So I prepared. I interviewed. I networked. And when the day came, I smiled. I was Dreamin’ in Black an entire year before the notice. I chose to walk out with grace, truth, and a quiet kind of power. I over-delivered on my final assignment at Black Enterprise Women of Power Summit with my beautiful colleagues, and took a ton of selfies. And as you know, this year,…
You’re not alone—and you’re definitely not the only leader carrying that weight in silence. This week’s episode of Her Next Power Move explores why it’s lonely at the top, and what you can do to reclaim connection and community. 🎧 Listen now: https://open.substack.com/pub/lmichellesmith/p/ep-10-its-lonely-at-the-top-combating?r=4lpoap&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web And don’t miss the free visual tool I created to help you recognize—and rewire—loneliness before it takes root.
Coaching isn’t about sprinkling magic on your challenges. It’s about using science-backed strategies to guide you toward your own solutions. At NSC Coaching, our approach is rooted in both positive psychology and neuroscience. We believe that leaders already have the answers—they just need the right questions to unlock them. ✨ For Current NSC Coaching Members: The weather is still mild, so it’s the perfect time to explore our…
Ever feel stuck in negative thinking? You might be dealing with cognitive distortions—common thought patterns that shape how you perceive yourself and your world. In the latest episode of Her Next Power Move, I’m diving into how to spot these distortions and, more importantly, how to reframe them for personal growth. Catch the episode here: Her Next Power Move on Substack
In our fast-paced world, change is the only constant. Yet, amidst the whirlwind, finding inner peace can seem elusive. This masterclass is an invitation to pause, reflect, and equip yourself with tools to navigate uncertainty with grace. We’ll explore: The neuroscience behind mindfulness and its impact on productivity. Practical techniques to cultivate a calm mind. Strategies to lead with clarity during times of change. Join me next Thursday…
Flow isn’t accidental—it’s chemical. And if you’re a high-performing leader, especially one navigating complex environments where bias, culture, and performance intersect, you need this edge. In under a minute, I’ll break down how just one small win can trigger dopamine and activate your progress loop. That’s your entry point to focus, flow, and freedom. Ask yourself, What win can you stack today?
“Just be grateful.” “Everything happens for a reason.” “It could be worse.” Maybe you’ve said it. Maybe you’ve heard it. But here’s the truth: Positivity, when used to silence pain, becomes a barrier to growth. In the latest episode of Her Next Power Move, I explore the trap of toxic positivity and how it disguises itself as motivation—while denying us the space to feel, grieve, and grow. Based…
Sometimes the bravest thing you can do is get your hopes up. When everything around us feels uncertain—when crisis hits or change comes too fast—it’s easy to believe that staying guarded is smarter. But research tells a different story. Hope Theory, grounded in positive psychology, shows that hope isn’t naive—it’s strategic. It fuels resilience. It builds pathways where none seem to exist. It keeps us moving when the…
“Some leadership lessons aren’t taught — they’re absorbed. In the Black Church, they seep into your spirit between Sunday School and fish fries. They hitch a ride in the choir stand, on the platform behind the pulpit, on the marble floors of fellowship halls. Over the past year, while writing Call & Response: 10 Leadership Lessons from the Black Church (Amistad-HarperCollins/JVL Media llc), I had the honor of…
Let’s get one thing straight: Middle management is not the waiting room to the C-Suite. It’s the launch pad. But too many high-performing leaders get stuck there, not because they lack potential—but because they lack positioning. And the right relationships? They shift the ground beneath your feet. One of the smartest strategic moves you can make is building your Personal Board of Directors—a tight, curated circle of senior…