The Leading Below the Surface Podcast with LaTonya Wilkins

What if healing your inner child could unlock the wisdom of your ancestors? In this episode of Leading Below the Surface, LaTonya Wilkins sits down with Tamala Floyd, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Psychotherapist, and the first Black IFS lead trainer  for a raw and revelatory conversation about Internal Family Systems (IFS), ancestral trauma, and what it really takes to heal below the surface....

Is HR really your friend? In this episode of Leading Below the Surface, LaTonya Wilkins sits down with two seasoned HR veterans, Turiya Gray (HR Unconfidential) and Krista Lane (HR Peep Show) for a candid, unfiltered conversation about what it really means to work in and with HR. From surprise performance reviews to AI-driven layoffs to the myth of the strategic seat at the table, they go below th...

What if the stars could help you understand your identity, your growth, and your next chapter? In this episode of Leading Below the Surface, LaTonya Wilkins reunites with identity and belonging coach Erin Corine Johnson for a deeply personal and expansive conversation about astrology, decolonizing coaching, and what it really means to show up for yourself and others below the surface. Drawing from...

What does your relationship with money really say about you — and the systems you were raised in? In this episode of Leading Below the Surface, LaTonya Wilkins sits down with financial coach and trainer Saundra Davis for a raw, wise, and deeply human conversation about money, trauma, and economic justice. Drawing from decades of experience at the intersection of financial coaching and economic jus...

In this solo episode, LaTonya Wilkins explores a feeling many leaders, coaches, and consultants are quietly naming right now: the sense that traditional leadership frameworks and learning models no longer meet the complexity of today’s world. Drawing from recent client work, leadership development experience, and conversations across industries, LaTonya unpacks what’s no longer working, what leade...

What does it really mean to be trauma-informed—and why does this matter far beyond therapy? In this deeply personal and educational episode, LaTonya Wilkins sits down with Lion Goodman , coach, author, and founder of the Clear Beliefs Institute, who shares his incredible story of surviving being shot in the head four times—and how that life-altering moment shaped his approach to healing and leader...

Show Notes In this episode of Leading Below the Surface , I reflect on the lessons that quietly shaped my year — not through big milestones or dramatic changes, but through slower growth, healing, and learning to listen more closely to my body and intuition. Rather than setting rigid goals, I share why I’ve been leaning into intentions and clarity, supported by science around behavior change, visu...

PODCAST DESCRIPTION In this candid episode of Leading Below the Surface, LaTonya Wilkins sits down with executive coach and Consciously CEO Kvon Tucker to talk about what it really takes to break away from dominant leadership standards – especially inside big-name companies like Netflix, Amazon, and Google. Kvon shares how a suicidal depression in his late 20s became a turning point, why he ultima...

In this special replay of a Change Coaches Community Event, we explore how to stay mentally, emotionally, and physiologically grounded while leading in uncertain times. Blythe Landry — therapist, trauma specialist, and author of Trauma Intelligence — joins LaTonya to share real-world, accessible mental health practices that help leaders thrive without burning out. You’ll hear discussion, guidance,...

In a world that increasingly feels uncertain — and at times, broken — how do we stay grounded as leaders and human beings? In this powerful conversation, LaTonya Wilkins sits down with Dr. Caroline Adelman, clinical psychologist, coach, and founder of Chicago Psychotherapy, to explore what it truly means to lead and live well amid chaos. Together, they uncover how chronic stress, disconnection, an...

Authoritarian, fear-based leadership might seem loud and everywhere—but that doesn’t mean it’s working. In this solo episode, LaTonya Wilkins, award-winning executive coach and author of Leading Below the Surface (second edition out Sept. 30), unpacks why dominant leadership standards—rigidity, perfectionism, and toxic meritocracy—are failing organizations today. Drawing on Chapter 2 of her book,...

In today’s fast-changing world, surface-level leadership won’t cut it anymore. In this solo episode, LaTonya Wilkins (award-winning executive coach and bestselling author of Leading Below the Surface ) walks you through 10 concrete ways organizations benefit when they embrace Below the Surface Leadership. From stronger leadership alignment and inclusive decision-making to navigating bias, building...

Psychological safety has become one of the most popular leadership buzzwords in recent years. But is it enough on its own? Inspired by Amy Edmondson’s recent Harvard Business Review article, executive coach and author LaTonya Wilkins explores the six most common misconceptions about psychological safety — and what leaders can do to move beyond them. LaTonya also shares exciting news about the seco...

In this episode of Leading Below the Surface , LaTonya Wilkins sits down with sales strategist Kelly Hoppesch to unpack the art of selling yourself without feeling fake, pushy, or “salesy.” Whether you’re a CEO, a coach, or simply navigating your career, sales is a skill we all need, even if we don’t think of ourselves as salespeople. Kelly shares her insights on empathy in sales, how to build aut...

In this solo episode of Leading Below the Surface , LaTonya Wilkins explores one of the most overlooked leadership superpowers: deep, intentional listening. In a world full of fear, anxiety, and change, most leaders are struggling to hear—and be heard. Drawing from a powerful real-life coaching session, LaTonya introduces two frameworks that will help you lead with empathy and clarity: • P2P (Pers...

Have you ever wondered why you job hop, overfunction on teams, or struggle with work relationships? The answer might lie below the surface —in your attachment style. In this solo episode, LaTonya Wilkins, award-winning executive coach and author of Leading Below the Surface , breaks down the four attachment styles (anxious, avoidant, disorganized, and secure) and how they show up at work, in leade...

In this episode of the Leading Below the Surface podcast, host LaTonya Wilkins sits down with Mel Milloway—servant leader, learning experience designer, and Co-Founder of This Side Up —to explore how AI and emerging learning technologies are reshaping leadership, learning, and performance. Mel shares how leaders and learning professionals can stay ahead of the curve by upskilling with digital tool...

Episode Summary: Dive into the science and soul of leadership in this inspiring episode of the Leading Below the Surface podcast! Host LaTonya Wilkins welcomes Megan Dittman , Co-Founder of Front Goose Wellbeing®, to explore what it really means to lead with wellbeing—and why this summer is the perfect time to reset. Megan brings over 20 years of corporate HR experience and a deep foundation in ho...

In this enlightening dialogue, LaTonya and Austin explore how outdated societal expectations have impacted men’s well-being, relationships, and leadership effectiveness. Austin shares his journey from corporate consulting to coaching men of color and explains why spaces like The Man Cave are essential today. The conversation digs into topics like emotional regulation, stonewalling, unconscious bel...

Dive into the challenging realities of inclusive leadership in this powerful episode of the Leading Below the Surface podcast! Host LaTonya Wilkins welcomes psychologist and author Nadia Nagamootoo to discuss her groundbreaking book "Beyond Discomfort: Why Inclusive Leadership is so Hard. Episode Summary: In this thought-provoking conversation, LaTonya and Nadia explore why inclusion goes far beyo...

In this episode, we feature a special webinar recording where LaTonya Wilkins, award-winning executive coach and author, introduces Coaching Below the Surface , an ICF-approved coach training program launching in July 2025. This initiative outlines a fresh approach to coaching, emphasizing connection across differences and creating psychological safety in coaching relationships. In Episode 49 , we...

In this episode of Leading Below the Surface, LaTonya Wilkins speaks with communications expert Debra Roberts about how her relationship with social media has evolved. Discover Debra's journey from being a private person to embracing social platforms as essential tools for her business growth, and learn valuable insights for navigating your own online presence. What You'll Learn: ​How to transitio...

Is your mindset feeling off, but you don't really know why? In this episode, LaTonya Wilkins shares 8 actionable ways to upgrade your leadership mindset and thrive in today's rapidly changing world. She dives into the importance of self-awareness and emotional intelligence, exploring how recognizing triggers and managing emotions can guide decisions and improve relationships. LaTonya also discusse...

In this episode of Leading Below the Surface, LaTonya Wilkins speaks with trauma coach Blythe Landry about how trauma affects leadership. Discover how unresolved trauma can lead to authoritarian or avoidant leadership styles and what you can do to create a more supportive and effective work environment. What You'll Learn: How trauma impacts leadership styles The difference between avoidant and...

Join me, LaTonya Wilkins, on the Leading Below the Surface podcast as I chat with Sabrina Creighton, a Change Coaches Coach partner, about navigating unexpected life changes, including divorce and personal growth. In this episode, we delve into the challenges of dealing with grief, managing transitions, and the importance of community support. We share personal stories, tools, and resources to hel...