The Unapologetic Executive

What happens to your mental health when you're the person everyone depends on? In this episode of The Unapologetic Executive , Ritha Pierre joins Jasmary Tineo, CEO and Founder of Hidden Roots Mental Health LLC, for an honest conversation about supporting loved ones through mental health challenges while caring for yourself. From raising children to caring for aging parents, we explore the emotion...

Burnout doesn't happen overnight. It builds quietly through years of overcommitting, overachieving, and believing that your value is measured by how much you can carry. In Episode 128 of The Unapologetic Executive, host Ritha Pierre sits down with Dr. Lynise Green, naturopathic doctor and burnout & energy strategist, to unpack why so many high-achieving women are exhausted long before they ever ca...

What if success isn't measured by how much you accomplish, but by how well you honor yourself along the way? In this episode of The Unapologetic Executive , host Ritha Pierre sits down with Dr. Alicia Newsome, executive advisor, functional medicine and lifestyle physician, speaker, host of The Whole & Complete Woman podcast, and author of Worthy of Rest . Together, they unpack why so many ambitiou...

What happens after you've had the courage to begin again? In this episode of The Unapologetic Executive , I'm sharing what I'm learning in real time as I settle into a new city and navigate one of the biggest transitions of my life. After leaving Brooklyn, a place that shaped so much of who I am, I've discovered that starting over isn't just about finding a new home. It's about creating one. We're...

What if beginning again isn't a setback—but an invitation? After taking a step back from the microphone, I'm back to share where life has taken me, and why this season required me to choose presence over performance. In this deeply personal episode, I open up about leaving my beloved Brooklyn, relocating, rebuilding my life in a new place, traveling for work, growing my network, showing up for fam...

This week on The Unapologetic Executive, we're talking about the hidden emotional cost of being the person who always "has it together." The meetings get handled. The deadlines get met. The bills get paid. The emails get answered. But behind the polished calendar and professional communication is a level of stress, mental overload, and emotional exhaustion that too many high-achieving women have n...

In this episode of The Unapologetic Executive , Ritha Pierre, Esq. takes a direct and honest look at what "shrinking" really means in the workplace, and why it's not just a personal habit, but often a response to environments that demand it. Drawing from lived experience, Ritha speaks candidly about navigating spaces where she was silenced, othered, and dismissed, not because she lacked capability...

This episode marks a new chapter. The Unapologetic Executive is an evolution of Freeda's World,  not a departure from it. In this opening episode, host Ritha Pierre, Esq. shares the story behind the shift and why these conversations are more necessary than ever. Drawing from her lived experience in the workplace, Ritha reflects on navigating environments where she was silenced, othered, and dismis...

So many women say, "I'm not burned out, I'm just tired." But what happens when tired is actually something deeper? In this episode of Freeda's World, Ritha sits down with Dr. Nikia Smith, a board-certified anesthesiologist, wellness coach, and founder of She Is Fire Forged, to discuss the simmer before burnout. That quiet, constant state of depletion that often goes unnoticed because everything st...

This week on Freeda's World, we sit down with Dr. Brittney Anderson, a board-certified family medicine physician and the host of the Headed to Healthier podcast. Dr. Anderson is devoted to helping busy women create sustainable wellness habits that support real life, not fantasy routines. In this conversation, we explore what changes in the body through the 40s and 50s, why metabolism can feel unpr...

In this episode of Freeda's World , host Ritha Pierre sits down with Dr. Gendai Echezona, a triple board-certified Anesthesiologist, Pain Management specialist, and Lifestyle Medicine physician who's redefining beauty and wellness for modern women. As the founder of Premier Pain Care and Wellness in Norwalk, Connecticut, Dr. Echezona helps patients look and feel their best through a blend of scien...

In this episode of Freeda's World , Ritha sits down with powerhouse attorney, advocate, and changemaker Nadine Jones, former General Counsel, co-founder of The Initiative: Advancing the Blue & Black Partnership, and a proud Howard Law alumna. Nadine opens up about her journey as a Black woman leading in corporate America, the realities of single motherhood in high-pressure spaces, and how she's bu...

In this special episode of Freeda's World , I introduce a brand-new series, A Seat at the Table . This series was born out of my own journey through work transitions, toxic environments, and the moments that forced me to question whether the "tables" I was fighting to sit at were ever meant for me in the first place. As Black professional women, we're often told to climb the ladder, enter the room...

In this episode of Freeda's World, host Ritha Pierre sits down with Elizabeth Delouis, the dynamic founder of Crowned International. Elizabeth shares her journey of inspiration, the powerful meaning behind the name "Crowned," and how her vision has grown into a thriving platform for women. We dive into the heart of Crowned International, the lessons learned from building it, and the excitement aro...

Welcome to the final episode of Freeda's World for 2024! In this special year-end edition, we're taking a moment to reflect on the highs, lows, and lessons of the past year. Join me as we celebrate our growth, acknowledge the challenges, and look ahead to a brighter 2025. Whether you've been with us since the beginning or just joined the tribe, this episode is packed with inspiration to help you r...

In this episode of Freeda's World, we're diving deep into the importance of choosing yourself, setting boundaries, and making your mental and emotional well-being a priority. Coming off the Thanksgiving holiday, I share my personal experience of opting out of traditional family gatherings to protect my peace and prioritize self-care. We'll explore the pressures faced by Black professional women—bo...

In this candid and reflective episode of FREEda's World, host Ritha Pierre dives deep into the emotional aftermath of the election results and the importance of prioritizing self-care and community in uncertain times. She shares her personal journey of processing the political climate as a Black Haitian American woman and the lessons she's learned about navigating systemic challenges, burnout, and...

In this powerful episode of Freeda's World, we welcome back Vina Morris, the founder and president of AfroPink, a trailblazing organization dedicated to raising breast cancer awareness in the Black community. Vina shares AfroPink's journey since her last visit, including pivotal milestones and the innovative new initiatives that are shaping their mission today. She dives into the critical importan...

Welcome to Freeda's World, where we support Black professional women navigating life's challenges, from career pressures to personal growth. Shout out to our OG listeners for your continuous love and support, and a warm welcome to our new listeners! This episode, we're diving into an issue many of us know all too well: chronic stress. Chronic stress is more than just feeling overwhelmed—it's a con...

Freeda's World is back after a long and necessary hiatus! In this special episode, I welcome you all back and share the deeply personal journey that kept me away from the mic. From navigating my child's father's heart failure and heart transplant, supporting him across state lines, and being there for my teenage son as he managed his mental health while coping with his father's health challenges d...

In this enriching episode of FREEda's World, we welcome the multi-talented Lucha Saint-Fleury, whose journey from being a renowned wedding and event planner to hosting a popular relationship podcast has captivated many. Lucha shares her unique insights on the parallels between orchestrating perfect events and nurturing fulfilling relationships. Delve into a conversation that weaves through the art...

Dive into the transformative world of change management with Lata Hamilton on this inspiring episode of "Freeda's World." As a seasoned change leadership expert, Lata shares her profound insights and experiences, guiding listeners through the intricacies of personal and organizational transformation. With her dynamic approach, Lata sheds light on how to embrace change as an invaluable opportunity...

Welcome back to FREEda's World, and a Happy New Year to our FREEda Fam! In our first episode of 2024, join Ritha Pierre as she reflects on the tumultuous journey through 2023 and shares her unapologetic entrance into the "roaring forties." Ritha discusses the importance of sustainable growth, maintaining the fervor of new year's resolutions, and the significance of this milestone birthday. Dive in...

In this inspiring episode of FREEda's World, we're honored to host the renowned Balance and Relationship Advisor, Naketa Ren Thigpen. Naketa, hailed for her transformative work with professional Black women, unpacks the essentials of achieving a harmonious work/life balance that doesn't just fuel career success but also feeds the soul and fosters personal growth. As we navigate the intricacies of...

Join us as we explore the incredible influence of the subconscious mind in this episode of FREEda's World. Our guest, Ryane LeCesne, a highly regarded mindset coach, delves into the subconscious's role in shaping our lives. Ryane's expertise lies in empowering high-achieving women, especially Black women, to overcome self-limiting mindsets like Impostor Syndrome and Perfectionism. Drawing from her...