About this episode

Shanita Baraka Akintonde discusses effective leadership through listening and serving others.

In this inspiring episode of Words of Wisdom from Kick-Ass Women, Liz Brohan and Mary Olivier sit down with author and leadership strategist Shanita Baraka Akintonde. A professor at Columbia College Chicago and Harvard executive leadership alum, Shanita shares lessons from her book, The Front Porch Leader. Drawing on wisdom from her great-grandmother, she explores how effective leadership begins with listening, patience, and presence. Through memorable Southern metaphors, she reframes leadership as both strategic and soulful. From mentorship to stepping back so others can shine, Shanita reminds us that true leadership is about serving first and preparing the next generation to rise.

People in this episode

Host: Liz Brohan

Guest: Shanita Baraka Akintonde

Topics covered

• leadership
• mentorship
• personal growth
• Southern metaphors
• listening
• patience

Keywords

• leadership
• mentorship
• listening
• Southern metaphors
• personal growth
• The Front Porch Leader

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Columbia College Chicago, Harvard

Books & works: The Front Porch Leader

More episodes of Words of Wisdom from Kick-Ass Women

• I'm What?!: Sometimes You're a Mentor And Don't Even Know It · April 28, 2026 · 32 min
• The Importance of Creating Male Allies · April 14, 2026 · 37 min
• Permission to Belong: Stop Waiting for Validation and Start Building Communities · March 30, 2026 · 37 min
• Healing Through Joy and Curiosity · March 17, 2026 · 37 min
• Boundaries: The Secret Weapon of Self-Love · February 17, 2026 · 37 min
• Prepare for Succes: It’s Coming and You Need to Be Ready · February 3, 2026 · 35 min

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Words of Wisdom from Kick-Ass Women podcast page.