Not 4 Prophets Podcast

“You don’t belong here.” Nobody says it out loud, but Black professionals feel it all the time. In this episode, we’re flipping the script on impostor syndrome. Too often, we’re told our self-doubt is a personal failing, that we just need to be more confident or stop being so sensitive. But what if those feelings aren’t internal at all? What if they’re responses to systemic exclusion, coded invalidation, and racialized bias? This conversation builds on key themes from Season 1 (Episodes 4 & 6) and recent Season 3 episodes about code-switching and new leadership models. Now, we’re going deeper into how Black professionals are pathologized instead of supported, and what it means to reclaim our narratives. We explore: The difference between internal doubt and external invalidation How impostor syndrome language masks racism and structural exclusion Real-life moments when self-doubt felt logical, not pathological How organizations can stop gaslighting Black professionals and start dismantling harmful dynamics  Have you ever second-guessed yourself, only to realize you were reacting to a system designed to exclude you? Share your story with us or tag #Not4Prophets. RESOURCES Are you a woman leader who is depleted, exhausted and looking for a way out? Check out Trenia's 5-part limited series podcast The Burnout Rescue Plan. Click here to listen. Download your Free copy of How to Keep Great People: for mission-driven organizations that want to create longevity and loyalty among teams https://www.howtokeepgreatpeople.com/ Want to schedule a 1-1 consultation with David? Visit https://strivequity.com/

Not all support is supportive. In this episode, we dig into how professional development like mentorship, coaching, and  training can be misused as a tool for control, especially for Black professionals. What’s often framed as “growth” or “investment” can quickly turn into compliance culture, performance surveillance, and performative care. We explore: The blurry line between support and supervision How race and power shape who gets real mentorship vs. forced coaching The emotional toll of “development” plans that feel more like disciplinary action Strategies for setting boundaries around help that isn’t really helpful  RESOURCES Are you a woman leader who is depleted, exhausted and looking for a way out? Check out Trenia's 5-part limited series podcast The Burnout Rescue Plan. Click here to listen.   Want to schedule a 1-1 consultation with David? Visit https://strivequity.com/   Please be sure to subscribe, share, and leave a review.

Black Leaders’ Mental Health in the Workplace: What’s Really Happening? It’s not just burnout. It’s isolation, gaslighting, chronic underestimation, and being the only one expected to “represent” while staying composed. In this episode, we move beyond surface-level wellness advice to name what’s actually impacting the mental health of Black professionals, especially those in leadership roles inside hostile or indifferent institutions. We explore: The psychological cost of constant visibility and representation How harm gets mislabeled as “stress” or “overwork” The emotional impact of racism disguised as feedback or leadership strategy What it means to advocate for your care in spaces that pathologize your pain And why real support has to go beyond access to an Employee Assistance Program RESOURCES Are you a woman leader who is depleted, exhausted and looking for a way out? Check out Trenia's 5-part limited series podcast The Burnout Rescue Plan. Click here to listen. Want to schedule a 1-1 consultation with David? Visit https://strivequity.com/   Please subscribe, share, and leave a review.

For many Black professionals, HR isn’t protection, it’s surveillance. In this episode, we’re naming the truth that too often gets whispered behind closed doors: Human Resources departments are not neutral. From weaponized PIPs to dismissive responses to harm, Black leaders are navigating systems designed to protect the institution, not the individual. We break down: The difference between HR and real accountability How race shapes the narrative around “performance” The subtle signs you’re being set up, and what to do next How so-called inclusive benefits are often just PR, not policy What it looks like to build safety and strategy outside the system RESOURCES Are you a woman leader who is depleted, exhausted and looking for a way out? Check out Trenia's 5-part limited series podcast The Burnout Rescue Plan. Click here to listen. Want to schedule a 1-1 consultation with David? Visit https://strivequity.com/   Be sure to subscribe, share, and leave a review.

Sometimes it’s not you, it’s the system. In this episode, we’re calling out the deep dysfunction inside nonprofits, institutions, and “progressive” spaces that claim they want change but quietly resist it at every turn. From the myth of meritocracy to the hollow rituals of “inclusion,” we’re asking: What happens when the mission sounds right, but the culture stays wrong? We dig into: How to spot when your org is resistant to change, no matter what it says publicly Why white leadership often escapes accountability while clinging to the optics of DEI The emotional toll of advocating internally, especially when you're met with “we’re a family” energy instead of real standards What it could look like to professionalize nonprofit leadership with real accountability: transparency, ethical hiring, and oversight Key Takeaway: Black leaders don’t owe loyalty to broken systems. You have every right to ask hard questions, and to walk away when the answer is silence. RESOURCES Are you a woman leader who is depleted, exhausted and looking for a way out? Check out Trenia's 5-part limited series podcast The Burnout Rescue Plan. Click here to listen. Want to schedule a 1-1 consultation with David? Visit https://strivequity.com/   Please be sure to subscribe, share, and leave a review.

We’re told to make it in systems that were never built for us. But what happens after the resignation, the burnout, the pivot, or the layoff? In this episode, we’re talking about what comes next, life beyond the 9–5. Whether you’re consulting, on sabbatical, freelancing, starting your own thing, or still figuring it out, this conversation holds space for the truth: leaving isn’t the end of the story, it's the beginning of a different way of working and living. We explore: The myths about success and safety we’re forced to unlearn after leaving institutional roles The difference between freedom and flailing, and how to build support structures that actually sustain us The hidden truths about entrepreneurship, consulting, and life outside the W-2 that don’t make it to the highlight reel What it means to not recreate the very grind we escaped Key Takeaway: Liberation is not a one-time act, it’s a lifelong practice. Black leadership must be sustainable, whether you’re inside or outside the system. RESOURCES Are you a woman leader who is depleted, exhausted and looking for a way out? Check out Trenia's 5-part limited series podcast The Burnout Rescue Plan. Click here to listen. Want to schedule a 1-1 consultation with David? Visit https://strivequity.com/ Be sure to subscribe, share, and leave a review.

The DEI wave that surged in 2020 is crashing, and once again, Black professionals are the first to pay the price. From layoffs and sidelining to performative accountability and shrinking budgets, many are left wondering: What now? In this episode, we’re talking about the DEI backlash and what it means for those who've built careers, movements, and entire identities around the pursuit of equity in the workplace. We ask: How has this DEI unraveling shown up personally and professionally? What happens when the rug is pulled out from under your leadership? What does meaningful equity work look like now, especially outside of formal DEI titles? And most importantly: What new power centers can we create, lead, and own? RESOURCES Are you a woman leader who is depleted, exhausted and looking for a way out? Check out Trenia's 5-part limited series podcast The Burnout Rescue Plan. Click here to listen. Download your Free copy of How to Keep Great People: for mission-driven organizations that want to create longevity and loyalty among teams https://www.howtokeepgreatpeople.com/ Want to schedule a 1-1 consultation with David? Visit https://strivequity.com/  

At some point in leadership, especially for Black leaders, the work starts to feel absurd. The goals no longer make sense. The requests become contradictory. The funding evaporates. The outcomes are unclear or ever-shifting. And yet, somehow, you're still expected to show up with grace, clarity, and measurable impact. This episode explores what it feels like to be asked to do the impossible with the bare minimum, and the emotional, psychological, and spiritual toll it takes. This conversation is here to remind you: you’re not imagining it. It is absurd. And Black leaders deserve to work in environments where their time, labor, and vision are respected, not exploited.   RESOURCES Are you a woman leader who is depleted, exhausted and looking for a way out? Check out Trenia's 5-part limited series podcast The Burnout Rescue Plan. Click here to listen. Want to chat with David? Visit https://strivequity.com/

We know the cost of assimilating. We’ve felt the exhaustion of constant resistance. So what else is there? In this episode, we explore “The Third Way”, a growing movement among Black leaders who are choosing imagination over burnout, dignity over martyrdom, and global vision over boxes that don’t fit. What does it mean to lead on your own terms? Together, we dig into: The ideas, influences, and frameworks reshaping Black leadership, across borders and screens How abolitionist, expat, and decentralized movements are pushing us to dream differently The power of retreat, coaching, and community as tools for unlearning What it looks like to build something instead of always fixing something RESOURCES Are you a woman leader who is depleted, exhausted and looking for a way out? Check out Trenia's limited series podcast The Burnout Rescue Plan. Click here to listen. Want to chat with David? Visit https://strivequity.com/ What’s a leadership model you’re craving that doesn’t yet exist where you work? DM us on LinkedIn or share your thoughts using #Not4Prophets.   Be sure to subscribe, share, and review.

“You’ve changed.” But... have you really? Or have you just learned to survive? In this episode, we’re diving into the nuance and necessity of code-switching, compartmentalization, and adaptation, not as signs of betrayal, but as sacred acts of self-preservation. For many Black professionals, especially in predominantly white or high-pressure environments, shifting how you show up is not about inauthenticity, it’s about making it through. So let’s talk about it: What does it really mean to be strategic vs. inauthentic at work? How do you know when you’re protecting your peace... or slowly losing yourself? Who gets to define authenticity, and why is that so loaded? What toll does long-term compartmentalization take on the body, mind, and spirit? RESOURCES Are you a woman leader who is depleted, exhausted and looking for a way out? Check out Trenia's limited series podcast The Burnout Rescue Plan. Click here to listen. Want to chat with David? Visit https://strivequity.com/

Welcome to Season 3! We’re kicking things off with a timely and raw conversation about the current political landscape and how it is impacting Black leaders. In this episode, we’re unpacking the ripple effects of the post-2024 election climate and what it means for Black folks in positions of leadership. As social justice fatigue deepens, DEI funding disappears, and political tensions rise, the stakes are shifting fast, and often quietly. So we’re asking: What does leadership actually look like when the external support dries up but the expectations don’t? How are Black leaders being positioned as symbols, shields, or scapegoats? What pressure is being put on Black leaders to hold credibility, carry justice, and stay employed in increasingly hostile or indifferent environments? And what survival strategies are we still using that might keep us afloat—but are slowly burning us out? RESOURCES Are you a woman leader who is depleted, exhausted and looking for a way out? Check out Trenia's limited series podcast The Burnout Rescue Plan. Click here to listen. Want to chat with David? Visit https://strivequity.com/  

Episode Description: In this episode, Trenia Parham and David DeVaughn delve into the complex issue of classism within the nonprofit sector. They discuss how class disparities manifest in nonprofit organizations, impacting both the internal dynamics and the external work being done in communities. Trenia and David share personal experiences and insights into the often overlooked intersection of class and race in this field.   In This Episode: [00:01] Introduction and overview of today's topic [02:03] David's experience with classism growing up and in the nonprofit sector [05:43] Trenia's background and perspective on class dynamics [10:30] The impact of class assumptions on nonprofit work and solutions [14:35] Organizational structure and class stratification [19:45] Challenges of working in nonprofits with class disparities [22:52] The role of funding and maintaining the status quo [26:19] Class and salary dynamics within nonprofits [30:26] Opportunities for ground-level staff to move up and decision-making roles [32:36] Final thoughts and call to action for listener feedback   Episode Links: Are you a woman in leadership or founder that's depleted and exhausted? Join me for Rest. Reset. Reimagine. A virtual Retreat on Saturday, September 14, 2024. Click here to learn more and register. StrivEquity Consulting

Episode Description: In this episode, hosts David DeVaughn and Trenia Parham dive into the complexities of managing Black staff within nonprofits. They discuss the unique challenges and strategies for creating supportive, equitable work environments. Drawing from personal experiences and professional insights, they explore how to foster a positive, empowering atmosphere for Black employees and tackle the difficult conversations around managing underperformance as a Black leader and leadership dynamics. In This Episode: 00:01 - Introduction by Trenia Parham and David DeVaughn 00:38 - David shares about StrivEquity Consulting LLC and their free eBook "17 Insights to Leading More Equitably." 01:50 - Initial thoughts on managing Black staff 03:34 - Creating a comfortable atmosphere for Black employees 06:12 - Experiences with Black staff and leadership dynamics 11:15 - Managing Black staff differently and setting expectations 19:53 - Addressing underperformance among Black employees 25:51 - Emotional burden and support for Black staff in social justice work 32:06 - Negative experiences with Black leaders and managers 39:54 - Reflecting on positive support and growth opportunities   Episode Links: StrivEquity Consulting LLC Free eBook: 17 Insights to Lead More Equitably Sustainable Leadership Coaching & Consulting: https://www.treniaparham.com

Episode Description: In this episode Trenia Parham and David DeVaughn explore the concept of gatekeeping within the nonprofit sector, particularly focusing on Black professionals. They discuss the reasons behind gatekeeping, its impact on career advancement and organizational culture, and the intersection of race and class. The conversation also delves into personal experiences and strategies for fostering an inclusive and supportive work environment.   In This Episode: [00:00] Introduction to the topic of gatekeeping among Black professionals. [00:34] David shares about StrivEquity Consulting LLC and their free eBook "17 Insights to Leading More Equitably." [01:28] Definition and examples of gatekeeping in the workplace. [05:02] Reasons why Black professionals might engage in gatekeeping. [07:53] The impact of scarcity mindset on professional relationships and resource sharing. [10:52] David's personal story about receiving support from another Black professional. [12:22] The anxiety of being the only Black person in the room. [18:54] The intersection of class and race in professional settings.[28:16] Closing thoughts on gatekeeping and moving towards an abundance mindset Episode Links: StrivEquity's eBook: 17 Insights to Lead More Equitably Connect with StrivEquity on LinkedIn Sustainable Leadership by Trenia Parham: https://www.treniaparham.com    

Episode Description: In this episode of "Not 4 Prophets we delve into the unique and often challenging experiences of Black women in the nonprofit sector. David interviews Trenia about her personal journey, discussing the stereotypes, challenges, and triumphs she has encountered. This episode provides valuable insights for nonprofit leaders, employees, and anyone interested in understanding and supporting Black women in professional environments.   In This Episode: 00:01 - Introduction: Hosts Trenia Parham and David DeVaughn introduce the topic and the format of this episode. 01:01 - Initial Thoughts: Trenia shares her initial thoughts on the fraught experiences of Black women in nonprofit organizations. 02:31 - Stereotypes in the Workplace: Discussion on how stereotypes about Black women have shown up in Trenia's career. 06:09 - Personal Experiences: Trenia recounts personal stories illustrating the impact of these stereotypes, including a notable incident with a former boss. 09:53 - Mentorship and Support: The role of mentorship, or lack thereof, in Trenia's professional journey and the importance of "angels" in her career. 13:43 - Solidarity Among Women: Trenia discusses her experiences with non-Black women in the workplace and the dynamics of solidarity. 14:43 - Joy and Fulfillment: Reflection on the sense of joy and fulfillment, or the lack thereof, in nonprofit workspaces for Black women. 18:10 - Mixed Experiences with Black Women: The dual experiences of support and competition among Black women in the workplace. 25:54 - Impact of Current Events: The impact of recent stories about Black women leaders in DEI roles and their treatment in the workplace. 30:44 - Final Thoughts: Trenia's advice for Black women in nonprofits and David's reflections on the importance of allyship and support.   Episode Links: StrivEquity Consulting LLC: https://strivequity.com Sustainable Leadership Coaching & Consulting: https://www.treniaparham.com    

Episode Description: Join hosts Trenia Parham and David DeVaughn in this compelling episode of "Not 4 Prophets," where they discuss the realities of hostile work environments and toxic work cultures. Drawing from personal experiences and professional insights, they explore the emotional and psychological impact of such environments, particularly on Black professionals. This episode is essential for anyone navigating challenging workplace dynamics, offering strategies for coping, setting boundaries, and finding support.   In This Episode: 00:01 - Introduction: Hosts Trenia Parham and David DeVaughn introduce the topic of hostile work environments. 00:48 - Defining Toxic Work Environments: David's perspective on identifying toxic workplaces based on personal feelings and experiences. 02:04 - Personal Stories: Trenia and David share their own experiences with toxic work environments. 05:30 - Coping Strategies: David discusses setting boundaries and finding allies. 07:43 - Planning an Exit: Trenia talks about her methodical approach to leaving a toxic job. 10:45 - The Role of Allies: The importance of allies and support systems in toxic work environments. 15:08 - Realizations and Decisions: David's experiences with undermining bosses and organizational misalignment. 20:44 - Fighting Back: Trenia's strategies for pushing back against toxic behaviors. 29:25 - Final Thoughts: The interconnectedness of work and home life stress and the importance of seeking support.   Episode Links: StrivEquity Consulting LLC: https://strivequity.com Sustainable Leadership by Trenia Parham: https://www.treniaparham.com    

Episode Description: In this episode, Trenia and David delve into the complex narrative of treating nonprofit organizations as a family. Unpack the profound implications of this mindset on professional boundaries, organizational culture, and particularly its impact on Black professionals within the nonprofit sector. Using personal anecdotes and expert analysis, Trenia and David skillfully unravel the subtleties of this narrative and discuss its widespread effects on the dynamics of nonprofit work environments. In This Episode: 00:01 - Exploring the 'Family' Narrative: An introduction to the familial framing within nonprofit organizations. 02:12 - Blurred Lines Between Roles: A discussion on how personal and professional roles often overlap in nonprofit settings. 14:10 - Impact on Black Leaders: Delving into how this narrative specifically affects Black professionals and leaders in the nonprofit sector. 17:02 - Personal Insights: Hosts share their experiences and personal journeys, offering valuable perspectives. 28:26 - Strategies for Workplace Dynamics: Practical advice on navigating and improving workplace relationships and dynamics in nonprofit environments. Episode Links: StrivEquity Consulting LLC: https://strivequity.com Sustainable Leadership by Trenia Parham: https://www.treniaparham.com

Episode Description Explore the intricate relationships between Black professionals and non-Black people of color within the nonprofit sector in this captivating episode of "Not 4 Prophets." Join hosts Trenia Parham and David DeVaughn as they engage in a profound dialogue about the dynamics at play on issues like solidarity with non-Black POCs, colorism, and the profound impact of these relationships on Black leaders. Gain valuable insights from the hosts' personal experiences and reflections, providing a nuanced perspective on the challenges and opportunities encountered when navigating these complex interactions. Additionally, this episode sheds light on the role of internalized racism and the distinct hurdles faced by Black women in such settings. 00:01 - Introduction to the episode's theme: Dynamics of race and color in the nonprofit workplace. 00:55 - David shares exciting updates about StrivEquity's new initiatives. 02:15 - Engaging personal experiences with non-Black people of color in various settings. 09:10 - In-depth discussion on internalized racism and colorism in the workplace. 14:03 - An exploration of the distinct challenges encountered by Black professionals, especially Black women. 25:06 - Valuable insights into building understanding and fostering supportive relationships across racial lines.   Episode Links: StrivEquity Consulting LLC: https://strivequity.com Trenia Parham’s Sustainable Leadership: https://www.treniaparham.com

Episode Description: Join Trenia Parham and David DeVaughn in this enlightening episode of "Not 4 Prophets," as they explore the critical and widespread issue of being overworked and undervalued in the nonprofit sector, a challenge that particularly affects Black professionals. This episode serves as a deep dive into the nuanced relationship between commitment and burnout. The hosts share their personal journeys and dissect the systemic factors that contribute to this pervasive problem. This discussion is essential for anyone struggling with work-life balance in high-pressure roles and offers insights into the sometimes toxic culture of overcommitment prevalent in many nonprofit organizations.   Listen Now and Learn How To: Recognize and Address Burnout: Gain a comprehensive understanding of burnout symptoms and effective strategies to combat this issue in the nonprofit sector. Navigate Nonprofit Work Culture: Delve into the culture of overcommitment that permeates many nonprofit organizations and learn practical ways to establish necessary boundaries. Foster Equity-Responsive Leadership: Explore how equity-responsive leadership can play a pivotal role in creating more equitable and healthy work environments. Manage Work-Life Balance: Discover techniques to maintain a healthy balance between professional responsibilities and personal life amidst the high demands of nonprofit roles. Understand the 'Hired to Hostile' Pipeline: Investigate this critical phenomenon and its significant impact on Black professionals in the nonprofit sector. Episode Links: StrivEquity Consulting LLC: https://strivequity.com Trenia Parham’s Sustainable Leadership: https://www.treniaparham.com

Episode Description: In the compelling season 2 opener of "Not 4 Prophets," Trenia Parham and David DeVaughn explore the dual roles and pressures Black and brown leaders face, especially in interactions with staff from similar ethnic backgrounds. Highlighting the nuances of internalized racism, the challenges of being 'the only one' in predominantly white spaces, and the distinctive experiences of Black professionals, the conversation delves deep into racial dynamics in the nonprofit sector. Trenia and David critically analyze how Black leaders may adapt their approach with white colleagues versus Black and Brown staff, navigating a complex landscape of internalized pressures and societal expectations. The episode provides a thoughtful examination of the delicate balance required to extend grace to colleagues of color while upholding professional standards and boundaries. In This Episode: 00:01 - Introduction to the season's theme focusing on Black and Brown leadership challenges in the nonprofit sector. 01:59 - Personal and professional insights from the hosts, setting the stage for a deep dive into the episode's topics. 04:30 - A critical examination of the varied workstyles adopted by leaders of color, responding to diverse workplace scenarios in the nonprofit world. 22:20 - In-depth analysis of the 'only one' phenomenon, exploring its impact on team dynamics and leadership within nonprofits. 32:51 - Discussion on the significance of introspection and the application of DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) principles in effective nonprofit leadership. Episode Links: StrivEquity Consulting LLC: https://strivequity.com/ Sustainable Leadership Coaching & Consulting: https://www.treniaparham.com/