Sometimes the bravest thing you can do is get your hopes up. When everything around us feels uncertain—when crisis hits or change comes too fast—it’s easy to believe that staying guarded is smarter. But research tells a different story. Hope Theory, grounded in positive psychology, shows that hope isn’t naive—it’s strategic. It fuels resilience. It builds pathways where none seem to exist. It keeps us moving when the…
Since March, I’ve been moving at a pace that only purpose can justify. And it’s been powerful. Here’s just a glimpse of the journey: ✅ I submitted the full manuscript for my fourth book, Call & Response: 10 Leadership Lessons from the Black Church—a love letter to cultural leadership, steeped in science and soul ✅ I spoke at and moderated multiple impactful leadership events ✅ I offered a…
Tomorrow’s episode is for anyone leading in uncertain times and wondering if they’re built for it. Here’s your reminder: You are—and neuroscience agrees. We’re talking resilience—not as something you’re born with, but something your brain can build. Let me be the voice on your shoulder reminding you: You’re not broken. You’re becoming. Subscribe: lmichellesmith.substack.com
Some days, we hold it together with one deep breath and a quiet prayer. Grief comes in waves, not always from loss of life—but from the fading of dreams, jobs, roles we once found meaning in. And yet, beneath the ache, there’s a whisper: You are still becoming. There’s beauty in the breaking. There’s strength in the pieces. In the newest episode of Her Next Power Move, we’re…
What is the one thing that is missing from your decision making? Hint: It is something that will make your conclusion stronger, removing doubts and making it far more satisfyingly decisive. If you want to make a decision and sleep even better after, watch today’s video to find out more, and as always, there’s some science to it. I practice this with my high-ranking senior leaders. Eventually, it…
I get asked about negative emotions often. At one of my book signings in DC, a leader told me that he was driven by the anger that resulted from his boss undermining him at work. I asked him if that was sustainable? What could be the cost? Another community member here on IG said that his anxiety had been driving him more than any positive emotion could. Well……
Book L. Michelle Smith, three-time best-selling and award-winning author renowned for her expertise in business and leadership for your Black History Month Events. She will be sharing “Breaking the Chains: Five Ways Black Historical Culture Influences Today’s Black Leader… and What to Do About It.” In this compelling talk, L. Michelle delves into the cultural roots that shape the approaches of Black leaders in today’s corporate America. She…
It brings me joy to witness leaders like Sacha Thompson thriving. In this episode, we’re discussing positive psychology and mindset shifts for personal and professional success on her podcast DEI After 5. Key takeaways: 1️⃣ Focus on intrinsic motivation and your values for happiness. 2️⃣ Acknowledge and heal from past traumas, especially for Black women and women of color. 3️⃣ Advocate for yourself for equal access to resources…
#Repost: This week’s episode of DEI After 5 is special for me. I had the honor of sitting down with my coach, L. Michelle Smith, MS, ACC, CPEC, where we delved into the power of positive psychology and mindset shifts, discussing how happiness and positive emotions can lead to success in both personal and professional realms. A few key takeaways: 1️⃣ Positive Psychology & Mindset Shifts: Positive psychology…
Today, let’s explore how this positive emotion is a beacon of strength, especially for marginalized leaders, like Black women leaders, who encounter microaggressions and bias in the workplace. Serenity can become her superpower. ✨ Here’s why: 🟢 Stress Reduction: Serenity enables her to stay calm under pressure. 🟢 Empathy: It fosters empathy, promoting better understanding and collaboration. 🟢 Resilience: Serenity bolsters her resilience in the face of adversity.…