Can you succeed in corporate America without pretending to be someone you're not?

In this episode of Just Us with Liz & Kere, we revisit one of television's most iconic characters—Steve Urkel—to unpack a surprisingly powerful lesson about authenticity, code-switching, confidence, and the masks we wear to fit in.

Using the legendary Steve Urkel vs. Stefan Urquelle storyline from Family Matters, Liz and Kere explore what happens when we allow other people's expectations to define who we are. They discuss authenticity in the workplace, the pressure Black women often face to conform, and why embracing your full self may be the key to both success and fulfillment.

Then, in a special Boss It or Toss It, they rank some of television's most unforgettable characters—from Waldo and Carlton Banks to Janine Teagues, Fred Sanford, Jazz, Franklin, Charlie, and more—based on their commitment to individuality and authenticity.

If you've ever felt pressured to wear a mask at work, this conversation is for you.

📌 Like, Subscribe & Share to help more Black women navigate corporate spaces with confidence and purpose.

00:00 Welcome to Just Us with Liz & Kere

03:03 Teachable Moment: The Book of Family Matters

04:58 Why Steve Urkel is the ultimate lesson in authenticity

09:44 The creation of Stefan Urquelle and the workplace mask

11:31 When other people's expectations become your identity

12:24 Myra, self-worth, and being loved as your authentic self

18:32 Why authenticity wins in the end

19:34 The lesson: Stop wearing masks for other people

20:37 Helping young people discover their own version of "cool"

22:24 The history and reality of masking in Black culture

23:24 Bringing your whole self to work

24:49 Sponsor Break

26:40 Boss It or Toss It: TV's Most Authentic Characters

32:25 Waldo Faldo – Authenticity without apology

34:11 Carlton Banks – Staying true to yourself

35:24 LaVita Alizé Jenkins – Lovably authentic

37:00 Jerome in the House – Boss or Toss?

38:28 Sheneneh – Iconic but too much?

40:01 Madea enters the conversation

40:39 Janine Teagues (Abbott Elementary)

43:16 Sandra Clark (227)

45:03 The Upshaws debate

47:10 Fred G. Sanford

48:32 Jazz from The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air

49:58 Franklin from Peanuts

51:39 Charlie from Black-ish

53:15 Final thoughts: Authenticity matters

#AuthenticityMatters #BlackWomenAtWork #CorporateSuccess #LeadershipDevelopment #CareerGrowth #JustUsPodcast #SteveUrkel #PersonalBranding #ProfessionalDevelopment #BlackWomenLead

Can Black women ever just show up to work without being scrutinized?

In this episode, Liz and Kere tackle a powerful listener letter from a professional Black woman whose confidence was shaken moments before a major presentation when a coworker questioned whether her outfit was appropriate—even though it fully complied with company dress code. Together, they unpack body policing, workplace jealousy, confidence, self-advocacy, and why Black women are often held to different standards in corporate spaces.

Then, the conversation expands into a candid discussion about the stereotypes and tropes that continue to shape how Black women are perceived at work and in popular culture. From the "Sassy Sister" to the "Angry Black Woman," Liz and Kere explore how these labels can be weaponized—and why embracing your authentic self is the ultimate act of resistance.

Plus, a few laughs, a Martin throwback, and an unapologetic defense of showing up exactly as you are.

0:00 Welcome to Just Us with Liz & Kere

0:22 Why we wear T-shirts and sweatshirts on the podcast

1:28 The problem with policing Black women’s appearance

2:25 Authenticity, branding, and showing up as yourself

4:22 Why comfort and relatability matter

6:13 Read Out Letter: "Second Guessing Before Showtime"

6:33 A career-defining presentation and one damaging comment

7:20 "I'm not sure I would wear that..."

8:04 How body policing impacts confidence at work

9:03 Stop policing Black women’s bodies

10:11 Was the comment intentional?

11:08 Why successful women attract criticism

12:36 What haters reveal about your growth

14:01 Real leaders fix crowns—they don't knock them off

15:08 Responding to workplace digs and passive-aggressive comments

16:33 Powerful clap-backs that reclaim your confidence

18:26 Document, document, document

19:22 When workplace criticism is really someone else's issue

20:14 Why you shouldn't second-guess your greatness

21:37 Introduction to the Top 5

22:33 #5 The Sassy Sister

23:40 Why this stereotype gets overused and misunderstood

27:02 #4 The Bubbly Black Girl

28:35 The outsider effect and being "not Black enough"

30:03 The pressure of deciding how much of yourself to show at work

31:18 Liz's corporate karaoke dilemma

33:35 Why it's okay to embrace every part of yourself

34:24 #3 The Exotic Black Woman

36:34 #2 The Prim & Proper Black Woman

38:52 #1 The Angry Black Woman

39:16 Why passion gets misinterpreted in corporate spaces

40:34 How to challenge the "Angry Black Woman" label in real time

41:53 Tyler Perry's "Struggling Black Sister" trope

44:43 Why pitting Black women against each other misses the reality

46:17 The truth about how Black women support one another

47:06 Relax, relate, release

47:37 Martin, Nino Brown, and one of TV's funniest moments

48:52 Just Us merchandise spotlight

49:44 Nobody gets to police what we wear

50:21 Final thoughts and sign-off

Can you be a genuine ally without making it about yourself?

In this candid and often hilarious episode, Liz and Kere respond to a letter from a white female leader who wants to better support the Black women on her team but worries that her efforts sometimes come across as tone-deaf or performative. Together, they unpack the difference between intention and impact, what authentic allyship actually looks like, and how leaders can create meaningful support without centering themselves in the conversation.

Along the way, Liz and Kere share real workplace stories, discuss sponsorship versus performative advocacy, and explain why listening may be the most powerful leadership skill of all.

Then, things take a turn as they dive into a spirited Top 10 list exploring why they may never attend "the cookout"—a funny but thought-provoking conversation about cultural spaces, belonging, allyship, and who gets invited.

This episode blends practical leadership advice, workplace wisdom, cultural commentary, and plenty of laughs.

0:00 Welcome to Just Us with Liz & Kere

0:09 Why Liz is repping UVA and the connection to allyship

2:41 Just Us merchandise spotlight

3:17 Read Out Letter: "Trying But Still Learning"

3:37 A leader wants to be a better ally but keeps missing the mark

5:02 Why intention and impact are not the same thing

7:16 The questions every ally should ask themselves

8:22 The simplest allyship advice: treat people like people

9:13 Why cultural performativity misses the point

10:03 The workplace story that explains accidental othering

12:19 Human-to-human conversations vs. racializing every interaction

13:32 Sponsorship, advocacy, and using your influence wisely

14:57 Why Black employees are not your cultural classroom

16:22 The awkward questions people really ask

18:58 Curiosity, sincerity, and creating safe conversations

21:38 How to ask questions without putting people on the spot

23:10 What authentic allyship actually looks like

25:27 Listening without trying to make someone else's experience your own

26:30 The difference between performative and meaningful support

27:22 Ask yourself: Am I helping or trying to be seen helping?

28:07 Why genuine allies matter

29:00 The "Cookout" conversation begins

33:22 #10 – We don't know who's going to be there

34:15 #9 – Who made the potato salad?

35:02 #8 – The cookout isn't a fashion show

36:29 #7 – Somebody's going to get cussed out

37:09 #6 – It's too hot outside

38:47 #5 – Somebody brought Baby's Kids

40:12 #4 – The parking situation is unacceptable

41:36 #3 – If the Ques aren't making the chicken, why are we here?

44:18 #2 – The cookout has become too gentrified

47:51 #1 – The cookout isn't even real

51:35 Why allyship and inclusion still matter

52:13 Progress only happens when people work together

55:24 Final thoughts and episode wrap-up

In Part 2 of our special live podcast taping from D9 in Trenton, Liz and Kere sit down with New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport for an honest conversation about leadership, public service, community partnership, and what it means to serve with purpose.

Attorney General Davenport discusses the values that inspired her career in public service, her priorities for New Jersey, and how her office is addressing issues ranging from gun violence and human trafficking to consumer protection, civil rights, and affordability. She also shares her perspective on allyship, community engagement, and the importance of listening before leading.

The conversation explores the realities of balancing a demanding career with family life, why giving yourself grace matters, and how authentic leadership can help build trust across communities. Plus, Jennifer joins Liz and Kere for a fun New Jersey-themed edition of Boss It or Toss It featuring Parkway vs. Turnpike, Pork Roll vs. Taylor Ham, and the debate over whether Central Jersey really exists.

If you're interested in leadership, public service, advocacy, or creating positive change in your community, this episode delivers valuable insights and practical wisdom from one of New Jersey's most influential public servants.

0:00 Welcome to Part 2 of the live D9 in Trenton podcast

0:39 Introducing New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport

2:24 Making history with her first podcast appearance

3:05 What inspired her career in public service

3:23 Growing up in Wildwood and learning service from family

4:58 Why civic engagement starts at home

5:35 The Attorney General's priorities for New Jersey

6:57 Defining public safety beyond crime and violence

7:44 New Jersey's approach to reducing gun violence

8:56 Combatting human trafficking and protecting survivors

9:48 Protecting children online and offline

10:34 Consumer protection, affordability, and fighting fraud

11:32 Defending New Jersey's rights and interests

12:34 How the Attorney General's Office and the Divine Nine can work together

13:40 The importance of community engagement and listening

16:45 Balancing leadership, family, and public service

17:17 Why "I don't do it all" is an honest answer

18:12 The power of community, support systems, and giving yourself grace

20:15 Allyship, advocacy, and supporting Black and Brown communities

21:05 Lessons learned from the Selma commemoration

22:29 What authentic allyship looks like in practice

24:53 Final reflections on leadership, trust, and public service

27:49 Boss It or Toss It: Public Service Edition

28:24 Letter of the Law vs. Spirit of the Law

29:36 Early Mornings vs. Late-Night Strategy Sessions

30:02 Group Chats, Phone Calls, and Workplace Communication

30:12 Coffee, Tea, or Diet Coke?

31:06 Pork Roll vs. Taylor Ham

31:28 Parkway vs. Turnpike

31:47 Eagles, Giants, Jets, and New Jersey sports loyalties

32:25 Jersey Devil vs. State Bird

32:41 Is Central Jersey a real place?

32:59 Closing remarks and thank you to D9 in Trenton

In this special live episode recorded at D9 in Trenton, Liz and Kere sit down with former New Jersey Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of State, Tahesha L. Way, for an inspiring conversation about leadership, public service, resilience, sisterhood, and the power of collective action.

Tahesha shares how a life-changing health crisis shaped her commitment to public service, the lessons she learned from her parents' example of service, and what it means to be "the first" while ensuring you're not the last. She also discusses the role of the Divine Nine in civic engagement, balancing family and leadership, and why showing yourself grace is one of the most important leadership skills of all.

Plus, stay tuned for a hilarious New Jersey-themed edition of Boss It or Toss It featuring Taylor Ham vs. Pork Roll, Turnpike vs. Parkway, and more!

Whether you're navigating corporate spaces, public service, or community leadership, this episode is packed with wisdom, inspiration, and practical takeaways.

0:00 Welcome to the first-ever live taping of Just Us with Liz & Kere at D9 in Trenton

2:17 What is D9 in Trenton and why it matters

3:49 The origin story behind D9 in Trenton

5:02 The 2026 advocacy agenda: voting rights, housing justice & healthcare transparency

6:27 Introducing former Lt. Governor Tahesha Way

9:00 Tahesha's journey into public service

10:03 Lessons learned from parents who served their communities

11:35 Surviving a cerebral hemorrhage at age 19

13:20 How that experience led her to law school and public service

14:24 The power of Divine Nine sisterhood and brotherhood

15:25 Why she chose Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

18:31 Being the "first" and making sure you're not the last

22:03 Creating opportunities and access for others

22:52 The future role of the Divine Nine in civic engagement and politics

27:06 Balancing leadership, family, marriage, and self-care

29:20 The importance of showing yourself grace

29:50 Tahesha's unexpected self-care routine

31:36 What's next for Tahesha Way?

33:20 Why sponsorship matters in career growth

34:21 Boss It or Toss It: Leadership & Power Moves Edition

39:40 Turnpike vs. Parkway

40:42 Taylor Ham vs. Pork Roll

41:13 Giants vs. Jets vs. Eagles

42:26 Final leadership advice and call to action

45:08 Closing remarks

🎙️ Just Us Podcast | Too Corporate to Be Free? Navigating Blackness in Corporate America

What does it really cost to succeed in corporate America as a Black woman?

In this deeply honest and powerful episode of Just Us with Liz & Kere, Liz Nolley and Kere Thomas unpack one of the most emotionally charged workplace conversations Black professionals face: code-switching, authenticity, professionalism, and the pressure to shrink yourself to survive in corporate spaces.

Responding to a letter from a lister who calls herself, “Too Corporate to Be Free, Too Black to Be Neutral,” Liz and Kere tackle everything from workplace “professionalism” standards and hair policing to the difference between wearing the uniform and wearing the mask.

They also break down iconic Black TV characters who stayed authentically themselves while navigating professional success — from Living Single and A Different World to The Boondocks and The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.

If you've ever wondered:

• How do I stay authentic at work?
• Is code-switching survival or self-erasure?
• Can Black women truly thrive in corporate spaces without losing themselves?
• Am I being “professional” — or just performing?

This conversation is for you.

🔥 Topics include:

✔️ Code-switching in corporate America

✔️ Workplace authenticity for Black women

✔️ The “articulate” microaggression

✔️ The Crown Act & hair discrimination

✔️ Corporate culture vs. self-imposed pressure

✔️ Wearing the uniform vs. wearing the mask

✔️ Toxic workplaces and identity suppression

✔️ Black representation in television and media

✔️ Leadership, identity, and belonging

⏱️ TIMESTAMPS

00:00 – Welcome to Just Us Podcast

01:18 – “How do you not lose your Blackness and still be corporate?”

03:00 – Why “You’re so articulate” is NOT a compliment

05:21 – Code-switching, masking & workplace survival

07:29 – “The only price of admission is your work”

08:00 – Wearing the uniform vs. wearing the mask

10:47 – Hair policing and corporate professionalism

13:33 – Liz shares her workplace natural hair experience

15:30 – Living Single and the Kyle Barker conversation

18:16 – Are some professionals hiding behind a mask?

21:42 – Toxic corporate culture vs. internal fear

23:06 – How to thrive authentically at work

25:20 – “Is it the man or the land?”

26:58 – Final advice for “Too Corporate to Be Free”

29:36 – Top Black TV characters who stayed authentic

31:00 – Freddie from A Different World

33:00 – Half & Half and corporate identity

35:15 – Flex from One on One

36:47 – Maxine Shaw & Kyle Barker from Living Single

38:37 – The Jeffersons & Helen Willis

40:22 – Black-ish and modern Black identity

42:44 – Braxton from The Jamie Foxx Show

44:22 – The Huxtables and Black excellence

44:38 – Tom from The Boondocks

48:38 – Uncle Phil & Aunt Viv as corporate Black icons

52:53 – Final thoughts & outro

💬 Join the conversation in the comments:

Have you ever felt pressured to code-switch or tone down your identity at work? What does authentic professionalism mean to you?

📌 Don’t forget to LIKE, COMMENT & SUBSCRIBE for more conversations about career growth, identity, leadership, and life as Black women navigating corporate spaces.

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