I Came to Slay

Elizabeth Leiba is a professor, author, business consultant, and social advocate for Black women in business. With backgrounds in communication, politics, and academics, she launched her career in social advocacy with the e-learning platform, Black History & Culture Academy, earning her the title of LinkedIn Top Voice in 2020. Elizabeth has gone on to create more incredible platforms, such as her resource website Black Women Handle Business, Crown & Quill Creations for writing consulting, and conversations on the social justice podcast EBONY Media. Her bibliography includes 2022’ I’m Not Yelling and 2024’s Protecting My Peace. She currently lives in Colombia.

Praise for Elizabeth Leiba“What a gift to Black women in the workplace! Leiba’s work elevates and amplifies a conversation that is long overdue. With fierce, unapologetic vulnerability, Leiba unpacks the complexity and nuance of this sometimes debilitating trope impacting so many Black women. For those committed to challenging stereotypes and enhancing workplace inclusion, this book is a must-read.“—Dana Brownlee, Forbes Careers senior contributor“In I’m Not Yelling, Elizabeth Leiba sheds light on some of the common, and troubling challenges Black women face in the workplace. She offers actionable steps that we, as Black women, can take to beat the odds stacked against us. This guide will support us in obtaining long-term success and peace.“—Aiko Bethea, Esq., author and founder of RARE Coaching & Consulting“Elizabeth Leiba is the voice first-generation Caribbean immigrant professional women have been patiently waiting for!! She has answers for the overachievers who are scared to ask questions because they are expected to have all the answers. Whew, this one hits different! Everyone talks about authenticity, but Elizabeth is showing how using your authentic voice and ditching the code switching can be a path to freedom and achievement. I AM YELLING —IF YOU NEED A SIGN TO READ THE BOOK, HERE IT IS !“—Sue-Ann Robinson, Esq., lead counsel for Ben Crump Law in Ft. Lauderdale“Leiba’s work is a strategic tool for Black women navigating corporate America and their allies working to create supportive environments. I’m Not Yelling is the guide you mark with highlights and get out of your purse at work to address difficult conversations. It’s the literary sister circle you need to find the strength to get back up on the days you feel unsupported and alone. Personally, I look forward to reading her book and applying the ideas to tackle systems of injustice.“—Qaadirah Abdur-Rahim, Chief Equity Officer, City of Atlanta“This book is a true masterpiece! It speaks to every aspect of a Black woman’s journey, empowering her at every step. From building wealth to owning unshakeable confidence—all while prioritizing self-care—this book is a must-read for anyone ready to commit to success and show up boldly. If you’re ready to slay and succeed, this book is for you.“—Netta Jenkins, CEO of Aerodei and author of The Inclusive Organization: Real Solutions, Impactful Change, and Meaningful Diversity“Black women everywhere are renegotiating their relationships with self, work, media, and society at large. As overwhelming as it sometimes feels, we do have the power of choice; we can fall victim to the fray, or we can slay anyway. In I Came to Slay, Elizabeth Leiba reminds us that within ourselves (and in each other), we have everything we need to live a vibrant life. Don’t miss this timely and enjoyable read.“—Tara Jaye Frank, author of The Waymakers: Clearing the Path to Workplace Equity with Competence and Confidence

• ContentsIntroduction: A Call to PowerChapter 1: Discovering Joy WithinUnlocking Inner StrengthVanquishing Self-DoubtChapter 2: Prioritizing Personal NeedsMapping the BattlefieldMastering Self-ValidationChapter 3: Dealing with Bullying and AbuseCombat StrategiesShielding Against NarcissismChapter 4: Healing and RecoveryRegenerative TacticsChapter 5: Recognizing and Reacting to Red FlagsScouting for ThreatsCounterattack Against People-PleasingChapter 6: Asserting Body AutonomyClaiming TerritoryChapter 7: Setting BoundariesDefensive LinesChapter 8: Financial EmpowermentBuilding WealthEconomic IndependenceConclusion: Living EmpoweredVictory MarchAppendicesArsenal of ResourcesAllies and Support Networks