Melanated Midlife

Dive into the inspiring journey of Judge LaTosha McGill Clayton, the Democratic candidate for the 501st District Court in Fort Bend County. Discover how she transitioned from a career in education to becoming a judge, and what midlife means to her. Judge LaTosha McGill Clayton has been a proud resident of Fort Bend County for over 40 years and is a product of the Fort Bend Independent School Distr...

Get the "Resume Self-Audit" guide: https://upskillservices.mykajabi.com/resume-self-audit In this episode, I'm teaching you how to transform your resume from a list of duties into a compelling story of your achievements. If you've questioned whether your resume shows your age, then this is a quick how-to lesson for you. Learn the five essential steps to catch hiring managers’ attention and showcas...

Are you a midlife woman looking to transition into a new career? In this video, I share insights on how to navigate career changes after 50, especially for former educators. I am sharing the deep regret I still feel for all the chances I didn't take because I thought I was choosing the safer option. If you are ready for support on your midlife career journey, visit my website: http://melanatedmidl...

In this episode, you will meet a former coaching client of mine! Angela Trahan shares the story of her journey into midlife, self-discovery, and the huge awakening she experienced by investing in herself after turning 50. Angela is the Founder of Phoenix Consulting Group, LLC, a Leadership Strategist, Gallup Certified CliftonStrengths® Coach, and SEL Certified practitioner. With over 20 years of e...

We are talking about the impact of menopause on women's health, and the challenges in menopause treatment. Dr. Anushree Kumar shares her journey to specializing in menopause care and highlights the importance of understanding the symptoms and impact of perimenopause and menopause. The discussion also addresses the factors affecting women's health in midlife and provides insights into seeking help...

My guest for this episode is fellow podcaster Jarvis Owens. We are comparing notes about the world of podcasting and all the lessons this journey has taught us. Jarvis also touches on the evolution of men and the creative aspects of podcast production. Our conversation delves into the themes of embracing discomfort and visibility, connecting with the audience through storytelling, and the importan...

Get ready to meet April-Autumn Sparks, the Intimacy Alchemist, as she explores the meaning of midlife, personal growth, and authenticity, as well as the evolution of relationships and entrepreneurship in the black community. In this episode, we are discussing the impact of societal norms, the importance of emotional literacy, and the changing dynamics of couples therapy. The conversation delves in...

Professional voice artist Ozzie Wilson shares his personal and professional challenges of midlife. He generously shares the journey of how he transitioned careers, while also navigating incredible tragedy in his family. Ozzie's journey from rapper to educator, and finally to voice artist highlights the importance of self-awareness, continuous learning, and adaptation in a changing work environment...

We are chatting about the experiences of midlife career transitions and the process of adapting to change. My guest Bradford Harris, an AI implementation specialist, explores the challenges and growth associated with leaving traditional roles, navigating corporate tech jobs, and embracing emerging technologies like AI. Bradford is super transparent about his career transitions and adaptation, high...

In this episode, you will hear from Dr. Andrea Bonner, as she shares her journey from a career in healthcare to her current role as Division Chair of the Consumer Arts and Sciences Center of Excellence at Houston City College. She discusses the impact of midlife, menopause, and the pursuit of personal fulfillment. She also highlights the career path opportunities through community colleges for ind...

I'm sharing my personal experience with menopause, discussing symptoms, interventions, and lifestyle changes that have worked for me. When I made the decision to get professional help, it went beyond just the vanity of stopping my sweaty hot flashes. I had to be at the top of my game so my career wasn't negatively impacted. I hope this episode helps you find the right support as well. Chapters 00:...

Transitioning jobs and recovering from job loss can be challenging, but there are actionable steps within your control to navigate these situations effectively. Building and nurturing your professional network, maintaining an updated resume, upskilling, and creating a career portfolio are key elements to focus on. Understanding what is within your control and what is outside of your control is cru...

In this episode, we are breaking down a simple formula to follow when you need to advocate for yourself confidently in career conversations. This is a follow up to the "How to Prepare for Promotions or Performance Reviews" episode. Take a listen to that one and download my free guide, so you can start crafting more impactful ways to show your professional value. Download the guide: https://upskill...

Download my free guide "Collect Your Receipts" so you can follow along with this episode: https://upskillservices.mykajabi.com/collectyourreceipts Learn how to prepare for high stakes career conversations, like promotion discussions, performance reviews or contract negotiations by properly documenting your professional achievements and confidently articulating your value when it counts the most. C...

In this episode, you will meet June Hudson, who shares her experiences of unimaginable loss and finding joy through personal transition. The conversation delves into the beauty of having loved ones around in the last moments and the significance of love and legacy. It also explores the process of grief and the understanding that love never dies. The discussion is rich with personal experiences and...

What do you do when your degree, your career path, or your life choices do not fit the traditional blueprint of success? In this episode of The Melanated Midlife Podcast, I sit down with Monique Da Sant-Crawford, an accomplished HR leader, executive coach, board member, and working mother who has built a powerful career by making intentional moves, not perfect ones. Monique shares her real story o...

Akilah sits down with coach and HR operations leader Tiffany Nelson for talk on rebuilding life at 40+. We unpack why many Gen-X Black women get stuck in routine, how to “release to rebuild,” and the courageous first steps that unlock momentum. Tiffany shares her divorce-to-clarity story, the power of choosing yourself, and her mantra: apply irresponsibly—go after the role, relationship, or life y...

In this episode, we are emphasizing the importance of being present during the holiday season. Let's prioritize meaningful connections over material obligations by creating a 'holiday connection list' instead of a shopping list. The conversation highlights the significance of intentional relationships and the joy that comes from connecting with loved ones. Get my book: https://a.co/d/1RGMHML Looki...

In this episode, I sat down with Zach Nunn, founder of Living Corporate, for a candid conversation on work in 2025: layoffs, DEI backlash, AI hype, and how midlife professionals can protect their income and well-being. We unpack why work loyalty often goes unrewarded, how companies use AI as a scapegoat for cuts, and what over 40 and over 50 professionals must do now to stay marketable. Zach share...

This episode is actually a reposting of my guest appearance on the Dr. Will Show, the mobile university for educators interested in edupreneurship. This was my third time visiting with Dr. Will. We dove deep into my reflections and lessons learned from hosting a live event for this community, insights from my book, as well as some overall goals for more ways to serve this community in the very nea...

Get my book: https://a.co/d/enqxBIH Visit my website: http://melanatedmidlife.com In this episode of the Melanated Midlife Podcast, Akilah Willery discusses the challenges faced by midlife professionals, particularly women, as they navigate their careers after 50. She emphasizes the importance of shifting mindsets around work, disengaging from overworking, and focusing on impact rather than effort...