The job market isn’t giving today’s college seniors much to smile about—and that includes the Class of 2025. On this timely and powerful episode of The Culture Soup Podcast®, L. Michelle Smith welcomes leadership expert and author Leilani M. Brown for a heart-to-heart on what it takes to launch strong, even in uncertain times.

With candor, warmth, and serious know-how, Leilani unpacks what students, families, employers—and even leaders—need to understand about the transition from campus to career. You’ll hear about the emotional toll of today’s job market, what matters most to Gen Z job seekers, and how both individuals and organizations can shift with intention.

People Mentioned

• Leilani M. Brown – Guest, author, CEO of Giant Steps LLC
• L. Michelle Smith – Host, author, executive coach
• Leilani’s son – Class of 2025, mentioned as a source of inspiration
• Parents & college students – Broad shoutout to listeners navigating this landscape

Organizations & Institutions

• Giant Steps LLC – Leilani’s consulting and leadership firm
• Spelman College – Both Leilani and L. Michelle are alumnae
• Howard University – Mentioned in context of the HBCU community
• The Culture Soup Podcast® – In its 8th year, hosted by L. Michelle Smith
• The Circle – L. Michelle’s leadership growth and coaching community
• NSC Coaching – Executive & personal coaching firm founded by L. Michelle
• SOAR Academy – Digital learning platform for leaders

Books

• From Campus to Career – Career launch guide for young professionals by Leilani
• Your Giant Steps – Leilani’s latest book on professional clarity and growth
• No Thanks: 7 Ways to Say I’ll Just Include Myself – L. Michelle’s bestselling book

Cultural/Professional Themes

• Class of 2025 – Core focus of the episode
• Grit, grace, gumption – Leilani’s leadership mantra
• Purpose, performance, people – Three pillars for career success
• “The kids are not alright” – Referenced as a cultural truth
• “You’re not stuck—you’re shifting” – A powerful Leilani quote echoed by L. Michelle

• Leilani M. Brown – leilanimbrown.com
• L. Michelle Smith & The Culture Soup Podcast® – lmichellesmith.com/theculturesouppodcast
• Join The Circle – lmichellesmith.com/thecircle