Brown Ambition

In this week’s Washday Woosah episode, Mandi Money sits down with executive coach and author Muriel Wilkins for a powerful conversation about leadership, self-efficacy, and the internal work required to truly step into your power. Muriel host of Harvard Business Review’s Coaching Real Leaders podcast and author of Leadership Unblocked, pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to grow as a leader. Together, she and Mandi unpack the parallels between leadership and parenting, the challenges high achievers face when they transition into leadership roles, and why a true sense of belonging starts from within. This conversation isn’t about titles or promotions. It’s about doing the inner work to unlock your confidence, confront your limiting beliefs, and embrace the magic that’s already in you.   💡 What You’ll Hear In This Episode: Why leadership starts with self-awareness and internal work How high achievers often struggle when they move into leadership roles The power of self-efficacy and how it builds confidence Why creating a sense of belonging begins with you How to handle feedback without losing confidence The importance of self-compassion through challenges and setbacks What great coaches and mentors really do (hint: it’s not giving all the answers) Why recognizing your own “magic” is key to personal empowerment   🎧 Tune in to hear Muriel’s refreshing take on leadership, belonging, and how to move through self-doubt with grace and don’t forget to grab her new book, Leadership Unblocked, for even more wisdom on stepping into your purpose with confidence.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hey BA Fam! this week Mandi Money is flying solo with a heart-to-heart about what it really looks like to find peace in uncertain times. Between election night energy, economic anxiety, and personal challenges with depression and anxiety, I’ve been reminded how important it is to slow down, show yourself compassion, and stay connected to your people.I’m breaking down how I’m coping—from journaling and rest to making more mindful financial decisions as we head into the holidays. Plus, we’re celebrating some incredible election wins (shoutout to Zoran Mamdani in NYC and Mary Sheffield, Detroit’s first Black woman mayor!) and the release of our Brown Ambition Book Club pick, Uncompete by Ruchika Tulshyan. And this week’s Brown Boost where I highlight Kim Lewis, founder of Curlmix, and how we can rally around her as she fights to keep her Black woman–owned business alive.   💬 Episode Gems “Uncertainty is a muscle—you can strengthen it with practice.” “You are worthy of community and love, exactly as you are.” “Be intentional with your dollars—spend in alignment with your values.”   📚 Resources Mentioned Book of the Month: Uncompete: Rejecting Competition to Unlock Success by Ruchika Tulshyan Support Curlmix: curlmix.com Join the Brown Ambition Patreon: patreon.com/BrownAmbition See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this powerful conversation, Mandi Woodruff-Santos sits down with writer and speaker Jodi-Ann Burey to unpack what it truly means to be authentic in the workplace—especially for women of color. Together, they explore how authenticity evolves over time and the ways mental health, disability, and capitalism intersect to shape our professional and personal identities. Jodi-Ann opens up about her experiences with depression and chronic pain, shedding light on the importance of self-reflection, storytelling, and community in the journey toward healing and resilience. This episode reminds listeners that authenticity isn’t about perfection—it’s about presence, purpose, and connection. You’ll Learn: Why authenticity is fluid and constantly evolving How mental health and disability influence professional identity The role of community and connection in resilience The impact of capitalism on authenticity and well-being How storytelling can foster understanding and belonging Ways to create safe spaces for authenticity at work Why prioritizing your health and joy over job security matters Key Quote: “Authenticity isn’t static—it’s something we keep rediscovering as we heal, grow, and connect with others.” — Jodi-Ann BureySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, Mandi opens up about her healing journey—sharing how slowing down, softening up, and getting real rest have transformed her mental health and daily rhythm. From battling depression and anxiety to finally finding peace through sleep, nourishment, and support. Plus, she gives updates on the Brown Ambition book (you can help pick the cover!), her new free mini course, and what’s next for the Mandi Moneymakers Community. Then Mandi dives into headlinesfrom SNAP benefits and Trump’s $300M ballroom to Target layoffs and AI at work.   🧠 You’ll Learn: How Mandi’s healing journey is transforming her mindset Why slowing down can make you more productive How to join the Mandi Moneymakers Community Where to grab the free Nail Your Negotiation mini course Mandi’s take on SNAP cuts, corporate greed, and AI in the workplace   🔗 Resources Nail Your Negotiation (Free Mini Course): nailyournegotiation.com Join the Mandi Moneymakers Community: mandymoney.com/community Vote on the Book Cover: patreon.com/brownambition Find Local Food Banks: feedingamerica.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, Mandi sits down with leadership and inclusion strategist Ruchika T. Malhotra — author of Uncompete: Rejecting Competition to Unlock Radical Success. In a world obsessed with winning, Ruchika’s message is a breath of fresh air: true success comes from rest, collaboration, and community not from constant competition. Together, they unpack what it means to unlearn scarcity, how to resist burnout, and why rest is a radical act of self-preservation for women of color. Ruchika opens up about her own experiences balancing authorship, motherhood, and identity while challenging capitalism’s grip on our worth. It’s an honest, hopeful, and much-needed reminder that we don’t have to play by the old rules to create abundance.   📘 About the Guest Ruchika T. Malhotra (she/her) is a globally recognized inclusion strategist, speaker, and founder of CANDOR, a consulting practice helping organizations build equitable and inclusive workplaces. Her latest book, Uncompete, challenges the myth that success must come from rivalry and invites us to build from a place of joy, rest, and abundance. Follow Ruchika: Instagram: @rtulshyan Website: ruchikatulshyan.com 📚 Resources Mentioned Uncompete: Rejecting Competition to Unlock Radical Success — available November 4 Rest is Resistance by Tricia Hersey “Spoon Theory” — by Christine Miserandino See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this unfiltered Brown Ambition mama check-in, Mandi sits down with fellow podcasters and moms Jessica Norwood and Rana Campbell for an honest conversation about motherhood, depression, grief, survival mode, and rediscovering joy amidst the chaos. Mandi opens up about her battle with depression and what it means to mother while navigating mental health challenges. Rana shares her journey through grief and juggling caregiving for both her children and her ailing mother. Jessica reflects on living with chronic pain, parenting through fatigue, and the gratitude that comes with having support. Together, the trio talk about the silent struggles moms face—postpartum transitions, work-from-home pressures, and the impossible balance between self-care and survival—and how they’re each reclaiming small pockets of joy in their everyday lives.   💡 You’ll Learn Mandi opens up about living with depression and the complexity of being a mom in survival mode.-Rana on grief, caregiving, and trying to shield her kids from chaos.-Jessica shares how chronic pain impacts her motherhood and the value of having a supportive partner.-The invisible weight of motherhood—mental load, burnout, and the myth of “having it all.”-The guilt of “just surviving”—and redefining what thriving really means.- Finding joy in small ways: cooking, gardening, dancing, and laughter..                                           -The need for community, support, and sisterhood among mothers. 🧠 Key Takeaways Depression is a liar: It tells you you’re alone, unworthy, or toxic—but speaking it aloud breaks its power. Moms need mothering too: Community care and physical presence matter as much as emotional support. Joy can be small and deliberate: A home-cooked meal, a dance break, or a solo coffee can change your day. Workplace empathy is survival: Corporate policies must evolve to support mothers’ well-being. Healing requires honesty: Naming what hurts opens space for connection, laughter, and growth.    Episode Challenge Take one small action this week that’s just for you—no kids, no chores, no guilt.Cook, dance, nap, or call a friend who gets it. Because joy counts, even in the messy middle.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, Mandi sits down with Amina AlTai — executive coach, entrepreneur, and bestselling author of The Ambition Trap: How to Stop Chasing and Start Living. Amina’s story takes us from burnout and near organ failure to a full-on breakthrough that reshaped her entire relationship with success. She shares how growing up as the daughter of immigrants shaped her drive, why so many high-achieving women fall into what she calls “painful ambition,” and the five core wounds that often hide beneath our hustle. Together, Mandi and Amina unpack:💡 The difference between purposeful vs. painful ambition💡 How our cultural and family roots influence our drive for success💡 Why burnout isn’t a badge of honor💡 How scarcity and comparison feed into “the ambition trap”💡 Practical steps for finding joy and balance in your work Amina also opens up about her own health crisis that forced her to redefine ambition on her own terms — and how she now helps leaders, entrepreneurs, and firsts-of-their-kind women of color do the same. By the end of this episode, you’ll walk away with a new lens on success — one that prioritizes purpose, wellness, and authenticity over constant hustle.   Guest: @aminaaltaiBook: The Ambition Trap — available wherever books are soldLearn more: aminaaltai.com   Episode Highlights: (03:00) Amina’s health scare that changed everything (07:45) The five core wounds that fuel burnout (15:00) Leaving her business and rediscovering purpose (25:00) Coaching the “first, few, and only” women in corporate spaces (33:00) Navigating authenticity in today’s workplaces (41:30) The truth about scarcity and collaboration (46:00) What “The Ambition Trap” really means   If you loved this conversation, share it with a friend who’s redefining success on their own terms — and don’t forget to rate and review Brown Ambition on your favorite podcast app!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

⚠️ Hey BA fam, before we jump in, just a heads-up: today we’ll be talking about depression and mental health. These topics matter and can hit close to home. What you’ll hear is real talk, but it’s not medical advice—we’re sharing stories and information, not diagnoses. If you or someone you care about needs support, please reach out. You can call or text 988anytime for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, or visit 988lifeline.org for free, confidential help. You’re never alone, and there’s always hope. In this week’s episode, Mandi gets real about something she’s been holding close for a long time her battle with depression. After years of pushing through and showing up for everyone else, Mandi opens up about what it’s like to live with high-functioning depression, the pressure to keep performing, and the exhaustion that comes from pretending to be okay. She talks about losing her rhythm after Tiffany left the show, dealing with career setbacks, and the toll motherhood and burnout have taken on her mind and body. this isn’t a “how I fixed it” story, it’s an honest look at what it means to stop hiding, ask for help, and start healing in real time. 🧠 What We Talk About Living with high-functioning depression and burnout How motherhood, career changes, and loss reshaped her mental health journey Letting go of perfection and showing up without the mask Finding small ways to prioritize rest, healing, and self-compassion 📬 Connect Follow us on IG: @brownambitionpodcastEmail: [email protected] Mandi: @mandimoneySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on Brown Ambition, Mandi sits down with Pulitzer Prize–winning journalist, author, and MSNBC contributor Trymaine Lee to discuss his powerful new book, A Thousand Ways to Die: The True Cost of Violence on Black Life in America. From reporting on Trayvon Martin and Ferguson to confronting his own family’s legacy of gun violence, Trymaine opens up about what happens when decades of unprocessed trauma take a physical toll. After surviving a near-fatal heart attack, he was forced to reckon with the emotional weight of his work — and the generational pain carried by so many Black families. Together, Mandi and Trymaine unpack what it means to be a storyteller, a parent, and a survivor in a world that often normalizes Black pain. They also explore the economic ripple effects of gun violence, the healing power of vulnerability, and how mindfulness, breathwork, and community have helped Trymaine reclaim peace. 📚 Resources Mentioned A Thousand Ways to Die: The True Cost of Violence on Black Life in America — by Trymaine Lee Hope in High Water: A People’s Recovery 20 Years After Hurricane Katrina — streaming now on Peacock Trymaine’s podcast: Into America (MSNBC) bookshop.org — to support Black and independent bookstores See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hey BA Fam! It’s been a minute, but Mandi, Yanely, and Chris are back at the table with a rich, reflective conversation on life, culture, and community. This week’s episode dives into how our identities, skills, and values shape the way we move through an ever-changing world. In This Episode, You’ll Learn: Cultural Identity & Authenticity — Why staying true to yourself matters, and how artists like Bad Bunny are redefining representation. Career & Soft Skills — The rising importance of adaptability, emotional intelligence, and networking in today’s job market. Economic Realities — How inflation and job market shifts are impacting mental health and career choices.  Mental Health & Creativity — The challenges creatives face in uncertain times and how community support makes all the difference.  Parenting & Politics — How to talk to kids about complex political and social issues with care and clarity. Community & Connection — Listener shoutouts, book recommendations, and personal stories that remind us we’re all growing together. Travel & Perspective — How exploring new cultures deepens empathy and reinforces the power of connection. This episode blends cultural commentary with practical advice and heartfelt storytelling — the perfect mix of real talk and inspiration. Whether you’re navigating career transitions, reflecting on your identity, or just need a reminder of the power of community, this one’s for you.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.