The 10 Most Influential Black Women Leaders of 2025

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How Smart Women Leaders Stay Visible Without Burning Out Pg. 38

The

Most Influential Black

WOMEN LEADERS of 2025

The Leadership Power Play No One Talks About Pg. 46

The Unpolished Story That Builds Your Influence

Dr. Nicole

FORD-FRANCIS

EDITOR’S LETTER

Power, Purpose, and the Path Forward ear Readers, True influence is not merely about occupying a seat at the table; it is about changing the conversation once you arrive. It requires a rare blend of resilience, intellect, and an unwavering commitment to lifting others as you climb. For Black leaders, this journey often involves navigating complex intersections of expectation and reality, forging paths where none existed before. In this special edition, The 10 Most Influential Black Women Leaders of 2025, Vol-I, we celebrate the architects of this new era—visionaries who are not just managing the status quo, but rewriting the rules of engagement for the next generation.

Gracing our cover is Dr. Nicole Ford-Francis, the President of Visionaries in Partnership (VIP), Inc., a leader who masterfully bridges the gap between high-stakes corporate strategy and profound human healing. With a background that spans the rigorous precision of NASA program management and the discipline of a Six Sigma Master Black Belt, Dr. Ford-Francis could easily rely solely on metrics. Instead, she begins her consultation with a disarming question: “Who are you, and what is your STORY?” Through her pioneering Strategic Mindfulness™ methodology, she fuses the technical with the holistic, teaching executives that their personal narratives—including their stress and trauma—are inextricably linked to their professional power. She proves that the most effective leaders are those who have the courage to integrate their head and their heart, turning personal vulnerability into professional strength.

Sharing the pages with Dr. Ford-Francis is a distinguished group of trailblazers who are redefining excellence across their industries. We are proud to feature the innovative work of Nakisha Adams, Founder and CEO of Skribble Inc.; the strategic vision of Brandy G. Robinson, CEO of Zebra MedNex; the consultancy leadership of Sharold Palmer, Founder and Chief Vision Officer of Seven Palms Consultancy; and the empowering advocacy of Mandisa Mndela, Founder of Stand Your Truth.

These leaders remind us that true power is not just about what you achieve, but who you become in the process. Their stories are blueprints for a more authentic, inclusive, and impactful future. We hope their journeys inspire you to embrace your own story and lead with purpose.

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DR. NICOLE FORD-FRANCIS

20. Brandy G. Robinson 28. Mandisa Mndela 42. Nakisha Adams 50. Sharold Palmer ARTICLES

24.

How Smart Women Leaders Stay Visible Without Burning Out

38.

The Leadership Power Play No One Talks About

46.

The Unpolished Story That Builds Your Influence

CONTENT

PROFILES

Dr. Nicole

FORDFRANCIS I

n the rarefied air of the C-Suite, where leaders are forged in the crucible of metrics, margins, and market share, the conversations are typically about strategy and scale. The language is one of compliance matrices, key performance indicators, and shareholder value. But when Dr. Nicole Ford-Francis enters the room, the conversation shifts. The President of Visionaries in Partnership (VIP), Inc., a woman with a resume steeped in the exacting worlds of aerospace, defense, and NASA program management, begins her high-level leadership consultations not with a question about profitability, but with one of profound and disarming simplicity: “Who are you, and what is your STORY?” This is the central paradox and the quiet genius of Dr. Nicole Ford-Francis. She is a Six Sigma Master Black Belt who speaks the language of energy healing. She is a former Program Manager for a $149.5 million NASA contract who now consults on the power of plant-based medicine. She has built a career on a radical and transformative idea: that the vulnerabilities, traumas, and deep personal narratives of a leader are not separate from their professional effectiveness, but are, in fact, inextricably linked to it.

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Cover Story

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Cover Story In a world that demands leaders segment their lives, she teaches them that true power lies in integration. She is an architect of both impeccable business systems and profound human healing, and she has built a formidable enterprise at the intersection of the two.

From Space Shuttles to Strategic System To understand the depth of Dr. Ford-Francis’s work, one must first appreciate the rigor of her foundation. For more than 25 years, she moved through the most demanding and technically complex environments in the country: aerospace, the Army, the Air Force, the Department of Defense, and corporate America. This was a world of precision, a place where there was no margin for error. As a Program Manager and Board Member for the NASA Headquarters Research and Education Support Service (NRESS) OMNIBUS Contract in Washington, D.C., and Arlington, VA, she oversaw a massive 8(a)/GSA Minority Business Contact providing scientific, peer-review, and educational technical support across NASA’s mission directorates. Her work touched the International Space Station (ISS) Education/Science laboratories, the iconic NASA Space Shuttle Program, NASA’s Educator Astronaut Program, and NASA’s Earth and Space Science, Space Technology, Education and Aeronautics and Research Mission Directorates.

Her expertise in process and quality is not just anecdotal; it is certified. In 2016, she earned her Six Sigma Master Black Belt (SSMBB) Certification from the International Six Sigma Institute, signifying the highest level of mastery in data-driven process improvement. This followed her 2011 Capability Maturity Model Integration (CMMI) Level 2 for Services Certification from the prestigious Carnegie Mellon University: IT Institute. This background, combined with her experience as a Sr. Vice President of Business Development for a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) Defense Contractor, makes her a formidable proposal manager and writer, a highly sought-after strategist who knows how to navigate the labyrinthine world of government contracting.

Her approach is meticulous. “My first goal is to read the requirement completely and to create a compliance matrix,” she explains, a nod to her systematic training. This ensures every detail of a complex proposal is addressed. From there, she builds a plan with the precision of a mission launch: assessing the need for teaming partners, executing Non-Disclosure and Teaming Agreements, and orchestrating a disciplined writing process with scheduled kick-offs, draft deadlines, and the deployment of Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) to ensure every technical requirement is met with unimpeachable expertise. This is the world she mastered, a world of logic, systems, and unimpeachable results.

The Bio-Sociology of the Boardroom While mastering the technical systems of government and industry, another part of Dr. Ford-Francis’s journey was unfolding. Early in her career, she began working with non-profits and faith-based organizations, including churches and the NAACP HQ. It was here she honed her skills as a grant writer, learning to translate the needs of a community into compelling proposals that secured vital funding.

She found herself writing educational and youthbased programs, recognizing that a strong narrative and a clear mission were just as critical to success as a balanced budget.

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This work with communities sparked a deeper inquiry into the human systems that underpin all organizations.

She began working closely with the leadership of the National Medical Association (NMA) on critical projects related to minority health disparities and regenerative (stem cell) medicine. This experience bridged her strategic skills with pressing community health issues. It also illuminated a path toward a more holistic understanding of well-being, leading her to pursue certifications as a Certified Spiritual Life Coach, Energy Healer, and Holistic Pain Management Specialist. She became an experienced Herbalist and Plant-based Medicine Practitioner, delving into ancient traditions of healing. To an outsider, this might have seemed like a pivot. But for Dr. Ford-Francis, it was an evolution. She was moving from understanding the mechanics of an organization to understanding the well-being of the people who power it.

‘‘

Love your skin, your hair and your style. Create your own standard and be able to laugh at yourself.

What’s Your STORY? The Strategic Mindfulness™ Method This synthesis of the technical and the holistic is the heart of her signature leadership design: Strategic Mindfulness™. It is a Bio-Sociological methodology that acknowledges a fundamental truth: a leader is, first and foremost, a human being. “All humans have a physiological condition that is often due to the environment that they reside in,” she says. “This business model acknowledges and supports the Mind, Body, and Spirit of the leader as a Human-being that is made of those foundational components.”

To get to the core of a leader’s strengths and vulnerabilities, she created the STORY acronym, a framework for a guided journey into self-awareness.

She asks the C-Suite executives, Board Members, and other high-ranking staff she works with exclusively—in small, confidential groups or individually—to reflect on their: ● Stress: What are the persistent pressures you face? ● Trauma: What past experiences shape your present reactions? ● Obligations: What responsibilities, seen and unseen, do you carry? ● Reality: What is the unvarnished truth of your current situation? ● Younger-Self message: What wisdom would you offer the person you once were?

This is not therapy in a conventional sense; it is a strategic intervention that begins the creation of a Strategic Life Plan.

The process is designed to create what she calls “a moment of enlightenment,” a flash of self-awareness that allows a leader to see the invisible forces driving their decisions. By establishing a deep sense of trust and credibility, she guides them through this often emotional journey. “The resilience comes after they have identified their stressors and trauma,” she explains, “and they are able to forgive themselves and to move forward in a positive direction.” The result is not just a better leader, but a transformed person, one who can lead themselves, their families, and their organizations with a newfound sense of clarity and purpose.

From Ghana to George Washington University: A Global Impact The power of Dr. Ford-Francis’s approach is evident in the breadth of its application. She has served as a Governance and Leadership Consultant for the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) of Ghana, providing specialized training to its Board of Directors and leadership delegates focused on best practices and continuous improvement for the country’s healthcare system. As a Leadership Coach for the prestigious Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) Mandela Washington Program at the University of Maryland-Baltimore County (UMBC), she helps shape the next generation of African leaders.

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Cover Story She serves as Chairperson for the Board of Advisors for Popya International, Inc of Namibia, an organization that is a leading voice for mental health and gender-based violence (GBV) awareness across Africa, founded by a man who survived severe depression and a suicide attempt.

Back home, her influence is just as profound. As an Advisory Board member for the Transformative Leadership in Disruptive Times Certificate Program at the George Washington University School of Business, in partnership with the Z-School, she brings her unique perspective to bear on the most pressing challenges facing leaders today.

Her role is to address the needs of leaders navigating the trauma of a global pandemic, the political turmoil of events like the January 6th insurrection, and the economic and social fallout from corporate DEI cuts that have left over 300,000 women of color unemployed.

“Leaders are lost and fearful because our Democracy is being challenged,” she notes, observing that small businesses are having contracts cancelled for reasons “clearly linked to racism.” Strategic Mindfulness™ is her answer, a tool for building resilience when the very foundations of business feel unstable.

Funding Dreams, Writing Truths, and Earning Honors Dr. Ford-Francis’s mission to empower extends to the practical, financial realities of building a business. As a Business Loan Broker with VIP/ROK Financial, she works to secure critical funding for small and medium-sized businesses, procuring loans from $10k to $5 million based on revenue alone. She speaks with empathy about the frustrations her clients face, particularly the challenge of being denied loans because their post-expense income is too low, even when their businesses are solvent.

Amidst this dynamic portfolio, she remains a prolific creator and a recognized leader.

She is the author of “A Journey to Womanhood: Poems from a Girl Grown-Up too Soon,” published in October 2013 by Xlibris Publishers, which she is currently preparing to republish. She is also writing a new biographical work, “Big Girls Don’t Cry: A Biographical Story, by Dr. Nicole Ford-Francis.”

Her commitment has been recognized through a cascade of honors, from NASA Education Enterprise Leadership Workshop Certificates in 2003 and 2004 to a 2012 Certificate of Appreciation from NASA Headquarters for her support of the Space Shuttle Program. In 2015 and 2018, she was honored by the NAACP’s Salt Lake City, Utah Branch for her commitment to education and excellence, and in 2016, she was included in the Roster of Top Female Executives by The International Women’s Leadership Association.

Her personal life is her anchor. As a mother and grandmother and a native of Baltimore, MD, she finds balance by staying grounded in prayer, meditation, and nature. She actively combats what she calls “leader loneliness” by spending cherished time with her children, close friends, and loved ones. For her, personal success is not the world’s definition. It is “peace, prosperity, physical health, spiritual health and lots of laughter.”

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‘‘

Do not base your success on “recognition.” You will be disappointed.

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Cover Story

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‘‘

Be confident, be comfortable in any room and be comfortable within a multi-cultural environment.

When asked what advice she would give to young Black women aspiring to lead, her counsel is a powerful blend of spiritual guidance and pragmatic steel. “Pray in the beginning, in the middle, at the end and always,” she begins. “Understand that you must still be 10 times better than your white counterparts to even be recognized as present.” She advises them to work with blinders on, to develop a tough skin, and to never base their success on external recognition. But this tough advice is wrapped in a message of profound self-love.

“Realize that you are a beautiful creation and you are intelligent. BE BRAVE and be ok with your femininity… Never cry at work and be ok with your vulnerability.

Now, work hard, study and become the Subject Matter Expert (SME). Love your skin, your hair and your style. Create your own standard… Be confident, be comfortable in any room… You were trained to succeed wherever you go, Thrive!”

It is the distilled wisdom of a woman who has navigated the highest echelons of power not by conforming, but by integrating her full, authentic self. It is the ultimate lesson of Strategic Mindfulness™: know your story, heal your story, and then use it to change the world.

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The 10 Most Inuential Black Women Leaders of 2025, Vol-I Dr. Nicole Ford-Francis

Anita D. Russell

President, Visionaries in Partnership (VIP), Inc.

Founder and CEO, The Place to SOAR

www.vipcorp.org

www.theplacetosoar.com

Brandy G. Robinson

Dr. Marcia Coppertino

CEO, Zebra MedNex

Director of Operations, Coppertino and Associates Consulting Group

www.zebramednex.com

www.caacg.org

Dr. May Ikeora

Lori Jones

CEO, L’Avyanna LTD

Founder and CEO, Black•ology Coffee Company

www.lavyanna.com

Lori Jones (LinkedIn)

Mandisa Mndela

Nakisha Adams

Founder, Stand Your Truth

Founder and CEO, Skribble Inc.

www.standyourtruth.com

www.skribbleinc.com

Sharold Palmer

Yolanda H. Caraway

Founder and Chief Vision Officer , Seven Palms Consultancy

Founder, The Caraway Group

www.sevenpalms.group

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www.yolandacaraway.com

Brandy G. Robinson Founder | Zebra MedNex

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BRANDY G. ROBINSON Transforming Healthcare Through Experience and Innovation

I

n 2009, a young woman sat across from her doctor, seeking answers for side effects of a prescription medication. Months then years of unanswered questions and worsening symptoms had taken their toll. Finally, in 2021, she received a diagnosis: Prolactinoma.

However, the relief was overshadowed by frustration. How could a treatable condition go undiagnosed for twelve years? This experience profoundly impacted her. Instead of succumbing to resentment, she channeled her frustration into action. That young woman was Brandy G. Robinson, who later founded Zebra MedNex. This company arose not only from her personal health journey but also from a mission to prevent others from experiencing the same healthcare gaps.

Robinson’s story embodies perseverance, vision, and transformation. As a woman of color, she navigated the challenges of pioneering roles in law, biotech, and technology. Moreover, she combined her extensive career and academic background with her lived experiences, creating a space where innovation meets empathy.

Today, as CEO, Founder, and Inventor of Zebra MedNex, she leads a revolution in healthcare technology, bridging the gap between care and informed decision-making.

Building a Foundation for Innovation Robinson’s career path is both unusual and inspiring. With five degrees—in Political Science, History, Law, Business, and Transnational Law—she has consistently sought to understand how systems, society, and solutions connect.

“These educational pursuits weren’t just about collecting credentials,” Robinson explains.

“They were about giving myself the tools to navigate and innovate in different fields.”

In her professional life, Robinson has worked in law, education, biotech, and healthcare.

Each role has helped her approach challenges from a unique viewpoint. “I’ve learned that cross-disciplinary thinking is the key to solving complex problems,” she says. This understanding drives her ability to combine law, business, history, and technology in ways that create new opportunities.

Zebra MedNex: Born from a Need for Better Healthcare Zebra MedNex is more than a company—it’s Robinson’s direct response to the healthcare problems she experienced. After receiving medication that caused serious neurological side effects, Robinson realized how poorly equipped many healthcare systems are to support accurate decision-making. Her eventual diagnosis of Prolactinoma strengthened her determination to create a platform that would prevent others from facing similar difficulties.

Zebra MedNex was founded to address the fragmentation in healthcare by using technology to improve care coordination and treatment tracking. “Our platform ensures patients, doctors, and healthcare enterprises can collaborate seamlessly,” Robinson says.

By breaking down silos and improving communication, Zebra MedNex aims to make care timely, effective, and personalized.

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Using Technology to Improve Healthcare

Connecting through Storytelling

A key part of Zebra MedNex’s innovation is its use of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning to improve care coordination. These tools provide advanced decision support, allowing healthcare providers to identify trends, make informed decisions, and reduce errors.

Beyond her professional achievements, Robinson is a TEDx speaker and a published author of a novel, a children’s books series, and comics. She believes storytelling is essential to her leadership and innovation.

“Automating routine tasks and streamlining communication allows healthcare providers to focus on what truly matters—patient care,” Robinson explains. The platform also enables timely interventions, improving both efficiency and patient outcomes.

Furthermore, Zebra MedNex’s proactive approach to data privacy distinguishes it from other industries with significant security concerns. The platform limits its handling of patient data and uses advanced measures such as encryption, multi-factor authentication, and strict access controls to protect sensitive information.

“Maintaining trust is essential, and that starts with protecting patient privacy,” Robinson emphasizes.

“Stories engage, inspire, and connect people,” Robinson explains. Her ability to present ideas as compelling stories helps her communicate a vision that resonates with others, building trust and collaboration. Whether she is leading a team or presenting to stakeholders, Robinson uses storytelling to inspire curiosity and openness to change.

Supporting Women in Tech and Healthcare Furthermore, Robinson is passionate about mentoring women in tech and healthcare. Early in her career, she struggled to find mentors who understood her challenges as a woman of color and a lesbian. Now, she offers guidance in networking groups and communities that prioritize women’s voices.

Leadership Forged through Experience As the CEO, Founder, and Inventor of Zebra MedNex, Robinson leads the company’s strategic direction, innovation, and growth. Her diverse background gives her a unique ability to navigate the complexities of regulatory landscapes, business development, and product innovation.

Robinson's achievements demonstrate her strong leadership. A music prodigy at 12, she graduated high school at 17 and earned her college degree by 20. She then became one of the youngest prosecutors in her field and later represented an NGO as a UN Delegate.

In the biotech industry, she has broken barriers as an African American lesbian executive, advocating for diversity and inclusion while driving innovation.

Recently named a semifinalist in the 2024 Women Who Empower Innovator Competition, Robinson’s story is one of overcoming obstacles and breaking stereotypes. “Resilience has been my greatest asset,” she says. “It’s not just about surviving challenges; it’s about using them as stepping stones to something greater.”

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“Mentorship should be reciprocal and genuine,” Robinson says. She encourages aspiring leaders to build supportive networks, continuously develop their skills, and advocate for themselves. By sharing her own experiences, Robinson hopes to inspire others to navigate their careers with confidence and resilience.

Shaping the Future of Healthcare Zebra MedNex is poised for significant growth. The company currently focuses on acquiring customers and securing investment to enhance its medical device technology. While the platform already provides a simple, affordable SaaS solution for healthcare organizations, Robinson plans to develop more sophisticated solutions that leverage AI and emerging technologies.

“Our ultimate goal is to move up the medical device classification ladder and expand into more advanced technologies,” she shares. Strategic partnerships and funding will be essential for achieving these goals and creating a lasting impact on healthcare.

Balancing Passion and Priorities Robinson does not believe in a “perfect” work-life balance.

Instead, she focuses on minimizing distractions and prioritizing what matters most. Road trips, video games, going to luxury movie theaters, and writing are some of her favorite ways to recharge.

Writing, in particular, has been a creative outlet for over two decades. It helps her reflect, develop ideas, and stay grounded. Robinson also reads daily to nurture her curiosity and expand her knowledge—a habit that fuels both her personal and professional growth.

A Legacy of Innovation and Impact Brandy G. Robinson’s journey demonstrates the power of resilience, vision, and creativity. By combining her academic expertise, professional experiences, and personal challenges, she has built Zebra MedNex into a company that transforms healthcare through empathy and innovation.

Whether she is mentoring aspiring leaders, inspiring audiences as a TEDx speaker, or driving technological advancements, Robinson’s impact is significant and far-reaching. Her story reminds us that innovation is not just about technology—it’s about understanding the human side of progress. “Innovation isn’t just about what’s next,” Robinson reflects. “It’s about what’s sustainable. And that’s the legacy I want to leave.”

“

Continuous learning and cross-disciplinary thinking are key to SUCCESS.

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SMART WOMEN

LEADERS Stay Visible Without Burning Out You Don’t Have to Be Online to Be On Point Let’s start here: The real pros don’t sprint every day. They pace themselves like marathoners with a war plan.

That’s something most people don’t tell women leaders building a personal brand: Visibility doesn’t mean volume.

Somewhere between the latest webinar on “consistency” and the social post that says, “Just show up daily,” many women in business confuse constant availability with strategic visibility. That confusion is expensive. It costs peace. It costs health. It burns out your creativity.

The good news? You don’t need to choose between growth and your nervous system.

You just need a shield.

You Are the Brand—But You’re Also the Operator There are two versions of you: 1. The one that shows up online.

2. The one that runs the whole operation behind the scenes.

Too many women think their business will stop if their face doesn’t appear on every timeline. But when you’re the strategist, the creative director, the CEO, and sometimes the assistant… it’s not just okay to pause—it’s essential.

Let’s be blunt: You can’t build a brand worth following if you’re running on fumes.

Think of it this way. If you are the light, your visibility is the switch. You control it—not the algorithm. The goal is not to be seen all the time. The goal is to be remembered when it counts.

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Athena Didn’t Post Daily The Greek goddess Athena didn’t march into every war. She picked her battles. She carried a shield, not just to defend—but to signal power.

Presence without chaos.

You don’t need to explain your silence or justify your break. If you’re in a season where the energy’s low, that’s data. Use it. Adjust.

You can still lead, still sell, still inspire—without live-streaming your entire emotional cycle.

In fact, a lot of people trust you more when you show restraint.

The Power Pause: A Reset, Not a Retreat There’s something most high-performing women avoid talking about: the off-switch.

Not the glamorous sabbatical or the post-hustle Bali trip. I’m talking about a quiet Tuesday where you just… don’t show up. No post. No launch. No “I’ll be back soon” note.

You just pause.

Strategically.

Like a woman who knows her value doesn’t disappear when she logs off.

You know what that does? It builds intrigue. It commands respect. And it makes space—for new ideas, sharper offers, and better boundaries.

Don’t Fear the Algorithm Train It Let’s get practical. You don’t have to abandon your brand to take a breather. You just need to set it up like a business, not a mood board.

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Here’s how to prep for a “quiet power season”: 1. Batch your brilliance Spend one focused morning recording or writing 2–3 pieces of content that reflect your values, not just your voice.

Schedule them. Let them run while you rest.

2. Pin your presence Craft one clear message that lives at the top of your profiles.

A line that says: “Operating at full clarity behind the scenes. Stay tuned.”

That’s not going dark. That’s going deep.

3. Define your red-line rituals Choose your non-negotiables. Maybe it’s a monthly email.

A bi-weekly story. Or just a visual post with no caption.

Make it your minimum visible dose.

4. Protect your creative prime time Are you most focused at 6am or after dinner? Reserve that time for non-public work—offers, strategy, reading, thinking. Visibility starts in the shadows.

Red Lipstick Visibility (and What It Really Means) Some women use loud branding. Some use logos. Some of us use red lipstick.

It’s not about the makeup. It’s about the message: “I’m here. But on my terms.”

That tiny symbol of control matters. It can be a walk at noon.

A post-it note that says “no meetings today.” Or a 3-week break from LinkedIn without feeling guilty.

Here’s What I’m Doing This Summer (Feel Free to Steal It) No grand exit post.

No “here’s why I’m taking a break” carousel.

Just a quiet plan that keeps me aligned and alive. · I’m showing up once a week with value-led content I created weeks ago. · I’m saying no to all real-time speaking unless it deeply energizes me. · I’m scheduling deep work blocks where no one—not even my team—can reach me. · I’m letting inspiration arrive naturally, not on deadline.

And if a great idea hits at the pool? I’ll jot it down.

But I won’t stop swimming.

Final Word: Rest Is a Strategy Most people treat rest like a reward. Something you earn after burnout.

Smart women leaders—real power players—they treat rest like a pillar. Something that enables output, not delays it.

So no, you’re not “losing momentum” by taking a few weeks off social.

You’re building brand integrity. You’re investing in your long-game.

And when you return? You won’t just be visible.

You set the terms. Not hustle culture. Not some 10-step content funnel. And definitely not the woman you admire who posts every day but secretly wants to disappear for a week.

You’ll be unstoppable.

One Action Step (Don’t Skip This)

Visibility ≠ Access Let’s clear this up. You don’t owe your audience 24/7 energy.

Being visible doesn’t mean being accessible.

Being trustworthy doesn’t mean being on-call.

Being a leader doesn’t mean being loud.

Sometimes, the strongest personal brand is the one that quietly says: “I’m building something bigger than this moment.”

Open your calendar.

Pick a 10-day window.

Mark it: “Strategic Brand Rest.”

Prep 2 posts. Pin 1 brand message.

Then log off.

Leave the door open just a crack. Let the audience feel your presence without getting access to it. That’s influence.

And if someone doesn’t understand?

That’s what your pause can signal.

Stability. Strategy. Self-leadership.

They were never your ideal audience anyway.

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Mandisa Mndela Finding Purpose in Pain and Guiding Others to Their Own Founder | Stand Your Truth

28 | NOVEMBER 2025

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T

here’s a moment in life when you either break or breakthrough. For Mandisa Mndela, that moment came on a hospital bed, staring at the thin line between survival and surrender. A successful property developer at the time, she had built a thriving business from the ground up. But as she lay there, she realized something unsettling—no amount of money, no corporate victory, no external achievement could save her. What she needed wasn’t another business deal. It was clarity, purpose, and a reason to stand again.

That reckoning gave birth to Stand Your Truth, a movement that goes beyond self-help and personal development. It is about resilience forged in adversity, about finding strength when life seems to strip you of every last piece of it. And it’s a philosophy that Mandisa herself has lived, from her childhood in the farmlands of the Eastern Cape to becoming a teenage mother navigating the world alone, and later, an entrepreneur who refused to let circumstances define her.

Her story is not just about business success or bestselling books. It’s about transformation—her own and the countless lives she has touched along the way. In this exclusive feature, we step into the journey of a woman who turned personal trials into a blueprint for empowerment. A leader who believes that the real legacy isn’t wealth, but the wisdom to stand tall—no matter what life throws your way.

From Rural Roots to Resilience: Mandisa’s Journey of Transformation Mandisa’s early life, as she describes it, was woven with love, faith, and deep family connections. “I was born into a loving home, surrounded by family and deeply rooted in Christian values,” she reminisces. Growing up in the farmlands of the Eastern Cape, South Africa, she often refers to herself as a “rural girl at heart.” While her childhood carried the warmth of familial love, it was also marked by early challenges. “My parents divorced when I was still very young, not even a teenager yet,” she shares. This upheaval was soon followed by an even deeper sorrow—the passing of her mother. “That was the moment everything changed. Life became tougher, and I had to grow up quickly,” she reflects.

At St. John’s College, where math and physics were compulsory, Mandisa uncovered a key aspect of her personality. “It was there that I realized I was different from most of my peers. I was incredibly inquisitive, always asking questions—sometimes too many for my teachers’ liking,” she admits with a smile.

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This inherent curiosity, though sometimes challenging in her early years, would later become the driving force behind her success.

Before stepping into the world of personal transformation, Mandisa carved out a thriving career in business. One particularly formative experience was her time at Civil Projects. “My boss was strict and often placed me in difficult situations, expecting me to find solutions to the company’s challenges,” she recalls. While overwhelming at the time, this period proved invaluable, equipping her with the skills and resilience to eventually launch her own property development business, The Dawn Property Group.

Mandisa excelled in property development, managing numerous large-scale projects. However, life took an unexpected turn when she fell critically ill and underwent a major operation. “That moment changed everything for me,” she states. During her recovery, she began journaling as a way to process her emotions.

Little did she know that these personal reflections would lead to her first book, Stand.

“Writing awakened as my true calling,” Mandisa explains. Over the years, she authored four more books, each capturing raw experiences and life lessons. These works did more than tell her story—they became the foundation for Stand Your Truth, the personal development movement she now leads. Looking back, Mandisa sees a clear thread running through her journey.

“Every challenge, every loss, and every breakthrough was preparing me for this journey. I started out in business, but today, my true work is helping others stand in their truth and transform their lives.”

Turning Pain into Purpose: The Birth of Stand Your Truth The journey to founding Stand Your Truth was deeply rooted in Mandisa’s personal experiences. Life had tested her early, from losing her mother at a young age to navigating the realities of a broken home. But perhaps one of the most defining moments came when she became a mother as a teenager. “For most new moms, their own mother is their first guide, their anchor,” she reflects. “But with my mother gone, I had no one to turn to. I was forced to figure out motherhood on my own—through trial, and error.”

“

My child, if it is painful to you, it is painful to others too

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That period, she recalls, was one of the loneliest and most difficult of her life.

It was then that she truly understood what it meant to face the world without a safety net. And while she found ways to push forward, she recognized that not everyone in similar circumstances would be as fortunate. “That realization planted the seed for Stand Your Truth,” Mandisa explains.

Another defining moment came when Mandisa considered the legacy she wanted to leave for her children.

“Financial inheritance is great, but what legacy do we leave for the human spirit?” she pondered. This question led her to realize that Stand Your Truth was not just about helping others; it was also a profound legacy for her own children. “A legacy beyond money, something they could hold onto in their hearts and spirits, something that could guide them through life long after I was gone.”

Ultimately, Mandisa has come to understand that “even with support, we each have to face our own demons head-on.” Stand Your Truth was born to equip people with the tools to do just that.

“It is about self-awareness, resilience, and transformation—helping individuals, young and old, navigate life’s challenges with or without external support. My journey led me here, and now, I dedicate my work to guiding others toward their own breakthroughs.”

A Second Chance: Redefining Success and Purpose Surviving a critical illness proved to be a profound turning point for Mandisa. “It felt like I was being given a second chance—a clean slate, almost as if I had been reborn,” she reflects.

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“Too often, young minds are

conditioned to follow rigid structures without being encouraged to think creatively

During her extended recovery, she had the opportunity for deep introspection. “As I lay in recovery for days, weeks, and months, I had no choice but to sit with myself, to reflect, to rediscover and reinvent what truly mattered to me.”

Before this life-altering experience, Mandisa was a successful business owner, primarily focused on financial results. However, lying in that hospital bed, she had a stark realization. “No amount of money could save me,” she admits. “It struck me that while financial success is necessary for survival in the world we have built, it is not enough.” In her pursuit of material success, she had neglected her inner world, her spirit, and her emotional well-being. This neglect, she believes, manifested as the illness that nearly cost her life.

This experience compelled her to ask fundamental questions. “What is my true purpose? Why am I here?” Once she identified her purpose, she understood that it was not enough on its own. “I realized that purpose alone was not enough—I needed a vision. I needed a clear picture of what my life would look like if I was truly living in alignment with my purpose.”

With this vision in mind, she then focused on creating actionable steps to bring it to life.

This process of reflection, discovery, and action became what Mandisa now calls “the roadmap to self-realization, self-actualization, and ultimately, fulfillment.” She believes this roadmap is particularly crucial for young people today.

“In a world that constantly demands more—more achievement, more success, more validation—it is easy to lose sight of what truly matters. Purpose gives us direction, vision gives us clarity, and service grounds us in something bigger than ourselves.”

Mandisa firmly believes that “if we can equip young people with the tools to discover and live their purpose, they will cultivate healthier mindsets, stronger emotional intelligence, and a deeper sense of fulfillment.

And when individuals are fulfilled, we build healthier families, healthier communities, and ultimately, a healthier society.”

This conviction is why Stand Your Truth is built on three core pillars: Purpose, Vision, and Service—because they are the foundation for a truly meaningful life.

Building a Foundation for Thriving, Not Just Surviving At Stand Your Truth, the belief is that life skills are essential tools for navigating the complexities of the world, particularly for young people. “Our mission is to create a powerhouse of life skills that empower youth to thrive in every area of their lives—emotionally, mentally, socially, and practically,” Mandisa states.

Many of the challenges young people face today stem from a gap in foundational life skills—skills that prepare them for the realities beyond school. From managing emotions and making healthy decisions to understanding their selfworth and purpose, these critical aspects of personal development are often overlooked. “At SYT, we tackle these issues head-on, equipping young people with the tools to build emotional intelligence, resilience, and selfawareness.”

“Our approach is comprehensive, focusing on the whole person, not just academics or career skills. This means helping them develop critical life skills such as communication, problem-solving, decision-making, and self-reflection. By doing so, we are not only preparing them for personal success but also equipping them to make positive contributions to their communities.”

In this process, SYT aims to address the root causes of social ills such as low self-esteem, lack of direction, and unhealthy relationships. “When young people are empowered with a solid foundation in life skills, they are better equipped to navigate these challenges and avoid falling victim to destructive patterns. Instead, they become resilient individuals who can make informed decisions, pursue their goals with confidence, and contribute positively to the world around them.”

The ultimate vision for Stand Your Truth is to create a generation of young people who are not just surviving but thriving—individuals equipped to face adversity, break through limitations, and lead with integrity. “By building this solid foundation in youth, we believe we can create lasting change and transform not only individual lives but entire communities.”

A Curriculum for Growth, Confidence, and Possibility The Stand Your Truth curriculum is thoughtfully designed to go beyond traditional education by nurturing emotional intelligence, imagination, and self-esteem—three vital elements for personal growth and success.

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“Emotional intelligence is the foundation of self-awareness and resilience,” Mandisa explains. The curriculum helps students understand and process their emotions, develop empathy, and build healthy relationships.

“We create a safe space for them to explore their feelings, recognize patterns in their behavior, and learn effective ways to navigate challenges. When young people are emotionally intelligent, they make better decisions, communicate more effectively, and cultivate inner strength.”

Imagination plays a crucial role in helping students dream beyond their current circumstances. “Too often, young minds are conditioned to follow rigid structures without being encouraged to think creatively,” Mandisa observes.

At SYT, they challenge students to expand their perspectives, visualize possibilities, and embrace innovation through storytelling, creative exercises, and reflective practices. “We help them see that their future is not limited to what they currently know—it is shaped by what they dare to imagine.”

Self-esteem is the third pillar, providing the confidence needed to embrace one’s individuality and purpose. Many young people struggle with self-doubt, unsure of their own worth. Through SYT, they gain the tools to recognize their value, own their uniqueness, and take control of their narrative. “When they understand who they are and align with their purpose, they step into the world with unshakable confidence,” Mandisa affirms.

Ultimately, “the SYT curriculum is about transformation,” Mandisa emphasizes. “It equips students with the inner tools to navigate life’s challenges, dream beyond limitations, and step into their full potential. When emotional intelligence, imagination, and self-esteem are cultivated together, they create individuals who are not only prepared for the world but also capable of shaping it.”

Empowering Growth in Education and the Workplace Stand Your Truth has designed its curriculum to cater to both education and corporate settings. While the core principles of Purpose, Vision, and Service remain constant, the context and application are adapted to suit each environment.

In the education setting, the focus is on young minds still in the process of self-discovery. “Here, we focus on helping students uncover their purpose, develop a vision for their future, and understand how they can serve both themselves and others,” Mandisa explains.

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The curriculum is highly interactive, emphasizing reflection, group discussions, and creative exercises to encourage engagement, self-expression, and self-esteem building. They address common challenges like peer pressure and self-doubt while fostering emotional intelligence and resilience. “The goal is to ensure students leave school not only prepared for academic success but equipped with the life skills necessary to thrive in the real world.”

In the corporate setting, the focus shifts to professionals already on a career path. Here, the SYT curriculum emphasizes how purpose and vision align with professional goals, leading to greater fulfillment and productivity. While Purpose, Vision, and Service remain central, the emphasis is more on leadership, effective communication, and building resilient teams.

“The program helps individuals and organizations understand how their personal purpose can contribute to a larger collective vision, while also emphasizing the importance of service in creating a positive and impactful work culture.”

Ultimately, in both contexts, the aim is to empower individuals to stand in their truth, act with intention, and contribute meaningfully to their communities.

Empowering Families: The Heart of Lasting Transformation Mandisa understands that true transformation doesn’t happen in isolation—it is nurtured through strong, supportive relationships at home. That’s why Stand Your Truth offers a Social Program specifically designed to empower parents and different age groups, ensuring that Purpose, Vision, and Service become a shared family journey.

This initiative is structured into three key groups: ● Adults Wealthy and Wise (AWW) – Equipping parents with the tools to lead by example, cultivate emotional intelligence in their children, and build purpose-driven families. ● Young Alive and Aware (YAA) – Supporting young adults in navigating life’s transitions with clarity, confidence, and a strong sense of direction. ● Teens Energetic and Enlightened (TEE) – Helping teenagers develop resilience, self-esteem, and the ability to make empowered life choices.

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A unique feature of this initiative is the SYT Lounge, a dedicated space for open, intergenerational dialogue where parents, young adults, and teens can engage in meaningful conversations, share experiences, and learn from one another.

This fosters a culture of understanding, guidance, and mutual growth within families.

Stories That Shape Legacies Books are more than just words on a page—they are time capsules of transformation. For Mandisa, writing has never been about filling pages; it’s been about making sense of life, one chapter at a time. Each of her books marks a defining era of her journey: ● Stand – A raw, unfiltered reflection of her early years, navigating life without a mother and discovering resilience in the face of loss. ● 7 Letters 7 Years – A deeply personal account of young adulthood, capturing the hard-won lessons that shaped her identity and purpose. ● The Dawn – A testament to her growth as an entrepreneur, revealing the realities of leadership, vision, and perseverance in the business world.

“As people read my books, they reached out to share their own stories—stories of pain, loss, resilience, and hope. It became clear to me that I was never alone in my struggles. We are all beautifully imperfect beings, facing the same universal challenges in different forms,” Mandisa reflects.

Leading with Humility and Integrity As a businesswoman, author, and speaker, Mandisa’s leadership is guided by humility and integrity. These principles shape her approach to work and interactions with others. She recalls a powerful lesson from her mother about empathy: “My child, if it is painful to you, it is painful to others too.” This principle guides her daily, whether she is running her business, speaking, or writing. Humility keeps her grounded, and integrity ensures she acts with honesty and transparency.

“I want Stand Your Truth to be a source of transformative education, where people of all ages can find the tools they need to navigate life’s challenges and make meaningful changes in their own lives and communities,” Mandisa envisions.

In terms of new initiatives, she is excited about expanding the reach and impact of the movement through strategic partnerships. Her team is actively collaborating with schools, corporations, and organizations worldwide to further integrate their curriculum and help more people unlock their full potential. Additionally, they are looking to expand their Social Program to provide more tailored support for adults, teens, and young people in different regions.

Living Truthfully: Finding Balance and Fulfillment Balancing professional and personal life has become easier for Mandisa as she has learned to live her truth in all areas. “When your professional and social lives are aligned with your purpose, it doesn’t feel like work—it feels like fulfillment,” she explains. While this alignment can sometimes lead to over-immersion in her mission, a past health scare taught her the crucial importance of rest. Now, she prioritizes rest, schedules downtime, and makes time for activities that bring her joy and peace, such as spending time in nature, reading, and being with family. These practices help her stay grounded and inspired.

Defining Success Through Impact and Inner Peace “To me, success is not measured by wealth or accolades but by the impact I have on others and the peace I feel within. Success is seeing each individual positively affected by Stand Your Truth, knowing that the work I do is making a difference in their lives. It’s also about the peace I have when I go to sleep each night, knowing I’m living my purpose and feeling fulfilled. That sense of alignment, knowing I am contributing to something greater than myself, is how I measure success in both my personal and professional life,” concludes Mandisa.

A Vision for Global Empowerment Mandisa’s long-term vision for Stand Your Truth is to create a global movement that empowers individuals to live authentically and pursue their purpose with clarity and confidence.

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The Power Play No One Talks About The loudest person in the room rarely runs it.

In high-stakes leadership, power often belongs to the one who knows when to step forward—and when to step back.

I’ve watched this play out in boardrooms on five continents. The most influential leaders guard their energy like investors guard capital. They don’t burn it on every request, meeting, or fight. They deploy it where the return is highest.

That isn’t retreat. It’s precision.

Why Energy Is a Strategic Asset—Not a Renewable One You’ve been told to “show up everywhere” and “always say yes to opportunity.” That’s advice designed to keep you busy, not effective.

Energy works like working capital: if you spend it indiscriminately, you’ll have nothing left for the decisions and conversations that actually move the needle.

I’ve seen too many founders, executives, and creatives burn themselves out trying to be constantly available. By the time they hit the moment that truly matters—negotiating a critical deal, steering through a crisis—they’re running on fumes.

The leaders who win over decades build what I call an Energy Reserve Strategy: they invest in recovery, decline low-value demands, and preserve their capacity for the work only they can do.

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The CEO Pattern You’ll Never See in Their LinkedIn Posts When you study leaders at the top of their game—Oprah Winfrey, Ava DuVernay, Shonda Rhimes, Naomi Osaka—you notice a pattern: They say “no” more than they say “yes.”

They disappear on purpose.

They choose when to speak, rather than react to every moment.

Oprah has said her breakthrough came when she stopped saying “yes” out of obligation. Naomi Osaka skipped press conferences to protect her mental bandwidth. Ava DuVernay directs her focus toward the work that will outlast the noise.

None of them confuse constant presence with meaningful impact.

How to Build Your Own Energy Reserve Strategy Stop thinking of energy management as self-care. It’s operational discipline.

Here’s the framework I use with executives who want sustainable influence: 1. Audit the Drains – Track your week. Identify what drains you without delivering measurable value.

2. Cut Without Guilt – If it doesn’t move your mission forward, it’s a no. No justification required.

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3. Schedule Recovery Like Revenue Work – Block solitude, deep work, and decompression into your calendar before anything else.

4. Decide Your Deployment Triggers – Define the criteria for when you’ll step in, speak up, or take the lead.

If it doesn’t meet that bar, you hold.

This isn’t about hiding. It’s about controlling the terms of your visibility.

Why This Works in Divided Times In today’s polarized climate—inside companies, markets, and public discourse—reaction speed is overrated.

Leaders who pause before acting can see beyond the noise.

Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal calls her introversion an advantage: it allows her to hear more, filter faster, and find leverage points in heated negotiations.

The same applies in business. If you burn energy reacting to every provocation, you lose clarity. If you hold back, assess, and respond only when impact is possible, your influence compounds.

The Diplomatic Deployment Principle Think of your influence like a high-value currency. If you spend it on every small transaction, it loses value. Spend it strategically, and its weight grows.

The Misconception That Costs Leaders Their Edge Too many talented people believe that influence requires constant output. They confuse activity with authority.

In reality, measured presence builds more trust than constant chatter. The people you lead, sell to, or negotiate with learn that when you step in, it matters.

That scarcity creates weight. And weight moves decisions.

The Playbook for Quiet Influence If you want to operate like the leaders I’m describing, here’s the system: 1. Treat Energy as Capital – Your time and presence are assets. Protect them like your P&L depends on it—because it does.

2. Operate From a Reserve – Never let your energy account hit zero. Decisions made from depletion are almost always costly.

3. Define Your “Yes” and “No” Rules – Without clear criteria, you'll spend yourself on work that doesn’t move the mission.

4. Build Recharge Rituals – Whether it’s a daily walk, two hours of phone-off time, or quarterly solo strategy days, make it non-negotiable.

5. Deploy With Intention – When you engage, bring full clarity, preparation, and presence.

Then step back before your edge dulls.

The Bottom Line

This is why Ava DuVernay’s voice carries.

She doesn’t engage every battle. She picks the ones that shift the industry.

You can do the same. · Save your input for moments that define direction. · Let others exhaust themselves in the noise. · When you speak, make sure it counts.

This isn’t passivity—it’s tactical patience.

Leaders who master energy control don’t just last longer—they win more often. While others burn themselves out trying to be everywhere, they conserve power for the moments that change everything.

Your job is not to be constantly visible. Your job is to be unmistakably effective when it matters.

If you do this well, you won’t need to fight for attention. Your absence will be noticed—and your presence will be felt.

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Nakisha Adams and the Art of Strategic Influence

N

akisha Adams commands attention by operating outside convention. As Founder and CEO of Skribble, she leads a firm dedicated to empowering small non-profit organizations. She does not merely chase funding; she orchestrates strategic maneuvers. Adams understands that to carve a unique identity, one must disregard traditional boundaries.

She believes in seizing new opportunities with an unorthodox approach, unburdened by fear of immediate outcome. She views stepping beyond one’s comfort zone not as a risk, but as a prerequisite for ascent. “It is easier to step back and critique the mistakes of those who are navigating outside the box,” she asserts. “Putting yourself in a position where you attempted something, knowing you may fail, that is a success.” This philosophy forms the bedrock of her influence: a calculated embrace of audacious action.

The Strategic Genesis: Abandoning False Security Adams’s ascent began not in the non-profit world, but within Corporate America. She pursued education with relentless focus, earning a BBA from the University of Wisconsin, and later an MBA and a Bachelor of Science in Management from Cardinal Stritch University.

Her aptitude for numbers led her into the finance industry. She climbed its ladder. Yet, a deeper impulse stirred: a desire to help people rise. She found herself balancing a corporate role with her burgeoning passion for assisting non-profits.

A decision point arrived. She recognized she faced a stark choice. Her significant other, Sean Rush, pushed her toward her true calling. She severed ties with her corporate job. She stepped into the unknown landscape of entrepreneurship. This move was not a mere leap of faith; it constituted a deliberate abandonment of a perceived security, a strategic shedding of limitations. “I saw that there was a need,” she explains, “not only the need for women in this industry but women of color.”

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She understood a specific void existed. “To be able to assist an individual in telling their story is one thing,” she clarifies, “but to assist an individual in telling their story, because you see yourself in it, is another.” This recognition of an underserved market, and her personal connection to it, became a powerful lever. She seized the opportunity. She laid Skribble’s foundation.

She leveraged her identity as a competitive advantage, forging deeper engagement with her target clients.

The Unseen Hand of Skribble: Precision in Persuasion Skribble functions as a non-profit consulting company.

It provides strategic planning, grant writing, and board development. Adams ensures her team meets organizations precisely “where they are at” and guides them directly “where they want to be.” She transforms the often-mundane task of grant writing into a strategic act of persuasion.

“My contribution to redefining the industry,” she states, “is working with smaller nonprofits to assist them in their goal of being recognized by funders that tend to give to larger known organizations and to assist them in building bridges, which allows more visibility for the work they are doing.” This mission positions Skribble as a champion for the underdog. Adams empowers these smaller entities to penetrate a competitive landscape. She understands that access to funding flows from visibility and compelling narratives. Her firm provides: full proposal writing, letters of inquiry, proposal review, prospect research, governance policy review, and grant reporting. These services form the tools through which Skribble exerts its influence, ensuring that worthy missions gain the resources they require. The vision for Skribble remains clear: to deliver services that empower others to change their communities, all while innovating in how those services are delivered.

Forging the Instrument: The Alchemy of Challenge and Control Challenges, Adams believes, forge strength. Overcoming them allows a leader to reflect and recognize personal transformation. Her entrepreneurial journey presented several hurdles.

She sacrificed financial stability.

She confronted a new world filled with unknown variables. She navigated the unfamiliar concepts of entrepreneurship.

She learned to manage her time and master key business principles. This period was not chaos; it was a crucible.

She emerged victorious, shaped by her determination and refusal to yield. Her advice to rising businesswomen speaks to this: “Never be afraid to step outside the box. There will never be the ‘perfect or right time’ to go after a dream. Sometimes you just have to do it and figure it out while you are in it.” This reveals a leader who trusts her instincts, who believes in decisive action, and who learns continuously through direct engagement with the unknown. Her “seeking wisdom from others” is not a sign of weakness, but a strategic leveraging of external expertise, a way to minimize personal chaos and maximize collective intelligence.

Innovation at Skribble is not chaotic experimentation; it represents a directed process. Adams believes in “harnessing the power of the latest technologies.”

She provides clear direction. She gives “proper space for all the personnel to grow individually.” This, she believes, creates “magic” and renders a team unstoppable.

She illustrates this by stating, “Innovation is one of the core values that we as an organization focus on nurturing and cultivating. We were able to bring on COVID testing in just ten days due to the space we give to our teams to innovate and create solutions.” This controlled autonomy allows for rapid adaptation and strategic advantage.

Founder and CEO

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The Inner Sanctum: Orchestrating Purpose and Performance

The Balance of Power: Personal Discipline for Professional Dominance

As CEO, Adams’ responsibilities include creating and implementing growth strategies. She builds and maintains the right team. She ensures Skribble’s brand maintains a cohesive message across all platforms. She manages her day with precision, prioritizing client work. She adjusts future events with the same disciplined approach. When her team works on a project, she ensures singular focus, eliminating distractions. This rigorous discipline maintains high quality.

While fueling her company’s growth, Adams dedicates ample time to her family. “I designate time to ensure I do not miss out on opportunities with my children,” she states. Before Skribble, she hated missing games, plays, and other special moments.

Now, she makes sure she attends games, picks up her children from practices, and arrives home when they return from school.

This disciplined commitment to her personal life is not a compromise; it is a strategic act of self-preservation. It ensures her mental renewal and sustains her capacity for leadership, confirming that mastery over self underpins professional dominance.

She keeps herself and her team motivated by returning to the company’s core mission.

“I remember and remind us of the ‘WHY,’” she states. “Why are we doing this? I am not doing this for me, but for the organizations that trust Skribble with their missions.” This powerful motivational lever centralizes purpose, unifying efforts and maintaining unwavering quality. It minimizes internal friction, transforming individual tasks into collective dedication. She continuously seeks to learn, surrounding herself with mentors who “push and challenge” her, ensuring she never grows “too comfortable.” This reflects a leader who understands the constant need for self-refinement. She also pays back to the community. She speaks to young women about her journey, providing assistance so they can forge their own paths to the top.

The Long Game: Building a Legacy of Influence Adams aims to expand Skribble’s roots in the coming years. “I want to continue to build clientele in other states and countries,” she asserts. This interstate and international expansion represents a strategic move to broaden her sphere of influence.

Her vision extends beyond immediate business gains. She plans to start a non-profit foundation specifically to assist young women in their entrepreneurial goals. “My vision is to continue to build a legacy,” she expresses. “I want to know that when I am no longer here, I have created and left something for my children that changed the lives of individuals in a positive way.” This commitment elevates her mission beyond mere commerce.

It imbues her work with a timeless quality, inspiring deeper commitment from her team and solidifying her influence across generations.

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Nakisha Adams operates with the precision of a strategist.

She identifies overlooked opportunities. She cultivates loyalty through shared purpose. She transforms challenges into tools for growth. She commands influence by embodying the very change she seeks to create, one small non-profit, one vital grant, one future leader at a time.

The Unpolished Story That Builds Your Influence ounders spend millions trying to craft “the perfect story.” They hire agencies, shoot cinematic videos, polish every line until it shines.

F

Why We Hide the Part People Need Most

Then they wonder why it doesn’t connect.

· Grew revenue by 300%. · Expanded to three continents. · Featured in Forbes.

Here’s the truth most PR decks won’t tell you: the story that earns influence is rarely the one you’ve polished. It’s the one you’ve lived.

The Boardroom Lesson Nobody Prepares You For A few weeks ago, I sat in a room with fifteen high-performing founders. We were there for strategy, not therapy. Yet one person—without a slide deck, without the “approved” brand narrative—told a raw, unscripted account of the moment her business almost folded.

Most leaders know their résumé version of their story—the LinkedIn-approved bullet points:

But they cut the sentences that matter: · Spent six weeks sleeping on a friend’s couch to save the business. · Spent four years selling a service no one wanted before finding product-market fit. · Nearly quit the night before the big break.

We cut them because they’re messy. We cut them because they’re not “on-brand.”

The irony? Those are the exact lines that make you believable.

The Strategic Risk of Staying Polished

She didn’t “present.” She talked. She described the week she had to choose between making payroll and paying her mortgage. She explained exactly how she called her supplier and negotiated terms to buy herself 48 hours.

It wasn’t pretty. But the table went silent.

That’s when it hit me: your influence starts where your polish ends.

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Here’s the cost of staying “safe” with your story: 1. You sound like everyone else. Polished founder bios are interchangeable.

2. You create distance. People can admire perfection, but they rarely trust it.

3. You lose leverage. Investors, clients, and partners lean in when they believe you’ve been tested and survived.

Every CEO I respect uses story as a tool—not as a highlight reel.

How to Find the Part of Your Story That Moves People Forget “crafting” for a minute. Go straight to the events that felt risky to say out loud at the time.

Ask yourself: · What happened that changed the way I run my business? · When did I have to make a decision that cost me more than money? · What mistake taught me something no spreadsheet could?

Those are the points of connection. That’s the material people repeat when they talk about you in rooms you’re not in.

The Real Role of Vulnerability We misuse the word “vulnerability” in business.

It’s not about oversharing or emotional catharsis. It’s about strategic transparency—sharing enough of the truth to make the lesson undeniable.

Here’s the filter: If the person across the table can apply what you learned to avoid a mistake, or take a calculated risk faster, it’s worth telling.

If it’s just for shock value, save it for the memoir.

Community Isn’t Just Comfort—It’s Currency One founder in that room said something that stayed with me: “I didn’t come here to be inspired. I came here to remember I’m not the only one in the fight.”

That’s why peer communities matter. Not because you “feel seen,” but because you get operating intel from people who’ve survived what you’re in right now.

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When you tell the true version of your story inside a trusted circle, two things happen: 1. You get the strategies that aren’t in books.

2. You build alliances that turn into deal flow, partnerships, and backchannel introductions.

If You’ve Been Editing Yourself Down Consider this your push to stop sanding off the edges. You don’t need a dramatic overhaul. You need to reintroduce the human stakes into your origin, your turning points, and your current play.

Try this:

This is why every serious founder I know invests in getting in the right rooms—not just for visibility, but for survival.

The Business Case for Telling the Real Story I’ve watched leaders triple their speaking fees, close seven-figure contracts, and land media features—not by adding more success stats, but by revealing the turning points behind them.

The mechanics are simple: · Raw detail makes it memorable. “I was down to my last $412” sticks longer than “we were struggling financially.” · Specificity signals truth. People instinctively trust stories with dates, numbers, and real stakes. · Struggle signals credibility. If you’ve been through it, you can help others navigate it.

Your story is not PR fluff. It’s an asset with a measurable ROI.

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· Identify one story you’ve been avoiding because it feels too raw. · Write it in bullet points—just the facts, no adjectives. · Decide which parts connect to the value you deliver now. · Share it in a room where the return could be real—whether that’s a sales meeting, investor pitch, or strategic peer group.

Final Word Your polished story may get polite nods. Your real one will get remembered, repeated, and relayed to decision-makers you’ll never meet.

In business, being known isn’t about telling people what you’ve achieved—it’s about showing them what you’ve survived, and how that shapes the way you lead.

Don’t wait for permission. Don’t wait for the “right” moment. The right moment is the one you decide to stop hiding the part that makes you credible.

Lift the filter. Tell the truth. That’s how influence starts.

Sharold

Palmer The Digital Strategist with a Human-First Blueprint

“

Leadership doesn’t have to be loud, quiet power is still power, and actions often speak louder than words.

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Sharold Palmer

Founder & Chief Vision Officer Seven Palms Consultancy

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n the world of digital strategy, leadership is often associated with loud disruption. Sharold Palmer, the Founder and Chief Vision Officer of Seven Palms Consultancy, has built her reputation on a quieter, more potent principle: that the most sustainable innovation comes from a place of calm strength, clear thinking, and deep purpose. Her work today is about helping organizations navigate the complexities of the digital age, not with brute force, but with a nuanced understanding of how strategy, technology, and humanity must connect to create lasting value.

Seven Palms Consultancy was born from a desire to work differently. After a successful corporate career, Sharold envisioned a more agile, purpose-driven firm that could serve as a strategic partner, helping businesses gain clarity in an increasingly chaotic environment. This vision is the result of over twenty years of experience during the digital revolution. Throughout this time, she learned how to effectively balance commercial objectives with a strong commitment to inclusive growth.

She had developed a fluency in the entire language of digital business, from the architecture of a product to the nuance of a marketing campaign, and she understood how to make it profitable.

In addition to her commercial achievements, another current was running through her professional life. As the Co-Lead of FT Embrace, the Financial Times’ race and ethnicity network, she found herself channeling her strategic skills toward a different kind of growth. This initiative was not separate from her main responsibilities; rather, the two paths ran in parallel. Here, too, she was creating platforms and building community, only the currency was visibility and opportunity. She managed over twenty initiatives, including a landmark project that established the first Black Business Marketplace at the FT’s headquarters. It was in the fusion of these two realms—high-stakes commercial strategy and purpose-driven community building—that the blueprint for her next chapter began to take shape.

The Genesis of a New Venture

A Foundation Forged at the Financial Times Sharold’s career began in the nascent days of the dot.com boom, giving her a front-row seat to the seismic shifts that technology was bringing to the world of publishing.

She worked across editorial, production, technology,design, marketing and commercial teams, watching as the old models of communication and content consumption were dismantled and rebuilt. This early experience gave her a holistic understanding of how technology, content, and customer behavior are inextricably linked, a foundation that would prove invaluable in her subsequent roles.

During her seventeen-year tenure at the Financial Times, Sharold rose to become the Head of Digital Publishing for the FT Specialist division. In this role, she was a true digital strategist, a leader responsible for the evolution of platforms that served a global B2B audience of C-suite executives, policymakers, and international investors.

The stakes were high. She led brilliant teams, managed multi-million-pound revenue streams, and during typically difficult market conditions, supported over £2 million in advertising revenue through sophisticated commercial video and audio campaigns, which were delivered both locally and on the ground globally. In one notable success, she drove a 160% increase in product subscriptions, a pivotal achievement that contributed to the eventual acquisition of the business.

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After years of navigating complex digital transformations at the Financial Times, Sharold began to notice a recurring pattern in the industry. “I realized that many organizations, especially those navigating change, struggled with product clarity and digital direction,” she recalls. They often felt overwhelmed by complexity, caught in cycles of overthinking, or unable to leverage their own momentum.

This observation revealed a gap in the market for a strategic advisor who was not only commercially savvy but also deeply human in their approach.

Thus, Seven Palms Consultancy was born. Sharold imagined a different kind of partnership, one where she could be a true ally in the room, not just a consultant on the payroll. Founding her own company also gave her the opportunity to embed the things she cared about most, equity, responsible innovation, and supporting social good, into the very DNA of the business.

A Framework for Clarity Seven Palms offers strategic consulting across a range of critical areas, which Sharold has neatly encapsulated in the acronym PALMS: Product Innovation, AI Transformation, Leadership, Multimedia, and Stakeholders. What makes the firm’s approach different is its ability to move between high-level strategy and practical execution. “We don’t just advise, we co-create and iterate,” she explains.

The firm is also one of the few consultancies of its size that brings deep, lived experience in both the traditions of legacy publishing and the fast-moving world of emerging technologies like AI. This hybrid expertise allows her to translate complex shifts, whether technological, cultural, or organizational, into practical, actionable next steps for her clients. And, crucially, every project is approached through an inclusive, people-first lens, considering the impact on customers, employees, and the wider communities her clients serve.

Her clients are typically founders, product leads, and leadership teams who are at a critical inflection point, such as a relaunch, a repositioning, or a period of rapid growth. Their challenges are often complex and interconnected.

They might be dealing with internal misalignment, a lack of clear messaging for their products, inefficient development cycles that slow them down, or the disruptive impact of AI on their business model. Increasingly, they bring her in to help embed equity and inclusion more thoughtfully into their innovation strategies, not as a reactive add-on, but as a core design principle.

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You don’t need permission to lead or to innovate but you do need clarity, intention, and a genuine enjoyment of the work.

Sharold’s process for helping these organizations find a way forward when transformation feels overwhelming is one of distillation. “We always start by listening, really understanding the root issue behind the surface-level pain,” she says. “Then we simplify and prioritize.”

She provides structure where there is chaos and a clear story where there is confusion, allowing teams to finally understand the “why” behind their work, making it much easier to unite behind the “how.”

The Quiet Power of Leadership As the leader of her own firm, Sharold enjoys the variety and fluidity of her days.

A day might include a mix of client strategy sessions, writing thought leadership pieces, and planning the next phase of the business. “I enjoy the ability to switch between the big picture and the small details,” she says. “That, and the fact I get to work with people who are curious, ambitious, and open to doing things differently.” Seeing things “click” for her clients, she notes, brings a great deal of satisfaction.

Her journey has not been without its challenges. “I’ve often found myself in spaces where I was the ‘only’; the only woman, the only person of color, or the only one offering an alternative perspective,” she reflects. “That can be isolating, but it’s also sharpened my ability to speak up and see patterns others might miss.” Staying grounded in her values has been her anchor through these experiences.

She does not have a single, fixed mantra for tough times, but relies on perspective and practice. She is conscious that while her work is meaningful, she is not saving lives. This understanding allows her to approach challenges with a sense of calm.

Meditation has become a useful tool, helping her stay centered and productive, especially when navigating the rapid shifts in AI and managing the pace of her growing business.

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Sharold’s leadership philosophy is a reflection of her personality: thoughtful, intentional, and quietly confident.

“Leadership doesn’t have to be loud,” she asserts.

“Quiet power is still power, and actions often speak louder than words.” Her approach is grounded in something more fundamental: respect. The simple, non-negotiable act of treating people with care, honesty, and fairness.

A Different Measure of Success Since founding Seven Palms, Sharold has found a new way to measure achievement. While she is proud of the commercially successful outcomes she has delivered throughout her career, launching new commercial propositions, overseeing platform migrations, and supporting business acquisitions, her focus now is on building a values-driven, commercially focused business.

Sharold is especially proud that Seven Palms has stayed true to its purpose-led mission. The company gives 7% of its revenue to charitable causes, a tangible commitment to its values. She actively pushes her clients to think more broadly about their impact, considering not just what they build, but how and for whom they are building it. Her recent research exploration into AI ethics and inclusive innovation is particularly meaningful to her, representing a commitment to shaping a more responsible technological future.

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The Path Forward Looking ahead, Seven Palms is focused on deepening its impact. The firm is currently developing a set of digital diagnostic tools to help organizations quickly assess their innovation readiness, clarity of purpose, and digital positioning. Sharold is also expanding her collaborations with AI researchers, EDI specialists, and impact-driven organizations globally, with international collaborations on the horizon.

Beyond her work, Sharold is intentional about how she invests her time and energy. As a fellow of the RSA (Royal Society for Arts, Manufactures and Commerce), she takes an active interest in societal issues. She is deeply connected to her family, friends, the arts, and community work. She loves to travel, attend the theatre, and read. She practices yoga and plays tennis. And she has recently picked up an instrument from her childhood: the steel pans. She also dedicates time to mentoring and supporting younger professionals, a practice she sees as a way to give back and stay connected to the future.

Sharold’s final message to aspiring leaders is a distillation of her own journey. It is a quiet call to action, grounded in self-awareness and integrity. “Embody kindness, stay curious, and keep learning,” she advises. “You don’t need permission to lead or to innovate, but you do need clarity, intention, and a genuine enjoyment of the work. When you enjoy what you do, it shows, and it sustains you.” www.sevenpalms.group

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