Ambition, Ownership, And The Power Of Pivot: Highlights From The Her Agenda Podcast
In the latest season of the Her Agenda Podcast, host Rhonesha Byng has sat down with beauty pioneers, major players in the media industry, and powerful, ambitious women. Each guest, in their own way, discussed the parts of being a leader, entrepreneur, and creative that no one considers. Career changes, shelved dreams, parenthood, love, divorce, and so much more impacted their journeys, and they didn’t hold back. The past five episodes offer a masterclass in building a life on your own terms. Here are the highlights you might have missed!
Episode #1
In a season premiere that spoke to the beauty industry, Carol’s Daughter founder Lisa Price shared the groundbreaking news of her brand’s return to independent ownership. After 30 years in the game and a decade under the L’Oréal name, Lisa provided a transparent look at the process of buying back her business.
Beyond the business logistics, Lisa was vulnerable about the mental health cost of being a pioneer. She told the story of reaching a breaking point that led to a necessary sabbatical, reminding us that money never trumps self-care.
Watch: HERE
Episode #2
Former Seventeen Editor-in-Chief Ann Shoket joined us to discuss why ambitious women need to stop apologizing for wanting more. Ann famously described her time at legacy magazines as sitting in a “borrowed seat”—a legendary throne that she honored but did not own.
Her transition to entrepreneurship was a rescue mission for her own creativity. Ann shared that the biggest lesson she learned was that ambition is simply “wanting what you want and knowing you have the ability to get it.” She challenges us to add freedom to our thoughts of ambition.
Watch: HERE
Episode #3
At age 38, Bevy Smith walked away from a $350,000 career at Rolling Stone with zero backup plan. She refused to let gratitude guide her every step. Bevy argues that for high-achieving women, being grateful for a current role can often hinder growth and success.
Through her “Red Soul Proposition,” Bevy audited who she was at her core versus how the world perceived her. She spent seven years being broke, but happy, while building social capital, eventually proving her mantra that “it gets greater later.” Now at 59, she is self-funding her own shows and proving that when you conquer a goal, it’s time to move on.
Watch: HERE
Episode #4
Black media icon Amy DuBois Barnett is currently living out her full circle moment. The former EIC of Ebony and Honey recently released her debut novel, If I Ruled the World, which is already in the works for a Hulu adaptation. Amy’s episode was a firm rejection of the social media-induced pressure to achieve everything by age 30.
Making her debut as a novelist and TV writer in her 50s, Amy credits her success to a specific manifestation process. For her, it’s about “Who do I have to be to walk through the world as the person who has this goal?” She reminds us that the universe only grants what you internally believe you deserve.
Watch: HERE
Episode #5
In a powerhouse sit-down, this trio proved that high-level success is a marathon impossible to run alone. While the world sees their Netflix deals and best-selling novels, they shared the reality of what it’s like when everything isn’t going as expected.
Tia Williams faced systemic rejections in publishing; Tricia Lee made zero dollars for six months during a pivot to real estate; Renae Bluitt used her communication skills to hold her friend group together. These women served as each other’s safety nets. Their rules for engagement prioritize supporting each other for strategic fixes rather than just emotional support. As Tricia noted, “Your friendships are where you land.”
While there have been some great conversations, this season of the Her Agenda Podcast is just heating up. Visit on the 1st and 15th for inspiration, advice, and everything the ambitious woman needs!
Watch: HERE
