“Can a Black woman with a PhD be both feared and misunderstood? Dr. Khaalida Forbes opens up about the dangers of being ‘dangerously effective.’”
In this thought-provoking episode of Bonnerfide Conversations, host Gerard Bonner sits down with Dr. Khaalida Forbes, a transformative leader who blends academic excellence, grit, and grace in ways that challenge the status quo. As a Black woman with a PhD, Dr. Forbes is both feared and misunderstood by many—and in this episode, she opens up about what it’s like to be “dangerously effective.” From her New York roots to navigating male-dominated spaces, Dr. Forbes shares how she’s learned to wield her power, her language, and her silence with precision.
If you’re a leader, entrepreneur, or creative looking to redefine what it means to be both strong and authentic, this episode will leave you inspired, challenged, and ready to take action.
Show Notes:
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Grit and Grace: Dr. Khaalida Forbes dives into her personal philosophy on mastering both grit and grace. She shares how her upbringing in Brooklyn, New York, shaped her unshakable resilience and how she learned to navigate life with balance and strength.
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The Power of Language: Discover why Dr. Forbes believes that silence can be more powerful than words and how she carefully chooses when to speak. Her wisdom in balancing communication and silence is one of the key takeaways from this conversation.
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Breaking Barriers: As a Black woman with a PhD, Dr. Forbes discusses the challenges she’s faced in male-dominated spaces and how being “dangerously effective” often leads to being misunderstood. She shares valuable insights on how to maintain integrity and be unapologetically powerful in any environment.
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Wisdom Over Words: Dr. Forbes explains how wisdom has played a crucial role in her success. It’s not just about having the right words but knowing how to apply them. Listen as she reflects on the lessons she’s learned about being assertive and strategic in her leadership.
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Sexism and Race: One of the most powerful parts of this conversation is Dr. Forbes’ candid reflection on the intersection of sexism and race. She discusses her experiences with both, shedding light on how these dynamics affect her career and leadership style.
Chapters:
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[00:00] – Introduction: Host Gerard Bonner introduces Dr. Khaalida Forbes and sets the stage for a conversation about strength, resilience, and authenticity.
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[03:20] – The Grit and Grace of Dr. Khaalida Forbes: Dr. Forbes discusses how her upbringing in Brooklyn influenced her grit and approach to overcoming obstacles.
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[08:45] – The Power of Silence: Dr. Forbes explains why sometimes saying nothing is more impactful than speaking, and how she uses this strategy in her leadership style.
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[14:30] – Breaking Through Barriers: Dr. Forbes opens up about navigating male-dominated spaces and why being both feared and misunderstood comes with the territory.
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[20:15] – Wisdom and Leadership: The conversation shifts to the importance of wisdom in leadership. Dr. Forbes shares how wisdom helps her apply knowledge and make effective decisions.
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[25:40] – Navigating Sexism and Race: A candid discussion about the challenges Dr. Forbes has faced as a Black woman with a PhD in a world that often doesn’t know how to handle her power.
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[30:00] – Final Thoughts and Takeaways: Dr. Forbes shares final reflections on how to embrace your power, stay true to your authenticity, and lead with purpose and integrity.
Dr. Khaalida Forbes’ journey is a testament to the power of grit, grace, and wisdom in overcoming life’s challenges. As a Black woman with a PhD, she has shattered barriers and navigated difficult spaces, becoming a “dangerously effective” leader in the process. In this conversation, she has given us a masterclass in being unapologetically powerful, wise, and authentic.
For entrepreneurs, creatives, and leaders, this episode offers valuable insights into how to navigate a world that often doesn’t know how to handle your strength. Dr. Forbes’ words will leave you motivated to stand in your power, speak when necessary, and strategically choose when to remain silent.
Join the conversation: Use #BonnerfideConversations and tag us @bonnerfide and @khaalidaforbes on social media!
A Member of the Bonnerfide Podcast Network: bonnerfidepodcastnetwork.com
