Brave Women at Work

What is your Plan A?My Plan A was to go to college, get married, have 2 kids, and have a great career. I didn't know that I would have post-partum anxiety and secondary infertility with my family and burnout on the path to career success. As the cliché goes, life can throw us curveballs, and it up to us how we handle these challenges and pivot to Plan B.Plan B is always seen as the back-up plan or the plan that isn't as good as Plan A. As I get older and farther along in my life and career, I don't think that's true. Sometimes our Plan A wasn't right for us anyway. Plan B, C, or D are just as good or even better than Plan A.My guest today, Jackie Cetera, and I talk about this very concept. When we are younger and just starting out, we have this vision for how things are going to go personally and professionally. We can't anticipate the bumps or bruises along the way. Jackie's story is an encouraging one of finding joy in the pivot to a different way or living and working.

I am so excited for my guest today, Amy Quesenberry. Amy and I met through Shelia Higgs Burkhalter and the Infuse Compassion into Companies Conference. When we met, Amy shared her Start with Compassion model, and I was blown away. If we start with compassion with ourselves, with one another, and within companies, it truly can drive better relationships, more productivity, higher satisfaction, happiness, and so much more.As a recovering perfectionist, starting with compassion is easy to understand and difficult to implement. If you struggle with perfectionism or wear a mask or leverage other armor like people pleasing to look or move through the world and work a certain way, this conversation is for you!I loved this conversation because Amy was vulnerable and so brave. Thank you, Amy, for being the amazing person you are!During the podcast, Amy and I chatted about:What led her to participate in the latest Brave Women at Work women's anthology, Brave Women at Work: Lessons in Letting Go.Why her chapter is called, “No More Hiding” and what she hopes readers take away from her story.The story that led to the development of her model, Start with Compassion, and her company of the same name.What starting with compassion means to Amy, and why it is important.

On this weeks episode, Meghan Grace https://www.meghanmgrace.comhttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/genz/id1377915856https://www.amazon.com/Generation-Goes-College-Corey-Seemiller-ebook/dp/B019YNNZAA?ref_=ast_author_dphttps://www.amazon.com/dp/B07K52C97N/ref=mes-dp?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_w=TPIuC&content-id=amzn1.sym.8572ac08-6096-4eb6-b32e-2c759cc3eb5b&pf_rd_p=8572ac08-6096-4eb6-b32e-2c759cc3eb5b&pf_rd_r=45RW287DPDEC2QRG3ZMQ&pd_rd_wg=Z91Kx&pd_rd_r=91bbc826-603f-4a8b-945b-60d46c96d05fhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/meghanmgrace/

I am so excited for my conversation with my guest, Amanda Kenderes. Amanda has discovered something entirely new about communication that I am pumped to share with you.It's called Talk Types.What if the way we talk and who we are as people are intrinsically linked? If we understand our talk type and others, we can understand how to better communicate with one another, and as a result, have better personal and professional relationships.During the podcast today, Amanda and I chatted about:Why we communicate to begin with; what are the goals of communication?What Talk Types are and the six different talk types that exist.How we discover our personal Talk Type.How we bridge the gap between Talk Types if we are on one of the Type and our spouse, partner, boss, friend, or colleague on the other. How we can leverage our talk types during a key presentation or negotiation.Here is more about Amanda:Amanda Kenderes is a professor of interdisciplinary studies at Humphreys University. She holds a Ph.D. in Social Science and Comparative Education from the Graduate School of Education and Information Studies at UCLA. She grew up in North and South America, Asia, Africa, and Europe.If the Brave Women at Work Podcast has helped you personally or professionally, please be share it with a friend, colleague, or family member. And your ratings and reviews help the show continue to gain traction and grow. Thank you again!Also, if you haven't yet downloaded my freebies from my website, check them out at www.bravewomenatwork.com.

When we grow up, we think we have it all figured out, don't we? We believe we should go to college, get a good job, find our perfect partner, be fit, have a good circle of friends, maybe have kids, etc. All before the age of 35. We have these insane expectations for ourselves and what our lives will be.And then, we learn. Maybe the job or career path we originally selected isn't right for us. Maybe we find ourselves without a partner or kids. Maybe life faced us with health challenges. Whatever it is, life tests our ability to pivot and reinvent ourselves into something new. It's like the Japanese art of Kintsugi. With Kintsugi, Japanese artists take broken pieces of pottery and carefully pour gold into the cracks to put it all back together. So, the bowls that were once broken are now even more beautiful than before. Look it up. Kintsugi is so beautiful even though it is technically broken. It has been made new.During my conversation with my guest today, Nicole Meline, I was reminded about the power of reinvention.

Have you ever thought about the concept of baggage at work? I have a dear friend, Pam, that always tells me “Wherever you go, there you are.” If you don't do the lessons, you bring everything with you from job to job or company to company. You bring your habits, patterns, and mental and emotional baggage.The question that my guest, Tamara McLemore, and I chat about today is how can we release this baggage so we can take control of our careers?During my conversation with Tamara, we chatted about:How did Tamara become an accidental project managerWhat is Tamara's definition of corporate baggage?How can we drop our corporate baggage?How do we let go of roles that don't serve us such as “office mom”?What is Tamara's Project Management Certification and work with women all about?Here is more about Tamara:Tamara McLemore is the “Accidental Project Manager.” She has over 20 years of experience in tech, wireless, software application and infrastructure project management for the United States Federal Government, Airline & Travel, Banking & Mortgage, and Raw Material Industries leading and advising programs and projects upwards $150M in budget.And guess what? Tamara has a degree in Journalism. She was able to learn and master the art of Planning, Execution, Implementation and Risk Management. I've been working with amazing companies and individuals identifying that innate Project Management Strength and developing those talents into high-performance individuals that equate to high performing organizations.If the Brave Women at Work Podcast has helped you personally or professionally, please be share it with a friend, colleague, or family member. And your ratings and reviews help the show continue to gain traction and grow. Thank you again!Also, if you haven't yet downloaded my freebies from my website, check them out at www.bravewomenatwork.com.

My guest today, Tonya Herb, is welcoming me and anyone else that struggles with this, to try a new way. What if we turned to others and delegated during stressful times, and really all the time? I know, monumental for perfectionists like me. What if we engaged in kindness towards ourselves? Tonya dives into her proprietary BIKE method and how she leverages that with the work she does with her clients. During my conversation with Tonya, we chatted about:Tonya's walk with perfectionism and how and when she pivotedHow delegation can assist us with perfectionistic tendencies, and if we struggle with delegation, where we startThe fun story behind the BIKE acronymWhat the BIKE Method is and how Tonya uses it in the work she does todayHere is more about Tonya:Tonya Herb once navigated the corporate maze, then became completely obsessed with the “Lead From Where You Are” philosophy and flipped the script from corporate climber to your go-to biz bestie.Hard-knock lessons, relentless self-development, and unwavering resilience fueled Tonya's journey from corporate to entrepreneur and she could not be more excited to help you discover what fuels her clients!Tonya has lived the overworked and overwhelmed, and she's here to tell you the truth about why you might be stuck. Together, she works with her clients to break through those barriers with an out-of-the-box approach that will leave them feeling empowered and ready to pedal through at full speed! Today, Tonya wears many hats – leadership coach, keynote speaker, devoted wife, proud mama, paddle-board enthusiast, Grams, and she loves every minute of it! Tonya is not just here to guide, she's here to be a mentor, coach, and her clients' biggest fan, teaching the art of “Leading you First” in true Tonya Kay style. It's all about her clients! Their journeys to being undeniably, and unapologetically themselves, beginning right here, right now.If the Brave Women at Work Podcast has helped you personally or professionally, please be share it with a friend, colleague, or family member. And your ratings and reviews help the show continue to gain traction and grow. Thank you again!Also, if you haven't yet downloaded my freebies from my website, check them out at www.bravewomenatwork.com. I have created three for you:24 career and leadership affirmations, (2) 5 Ways to Manage Your Imposter Syndrome, and (3) most popular, Getting Paid: 10 Negotiation Tips.They are workbook style guides, so you can complete them on your own time. One other very exciting announcement! Our keynote speaker at Thrive in'25 Women's Conference is Erin Gallagher. Erin is the CEO and founder of Ella, an inclusive network expanding women's access to human, social, and financial capital, and the Founder of the Hype Women Movement and Podcast.With 20 years of experience in global marketing, business development, organization and and culture change, she is a small business owner, entrepreneur, and mother of two.Erin was named a 2023 Top 100 LinkedIn Creator, Top 10 DEI Voice (#5), and recognized for the Top 100 Most Influential LinkedIn Posts of the Decade.Her book Hype Women: Breaking Free from Mean Girls, Patriarch and Systems Silencing is out in the world this Fall.I am asking all of you to invest in yourself this year and attend the Thrive in '25 Conference from June 25th-28th in Chicagoland. This conference is a 12-month experience that includes 3-days of the conference, 6+ months of coaching with yours truly in the Brave Circle, a 12-month membership in HerCsuite, a powerful women's networking platform, and a 12-month membership to Innovation Women, a female led speakers bureau. I don't know about you, but I have never been to a conference that pours that much into each attendee. Typically, it's a 2–3-day conference and you're thrown back into your life. Not Thrive in '25. We want to walk alongside you to incorporate your learnings from the conference personally and professionally.

Here's a fact: For many years, I didn't know that our money mindset has a direct relationship with how powerful we feel and how we move through our professional and personal lives.I didn't get the connection, and I have been in financial services for over 25 years. After I dove into all things on leadership, self-improvement, and energetic management, I learned that there is a positive correlation between our money, speaking up, and the energy associated with feeling powerful as a woman. If we feel good about our money, we will speak up more. We will feel more confident. We will make powerful choices. We will be braver at work and at home.My guest today, Aja Evans, is the first financial therapist I have interviewed. I have interviewed financial coaches before, but not financial therapists. After learning more about Aja's important work, I was excited to dive into this discussion!During my conversation with Aja, we chatted about:The story behind Aja's financial awakeningWhat financial therapy is and how it is different than financial coachingWhat the thoughts, feelings, and attitudes are behind someone who may need a financial awakening of their ownWhat is the story behind people that are trying to keep up with the Joneses? What about money hoarders? What is the story there?Her book, Feel Good Finance: Untangle Your Relationship with Money for Better Mental, Emotional, and Financial Well-Being.Aja provides an overview of her freebie to Your Guide to Getting Financially Naked

Where are my readers? Or what about aspiring readers? If you are a reader, this show is for you! When I was introduced to Melanie Bell and her work with Leaders Who Fiction, I knew she had to be on Brave Women at Work.I am a non-fiction reader and often struggle with getting into a fiction book. When I heard Melanie talk about the benefits of fiction, I knew I had to give it another try. In addition, according to an article in Inc, “How Reading Fiction Can Make You a Better Leader,” “There's a growing body of research that suggests that getting lost in well-written stories actually can actually make you better leader. Fiction works as an empathy workout, these studies find, helping bosses better understand diverse viewpoints and boosting their EQ.”During my conversation with Melanie, we chatted about:Why Melanie started Leaders Who Fiction?What is the research about exercising different parts of our brain while reading fiction and leadership?What are the benefits of reading fiction on our work performance?What are some of Melanie's favorite fiction reads?How you can join Leaders Who Fiction, a free online book club!Here is more about Melanie:After completing a degree in International Development from McGill University in Montreal, Melanie's earlier career included marketing positions at Waste Management and Ecom Access, a marketing software startup.​Returning to Houston to earn her MBA from Rice University, she then became Director of Marketing for the SURGE Accelerator​/SURGE Ventures).​In 2014, she decided to pursue her own entrepreneurial vision, founding Marketing Interface to help growth-stage companies achieve their business goals by reaching their target market, converting potential customers into paying customers, maintaining these relationships, and measuring the results of their marketing initiatives using technology.​In 2019, she merged Marketing Interface with her husband Matt's consulting practice to create Strategic Piece. She is an active reader and writer, and founded Leaders Who Fiction, an online book club that helps leaders exercise a different part of their brain, learning relevant skills by reading and discussing works of fiction.​She is also an active mentor at Rice University's entrepreneurship programs.If the Brave Women at Work Podcast has helped you personally or professionally, please be share it with a friend, colleague, or family member. And your ratings and reviews help the show continue to gain traction and grow. Thank you again!Also, if you haven't yet downloaded my freebies from my website, check them out at www.bravewomenatwork.com.

“Take the first step in faith. You don't have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step.” —Martin Luther King Jr.If the term Brave Women at Work were in the dictionary, (why isn't it? LOL), Robyn Malone would be part of the definition. I met Robyn through a dear friend and colleague, and we hit it off pretty quickly. As you will learn during our show today, Robyn has done some scary things, including:Following her heart and leaving her established community in New York City to be with her now husband in Chicago.Re-establishing her entire personal and professional community after the move while maintaining her community in New York.Recognizing that even though she didn't plan on being an entrepreneur, a business was building itself around here, so she took note and build a thriving boutique PR agency.Not being afraid to be a truthteller in her industry because she has decided to stick to her values.And more!Robyn was a like a jolt of motivation to my system and a beautiful reminder that we can do things that scare us. I'm now wondering how I'm going to stretch myself next! Anyone want to go with me to Bali? Just kidding. Well, maybe not.Here is more about Robyn:Robyn Malone is the EO & Chief Partner Officer of RJ Communications, a boutique health, tech, and wellness PR agency. Robyn's communications career includes experience across various sectors, industries, therapeutic areas, and brands. Her passion for health, however, led her to focus on work that has the potential to impact lives. A storyteller at heart, Robyn spent her career in healthcare PR and communications, launching familiar healthcare brands and partnering with global powerhouses like Pfizer and P&G. Robyn has worked extensively in corporate and brand communications in the consumer health and pharmaceutical sectors – often managing large, multinational, and multi-regional teams to develop and execute successful campaigns that deliver tangible business results. These include "You Don't Know Jack About MS," – a public awareness campaign featuring newly diagnosed MS patient Jack Osbourne, and "Relieve My Fever," – a children's contest featuring Angie Harmon to re-launch Pfizer's Children's Advil. The integrated, communications-led effort garnered more than 135 million media impressions in top-tier print and broadcast media, including Fox & Friends, The Rachael Ray Show, Parade, and People. Today, RJ Communications works with a range of clients ranging from tech startups to large, well-established multinational companies, using our experience in all things health to tell health stories and grow healthy brands. A native NYer turned Chicagoan, Robyn marries heart, head, and humanity to tell the stories that compel people to action.​If the Brave Women at Work Podcast has helped you personally or professionally, please be share it with a friend, colleague, or family member. And your ratings and reviews help the show continue to gain traction and grow. Thank you again!Also, if you haven't yet downloaded my freebies from my website, check them out at www.bravewomenatwork.com.

On Being a Sacred Changemaker in the Corporate World with Jayne WarrilowSummary: Welcome to the Brave Women at Work podcast. This is your host, Jen Pestikas. I'm so glad you're here.Hello everyone! How are you doing out there?Happy Spring to everyone in the Northern Hemisphere! I am so happy that we are starting to have slightly warmer and longer days. We had snow here in my area even in March, so fingers crossed that we are done with that business.Well, if you didn't listen to one of the January episodes, I mentioned that my words of the year for 2025 are energy and woo. Well, I met my guest, Jayne Warrilow, former corporate executive and now founder and CEO of Sacred Changemakers and learned that you can indeed mix corporate life and woo in one. It was so refreshing to freely talk about energy and other spiritual concepts intermingled with leadership.During my conversation with Jayne, we chatted about:What is a sacred changemaker?How did Jayne's health journey with cancer and her healing lead her to do this work?How Jayne protects her energy as a channelHow she mixes in the sacred with leadership in her work with corporationsWhat resonance codes are and how we discover our ownAnd so much more!If you are into the idea of mixing the sacred, spiritual, or woo with leadership, you will love this conversation!Here is more about Jayne:Jayne Warrilow is a global speaker, bestselling author and sought after business and executive coach, who is passionate about building the foundations of a more equitable, loving and resonant world.Jayne is an incredibly curious human who likes to push the membrane of possibility in our world. She is devoted to making unprecedented impact. Financial, human and social impact.For nearly 30 years, Jayne has brought purpose to business and guided the transformation of iconic businesses alongside extraordinary leaders.Who we are being matters.What we stand for matters.Who we partner with matters.As Jayne says, these are soul-defining times in our history, and the decisions we make today will shape our collective future.If the Brave Women at Work Podcast has helped you personally or professionally, please be share it with a friend, colleague, or family member. And your ratings and reviews help the show continue to gain traction and grow. Thank you again!Also, if you haven't yet downloaded my freebies from my website, check them out at www.bravewomenatwork.com.

When I was growing up in my career, I received my first management position because I was a hard worker and drove results as an individual competitor. As I have risen through the corporate ranks, no one told me that leadership is an inside job. I learned that through the school of hard knocks, many bouts of Imposter Syndrome, tough feedback, and more. This is why I wanted to talk about this very topic with my guest today, Dana Maor. Dana knows firsthand the importance of looking within to determine and harness our strengths, our leadership style, and more to be the best leader we can be not only for ourselves but for our teams.During my conversation with Dana, we chatted about:The importance of looking within as a leader.The story behind Dana's book, The Journey of Leadership: How CEOs Learn to Lead from the Inside Out.How do we assess our personal leadership approach and style?What is our personal mandate?What is a personal commitment plan, and why is it important?Why is failure an important part of leadership?I am confident you will find a nugget of wisdom in my conversation with Dana!Here is more about Dana:Dana Maor is a senior partner at McKinsey & Company, the global cohead and European leader of McKinsey's People & Organizational Performance Practice, and a member of the McKinsey Knowledge Council. Whether working in aerospace, financial services, pharmaceuticals, or telecommunications, Dana has helped clients pursue successful large-scale operational and organizational transformations and successful M&A integrations. Passionate about talent and leadership, Dana has guided many organizations through the process of establishing leadership-development platforms for top executives and has helped architect capability-building programs to reskill employees for changing workforce needs. Dana took a major role in McKinsey's research to build an effective understanding of talent management for the 2018 book, Talent Wins. She is a co-author of the 2024 bestselling book, The Journey of Leadership.If Brave Women at Work has made an impact on you, please share it with a friend or colleague. And your ratings and reviews help the show continue to gain traction and grow. Thank you again!Also, if you haven't yet downloaded my freebies from my website, check them out at www.bravewomenatwork.com. I have created three for you:24 career and leadership affirmations, (2) 5 Ways to Manage Your Imposter Syndrome, and (3) most popular, Getting Paid: 10 Negotiation Tips.They are workbook style guides, so you can complete them on your own time. One other announcement. I am asking all of you to invest in yourself this year and attend the Thrive in '25 Conference from June 25th-28th in Chicagoland. This conference is a 12-month experience that includes 3-days of the conference, 6+ months of coaching with yours truly in the Brave Circle, a 12-month membership in HerCsuite, a powerful women's networking platform, and a 12-month membership to Innovation Women, a female led speakers bureau. I don't know about you, but I have never been to a conference that pours that much into each attendee. Typically, it's a 2–3-day conference and you're thrown back into your life. Not Thrive in '25. We want to walk alongside you to incorporate your learnings from the conference personally and professionally.Invest in yourself today. You can learn more about the conference and register at www.thrive-in25.com.

Well, I'm excited! I have a repeat guest on the podcast, Tamsen Webster. Tamsen was here the last time she wrote her first book, Find Your Red Thread, and today she is here to talk about her newest book, Say What they Can't Unhear: The 9 Principles of Lasting Change.You know when everything is smooth sailing and you are enjoying an easy, breezy ride for a while? I know those times, and 2025 is not one of them for me. I am in a period of significant change professionally, so I was excited to talk with Tamsen about her book.The idea of saying what people cannot unhear resonates with me because I want to get my point across strong enough that it gets buy-in and is a good use of my time. As a resident intranpreneur in corporate and entrepreneur outside of corporate, idea buy-in and making friends with change management is crucial.During my conversation with Tamsen, we chatted about:What is the ding for Tamsen?The importance of giving our audience a reason to believe.Why is story the foundation for understanding?Tamsen gives an overview of what a persuasion proverb is and how to use them.What if someone cannot hear our story or refuses to listen? Then what?Her doctoral studies at NYU. She almost gave me the academic bug!Here is more about Tamsen:Part message designer, part English-to-English translator, and now part doctoral student, Tamsen Webster helps leaders craft their case for large-scale change. A sought-after speaker and consultant, she's spent more than 25 years developing the field and practice of persuasive message design, with a particular focus on the principles and processes that build buy-in that lasts.In addition to her work in and for major organizations such as Harvard Medical School, Fidelity Investments, and Klaviyo, she built and delivers the message design curriculum for Elemental Impact, a leading investor in impact startups. She's a judge and mentor for the Harvard Innovation Labs and a professional advisor at the Martin Trust Center for MIT Entrepreneurship. She's also spent over 10 years as the Idea Strategist for one of only nine legacy-level TEDx events and was named to the Thinkers50 Radar in 2022. She's the author of two best-selling books, Find Your Red Thread: Make Your Big Ideas Irresistible, and Say What They Can't Unhear: The 9 Principles of Lasting Change which was named one of the top 10 management books of the year by Canada's Globe and Mail newspaper.Tamsen was a reluctant marathoner… twice; is a champion ballroom dancer (in her mind); and learned everything she knows about messages, people, and change as a Weight Watchers leader. True story.She lives in Boston with her husband, two sons, and her two brindle Greyhounds, Hazel and Walnut.If Brave Women at Work has made an impact on you, please share it with a friend or colleague. And your ratings and reviews help the show continue to gain traction and grow. Thank you again!Also, if you haven't yet downloaded my freebies from my website, check them out at www.bravewomenatwork.com.

At the end of my first podcast with guest, ER nurse and author, Jenn Johnson, I asked her what I ask all guests. “What are 1 to 2 ways women can be braver at work?” Jen proceeded to tell me, “Enter your villain era.” I stopped in my tracks. What did that mean?It means loving yourself enough to consider your needs.It means that you are drawing and holding your boundaries.It means relishing in self-care. It means putting yourself first.I have to say that I felt guilty easing into this concept. I'm sure you can relate. We as women are used to putting ourselves lower on the list. Everyone else comes first. Not with this dare I say scandalous concept!During my conversation with Jenn, we chatted about:What embracing your villain era means to Jenn.How do we embrace our villain eraIf you could be any villain character, who would you be?What are the first steps to embracing our villain era?How do we deal with shame or guilt that will inevitably pop up when we decide to do this?How can women support other women in their villain eras?Here is more about Jenn:Jenn Johnson is the founder of Rx for Growth and the author of Nursing Intuition.. Her career is a testament to dedication, resilience, and compassion. With 16 years of experience as an ER nurse, Jenn has navigated the most demanding and high-pressure healthcare environments, consistently delivering exceptional care to patients in critical need. Her deep understanding of the challenges and rewards of nursing has fueled Jenn's passion for advocating for nurse wellness and professional growth.​ Her leadership at Rx for Growth is marked by her commitment to transforming the landscape of nurse support services. Jenn has spearheaded initiatives that focus on mentorship, continuing education, and holistic wellness, ensuring that new graduate nurses are equipped with the skills, confidence, and resilience needed to thrive in their careers.​In addition to her clinical and leadership roles, Jenn is an accomplished author. Through her writing, Jenn shares her wealth of knowledge and experiences, offering invaluable insights and inspiration to nurses at all stages of their careers. Her work highlights the importance of self-care, resilience, and continuous learning, reinforcing the core values that drive us.If Brave Women at Work has made an impact on you, please share it with a friend or colleague. And your ratings and reviews help the show continue to gain traction and grow. Thank you again!Also, if you haven't yet downloaded my freebies from my website, check them out at www.bravewomenatwork.com. I have created three for you:24 career and leadership affirmations, (2) 5 Ways to Manage Your Imposter Syndrome, and (3) most popular, Getting Paid: 10 Negotiation Tips.They are workbook style guides, so you can complete them on your own time. One other announcement. I am asking all of you to invest in yourself this year and attend the Thrive in '25 Conference from June 25th-28th in Chicagoland. This conference is a 12-month experience that includes 3-days of the conference, 6+ months of coaching with yours truly in the The Brave Circle, a 12-month membership in HerCsuite, a powerful women's networking platform, and a 12-month membership to Innovation Women, a female led speakers bureau. I don't know about you, but I have never been to a conference that pours that much into each attendee. Typically, it's a 2–3-day conference and you're thrown back into your life. Not Thrive in '25. We want to walk along side you to incorporate your learnings from the conference personally and professionally.Invest in yourself today. You can learn more about the conference and register at www.thrive-in25.com.

*TRIGGER WARNING - This episode discusses traumatic death Welcome to the Brave Women at Work podcast. This is your host, Jen Pestikas. I'm so glad you're here.Hello everyone! How are you doing out there?Let's talk about a topic that's not talked about often: using our intuition at work.When you make key decisions at work, do you exclusively use data, research, and analysis?What about when you hire someone? Do you sole rely on a hiring assessment?Or do you use your gut or intuition too? For the longest time, I was exclusively “head” based. What I learned, however, is that I need to check-in with my gut or intuition as a source of wisdom too. I'm no longer exclusively head based, but I don't ignore my internal knowing either. Everytime I have ignored it, it's led me in the wrong direction.What about you? Do you consult your intuition?I was recently introduced to Jenn Johnson, an ER nurse and author that wrong about using her intuition in nursing. I thought that she was so brave to share that perspective, especially in the medical field. I was intrigued and was excited to have her on the show.

Solo episode with Jen Pestikas

Well, I have come full circle! In 2013, I started a leadership group for my corporate organization. My CEO requested that we center the first leadership group on the book, Start with Why, by Simon Sinek. And almost 12 years later, I am still obsessed with the book. The basic premise of Start with Why is that if a person or a company starts from the point of why they do what they do and they communicate that clearly, the how and what (aka the operations or tactical pieces) will come. It all starts with understanding and knowing our why.Well, guess what? I was pumped to get introduced to Monique Helstrom, the professional that was behind the author and speaker, Simon Sinek, during the Start with Why heyday. It was fun to learn what was happening behind the scenes, and what has prompted Monique to branch off on her own.During my conversation with Monique, we chatted about:What it was like to move from being Chief of Simon Sinek to running her own business.Her mindset shift from feeling like being an executive assistant was simply #2 to moving to being #1 personally and professionally.Why she sees life as a potluck.She dives deeper into her mission with the work she does today with Executive Assistant recruiting and executive coaching clients.What are the signs we need an executive assistant and how do we look for our own?And more.Before we get started, here is more about Monique:Monique has dedicated her life to helping humans understand their own unique role in making great ideas - and great partnerships - come to life. After nearly a decade as the Executive Assistant, Producer, and “Chief of Simon Sinek,” New York Times Best-Selling author and TED celebrity, along with her adventures as an event planner and a two-time small-businessowner, Monique has had unparalleled experiences and gained unique perspectives from thought leaders, executives, middle managers, celebrities, educators, military, social activists, and the general workforce that this world depends on. These encounters have equipped her with the tools necessary to decipher and disentangle common issues plaguing humans and businesses around the globe. And now, as a Speaker, Activator, and Unlocker of Human Potential, she consults, coaches, and speaks internationally to teach people the most important skills that no one ever taught them before. She has helped individuals and teams understand and utilize their innate talents, master their communication, conquer their organizational roadblocks, and build powerful relationships that will actually progress their career. As an expert on communication and feedback, human (not “soft”) skills, personality types, performance enhancers, skill building techniques, executive presence, and ways to motivate, she offers a practical and honest approach to subjects like change, teamwork, collaboration, conflict and communication! She has cultivated an ability to identify patterns, diagnose the gaps, and establish a workable solution. She is experienced in taking take large complex problems and breaking them down into bite-sized, achievable nuggets. If you haven't yet downloaded my freebies from my website, check them out at www.bravewomenatwork.com. I have created three for you:24 career and leadership affirmations, (2) 5 Ways to Manage Your Imposter Syndrome, and (3) most popular, Getting Paid: 10 Negotiation Tips.They are workbook style guides, so you can complete them on your own time. One other announcement. I'm co-hosting my first ever women's leadership conference called Thrive in 2025! Yes, you heard that right! Hope Mueller of CLIMB Conferences and I are hosting the conference in Chicagoland from June 25th-28th, 2025. You can learn more about the conference and register at www.thrive-in25.com. Resources:Brave Women at Work: https://bravewomenatwork.com/Monique Helstrom - Coach, Speaker, and Recruiter of Talented Assistants for Busy Executives

I am so excited for my guest today, Jenn Smith. Jenn and I met in a very interesting way. Jenn was listening to the Brave Women at Work Podcast, especially the show with Heather Eck. This show was just rebroadcast as the best of 2024 episode on 12/26/2024. If you haven't listened to that one, you must go back and check it out!Jenn was intrigued by my conversation with Heather, an artist with the amazing story of owning her gift of synesthesia, or the mixing of the senses. Heather is a former HR professional who bravely left the corporate world to pursue her work as an artist and specifically to own her ability to heal with color. She intuitively sees people as colors and creates prescriptive Spirit Portraits to help her clients. My portrait is magenta, gold, and violet, and is so beautiful! After the podcast, Jenn got her own spirit portrait and asked to connect with me via Heather. And the rest is history!During my conversation with Jenn, we chatted about:What does flourishing in your career mean?What are the signs you need a career change, whether that it inside or outside your organization?What is HEART centered career planning? What does H.E.A.R.T. stand for?What is the Gathering Ground?What about the Greenhouse? What is that?What is five minutes to flourish? Jen tells us all about her treehouse and why she has themed her business with nature or growth terminology.Resources:Brave Women at Work: https://bravewomenatwork.com/The Flourish Careers Podcast Podcast - Apple PodcastsCareer Coaching, Career Change Coaching, for Professionals, and HR Consulting for Business Leaders, Flourish Careers LLCBrave Women at Work Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/bravewomenatwork

Over the years at Brave Women at Work, we have talked about our mindset, how we feel about our bodies, our family histories, and more and how these issues impact how we show up at work. Now, we are covering how our sexual past and potential wounds in this area can impact our ability to speak up, go for a promotion, believe we are worthy to get paid what we are worth, and more in the professional arena.At first, before Jaitara Jayde, my guest and I, hit record today, I wondered if this subject was a fit for Brave Women at Work. I realized that of course it was because we bring our whole person to work. And after all, we are sexual beings. If we are hurting in this area, how could we not be impacted in all areas of our lives?Resources:Brave Women at Work: https://bravewomenatwork.com/Brave Women at Work Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/bravewomenatworkFeminine ArtistryYour Sacred Pleasure & Prosperity™ BlueprintAmazon.com: The Four Sacred Laws of Sexual Enlightenment: 9781999540302: Jayde, Jaitara: BooksPleasure & Prosperity™ Retreats

Resources:Brave Women at Work: https://bravewomenatwork.com/Brave Women at Work Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/bravewomenatworkUnlock Growth with Complete Consumer Insights

Please join me in welcoming Andrea Sampson to today's episode! Andrea is the mastermind behind Talk Boutique and the Thought Leader Academy, joins us to unravel the profound impact of storytelling in leadership. Learn how Andrea's extensive background in advertising and her passion for simplifying complex ideas through TEDx Toronto have equipped her to guide visionaries in sharing groundbreaking work. Her journey emphasizes the transformative power of introspection and adaptability in building a fulfilling career, illustrating how storytelling is not just a tool but a pathway to connection and inspiration.We explore the art of weaving narratives in business to capture and hold attention in an age of distractions. Discover how Andrea's insights into brain science can turn ordinary presentations into memorable storytelling experiences. By focusing on the core message and using narrative "breadcrumbs," leaders can ensure their ideas resonate with both creative and analytical minds. With practical strategies for overcoming the fear of storytelling, Andrea demonstrates how confidence and authenticity can be projected in any setting, from corporate boardrooms to public talks.Transform your career narrative with storytelling techniques that inspire change and spark engagement. Andrea shares a blueprint for connecting ideas to powerful narratives, using sensory associations and relevant analogies to retain audience attention. Whether you're navigating annual reviews or crafting a memorable career narrative, the power of perspective can shape impactful interactions. Embrace the art of storytelling as a means to project your potential and create lasting influence in your professional journey.Connect with Andrea through the Talk Boutique

I cannot wait to discuss with you this week how Nicole has helped me change how I approach my day to day. So let's meet this transformational retreat leader and energy coach, Nicole Smith-Levay, returns to illuminate the power of somatics and breathwork in both professional and personal spheres. Together, we discuss the journey of reconnecting our minds and bodies, a path that has profoundly influenced my own productivity and clarity. Nicole introduces the innovative Forward Momentum program, designed to empower corporate women through a unique combination of bodywork, breathwork, and coaching, and shares a powerful somatic practice to help listeners center themselves amidst the chaos of daily life.Our conversation ventures into the realm of healing trauma through somatic practices, featuring a compelling story from a former dancer who founded "Power Within Healing." After a life-changing injury, she pivoted to somatic therapy, helping countless women reclaim their inner strength. We explore the body's natural wisdom and its unparalleled potential for healing beyond conventional medical methods, emphasizing the crucial role of intentional breathing in regulating the nervous system and fostering self-awareness.As the discussion unfolds, we explore the cyclical nature of life and the concept of "wintering," encouraging reflection and intentional planning. Nicole shares insights from the Embodied Purpose Process, a transformative program that harmonizes somatics with traditional coaching and meditation. We close with a focus on embodied self-care, guiding listeners through grounding practices to bolster authenticity and bravery at work. Join us for this heartfelt exchange as we embrace the new year with embodied courage and community support.https://www.bravewomenatwork.com/Connect with Nicole - https://justkeepmovingbook.com/https://courses.thepowerwithinhealing.com/somatic-boundary-work-meditation-and-journalhttps://www.instagram.com/nicolesmithlevay/https://www.amazon.com/Wintering-Power-Retreat-Difficult-Times/dp/0593189485/ref=asc_df_0593189485?mcid=0af868c3c5e13c11be730916473ec8b9&tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=693422720760&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=3344813855203361019&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9021458&hvtargid=pla-977612031306&psc=1

On today's episode I am excited to have award-winning author and TEDx speaker Jennifer Mrozek-Sukalo redefine swagger, transforming it from its traditional association with arrogance to a beacon of self-confidence and authenticity. Her insights encourage us to let go of perfectionism and past mistakes, making room for vulnerability as a powerful leadership tool. Jennifer's personal journey, combined with my background in behavioral change and leadership consulting, offers valuable lessons on overcoming setbacks like burnout and imposter syndrome, proving that growth often lies in embracing our imperfections.We dive into the concept of "swagger" with a fresh perspective, using it as a tool for self-discovery and empowerment. Jennifer introduces an empowering acronym for SWAGGER, helping listeners cultivate self-worth, appreciation, gratitude, grounding, empowerment, and renewal. This episode is filled with practical strategies to assess and boost your own swagger levels, inviting you to reflect on your personal journey towards authenticity and self-confidence.Uncover ways to reclaim your inner worth and identity with Jennifer's upcoming three-book series and the "Emerge Journey" program designed to empower women through workshops and the "Swagger Sisterhood." We explore how to integrate practices like meditation, affirmations, and gratitude into daily routines to maintain self-worth and resilience. Dive into this journey of self-discovery, learn to walk with swagger in everyday life, and discover how embracing authenticity can make us braver and more effective in our personal and professional endeavors.

Happy New Year! As we start 2025, I have two interesting topics to share with you during this solo episode. First, why should you consider a Word of the Year Practice? In the first portion of the show, I share how to find your word of the year and the benefits of doing this. Second, I reflect on the name of the podcast, Brave Women at Work, and the interesting juxtaposition the podcast name has between the male and female pieces of ourselves. During the show, I share the definitions of brave and courage, why being brave is accessible to all of us, and tips on taking bolder and braver action this year. You don't want to miss this show! Take notes and learn how you can be brave personally and professionally.

Happy Holidays! Let me start by saying that I hope you have a wonderful holiday with your family and friends. As we end the year, I also wish you much love, health and happiness in the New Year.This week, I am replaying one of my favorite episodes from Brave Women at Work. This week, I would love for you to learn (or re-learn) about the power of color with Heather Eck.I met Heather via a podcast placement agency. The magic of podcasting is that you can make amazing connections simply by chatting with other podcasters and guests. When I met Heather, there was an immediate connection. I felt our conversation was magic, and I'm sure you will too!After this podcast originally aired, Heather sent me my personal Spirit Portrait. You will learn more about that shortly. This piece of artwork sits proudly in my office and is a fond memory of our podcast and connection. In addition, I met another podcaster, coach and colleague because of the show.See? You never know where connections and conversations can take you.During my chat with Heather, we discussed:Heather's journey from being an HR Manager to synesthesia artistWhat synesthesia even meansHow Heather helps women go from stuck to intention through her workWhat a Spirit Portrait is and how the process worksHeather talks about her gift and what certain colors mean

As we get closer to the end of the year, we typically think about our New Year's Resolutions. One resolution that ends up on many people's lists is to get out of debt and save more money. What we don't often talk about is the powerful connection between our wealth and our health. Like my guest today, Krissina Wise, we may take our health for granted in the pursuit of wealth and not even know we are doing it. Krisstina spent between $250,000 and $500,000 getting her health back after a major health scare while at the pinnacle of her career success and has made it her mission to help people not only have a love affair with their money, but also with taking care of themselves so they can lead fulfilling lives. This conversation is power-packed, so get ready! During my conversation with Krisstina, we chatted about:The pivotal moment in which she almost lost her life.What Krisstina needed to learn to get her life back on track.What wealthywellthy means and why it is important.Does wealthy have to mean having a lot in your bank account?How do we find our financial sweet spot?What does it take to be a millionaire?What steps we can take to fall in our love with our money without sacrificing our health.

Ok, I have a secret. When the Matrix movies first came out with Keanu Reeves, I went to the movies to see them. And you know what happened? I fell asleep. They were so exciting and full of new technology and film effects, but I could not stay awake. I guess I did “get” them. Well, my guest, Susanne Goldstein, not only gets them, but she also helps women wake up and break free from the prisons the world and their prior choices have put them in. Susanne says that she watches the Matrix movies on New Year's Eve. Who knows, now that I better understand the point behind the movies, I may watch them too. And this time, I won't fall asleep. Fingers crossed! During my conversation with Susanne, we chatted about:The tools she uses with her clients, including metaphysics and energetics.Why she loves the Matrix movies and watches them every year.What an upgrade is and why we can have multiple upgrades throughout our lives and careers.If upgrades are conscious and planned, subconscious or both.What steps we can take to break free from our own version of the Matrix. A quick note for you concerning today's show: Susanne and I let the language rip, so listen to the show with your earbuds or other microphones and away from little ears.

What if stepping away from your career wasn't a sign of failure but a powerful tool for growth? That's the perspective Laura Nguyen brings to the table as she shares her journey of overcoming burnout through a planned break. Happy December! Can you believe that we are almost to the end of 2024? I cannot. Either way, I hope you have a wonderful end to your year filled with love, joy, health, and happiness.Speaking about year-end, things get super hectic with all the planning, celebrations, over buying, gift wrapping, opening, and clean-up. I have had years when I get to the end of the year after the holidays and I'm happy I've survived. You feel me?Being the superwoman at the holidays is simply a metaphor for how we can be in life with doing all the things. And as you know, it can lead to burnout. My guest today, Laura Nguyen, has a fresh take on this. And that fresh take starts with a question.What if taking a planned break was ok? Even better, what if it was welcomed?I'm going to let that sink in a minute. A planned career break. Yes, please!During my conversation with Laura, we chatted about:What drove Laura to take a planned career break. She also shares her burnout story.Any fear related to taking a planned career break and what judgment or commentary she received from others as a result.How this impacted her as a chronic self-achieverWhat if you can't take a career break because you are the primary breadwinner, a single parent, and more.What happened during Laura's career break and how she leveraged it to her advantage.Her book, Career Break Compass: Navigating Your Path to a Balanced Life Through Intentional Time OffHer Spark Community

In the earlier stages of my podcast, I often found guests on LinkedIn. Then, I found podcasts through public relations firms and placement agencies. Now, I find them through other podcasters, former guests, friends, and colleagues in the personal development space. I am so excited about the evolution of the show and plan to continue to bring you powerful guests, like my guest, Alicia Zielinski Straub, today.Alicia and I met through former podcast guest, colleague, and somatic breathwork teacher, Nicole Smith Levay. Alicia and I have been on a breathwork journey together, and now we are taking a meditation and breathwork mentorship (certification together)! It has been wonderful to get to know Alicia, and I am happy to have her as a guest on the show.During my conversation with Alicia, we chatted about:Her experience many years ago with Hurricane Sandy, and how it cracked her wide open and started her healing journey.Alicia's vision for her life and how she suggests other women go about finding their own bigger vision for their life and career.The idea of not knowing and how we can be as calm as possible in the middle of that phase of transformation.How we soften into our hearts when we are on a healing or change journey.The advice Alicia would have for any woman who is looking to tap into herself, find stillness, and get prepared for transformation.

Have you ever heard the phrase, “If I had a nickel every time someone did (fill in the blank), I'd be rich?” My guest, Andie Kramer, might say, “If I had a nickel for every story of workplace bias against women, I'd be rich.”I feel incredibly fortunate to have Andie join me on Brave Women at Work to tackle such an important and timely topic. Reflecting on my own career, I can clearly see moments where I experienced bias—whether it was someone else taking credit for my ideas in a meeting or being passed over for a promotion in favor of a male colleague, despite having all the qualifications.As I always say, this isn't about man-bashing—I love the men in my life. But on this show, my goal is to help you take braver, bolder actions in your career. Sometimes that means addressing tough topics like breaking bias, understanding why women, especially women of color, face more challenges in their careers, and—most importantly—exploring what we can do to create a better future for our daughters.In this episode, Andie and I dive into:What inspired Andie and her husband, Al, to focus on breaking gender bias in the workplaceThe types of bias that women encounter at work and how they manifestPractical steps we can take to break through bias and build thriving careersAndie and Al's PATH program and how it helps address bias in organizationsWhy women sometimes struggle with other women in the workplaceThe crucial role men play in helping to eliminate workplace bias

Well, I've just met another sister from another mister in Jenny Mitchell. The other funny thing is that I have another dear friend named Jenny Mitchell, so this is going to get confusing. True story! Jenny and I chat today about the concept of embracing our ambition and not stepping away or being afraid of it. Jenny and I had such a fun time during this conversation, and I am sure you are going to enjoy it as well. During my conversation with Jenny, we chatted about:What embracing ambition means to Jenny.What prompted her to write her book, Embracing Ambition: Empowering Women to Step Out, Be Seen, & Lead.How she built a unique experience for all participating authors in the book.How we can lean into our ambition without burning out.The great story behind Jenny's company, Chavender.

Happy November! It's starting to get cold outside here in Chicago. And guess what? I love it! Yes, I'm one of those people that loves fall and even cooler temperatures. I feel like I come alive when everything begins to hibernate. Maybe my clocks are off. Or maybe that's just me. Well, today, I have found another wonderful guest, Anne Shoemaker, who loves sports metaphors as much as I do. You may or may not know that one of my favorite movies is Rocky. I'm starting to date myself because the Rocky series of movies began in 1976. Wowzer! 1976. Well, I'd like to share my favorite quote from the Rocky series to get us kicked off: “The world ain't all sunshine and rainbows. It is a very mean and nasty place, and it will beat you to your knees and keep you there permanently if you let it. You, me, or nobody is going to hit as hard as life. But it ain't about how hard you hit; it's about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward. How much you can take and keep moving forward. That's how winning is done." During my conversation with Anne, we chatted about:Her time in sports and how it shaped and defined her.How she learned to let go of all things feminine and her voice became a whisper in the wind.She also shares some of her top tips and tools to level up professionally, including how we can save up to 150 minutes per day, how we can level up our game on LinkedIn, and the top questions to ask during our next performance review.Anne also shares her career fulfillment score assessment and how she works to help women reach their professional goals.

If you have been a longtime Brave Women at Work listener, you know that I have a soft spot for discussing burnout. If you are joining the podcast for the first time or just a few episodes here and there, I personally experienced burnout in 2019 and have faced some health issues as a result. I've said on the show and with my clients, that if I can help one woman prevent or recover from burnout, then I've done my job for the day. I don't want any other women or men for that matter to go through this. It's scary, lonely and in my case, even confusing. I didn't know I was about to hit the wall of burnout until it already happened. I crashed into the wall and was forced to recover. My guest today, Hannah Tackett, has had her own experience with burnout and is also passionate about helping women in this area. Hannah really “gets it”, and I feel fortunate we have met, and she was available for this show. During our conversation, Hannah and I talked about:What serene success means to HannahWhat the success traps are and when they go from helping to hurting us – what is the tipping pointHannah's PEACE Method as part of her Serene Success ProgramHow we protect our energy so we can continue to produce at a high level without falling apart physically, mentally, and emotionally

It's been a season of transitions, with both endings and new beginnings. I've been fortunate to travel all over the world this year, including Greece, Croatia, Portugal, Ireland, and Aruba. After a period of constant movement, it feels good to know that I'll be home for most of the time moving forward. The crazy travel is coming to an end, at least for now. My birthday just passed, marking my 47th trip around the sun. 47 years old! Another new beginning. Wow! Remember when that used to feel old? Well, not anymore. There have also been some significant beginnings and endings in my corporate work. While I won't dive into the details, I've found that transitions in work can stir up emotions too. I'm sharing this because it's important to acknowledge that we bring our whole selves to work. When things are in a state of flux, it's okay to feel excited, sad, worried, frustrated—whatever feels right for you at the moment.My guest today, Jennifer Mulholland, joins me for a conversation on a much-needed topic—what it means to practice Conscious Leadership. As the memes say, anyone can be a manager, but it takes radical honesty, self-awareness, a sense of responsibility for ourselves and our people, a willingness to put in the work, and so much more to truly be a leader.During our conversation, Jennifer and I discussed:The story behind Jennifer co-founding Plenty ConsultingWhat ThetaHealing is, and how it's similar and different from ReikiHow Jennifer integrates both the practical and the spiritual in her work with individual clients, groups, and corporationsWhy passion—what gets us up in the morning—is so important to JenniferHer book, Leading with Light: Choosing Conscious Leadership When You're Ready for More, and the four lights of conscious leadershipHow surrender plays a crucial role in Conscious Leadership

“Connection is why we're here. We are hardwired to connect with others; it's what gives purpose and meaning to our lives, and without it, there is suffering.” – Brené BrownThere have been times in my life when I believed the best way to handle a project or situation was to do it alone, like a lone wolf. Sometimes that approach works, but when it becomes a habit, it doesn't.As Brené Brown says, we are wired for human connection. According to my guest today, Jennifer K. Hill, if we are not connected to ourselves, others, and our purpose, it can lead us down a path of disconnection—potentially turning us into what Jennifer humorously refers to as a “jerk.” Just kidding… or maybe not!In our conversation, Jennifer and I discussed:How Jennifer is a “recovering jerk”Why human connection is so important to herWhat the Golden Path of Connection isHow we can connect with ourselves, others, and our purposeHow her company, Optimatch, helps in understanding human connectionJennifer's free resources, including her book 101 Spiritual Tools for Uncertain Times and her podcast Regarding ConsciousnessWhy fun, including watching Minions, is crucialThis conversation was incredibly enjoyable—you'll hear us laughing throughout. I hope this episode brightens your day and, more importantly, inspires you to recognize the importance of human connection and take steps on your own connection journey.

Happy 200th Episode of Brave Women at Work! Can you believe it has been 200 episodes? I can't! What began as part of my burnout healing journey has evolved into something that brings me immense joy. I want to thank you for being here, whether this is your first episode, you've listened to a few here and there, or you've been a longtime listener—I am so grateful for you. The show has been downloaded over 70,000 times in more than 30 countries. WOW!To celebrate the 200th episode, I'm raffling off a copy of Brave Women at Work: Lessons in Leadership and Brave Women at Work: Stories of Resilience! All you need to do is email me at hello@bravewomenatwork.com, and I'll enter your name into a random book raffle! I'll draw the winners' names by 10/31/2024, so email me today for a chance to win!I have a special guest on the show today, Dr. Ronicka Briscoe. Dr. Ronicka was a contributing author in Brave Women at Work: Lessons in Leadership and is a welcome, wonderful addition to the Brave Women at Work community.During our conversation, Ronicka and I discuss:What winning on the road means for working women.What prompted Ronicka to participate in Brave Women at Work: Lessons in Leadership.Ronicka's Gallup Strengths assessment compared to mine, and how rare it is for our strengths to be so similar.The difference between Gallup Strengths and the Myers-Briggs assessment, and how Dr. Ronicka uses them with her coaching clients.Ronicka's leadership development programs, including The Winners Circle.

I have a wonderful repeat guest today, Churni Bhattacharya. Churni and I can talk for hours, and every time I speak with her, I feel like I'm talking with an old friend.Churni has so much wisdom to share in today's show and her prior appearance, episode 141, which launched on August 31st, 2023. You'll definitely want to grab a notebook and listen to both of these shows twice to catch all of the great advice and information.During our conversation, Churni and I talked about:Her journey to becoming a contributing author in the women's anthology, “Brave Women at Work: Lessons in Leadership.”Churni's learnings throughout the publication process.How Churni has changed because of this experience.What recommendations Churni has for anyone who wants to step out and try something new, whether it's writing a book, starting a project, beginning a new job, and more.Churni's advice for other women navigating the IT/Digital Industry.Her favorite book.What's on the horizon for Churni moving forward.

Have you ever thought about leadership as a recipe? Imagine adding a dash of this or a pinch of that to create your own unique leadership style. What if you could learn the perfect leadership ingredients from the leaders you encounter throughout your career?I had never considered leadership in this way, but I love this delicious metaphor!My guest today, Mylene Barizo, is a powerful leader, communicator, connector, and now a best-selling author of Brave Women at Work: Lessons in Leadership. I invited Mylene to share her inspiring perspective on leadership and her key takeaways from being part of our recent book project on the topic.In this episode, Mylene and I discuss:● What inspired her to contribute to Brave Women at Work: Lessons in Leadership● What Mylene has learned throughout the process● The key lessons she hopes readers will take from her chapter● Mylene's concept of the Leadership Recipe and how we can identify the ingredients in our own personal leadership style● Insights about The Leadership Ladder, what it means to Mylene, and the services her company offers for both individuals and businesses

Are you ready for a firecracker of a conversation with my sister from another mister, Diana Patton, my guest today on the podcast? Diana and I met during an online presentation I was giving for another women's organization, PINKK, led by another Brave Women at Work podcast guest, Athena Golianis. Athena sure knows how to connect people! There was energy immediately between Diana and I, and we knew we needed to be in one another's orbits.During our conversation, Diana and I talked about:Diana's challenging past and how it forged who she is today.The pivotal moment in Diana's life when she knew she needed to run her own business and not stay solely focused on law.What rising means to Diana.What challenges Diana sees that prevent women from rising.Books and other resources that Diana used in her own rising journey.Her All Rise Live Summit here in Chi-town – Chicago!

Sorry to start a show so heavy, but this is one of the most real, raw, and brave interviews I have held in almost 200 episodes of Brave Women at Work.As I will explain in today's show, I met Bryn Freedman, my guest today, in a most interesting way. On an airplane. What would unfold after that has shocked and awed me. I would like to thank Bryn for being on the show today, especially after losing her husband, Steve Freedman, just a few short weeks ago.Bryn has had an amazing career in investigative news, making documentaries, being a TED curator and coach, and simply helping make the world a better place with her non-profit, Voices4Freedom.I learned so much from Bryn and our conversation, and I could feel my emotions well up in my heart several times during the show. It was a mixture of sadness and grief for Bryn who lost Steve so unexpectedly, and gratitude for the time we spent together during our discussion.During our conversation, Bryn and I talked about:More of the juicy details behind the story of how Bryn and I met on a plane to Portugal.The story of Steve's recent passing.The background story behind Bryn's amazing investigative news, and documentary film/TV career.Bryn's relationship with yes, no, and now, how am I feeling today.How Bryn's relationship with her mom and how it has improved after her passing.Bryn's thoughts on burnout.And more.

Ok, let's start with the elephant in the room. Why am I talking about life insurance on this show? You may think – BORING with a capital B or next podcast! I am asking you to open your mind and listen in. To be a brave woman at work and in your life, I am a firm believer you need to have a solid financial foundation and an understanding of your finances. This includes insurance. You will also hear in the show that I am passionate about this topic because it hit my family, and my mother, directly. I grew up in a middle-class family in the 80's. My mom and dad worked hard to give me a great childhood. Then, my dad was diagnosed at 40 years old with cancer. Two to three years later, the cancer came back after remission and was terminal. My dad ended up passing away at the early age of 48. My dad didn't have enough life insurance, so my mom continued working 2 jobs until her late 50s to provide a life for my brother and me. I don't want you to go through something similar. And while this story is not meant to scare you, it is meant to get your attention. By having enough life insurance on yourself and your loved ones, it frees up the power of choice if something unforeseen were to happen to you or someone else in your family. When I met my guest, Danielle Burch, today, I knew I needed to have her on my show. She also geeks out on life insurance and has seen her fair share of situations like my mom's. During our conversation, Danielle and I chatted about:How Danielle entered the world of insuranceWhy women need to have life insurance as part of their financial planA high-level overview of the two major types of insuranceThe flexibility of insurance in comparison to a 401(k) plan where many of us have our retirement dollars goingThe differences between group insurance through work and individual insurance policiesAnd unbiased resources we can turn to learn more about insurance.Join us as we dive into a topic that is often overlooked. One disclaimer about today's podcast is that Danielle and I are not financial advisors or insurance agents. We are not referring individual products and services to you. This podcast should be taken as educational. Please speak with a trusted financial advisor or insurance agent to determine the best course of action for your situation.

Have you ever thought about your purpose and what that means? What about the company you either work for or run? What is its purpose? According to the Oxford Dictionary, the definition of purpose is “the reason for which something is done or created or for which something exists.” My guest today, Carol Cone, has been called the purpose queen and understands this at a cellular level. As you will hear about in her bio, Carol has worked with companies such as Rockport, Reebok, Dove, Aflac, and more. During our conversation, Carol and I chatted about:What purpose strategy is and what prompted her work in this area.What purpose means to Carol and how it compares to the idea of brand.Social purpose movements Carol has led with Rockport shoes, the American Heart Association, Aflac, and more.Carol's key learnings in her years of experience in social-purpose work.The benefits both individuals and companies alike diving into their purpose.

As a Type-A overachiever and recovering perfectionist, I will come clean about something:I often override my body's signals to get one more thing done. How does this look in real life? • It may be squeezing in another hour of work when I am tired and know I should go to bed.• It may be me being consistently late for appointments which causes my heart to race.• It may be me crashing into the couch on Friday evenings because I didn't take enough breaks for rest and play during the week. Does this resonate? When we wear the badge of busy, we can often neglect our health and well-being. My guest today, Dr. Susan Lovelle, explains why it is time for us to invest in our health and well-being as much as we do in our careers. During our conversation, Dr. Susan and I chatted about:The building blocks for optimized health and well-beingThe signs and symptoms that may pop up when your well-being is out of whackWhat benefits are for us and our companies when we are in a balanced state of performanceWhat the LeanHormone Metabolic Reset is and how it worksWhat the Hormones in Heels Masterclass is and how it leads deeper into Dr. Susan's workAnd we touched on Dr. Susan's book, Thrive: The Five-Week Guide to Mastering Your Energy at Any AgeThere's a lot of powerful information that we packed into this interview, so listen in!

It's a big day at Brave Women at Work! I am excited because I have my first Scottish guest and Australian resident, Mags Bell, joining me today. Besides having a beautiful accent and being a wonderful conversationalist, Mags brings the goods during our show. She is very knowledgeable on all things related to mindset and confidence, which are foundational for self-aware leadership. Listen in as Mags explains her easy-to-understand models and tools. You'll want to take notes during this conversation or listen to the show twice! During our conversation, Mags and I discussed:What led Mags to go from a corporate role to coaching and keynote speaking.Her early ego journey in management and how it has changed over time.What being in the movie means and how we can snap out of it to a more balanced ego.Her LeadingMe® model and how it is critical to the middle ego path in leadership.The 4R's Release Model® and how it helps us silence our inner critics and Imposter Syndrome.And other ways we can release our “shite” aka shit to be better leaders.

To be a strong leader and a brave woman at work, I am confident that we need to know what our strengths are and how to harness them. I don't know about you, but for the longest time I thought I needed to shore up my weaknesses to be “right” for a particular role. On top of that, I was convinced I had to know everything about the role too, all the ins and outs.Wrong. After over 20 years in corporate, I have learned that we all have a balance sheet of strengths and weaknesses. I need to double-down on my strengths, not waste time trying to shore up my weaknesses. In place of doing that, I need to find people in my team that complement my strengths. Maybe these team members are strong in my areas of weakness. And no, I cannot know everything about a job.My guest today, Dr. Cheryl Lovell, helps me further understand the CliftonStrengths Assessment by the Gallup Organization. This was an awesome conversation, and one I am sure you will enjoy.During our conversation, Dr. Cheryl and I chatted about:What the CliftonStrengths assessment is and why knowing our strengths is importantIf we need to take the assessment again after taking it the first timeWhat we do next with our results to improve our personal and professional livesHow leaders and teams can use CliftonStrengths to their advantageThe ROI of the CliftonStrengths assessmentHow the assessment can help you navigate challenging personal and professional relationships

Have you ever wondered if we can get better and more high-performing as leaders and teams with time? Like a fine wine? With the proper ingredients, support from our companies, and the work we do on ourselves, we can reach a new level of emotional maturity. With this emotional maturity, we don't stand behind our egos as they lead. We stand with humility, grace, self-respect, and self-trust. That's the kind of leader I want to be, and I'm sure that's the type of leader you want to be, too.My guest today, Margie Oleson, and I chatted about a new topic: the leadership waterline. I had never thought about leadership in this way, and it was fascinating for me to learn. Like I said in our conversation, chatting with Margie was like taking a master's class in leadership!During our conversation, Margie and I discussed:Her background and how it contributes to the work she does todayThe key attributes of a high-performing leader and teamWhat holds companies back from fostering more high-performing teamsWhat the leadership waterline is and how we can lower oursWhat neuroscience has to do with all of thisHow Margie's Top Accelerator Program helps leaders make changes and have them stick

Have you ever been afraid to speak up at work for fear of being labeled bossy, pushy, or aggressive?I have, and for the longest time, I stayed quiet because of it. I was too busy criticizing my own thoughts and worrying about what others thought, rather than sharing my ideas, asking questions, or stating my opinions based on my education and experience.When I have shared my opinions, asked questions, or presented ideas, I've been labeled as "too this or that," but it doesn't stop me anymore. I've probably even been called a bitch behind my back, and that's okay. My guest today, Dr. Alessandra Wall, and I discuss how to be a powerhouse, avoid negative labels, and stop worrying about backlash.During our conversation, Dr. Alessandra and I discuss:● Her transition from a full-time counseling practice to her work as an executive coach for women● What led her to start her company, Noteworthy● The importance of visibility for women who want to get promoted● How women can be visible and own their authority without being called a bitch● The science behind this process● The internal resistance that executive women face when seeking visibility and authority, and how to overcome it● The systems that executive women need to put in place● How Dr. Alessandra works with her female executive clientsBelieve me, I learned some valuable lessons during this conversation that I wish I had known when whispers of "she's a bitch" were being said behind my back. Let's learn together how to artfully gain visibility, get promoted, and own our authority. Shall we?

According to a Harvard Business Review Study, 40% of executives and leaders are introverted. Korn Ferry completed a similar study, and in their study, they found that 40-50% of leaders are introverted. So, what does this mean? It means that it is important to talk about this because if you are an introverted employee or people leader at work, the chances are that someone you work with is as well. Just like many of us land in leadership roles without training and fake it until we make it, it can be similar to an introvert. In a working world that is designed for extroverts, it can be difficult for introverts to navigate. My guest today, Julianna Yau Yorgan, a self-proclaimed introvert, former corporate leader, and career strategist and coach, provides us with guidance on how to do just that. During our conversation, Julianna and I discussed: The difference between a career strategist and a career coach.Her journey to a director-level role while being an introverted leader.The difference between introversion and shyness.How to network successfully as an introvert.How we can get to a place where we are unapologetically introverted.Navigating various difficult personalities at work as an introvert. We chat about narcissists, backstabbers, and more.Julianna also shares what her Introverted Leader Community is all about.

Who knew that I would be so excited to talk about perimenopause and menopause today? The truth is, I have been searching for the right expert to chat with about this important topic. And Georgie Kovacs, my guest today, is exactly the right person to lead us through this.Why? Well, selfishly, I am in perimenopause, and I want to understand how to deal with this. Many of my coaching clients have shared they suffer from brain fog, tiredness, and more, which I learned can be attributed to this stage of life.As Maya Angelou said, “Once we know better, we can do better.” We can do better by understanding our bodies and how this change impacts all women. We can do better by advocating for ourselves at the doctor's office. We can do better by spreading the word to other women. So, let's jump in!During our conversation, Georgie and I chatted about:What the symptoms of perimenopause are and how long this transitionary period can last for women.Why Georgie thinks talking about perimenopause at work is taboo and what we can do about it.How much perimenopause costs U.S. companies per year.Standing in our values in professional and personal situations.How I may have confused my burnout symptoms as part of early perimenopause. Or maybe it was a mix of both?How we can advocate for ourselves along this journey, including finding practitioners that look at various remedy sources for our symptoms.Georgie's podcast FemPower Health, her free resources on her site, and where she's taking FemPower Health next.

For my U.S. listeners, Happy 4th of July! As we celebrate the holiday, it has me thinking about personal and professional freedom. And even better yet, it motivated me to do a solo show. It's been a while! Hopefully, you will hear more solo shows from me going forward. Today's show will focus on my top tips for freedom in five areas of your life: Money FreedomTime FreedomMindset FreedomBody FreedomWork Freedom Before we get started, if you are enjoying Brave Women at Work, please make sure to leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. If the show has made an impact on you, please share it with a friend or colleague. And your ratings and reviews help the show continue to gain traction and grow. Thank you again! Also, if you haven't yet downloaded my freebies from my website, check them out at www.bravewomenatwork.com. I have created three for you: 24 career and leadership affirmations,5 Ways to Manage Your Imposter Syndrome, andMost popular, Getting Paid: 10 Negotiation Tips. They are workbook-style guides, so you can complete them on your own time. Again, go to bravewomenatwork.com to learn more. And a little disclaimer. I am not a financial advisor, doctor, etc. We are going to cover some basic monetary and health principles in today's show. If these topics pique your interest, speak with your medical professional or financial advisor. Okay, let's jump in!