Toya Talks Podcast

Send us Fan Mail The technological revolution isn't coming—it's already here, dismantling traditional business models and reshaping our economic landscape before our eyes. McKinsey's recent firing of 10% of its workforce, openly blaming AI disruption, signals a profound shift that extends far beyond consultancies. This episode dives deep into how artificial intelligence is fundament...

Send us Fan Mail Ever felt like you're navigating a world that wasn't built for your success? This deeply personal episode unravels the complex journey of achieving professional excellence while wrestling with life's most challenging transitions. I'm celebrating passing an international certification with distinction – an achievement that came while balancing new motherhood, ma...

Send us Fan Mail The astronomical cost of living in the UK creates a bleak reality for citizens as April brings increased prices for essentials while personal tax allowances remain frozen. Black women face unique challenges navigating workplaces where excellence is met with discrimination and career sabotage from colleagues threatened by our success. • The weight loss journey after childbirth requ...

Send us Fan Mail The insidious nature of the glass cliff phenomenon stands as a stark reality for Black women in professional spaces, creating a precarious balancing act between opportunity and setup. While many understand the concept of the glass ceiling, fewer recognize how Black women are strategically positioned at the edge of organizational precipices, handed leadership roles specifically dur...

Send us Fan Mail  We dive deep into the emotional labour often required of Black women in workplaces, discussing the weight of conforming and masking one’s struggles. The episode promotes the radical idea of saying no—an act of self-love and preservation—and invites listeners to prioritise their mental wellness above all. Listeners will also gain insights into the importance of financial literacy,...

Send us Fan Mail  In this episode, we share powerful insights on how strategic patience and authenticity can transform workplace challenges into victories. With the backdrop of recent Grammy wins by Black artists like Beyoncé and Kendrick Lamar, we celebrate their monumental achievements and explore their cultural impact, all while empowering listeners to remain true to themselves in diverse envir...

Send us Fan Mail Staring down the tangled web of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in powerhouse corporations like Microsoft, McDonald's, Ford, and Meta, we make a bold claim: Corporate DEI initiatives often amount to little more than hollow gestures, failing to make meaningful change. We dissect the aftermath of George Floyd's murder, scrutinising how it prompted a wave of DEI pled...

Send us Fan Mail The episode unveils critical insights into the obstacles Black Women face in the workplace, particularly regarding the impact of white colleagues on their career trajectories. Through discussions on a Harvard study, workplace dynamics, and alarming revelations from a BBC investigation into McDonald's exploitation of young workers, the dialogue urges a reevaluation of systemic...

Send us Fan Mail This episode explores the cultural complexities underlying the case of Marcus Fakana, who faces prison time in Dubai under challenging circumstances involving consent and legality. It prompts a broader discussion about the importance of understanding cultural norms. Additionally, we discuss the distinction between living and existing, the prevalence of coffee badging in modern wor...

Send us Fan Mail End of year wrap up 2024. Sponsorships - Email me:  hello@toyatalks.com TikTok:  toya_washington   Twitter: @toya_w (#ToyaTalksPodcast)   Snapchat: @toyawashington   Instagram: @toya_washington & @toya_talks https://toyatalks.com/ Music (Intro and Outro) Written and created by Nomadic Star Stationary Company: Sistah Scribble Instagram: @sistahscribble Website: www.sistahscribb...

Send us Fan Mail Racial abuse and exhaustion are not just buzzwords but lived realities for Black women in the workplace. Join us as we mark the four-year journey of the Toya Talks podcast, reflecting on the emotional and societal challenges that Black Women continually face. We underscore the importance of community support, vigilance, and documentation as essential tools in the fight for dignity...

Send us Fan Mail Exhaustion, stress, and societal pressure often push us beyond our limits. But what if acknowledging burnout could change your life? Join me as I share my personal journey through the demanding terrain of professional fatigue, exploring how it manifested physically and emotionally, and how a timely holiday to Dubai became a turning point. We delve into the unique struggles black w...

Send us Fan Mail Rethinking Networking and Inclusivity in Tech Events   Networking within the tech industry, especially at events targeted at the Black community, often feels more like a social affair than a professional gathering. We voice our skepticism about the effectiveness of these events and advocate for more inclusive and meaningful opportunities that align with the true professional aspir...

Send us Fan Mail We explore the influential role of Black women in politics, drawing parallels between the US and the UK. We reflect on the groundbreaking impact of leaders like Barack Obama and Kamala Harris on political diversity and leadership. Despite these strides, the absence of a Black Prime Minister in the UK remains striking. We delve into Kamala Harris's career, examining her tenure...

Send us Fan Mail What if the working world is demanding hypocrisy from you?  Let’s pivot to the music industry and dissect the contrasting paths of Drake and Kendrick Lamar. We'll explore Drake's perceived struggle despite a privileged background and juxtapose it against Kendrick's authenticity and hard-earned success. This conversation leads us to a critical examination of Rishi Su...

Send us Fan Mail Back Like I never left. Sponsorships - Email me:  hello@toyatalks.com TikTok:  toya_washington   Twitter: @toya_w (#ToyaTalksPodcast)   Snapchat: @toyawashington   Instagram: @toya_washington & @toya_talks https://toyatalks.com/ Music (Intro and Outro) Written and created by Nomadic Star Stationary Company: Sistah Scribble Instagram: @sistahscribble Website: www.sistahscribble...

Send us Fan Mail The world can be unkind, and for Black Women, the sting of racism and microaggressions is a harsh reality. I share a potent blend of personal stories and societal critique, focusing on my own experience at a swim school that became a battleground for parental rights and racial tensions. The episode also casts a lens on the political landscape, dissecting the Labour Party's re...

Send us Fan Mail Ever felt the weight of expectations tipping the scales against your authentic self? I've wrestled with the same challenge, longing for societal acceptance while yearning to embrace my true identity. In the heartfelt echoes of this episode, I share my personal voyage from the chains of people-pleasing to the serene shores of self-acceptance. A particular spotlight shines on B...

Send us Fan Mail From the viral tales of Ressa Tessa on TikTok to the tumultuous life lessons from the Wendy Williams documentary, we take an unflinching look at the importance of recognising red flags and holding true to our values in the quest for love and fulfilment. Navigating the dating world can often feel like a high stakes game where knowing oneself is both the board and the prize. This ep...

Send us Fan Mail Ever questioned the value of your voice in a world that seems to echo with others' expectations? This episode turns the spotlight on the empowering art of personal branding, and the tenacity required to purge toxic relationships from our lives. Our narrative begins with the importance of inspiration, drawing from the negotiation prowess of my mother and the legendary ambition...

Send us Fan Mail Bouncing back from a job rejection can feel like an enormous task, especially when you're juggling the complexities of life's many roles. As a full-time mom nursing swollen glands, conjunctivitis and the many hats of motherhood, I've been there, and in this episode, I share my experience to encourage you to channel rejections into stepping stones. We'll navigat...

Send us Fan Mail I've always believed that embracing your true self is a rebellious act of self-love, especially when the world tries to carve you into something you're not. This belief echoes through today’s conversation, sparked by Laura Matsu's powerful reflections on self-acceptance. I delve into the pivotal updates in UK employment law, specifically the new flexible working leg...

Send us Fan Mail Ready to challenge societal norms and redefine success on your own terms as a working mom? Buckle up as we tackle the complex world of balancing work and motherhood, shedding light on the stereotypes and expectations that often hinder our progress. From my personal experiences returning to work after maternity leave, to the guilt associated with placing a child in full-time nurser...

Send us Fan Mail As the year comes to a close, I find myself in a poignant reflection of the personal and societal transformations that have left an indelible mark on 2023. The landscape of the UK has been one of tumultuous change, from royal family disclosures to political upheaval and an economic maelstrom that has held our leaders' feet to the fire. Yet, amid this national backdrop, my jou...

Send us Fan Mail This is a Dilemma Episode. This episode contains x6 dilemmas. As we delve deeper, we share impactful tales of overcoming discrimination and hostility in the workplace. One listener shares her story of triumph in the financial services industry while dealing with uncooperative colleagues and an unsupportive line manager. We debunk the misconception that compressed hours are only fo...