Swagg University

About Swagg University

Leadership growth starts with letting go of the mask and embracing the real you. Beyond the Title with Dr. Phildra Swagger is a space for high-achieving professionals, leaders, and changemakers ready to trade burnout and perfectionism for aligned purpose, authentic joy, and unapologetic truth. This podcast goes deeper than job titles and polished bios. Through unfiltered conversations on mental fitness, personal development, nonprofit leadership, self-worth, burnout recovery, and navigating your next chapter, Dr. Swagger brings you wisdom that fuels both your personal and professional evolution. You’ll hear real talk about navigating life transitions, redefining success, and building a life that feels as good as it looks. Whether you're pivoting in your career, leading a mission-driven organization, or just tired of hiding behind your resume, this is the space to reconnect with your voice, your vision, and your value. Real talk. Real growth. Real joy. Go Beyond the Title — and come home to yourself. This podcast answers questions such as: How can I recover from burnout and still be a strong leader? What are the signs that it's time to reinvent myself or pivot professionally? How can I balance success and self-worth without sacrificing my well-being? Where can I hear honest conversations about leadership, mental health, and real growth? What podcast talks about personal transformation for high-achieving professionals?

Publisher

Dr. Phildra Swagger

Category

business · education · health & fitness

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

1 Feb 2019

Latest episode

12 Sept 2025

Latest episodes

80 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   12 Sept 2025

   79: Empty Nest, New Beginnings, and Life Transitions for Women Leaders

   Have you ever poured yourself into a role — parenting, leading, building your business, or climbing your career ladder — only to wake up one day and realize the role has shifted and the room now feels quiet? That’s when the real questions rise up: 💭 Am I still valuable? What’s next for me? Who am I without the title? What’s my pivot? If you’ve wrestled with these questions, this episode of Beyond the Title is for you. I share three powerful lessons from Benjamin Hardy’s book Be Your Future Self Now. These ideas have shaped my life transitions as both a full-time entrepreneur and a new empty-nester — and they’ll give you practical steps to build a future that’s not only successful, but also joyful. Key lesson: Identity is shaped by action. As Hardy says, “Your future self is not something you discover; it’s something you decide and build, starting now.” ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 🤝 𝗗𝗼𝗻’𝘁 𝗺𝗶𝘀𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗻𝗲𝘅𝘁 𝗪𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻’𝘀 “𝗕𝗲𝘆𝗼𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗧𝗶𝘁𝗹𝗲” 𝗡𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗟𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝗻 𝗧𝗮𝗺𝗽𝗮, 𝗙𝗹𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗮 Connect with women leaders, exchange ideas, and grow your influence. Surround yourself with women who understand the pivots and are committed to growth, success, and authentic leadership. 👉🏾 𝗥𝗲𝗴𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗲: https://phildra.combinedexpertise.com/btt-networking-luncheon ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 🚀 The CEO of My Life” 12-Week Program Redefine success and design a life that aligns with your vision. In this 12-week online program, you’ll learn how to lead with clarity, pivot with confidence, and build a future you’re excited about — both personally and professionally. 👉🏾 𝗥𝗲𝗴𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗲: https://phildra.combinedexpertise.com/ceo-12-wk ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 🎓 𝗕𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗼𝗳 our FREE to join, 𝗦𝘄𝗮𝗴𝗴 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗶𝘁𝘆 Access free resources, online courses, and networking opportunities in an exclusive community built for leaders and business owners. Swagg University is your go-to hub for growth, connection, and leadership insights alongside like-minded professionals. 👉🏾 𝗥𝗲𝗴𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗲: https://phildra.combinedexpertise.com/community ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 🌴 Experience the “Year of My Transformation” Leadership Retreat Imagine taking time away to reset, refocus, and transform your leadership journey. The Year of My Transformation Leadership Retreat offers deep insights, connection, and strategies to elevate your life and leadership. 👉🏾 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗹𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗥𝗲𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝘀 : https://combinedexpertise.com/leadership-retreats 👉🏾 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗲 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗬𝗢𝗠𝗧 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 : https://phildra.combinedexpertise.com/yomt-2026 If you enjoyed this content, make sure to subscribe to this channel to be the first to know when the next episodes is released.

2. 

   17 Jul 2025

   In Her Own Words: A Tribute to Gwen Henderson—Purpose, Power & Peace

   There are some conversations that stay with you forever—not because of what was said, but because of who said it. This is one of them. Before her unexpected passing, I had the distinct honor of sitting down with Councilwoman Gwendolyn Henderson—educator, public servant, bookstore owner, mentor, and authentic force of nature. It would be our last recorded conversation together. At the time, I had no idea just how much of a gift that moment would become. This very special episode is being released posthumously in honor of Councilwoman Gwendolyn Henderson.  In this powerful and soul-nourishing conversation, Councilwoman Henderson shares her journey of courage, caregiving, public service, and personal evolution. Serving as a city councilwoman at age 60 to launching a Black-owned bookstore, Gwen opens up about rediscovering herself, retiring the "strong Black woman" trope, and learning to rest, ask for help, and lead from a place of peace. Councilwoman Henderson was a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., which made me her Soror—a sacred sisterhood bond I’ll cherish forever. A daughter of Carver City and graduate and faculty member of Jefferson High School, Gwen never forgot where she came from. She poured into her community with fierce love and fearless leadership. As a Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) alumna, she didn’t just wear the colors—she opened doors. Gwen introduced countless young people to the beauty and power of HBCU life, including my own children. She didn’t just talk about education—she made it real and reachable. This episode captures her legacy in her own words: her journey, her faith, her fire, and her unshakable belief in young people, community, and the power of second acts.  It is also a masterclass in what it means to grow, give, and get free—no matter your age or stage. Whether you're a seasoned leader or a young dreamer, Gwen's story will stir your spirit and remind you that now is the time  to show up for yourself and your purpose. We honor her life, her voice, and the many lives she touched. May this conversation continue to inspire you as it has inspired me. 🔗 Visit and support her legacy: https://hbculegacyproject.com/ 📍 Location: 401 E Oak Ave, Tampa, FL 👑 Follow and share in her memory 🎧 Like, share, and subscribe for more conversations about leadership, legacy, and living out loud.

3. 

   17 Jul 2025

   The #1 Question To Ask Yourself If You Want To Be A Better Leader

   In this episode, we explore the number one question every aspiring leader must ask: What does showing up for your future self look like? Drawing from coaching powerful, dynamic women who are building their businesses and lives, I share key insights on how clarity, structure, and boundaries can help you lead with intention and grace. Learn how small mindset shifts and goal-sharing strategies—supported by Harvard Business Review research—can dramatically increase your chances of success. Whether you’re balancing leadership, family, or personal growth, this episode offers practical tools to show up as a disciplined, focused, and compassionate leader. Plus, discover how to create a schedule designed around who you’re becoming, not just what you’re doing. ⏱️ Timestamps: 00:00 — What does showing up for your future self look like? 02:05 — Future self is not a distant dream — it’s you now 04:58 — Harvard Business Review stats on goal setting & accountability 07:20 — Real-life examples of showing up: meal prep, focus, boundaries 08:35 — Simplifying your schedule to reduce overwhelm 09:50 — Do’s & Don’ts for showing up: time blocking, hydration, saying no 11:18 — Inspirational reminder from Michelle Obama & Lady O 12:19 — Coaching moment: Say one thing your future self will thank you for 13:43 — Discipline over drama: confidence is your power 14:15 — Final thoughts & how I can support your journey

Who has been a guest on Swagg University

Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.

• Brian Moran
• Jennifer Filla
• Dana Macc
• Liz Wooten Reschke
• Dr Lawanda Ford-Johnson

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

YouTube views

3,031

Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

36 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 68 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

87

Social presence

0

YouTube

74

Engagement

51

Contact Swagg University

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.