135. Breaking Barriers: How to Stop Being the Best Kept Secret

Are traditional definitions of corporate success appropriate for Black women, or do they need to be redefined to reflect diverse experiences? Too often, Black women encounter unique challenges in corporate spaces that limit their growth—ranging from external barriers to internal struggles like impostor syndrome.

In this episode of the Leading with Power & Purpose Podcast, Sabine speaks with Dr. Tana Session to discuss the complex dynamics of power, particularly for black women. Dr. Tana Session is the CEO and founder of Tana M Session.com, a certified woman minority business enterprise with over 30 years of human resources experience. She’s a recognized cultural transformation architect specializing in facilitated experiences and leadership and organizational development.

Listen in to learn the importance of building habits that nurture your well-being and keep you rooted in your true power source. You will also learn how to build authentic confidence and find your voice as a black woman in the workforce.


Key Takeaways:

• How to overcome impostor syndrome and embrace self-belief, internal validation, and not compare your journey to others.
• How to own your power by using adversities as the floor for your success and leaning into your privilege.
• The importance of ancestral pride and influence in shaping your identity and confidence as a black woman.
• The importance of daily affirmations and a rhythm to keep you grounded and connected to your source of strength.
• How to build a support system that holds you accountable and reminds you who you are during tough times.

What You Will Learn in This Episode:

• [07:09] How she coaches black women to have self-belief and overcome imposter syndrome to navigate unwritten corporate rules.
• [11:27] How she embraced her power through self-forgiveness and learning to move past adversities.
• [13:38] Defining authority as owning who you are as a woman and using your words in a way that makes people listen.
• [14:53] The limitless influence of Black women and the cultural, ancestral power they can tap into.
• [19:31] Dr. Tana’s daily affirmations, routines, and habits that keep her rooted in her true power source.
• [24:45] The power of building a village to hold you accountable and offer support, plus embracing therapy and healthy boundaries.
• [30:14] Working While Black book overview: what it takes for black women to own their power, truth, healing, worth, and destiny.

Connect with Dr. Tana M. Session:

• Website: https://www.tanamsession.com
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drtanamsession

Book Mentioned:

• Book: Working While Black: A Woman’s Guide to Stop Being the Best Kept Secret by Dr. M. Tana Session

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HOST INFO:

Sabine Gedeon is a dynamic force in the world of leadership and personal development. As the Founder of Transformed Leadership Institute and CEO of Gedeon Enterprises, Sabine leverages nearly 20 years of experience to guide clients in both startups and Fortune 500 companies. Her unique approach combines human-centered principles with tech-enabled solutions, delivering customized programs for leaders at all levels to tackle crucial leadership and talent development challenges.

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