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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. 60: #Canceriscancelled! Fighting Cancer and Loving Life With Jaymie Bowles Oct 30, 2019

Show notes

Cancer. It sucks, and more and more young professional women of color are being diagnosed at rapid rates. Unfortunately due to the high cost of medications, the overall cost of living, those afflicted are still forced to hustle and bustle in the workplace.

This week I have the pleasure of bringing on my dear friend and past FREEda Woman of the month, Jaymie Bowles. Jaymie is a cancer warrior currently fighting stage 4 lung cancer. She is a 9-5er and on the side she owns and operates her radio station, WJMS radio.

I have heard of positive people, but Jaymie tips the cake. Tune in as she shares her story on how she is able to remain positive and still be out here working essentially two jobs while fighting cancer. Jaymie's story is nothing short of inspirational and whether you are someone who has been recently diagnosed with a horrible disease, or you just need inspiration to continue moving forward in your daily life, this episode will surely give you the boost you need!

Social Media:

@just_jams

@wjmsradio

@lungcancerresearchfoundation

@freedas_world

*FREEda's World is available everywhere you enjoy your podcasts! Please remember to subscribe, rate and review! To signup for our newsletter, visit our website at www.freedasworld.com.

Ep. 59: Single Black Women and Adoption: A Conversation With Author Nefertiti Austin Oct 23, 2019

Show notes

Motherhood. It is something that most women want to experience at some point in their life. The older we get, the more that desire deepens. Unfortunately for most women, the prospect of finding a decent man to procreate with is very slim. Dating in 2019 is a national crisis, leaving many smart, educated women of color wondering if they will enjoy the journey of motherhood.

This week, I have the pleasure of speaking with Nefertiti Austin, author of the recently published book "Motherhood So White: A Memoir of Race, Gender and Parenting in America." In this book, Nefertiti examines adoption and child-rearing as a single black woman confronting gender and racial bias.

I know that in this stage of the game, many of you are considering motherhood but are feeling discouraged because you are single and believe that you cannot possibly do it on your own. This episode is for you! Tune in to hear how Nefertiti embarked on her journey to motherhood as a working, educated, single, black, women, with perfectly good eggs.

Links to book:

Motherhood So White. Available on Amazon

Social Media:

@iamnefertitiaustin

@freedas_world

*FREEd'as World podcast is available on Apple, SoundCloud, Spotify and everywhere you enjoy your podcast!

*Don't forget to rate subscribe and review and sign up for our mailing list on www.freedasworld.com

Ep. 58: It's Just Emotions! Check Yourself Before You Reck Yourself! Oct 16, 2019

Show notes

In the words of Destiny's Child "It's just emotion taken me over..." (I would continue on with the lyrics but they don't apply here). But I digress. Emotion is a powerful thing. Emotions can take you from zero to 100 real quick. Emotions are a necessary part of life because they help us communicate with one another.

But when emotions go unchecked, when we let them get out of control, they can be the cause of our downfall. A simple misunderstanding or lack of communication can then be escalated to a discipline or worse.

On today's episode I talk about how not to let emotions get the best of you in the workplace. It is not easy cause these colleagues be wildin out. But there are a few things you can do to check your emotions and prevent yourselves from losing your job due to a quick turn up. There is no such thing as a quick turn up at work. In the end you may still have your job, but your reputation maybe forever tarnished. I have had to learn myself that sometimes you just have to take a moment, breathe, assess the situation and then respond accordingly.

How do you check your emotions at work? Feel free to comment!

Social Media:

@freedasworld

*FREEda's World Podcast is available everywhere you enjoy your podcasts! Be sure to rate subscribe and review. Also be sure to check out our website, www.freedasworld.com and join ur mailing list!

Ep. 57: What is a FREEda Woman? The FREEda Principles Explained Oct 09, 2019

Show notes

Each and every week, as part of my intro I tell you all that "we'll help you navigate your personal and professional life the FREEda way. If you haven't followed this platform from the beginning, you have probably been wondering what exactly is the FREEda way?

Well, today I explain the concept from its inception as well as why these principles are so necessary for our survival as professional working women of color.

F= Fierce

R= Resilient

E= Empowered

E= Erudite

D= Daring

A= Ambitious

Make sure you tune in to hear all about how you too can be a FREEda Woman.

Social Media:

@freedas_world

@freedawomennyc

*Don't forget to subscribe, rate and review!

*To learn about the latest happenings, sign up for our mailing list at www.freedasworld.com

Ep.56: Black Girl Scientist! A Conversation With Dr. Stacia Nicholson Oct 02, 2019

Show notes

#Blackgirlmagic is in full effect! When you think about the workplace, most of us imagine an office setting with a desk, computer, chairs, cubicles, water cooler, conference rooms, printing machines, loads of paper work etc. We usually think corporate, or government. We tend to think, lawyer, social worker, teacher.

Well today, we are putting the focus on our sisters in science. This week I have the pleasure of talking with Dr. Stacia Nicholson, PHd. Stacia is a real scientist who recently completed her PHd. in toxicology. She is also the founder of Aliquot The Science Spot, a website where she educates people on current issues in science.

There are so many preconceived notions as to what a scientist is, and what a scientist looks like. Tune in as Dr. Stacia talks about her experience being a woman of color in science and the many challenges she faced getting to the PHd. After talking to Stacia, it is very clear that the struggle is real for all of us women of color, regardless of your discipline. Whether your office is made of 100 employees or 2 employees, the challenges are still very present.

Social Media Mentions:

@aliquotthesciencespot

@stjohnsu

*FREEda's World is available everywhere you enjoy your podcasts!

*Don't forget to rate subscribe and review! Be sure to visit our website, www.freedasworld.com and subscribe to our email list!

Ep. 55: A Conversation with Theodora Ulysse, Founder of Women and Company Sep 25, 2019

Show notes

This week I have the pleasure of interviewing a dynamic young woman by the name of Theodora Ulysse who is the founder of Women and Company, a platform that sets out to redefine society one conversation at a time.

Theodora, who also goes by the name Theddy, will talk about her very unique journey and further discuss what led her to creating Women and Company. You certainly do not want to miss this episode!

Social Media Mentions:

@Theddysjourney

@womenandcompany

@freedas_world

@stjohnsu

*FREEda's World is available everywhere you enjoy your podcasts. Don't forget to subscribe, rate and review!

*Be sure to visit our website at www.freedasworld.com and signup to receive our newsletter!

Ep. 54: Featuring Julia Cenatus Sep 18, 2019

Show notes

Happy Wednesday Tribe! This week I am talking with my dear friend and staunch supporter Julia Cenatus! Julia and I grew up together in the church and after all these years, I recently found out that she is a blogger!

In March of 2019, I was honored to be featured on Julias blog "Check It Out By Jules". On this episode Julia shares with us her journey to blogging while being a 9-5er and how it all got started. Interestingly enough, it was a workplace issue that jumpstarted her blogging career! You don't say... Lol. It is funny how adversity brings forth talents we didn't even know we had.

Julia has taken her craft to the next level by providing the community with meaningful reviews of her experiences attending black curated events, shopping at black owned companies and more. What sets Julia's blog apart from the others is that she shares her authentic experience from the moment she enters the building to the second she walks out of the door, thus creating a narrative for those of us needing to know all the deets before we engage. What a time saver! If you are busy like me, we don't always have time for surprises!

So make sure to tune and learn all about Julia and her blog "Check It Out By Jules" which can be found at www.checkitoutbyjules.wordpress.com

Listen on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Google Play and more! Don't forget to subscribe, rate and review!

Social Media Mentions:

@msjulez12

@thehoneypotco

@yellebeauty

@blushedbynaomie

Ep. 53: Free Your Mind and the Rest Will Follow Sep 11, 2019

Show notes

I think I'm certainly showing my age by the title of this week's episode but En Vogue certainly was on to something. On today's episode I talk about non-conformity and how it is ok to go against the grain.

For those of us in our thirties and beyond, it is so easy to find ourselves doing things that we honestly don't want to do, or engaging in things we can careless about. This can be anything from accepting a role at work that everyone thinks you should accept but you yourself know that it isn't the right move for you. It can be succumbing to societal pressures of marriage and children when all you truly want to do is focus on your career. It can also be intentionally dimming your light in the workplace, because the culture dictates that you keep your head down and stay under the radar.

In order for we as women of color to truly develop into the individuals we were meant to become, we have to resist the urge to conform. We have to free our minds from the noise of friends, family society and really dig in to ourselves to determine what it is that we truly want. If what you want goes against the grain, then so be it. Take a stance. Be comfortable with your stance and live your life in the way that is best suited for you and your circumstances. Free your mind, and the rest will follow...

*Please remember to rate, subscribe and review! FREEda's World is available everywhere you enjoy your podcasts!

*Don't forget to check out our new website www.freedasworld.com and follow isn't on IG @freedas_world

Ep. 52: Conversation with Marjorie Vail. Former Mrs. New York International Aug 28, 2019

Show notes

On this episode of FREEda's World, I am speaking with the amazing Marjorie Vail! Aside from being my spirit animal, she is also a Haitian sista!

Marjorie forayed into the pageant world in her mid-thirties but has been enjoying it ever since. Her belief is that pageantry can be a great way to promote and bring awareness to a cause and not just about what is on the contestant's surface. Marjorie had the honor of being Mrs. New York International 2015 where she used her reign to further promote Stillbirth Awareness. Personally affected by stillbirth, losing a son 15 years ago, Marjorie fell into depression for a while and found that volunteering and serving others was what saved her life and sanity. Marjorie holds a MA in Childhood Education from New York University (NYU) and MS in School Counseling from Alfred University. She has been in the field of education for over 15 years. Currently, Marjorie is a Literacy Coach at a Title I school in Brooklyn, NY. Marjorie currently lives in Brooklyn with her husband Roman of 17 years and their son. There is a lot of gem dropping going on in this episode. You don't want to miss it. Social Medial Mentions: @marjorievail @freedas_world @newyorkcares New website Alert: Check out the New FREEda's World website at www.freedasworld.com and be sure to subscribe to the email list! *FREEda's World is available everywhere you enjoy your podcasts. Don't forget to subscribe, rate and review!

Ep. 51: The Importance of Women of Color in Career Services Aug 21, 2019

Show notes

Think back to that time you were in undergrad or grad school. Do you remember your advisor? Was your advisor a person of color? Better yet, was your advisor a woman of color? Did you feel connected to your advisor? Do you feel as if they prepared you for the workforce?

If I had to guess, I would say that many of you did not have an advisor who was a woman of color at your college or university campus. And although most of us ventured off to meaningful careers, we would have appreciated a little more preparation of what to expect in the real world.

It is imperative that our future professionals be prepared for the professional world. It is important that they know what's up. For me personally, I think about how much further I would be if I had a sista sit me down and give me the real tea as to what actually happens in the workplace. If I was just given a little more guidance as to how to manage expectations, how to work with superiors, how to hold my own. I would be SO much further.

Now of course, I appreciate the struggles of the past because they have strengthened me for the future. But still you know what I mean. This week I am joined by Jennille Cineas, LMSW. She is a licensed social worker, professor, student advisor and the owner of Klips Haircare. On today's show, Jennille will talk about her role as an advisor and how this role is critical in shaping the future of the professional world.

Social Media Mentions:

@Klipshaircare

@freedas_world

*FREEda's World is available everywhere you enjoy your podcasts.

*Don't forget to subcribe, rate and review!

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