Welcome to 2026 — The Year of Becoming Unapologetically You

Happy New Year, beautiful people! Welcome to 2026 and welcome to Season 5 of You Are You Unapologetically with your host, Dr. Kim R. Grimes.

This season opener sets the tone for what’s ahead with one powerful declaration:

2026 is The Year of Audacious Becoming.

Not quiet becoming. Not cautious becoming. But becoming boldly, loudly, courageously, and unapologetically—even when it shakes the room.

In this episode, Dr. Grimes invites you into a deeper journey of self-expression, healing, and identity—reminding you that you deserve a year where your voice isn’t minimized, your dreams aren’t postponed, and your identity isn’t negotiable.

Season 5 is designed to support you as you:

• Break internal barriers
• Release old stories
• Build unstoppable confidence
• Heal what needs healing
• Build what needs building
• Rise into the woman you’ve always known you could be

You’ll also be encouraged to reflect on what “unapologetically you” looks like in 2026—whether it’s launching the business, asking for what you’re worth, setting boundaries, healing old wounds, or choosing joy and peace without apology.

We want to hear from you. Share your 2026 goals with us so we can cheer you on, hold you accountable, and celebrate your milestones. You can send your goals via email, social media DMs, or voice messages—because this year, you are not walking alone.

Also, Season 5 guest submissions are now open. If you have a story, lesson, or breakthrough that aligns with audacious becoming, your voice may be exactly what someone else needs to hear. You don’t have to be famous—just real, ready, and willing to empower others.

Here’s to a year of bold moves, healed hearts, aligned decisions, and taking up space.

Welcome to Season 5. Welcome to The Year of Audacious Becoming.

It’s the powerful Season Finale and the final podcast of the year. Join us as we reflect on an incredible journey of growth, gratitude, and unapologetic living, highlighting this season's most impactful episodes and memorable insights from guests. Looking ahead, get an exciting sneak peek into Season 5 in 2026, which promises an even deeper dive into leadership, healing, and abundance, all centered on returning to your truest, most powerful self and embracing the ultimate gift: self-forgiveness and grace.

Self-love is not selfish; it’s essential. So many of us carry invisible loads: family responsibilities, career demands, caregiving, and community commitments. And society often sends the message that putting ourselves first is wrong. But without self-love, we can’t sustainably care for anyone else or show up fully in our lives. In this empowering conversation, Dr. Kim R. Grimes sits down with relationship coach and cultural leader Stella Umutoni to explore how prioritizing yourself is the foundation of emotional healing, stronger relationships, and authentic living.

Imposter syndrome is that nagging feeling that you are not really qualified, undeserving of your accomplishments, or someone will “find out” you do not belong at any moment. It can sneak into our careers, businesses, and even our personal lives, impacting confidence, decision-making, and ultimately how far we allow ourselves to go. But here’s the truth: you are more than enough. Diane Umutoni, Co-Founder and Executive Director of Win Together Canada Foundation, is here to uncover what imposter syndrome really is, why it shows up so strongly for women, and most importantly, how to break free from it for good.

This episode dives deep into the often-hidden emotional and mental struggles women face while pursuing purpose-driven goals. From battling imposter syndrome and mom guilt to feeling overwhelmed by societal pressure and unrealistic comparisons, this conversation unpacks what many don’t talk about out loud. The goal? To normalize these experiences, dismantle shame, and remind women that inner battles don’t make them weak; they make them real. Joining us is Tonya Thomas, the founder of Team Delegate, a premier provider of elite virtual executive assistant support tailored for small business owners and entrepreneurs.

Why It’s Important:

Many women dream of building something bigger—whether it’s a business, a career legacy, or a movement—but behind the scenes are silent battles: self-doubt, guilt about balancing family and ambition, fear of failure, and comparison to others. These inner battles are often unspoken, yet they shape every decision and can either fuel growth or stop progress. By talking about them openly, we normalize the experience and empower women to keep building while embracing their full, authentic selves.

Today’s episode is one we ALL need to hear: Money Mistakes Women Don’t Realize They’re Making. Let’s talk about it—money. Not just budgeting and saving—but the deep stuff: how we feel about money, how we handle it, and how we might unknowingly sabotage our own financial freedom.

The truth is, many women are making small, avoidable mistakes with money—not because we’re careless or incapable, but because we were never taught. Whether it’s undercharging, emotional spending, avoiding investments, or trusting others with our finances without understanding them ourselves, these missteps are costing us more than we realize. With the help of educator and author Ayo WIlson, we unpack these money mistakes and start building the financial freedom we deserve.

In this episode, Dr. Kim R. Grimes is with author and educator Dr. Christine Herring to explore how women can master emotional regulation, especially during high-stress or high-pressure moments in leadership, relationships, and self-development. Get to the root of emotional triggers and learn to manage them with grace and power.

Emotional regulation isn’t about suppressing feelings—it’s about understanding and responding to them in a way that aligns with your values and goals. For women in leadership or growth phases, mastering this skill is essential to maintaining peace, clarity, and effectiveness.

Women in leadership often experience moments of fear and doubt—overthinking decisions, second-guessing their worth, or fearing criticism. These unseen struggles can hold back progress and stifle their unique voices. Dr. Kim R. Grimes sits down with Sairan Aqrawi, an engineer and business strategist dedicated to helping individuals and organizations unlock their full potential. Specializing in guiding midlife women through career transitions, Sairan shares her story and strategies to help empower other women to recognize that fear and doubt are normal—and that they can grow as leaders despite those feelings. Together, they explore how imposter syndrome, hesitation, and fear of judgment can limit opportunities, and how women can rise above these barriers, reclaim their voices, and create lasting impact in their careers, communities, and beyond.