Minister and life coach Tamara Grossett shares her journey through faith, identity, and profound grief after losing her son. She reflects on healing, self-care, and what it means to be her ancestors’ wildest dreams. A powerful story of resilience, legacy, and connection.

In this episode of Black Excellence Unfiltered we welcome Webby winning & Emmy nominated Victor Kamwendo (@Zulu_Warrior), a young Malawian filmmaker, producer, and actor. Victor shares his inspiring journey from Malawi to the United States, revealing the pivotal moments that shaped his path in the entertainment industry. From his transformative college experience guided by a guest director to moving to Los Angeles without knowing anyone in the industry, Victor's story is one of resilience and passion. Hear about his struggles, triumphs, and deep-rooted commitment to representing Malawian artists on the global stage. Victor also talks about his commitment to mental health, fitness, and the importance of having a supportive network. Don't miss his insights on how to break into the entertainment industry, the essence of Black Excellence, and his upcoming projects, including a hit Netflix documentary and a new podcast. Subscribe on your favourite Podcast platform to be the first to listen to more inspirational stories from outstanding individuals like Victor Kamwendo. #BlackExcellence #EntertainmentIndustry #Inspiration

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.  Megan Thee Stallion website https://tinyurl.com/53dcfw5t Global helplines https://findahelpline.com/

Dumisani Kapanga shares his multifaceted journey from Malawi to the UK, and eventually New York. Dumisani discusses his evolving identity, the importance of intentionality in his life, and his career trajectory in financial services and investment banking. He addresses the challenges of being underestimated due to his background, the pressures of maintaining excellence, and the importance of adaptability and resilience. The conversation delves into his personal mental health journey, the concept of ’Dumi days’ for self-care, and the significance of finding balance. Throughout, Dumisani emphasizes the power of connecting people and living with purpose.

In this bonus episode Dr. Tiamo, co-host of the podcast,  talks about her journey, experiences, and motivations. The conversation delves into Dr. Tiamo's personal 'why,' her purpose of making the world better, and her path to becoming a psychologist from Malawi to the USA. Significant moments include her discovery of her calling, experiences with culture shock, battling loneliness and depression, and the importance of vulnerability. The episode also discusses the nuances of Black excellence, its unique challenges, and the importance of strong, supportive relationships. Dr. Tiamo emphasizes the significance of being authentic and creating spaces for vulnerability within the Black community.

Heather talks career shifts, balancing family life, and why she’s never putting herself in a box.

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.