In this episode, Laura is joined by Dr. Crystal Moten, an award-winning writer, historian, and expert on Black women’s history who has spent her career amplifying the lives and labors of Black women.

Dr. Moten introduces the concept of professional wanderlust, a term she coined to reframe how we think about career mobility. Drawing inspiration from the idea of wanderlust in travel, she explores how many Black women navigate their careers as spaces of learning, growth, and exploration rather than following a single, linear path.

A self-described professional wanderlust herself, Dr. Moten shares how she once felt shame about frequently changing roles before recognizing the deeper power in refusing to wait for permission to pursue opportunity, wellbeing, and alignment. Through both personal experience and historical insight, she challenges the stigma often attached to “job hopping” and invites listeners to see career movement through a more expansive lens.

Together, Laura and Dr. Moten discuss the many reasons Black women move between roles—from seeking fair compensation to leaving toxic work environments to pursuing personal growth and joy. The conversation highlights how career mobility can be both a strategic and liberatory response to workplace realities.

Aligned with Season 8’s theme Leaning Into Joy, this episode encourages listeners to reimagine their professional journeys as acts of courage, curiosity, and self-determination.

About Crystal

Dr. Crystal Marie Moten is an award-winning writer and expert on Black women’s history. She has spent her professional life amplifying the life and labors of Black women. A self-proclaimed “professional wanderlust,” she is one of many Black women who have left job after job for a myriad of personal and professional reasons. At first, this continual movement made her ashamed–until she recognized the power in refusing to wait for anyone’s permission to reclaim her destiny, walk in her power and write her own ticket.

Connect with Crystal

Learn more about her upcoming book, The Ticket: Confessions of a Professional Wanderlust at https://profwanderlust.com/

Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cmmoten/

Connect on Instragram: @crystalmariemoten

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