Marsha Haygood (1953 – 2026), motivational speaker, talent development expert, empowerment coach, and bestselling author made it her lifelong work to help individuals and organizations achieve meaningful success. An accomplished entrepreneur and co-founder of Black Women of Influence, Marsha lectured nationwide, inspiring audiences to take confident action toward their goals. Her deep expertise as an HR executive and leadership advisor is truly the heart of this publication. We dedicate this launch to her and her enduring legacy.

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For more that 26 years, Marsha Haygood was our dear friend and peer mentor. For 17 of those years, she was also our co-author, business partner and collaborator. We feel blessed and priveleged to have known her, and will always cherish her memory. We dedicate our launch of our third and last book — The Next Little Black Book of Success — to her memory.

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Marsha Haygood lived a life full of love, purpose, laughter, and generosity. To know Marsha was to experience her warmth, wisdom, and the genuine joy she brought into every room. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, mentor, and dear friend whose life touch many.

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Marsha took immense pride and happiness in her family. She shared a deep and enduring love with her beloved husband, David, who passed away in 2025. Their partnership was a beautiful example of devotion, friendship, and faith and she carried the joy of the life they built together. She cherished her sister, Shirley, her sons, Hart, Gregory, Kenny, and Shawn, her daughter-in-love, Jeantique and Shelly, nephew, Darryl, his fiancé, Maria, and her niece, Lisa. She also found immense joy in being “Grandma” and “Great-Grandma.” Her grandchildren, Cillian and Remi, were a constant source of pride, laughter, and delight. Time spent with her family sharing stories, encouragement, and love were among her greatest joys.

 

As President and Founder of StepWise Associates, LLC, Marsha guided individuals and organizations toward stronger leadership, meaningful careers, and purposeful lives. She also served in leadership roles in Human Resources and Administration at New Line Cinema and Orion Pictures, where her thoughtful leadership helped shape workplace cultures and support countless professionals. 

 

Marsha's voice and wisdom also reached far beyond the workplace through her writing. She co-authored The Little Black Book of Success: Laws of Leadership for Black Women and its companion workbook, and recent work, The Next Little Black Book of Success, inspiring readers to embrace their strengths and lead with confidence. Throughout her life she also received numerous honors recognizing her contributions to leadership, business, and service.