In this candid and often hilarious episode, Liz and Kere respond to a letter from a white female leader who wants to better support the Black women on her team but worries that her efforts sometimes come across as tone-deaf or performative. Together, they unpack the difference between intention and impact, what authentic allyship actually looks like, and how leaders can create meaningful support without centering themselves in the conversation.

Along the way, Liz and Kere share real workplace stories, discuss sponsorship versus performative advocacy, and explain why listening may be the most powerful leadership skill of all.

Then, things take a turn as they dive into a spirited Top 10 list exploring why they may never attend "the cookout"—a funny but thought-provoking conversation about cultural spaces, belonging, allyship, and who gets invited.

This episode blends practical leadership advice, workplace wisdom, cultural commentary, and plenty of laughs.

⏱️ Timestamps

0:00 Welcome to Just Us with Liz & Kere

0:09 Why Liz is repping UVA and the connection to allyship

2:41 Just Us merchandise spotlight

3:17 Read Out Letter: "Trying But Still Learning"

3:37 A leader wants to be a better ally but keeps missing the mark

5:02 Why intention and impact are not the same thing

7:16 The questions every ally should ask themselves

8:22 The simplest allyship advice: treat people like people

9:13 Why cultural performativity misses the point

10:03 The workplace story that explains accidental othering

12:19 Human-to-human conversations vs. racializing every interaction

13:32 Sponsorship, advocacy, and using your influence wisely

14:57 Why Black employees are not your cultural classroom

16:22 The awkward questions people really ask

18:58 Curiosity, sincerity, and creating safe conversations

21:38 How to ask questions without putting people on the spot

23:10 What authentic allyship actually looks like

25:27 Listening without trying to make someone else's experience your own

26:30 The difference between performative and meaningful support

27:22 Ask yourself: Am I helping or trying to be seen helping?

28:07 Why genuine allies matter

Top 10: Reasons Kere Isn't Going to the Cookout

29:00 The "Cookout" conversation begins

33:22 #10 – We don't know who's going to be there

34:15 #9 – Who made the potato salad?

35:02 #8 – The cookout isn't a fashion show

36:29 #7 – Somebody's going to get cussed out

37:09 #6 – It's too hot outside

38:47 #5 – Somebody brought Baby's Kids

40:12 #4 – The parking situation is unacceptable

41:36 #3 – If the Ques aren't making the chicken, why are we here?

44:18 #2 – The cookout has become too gentrified

47:51 #1 – The cookout isn't even real

51:35 Why allyship and inclusion still matter

52:13 Progress only happens when people work together

55:24 Final thoughts and episode wrap-up

Attorney General Davenport discusses the values that inspired her career in public service, her priorities for New Jersey, and how her office is addressing issues ranging from gun violence and human trafficking to consumer protection, civil rights, and affordability. She also shares her perspective on allyship, community engagement, and the importance of listening before leading.

The conversation explores the realities of balancing a demanding career with family life, why giving yourself grace matters, and how authentic leadership can help build trust across communities. Plus, Jennifer joins Liz and Kere for a fun New Jersey-themed edition of Boss It or Toss It featuring Parkway vs. Turnpike, Pork Roll vs. Taylor Ham, and the debate over whether Central Jersey really exists.

If you're interested in leadership, public service, advocacy, or creating positive change in your community, this episode delivers valuable insights and practical wisdom from one of New Jersey's most influential public servants.

⏱️ Timestamps

0:00 Welcome to Part 2 of the live D9 in Trenton podcast

0:39 Introducing New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport

2:24 Making history with her first podcast appearance

3:05 What inspired her career in public service

3:23 Growing up in Wildwood and learning service from family

4:58 Why civic engagement starts at home

5:35 The Attorney General's priorities for New Jersey

6:57 Defining public safety beyond crime and violence

7:44 New Jersey's approach to reducing gun violence

8:56 Combatting human trafficking and protecting survivors

9:48 Protecting children online and offline

10:34 Consumer protection, affordability, and fighting fraud

11:32 Defending New Jersey's rights and interests

12:34 How the Attorney General's Office and the Divine Nine can work together

13:40 The importance of community engagement and listening

16:45 Balancing leadership, family, and public service

17:17 Why "I don't do it all" is an honest answer

18:12 The power of community, support systems, and giving yourself grace

20:15 Allyship, advocacy, and supporting Black and Brown communities

21:05 Lessons learned from the Selma commemoration

22:29 What authentic allyship looks like in practice

24:53 Final reflections on leadership, trust, and public service

27:49 Boss It or Toss It: Public Service Edition

28:24 Letter of the Law vs. Spirit of the Law

29:36 Early Mornings vs. Late-Night Strategy Sessions

30:02 Group Chats, Phone Calls, and Workplace Communication

30:12 Coffee, Tea, or Diet Coke?

31:06 Pork Roll vs. Taylor Ham

31:28 Parkway vs. Turnpike

31:47 Eagles, Giants, Jets, and New Jersey sports loyalties

32:25 Jersey Devil vs. State Bird

32:41 Is Central Jersey a real place?

32:59 Closing remarks and thank you to D9 in Trenton

Tahesha shares how a life-changing health crisis shaped her commitment to public service, the lessons she learned from her parents' example of service, and what it means to be "the first" while ensuring you're not the last. She also discusses the role of the Divine Nine in civic engagement, balancing family and leadership, and why showing yourself grace is one of the most important leadership skills of all.

Plus, stay tuned for a hilarious New Jersey-themed edition of Boss It or Toss It featuring Taylor Ham vs. Pork Roll, Turnpike vs. Parkway, and more!

Whether you're navigating corporate spaces, public service, or community leadership, this episode is packed with wisdom, inspiration, and practical takeaways.

⏱️ Timestamps

0:00 Welcome to the first-ever live taping of Just Us with Liz & Kere at D9 in Trenton

2:17 What is D9 in Trenton and why it matters

3:49 The origin story behind D9 in Trenton

5:02 The 2026 advocacy agenda: voting rights, housing justice & healthcare transparency

6:27 Introducing former Lt. Governor Tahesha Way

9:00 Tahesha's journey into public service

10:03 Lessons learned from parents who served their communities

11:35 Surviving a cerebral hemorrhage at age 19

13:20 How that experience led her to law school and public service

14:24 The power of Divine Nine sisterhood and brotherhood

15:25 Why she chose Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

18:31 Being the "first" and making sure you're not the last

22:03 Creating opportunities and access for others

22:52 The future role of the Divine Nine in civic engagement and politics

27:06 Balancing leadership, family, marriage, and self-care

29:20 The importance of showing yourself grace

29:50 Tahesha's unexpected self-care routine

31:36 What's next for Tahesha Way?

33:20 Why sponsorship matters in career growth

34:21 Boss It or Toss It: Leadership & Power Moves Edition

39:40 Turnpike vs. Parkway

40:42 Taylor Ham vs. Pork Roll

41:13 Giants vs. Jets vs. Eagles

42:26 Final leadership advice and call to action

45:08 Closing remarks

What does it really cost to succeed in corporate America as a Black woman?

In this deeply honest and powerful episode of Just Us with Liz & Kere, Liz Nolley and Kere Thomas unpack one of the most emotionally charged workplace conversations Black professionals face: code-switching, authenticity, professionalism, and the pressure to shrink yourself to survive in corporate spaces.

Responding to a letter from a lister who calls herself, “Too Corporate to Be Free, Too Black to Be Neutral,” Liz and Kere tackle everything from workplace “professionalism” standards and hair policing to the difference between wearing the uniform and wearing the mask.

They also break down iconic Black TV characters who stayed authentically themselves while navigating professional success — from Living Single and A Different World to The Boondocks and The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.

If you've ever wondered:

• How do I stay authentic at work?
• Is code-switching survival or self-erasure?
• Can Black women truly thrive in corporate spaces without losing themselves?
• Am I being “professional” — or just performing?

This conversation is for you.

🔥 Topics include:

✔️ Code-switching in corporate America

✔️ Workplace authenticity for Black women

✔️ The “articulate” microaggression

✔️ The Crown Act & hair discrimination

✔️ Corporate culture vs. self-imposed pressure

✔️ Wearing the uniform vs. wearing the mask

✔️ Toxic workplaces and identity suppression

✔️ Black representation in television and media

✔️ Leadership, identity, and belonging

⏱️ TIMESTAMPS

00:00 – Welcome to Just Us Podcast

01:18 – “How do you not lose your Blackness and still be corporate?”

03:00 – Why “You’re so articulate” is NOT a compliment

05:21 – Code-switching, masking & workplace survival

07:29 – “The only price of admission is your work”

08:00 – Wearing the uniform vs. wearing the mask

10:47 – Hair policing and corporate professionalism

13:33 – Liz shares her workplace natural hair experience

15:30 – Living Single and the Kyle Barker conversation

18:16 – Are some professionals hiding behind a mask?

21:42 – Toxic corporate culture vs. internal fear

23:06 – How to thrive authentically at work

25:20 – “Is it the man or the land?”

26:58 – Final advice for “Too Corporate to Be Free”

29:36 – Top Black TV characters who stayed authentic

31:00 – Freddie from A Different World

33:00 – Half & Half and corporate identity

35:15 – Flex from One on One

36:47 – Maxine Shaw & Kyle Barker from Living Single

38:37 – The Jeffersons & Helen Willis

40:22 – Black-ish and modern Black identity

42:44 – Braxton from The Jamie Foxx Show

44:22 – The Huxtables and Black excellence

44:38 – Tom from The Boondocks

48:38 – Uncle Phil & Aunt Viv as corporate Black icons

52:53 – Final thoughts & outro

💬 Join the conversation in the comments:

Have you ever felt pressured to code-switch or tone down your identity at work? What does authentic professionalism mean to you?

📌 Don’t forget to LIKE, COMMENT & SUBSCRIBE for more conversations about career growth, identity, leadership, and life as Black women navigating corporate spaces.

🎧 Listen on Spotify, YouTube & all major podcast platforms.

Responding to a listener who feels trapped in a cycle of overcommitment, the trio unpacks the pressure many high-achieving Black women face to always say “yes”—and the burnout, invisibility, and frustration that often follow. From “performance punishment” to internalized expectations, they break down how we become the go-to person… and how to reclaim our time, voice, and boundaries.

With practical strategies like “soft no’s,” capacity language, prioritization, and even a game-changing email scheduling hack, this episode is both a mindset reset and a tactical guide to self-advocacy at work. Plus, the conversation expands beyond the office—challenging listeners to examine where else “yes” is costing them peace.

And because it’s Just Us, the episode wraps with a hilarious and all-too-real segment: Top 10 Ways to Disagree Using Black Conversation—proving you don’t always need words to say “absolutely not.”

If you’ve ever felt like a “professional yes ma’am,” this episode is your permission slip to do things differently.

⏱️ Episode Timestamps

00:00 – Welcome to Just Us + Meet Guest Erica Fulton

01:15 – The Readout: “I’m tired of always saying yes at work”

02:40 – The pressure of being a Black woman in corporate spaces

04:15 – “Performance punishment” and the cost of overdelivering

07:05 – How to say no (without actually saying “no”)

09:00 – When your boss makes you the go-to for everything

10:45 – Self-advocacy: Asking “what should I deprioritize?”

12:00 – Pushback vs. people-pleasing

13:00 – Are you doing this to yourself? (Internal expectations)

15:00 – Managing the anxiety of saying no

16:00 – The “sleep at night” test

17:00 – Why leaders don’t actually want yes-people

18:00 – Burnout risk: What happens when you never say no

20:00 – Mindset shift: Are you creating unnecessary pressure?

21:30 – Real-life story: When work isn’t more important than life

23:00 – Setting boundaries in real time (Kere’s example)

25:00 – Understanding urgency vs. perceived urgency

26:30 – Teaching people how to treat you

27:45 – 🔥 Pro Tip: Use scheduled email send to manage expectations

30:00 – Why you shouldn’t make everything look “too easy”

31:00 – Boundaries beyond work (friends, family, business)

33:00 – You created it—you can fix it

35:00 – Practical tools: capacity language + prioritization

36:30 – Documenting conversations to protect yourself

38:00 – Final advice: You don’t have to say yes

40:00 – Final thoughts: Capacity, burnout, and self-awareness

😂 Bonus Segment

41:50 – Top 10 Ways to Disagree Using Black Conversation

43:00 – Honorable mentions (“Girl, bye”, “I said what I said”)

45:25 – Top 10 countdown begins

50:00 – #1 way to disagree (no words needed 👀)

51:00 – Viral “Black conversation” moment explained

52:30 – Closing + where to connect

In this episode of Just Us with Liz & Kere, we introduce a brand new segment—The Elevator Pitch—and welcome our first-ever guest, entrepreneur and master esthetician Erica Fulton, owner of Kin Skin & Wellness.

From corporate strategy to entrepreneurship and self-care, this episode is packed with gems on how to show up prepared, positioned, and confident.

💼 IN THIS EPISODE, WE TALK ABOUT:

✔️ What an elevator pitch is—and why you need one

✔️ How to clearly communicate your value

✔️ Transitioning from military service to entrepreneurship

✔️ Skincare for melanated skin & common myths

✔️ The connection between stress, health, and your skin

✔️ Why self-care is essential—not optional

⏱️ TIMESTAMPS

00:00 – Welcome to Just Us with Liz & Kere

00:00:45 – Teachable Moment: What is an elevator pitch?

00:02:10 – Key components of a strong elevator pitch

00:05:10 – Why your elevator pitch matters for your career

00:06:30 – Introducing our first guest: Erika Fulton 🎉

00:08:40 – Erica’s elevator pitch (masterclass!)

00:09:30 – Breaking down what makes a great pitch

00:11:00 – Erica’s background: military to entrepreneurship

00:12:00 – What is paramedical tattooing? (powerful impact)

00:13:20 – Restoring confidence after trauma & surgery

00:14:30 – Mind-body connection: how skin reflects stress

00:15:00 – Skincare myths: yes, Black women need SPF 👀

00:16:00 – Gut health, stress & skin explained

00:18:00 – Creating safe spaces through wellness services

00:18:50 – How Erica got started in esthetics

00:20:00 – Representation in skincare for melanated skin

00:21:30 – Hyperpigmentation explained (the science!)

00:23:00 – Why TikTok skincare trends can be risky ⚠️

00:25:00 – How to connect with Erica & Kin Skin Wellness

00:26:00 – Water & skincare: fact or fiction? 💧

00:27:30 – “Black don’t crack”… or does it? 👀

00:30:00 – Final advice: self-care, rest & consistency

00:33:00 – Boss It, Gloss It, or Toss It (fun segment begins 🔥)

00:33:30 – Hot comb vs flat iron vs curling iron

00:37:00 – Bar soap vs body wash vs water debate 😂

00:40:00 – Washcloth vs African net vs loofah

00:42:30 – Bonnet vs scarf vs satin pillowcase

00:50:00 – Quick take: what feminism really means

00:52:00 – Closing + where to find Just Us merch

💡 KEY TAKEAWAY

“If I asked you to list everyone you love… how long would it take for you to get to yourself?”

🎧 WATCH / LISTEN

Full episode available on YouTube, Spotify & all platforms

🔗 https://linktr.ee/lizthepurposecoach

📲 CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST

Erica Fulton

🌐 www.kinskinwellness.com

📱 @kinskinwellness

💬 JOIN THE CONVERSATION

Do you have your elevator pitch ready? 👀

Or are you still “figuring it out”?

Drop your answer in the comments ⬇️

🔔 DON’T FORGET

Subscribe for real conversations for Black women navigating corporate spaces

👍 Like | 💬 Comment | 🔁 Share

🏷️ HASHTAGS

#JustUsPodcast #ElevatorPitch #BlackWomenInBusiness #Entrepreneurship #SkincareForBlackWomen #CareerGrowth #WomenInLeadership #SelfCareMatters #BossItOrTossIt

Responding to a listener who calls herself “Looking for a Sponsor, Not Just a Cheerleader,” the hosts break down the real difference between mentorship and sponsorship. They explain why a sponsor isn’t just someone who gives advice—but someone who uses their influence, social capital, and reputation to advocate for you when you’re not in the room. Liz reframes sponsorship as a “strategic faith walk,” reminding listeners that while you can’t control who sponsors you, you can control the frequency you’re broadcasting through your work, relationships, and personal brand.

From practical strategies like doing your own 360-degree feedback to intentionally managing your professional reputation, this conversation delivers both mindset and tactical tools for positioning yourself for advancement—even when you don’t see who’s advocating behind the scenes.

Then the mood shifts into fan-favorite segment Boss It or Toss It, where Liz and Kere hilariously debate iconic talk show hosts—from Oprah (original vs. modern), Gayle King, and Tamron Hall to Wendy Williams, Sherri Shepherd, Maury, Jerry Springer, Phil Donahue, and more. Along the way, they unpack authenticity, cultural responsibility, chaos vs. empathy in media, and what it really takes to build a lasting platform.

It’s part career masterclass, part cultural commentary, and all Just Us—where ambition meets assignment, and even the jokes come with leadership lessons.

Then the episode shifts into a fun, culture-forward “Top 10” segment: Top 10 Business Lessons from The Book of Eddie Murphy—with chapters from Coming to America and Trading Places. From protecting your intellectual property to asking for what you want, learning the unspoken rules, building the right team, and not resting on privilege, Liz and Kere translate classic movie moments into real workplace strategy—without losing the laughs.

They wrap with a special listener perk: a limited-time merch discount (20% off) tied to Divine Nine Founders’ Day season, plus an invitation to join the Inner Circle community for future tools, discounts, and bonus resources.

In this episode of Just US, Liz Nolley and Kere Thomas dive into a letter from “Not Your Gratitude Project,” a high-performing Black woman whose boss keeps hitting her with the same undermining line: “You should be thankful you even have a job.” And whew…Liz and Kere are immediately triggered—because they’ve lived it.

They break down why that phrase isn’t “just a joke,” but a classic corporate gaslighting and intimidation tactic meant to control behavior and shrink confidence. From documenting every incident (and every win), to pulling receipts, gathering third-party praise, and getting HR involved when necessary, they outline real strategies to protect your peace and your career. They also talk about reading the room: is this one manager, a toxic culture, or a warning sign about layoffs? And no matter what—keep your “corporate go bag” ready: updated resume, active network, and a financial cushion.

Then the episode shifts into a lighter (but still very real) round of Boss It or Toss It: Vacation Spots Black Folks Love (Besides Martha’s Vineyard)—with hot takes on Atlantic City, Dubai, Jamaica, cruises, Miami, Vegas, Ghana, and the undefeated favorite: staying home.

Come for the coaching, stay for the laughs, the culture, and the mic-drop moments.

In this laugh-out-loud and deeply practical episode of Just Us, Liz Nolley and Kere Thomas tackle a question many Black women are asking right now: How do I navigate this chaotic job market without burning out or blowing up at work?

From adopting an entrepreneurial approach to managing your career, to using AI tools to uncover transferable skills and new career pathways, Liz and Kere offer real strategies you can use today. Along the way, they unpack purpose, side hustles, career pivots, and the power of reframing your day job as a means—not the mission.

And because music is self-care (until it’s not 😅), the episode wraps with a hilarious and painfully accurate list of “Songs You Should NOT Listen to on Your Way to Work When You’re Already Stressed.”

Come for the career coaching, stay for the culture, the stories, and the laughs. This episode is equal parts strategy session and group chat energy.

The featured Readout Letter comes from “Stressed Out Corporate Canary,” a Black woman manager worried about looming layoffs and the disappearing presence of Black women in senior leadership. Kere and Liz break down the meaning behind being a “canary in the coal mine,” tackle myths around job security, and offer grounding, actionable advice: detach emotion from corporate decisions, document everything, build community, and create your “freedom fund” to layoff-proof your life.

Then, the duo turns to their fan-favorite segment: Boss It or Toss It, rating how Black corporate professionals are portrayed across movies and TV. From Boomerang and The Cosby Show to Living Single, Insecure, Empire, Black-ish, Girlfriends, and Abbott Elementary, they unpack what Hollywood gets right—and very wrong—about Black leadership, ambition, style, and everyday office culture.

Filled with humor, honesty, cultural callouts, and coaching gems you’ll want to write down, this episode reminds listeners that while the corporate world may shake, Black women have always found a way to “make a dollar out of 15 cents.” And on Just Us, no one has to navigate it alone.

In this insightful episode, Liz and Kere dive deep into the differences between leadership and management, using iconic examples from Star Trek's Captain Kirk and the legendary R&B group New Edition.

Discover the key traits that set visionary leaders apart - from having a clear mission and empowering their team, to embracing authenticity and vulnerability. Get ready to be inspired as the hosts unpack leadership lessons from each member of New Edition, exploring how qualities like business savvy, second chances, and putting the team first can take your career to new heights.

Whether you consider yourself more of a manager or a leader, this episode is packed with practical takeaways to help you boldly go further in your professional journey. Tune in now and get ready to take your leadership journey to new heights!

Join Liz Nolley and Kere Thomas as they continue to keep it real in Just Us—the podcast where Black women unpack the realities of life, leadership, and leveling up in corporate spaces.

In this highly anticipated second half of the premiere episode, Liz and Kere dive into a Reddit letter titled "Black Girl Navigating Corporate America." Together, they share insightful advice on how to foster authentic relationships at work and strategize ways to "layoff-proof" your career.

But that’s not all—this episode also features the debut of their signature Boss It or Toss It segment, where they salute some of their favorite Black TV sitcom career moms and break down what makes them boss-worthy (or toss-worthy as the case may be!).

Come for the coaching, stay for the laughs. Either way, don’t miss the second installment of this game-changing conversation. It’s real talk, real advice, and a whole lot of fun!

In part one of the premiere episode, we’re breaking down two game-changing conversations:

1. How to build your personal board of directors — the people who help you grow, grind and be great.
2. The Wu-Tang Way — our top 10 teamwork lessons from the legends themselves.

Come vibe, learn, and laugh with us as we kick off this new platform in the first half of our pilot episode.

A Place For Black Women Navigating Corporate Spaces

Just Us is the unapologetic, unfiltered podcast for Black women navigating the complexities of corporate America.

Hosted by purpose-driven strategist Liz Nolley and seasoned corporate leader Kere Thomas Just Us creates a space where career, culture, and community meet.

Each episode features dynamic segments designed to empower, educate, and entertain:

Teachable Moments – Bite-sized workshops focused on the “soft skills” that make a hard impact in the workplace.

Top 10s – Our pop culture hot takes, always served with a corporate twist and a career lesson.

Elevator Pitch – Step into the spotlight and pitch yourself! Whether it’s for a job, business, or personal brand, get live coaching on-air from Liz and Kere.

Read Out – Real-world scenarios from our listeners, Reddit, and beyond. We break them down and serve up honest, actionable advice.

Toss It or Boss It – Our fun freestyle segment where we give our verdict on trends, tools, and topics. Boss move or total flop? We’ll tell you.

Whether you're climbing the ladder, breaking the mold, or just trying to survive the Monday meeting, Just Us is your go-to guide for thriving in corporate spaces—on your terms.

Submit your letter, send us your elevator pitch and join our growing community of subscribers at https://lizthepurposecoach.com/podcast