In this episode of Revolutionary Leadership, Dr. Kerry Mitchell Brown is joined by Dr. L. Zakiya Newland, a clinical social worker, educator, and mental health advocate with over 30 years of experience. Together, they explore the concept of radical self-prioritization—not as an indulgence, but as a clinically necessary strategy for sustainable leadership power.

Dr. Newland is a Full Professor and Chairperson of the Department of Social Work at Molloy University, founder of LZN Consulting LLC, Convener of Black Family Summit Inc., and President of the Nassau Suffolk Association of Black Social Workers. She began her journey in Harlem, serving as a clinical social worker, community liaison, program developer, and mental health clinic administrator. She offers a clinical reframe of self-care—moving it from a luxury or reward to a strategic infrastructure —with frameworks that help Black women leaders move from depletion to sustainable brilliance, including how to recognize when you're overextended, set boundaries without guilt, and think strategically about the fullness of your leadership experiences.

You'll Discover:

The 4 A's Framework: A clinical process for moving from depletion to restoration—Acknowledge, Awareness, Action, Acceptance—applied to real scenarios when self-care feels "selfish."
The "SAS" as a Signal: Why internal irritation and "salty" responses are biological signals of depletion, not personal failure.
8 Dimensions of Wellness: How Physical, Emotional, Social, Intellectual, Spiritual, Occupational, Environmental, and Financial health are interconnected—and which dimensions Black women leaders most neglect.
The Fullness of Experiences Framework: How to extract strategic lessons from employment, volunteer work, and contracted roles to build your gifts, skills, and "overall fabulosity."
Self-Care as Clinical Necessity: Why rest is strategic infrastructure, not a reward—and how to shift from "should do" to "clinically necessary."
Peace as Strategic Positioning: How protecting your peace positions you for sustainable power, not something you earn after achievement.
Community Over Google: Why Black-led mental health resources matter more than generic wellness advice—and specific platforms Dr. Newland recommends.

Featured Book

Dr. Newland highly recommends "Set Boundaries, Find Peace" by Nedra Glover Tawwab, a licensed clinical social worker, for its practical strategies and workbook.

Featured Voice

Lliane Cannon, a teacher and parent at Deep Root Academy, shares reflections on the impact of equity and fairness teach-ins. She describes how these supportive and intentional conversations create ripple effects, moving students and families from theory to real, actionable dialogue. Mrs. Cannon highlights how centering fairness and inclusion equips children with the tools to navigate the world with empathy and critical thinking.

Where to Find Dr. Lisa Zakiya Newland

Websites: blackfamilysummit.org | setupthewin.com
Instagram: @Educate2ElevateCS
LinkedIn: Lisa Zakiya Newland

Strategic Leadership Reflection

This week, identify one boundary you need to reinforce as strategic protection. Walk through the 4 A's:

ACKNOWLEDGE: What is actually happening in this area of your life?
AWARENESS: What is the cost of not setting this boundary?
ACTION: What is one specific step you can take to reinforce it?
ACCEPTANCE: Can you accept that protecting your peace is part of your leadership brilliance?

About the Host:

This podcast is hosted by Dr. Kerry Mitchell Brown, CEO of kmb Consultancy and cultural architect specializing in revolutionary leadership and organizational transformation, and author of Revolutionary Leadership: A Power Playbook for Black Women (August 2026).

Drawing on her entrepreneurial experience and a career spanning nonprofits, academia, and Fortune 100 companies, Dr. Kerry equips leaders across industries to navigate systems not designed for them, amplify their strategic power, and create environments where equity and innovation flourish. Connect with her here.

Join the Conversation:

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Let's Connect:

🌐: RevolutionaryLead.com

✉️: DrKerry@revolutionarylead.com

Social Media: @RevolutionaryLead

Credits:

Intro and outro music: "Feeling Free" by Jesse Lawrence (Epidemic Sound)

A Crackers In Soup production