Send us a text

Ever wondered why that mentor relationship isn't yielding results? The harsh truth is that many mentoring relationships fail to deliver actual career advancement especially for Black women.

In this candid episode, we unpack why traditional mentorship often falls short and what true strategic mentoring should look like. It's not about inspirational coffee chats or vague encouragement; it's about someone with genuine influence opening doors that would otherwise remain closed to you. As I share from personal experience, "A mentor without contacts is just a friend with opinions."

We also tackle the growing trend of companies mandating three-day office returns and how to negotiate terms that work for your life. Through my own negotiation story, I demonstrate how standing firm on your non-negotiables can actually work in your favour, even in a tough job market. Remember if employers want your talents badly enough, they'll meet your terms.

The episode also explores how neurodivergent individuals are protected under the Equality Act as a disability class, offering important legal insights for workplace accommodations. Plus, I share a personal story about setting boundaries with new friendships and the importance of protecting your kindness from those who would take advantage.

Between renovation chaos and career revelations, this episode delivers practical wisdom for navigating work politics, boundary-setting, and strategic relationship building. Whether you're seeking advancement or simply trying to maintain your sanity in today's workplace, these insights will help you recognize your worth and advocate for yourself effectively.

Sponsorships - Email me: hello@toyatalks.com
Cc: toyawashington10@gmail.com

TikTok: toya_washington

Twitter: @toya_w (#ToyaTalksPodcast)

Snapchat: @toyawashington

Instagram: @toya_washington & @toya_talks

www.toyatalks.com
https://toyatalks.com/

Music (Intro and Outro) Written and created by Nomadic Star

• Stationary Company - Sistah Scribble
• Instagram @sistahscribble
• Website: www.sistahscribble.com

Send us a text

In a world where your voice can be weaponized against you, knowing when to speak and when to stand firm in silence becomes a crucial skill. This episode unpacks the delicate balance of self-advocacy in both professional settings and wider society, where particularly for Black women, calculated strategy often proves more powerful than reactive responses.

Toya introduces her groundbreaking "Three Pillars of Career Protection" framework, a comprehensive system of documentation that transforms how professionals can safeguard their careers and advocate for themselves. Through detailed explanations of the Receipts Folder (positive feedback), Burn Folder (policy breaches and micro-aggressions), and Blueprint Folder (measurable impact), she provides listeners with concrete tools to build leverage, gather evidence, and create armour against workplace injustice.

Through powerful personal stories from being clock-watched during bathroom breaks to challenging the adultification of her daughter at nursery – Toya illustrates how systemic issues manifest in daily interactions and offers practical strategies for countering them. She shares how she coached a listener through workplace discrimination, resulting in meaningful change through strategic documentation rather than emotional confrontation.

The episode also examines broader societal tensions, from the TFL and Birmingham bin worker strikes to political turmoil within the Labour Party, connecting these external struggles to workplace dynamics. Toya explores Gen Z's shift toward "career minimalism" separating identity from employment while pursuing passion outside work hours – and considers how this adaptation might better serve professionals in an AI-disrupted future.

With both urgency and compassion, Toya reminds us that establishing and defending our boundaries isn't optional it's essential. "If you start allowing your boundaries to accommodate shit, you will always be presented with shit sandwiches." Her insights empower listeners to build their professional reputation through consistent excellence while creating systems that ensure this excellence can't be overlooked or undervalued.

Remember, advocating for yourself isn't always about being confrontational it's about systematically documenting your value, protecting your boundaries, and ensuring you receive the recognition and compensation you deserve.

What will you do this week to strengthen your career protection toolkit?

Sponsorships - Email me: hello@toyatalks.com
Cc: toyawashington10@gmail.com

TikTok: toya_washington

Twitter: @toya_w (#ToyaTalksPodcast)

Snapchat: @toyawashington

Instagram: @toya_washington & @toya_talks

www.toyatalks.com
https://toyatalks.com/

Music (Intro and Outro) Written and created by Nomadic Star

• Stationary Company - Sistah Scribble
• Instagram @sistahscribble
• Website: www.sistahscribble.com

Send us a text

The Transport for London strikes have sparked heated debate, but before rushing to judgment, we need to examine why workers feel forced to take such actions. When peaceful protest options are systematically limited and negotiations fail, strikes become the necessary tool for demanding fair treatment. These workers form the backbone of our infrastructure – shouldn't their compensation reflect that essential role?

This week I share a conversation with a colleague that exposed a £5K bonus disparity despite my heavier workload and responsibilities. The experience highlights how secrecy around compensation creates fertile ground for favoritism and discrimination to flourish unchallenged. What happens when we start having these uncomfortable but necessary conversations about pay transparency? I'm taking you behind the scenes of how I'm navigating this situation strategically rather than emotionally.

The most liberating concept I've encountered recently comes from Stephanie Tyler's article "The Quiet Thrill of Not Being for Everyone." How many of us have spent years performing versions of ourselves, carefully packaging our truths to be palatable to others? This continuous shape-shifting amounts to "a long-form apology for who you are." The freedom that comes from embracing authenticity – even when it means not everyone will like you – represents a profound shift in how we navigate our professional and personal lives.

From Angela Rayner's resignation and the leadership lessons it provides, to disappointments with Apple's innovation, to Cardi B's courtroom victory against frivolous claims – each story offers insights into standing your ground and protecting what matters. I also introduce the concept of "job hugging" and why protecting your business ideas legally has never been more important.

Referenced Article:

The Quiet Thrill of Not Being For Everyone

https://www.wildbarethoughts.com/p/the-quiet-thrill-of-not-being-for

The Toya Talks podcast is evolving with a new logo, consistent Wednesday episodes, and increased social media presence. Follow @toya_talks on Instagram for more career insights, and watch out for the October launch of my new stationery brand, Sister Scribble. Have a workplace dilemma? Email hello@toyatalks.com for confidential advice on the podcast.

Sponsorships - Email me: hello@toyatalks.com
Cc: toyawashington10@gmail.com

TikTok: toya_washington

Twitter: @toya_w (#ToyaTalksPodcast)

Snapchat: @toyawashington

Instagram: @toya_washington & @toya_talks

www.toyatalks.com
https://toyatalks.com/

Music (Intro and Outro) Written and created by Nomadic Star

• Stationary Company - Sistah Scribble
• Instagram @sistahscribble
• Website: www.sistahscribble.com