“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…
We live in a world that wants us to believe happiness is a stroke of luck or a reward for checking all the right boxes. But if you’re waiting on good vibes to just fall into your lap, you may be waiting a long time. Here’s the truth: Happiness is not a destination—it’s a practice. And more importantly, it’s your responsibility. Let me break it down. According to…
What makes you feel joy and clarity… might not work for me. That’s the beauty of happiness triggers—they’re personal. Rooted in your values. Aligned with what you care about most. Backed by brain science. In this video, I’m sharing how to find your own happiness triggers and why they’re essential for leading with clarity, connection, and purpose. Research shows just one moment of positive emotion can reshape your…
Since March, I’ve been moving at a pace that only purpose can justify. And it’s been powerful. Here’s just a glimpse of the journey: ✅ I submitted the full manuscript for my fourth book, Call & Response: 10 Leadership Lessons from the Black Church—a love letter to cultural leadership, steeped in science and soul ✅ I spoke at and moderated multiple impactful leadership events ✅ I offered a…
Have you ever felt like you’re on the edge of burnout—but still expected to lead through it? In this week’s episode of Her Next Power Move, I unpack the neuroscience of resilience and how you can literally rewire your brain to bounce forward. This isn’t about powering through—it’s about transforming through. 🎧 Tune in now and grab the FREE downloadable infographic to help you make the mindset shift.…
Tomorrow’s episode is for anyone leading in uncertain times and wondering if they’re built for it. Here’s your reminder: You are—and neuroscience agrees. We’re talking resilience—not as something you’re born with, but something your brain can build. Let me be the voice on your shoulder reminding you: You’re not broken. You’re becoming. Subscribe: lmichellesmith.substack.com
With so much beyond our control, how can we as leaders steer our teams, families, and ourselves through the unknown? Here are three tips to manage uncertainty effectively: ✅ Cultivate Emotional Agility Emotional agility is about staying in touch with what you’re feeling without judgement and adapting as circumstances evolve. Research from Harvard Business Review shows that leaders who practice emotional agility make better decisions in high-stress situations.…