Women Leveling Up

Rewriting Success: Building New Paths and Breaking Barriers Inspired by Erika Taylor

Explore how Black women are redefining success by forging new paths outside traditional systems. Inspired by Erika Taylor’s insights, this episode uncovers the rise of Black women entrepreneurs, the innovation of fractional leadership, and the power of community networks. Discover how building new structures—rather than climbing old ladders—is creating lasting impact, legacy, and opportunity for all.

The Untapped Economic Revolution: Investing in Female Entrepreneurs Inspired by Zakiyyah Rutledge

Explore the untapped economic revolution of female entrepreneurship and discover how women-led businesses are driving transformative change across communities and global markets. Inspired by insights from Zakiyyah Rutledge, this episode dives into the multiplier effect of supporting women entrepreneurs, the persistent funding gap, and real-world strategies for overcoming systemic barriers. Learn how investing in female entrepreneurship is not just a matter of equity, but a powerful catalyst for sustainable economic development and community empowerment.

Resilience Reimagined: Turning Pain Into Purpose Inspired by Chantelle Crowell

In this episode of Resilience Reimagined: Turning Pain Into Purpose Inspired by Chantelle Crowell, we explore the transformative power of resilience through the stories of women who have turned personal pain into collective purpose. Discover how embracing authenticity, self-confidence, and community can help us alchemize our deepest wounds into sources of creativity, connection, and change. Be inspired to see your own cracks as places where gold can shine through, and learn how your unique story can help others heal and thrive.

Radical Tunnel Vision: Defying the Odds and Rewriting Success—Inspired by Tandalaya Brown Johnson

In this episode of Radical Tunnel Vision: Defying the Odds and Rewriting Success—Inspired by Tandalaya Brown Johnson, we explore the extraordinary journeys of Black women entrepreneurs who have shattered barriers and redefined what’s possible. Discover how Nikki Porcher, Janice Bryant Howroyd, and Dawn Kelly turned adversity into fuel, built thriving businesses, and created lasting community impact—despite receiving less than one percent of venture capital funding. Learn the power of radical tunnel vision, authenticity, and community-driven success, and be inspired to pursue your own dreams, no matter the obstacles.

The Illusion of Equality: Rethinking Women’s Entrepreneurship and the Multiplier Effect — Inspired by Stacy Gregg

In this episode, we challenge the common assumptions about progress and equality in women’s entrepreneurship. Drawing on powerful stories and revealing data, we explore the persistent funding gaps, the multiplier effect of supporting women founders, and the transformative potential of digital platforms. Discover why representation alone isn’t enough, and what real systemic change could mean for women entrepreneurs—and the global economy.

The Resilience Revolution: Turning Adversity into Advantage — Inspired by Stacy Gregg

Discover how adversity can become your greatest asset in The Resilience Revolution: Turning Adversity into Advantage. This episode explores the transformative power of resilience, challenging the idea that it’s simply about bouncing back from setbacks. Learn how resilience can be cultivated as an active skillset, why community and authentic storytelling matter, and how real-world entrepreneurs have turned obstacles into innovation and impact. Tune in for practical insights on building personal and collective resilience, and find inspiration to reframe your own challenges as opportunities for growth and leadership.

The Myth of Special: Unlocking Success Through Knowledge and Effort — Inspired by Loretta Lancaster

In this episode of Women Leveling Up, host Mary Davis unpacks the damaging myth that business success is reserved for the "special" few. Drawing inspiration from visionary leader Loretta Lancaster, Mary explores how real success is built on the accessible foundations of knowledge and effort. Through powerful stories of Black women breaking barriers, listeners will discover how self-empowerment, community, and persistence can unlock new opportunities. Tune in for actionable insights on challenging limiting narratives, democratizing knowledge, and taking strategic steps toward your own business success.

Rewriting the Rules: New Leadership Paths for Black Women in 2025 — Inspired by Renessa Guerrero

Explore how Black women leaders are redefining success and power in 2025, moving beyond traditional corporate structures to embrace innovative models like fractional leadership and community-centered entrepreneurship. Inspired by insights from Renessa Guerrero, this episode dives into the challenges of underrepresentation, the limitations of numerical progress, and the transformative impact of new leadership pathways that prioritize authenticity, well-being, and collective achievement. Discover how these trailblazers are not just breaking barriers, but building new frameworks for a more equitable future.