Explore how successful Black leaders navigate corporate America's challenges, from overcoming double standards to building strategic networks, while developing habits and practices that transform obstacles into competitive advantages.

I want to learn about how black leaders experiences in the corporate world and the challenges they've faced and tips on how they've been able to become successful. Things they do outside of work to stay sharp, like reading etc.


From Columbia University alumni built in San Francisco
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
From Columbia University alumni built in San Francisco

Blythe: Hey there, welcome to today's episode! I've been thinking a lot about leadership lately, especially after reading some eye-opening articles about Black professionals in corporate America. Did you know that less than 1% of Fortune 500 CEOs are Black? And that number is actually declining from seven a decade ago to just four today?
Miles: That's a staggering statistic, Blythe. And what's particularly troubling is that it points to a shrinking pipeline of Black leaders who could eventually step into those C-suite roles. I was reading that many Black professionals face this double standard where they have to work twice as hard and accomplish twice as much just to be viewed on the same level as their peers.
Blythe: Exactly! And there's this quote I saw from a LinkedIn post that really stuck with me about what being Black in corporate America actually means—things like "re-reading your emails three times so you don't sound too direct" or "carrying the weight of representation while still showing up with grace." It sounds exhausting.
Miles: It truly does. And you know what's fascinating? When Korn Ferry studied high-performing Black leaders, they found these professionals actually matched or exceeded best-in-class benchmarks. They weren't just surviving—they were thriving despite these additional challenges. They showed remarkable resilience, strategic career planning, and a willingness to take on complex challenges that others might avoid.
Blythe: So they're essentially overcoming these barriers while outperforming expectations. I'm really curious to hear more about the specific strategies these successful Black leaders have developed. Let's dive into their experiences and unpack the lessons they've learned that could benefit all of us, regardless of background.