Queen’s Behind the Scenes

Breaking Barriers: Women Running for Office & Shaping the Future of Politics

In this powerful Women's History Month episode of Queens Behind the Scenes, host Charise Beckett sits down with Destiny Drake West—a trailblazing leader, policy expert, and candidate for Congress in Maryland’s 6th District. Destiny opens up about her journey through public service, her bold decision to run for office while pregnant, and the challenges she’s faced as a Black woman navigating the political arena.
From breaking outdated expectations to building community-driven policy, Destiny shares the raw truth behind what it takes to lead with purpose—and why now, more than ever, women must claim their place in politics. This episode is a masterclass in courage, commitment, and changing the game.
Whether you're considering your own path to leadership or cheering from the sidelines, this conversation will leave you inspired, informed, and ready to take action.
✨ Highlights include:
What inspired Destiny’s run for office
Balancing motherhood and campaigning
Navigating gender and racial bias in politics
Why women’s voices are essential in government
Practical steps to get involved and lead change

Mindful Success: Harnessing Breathwork & Resilience for Career Growth with Zee Clarke

In this powerful episode, we sit down with Zee Clarke, a Harvard MBA, mindfulness expert, and author of Black People Breathe, to discuss the intersection of mindfulness, racial trauma, and workplace success. Zee shares her personal journey from corporate leadership to becoming a leading voice in breathwork and wellness for Black professionals.We’ll explore:• How stress and microaggressions impact Black professionals• Breathwork and mindfulness strategies for high-stress environments• The role of self-care in career advancement• Navigating corporate spaces with confidence and resilienceThis episode is a must-listen for any Queen looking to protect her peace while thriving in her career. 💜
 

Mindful Success: Harnessing Breathwork & Resilience for Career Growth with Zee Clarke

In this powerful episode, we sit down with Zee Clarke, a Harvard MBA, mindfulness expert, and author of Black People Breathe, to discuss the intersection of mindfulness, racial trauma, and workplace success. Zee shares her personal journey from corporate leadership to becoming a leading voice in breathwork and wellness for Black professionals.We’ll explore:• How stress and microaggressions impact Black professionals• Breathwork and mindfulness strategies for high-stress environments• The role of self-care in career advancement• Navigating corporate spaces with confidence and resilienceThis episode is a must-listen for any Queen looking to protect her peace while thriving in her career. 💜
 

More Than a Seat at the Table: Thriving as a Queen in Leadership

In this powerful episode of Queens Behind the Scenes, we’re diving deep into leadership, advocacy, and the power of owning your space with Ciara Walton, Chief People & Equity Officer at Run for Something.
It’s not just about getting a seat at the table—it’s about showing up, speaking up, and shaking the table when needed. Ciara shares her journey from stepping into her first leadership role to navigating the ever-changing landscape of DEI and advocacy work. She opens up about imposter syndrome, resilience, and what it truly takes to thrive as a Queen in leadership—especially in today’s climate.
We’re talking:👑 The reality of leadership beyond the title👑 Overcoming challenges and staying motivated in the DEI space👑 The difference between a good leader and a transformational leader👑 The role of women—especially Black women—in shaping the future👑 Actionable ways to build influence and make an impact
Plus, don’t miss our Crown Your Success rapid-fire segment where Ciara shares her go-to leadership mantras, career advice, and the power song that keeps her motivated.
If you’re a woman in leadership or aspiring to take your place at the table (and beyond), this episode is for you! Tune in, take notes, and get ready to lead unapologetically.
🎧 Listen now and share this episode with another Queen who needs this message! #QueensBehindTheScenes #WomenInLeadership #CrownYourSuccess

More Than a Seat at the Table: Thriving as a Queen in Leadership

In this powerful episode of Queens Behind the Scenes, we’re diving deep into leadership, advocacy, and the power of owning your space with Ciara Walton, Chief People & Equity Officer at Run for Something.
It’s not just about getting a seat at the table—it’s about showing up, speaking up, and shaking the table when needed. Ciara shares her journey from stepping into her first leadership role to navigating the ever-changing landscape of DEI and advocacy work. She opens up about imposter syndrome, resilience, and what it truly takes to thrive as a Queen in leadership—especially in today’s climate.
We’re talking:👑 The reality of leadership beyond the title👑 Overcoming challenges and staying motivated in the DEI space👑 The difference between a good leader and a transformational leader👑 The role of women—especially Black women—in shaping the future👑 Actionable ways to build influence and make an impact
Plus, don’t miss our Crown Your Success rapid-fire segment where Ciara shares her go-to leadership mantras, career advice, and the power song that keeps her motivated.
If you’re a woman in leadership or aspiring to take your place at the table (and beyond), this episode is for you! Tune in, take notes, and get ready to lead unapologetically.
🎧 Listen now and share this episode with another Queen who needs this message! #QueensBehindTheScenes #WomenInLeadership #CrownYourSuccess.

Redefining Leadership with India Gary-Martin

What does it truly take to lead with authenticity, resilience, and impact? In this episode of Queens Behind the Scenes, host Charise Beckett sits down with globally recognized executive coach and leadership expert, India Gary-Martin, to uncover the keys to modern leadership. 💼✨
India shares her inspiring journey from the C-suite to coaching top executives, offering powerful insights on breaking barriers, self-advocacy, and the evolution of leadership. Whether you're climbing the corporate ladder, leading a team, or aspiring to step into leadership, this episode is packed with strategies to help you excel with confidence and purpose. 🔥👑
🎧 Tune in now to learn:✅ How leadership has evolved and why authenticity is crucial✅ The biggest challenges women face in leadership—and how to overcome them✅ The power of mentorship, sponsorship, and self-advocacy✅ Practical steps to elevate your leadership game today
Hit play and start leading like a queen! 👑💡🔗 Listen now: [Insert Streaming Link]#QueensBehindTheScenes #LeadershipExcellence #WomenWhoLead #PodcastEpisode
 

Redefining Leadership with India Gary-Martin

What does it truly take to lead with authenticity, resilience, and impact? In this episode of Queens Behind the Scenes, host Charise Beckett sits down with globally recognized executive coach and leadership expert, India Gary-Martin, to uncover the keys to modern leadership. 💼✨
India shares her inspiring journey from the C-suite to coaching top executives, offering powerful insights on breaking barriers, self-advocacy, and the evolution of leadership. Whether you're climbing the corporate ladder, leading a team, or aspiring to step into leadership, this episode is packed with strategies to help you excel with confidence and purpose. 🔥👑
🎧 Tune in now to learn:✅ How leadership has evolved and why authenticity is crucial✅ The biggest challenges women face in leadership—and how to overcome them✅ The power of mentorship, sponsorship, and self-advocacy✅ Practical steps to elevate your leadership game today
Hit play and start leading like a queen! 👑💡

Unapologetically Her: Releasing the Need for Permission

Welcome to a special episode of Queens Behind the Scenes, where we dive deep into what it truly means to be unapologetically you. In honor of Women’s History Month, we will kick off March with a powerful message that every woman needs to hear: Stop asking for permission to take up space, to speak your truth, and to pursue your dreams.
In this episode, we will explore how society has conditioned us to seek validation before stepping into our power, and why it’s time to say goodbye to those limiting beliefs. Get ready to break free from self-doubt, set strong boundaries, and embrace your full potential without apologies.
You’ll learn:
Why we’ve been conditioned to ask for permission (and how to break the cycle)
The power of unapologetically owning your space
Practical steps to start living unapologetically every day
How to trust your instincts and stop second-guessing yourself
The importance of celebrating your wins and setting clear boundaries
This is a call to action to stop shrinking, stop apologizing, and start stepping into the unapologetic force that you were born to be. Whether it’s in your career, personal life, or in how you show up in the world, it’s time to live life on your own terms—and without permission.
Tune in now for this empowering, fun, and real conversation that will inspire you to take up space, own your brilliance, and stop waiting for approval.

Unapologetically Her: Releasing the Need for Permission

Welcome to a special episode of Queens Behind the Scenes, where we dive deep into what it truly means to be unapologetically you. In honor of Women’s History Month, We will kick off March with a powerful message that every woman needs to hear: Stop asking for permission to take up space, to speak your truth, and to pursue your dreams.
In this episode, we will explores how society has conditioned us to seek validation before stepping into our power, and why it’s time to say goodbye to those limiting beliefs. Get ready to break free from self-doubt, set strong boundaries, and embrace your full potential without apologies.
You’ll learn:
Why we’ve been conditioned to ask for permission (and how to break the cycle)
The power of unapologetically owning your space
Practical steps to start living unapologetically every day
How to trust your instincts and stop second-guessing yourself
The importance of celebrating your wins and setting clear boundaries
This is a call to action to stop shrinking, stop apologizing, and start stepping into the unapologetic force that you were born to be. Whether it’s in your career, personal life, or in how you show up in the world, it’s time to live life on your own terms—and without permission.
Tune in now for this empowering, fun, and real conversation that will inspire you to take up space, own your brilliance, and stop waiting for approval.

The Executive Glow-Up

👑 Are you ready for your Executive Glow-Up?
In this episode of Queens Behind the Scenes, we’re sitting down with Lisa Baker, founder of Ascentim and executive coach, to uncover the mindset shifts, strategies, and self-care practices that help women level up in leadership.
With decades of experience in Fortune 500 companies, Lisa knows what it takes to go from corporate contributor to executive powerhouse. She’s breaking down:
✨ Personal Brand💡 Practical Career Growth Strategies🚀 Why sponsorship (not just mentorship) is the game-changer for career growth⚖️ Mindset shifting and self awareness
Whether you're climbing the corporate ladder, pivoting into entrepreneurship, or just looking to elevate your leadership game—this episode is packed with gems to help you glow up in your career and your confidence.
🎧 Tune in now! Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share with another queen on her glow-up journey! 👑✨