What makes someone a leader people actually want to follow?
In this special Women Thriving in Business mini-episode, Nikki Rogers revisits standout conversations with women redefining leadership through trust, self-awareness, collaboration, mindfulness, and a willingness to grow through discomfort.
You’ll hear why great leadership starts with understanding yourself. Carise Anderson explains that emotional intelligence requires leaders to recognize and manage their own emotions before they can effectively understand and influence others. She also reminds us that success is rarely an individual accomplishment; we need collaborators, mentors, colleagues, and people willing to invest in our growth.
Leadership also requires letting go of perfection. Melba Nicholson shares how becoming an “imperfectionist” gave her permission to pursue the work she actually wanted to do instead of simply doing what she was capable of doing.
Celeste Warren explores what it means to create workplaces where employees can bring their full experiences and perspectives to the table, while Karen Tsuk explains how mindfulness helps leaders respond intentionally instead of being controlled by emotions and everyday triggers.
Finally, Malika Jacobs shares how strong company cultures are built through trust, appreciation, connection, and intentional relationship-building. Her WATER framework (showcasing who you are, appreciation, trust, energizing your team, and repair) offers a practical model for strengthening workplace relationships before challenges arise.
Great leadership isn’t something you establish overnight. It is built day by day through the way you communicate, empower others, manage yourself, and create environments where people feel trusted and valued.
Ready to take action? Listen to the full episode to hear these incredible women share the specific steps to build your dream business.
Connect with guests featured in this mini episode:
- Collaborative Leadership for Workplace Well-Being | Melba Nicholson
- Intelligence Isn’t Enough: How to Thrive in the Workplace | Carice Anderson
- From Awareness to Action: Cultivating an Inclusive Workplace | Celeste Warren
- How to Lead with Mindfulness | Keren Tsuk
- Want a Culture of Success? Focus on Your Team | Malika Jacobs
Keep Thriving!
About the Show:
Women Thriving in Business features candid unscripted conversations with entrepreneurs, business experts, authors, and academics aimed at contributing to business success. This weekly show provides interviews with business leaders who have built, grown, and are thriving in business. Nikki A. Rogers, host of the show, also discusses achievements, lessons learned, and advice for aspiring business owners to develop the mindset, strategies, and connections necessary to thrive in business. Whether you are just starting or you have been in business for decades, WTiB offers inspiration, strategies, and resources to help you THRIVE in business.
About the Host:
Nikki is a strategist and transformation coach who believes life is too short not to do what you love. She is passionate about helping entrepreneurs build sustainable companies and supports business leaders in developing the mindset, strategy, and connections to create thriving businesses and build legacy wealth.
Nikki is the CEO of The Bladen Group and an alumna of North Carolina A&T State University and UNC-Chapel Hill.
Connect with Nikki: