The C-Suite Confidant

This week on The Black Woman's Confidant, we feature Dr. Adiaha Spinks-Franklin for a conversation about preparing for non-traditional families. Dr. Spinks-Franklin is an African American cis-gender woman, a board-certified Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrician, wife, mother, and grandmother. As a lifelong anti-oppression/pro-liberation child advocate and social justice warrior, Dr. Spinks-Franklin offers her expertise on the role of a developmental pediatrician, as well as how factors like genetic loads and prenatal environments can impact children. Dr. Spinks-Franklin also offers insights about the common mistakes adoptive families make, signs of trauma to watch for in your children and why not every unique behavior is a disorder.

On this week's episode, The Black Woman's Confidant welcomes Dr. Nikia Smith to share her journey with burnout and how she healed from the exhausting hustle culture. Dr. Nikia is a practicing, board-certified anesthesiologist, a wellness coach, and the founder of She Is Fire Forged, a wellness brand supporting high-achieving women of color through burnout recovery and radical rest. After over a decade in medicine, she knows firsthand what it's like to chase the dream, hit every milestone, and still struggle with self-worth. Dr. Nikia shares vital insights on sustainable goal-setting, reclaiming personal autonomy, achieving success without sacrifice, and the core belief that rest is a fundamental right, not a reward.

On this week's episode of The Black Woman's Confidant, Dr. Nicole takes a look back at the past year. As she reflects, Dr. Nicole shares her biggest lessons, favorite moments, and most cherished memories from 2025. Looking ahead, Dr. Nicole also outlines her goals for the upcoming year and reveals her chosen "word of the year."

This week on the Black Woman's Confidant we welcome Dr. Christina Clark, a child psychiatrist, parent coach, and founder of aPARENT.world to discuss authoritative vs authoritarian parenting styles . Dr. Clark is board-certified in both Adult and Adolescent Psychiatry and brings decades of experience to her work supporting children, teens, and adults through consultation, therapy, and coaching. Dr. Clark also offers practical tools through aPARENT.world—a digital learning space designed to help parents strengthen emotional regulation and deepen family connection. As a child psychiatrist and parent, Dr. Clark breaks down common misconceptions about gentle parenting, explaining what it truly is and how parents can implement it into their own parenting style.

This week on The Black Woman's Confidant, Dr. Nicole welcomes Robyn Malone, CEO and Chief Partner Officer of RJ Communications, to delve into her journey as a Black woman in health and wellness PR. Robyn's distinguished career is defined by her ability to spearhead major campaigns for international organizations such as Pfizer and P&G, while leading large, diverse teams with empathy and purpose. She prioritizes storytelling and humanity, even in fast-paced industries that often focus on metrics. Her work includes impactful initiatives like the "You Don't Know Jack About MS" awareness campaign and successful brand relaunches with a focus on heart. As a seasoned industry veteran, Robyn shares invaluable wisdom on holding space as a leader and how to cultivate healthy, empathetic corporate cultures, particularly within high-pressure environments.

Black women navigate the difficult intersection of sexism and racism, a combination that has serious consequences for our health. On this week's episode of The Black Woman's Confidant, Dr. Nicole explores the concept of "weathering" and how the chronic stress of societal complexities affects Black women's bodies. She details how continuous exposure to stress, a constant state of fight-or-flight, and the burden of supporting our families' social and economic needs can manifest physically in health problems. Dr. Nicole also offers actionable insights and strategies for Black women to combat weathering as we live in a world not designed with our well-being in mind.

This week on The Black Woman's Confidant, Dr. Nicole concludes her parenting conversation with Dr. Ann-Louise Lockhart. As a pediatric psychologist and parent coach, Dr. Lockhart shares her expertise on why removing yourself from the parenting equation is important, how self-care can improve your parenting as well the importance of individualized parenting for each of your children.

This week, The Black Woman's Confidant welcomes Dr. Ann-Louise Lockhart, a pediatric psychologist, parent coach, speaker, and author. Driven by her own experience of disconnect with her mother during her teenage years, Dr. Lockhart wrote "Love the Teen You Have" to help parents foster stronger connections with their teens. In the first part of our conversation, Dr. Lockhart shares her insights on how to embrace the teen you have, how to create an environment that nurtures healthy adults, and how you can equip your children with essential coping strategies for daily life.

On this week's episode, Dr. Nicole reflects on her 30-year high school reunion and the emotions it evoked. She explores how events like reunions, homecomings, visits to one's hometown, or even chance encounters with old friends can trigger past feelings. Dr. Nicole also shares strategies for reframing these emotions and memories positively by fostering gratitude for the past, present, and future.

On this week's episode of The Black Woman's Confidant, Dr. Nicole explores the intricate emotions and difficulties parents encounter when experiencing an empty nest. Having recently navigated this personal journey, Dr. Nicole offers guidance on managing the emotional shifts as children leave home. She also provides insights on how to reassess personal aspirations, reignite forgotten interests, and embrace a renewed sense of self.

This week on The Black Woman's Confidant, Dr. Nicole discusses the relationship between introverted parents and their extroverted children. Drawing from her own experience as an introverted parent, Dr. Nicole offers advice on nurturing your child's confidence and social abilities while also preserving your own need for quiet time. She also provides strategies for balancing the distinct worlds of introversion and extroversion.

On this week's episode, Dr. Nicole delves into the intricate dynamics of relationships with toxic parents. As a psychiatrist, Dr. Nicole uses her expertise to explore various forms of parental toxicity and how it could be impacting both your physical and mental well-being. Dr. Nicole also offers practical tips and coping strategies that can be used when dealing with a toxic parent.

On this week's episode, Victoria Gichohi joins The Black Woman's Confidant to discuss empowering young Black Girls and Women. As the Co-Founder of the non profit, Black Girls Leadership Academy, Victoria provides mentorship programs to young Black Girls and Women aged 11-24 nationwide. Currently, Victoria serves as the Program Manager for the Compton Community Health Professionals Partnership where she and her team are developing a pipeline of the next generation of health professionals in the city of Compton and surrounding areas. As someone who is engaged deeply within her community, Victoria shares insights on how we can support young Black Girls and Women in developing self-confidence and leadership skills as well as how they can empower themselves and others.

On this week's episode, Dr. Nicole Bryan, a certified leadership career coach, organizational consultant, and psychotherapist, joins the Black Woman's Confidant to discuss how introverted Black women are transforming the workplace culture. With over 25 years of experience, Dr. Bryan, who describes her journey as from the 'Block to the Boardroom', specializes in empowering introverted women by helping them to define success on their own terms, lead with confidence, and skillfully navigate company politics. As an introvert herself, Dr. Bryan provides unique insights on leveraging introverted qualities as strengths and how you can use these qualities to maximize your income, influence and impact in the corporate world.

Do you constantly feel like you're the one holding everything together, both emotionally and financially, for yourself and those around you? Is it often the case that you perceive yourself as the sole stable individual in your family? This week on The Black Woman's Confidant, Dr. Nicole delves into the emotional and physical toll of being the most stable person in your life. She also provides valuable advice on how to safeguard your mental health and manage this burden through establishing boundaries, prioritizing self-care, and reassessing certain relationships.

On this week's episode, Shanice Watson joins The Black Woman's Confidant to discuss her journey with navigating grief after child loss. Shanice Watson is a devoted wife, loving mother, licensed therapist under supervision, and faith-driven business owner. Drawing strength from her personal experiences and her walk with Christ, Shanice Watson has made it her life's mission to help others navigate pain, find healing, and discover purpose in the midst of hardship. As someone who has experienced tragedy, Shanice gives insight into how she managed her own grief and mental health, while helping her family navigate their own.

On this week's episode, Dr. Kristi Johnson joins The Black Woman's Confidant to discuss her journey in dance and how she was able to find her rhythm on and off the dancefloor. Dr. Johnson is a debut children's book author and seasoned dance educator, dedicated to inspiring young learners through movement. With over 20 years of experience as a dance educator and performing artist, Kristi's work has been presented on national and international stages, including festivals, community theaters, university programs, and film. As someone who was able to achieve her dreams in the arts, Dr. Kristi gives insight on how you can find your own artistry and turn your dreams into reality.

On this week's episode, Dr. Sophia Grant joins The Black Woman's Confidant to discuss reclaiming your narrative and finding the strength to pivot. Dr. Sophia Grant is a board-certified pediatrician in general pediatrics and child abuse pediatrics. She is also the co-host of The 2 Sisters of a Certain Age Podcast with her sister Judy Grant where they explore life with intellect and humor through a medical and therapeutic lens. As someone who has pivoted many times in her life, Dr. Sophia Grant gives insight how she handled the curve balls life sent her way as well as why you don't have to be known by your trauma.

On this week's episode, Dr. Nina Joy Mena joins The Black Woman's Confidant to discuss finding your joy, as well as her Inspire Joy Method. Dr. Nina Joy Mena, known as Dr. NJoy, is an Atlanta-based community psychiatrist, author, podcaster, and motivational speaker dedicated to promoting mental wellness and reducing mental health stigma in the Black community. As the founder of NJoy LIFE Living In Full Empowerment, LLC, and host of the Journey to Joy Live podcast, Dr. NJoy inspires resilience and joy through her work. As psychiatrists, Dr. Nicole and Dr. Nina Joy break down how focusing on your mental, physical, financial, social and aspirational health can help lead to a more balanced and joyful life.

On this week's episode, Dr. Tracee Short joins The Black Woman's Confidant to discuss Co-Living, the new housing option that is becoming extremely popular. Dr. Tracee Short is a celebrated burn surgeon, highly requested speaker, best-selling author, entrepreneur and creator of Dr. Shortee's Burn Butter. As a self proclaimed co-living expert, Dr. Tracee debunks common myths about co-living as well as some major benefits you may not expect.