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The Unapologetic Executive — Society & Culture
The Unapologetic Executive

Welcome to The Unapologetic Executive (formerly known as Freeda’s World), the podcast for ambitious Black women who are redefining what success, wellness, and leadership look like, on their own terms.

Hosted by Ritha Pierre, Esq., attorney, strategist, and founder of The Unapologetic Executive, this space invites you to pause, reflect, and lead with intention.

Each episode explores the realities of professional life for Black women, the unspoken pressures, the cultural context, and the courage it takes to prioritize peace in spaces that reward over-performance.

Through honest conversations and expert insights, we talk about everything from identity and self-trust to rest, boundaries, and purpose. These are not pep talks from the sidelines. They’re grounded discussions, equal parts compassion and clarity, designed to help you move from endurance to alignment.

In this space, we believe:

Growth becomes sustainable when it’s rooted in truth.

Clarity becomes attainable when you slow down long enough to listen.

Success feels more meaningful when you stop performing strength and start practicing it.

So settle in with your favorite beverage, release the day, and join us as we explore what it means to lead without apology and live without depletion.

Because ambition should feel aligned, not exhausting.

Listen On:

Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | SoundCloud
Follow: @theunapologeticexecutive

Latest Episodes:

Ep. 10. Let's talk about the hit HBO series Insecure! Feat. Fashion Designer Layo Gbadamosi Nov 29, 2017

Show notes

This week on FREEda's World, I am joined by my dear friend and supporter Layo Gbadamosi! She has also been inducted into the FREEda Women hall of fame! On this episode we discuss the hit HBO series Insecure! As female attorneys of color, we have a lot to say about Molly who is played by Yvonne Orji Molly plays an attorney on the show. Often times as professional women we are always under the watchful eye of EVERYONE both in and out of the work place. At work we are undervalued and under appreciated. Our family and friends will always find reasons to scrutinize our lives. The social media trollers are always questioning our "wokeness" because we "play the game" #issastruggle ya'll! So go grab your cup and join us as we share our personal experiences and cast our opinions on the show and these VERY real scenarios. *We are proud to announce that our FREEda Woman of the week is my esteemed colleague and former work wife Marly V. Marcellus- Laurent! Marly V. Marcellus-Laurent received her Juris Doctor degree at New York Law School in 2012. In 2013, Marly started her career as an Assistant District Attorney at the Kings County District Attorney's Office, where she prosecuted domestic violence and elder law cases until October 2015. Currently, Marly works as an Assistant General Counsel at the New York City Council General Counsel's Office where she handles conflict of interest matters. Post law school, Marly has remained dedicated to serving her community by mentoring first year law student through her law school's Academic Affairs program. Marly is also an active member of the Haitian American Lawyer's Association of New York and served as its Vice-President in 2016. Be sure to check out our website www.freedawomennyc.com to shop for the latest accessories and while you're there check out our blog to learn more about who we are, our social impact initiatives and upcoming events. To like, subscribe and comment, follow us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook @freedawomennyc FREEda's World podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Soundcloud, Stitcher. Please leave us a review and tell us what you think! Music by: 3MBeatz

Ep. 9. How to Survive Thanksgiving Clap back Season 2017 Nov 22, 2017

Show notes

This week on FREEda's World, I am joined again by my bestie Wendy Lori Guerrier aka lolosofocused. On this episode we talk about the 2017 Thanksgiving clap back season and the anxiety and stress that comes with spending time with your ever so nosy, cynical and hating family members. Listen in as we share some personal stories and provide you with some ammunition to face thanksgiving like a champ! _________________________________________________________________ *We are proud to announce that our FREEda Woman of the week is my esteemed colleague Melissa P. Bernier! Melissa P. Bernier, Esq. is the Principal and Managing Attorney of Bernier Legal, LLC - an innovative New York City law firm with practice areas in entertainment, fashion and business law. Ms. Bernier completed her undergraduate studies with a degree in politics from New York University and earned her law degree from Hofstra University School of Law, during which time she briefly studied under the direction of Justice Antonin Scalia of the United States Supreme Court. Ms. Bernier is a member of the New York State Bar, The Business Law Section of the New York State Bar Association, The Metropolitan Black Bar Association, The Black Entertainment and Sports Lawyers Association and The Haitian Roundtable. Since establishing Bernier Legal in 2010, Ms. Bernier has counseled a steady stream of entrepreneurs, fashion industry professionals, and currently serves as business and talent manager to several musicians and entertainers. Ms. Bernier has written several articles on entrepreneurship and the music business for publications such as Amour Creole Magazine and Haitianbeatz.com, and remains a constant source of information and commentary on the legalities of the music business. Additionally, Ms. Bernier served as the Fashion and Style Editor for The Haitian Times and is currently the Editor in Chief of Brooklyn Legal, a legal and lifestyle blog powered by Bernier Legal. This week on FREEda's World, I am joined again by my bestie Wendy Lori Guerrier aka lolosofocused. On this episode we talk about the 2017 Thanksgiving clap back season and the anxiety and stress that comes with spending time with your ever so nosy, cynical and hating family members who use thanksgiving as the opportunity to mind your business! Listen in as we share some personal stories and provide you with some ammunition to face thanksgiving like a champ! __________________________________________________________________ Be sure to check out our website www.freedawomennyc.com to shop for the latest accessories and while you're there check out our blog to learn more about who we are, our social impact initiatives and upcoming events. To like, subscribe and comment, follow us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook @freedawomennyc FREEda's World podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Soundcloud, Stitcher. Please leave us a review and tell us what you think! Music by: 3MBeatz

Ep. 8 Let's Talk Therapy with Dr. Florence St. Jean, Executive Director of Global Trauma Research Nov 15, 2017

Show notes

This week on FREEda's World, I am joined by the fabulous Dr. Florence St. Jean, Executive Director of Global Trauma Research, a non-profit organization with the mission to help support people around the world affected by psychological trauma. On this episode, Dr. Florence takes us through her journey of becoming Dr. Flo. She shares with us the challenges and obstacles she had to overcome to be where she is now. We discuss mental health in general and the work that her organizations does. We also talk about the professional woman, how burn out is real, the importance of self-care and Dr. Flo shares with us some tips on what we as over worked, pressed for time superwomen can do to reduce burnout and lead a productive working life. * Unbeknownst to Dr. Flo, she is our FREEda Woman of the week! Congrats girl! You deserve it! Be sure to check out our website www.freedawomennyc.com to shop for the latest accessories and while you're there check out our blog to learn more about who we are, our social impact initiatives and upcoming events. To like, subscribe and comment, follow us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook @freedawomennyc FREEda's World podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Soundcloud, Stitcher. Please leave us a review and tell us what you think!

Ep. 7. Feat. Founder of Propelled Media, Fabiola Jean Nov 08, 2017

Show notes

This week on FREEda's World, I am joined by the oh so fabulous Fabiola Jean! Fabiola and I go way back and on this episode we catch up on life, have a few laughs, and discuss her journey in the world of media as well as as her newest venture,Propelled Media Mentorship Program where she mentors young caribbean girls ages 16-21 who are interested in pursuing careers in media. _________________________________________________________________ *We are proud to announce that our FREEda Woman of the week is my dear friend Dr. Barbara DeLaleu aka Roxie Digital! Dr. Barbara DeLaleu is a social media and networking butterfly who stings! Known to the radio world now as "Roxie " who was born on the new Radio 103.9 NY . Currently she is on the air at 95.5 PLJ & is certainly no stranger to hard work, dedication, and all about making an honest dollar while making your day beautiful. Mentored all over NYC through several organizations, recognized as a "Vibe Vixen of the Day" from Vibe Vixen online magazine, voted as one of the 50 Hottest Women in Radio 2 years in a row, De Laleu continues to give back through orgs like Delete Blood Cancer and College Summit NY while rocking out on the New York City radio airwaves. In her "spare time" she volunteers all over the Tri-State area speaking to young men and women, as a motivational speaker at graduations, expos, forums, and classrooms! She is also known for her producing skills to programs at stations like WBAI & her former radio home WHCR in Harlem Ms. DeLaleu formerly served on the Board of Directors as Vice President, Programming Committee Chair, and Membership Committee Chair for Alliance for Women in Media, the New York City Chapter, (formerly known as American Women in Radio and Television). Prior to joining her current company Access. 1 Communications Corporation, DeLaleu worked in Affiliate Relations for the critically acclaimed Dr. Laura Schlessinger Program. DeLaleu holds two Master degrees, a Master of Arts in the Media Studies Program and a Master of Science in Organizational Change Management Program both from New School University in New York City. She received her BS in Communication Arts from St. John's University Queens Campus in 2005. __________________________________________________________________ Be sure to check out our website www.freedawomennyc.com to shop for the latest accessories and while you're there check out our blog to learn more about who we are, our social impact initiatives and upcoming events. To like, subscribe and comment, follow us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook @freedawomennyc FREEda's World podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Soundcloud, Stitcher. Please leave us a review and tell us what you think! Music by: 3MBeatz Mentions: Urban Dictionary

Ep. 6 Starting Over in Your Thirties Nov 01, 2017

Show notes

On this episode of FREEda's World, I am joined by my best friend Lory Wendy a.k.a "Lo Lo So Focused ", admin professional by day and professional romance writer by night. This week we discuss starting over in your thirties and the unrealistic expectations women of color have to essentially have it all figured out by the age of 30. *We are proud to announce that our FREEda Woman of the week is our very own Strategic Director Jelissa Joseph! Jelissa is the incoming Deputy Director of HR/Chief Diversity Officer for the City of Albany. Jellisa started her career in the Brooklyn District Attorney's Office before transitioning to the Office of Corporation Counsel in Albany. She received her Law Degree from Albany Law School and has a Bachelors degree in Political Science from the SUNY University at Albany. Jellisa is creating paths for women of color. ______________________________________________________________ Be sure to check out our website www.freedawomennyc.com to shop for the latest accessories and while your there check out our blog to learn more about who we are, our social impact initiatives and upcoming events. To like, subscribe and comment, follow us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook @freedawomennyc FREEda's World podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Soundcloud, Stitcher. Please leave us a review and tell us what you think! Music by: 3MBeatz

Ep. 5 Postpartum Depression and My Personal Journey Oct 18, 2017

Show notes

On this episode of FREEda's World, I recap the hit ABC show Black-ish, season 4, episode 2, which focused on postpartum depression. I also discuss my personal journey with postpartum. Postpartum depression is a real disorder affecting real women. It is nothing to be ashamed of. It is nothing to be embarrassed about. As a community, we must engage in these types of discussions in order to effect change and overcome the stigmas surrounding mental health issues and the black community. *FREEda Woman of the Week: Dr. Natalia Cineas _____________________________________________________________________ Resources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) The CDC has a feature on maternal depression which focuses on depression among women before, during, and after pregnancy. It also includes resources that can help. View the CDC Feature on Maternal Depression (https://www.cdc.gov/features/maternal-depression/index.html) Screening for Postpartum Depression Maintenance of Certification (MOC) Part IV module is optional and requires American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ABOG) login information. This module requires you to review 10 postpartum charts. View ABOG's Screening for Postpartum Depression (http://www.abog.org/new/acog_mod.aspx) American Psychiatric Association American Psychiatric Association is the world's largest psychiatric organization. Its member physicians work together to ensure humane care and effective treatment for all persons with mental disorders, including depression. Visit the American Psychiatric Association website (https://www.psychiatry.org/) Postpartum Support International Postpartum Support International (PSI) works to increase awareness among public and professional communities about the emotional changes that women experience during pregnancy and postpartum. It has volunteer coordinators in every one of the United States and in more than 36 other countries. Support Helpline: 1-800-944-4PPD (4773) Visit the Postpartum Support International website (http://www.postpartum.net/ 2020 Mom Project The 2020 Mom Project is a national call to action that sets forth an aggressive new path for solving what some have called one of the biggest public health concerns of our time: the silent maternal mental health crisis which impacts up to 20% of expecting and new moms. Visit the 2020 Mom Project website (http://www.2020mom.org/) National Alliance on Mental Illness NAMI is the nation's largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness. Visit the National Alliance on Mental Illness website (https://www.nami.org/) Music by: 3MBeatz

Ep. 4 Recap of Haitian Ladies Symposium Oct 11, 2017

Show notes

On today's show I recap my recent experience attending the first annual Haitian Ladies Weekend, that took place this past weekend in Washington D.C. The Haitian Ladies Weekend is a by product of the hard work and vision of its founder Nadine Duplessy Kearns. Nadine began a tradition of brunching with fellow Haitian Women 12 years ago with the sole purpose of creating a space where women can connect, build and support each other. What started out as five women quickly grew to over 60. 12 years later the tradition still stands, but this time Nadine and her team decided to do it even bigger and host the first annual Haitian Ladies Weekend which included the first ever symposium hosted at Howard University. 175 Women from all over the United States, and Haiti, came together in sisterhood to celebrate, uplift and empower each other. Women are so often portrayed as being haters, manipulative, envious and jealous. It's not uncommon for you to hear that women do not work well with each other. This weekend was a clear juxtaposition of that. Instead, what I experienced this past weekend was women from different age groups, at different points in their careers, sharing their trade secrets and giving sound advice. It was mentorship on steroids. In this episode, I share some of the highlights and sticking points of the weekend as well as give some of my own sound advice on women empowerment, self love and promoting your personal brand. *FREEda Woman of the Week: Audace Garnett, victim advocate Be sure to check out our website www.freedawomennyc.com to shop for the latest workplace accessories and while your there check out our blog to learn more about who we are, our social impact initiatives and upcoming events. To like and subscribe to FREEda Women NYC, follow us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook @freedawomennyc FREEda's World podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Soundcloud,Stitcher or wherever you stream your podcasts. Music by: 3MBeatz

Ep. 3 Feat. Audace Garnett Oct 04, 2017

Show notes

October is Domestic Violence awareness month. On today's show, I am joined by my dear friend and former colleague Audace Garnett. Audace and I both worked in the Domestic Violence Bureau at the Kings County District Attorneys Office were I served as a Prosecutor and Audace as a victims advocate/ social worker. There is a huge stigma surrounding Domestic Violence, in that Domestic Violence only affects poor and low income communities. The reality is that Domestic Violence affects everyone. It does not engage in class discrimination. Professional women of color are some of the strongest people to walk this earth. We are smart, we are fierce, and we don't take B.S from anyone. Or do we?... On this episode of FREEda's World, Audace and I talk about Domestic Violence and attempt to debunk many of the myths regarding Domestic Violence and the professional working women. We explore why it's not so easy to walk away, what if anything a coworker or supervisor can do if they suspect that someone in the workplace is a victim of Domestic Violence, as well as what resources are available if you or someone you know are a victim. *FREEda Woman of the Week: Fashion designer, Layo Gbadamosi of Layo G Be sure to check out our website www.freedawomennyc.com to shop for the latest workplace accessories and while your there check out our blog to learn more about who we are, our social impact initiatives and upcoming events. To like and subscribe to FREEda Women NYC, follow us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook @freedawomennyc FREEda's World podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Soundcloud, Stitcher Music by: 3MBeatz

Ep. 2 Feat. Marly Marcellus, Esq. Sep 27, 2017

Show notes

On today's show I am joined by my very dear friend and former colleague Marly Marcellus, Esq. Marly is currently an in house attorney in one of our New York City Agencies. In today's society it's not easy being a professional working women. Now add children to the mix and what do we have?... A situation. On this episode of FREEda's World, Marly and I share our experiences being working mothers. We discuss the daunting task of balancing work and motherhood, the stigmas attached to working mothers as well as the challenges we face each day. *FREEda Woman of the Week: Fabiola Jean, Founder of Propelled Media Be sure to check out our website www.freedawomennyc.com to shop for the latest workplace accessories. Listen on Apple Podcasts, Soundcloud and Stitcher Music by: 3MBeatz

Ep.1 Feat. Juliana Stinson Sep 18, 2017

Show notes

Freeda's World host Ritha Pierre and Guest Julianna Stinson discuss the nuance of the "Professional Clapback." *FREEda Woman of the Week: Assemblywoman Rodneyse Bichotte Music by: 3MBeatz

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