Not 4 Prophets Podcast
The Not 4 Prophets Podcast is the place where two seasoned, Black non-profit professionals spill the tea on what really goes on behind closed doors in the nonprofit industry and how it impacts Black leaders and leaders of color. We’ll share our personal experience, industry trends and tools and strategies for navigating the world of non-profit leadership as Black professionals.
Episodes
Sometimes it’s not you, it’s the system.
In this episode, we’re calling out the deep dysfunction inside nonprofits, institutions, and “progressive” spaces that claim they want change but quietly resist it at every turn. From the myth of meritocracy to the hollow rituals of “inclusion,” we’re asking: What happens when the mission sounds right, but the culture stays wrong?
We dig into:
- How to spot wh...
We’re told to make it in systems that were never built for us. But what happens after the resignation, the burnout, the pivot, or the layoff?
In this episode, we’re talking about what comes next, life beyond the 9–5. Whether you’re consulting, on sabbatical, freelancing, starting your own thing, or still figuring it out, this conversation holds space for the truth: leaving isn’t the end of the story, it's the beginning of a differe...
“You don’t belong here.” Nobody says it out loud, but Black professionals feel it all the time.
In this episode, we’re flipping the script on impostor syndrome. Too often, we’re told our self-doubt is a personal failing, that we just need to be more confident or stop being so sensitive. But what if those feelings aren’t internal at all? What if they’re responses to systemic exclusion, coded invalidation, and racialized bias?
This ...
The DEI wave that surged in 2020 is crashing, and once again, Black professionals are the first to pay the price. From layoffs and sidelining to performative accountability and shrinking budgets, many are left wondering: What now?
In this episode, we’re talking about the DEI backlash and what it means for those who've built careers, movements, and entire identities around the pursuit of equity in the workplace.
We ask:
At some point in leadership, especially for Black leaders, the work starts to feel absurd. The goals no longer make sense. The requests become contradictory. The funding evaporates. The outcomes are unclear or ever-shifting. And yet, somehow, you're still expected to show up with grace, clarity, and measurable impact. This episode explores what it feels like to be asked to do the impossible with the bare minimum, and the emotional,...
Not all harm comes from "the system”, sometimes, it shows up much closer to home. In this episode, we dive into a tough but necessary conversation: what happens when people inside your organization use racial justice language and DEI frameworks for personal gain? What happens when shared trauma is manipulated, accountability is dodged, and liberatory language becomes a shield against critique?
We explore:
- Read more
We know the cost of assimilating. We’ve felt the exhaustion of constant resistance. So what else is there?
In this episode, we explore “The Third Way”, a growing movement among Black leaders who are choosing imagination over burnout, dignity over martyrdom, and global vision over boxes that don’t fit. What does it mean to lead on your own terms?
Together, we dig into:
- The ideas, influences, and fra...
“You’ve changed.” But... have you really? Or have you just learned to survive?
In this episode, we’re diving into the nuance and necessity of code-switching, compartmentalization, and adaptation, not as signs of betrayal, but as sacred acts of self-preservation. For many Black professionals, especially in predominantly white or high-pressure environments, shifting how you show up is not about inauthenticity, it’s about making it t...
Welcome to Season 3! We’re kicking things off with a timely and raw conversation about the current political landscape and how it is impacting Black leaders.
In this episode, we’re unpacking the ripple effects of the post-2024 election climate and what it means for Black folks in positions of leadership. As social justice fatigue deepens, DEI funding disappears, and political tensions rise, the stakes are shifting fast, and often q...
In this episode, Trenia Parham and David DeVaughn dive into the intricate dynamics of how non-Black Americans, people of color, and Blacks who did not grow up in predominantly Black communities experience and understand race and oppression. They explore personal stories, the impacts of anti-Blackness, and the complexities of solidarity within diverse communities. Trenia also shares her work with Sustainable Lead...
Episode Description:
In this episode, Trenia Parham and David DeVaughn delve into the complex issue of classism within the nonprofit sector. They discuss how class disparities manifest in nonprofit organizations, impacting both the internal dynamics and the external work being done in communities. Trenia and David share personal experiences and insights into the often overlooked intersection of class and race in this field.
In Th...
Episode Description: In this episode, Trenia Parham and David DeVaughn delve into the phenomenon of white people failing upward in the nonprofit sector. They explore the dynamics and impact of this trend on Black staff and people of color, sharing personal experiences and strategies for navigating such challenging environments. The discussion highlights the disparity in how mistakes and failures are treated based on race, and the s...
Episode Description: In this episode Trenia Parham and David DeVaughn explore the concept of gatekeeping within the nonprofit sector, particularly focusing on Black professionals. They discuss the reasons behind gatekeeping, its impact on career advancement and organizational culture, and the intersection of race and class. The conversation also delves into personal experiences and strategies for fostering an inclusive and supporti...
Episode Description:
In this episode of "Not 4 Prophets we delve into the unique and often challenging experiences of Black women in the nonprofit sector. David interviews Trenia about her personal journey, discussing the stereotypes, challenges, and triumphs she has encountered. This episode provides valuable insights for nonprofit leaders, employees, and anyone interested in understanding and supporting Black women in professiona...
Episode Description:
In this episode of "Not 4 Prophets," hosts Trenia Parham and David DeVaughn tackle the sensitive and often overlooked issue of the sexualization of Black men in the nonprofit sector. Trenia interviews David about his personal experiences and observations, shedding light on how these dynamics affect professional relationships, workplace culture, and the well-being of Black men in these environments. This episode...
Episode Description:
Join hosts Trenia Parham and David DeVaughn in this compelling episode of "Not 4 Prophets," where they discuss the realities of hostile work environments and toxic work cultures. Drawing from personal experiences and professional insights, they explore the emotional and psychological impact of such environments, particularly on Black professionals. This episode is essential for anyone navigating challenging wor...
Episode Description:
In this episode, Trenia and David delve into the complex narrative of treating nonprofit organizations as a family. Unpack the profound implications of this mindset on professional boundaries, organizational culture, and particularly its impact on Black professionals within the nonprofit sector. Using personal anecdotes and expert analysis, Trenia and David skillfully unravel the subtleties of this narrative an...
Episode Description
Explore the intricate relationships between Black professionals and non-Black people of color within the nonprofit sector in this captivating episode of "Not 4 Prophets." Join hosts Trenia Parham and David DeVaughn as they engage in a profound dialogue about the dynamics at play on issues like solidarity with non-Black POCs, colorism, and the profound impact of these relationships on Black leaders.
Gain valuable...
Episode Description:
Join Trenia Parham and David DeVaughn in this enlightening episode of "Not 4 Prophets," as they explore the critical and widespread issue of being overworked and undervalued in the nonprofit sector, a challenge that particularly affects Black professionals. This episode serves as a deep dive into the nuanced relationship between commitment and burnout. The hosts share their personal journeys and dissect the sys...
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