In this episode, Anya and Dr. Tiamo sit down with Teti Lekalake—a marketer at Meta, INSEAD MBA graduate, and founder of the Career Queens podcast. Originally from Botswana and now based in New York, Teti opens up about her journey across continents, navigating the tech industry.

Teti reflects on the power of representation, the impact of her family’s values, and the challenges she's faced as a Black woman in tech. Through moments of vulnerability, she shares how she’s cultivated resilience, redefined success, and continues to build spaces for community and mentorship.

This episode is a celebration of identity, ambition, and the courage it takes to feel the fear and do it anyway.

In this episode of Black Excellence Unfiltered, co-hosts Anya, and Dr. Tiamo, tackle the complexities of dating for Black women. The conversation provides insight into societal pressures, mental health impacts, and the evolving narrative around relationships. They delve into statistical data on marriage rates, discuss the significance of the ‘soft life’ trend, and emphasize the importance of self-awareness, healing, and adjusting expectations. Through personal anecdotes and practical advice, Anya and Dr. Tiamo encourage Black women to know themselves, set priorities, and enjoy the dating journey while being open to authentic connections.

Mental health is more than just a buzzword—it’s a critical part of our well-being that too often gets overlooked or stigmatized in the Black community. In this bonus episode of Black Excellence Unfiltered, we break down what mental health really means, the common struggles we face, and why self-awareness and proactive care are essential.

We explore the impact of stigma, the power of community and spirituality in healing, and the importance of recognizing when to seek professional help.Through engaging dialogue and personal experiences, we offer practical insights to help you navigate your mental wellness journey.

Trigger Warning: This episode includes references to suicide.

Tune in now—because protecting your peace is just as important as securing the bag. #BlackExcellence #MentalHealthMatters

Resources referenced:

• For those in the US
  • Call or text 988.
  • Chat 988lifeline.org.
• Therapy for Black Girls: https://therapyforblackgirls.com/
• Clinicians: https://www.cliniciansofcolor.org/
• Megan Thee Stallion website
  • https://tinyurl.com/53dcfw5t
• Global helplines
  • https://findahelpline.com/

In this episode of Black Excellence Unfiltered, co-hosts Anya and Dr. Tiamo sit down with Dumisani Kapanga to explore his remarkable journey from Malawi to the UK, and ultimately to New York. Dumisani shares how his evolving identity has shaped his experiences in life and career, navigating the challenges of being underestimated, adapting to new environments, and maintaining resilience under pressure. The conversation dives deep into the personal side of excellence, as Dumisani opens up about his struggles with anxiety, the strategies he uses for self-care—including his transformative 'Dumi days'—and the importance of therapy. He also reflects on the value of intentionality, vulnerability, and grace, urging listeners to embrace their own paths while building meaningful connections. Join us for an inspiring discussion that redefines Black excellence, highlighting the power of resilience, role models, and living with purpose.

In this episode, Heather Katsonga Woodward (@TheFinancialPlannerUK) shares her authentic journey, exploring her career path in banking, civil service, and entrepreneurship. Heather discusses her complex identity, the pursuit of financial independence, and the importance of not being boxed into societal labels. She emphasizes the value of social, time, and financial wealth and stresses the importance of maintaining personal boundaries to achieve a balanced life. Heather reflects on overcoming challenges, maintaining confidence, and redefining black excellence by embracing individuality and living authentically. The conversation offers insights into navigating work environments, maintaining self-care, and fostering personal growth and independence.

Highlights from our first episode

In this episode, we introduce you to our podcast and dive into the transformative journey of balancing career ambitions with mental health challenges. We share our experience of "building the plane while flying," highlighting the complexities of pursuing 'excellence' amid societal and personal hurdles.

We discuss the misconception that mental health is a binary state, emphasizing that it's a spectrum where struggles and strengths coexist. A key takeaway is learning to embrace both strength and vulnerability. We speak candidly about the importance of self-compassion and the value of recognizing one's needs.

Tune in for a taste of how we plan to build a supportive community and a path to wellness through this Podcast.