What does it really take to plan 2026 as a Black woman who wants more in her career and business?

In this solo episode, Mercedes gets real about what it means to plan a new year after a hard one, especially when you know you’re meant for more but you’re tired, over it, and done with grind culture.

She walks you through how she’s planning her own 2026 using reflection, the 12 Week Year, and soft, supportive systems so she can build a business and life she actually loves.

Together, we're exploring what it looks like to redesign your goals around who you’re becoming, not just what you think you “should” be doing.

Through honesty, storytelling, and practical strategy, Mercedes reminds you that your Black Woman Bliss Era isn’t about doing more it’s about doing what’s aligned, sustainable, and worthy of the woman you are right now.

🤚🏾 FREE 7-Day Clarity Challenge: Come plan your 2026 with Mercedes and her mama in community starting January 11th. For seven days, you’ll be guided through reflection, vision, and aligned action so you can step into this year with purpose!
Join the challenge: ⁠https://www.mercedesswan.com/clarity-challenge⁠

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

9 to 5 Exit Blueprint (Pay-What-You-Want): ⁠https://www.mercedesswan.com/offers/CNrFmiHw/checkout⁠

Curious About My Systems? My Tech Stack: https://mercedesswan.notion.site/Mercedes-Swan-s-Tech-Stack-21b0ae166516808897caec2fbd1f1b2e?source=copy_link

The 12 Week Year: ⁠https://amzn.to/4pzpN0B⁠

Work 1:1 with Mercedes: ⁠https://www.mercedesswan.com/connect⁠

Blog Guide and Transcript: https://www.mercedesswan.com/blog/2026-planning-for-black-women-goal-setting-12-week-year

What does it really take to build a 45-year legacy in a space not made for you?

In this powerful episode, Mercedes sits down with Ann McNeill, “The Master Builder”, the first Black woman general contractor in Florida and founder of the National Association of Black Women in Construction.

Together, they explore how Black women can find purpose in unexpected places, build confidence that reflects true self-worth, and grow where they’re planted even when we're the only.

Ann shares stories that will inspire and challenge you, from standing up to her boss and unapologetically embodying her newfound confidence by driving off in her white Corvette, to founding five successful businesses and leading a national network of women changing the face of construction.

Through laughter, truth-telling, and legacy-building wisdom, Ann reminds us that everything you’re seeking is seeking you.

During this Episode, You’ll Learn:

• How to stay grounded in your Black Woman Brilliance while navigating male-dominated industries.
• Why your purpose and passion are already within reach and how to align your career with both.
• How to leverage your existing skills instead of waiting for permission to pivot.
• The power of “growing where you’re planted” and why it’s the foundation for elevation.
• How to build confidence at work as a reflection of self, not validation.
• What The McNeill Factor is and how it helps Black women elevate personally, professionally, and spiritually.
• The power of accountability and masterminding with your friends and family.

Build with Ann McNeill: As Ann shares in this episode, you have the power to bring your dreams to life! Connect with Ann and learn more about her transformational programs and resources:

• Discover “The McNeill Factor” — her framework for elevating your mindset, money, and mission: https://annmcneill.com/store
• Work with Ann & Speaking https://annmcneill.com
• Follow Ann on LinkedIn: Ann McNeill, The Master Builder
• Connect with Ann: https://linktr.ee/annmcneill

Step Into Your Black Woman Bliss

You deserve to create a life and career that feels like freedom, alignment, and fulfillment. If you’re ready to quit that toxic job, launch your business, or finally step into your purpose with confidence, join Mercedes for the Black Woman Bliss Blueprint Webinar.

✨ You’ll learn how to:

• Get clear on your Black Woman Brilliance
• Build a career or business rooted in your values and gifts
• Create an exit plan that lets you walk away from burnout and step into your Bliss Era

👉🏾 Register for the free Black Woman Bliss Blueprint Webinar here: https://www.mercedesswan.com/bliss

Ready to Keep Building? Join the conversation and connect with other powerful Black women creating aligned careers, businesses, and lives inside the Career Love Community: https://www.mercedesswan.com/join

In this solo episode, I’m unpacking the hot take that “career coaches are unethical” and talking honestly about what’s really happening in this wild 2025 job market. We dig into the difference between systemic injustice and individual coaches, how manipulative marketing preys on vulnerable job seekers, and what ethical career support can and should look like for Black women. I also share more about the Career Love Mission, career liberation, and how I’m re-building community care through free and accessible support.
If you’ve ever side-eyed the coaching industry (or me 👀 lol), that's okay! This one will help you think more critically and more compassionately about where you invest your time, money, and energy.
🤎 Join the Career Love Community
If you’re a Black woman navigating layoffs, toxic workplaces, underemployment, or you’re just tired of doing this alone, the Career Love Community was built for you. Inside, you’ll find a free tier and a paid membership option with access to:
✓ Job search chats and live support
✓ Peer resume reviews & mock interviews
✓ Accountability pods, networking, and wellness chats
Training resources to help you step into your Black Woman Bliss Era
Learn more and join us here: https://www.mercedesswan.com/join
Start your free trial to the full community experience here: https://www.mercedesswan.com/offers/eJeeU6Va/checkout
🌱 Attend the Black Woman Bliss Blueprint Webinar
Want a deeper dive into the framework I mention in this episode? The Black Woman Bliss Blueprint Webinar walks you through how to:
✓ Get clear on your Black Woman Brilliance
✓ Create an exit plan from a toxic or misaligned job
✓ Start building a career or business that actually feels like freedom
Save your spot for the next session here: https://www.mercedesswan.com/bliss
📅 Book a Free 15-Minute Clarity Chat
If you’re wondering whether coaching, community, or another path is right for you in this season, you can grab a free 15-minute Clarity Chat with me. This is a no-pressure space to talk through where you are, what you’re struggling with in your career or business, and what aligned next steps could look like.
Schedule your clarity chat here: https://calendly.com/mercedesswan/infoShow notes and additional information about choosing a Career Coach: https://www.mercedesswan.com/blog/how-to-choose-an-ethical-career-coach-should-i-work-with-a-career-coach