www.drebonystone.com  If you enjoyed what you heard, there is much more on my website [https://www.drebonystone.com/] and you can catch more episodes here and on the Black Woman in the Corner Office YouTube channel [https://www.youtube.com/@drebonystone]. Looking to read The Power of the Pause, order your copy here - Dr. Ebony Stone - My Book [https://www.drebonystone.com/my-book] Don't forget to subscribe so you don't miss out on any of the goodness coming your way.