Not all support is supportive. In this episode, we dig into how professional development like mentorship, coaching, and  training can be misused as a tool for control, especially for Black professionals. What’s often framed as “growth” or “investment” can quickly turn into compliance culture, performance surveillance, and performative care. We explore: The blurry line between support and supervision How race and power shape who gets real mentorship vs. forced coaching The emotional toll of “development” plans that feel more like disciplinary action Strategies for setting boundaries around help that isn’t really helpful  RESOURCES Are you a woman leader who is depleted, exhausted and looking for a way out? Check out Trenia's 5-part limited series podcast The Burnout Rescue Plan. Click here to listen.   Want to schedule a 1-1 consultation with David? Visit https://strivequity.com/   Please be sure to subscribe, share, and leave a review.

Black Leaders’ Mental Health in the Workplace: What’s Really Happening? It’s not just burnout. It’s isolation, gaslighting, chronic underestimation, and being the only one expected to “represent” while staying composed. In this episode, we move beyond surface-level wellness advice to name what’s actually impacting the mental health of Black professionals, especially those in leadership roles inside hostile or indifferent institutions. We explore: The psychological cost of constant visibility and representation How harm gets mislabeled as “stress” or “overwork” The emotional impact of racism disguised as feedback or leadership strategy What it means to advocate for your care in spaces that pathologize your pain And why real support has to go beyond access to an Employee Assistance Program RESOURCES Are you a woman leader who is depleted, exhausted and looking for a way out? Check out Trenia's 5-part limited series podcast The Burnout Rescue Plan. Click here to listen. Want to schedule a 1-1 consultation with David? Visit https://strivequity.com/   Please subscribe, share, and leave a review.

For many Black professionals, HR isn’t protection, it’s surveillance. In this episode, we’re naming the truth that too often gets whispered behind closed doors: Human Resources departments are not neutral. From weaponized PIPs to dismissive responses to harm, Black leaders are navigating systems designed to protect the institution, not the individual. We break down: The difference between HR and real accountability How race shapes the narrative around “performance” The subtle signs you’re being set up, and what to do next How so-called inclusive benefits are often just PR, not policy What it looks like to build safety and strategy outside the system RESOURCES Are you a woman leader who is depleted, exhausted and looking for a way out? Check out Trenia's 5-part limited series podcast The Burnout Rescue Plan. Click here to listen. Want to schedule a 1-1 consultation with David? Visit https://strivequity.com/   Be sure to subscribe, share, and leave a review.

Sometimes it’s not you, it’s the system. In this episode, we’re calling out the deep dysfunction inside nonprofits, institutions, and “progressive” spaces that claim they want change but quietly resist it at every turn. From the myth of meritocracy to the hollow rituals of “inclusion,” we’re asking: What happens when the mission sounds right, but the culture stays wrong? We dig into: How to spot when your org is resistant to change, no matter what it says publicly Why white leadership often escapes accountability while clinging to the optics of DEI The emotional toll of advocating internally, especially when you're met with “we’re a family” energy instead of real standards What it could look like to professionalize nonprofit leadership with real accountability: transparency, ethical hiring, and oversight Key Takeaway: Black leaders don’t owe loyalty to broken systems. You have every right to ask hard questions, and to walk away when the answer is silence. RESOURCES Are you a woman leader who is depleted, exhausted and looking for a way out? Check out Trenia's 5-part limited series podcast The Burnout Rescue Plan. Click here to listen. Want to schedule a 1-1 consultation with David? Visit https://strivequity.com/   Please be sure to subscribe, share, and leave a review.

We’re told to make it in systems that were never built for us. But what happens after the resignation, the burnout, the pivot, or the layoff? In this episode, we’re talking about what comes next, life beyond the 9–5. Whether you’re consulting, on sabbatical, freelancing, starting your own thing, or still figuring it out, this conversation holds space for the truth: leaving isn’t the end of the story, it's the beginning of a different way of working and living. We explore: The myths about success and safety we’re forced to unlearn after leaving institutional roles The difference between freedom and flailing, and how to build support structures that actually sustain us The hidden truths about entrepreneurship, consulting, and life outside the W-2 that don’t make it to the highlight reel What it means to not recreate the very grind we escaped Key Takeaway: Liberation is not a one-time act, it’s a lifelong practice. Black leadership must be sustainable, whether you’re inside or outside the system. RESOURCES Are you a woman leader who is depleted, exhausted and looking for a way out? Check out Trenia's 5-part limited series podcast The Burnout Rescue Plan. Click here to listen. Want to schedule a 1-1 consultation with David? Visit https://strivequity.com/ Be sure to subscribe, share, and leave a review.

“You don’t belong here.” Nobody says it out loud, but Black professionals feel it all the time. In this episode, we’re flipping the script on impostor syndrome. Too often, we’re told our self-doubt is a personal failing, that we just need to be more confident or stop being so sensitive. But what if those feelings aren’t internal at all? What if they’re responses to systemic exclusion, coded invalidation, and racialized bias? This conversation builds on key themes from Season 1 (Episodes 4 & 6) and recent Season 3 episodes about code-switching and new leadership models. Now, we’re going deeper into how Black professionals are pathologized instead of supported, and what it means to reclaim our narratives. We explore: The difference between internal doubt and external invalidation How impostor syndrome language masks racism and structural exclusion Real-life moments when self-doubt felt logical, not pathological How organizations can stop gaslighting Black professionals and start dismantling harmful dynamics  Have you ever second-guessed yourself, only to realize you were reacting to a system designed to exclude you? Share your story with us or tag #Not4Prophets. RESOURCES Are you a woman leader who is depleted, exhausted and looking for a way out? Check out Trenia's 5-part limited series podcast The Burnout Rescue Plan. Click here to listen. Download your Free copy of How to Keep Great People: for mission-driven organizations that want to create longevity and loyalty among teams https://www.howtokeepgreatpeople.com/ Want to schedule a 1-1 consultation with David? Visit https://strivequity.com/

The DEI wave that surged in 2020 is crashing, and once again, Black professionals are the first to pay the price. From layoffs and sidelining to performative accountability and shrinking budgets, many are left wondering: What now? In this episode, we’re talking about the DEI backlash and what it means for those who've built careers, movements, and entire identities around the pursuit of equity in the workplace. We ask: How has this DEI unraveling shown up personally and professionally? What happens when the rug is pulled out from under your leadership? What does meaningful equity work look like now, especially outside of formal DEI titles? And most importantly: What new power centers can we create, lead, and own? RESOURCES Are you a woman leader who is depleted, exhausted and looking for a way out? Check out Trenia's 5-part limited series podcast The Burnout Rescue Plan. Click here to listen. Download your Free copy of How to Keep Great People: for mission-driven organizations that want to create longevity and loyalty among teams https://www.howtokeepgreatpeople.com/ Want to schedule a 1-1 consultation with David? Visit https://strivequity.com/  

At some point in leadership, especially for Black leaders, the work starts to feel absurd. The goals no longer make sense. The requests become contradictory. The funding evaporates. The outcomes are unclear or ever-shifting. And yet, somehow, you're still expected to show up with grace, clarity, and measurable impact. This episode explores what it feels like to be asked to do the impossible with the bare minimum, and the emotional, psychological, and spiritual toll it takes. This conversation is here to remind you: you’re not imagining it. It is absurd. And Black leaders deserve to work in environments where their time, labor, and vision are respected, not exploited.   RESOURCES Are you a woman leader who is depleted, exhausted and looking for a way out? Check out Trenia's 5-part limited series podcast The Burnout Rescue Plan. Click here to listen. Want to chat with David? Visit https://strivequity.com/

Not all harm comes from "the system”, sometimes, it shows up much closer to home. In this episode, we dive into a tough but necessary conversation: what happens when people inside your organization use racial justice language and DEI frameworks for personal gain? What happens when shared trauma is manipulated, accountability is dodged, and liberatory language becomes a shield against critique? We explore: The subtle ways colleagues co-opt justice work for self-advancement. What to do when someone uses "white supremacy" language to avoid responsibility and accountability. How to protect your own integrity without being labeled divisive. Why it's so painful when people you thought were aligned show their true intentions. We also name the very real dynamics that happen when non-Black people of color weaponize racial justice rhetoric to gaslight, deflect, or exempt themselves from doing their part, often at the expense of Black colleagues.   RESOURCES Are you a woman leader who is depleted, exhausted and looking for a way out? Check out Trenia's limited series podcast The Burnout Rescue Plan. Click here to listen. Want to chat with David? Visit https://strivequity.com/

We know the cost of assimilating. We’ve felt the exhaustion of constant resistance. So what else is there? In this episode, we explore “The Third Way”, a growing movement among Black leaders who are choosing imagination over burnout, dignity over martyrdom, and global vision over boxes that don’t fit. What does it mean to lead on your own terms? Together, we dig into: The ideas, influences, and frameworks reshaping Black leadership, across borders and screens How abolitionist, expat, and decentralized movements are pushing us to dream differently The power of retreat, coaching, and community as tools for unlearning What it looks like to build something instead of always fixing something RESOURCES Are you a woman leader who is depleted, exhausted and looking for a way out? Check out Trenia's limited series podcast The Burnout Rescue Plan. Click here to listen. Want to chat with David? Visit https://strivequity.com/ What’s a leadership model you’re craving that doesn’t yet exist where you work? DM us on LinkedIn or share your thoughts using #Not4Prophets.   Be sure to subscribe, share, and review.

“You’ve changed.” But... have you really? Or have you just learned to survive? In this episode, we’re diving into the nuance and necessity of code-switching, compartmentalization, and adaptation, not as signs of betrayal, but as sacred acts of self-preservation. For many Black professionals, especially in predominantly white or high-pressure environments, shifting how you show up is not about inauthenticity, it’s about making it through. So let’s talk about it: What does it really mean to be strategic vs. inauthentic at work? How do you know when you’re protecting your peace... or slowly losing yourself? Who gets to define authenticity, and why is that so loaded? What toll does long-term compartmentalization take on the body, mind, and spirit? RESOURCES Are you a woman leader who is depleted, exhausted and looking for a way out? Check out Trenia's limited series podcast The Burnout Rescue Plan. Click here to listen. Want to chat with David? Visit https://strivequity.com/

Welcome to Season 3! We’re kicking things off with a timely and raw conversation about the current political landscape and how it is impacting Black leaders. In this episode, we’re unpacking the ripple effects of the post-2024 election climate and what it means for Black folks in positions of leadership. As social justice fatigue deepens, DEI funding disappears, and political tensions rise, the stakes are shifting fast, and often quietly. So we’re asking: What does leadership actually look like when the external support dries up but the expectations don’t? How are Black leaders being positioned as symbols, shields, or scapegoats? What pressure is being put on Black leaders to hold credibility, carry justice, and stay employed in increasingly hostile or indifferent environments? And what survival strategies are we still using that might keep us afloat—but are slowly burning us out? RESOURCES Are you a woman leader who is depleted, exhausted and looking for a way out? Check out Trenia's limited series podcast The Burnout Rescue Plan. Click here to listen. Want to chat with David? Visit https://strivequity.com/  

Episode Description In this episode, Trenia Parham and David DeVaughn dive into the intricate dynamics of how non-Black Americans, people of color, and Blacks who did not grow up in predominantly Black communities experience and understand race and oppression. They explore personal stories, the impacts of anti-Blackness, and the complexities of solidarity within diverse communities. Trenia also shares her work with Sustainable Leadership Consulting and Coaching, helping women leaders recover from burnout and improving organizational culture.   In This Episode: 00:00 - Introduction by Trenia Parham and David DeVaughn02:13 - David shares his personal journey growing up in a white suburb and learning about Blackness04:50 - Trenia discusses her strong sense of identity as a Black woman from the Midwest10:05 - The shock of non-Black people using the N-word and cultural appropriation12:35 - The diversity of the Black experience and the misconception of a monolithic Black culture17:39 - The impact of African Americanness on solidarity and support within communities21:23 - The proximity to whiteness and its influence on experiences of people of color24:25 - Experiences with non-Black people of color in nonprofit spaces31:41 - The global perspective on oppression and the focus on Palestine37:34 - Reflections on the 2020 uprising for racial justice and its aftermath   Episode Links: Trenia Parham https://www.treniaparham.com David DeVaughn's StrivEquity Consulting

Episode Description: In this episode, Trenia Parham and David DeVaughn delve into the complex issue of classism within the nonprofit sector. They discuss how class disparities manifest in nonprofit organizations, impacting both the internal dynamics and the external work being done in communities. Trenia and David share personal experiences and insights into the often overlooked intersection of class and race in this field.   In This Episode: [00:01] Introduction and overview of today's topic [02:03] David's experience with classism growing up and in the nonprofit sector [05:43] Trenia's background and perspective on class dynamics [10:30] The impact of class assumptions on nonprofit work and solutions [14:35] Organizational structure and class stratification [19:45] Challenges of working in nonprofits with class disparities [22:52] The role of funding and maintaining the status quo [26:19] Class and salary dynamics within nonprofits [30:26] Opportunities for ground-level staff to move up and decision-making roles [32:36] Final thoughts and call to action for listener feedback   Episode Links: Are you a woman in leadership or founder that's depleted and exhausted? Join me for Rest. Reset. Reimagine. A virtual Retreat on Saturday, September 14, 2024. Click here to learn more and register. StrivEquity Consulting

Episode Description: In this episode, Trenia Parham and David DeVaughn delve into the phenomenon of white people failing upward in the nonprofit sector. They explore the dynamics and impact of this trend on Black staff and people of color, sharing personal experiences and strategies for navigating such challenging environments. The discussion highlights the disparity in how mistakes and failures are treated based on race, and the systemic issues that allow for such inequities to persist.   In This Episode: 00:00 - Introduction: Trenia and David introduce the episode's topic and share personal insights. 01:58 - Sustainable Leadership: Trenia discusses her company and its mission to help women leaders recover from burnout and work sustainably. 02:44 - White People Failing Upward: Trenia and David describe their experiences with white colleagues who are allowed to fail repeatedly and still advance. 06:13 - Latitude in Failure: The latitude given to white employees to experiment and fail without severe consequences. 08:49 - Impact on Black Staff: How these dynamics affect black employees and their career prospects. 14:27 - Organizational Dynamics: The subtle ways white people justify failures and shift blame. 20:20 - Coping Strategies: Trenia and David share strategies for navigating these challenging dynamics. 26:14 - Realigning Work: Practical advice for documenting roles and building relationships to mitigate the impact of incompetent leaders. 31:24 - Final Thoughts: The importance of re-evaluating your position in an organization that perpetuates these dynamics.   Episode Links: Are you experiencing burn out? Join Trenia for the Rest. Reset. Reimagine Retreat for women leaders & founders. Click here to learn more and register. StrivEquity Consulting Not 4 Prophets LinkedIn Page

Episode Description: In this episode, hosts David DeVaughn and Trenia Parham dive into the complexities of managing Black staff within nonprofits. They discuss the unique challenges and strategies for creating supportive, equitable work environments. Drawing from personal experiences and professional insights, they explore how to foster a positive, empowering atmosphere for Black employees and tackle the difficult conversations around managing underperformance as a Black leader and leadership dynamics. In This Episode: 00:01 - Introduction by Trenia Parham and David DeVaughn 00:38 - David shares about StrivEquity Consulting LLC and their free eBook "17 Insights to Leading More Equitably." 01:50 - Initial thoughts on managing Black staff 03:34 - Creating a comfortable atmosphere for Black employees 06:12 - Experiences with Black staff and leadership dynamics 11:15 - Managing Black staff differently and setting expectations 19:53 - Addressing underperformance among Black employees 25:51 - Emotional burden and support for Black staff in social justice work 32:06 - Negative experiences with Black leaders and managers 39:54 - Reflecting on positive support and growth opportunities   Episode Links: StrivEquity Consulting LLC Free eBook: 17 Insights to Lead More Equitably Sustainable Leadership Coaching & Consulting: https://www.treniaparham.com

Episode Description: In this episode Trenia Parham and David DeVaughn explore the concept of gatekeeping within the nonprofit sector, particularly focusing on Black professionals. They discuss the reasons behind gatekeeping, its impact on career advancement and organizational culture, and the intersection of race and class. The conversation also delves into personal experiences and strategies for fostering an inclusive and supportive work environment.   In This Episode: [00:00] Introduction to the topic of gatekeeping among Black professionals. [00:34] David shares about StrivEquity Consulting LLC and their free eBook "17 Insights to Leading More Equitably." [01:28] Definition and examples of gatekeeping in the workplace. [05:02] Reasons why Black professionals might engage in gatekeeping. [07:53] The impact of scarcity mindset on professional relationships and resource sharing. [10:52] David's personal story about receiving support from another Black professional. [12:22] The anxiety of being the only Black person in the room. [18:54] The intersection of class and race in professional settings.[28:16] Closing thoughts on gatekeeping and moving towards an abundance mindset Episode Links: StrivEquity's eBook: 17 Insights to Lead More Equitably Connect with StrivEquity on LinkedIn Sustainable Leadership by Trenia Parham: https://www.treniaparham.com    

Episode Description: In this episode of "Not 4 Prophets we delve into the unique and often challenging experiences of Black women in the nonprofit sector. David interviews Trenia about her personal journey, discussing the stereotypes, challenges, and triumphs she has encountered. This episode provides valuable insights for nonprofit leaders, employees, and anyone interested in understanding and supporting Black women in professional environments.   In This Episode: 00:01 - Introduction: Hosts Trenia Parham and David DeVaughn introduce the topic and the format of this episode. 01:01 - Initial Thoughts: Trenia shares her initial thoughts on the fraught experiences of Black women in nonprofit organizations. 02:31 - Stereotypes in the Workplace: Discussion on how stereotypes about Black women have shown up in Trenia's career. 06:09 - Personal Experiences: Trenia recounts personal stories illustrating the impact of these stereotypes, including a notable incident with a former boss. 09:53 - Mentorship and Support: The role of mentorship, or lack thereof, in Trenia's professional journey and the importance of "angels" in her career. 13:43 - Solidarity Among Women: Trenia discusses her experiences with non-Black women in the workplace and the dynamics of solidarity. 14:43 - Joy and Fulfillment: Reflection on the sense of joy and fulfillment, or the lack thereof, in nonprofit workspaces for Black women. 18:10 - Mixed Experiences with Black Women: The dual experiences of support and competition among Black women in the workplace. 25:54 - Impact of Current Events: The impact of recent stories about Black women leaders in DEI roles and their treatment in the workplace. 30:44 - Final Thoughts: Trenia's advice for Black women in nonprofits and David's reflections on the importance of allyship and support.   Episode Links: StrivEquity Consulting LLC: https://strivequity.com Sustainable Leadership Coaching & Consulting: https://www.treniaparham.com    

Episode Description: In this episode of "Not 4 Prophets," hosts Trenia Parham and David DeVaughn tackle the sensitive and often overlooked issue of the sexualization of Black men in the nonprofit sector. Trenia interviews David about his personal experiences and observations, shedding light on how these dynamics affect professional relationships, workplace culture, and the well-being of Black men in these environments. This episode provides valuable insights for nonprofit leaders, employees, and anyone interested in understanding and addressing these complex issues.   In This Episode: 00:01 - Introduction: Hosts Trenia Parham and David DeVaughn introduce the topic and the unique format of this episode. 01:05 - Initial Thoughts: David shares his initial thoughts and feelings about the sexualization of Black men in the workplace. 04:17 - Early Career Experiences: David recounts early experiences of sexualization and the implications for his professional life. 08:13 - Work Husband Dynamics: Discussion on the dynamics of being seen as a "work husband" or "work boyfriend." 13:00 - Recognizing Harassment: David's reflections on recognizing and understanding sexual harassment in the workplace. 19:33 - Shifts in Behavior: The impact of David's decision to pull back from certain workplace dynamics and how it affected his relationships. 22:42 - Power Dynamics: Exploration of the power dynamics between Black men and white women in nonprofits. 32:23 - From Desire to Threat: The shift in perception from being desired to being seen as a threat when Black men assert themselves. 37:05 - Navigating the Line: David's strategies for walking the line between being approachable and avoiding being perceived as a threat. 41:55 - Final Thoughts: Reflections on the broader implications and the need for ongoing conversation and support.   Episode Links:  StrivEquity Consulting LLC: https://strivequity.com Sustainable Leadership by Trenia Parham: https://www.treniaparham.com    

Episode Description: Join hosts Trenia Parham and David DeVaughn in this compelling episode of "Not 4 Prophets," where they discuss the realities of hostile work environments and toxic work cultures. Drawing from personal experiences and professional insights, they explore the emotional and psychological impact of such environments, particularly on Black professionals. This episode is essential for anyone navigating challenging workplace dynamics, offering strategies for coping, setting boundaries, and finding support.   In This Episode: 00:01 - Introduction: Hosts Trenia Parham and David DeVaughn introduce the topic of hostile work environments. 00:48 - Defining Toxic Work Environments: David's perspective on identifying toxic workplaces based on personal feelings and experiences. 02:04 - Personal Stories: Trenia and David share their own experiences with toxic work environments. 05:30 - Coping Strategies: David discusses setting boundaries and finding allies. 07:43 - Planning an Exit: Trenia talks about her methodical approach to leaving a toxic job. 10:45 - The Role of Allies: The importance of allies and support systems in toxic work environments. 15:08 - Realizations and Decisions: David's experiences with undermining bosses and organizational misalignment. 20:44 - Fighting Back: Trenia's strategies for pushing back against toxic behaviors. 29:25 - Final Thoughts: The interconnectedness of work and home life stress and the importance of seeking support.   Episode Links: StrivEquity Consulting LLC: https://strivequity.com Sustainable Leadership by Trenia Parham: https://www.treniaparham.com