Lead Like a Woman

Jennifer Brown is the Founder and CEO of Jennifer Brown Speaks, where she focuses on keynote speaking and coaching organizations on creating inclusive workplaces. As a globally recognized DEI thought leader, speaker, award-winning entrepreneur, and bestselling author, she has 20 years of experience consulting with leaders. Jennifer is the author of Inclusive and How to Be an Inclusive Leader. She has also spoken at institutions and organizations like Google, LinkedIn, and Toyota about building cultures of belonging and envisioning the future of work.   In this episode… The Supreme Court recently banned affirmative action in college admissions, indirectly impacting businesses' efforts to foster equal representation and inclusion. With inclusivity and diversity becoming increasingly important, what does it take to lead with authenticity and impact? As an LGBTQ+ entrepreneur, Jennifer Brown faced stigma and discomfort in the corporate world after coming out, leading her to suppress her identity. Rather than minimizing your or another's identity, she emphasizes aligning with your true self and fostering an inclusive environment for others. This involves embracing your diverse characteristics and sharing those experiences with others, which can alter established paradigms and empower others facing similar struggles. In today's episode of the Lead Like a Woman Show, Andrea Heuston talks with Jennifer Brown, the Founder and CEO of Jennifer Brown Speaks, about cultivating diversity and inclusion. Jennifer discusses her company's merger, the current state of DEI programs, and how she built her consultancy from the ground up.

Ann Latham is the Founder of Uncommon Clarity, a consulting firm helping professionals gain cognitive clarity. As a clarity consultant, she has worked with notable businesses, including Hitachi, Boeing, and Medtronic. Ann is also the author of The Power of Clarity, The Disconnect Principle, The Clarity Papers, and Uncommon Meetings. Her insights have appeared in The New York Times, Bloomberg, and Management Today. In this episode… The word “clarity” is used frequently in business contexts, but what does it mean? For entrepreneurs and leaders, clarity involves identifying your goals and methods for achieving them. How can you gain clarity in all aspects of your professional life? Widely recognized “Clarity Queen,” Ann Latham has discovered the common roadblocks to goal progression, including a lack of specificity and clear communication. She maintains the importance of gathering enough information to make informed decisions about the next steps. This involves identifying specific decisions and action steps and developing detailed plans to execute them. In this episode of the Lead Like a Woman Show, Andrea Heuston sits down with Ann Latham, the Founder of Uncommon Clarity, to discuss how to gain clarity in your professional life. Ann explains how to accelerate results and optimize communication in meetings, the takeaways from her TEDx talk, and insights from her books.

Libby Wagner is the President and Chief Visionary Officer at influencingOptions®, a business consulting and training firm that creates high-performance teams and leaders. She is also the Co-founder of The Studio, a change consultancy that fosters innovation through artistry. As an entrepreneur, mentor, and leadership coach, Libby helps executives create impactful organizational cultures. She is the author of The Influencing Option, What Will You Do With Your 90,000 Hours, and three poem collections, including Like This, Like That, Somehow, and Dancing on the Summer Lawn. In this episode… Women are well-recognized for their innovation, empathy, and communication, especially in leadership roles. How can you own your voice and strengths to become a high-performing leader? Writer, poet, and speaker Libby Wagner has harnessed nature and art to connect with her inner self and deliver authentic work. She notes that women leaders often struggle to trust themselves and question their intuition based on negative past experiences. When you become confident in your voice, you can deliver impactful messages that build trust and authority with teams and audiences. In today's episode of the Lead Like a Woman Show, Andrea Heuston chats with Libby Wagner, the President and Chief Visionary Officer at influencingOptions®, about cultivating high-trust leadership. Libby shares how connections with nature foster creativity and leadership, her nonlinear career path, and how she honed her strengths to launch her business.

Chanie Gluck is the CEO of 4D Global, a medical billing staffing company. She is also the host of the Growing Global and Leaders in Medical Billing podcasts. As an Inc. 5000 entrepreneur, Chanie has been voted The Next 1,000 CEOs to Watch by Forbes and Inspiring CEOs 2021 by InSight Magazine. In this episode… While female leadership styles are becoming more accepted, women still embody male characteristics when leading, especially during stressful periods. How can you embrace your feminine energy in your personal and professional life? For global entrepreneur Chanie Gluck, leading like a woman means embracing her role as a female in business. Women share unique traits like intuition and strong instincts that allow them to balance work and life effectively. When struggling to maintain composure during high-stress situations, rather than reverting to masculine tendencies, you can delegate tasks to simplify your work-life balancing act. This may involve offshoring talent to streamline responsibilities. In the latest episode of the Lead Like a Woman Show, Andrea Heuston invites Chanie Gluck, the CEO of 4D Global, who talks about offshoring talent and embracing your feminine characteristics. Chanie discusses the future of offshoring, how she balances work and motherhood, and how she dispels myths about offshoring.

Donna Griffit is a corporate storyteller and Communication Coach at Stanford University's Graduate School of Business, where she works with students to improve their communication, executive presence, writing, storytelling, and pitching. For 30 years, Donna has worked with Fortune 500 companies, startups, and investors in 30 countries, helping them create, edit, and deliver powerful presentations. She is also the author of Sticking to My Story: The Alchemy of Storytelling for Startups. In this episode… While women entrepreneurs have received significantly more funding in recent years, less than 2% of all VC funding goes toward female founders. How can you amplify women's voices to ensure they receive fair funding? According to pitch and storytelling alchemist Donna Griffit, the key to capturing investors' attention is a compelling pitch. Her four-acts formula is based on universal archetypes startups can leverage to simplify their pitches. It involves identifying the villain as the problem, the solution as the hero, the business plan as the hero's course of action, and the vision for the future as the happy ending. This creates a well-structured pitch that positions you as an authority figure. Founders should also prepare lists of answers to potential investor questions. In today's episode of the Lead Like a Woman Show, Andrea Heuston chats with Donna Griffit about crafting winning startup pitches. Donna shares why she embraces serendipitous moments, how to generate more sales, and the essential elements of corporate storytelling.

Leah Diteljan is the Founder of MindSpa, a global movement of leaders. As a transformative coach and retreat facilitator, she has over 16 years of experience awakening emotional awareness and fostering personal growth in Fortune 100/500 CEOs and EO and YPO entrepreneurs. Leah spent over 13 years at the Entrepreneurs' Organization (EO), working with aspiring leaders across 30 countries and six continents. In this episode… When high-performing leaders experience a personal setback, they often focus more on their business while ignoring their private upheaval, leading to excessive burnout. How can you tend to your emotional needs to continue excelling in business? Emotional awareness coach Leah Diteljan urges entrepreneurs to treat their personal calamities like their business. This may involve developing a 90-day strategy to heal your emotions after a breakup. Leah has helped high-achieving women reconcile their emotions and create a sense of self-belonging through interactive retreats and experiences. Through introspective moments, leaders can learn to embrace and love every aspect of themselves. In this week's episode of the Lead Like a Woman Show, Andrea Heuston chats with Leah Diteljan, the Founder of MindSpa Movement, about emotional awareness for high-achieving leaders. Leah shares advice for women struggling with self-identity, the importance of intuition, and what she loves most about her career.

Jaime Mann is the Founder of The Amaryllis Project, a coaching and advisory firm for growth-oriented, high-performance women. As an advisor, coach, and connection cultivator, she helps women strengthen and grow their leadership skills and works with organizations to create a culture of connected leadership. Jaime is an Associate Certified Coach (ACC) and a member of the International Coaching Federation (ICF). In this episode… High-performing leaders often restrict their potential by engaging in limiting self-beliefs and negative dialogues. How can you step into your full potential without letting internal voices hold you back? Having struggled with internal and external bullying, high-performance coach Jaime Mann learned to accept and embrace her strengths. This involved altering her inner narrative, which requires practicing self-compassion by treating yourself as you would a close friend or relative. Jaime also recommends developing a close network of personal and professional connections who can support you in your leadership journey and engaging in exercises like the Johari window, which allows you to view yourself objectively. Tune in to this episode of the Lead Like a Woman Show as Andrea Heuston welcomes Jaime Mann, the Founder of The Amaryllis Project, to talk about redefining leadership through connection and self-love. Jaime delves into her leadership style, why she views sensitivity as a core strength, and how her psychology background led her to become a coach.

Connie Kwan is the CEO of 4Storyteller, where she helps leaders tell their stories. As a former product executive, she worked with companies like Microsoft, Atlassian, and six product startups. Connie has crafted and delivered thousands of stories to investors and boards to set company visions and motivate teams. She has spoken on stages at Cornell University, the Product Management Festival, and Google Tech Talk. In this episode… Many women are stuck in the Smurfette paradigm, where they compete with other women for a single leadership position in a male-dominated organization. Yet as more women fight for a seat at the table, amplifying each other's voices becomes increasingly vital. How can you encourage women to find their voice and stand out? Master storyteller Connie Kwan has identified four storytelling methods to help women amplify their reach and carve a niche for themselves. The champion and sage storytellers reach their audiences through emotional connections, whereas visionary and professor storytellers use logic to convince their audiences. Identifying your and your audience's storytelling methods allows you to craft a message that conveys your needs while resonating with your audience. In today's episode of the Lead Like a Woman Show, Andrea Heuston chats with Connie Kwan, the CEO of 4Storyteller, about how women can hone their storytelling techniques. Connie describes the psychological aspects of effective communication, how she leads like a woman, and her mission to amplify women's voices.

Lizzie Mintus is the Founder and CEO of Here's Waldo Recruiting, a boutique technical recruiting firm specializing in the video game space. Before founding her agency, Lizzie was a technical recruiter for Verticalmove, Inc. She received a certificate in Women's Entrepreneurial Leadership from the University of Washington to enhance her leadership skills and grow her agency. Lizzie is also an ambassador at Women in Games, a platform empowering women in the gaming industry, and an active member of the Entrepreneurs' Organization. In this episode… Every entrepreneur knows that starting and managing a business means navigating market fluctuations, industry dominations and descents, and many failures. Yet among setbacks and losses, success and impact prevail. Using her exceptional people skills, extroverted recruiter Lizzie Mintus went from losing profitable clients during Meta's year of efficiency to landing a meeting with the Founder of Xbox. From this connection, Lizzie began paying it forward, providing her clients with valuable referrals and even offering to pay for an employee's travel expenses to spend time with family during a crisis. Lizzie's advice for women wanting to break into an industry with little experience is to take the risk and recognize that if it doesn't work out, it's never too late to start over. In this episode of the Lead Like a Woman Show, Lizzie Mintus, the Founder and CEO of Here's Waldo Recruiting, joins Andrea Heuston to discuss how she ventured boldly into entrepreneurship. Lizzie explains the importance of leading with empathy, the gaming industry's evolution and growth, and why she created a niche recruiting business.

Miranda Barrett is the Owner of Capacity to Scale, which helps business leaders generate ROI from speaking engagements. With over 25 years of experience collaborating with senior leaders and entrepreneurs, she helps people amplify their impact through speaking and storytelling. Before Capacity to Scale, Miranda was the Vice President of External Engagement at the Entrepreneurs' Organization (EO), where she helped double its size and geographic reach, spoke at industry conferences, and wrote for various publications as a member of the association executive committee. In this episode… Have you ever attended a conference where the speaker was visibly unprepared for the speech? Unfortunately, this can happen often, dismantling trust between the speaker and their audience. How can you create impactful speaking experiences?  With immersive learning at the forefront, capturing and maintaining audiences' attention has become increasingly difficult. Speaker coach and entrepreneur Miranda Barrett notes that both speakers and their audiences are responsible for making speaking engagements worthwhile. Audience members must show the speaker respect by remaining present and attentive during the speech and trusting the speaker's authority. Likewise, speakers must venture beyond merely capturing attention to study their audiences' profiles and the association's culture.  Tune in to this episode of the Lead Like a Woman Show as Andrea Heuston chats with Miranda Barrett, the Owner of Capacity to Scale, about scaling your personal brand through speaking engagements. Miranda discusses bridging the gap between organizations and speakers, advice for women speaking on stage, and her personal core values.

Kait Gannon is the Founder and CEO of Mezzo Allies, Inc., which raises awareness for family-controlled human trafficking and child sexual abuse. She is a survivor of family-controlled commercial child sexual exploitation and shares her experience through public speaking and hosting the podcast The Ugly Truth About the Girl Next Door. With a background in social work, Kait is trained in suicide prevention and was the program director for a public health clinic in Buffalo, New York. Laurie Krull is the Clinical Director of Mezzo Allies, Inc., the co-host of The Ugly Truth About the Girl Next Door podcast, and a licensed clinical social worker. With over 30 years of clinical experience, she specializes in foster care, adoption, and trauma. Laurie began her career as a social worker with child protective services before working in an outpatient children's mental health ward. In this episode… Sex trafficking isn't talked about enough, as most people remain unaware of the magnitude of abuse taking place throughout the world, believing it's relegated to minority groups and third-world countries. Yet much of this trafficking occurs within the family unit, as 82% of survivors report parents or extended family members as primary offenders. How can you educate yourself and become a fierce advocate for child sex trafficking victims? A family home is supposed to be a safe haven, but for Kait Gannon, it was a recurring nightmare. Beginning before the age of four and continuing well into adulthood, Kait was sexually trafficked by her parents, grandparents, and uncles — a mere pawn in a generations-long organized trafficking scheme. After receiving threatening messages following repeated attempts to escape, Kait connected with trauma social worker Laurie Krull, who helped her reconcile the compartmentalized abuse with other areas of her life, leading to support initiatives for child sexual abuse victims. Through rigorous training programs and volunteering with mission-based organizations, you can become an advocate these survivors need. Tune in to the latest episode of the Lead Like a Woman Show as Andrea Heuston welcomes Kait Gannon and Laurie Krull of Mezzo Allies, Inc., to talk about family-organized child sex trafficking. Together, they uncover abuse survivors' compartmentalized worlds, how to reconcile prolonged trauma, and the three levels of public understanding in human trafficking.

Lisa Fain is the CEO of the Center for Mentoring Excellence, a 30-plus-year-old company that motivates, inspires, and develops leaders to create more inclusive workplaces through mentoring. She coaches mentors, mentees, and program administrators on creating an ideal environment to achieve career and personal goals. As the Senior Director of the Diversity and Inclusion function at Outerwall, Inc., Lisa spearheads the development, establishment, and implementation of its diversity initiative. Before her current roles, she practiced law in the Chicago office of a major multinational law firm, where she counseled employers on creating inclusive policies and practices. In this role, Lisa served as a Master Trainer directing thousands of employees on enhancing workplace practices. In this episode… The Harvard Business Review reveals that corporations have a more inclusive culture when women and other minority groups occupy C-suite and board positions. How can mentoring and leadership coaching lead organizations to adopt these practices? As a leader in DEI, Lisa Fain maintains that mentorship is inclusion in action. Mentoring up-and-coming leaders invites transparent conversations about diversity through relationships and connections. The relationship between mentors and mentees is reciprocal, with both parties learning from each other. Companies can create a mentoring culture by providing ongoing support and training that enables consistent communication. Tune in to the latest episode of the Lead Like a Woman Show as Andrea Heuston welcomes Lisa Fain, the CEO of the Center for Mentoring Excellence, to talk about the role of mentoring in leadership and organizational inclusion. Lisa shares the most common mentoring myth, why she transitioned from a legal career to an entrepreneur, and how to build trust between a mentor and mentee.

Diane DiResta is the CEO of DiResta Communications, Inc., a consultancy serving business leaders who deliver high-stakes presentations. As a certified speaking coach and communications professional, she coaches executives to be influential public speakers and delivers keynote speeches, seminars, and workshops to train teams in effective communication and leadership skills. Diane is also the author of Knockout Presentations and has been featured on CNN and quoted in the New York Times and The Wall Street Journal. In this episode… Although it may seem far-fetched, 78% of people would rather die than speak on stage. This is especially true for women, who often overanalyze their public personas. Yet public speaking is crucial for leaders who want to make an impact. How can you overcome your fears to deliver confident speeches? Master presenter Diane DiResta maintains that since the presentation is for the audience's benefit, to be nervous is to be self-centered. Instead, shift your perspective to create an informative and memorable experience for your listeners. Delivering powerful speeches requires understanding yourself, your audience, and your message without relying on memorization or using passive phrases such as “like” or “I think.” In today's episode of the Lead Like a Woman Show, Diane DiResta, the CEO of DiResta Communications, joins Andrea Heuston to discuss how to communicate with confidence and intention. Diane talks about her military upbringing, how she leads like a woman, and the dos and don'ts of Q&A sessions.

Sarah Moody is the Founder of Iconic, a program that helps high-achieving women have the career and love life of their dreams. After spending 25 years working with C-suite executives at global tech companies, she became a mentor to women experiencing burnout and wrote the book Rock Your Brain Rock Your Life. Sarah is also an engaging speaker and presenter delivering events in Silicon Valley and hosts the Rock Your Brain. Rock Your Life podcast. In this episode… So many women feel exhausted and unfulfilled in their careers despite their achievements. This often stems from an unconscious tendency to emulate masculine leadership styles, which contradicts their natural feminine qualities. How can you embrace your femininity to create the life you desire? After struggling with corporate burnout and an eating disorder, Sarah Moody was determined to alter her life's trajectory for the better. She believes in fully embodying the feminine essence to create a more authentic and powerful presence in work and relationships. Sarah notes that true happiness and fulfillment come from within, and by trusting your intuition and relinquishing your masculine armor, you can feel safe in your body and mind. Tune in to this week's episode of the Lead Like a Woman Show as Andrea Heuston chats with Sarah Moody about cultivating self-love and feminine strength. She shares her personal struggles, including battling an eating disorder, insights from her coaching program, and her upcoming book focused on tapping into divine femininity.

Lori Michele Leavitt is the Founder of LML Services, a collaborative group of independent thought leaders and experts who serve various industries. She is also the Founder and President of Abrige Corp, which offers the Aligned Momentum (A.M)® program and software to help managers lead. Widely recognized as The Pivot Catalyst, Lori has coached, consulted, and trained hundreds of global leaders to achieve their objectives and generate momentum. She speaks globally about catalyzing momentum, leading, pivoting, and workplace culture change. Lori also leads the 10x!® business and leadership private peer advisory groups. As an author, she wrote The Pivot and Pivot to Clarity. In this episode… Organizational change is necessary to kickstart and sustain growth, but resistance from leaders and other changemakers can impede progress and create friction. How can you instruct your team to adapt and pivot during challenges? Leadership catalyst Lori Michele Leavitt believes in fostering a vibrant workplace and business, which entails future-proofing your team and company by maintaining high value. She encourages leaders to identify and recognize the fear surrounding change and create a safe space to work through those fears and foster trust. By aligning progress with your end goals and pivoting in response to setbacks, you can build a resilient and change-ready organization. In today's episode of the Lead Like a Woman Show, Andrea Heuston chats with Lori Michele Leavitt, the Founder of LML Services, about adaptable leadership. Lori talks about cultivating an organizational mindset that anticipates change, her 10x!® peer advisory group, and how to align your momentum.

Kate Pozeznik is the Founder and CEO of Quirk, a personal branding and career consulting firm that helps accelerate women executives' careers. She works with mid-six- to seven-figure executives to showcase their unique professional qualities during career transitions. Kate's clients include executives and leaders at Google, Amazon, Meta, and other notable organizations. She has been featured in articles on Buzzfeed, AARP, and Upworthy. In this episode… Sometimes, C-suite executives seem to have it all in their careers. However, many of them — especially women — have become stagnant in their journeys, longing for more fulfilling opportunities. How can personal branding, resiliency, and risk-taking elevate your career? Having struggled with networking, gaining confidence in her skills, and achieving fulfillment, Kate Pozeznik understands the frustration of identifying an ideal career path. She encourages high-salaried women to develop a personal brand representing their values, mission, and purpose. This unlocks professional opportunities that align with your career goals. Kate also advises taking small, calculated risks to develop resilience to challenges and build confidence. Join Andrea Heuston in this episode of the Lead Like a Woman Show as she interviews Kate Pozeznik, the Founder and CEO of Quirk, about embracing risks and creating an impactful personal brand. Kate shares how she helps women define personal success, how she turned her side gig into a career opportunity, and how C-suite executives can communicate their value propositions.

Hannah Kain is the President and CEO of ALOM, a global supply chain, contract packaging, and fulfillment company. As a global supply chain executive, she has written business books and papers, taught graduate classes, and spoken at various business events. Hannah has extensive international management experience as well as membership and involvement in governmental agencies and business groups, including the National Association of Manufacturers, Women's Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC), and How Women Lead. In this episode… Studies show that business financial performance increases when women are given leadership positions. Yet many industries, including the supply chain industry, are perpetually male-dominated. How can male support and organizational collaboration elevate female representation in these industries? As a Danish immigrant with an innate drive to challenge the status quo and help women break into leadership roles, Hannah Kain advocates for involvement with industry networks and leadership associations that promote women's voices and ideas. Organizations like the Women's Business Enterprise National Council and other niche associations can advance women's roles in their companies and industries. When men and women collaborate within these organizations, they can enhance company culture and results. In today's episode of the Lead Like a Woman Show, Andrea Heuston sits down with Hannah Kain, the President and CEO of ALOM, to discuss empowering women in the supply chain industry. Hannah shares her Danish upbringing, advice for women leaders to encourage their teams, and how she champions women's leadership.

Sandra James is the Founder and CEO of Private Eyes, which creates safe workplaces through high-quality background checks. She is also the bestselling author of Don't Tell Me I Can't, a memoir recounting her journey from growing up on a farm and battling substance abuse to becoming an entrepreneur. As an advocate for entrepreneurship, Sandra serves on the board and is a member of the leadership forum for the Women's Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC). In this episode… Growing up disadvantaged can make achieving career fulfillment and growth feel like an illusion, especially if you grew up during a time when women couldn't obtain a business loan without a man's co-signature. Learn how a farm girl turned entrepreneur overcame incredible odds to reach the pinnacle of her career. Sandra James grew up working on her family's farm and slept in a closet in a two-bedroom house with eight siblings. Rather than become complacent with her situation, Sandra altered her perspective and leveraged her childhood-acquired work ethic to become an entrepreneur. Along the way, she struggled with substance abuse and navigated a tumultuous relationship when her first husband stole her business idea. Despite these obstacles, Sandra maintains that resilience, persistence, and optimism are crucial in overcoming hardships. In today's episode of the Lead Like a Woman Show, Andrea Heuston welcomes Sandra James, the Founder and CEO of Private Eyes and the author of Don't Tell Me I Can't, to talk about her journey from farm girl to CEO. Sandra delves into her early entrepreneurial endeavors, why she joined WBENC and Vistage, and her decision to become sober.

Sylvia Theisen is a Life Coach at Prime Time Coaching, where she coaches women through a transformational process of discovery. As a former psychotherapist, speaker, author, and business owner, she specializes in human behavior and personal development, helping women lead more fulfilling lives. Sylvia is also the author of Break the Rules: An Uncommon Guide to Creating the Life You Crave. In this episode… Antiquated gender roles are shifting as women begin to recognize their limitless possibilities. As of 2022, women comprise half of the college-educated workforce, and single women now own and occupy more homes than single men. How can you participate in this radical movement to create the life you want? Traditionally, women have felt uncomfortable when served food and other comforts and were hesitant to embark on solo adventures. As a midlife development coach, Sylvia Theisen encourages women to engage in the process of self-discovery by stepping out of their comfort zones to develop confidence and essential life skills. These skills include disappointing others to avoid disappointing yourself and setting crucial boundaries. Tune in to this episode of the Lead Like a Woman Show as Andrea Heuston invites Sylvia Theisen, Life Coach at Prime Time Coaching, to speak about how she empowers midlife women to rewrite their life stories. Sylvia talks about breaking free from societal expectations, how to embrace the changes of midlife, and how she helps women identify their unique potential.

Minette Norman is an author, speaker, and consultant with decades of experience leading global teams in the software industry. As a vital voice in inclusive leadership, she speaks about psychological safety and empathy. Minette is also the author of The Boldly Inclusive Leader and the co-author of The Psychological Safety Playbook. In this episode… In a corporate world dominated by male leaders, women often feel silenced and suppress their opinions and emotions. Yet vulnerability and emotional intelligence are vital characteristics of women leaders. How can you harness these qualities to make a true impact on your team? After being forced out of Silicon Valley by male leaders threatened by her dominance, Minette Norman discovered the power of inclusive leadership. This involves cultivating a diverse team to enrich company dynamics and promote creative problem-solving. It also entails establishing psychological safety in the workplace to ensure team members feel comfortable sharing ideas and taking risks. Embracing your authentic self in your leadership role fosters genuine connection and creates an atmosphere of trust. Tune in to the latest episode of the Lead Like a Woman Show as Andrea Heuston welcomes Minette Norman to talk about transforming leadership through emotional intelligence and inclusivity. Minette reveals insights from her book, how she cultivated a network when starting a new business, and her transformation from acting to leadership in Silicon Valley.

Imelda Alejandrino is the CEO and Creative Director at AP42, a top-performing digital team specializing in advertising, branding, direct marketing, and technology. As a seasoned digital strategist, she has over 25 years of experience leading innovative creative efforts across various platforms. Imelda's work has spanned digital AR/VR, film, retail packaging, and events. She has collaborated with major brands, including Accenture, Meta, General Motors, and Chevron and launched Oggi, an immersive digital reality application, in 2020. In this episode… When embracing creativity and innovative ideas in your work, you're likely to encounter resistance from those who are skeptical of new technologies. Rather than shying away from the new and uncomfortable, you can embrace it. How can you nurture creativity in a fast-paced digital world? Creative powerhouse and digital visionary Imelda Alejandrino champions using immersive digital realities to strengthen connections and create memorable experiences. Yet attitudes toward technology adoption have been negative, so eliminating the associated fear with open communication and demonstrations is crucial in promoting widespread adoption. Imelda notes that mentorship, networking, and engaging in continuous learning have allowed her to develop groundbreaking new ideas in her career. In this episode of the Lead Like a Woman Show, Andrea Heuston hosts Imelda Alejandrino, the CEO and Creative Director at AP42, to discuss technological innovation. Imelda delves into practical applications of virtual reality, the metaverse, and the human aspect of digital engagement.

Marley Majcher is the CEO of The Party Goddess, a full-service event planning and catering company celebrated for creating high-profile parties. With clients like Snoop Dogg and Britney Spears, Marley's events are renowned for their elegance and extravagance. Known as The Profit Goddess, she provides invaluable resources for small business owners and entrepreneurs. She is also the author of But Are You Making Any Money?, a witty guide to managing a lucrative business. In this episode… Turning a passion project into a full-time business can be a nightmare, especially if you're not earning enough money to match the time spent. How can you create structure from seemingly endless business tasks and turn your passion into profit? A-list party planner and profit coach Marley Majcher combines creativity, grit, and strategic financial management to lead her business effectively. If you want to transition from a hobby to a viable business, you must price your products and services accordingly and focus on revenue-generating tasks while delegating the rest. Additionally, by focusing on your unique selling proposition, you can cut through the noise in the market and make your business stand out. In the latest edition of the Lead Like a Woman Show, Andrea Heuston sits down with Marley Majcher, the CEO of The Party Goddess, to discuss how to elevate your business. Marley shares entrepreneurship anecdotes and analogies, the importance of continuous business assessment, and how to transform a simple project into a full-fledged business.

Niki Avraam is the Co-founder of the London-based law firm Howat Avraam Solicitors, where she litigates high-profile employment and discrimination cases. A keynote speaker on leadership mindset and workforce issues, she is deeply invested in the concept of purposeful work, inspiring others to discover their work's profound impact. Niki is a sought-after leadership consultant who champions unconventional thinking to reach professional and personal heights. In this episode… It's not uncommon for women to feel stuck in their careers, feeling constrained by workplace customs that no longer serve them. Despite this, these women often fear discomfort. How can you overcome these obstacles and turn discomfort into your greatest ally? Transformational leader and legal entrepreneur Niki Avraam advocates for women's involvement in male-dominated business and networking events, carving a path for them to thrive professionally. Additionally, her preferred discomfort framework promotes growth and innovation by embracing challenges that dismantle personal and professional boundaries. By breaking away from conventional workplace practices, you can inspire creativity and progress. In this episode of the Lead Like a Woman Show, Andrea Heuston chats with Niki Avraam, the Co-founder of Howat Avraam Solicitors, about harnessing discomfort to enhance leadership qualities. Niki discusses her journey through the legal world, her passion for reshaping leadership, and the pursuit of workplace evolution.

Lydia Knight is the CEO of The She Center, a consultancy that transforms women's lives through neuroscience-based habit change. As a certified health coach and eating disorder expert, she has received recognition from CBS, NBC, Fox News, and Yahoo for her revolutionary methods. Lydia is committed to transforming culture by empowering individuals to move from self-sabotage to self-fulfillment through programs and certification courses. In this episode... Many women are at constant war with themselves, trying to meet unrealistic societal expectations. The key to overcoming these personal hurdles often lies in how you approach your thoughts and emotions. Is it possible to transform struggle into progress? Habit change expert Lydia Knight has helped women overcome eating disorders and spearheaded a global movement to accelerate women's growth. To boost your leadership development, you must first regulate and accept your emotions, develop personal integrity, and alter negative thought patterns. This sense of self-love and acceptance allows you to improve your decision-making and break free from self-sabotaging cycles. Once you learn to stop seeking external validation and recognize your inner potential, you can empower others. Tune in to this episode of the Lead Like a Woman Show as Andrea Heuston welcomes Lydia Knight, the CEO of The She Center, to discuss empowering individual potential. Lydia's philosophies on self-empowerment, societal pressures, and the journey to self-love resonate deeply, offering a beacon of hope to those seeking meaningful change in their lives.

Mary Crossan is the Co-founder of Leader Character Associates and Virtuosity Character, which enhance organizational leadership characteristics. She is also the Professor of Strategic Leadership at Western University's Ivey Business School. Recognized on the global list of the top 2% of the most cited scientists in her discipline in 2021, Mary received the Lifetime Career Achievement Academy of Management Distinguished Educator Award in 2023. Her research includes leadership character, organizational learning, strategic renewal, and improvisation. A prolific author, Mary has contributed to over 100 articles and books and is the co-author of The Character Compass. In this episode… Is “character” a mere buzzword, or does it hold tangible value for those in leadership positions? Cultivating a specific set of behaviors can improve your personal effectiveness and enhance your team's performance and commitment. How can you define and develop your character to uplevel your organization? According to leadership researcher Mary Crossan, leaders must develop and hone 11 character disciplines, including integrity, humility, and courage, to empower their companies. Each discipline holds a set of behaviors that leaders can self-assess to identify strengths and weaknesses. By promoting a culture that nurtures and rewards positive characteristics and reflecting daily on actions and behaviors, you can increase employee engagement and satisfaction. In the latest episode of the Lead Like a Woman Show, Andrea Heuston sits down with Mary Crossan, the Co-founder of Leader Character Associates, to talk about developing leader character. Mary discusses The Character Compass, an innovative approach to shaping leadership character, and explains the implications of character on organizational culture, performance, and commitment.

Ali Cudby is the Founder and CEO of Alignmint Growth Strategies, a consultancy transforming businesses through intentional customer experiences. As the author of the best-selling book Keep Your Customers, she specializes in customer experience and loyalty, employing a unique four-step method that she crafted from her extensive background in corporate planning, strategic marketing, and customer relations. Ali's experience includes pivotal roles at the New York Times, Golf Digest, and Animal Planet TV network. In this episode… With one fundamental shift in your business approach, you can make a meaningful impact on your team and customers. Could crafting more intentional customer experiences be the key to explosive growth? Ali Cudby, a customer experience maven, emphasizes developing retention strategies that make the customer feel seen, heard, and valued. This involves making small but powerful shifts in your communication and service-delivery tactics, which fosters customer and employee loyalty. You can enhance satisfaction by communicating service benefits from the customer's perspective and developing a clear and consistent process for customer engagement. In this episode of the Lead Like a Woman Show, Andrea Heuston welcomes Ali Cudby, the Founder and CEO of Alignmint Growth Strategies, for a discussion about crafting superior customer experiences. Ali talks about the "mint method," her company's unconventional name origins, and the importance of data in aligning your organization's strategies.

Jess Weems Thibault is the VP of Growth at HireEducation, an organization dedicated to growing executive, sales, marketing, and product teams in the education sector. With an MBA from the University of Wisconsin and a solid background in secondary science education, Jess bridges the gap between teaching and ed tech. She has over a decade of experience in various nonprofit settings, including passion-driven involvement in middle school education. Jess's diverse career spans from being a self-employed artist to an energetic marketer, using her deep belief in human potential to shape the future of education and talent development. In this episode… Ever felt like you're waiting for someone or something to unlock your next step in life? What if the keys to your boldest moves and successes were always within you, just waiting to be realized? Jess Weems Thibault, an educator turned growth marketer, explores her dual approach to making informed decisions that resonate with both the creative and analytical sides of problem-solving. Jess emphasizes the importance of believing in human potential and using our innate abilities to navigate the path of innovation and change. Reflecting on how her passion for maximizing human potential translates into her current role, Jess highlights the power of balancing your gut instinct with data for an enriched decision-making process.  In this episode of the Lead Like a Woman Show, Andrea Heuston hosts Jess Weems Thibault, the VP of Growth at HireEducation, to discuss the power of informed decisions. Jess highlights the importance of ‘internal resources,' such as self-belief and the combination of analytical and creative strengths, in pushing the boundaries of what's possible.

Michelle Tillis Lederman is the Founder and CEO of Executive Essentials, a training company that provides communication and leadership programs and executive coaching services. She is an accomplished speaker, trainer, coach, and the author of four books, including The Connector's Advantage. As a former NYU professor, financial executive, and recovering CPA, Forbes named Michelleas one of the top 25 Professional Networking Professionals. She inspires individuals and organizations in the government, academia, Fortune 500, and nonprofit spaces to build relationships and get results. In this episode… Connecting and networking are crucial for personal and professional development. Anyone can be a connected leader. So how can you scale your influence and impact? Versatile leader and networking professional Michelle Tillis Lederman has identified the core mindsets you must adopt to become an actionable leader. One approach involves cultivating a generous spirit by identifying ways to help others and maintaining curiosity about their situations. Connectors also prioritize relationships in each interaction and possess a keen sense of self-awareness. By being likable through authenticity, positive energy, and a confident self-image, you can empower those around you. In this episode of The Lead Like a Woman Show, Andrea Heuston invites Michelle Tillis Lederman, the Founder and CEO of Executive Essentials, to speak about becoming a powerful connector. Michelle explains the qualities of a connector, her impetus to write her books, and how to join the Connected Leader Club.

Carolyn Ward, MD is the Director of Clinical Strategy and Head of Product Marketing at Particle Health. With over eight years of experience in the health sector and a background as chief resident at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, she leads the charge in shaping clinical product roadmaps and represents the voice of providers and patients in the development process. At Particle Health, Carolyn's mission is to revolutionize healthcare access and patient outcomes through innovative, data-driven solutions, transforming how patient information is shared across the medical landscape. In this episode… Have you ever been frustrated filling out endless forms at a doctor's office, wondering why your current healthcare provider can't access your medical history? Isn't it ironic that despite how advanced medical treatments have become, patient data management seems stuck in the past? What if there's a way to change that? Carolyn Ward, MD, a dedicated physician and health tech innovator, introduces us to the revolutionary world of medical data integration. She discusses her path from the halls of Rutgers, delving into medicine, and eventually finding her true passion in the dynamic field of health tech. Particle Health stands as her current platform, where she strives to dismantle the fragmented healthcare system by promoting the unification of patient data for personalized care. Carolyn emphasizes the potential of AI in understanding and predicting individual health outcomes, and how innovation is key in reshaping the relationship between patients and providers. In this episode of the Lead Like a Woman Show, host Andrea Heuston sits down with Carolyn Ward, MD, the Director of Clinical Strategy and Head of Product Marketing at Particle Health, to talk about leveraging data to transform patient care. Carolyn showcases the power of unified data, the possibilities of AI, and the importance of innovation in the medical field, exploring a future where technology and human touch seamlessly enhance patient outcomes.

Sherry Shannon-Vanstone is the Founder of Profound Impact Corporation, aiming to connect individuals for great causes and improve data, AI, and analytics solutions. A mathematician, cryptographer, philanthropist, and serial entrepreneur with successful startups in Silicon Valley and the Toronto-Waterloo Corridor, she has a rich background in system security and technological innovation. Sherry champions women in STEM and strives to influence a culture of inclusivity and empowerment. As a business leader and advocate for female entrepreneurship, she co-founded Women Funding Women to amplify women-led ventures. Sherry holds both a Master of Science degree in Mathematics and an honorary doctorate for her work promoting girls and women to study and pursue a career in STEM. In this episode… Have you questioned whether taking risks and stepping into the unknown would bring you to where you wanted to be? Is it possible to bridge the gap between fulfilling one's potential and overcoming societal expectations? Sherry Shannon-Vanstone, a crusader for female empowerment, tackles these issues head-on. With an illustrious background in cryptology and a fearless leap into entrepreneurship, Sherry's story is nothing short of inspiration, as she highlights the challenges and triumphs of being a woman in male-dominated fields such as tech and government, as well as the journey to fostering a culture of inclusivity and achieving successful startup ventures. Listen to this episode of the Lead Like a Woman Show, as host Andrea Heuston sits down with Sherry Shannon-Vanstone, the Founder of Profound Impact Corporation and Co-Founder of Women Funding Women, Inc., to talk about leveling the playing field for women in tech and entrepreneurship. They delve into Sherry's commitment to supporting women-led ventures and how she carved a significant path for herself and future generations of women leaders in STEM.

Chrissy McGarry is the Chief Operating Officer at Second Front, a company that streamlines software delivery. With over 12 years of experience amplifying brands such as Red Bull and Salesforce, Chrissy thrives on challenges, leveraging her expertise to navigate the unknown with confidence. Her journey underscores the belief that anyone, regardless of their background, can carve out a prosperous path in their chosen industry—provided they possess the courage to challenge conventions, expand their networks, and remain lifelong learners. Driven by an unwavering commitment to understanding the 'why,' Chrissy empowers individuals, particularly women and 'working moms,' to embrace their ambitions fearlessly. In this episode… Leveraging your strengths as a woman in the workplace is about embracing your unique perspective and skillset. These strengths can translate into powerful assets, fostering collaboration, clear communication, and a results-oriented approach. But how can you best translate these strengths into action in your specific role? Mentor and sales expert Chrissy McGarry uses her non-military background for success in the defense industry. She has a diverse background in beverage sales and fitness instruction, in addition to her undergraduate degree in pastoral ministry and gender studies, which she leverages for her success. Highlighting the value of diverse thinking, she promotes the use of humor and confidence to navigate the male-dominated field. To manage remote teams, Chrissy recommends using virtual tools to help foster connections. She also emphasizes the value of self-reflection and routine to manage a busy schedule. In this episode of the Lead Like a Woman Show, Andrea Heuston hosts Chrissy McGarry, the Chief Operating Officer of Second Front, to talk about using your strength as a woman in your industry and workplace. Chrissy discusses how she got into defense tech, creating value in the corporate world, and fostering inclusivity in a male-dominated field.

Tina Chamoun is the Owner and Operator of Terranean Herbs & Spices, a thriving food manufacturing business specializing in traditional Lebanese flavors. Tina is a dynamic Lebanese American businesswoman, attorney, former marketing director, blogger, and devoted mother of three. Through her company, she imports authentic Lebanese za'atar to Ohio, crafting and distributing premium products to American specialty and major retail stores. Beyond business, Tina is dedicated to giving back to her community through volunteer efforts and mentorship, particularly focusing on supporting and empowering the Arab American community. In this episode… Starting, developing, and expanding a business is akin to navigating uncharted waters in pursuit of untapped potential. It requires a blend of strategic planning, resilience, and adaptability to overcome challenges and seize opportunities along the way. How can you leverage your unique strengths and resources to chart a course toward sustainable growth and success in your entrepreneurial endeavors? Lebanese American businesswoman Tina Chamoun emphasizes the importance of identifying gaps in the market and taking proactive steps to address them. This echoes the advice she received that propelled her journey: "If you're complaining about a problem, fix it." Tina's approach involves meticulous planning, setting clear goals, and breaking them down into actionable steps. She encourages aspiring entrepreneurs, especially women, to outline their vision, prioritize tasks, and develop strategies to bring their ideas to fruition. To create meaningful change in the business landscape, embrace challenges as opportunities for innovation. In this episode of the Lead Like a Woman Show, Andrea Heuston hosts Tina Chamoun, Owner and Operator of Terranean Herbs & Spices to talk about bringing your culture and heritage to the North American marketplace. Tina discusses establishing her business, expanding her product line, and the value of mentorship in business.

Laura Xiao is the Founder and CEO of Henné Organics, a company that creates quality beauty products from organic ingredients. Since founding Henné Organics in 2015, Laura's mission has been to infuse modern minimalism into the beauty industry. Her Scandinavian-inspired approach revolutionizes standard lip and skin care products, offering something truly extraordinary. Prior to establishing Henné Organics, Laura co-founded Stockholm Hardcore, a web development firm renowned for its emphasis on customization. In this episode… Work-life balance is essential for maintaining overall well-being and productivity. For instance, juggling family responsibilities while pursuing career ambitions often requires careful prioritization and boundary-setting. How can we strike a healthy balance between our professional and personal lives for long-term fulfillment and success? Two-time founder, Laura Xiao explores the intersection of work-life balance, overcoming 'mom guilt,' and entrepreneurial success. Prioritizing self-care and setting clear boundaries can help us to better harmonize our professional and personal obligations. Similarly, embracing a methodical approach to entrepreneurship can foster resilience and strategic growth. Laura also stresses the importance of being open to reinventing ourselves along the way in our pursuit of happiness and success. Remember, success isn't just about achieving goals; it's also about maintaining our well-being along the way. In this episode of the Lead Like a Woman Show, Andrea Heuston hosts Laura Xiao, the Founder and CEO of Henné Organics, to explore her journey to become a successful entrepreneur. Laura discusses the value of work-life balance, her strategic approach to establishing her business, and her top tips for handling stress.

Kathy Svetina is the Founder of Newcastle Finance, a company that offers fractional CFO services to women-owned businesses. Kathy helps small businesses with $3 million and above in annual revenue maintain financial health and sustainability. With extensive experience in senior-level financial planning and analysis for Fortune 500 companies, she has firsthand knowledge of how big corporations use financial information to drive their businesses forward. Now, Kathy dedicates herself to showing small businesses how they can leverage similar strategies to create thriving companies. Additionally, she has hosted the Help! My Business is Growing podcast for nearly 14 years. In this episode… Financial planning is essential for the success and sustainability of small businesses, providing a roadmap for achieving their financial goals. Through meticulous budgeting and forecasting, small businesses can anticipate challenges and seize opportunities with confidence. But how can they ensure their financial strategies adapt to the ever-changing business landscape? Fractional CFO Kathy Svetina explores how women-owned small businesses can achieve financial sustainability. She highlights a common pitfall among small businesses, particularly those led by women, where they only focus on minimizing taxes rather than holistic financial planning. Kathy emphasizes the significance of embracing a broader perspective on finance beyond mere tax planning. This entails prioritizing future financial planning and analysis (FP&A), which is crucial for the long-term success and sustainable growth of SMEs. In this episode of the Lead Like a Woman Show, Andrea Heuston hosts Kathy Svetina, Fractional CFO and Founder of Newcastle Finance, to talk about scrappy financial practices. Kathy discusses how she started New Castle Finance, why she focuses on women-owned businesses, and how to maximize your ROI with FP&A.

Carla Fowler, MD PhD is the Founder and Managing Director of THAXA Executive Coaching, Inc., a boutique executive coaching firm that leverages the best ideas from performance science to help global leaders. Graduating magna cum laude from Brown University and holding both an MD and a PhD from the University of Washington, Carla's journey showcases her multidisciplinary expertise and unwavering commitment to excellence. As an angel investor with a focus on med tech and biotech, she has built a diverse portfolio of over a dozen investments. Additionally, Carla engages in social impact initiatives with organizations such as Social Venture Partners, Seattle Rotary Club, Washington Women's Foundation, Alliance of Angels, and the Keiretsu Forum. In this episode… Performance science shows us how combining different skills can lead to amazing results. Whether in sports, business, or everyday life, we can achieve incredible results when we combine skills like creativity, strategy, and communication. How can you tap into the diversity of talents around you and within you to open doors to fresh opportunities and transformative breakthroughs? Executive coach Carla Fowler believes that embracing diverse interests and skills, coupled with strategic focus and resilience, can lead to transformative career opportunities and personal growth. She emphasizes principles like brutal focus, relishing uncertainty, self-awareness, adaptability, and confidence in navigating career transitions as keys to personal power. To find what truly makes you happy in life, you must deviate sometimes from traditional career trajectories and empower yourself to pursue your passions. In this episode of the Lead Like a Woman Show, Andrea Heuston sits down with Carla Fowler, MD PhD, the Founder and Managing Director of THAXA Executive Coaching, Inc., to talk about performance science and how it can help us in our daily lives. Carla discusses repurposing your skills and capabilities, her top three performance science principles, and how to harness personal power in our lives.

Julie Fry is the CEO and Founder of Your Expert Guest, a podcast booking agency specializing in connecting service providers and impact-driven leaders with top-ranked podcast shows. Before Your Expert Guest, Julie was the CEO of Business Among Moms (BAM), where she provided visibility and education for mom-owned small businesses. Prior to BAM, she spent 11 years as the National Account Manager for canine hardware company Chuckit. Passionate about the power of meaningful conversations, Julie aims to help experts and business owners leverage podcast guesting as a tool for increasing visibility, brand awareness, and lead generation. In this episode… Feeling stuck in your career despite having a clear vision for your future? You might be yearning to break free from the confines of corporate life and pursue your entrepreneurial dreams. But how do you navigate this transition while ensuring you gain the exposure needed to thrive in your new venture? Podcast matchmaker Julie Fry shares her remarkable journey from corporate America to entrepreneurship. With over 2300 interviews booked for clients and a keen focus on tracking business growth through podcast appearances, Julie unveils the power of podcasting as a tool for thought leadership and audience engagement. To be an effective podcast guest, you must showcase your expertise and connect with the audience by understanding your audience and building a relationship with the host. In this episode of the Lead Like a Woman Show, Andrea Heuston sits down with Julie Fry, the CEO and Founder of Your Expert Guest, to discuss how to ensure your message matters as a podcast guest. Julie talks about how she created Your Expert Guest, who should consider being a podcast guest, and tracking the ROI of your podcast appearances.

Mikelann Valterra is a money coach, writer, speaker and leader in the personal finance space. Over the past 20 years, she's worked with individuals to manage their cash flow more effectively. Mikelann has been quoted in numerous publications, appeared on dozens of radio shows, appeared on television spots, and written for Forbes and Credit.com. She is also an accredited financial counselor (AFC®). In this episode… Many people remain stressed about money even if they make a good income. If that sounds like you, then it might mean that you're in a “money fog”. So how can you develop a good relationship with money? Financial coach Mikelann Valterra explores how to effectively manage your money by improving your relationship with money. A lot of us grow up with no idea of how to handle money because it's not openly discussed in many families. As a result, we may develop unhealthy, paranoid money personalities. However, Mikelann asserts that talking to your kids about money can help them to develop healthy financial habits that will pay off in their futures. In this episode of the Lead Like a Woman Show, Andrea Heuston hosts money coach Mikelann Valterra to discuss how to rise above the “money fog”. She talks about her new book and the meaning of “money fog”, how men and women differ in financial stress management, and three key questions to keep you out of a “money fog”.

Dr. Michelle Jorgensen is the Founder of Total Care Academy, which teaches dentists to provide health-based dental care, and Living Well with Dr. Michelle, where she offers guidance for healthy living and natural health care. As a Functional Integrative Dentist (DDS) and a Board Certified Traditional Naturopath (BCTN), she founded Total Care Dental and Wellness to combine dental and overall health to heal chronic diseases. Dr. Michelle started the Living Well Foundation, a nonprofit providing organic, locally grown food and teaching communities how to grow their own food. In this episode… Research shows that 50-60% of people haven't reached an ideal level of happiness. They often reference guides on attaining happiness, not recognizing that it's a subjective state of mind differing between individuals and cultures. What actionable steps can you take to achieve happiness and general well-being? After developing mercury poisoning from exposure to metal cavity fillings, naturopathic dentist Dr. Michelle Jorgensen was ready to sell her practice. However, discovering the power of homegrown foods and holistic care led her to a life of health, wellness, and satisfaction. Dr. Michelle maintains that fear, negativity, and scarcity are harmful and limiting environments. Through self-sufficient living, you can gain the skills and abilities to care for yourself, creating security and vigor.  Join Andrea Heuston in today's episode of the Lead Like a Woman Show as she sits down with Dr. Michelle Jorgensen, the Founder of Living Well with Dr. Michelle, to discuss the importance of maximizing your health and well-being. Dr. Michelle shares her definition of living well, her journey into entrepreneurship, and how she helps patients transform their health.

Merrie H. Reagan is a former educational tutor, small business owner, and writer. She is the author of Life Flashes, a memoir, diary, and biography recounting spiritual recovery from illness, unemployment, and broken relationships. Beyond her professional endeavors, Merrie enjoys reading, ballroom dancing, singing, homemaking, and yard work. In this episode… Are you constantly dragged down by hardships in your personal or professional life? How can you stop struggling and relinquish your victim mindset to gain spiritual freedom? After grappling with mental illness and emotional turmoil, Merrie H. Reagan began writing to experience a spiritual journey. She maintains that viewing yourself as a victim leads to self-entitlement and a lack of confidence. Instead, accepting and embracing the conflict lets you recognize divine energy and experience gratitude for life's beauty. Merrie also emphasizes the importance of engaging in activities you enjoy rather than living by others' expectations. In today's episode of the Lead Like a Woman Show, Andrea Heuston welcomes Merrie H. Reagan, the author of Life Flashes, to discuss her spiritual journey. Merrie explains the importance of writing for an audience, how she merged global events with personal reflections, and her creative inspirations.

April Roberts is the Founder of the Vixen Gathering, a coaching program and community for Gex X female entrepreneurs looking to scale to seven figures while enjoying life. As a keynote speaker, podcast host, and high-performing coach, she has helped guide hundreds of women's transformations. April has been coaching entrepreneurs for 15 years through her financial practice and the Vixen Gathering. In this episode… Many Gen X women have reached a turning point where they've achieved their career goals and started a family. This sense of finality can cause them to lose direction and feel unfulfilled. How can you achieve personal satisfaction to reignite your passions? Having grown tired of living for others, self-established coach April Roberts discovered how to live her best life while juggling other responsibilities. She maintains that women face burnout when exerting their masculine energies in both personal and professional endeavors. Instead, women must channel feminine attributes to identify a work-life balance and attain optimal happiness. This often requires structuring your calendar around your energy by scheduling time for relaxation and enjoyment. In this episode of the Lead Like a Woman Show, Andrea Heuston sits down with April Roberts, the Founder of Vixen Gathering, to talk about finding enjoyment in your personal and professional life. April gives an overview of her podcast, explains how to transition from masculine to feminine attributes, and shares the importance of defining your personal values and goals.

Danielle Cobo is a motivational keynote speaker, best-selling author, and medical sales career consultant who helps organizations lead through change. As a former Fortune 500 senior sales manager, she built a high-performing team despite company-wide downsizing, restructuring, and acquisitions. This earned Danielle several awards, including Regional Sales Manager of the Year and four Sales Excellence awards. She is also the author of Unstoppable Grit and the host of the Unstoppable Grit podcast. In this episode… The professional landscape is demanding, especially for women leaders. These individuals face immense pressure in all aspects of their lives. How can you cultivate sheer determination to mitigate burnout and grow exponentially? Versatile leader Danielle Cobo was raised by a domineering mother who eventually committed suicide, nearly lost her husband in the Iraq war, and experienced a toxic work culture. Rather than surrendering to her trauma, Danielle identified and honed her propensity for resilience and grit. When facing hardships in work and life, she advises recognizing when to reprioritize and rest. Before lending yourself to others, caring for yourself, your family, and your business is vital to foster a long-term impact. On today's episode of The Lead Like a Woman Show, Andrea Heuston speaks with Danielle Cobo about her path to resilience and determination. Danielle shares how to discover your superpowers, the origin story of her brand, and how her traumas shaped her career journey.

Hayley Painter is the Co-founder and Co-CEO of Painterland Sisters, an Icelandic-style Skyr yogurt made with USDA-certified organic milk. As a fourth-generation farmer, she strives to sustain her family's organic regenerative farm in rural Pennsylvania. Hayley believes in nutritious, sustainable food and connects consumers to its source. In 2024, she and her sister were named in Forbes 30 Under 30 in the food and drink category. In this episode… Farmers are the foundation of US society, paving the way for consumers to work and live. Yet many farmers struggle to stay in business, especially those prioritizing sustainability and regeneration. One inspiring woman has revitalized the industry by empowering and connecting local farmers. With a mission to accelerate sustainable agriculture, pioneer and connector Hayley Painter engages with and supports diverse farmers to facilitate balanced regeneration. Having grown up on her family's dairy farm, she recognizes the value of accelerating other farm's unique missions to strengthen and integrate like-minded communities. When advancing these beneficial relationships, Hayley recommends creating a dialogue with those inside and outside your network.  Tune in to the Lead Like a Woman Show as Andrea Heuston sits down with Hayley Painter, the Co-founder and Co-CEO of Painterland Sisters, to discuss the brand's mission to elevate farmers. Hayley describes how the brand became national, the farm's early history and manufacturing process, and why she produces Icelandic-style Skyr yogurt.

Hannah Smolinski is the Founder and CEO of Clara CFO Group, a virtual CFO agency providing small businesses with financial clarity and profit maximization strategies. As a CPA, Hannah's professional experience with one of the world's largest accounting firms shaped her vision of bringing high-level financial expertise to the small business community. She founded Clara CFO Group to be a trusted resource for small businesses as they navigate key financial decisions, strive for sustainable revenue, and plan for scale. Hannah also hosts a YouTube channel with over 50,000 subscribers, where she extends her mission of empowering small businesses. Through this platform, she shares financial strategies, best practices, and educational resources that assist companies in understanding their financial statements and achieving financial success. In this episode… The majority of US companies are small businesses, and women own 40% of them. Yet many of these entrepreneurs lack knowledge and awareness of how to manage their finances. Through empathy and accessible education, one leader helps women and other small business owners gain financial clarity. For many small business entrepreneurs, finances constitute their income and life savings, which often hampers their decision-making. With many of these professionals lacking transparency and managing their companies based on money in the bank, it's crucial to maintain emotional intelligence to guide them through their journeys. As a CPA and entrepreneur, Hannah Smolinski hires analysts and consultants who possess a keen sense of empathy. She also creates comprehensible content to educate small businesses on loans and forecasting. In this episode of the Lead Like a Woman Show, Andrea Heuston invites Hannah Smolinski, the Founder and CEO of Clara CFO Group, to address financial management basics for small businesses. Hannah shares common financial management mistakes, her experience working for her family's business, and how she educates businesses through transparency.

Barbara Wichmann is the Founder and CEO of ARTEMIA, a full-service strategic communications and digital marketing agency. As a marketing and communications strategist, she prioritizes DEIA in public outreach, national advertising, and culturally relevant in-language marketing programs. Barbara has garnered media coverage for her clients in outlets, including Good Morning America, the New York Times, USA Today, and the Wall Street Journal. In this episode… Women-owned businesses comprise 40% of all businesses in the US, amassing $2.7 trillion annually. These companies have a tremendous impact on local communities, providing support and spearheading environmental, social, and governance initiatives. How can you advance your endeavors to inspire your community? Through empathy and reciprocation, women-owned companies promote employee, partner, and community growth. Drawing on her upbringing in the Netherlands, sustainability strategist Barbara Wichmann established a Women's Business Enterprise certified, ESG-focused, and green business. She maintains that female-led organizations can assess and mitigate their carbon footprints, provide training and other resources for employees, and educate the community on social and environmental initiatives. Tune in to this episode of the Lead Like a Woman Show as Andrea Heuston sits down with Barbara Wichmann, the Founder and CEO of ARTEMIA, to discuss her social and environmental impact. Barbara details her path to entrepreneurship, how to become ESG certified, and her experience as a member of WBEC.

Krista Bourne is a business leader and speaker who specializes in sales, service, operations, and workplace culture. As the former Chief Operating Officer of Verizon's Consumer Group, she led five consumer channels, including 1,500 corporate stores and more than 5,000 authorized retail stores, multiple non-exclusive national retail relationships, and a globally operated customer service program. Krista focuses on challenging biases, embracing diversity and inclusion, and mentoring underrepresented groups into sales leadership roles. In this episode… Everyone has choices to make in their professional lives. Rather than relying on fate alone, your decisions shape your impact and how you present yourself. Learn how calculated choices can help you become a powerful leader. After dropping out of college to raise a child at 19 years old, Black business leader Krista Bourne decided she didn't want to become another statistic. Through self-discipline, leadership, and personal accountability, Krista became a key changemaker at a Fortune 20 company before transferring her skills to coach other rising professionals. By choosing to build a portfolio of skills, capabilities, and experiences, you can communicate and lead authentically through storytelling. In today's segment of the Lead Like a Woman Show, Andrea Heuston invites Krista Bourne to speak about creating an intentional life. Krista shares how storytelling facilitates effective communication, how to silence your critics through authentic leadership, and her approach to leading professionals.

Maeve Wang is the Co-founder and CEO of IAMBIC, a tech-driven footwear company that reimagines the shoe manufacturing process. With 10 years of experience in strategy, market research, and entrepreneurship, she strives to bring personalization and innovation to the traditionally mass-produced footwear industry. Maeve has worked with Fortune 500 companies and invested in wellness, wearables, and data analytics technologies. She is a recipient of the US National Science Foundation grant for IAMBIC's groundbreaking footwear. In this episode… The startup landscape is dominated largely by white men. So when women and minorities try to acquire funding for a new venture, they often face criticism. One Asian-American woman defied the odds to execute an innovative and passionate vision. After noticing her feet changing shape and growing bunions from traditional footwear, Maeve Wang struggled to find specialty shoes to support her feet. What began as a mission to develop an accurate size-prediction tool for footwear blossomed into technology-driven shoes that conform to consumers' feet. Yet this journey was met with judgment about Maeve's identity as a minority entrepreneur, leading her to doubt her capabilities. Through mentorship, encouragement, and a supportive team, Maeve launched substantial ideas with conviction. On today's episode of the Lead Like a Woman Show, Andrea Heuston welcomes Maeve Wang, the Co-founder and CEO of IAMBIC, to discuss her mission-driven journey. Maeve shares how she fuses art and science to revolutionize traditional shoe manufacturing, the origin story behind one of IAMBIC's most notable inventions, and how to build a passionate and collaborative team.

Heather Dominick is the Founder and CEO of A Course in Business Miracles, a full-service coaching business where she trains highly sensitive entrepreneurs to work less, increase their income, and make a higher social impact. As a seven-figure entrepreneur with a branded mission, she has created the Highly Sensitive Leadership Training Program for Entrepreneurs. Heather is also the author of Different: The Highly Sensitive Leadership Revolution. In this episode… Research shows that up to 20% of the world is highly sensitive, meaning some people's nervous systems process stimulation at higher degrees. This can lead to burnout and the false belief that highly sensitive people can't excel in leadership positions. How can you recognize and harness your strengths to amplify your impact? After burning out during the first 10 years of entrepreneurship, highly sensitive coach Heather Dominick discovered her sensitivities and strengths. Particularly sensitive individuals are intuitive, empathetic, and exceptional listeners, making them supportive leaders. Yet many of these professionals become discouraged by the mere possibility of feeling overwhelmed, so Heather recommends remaining proactive and conserving energy during these periods. This allows you to leverage your strengths to serve your business, relationships, and community. In this episode of the Lead Like a Woman Show, Andrea Heuston welcomes Heather Dominick, the Founder and CEO of A Course in Business Miracles, to discuss highly sensitive leadership. Heather shares her journey as a highly sensitive entrepreneur, the degrees of high sensitivity, and why you should follow your intuition.

Thais Gibson is the Founder of The Personal Development School, which offers personal development courses to empower employees and teams. As a best-selling author, speaker, and counselor, she has been recognized by Psychology Today and other publications for her cutting-edge research on the subconscious mind, attachment styles, and personal transformation. Thais is certified in over 13 modalities, including cognitive behavioral therapy, somatic processing, and trauma work. In this episode… Childhood trauma and experiences become embedded in the subconscious mind, dictating relationships and work styles. This belief is known as the attachment theory, which focuses on emotional connections formed in early childhood. What are the various attachment styles, and how can you identify and heal them? Professional counselor, teacher, and theoretical researcher Thais Gibson has discovered four main attachment styles. The securely attached style is characterized by healthy emotional expression and balanced relationships, whereas anxious, preoccupied individuals experienced inconsistent emotional attention in their formative years, leading to people-pleasing tendencies and poor boundaries in adulthood. Similarly, dismissive and fearful-avoidant people internalize volatility and struggle with workplace communication and relationships. Reconciling these styles involves subconscious reprogramming through repetition and memory. In this episode of the Lead Like a Woman Show, Andrea Heuston invites Thais Gibson, the Founder of The Personal Development School, to speak about attachment styles in the workplace. Thais talks about her research on attachment theory, how to recondition the subconscious mind, and her impetus for founding The Personal Development School.

Emily Drake is the CEO of The Collective Academy, a leadership development firm working with global organizations. With decades of experience in counseling, coaching, and facilitation, she helps leaders and teams create cultures that foster community, purpose, and well-being. Emily produces and leads programs for professional services and nonprofit organizations, supporting entrepreneurial thinkers, creators, and leaders to envision the future. As a mental health clinician, she hosts the Who's Missing podcast, which explores the stories and perspectives of people from diverse backgrounds. In this episode… Every high-reaching leader has a personal growth story. Whether originating from trauma or accomplishments, these anecdotes facilitate meaningful connections. Learn about the impact of community on personal and professional development from an esteemed mental health expert. According to therapist Emily Drake, the most effective way of discovering your identity is through connection and community. These facilitation groups should include a humanitarian leader who can make decisions and support and appreciate other members. However, leaders need support too, so Emily says to cultivate relationships with other high-achieving women and diverse individuals to advocate for you and help you attain your next endeavor. In today's installment of the Lead Like a Woman Show, Andrea Heuston welcomes her guest Emily Drake, the CEO of The Collective Academy, to discuss discovering yourself through high-achieving leadership and support. Emily shares the importance of honesty and self-acceptance, how she establishes personal development programs, and why she decided to interview her mother on her podcast.

Jane Frankel is the Managing Partner of The Art of Performance, which provides business education services to help organizations develop and grow through customer and partner relationships. As an Adjunct Professor of Economics at Temple University, she oversees project-based internships and corporate partnerships. Jane is a member of the Entrepreneurs' Forum in Greater Philadelphia, an advisory board member for Temple University's Center for Regional Economics, and a member of the Middle Market Steering Committee for the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce. In this episode… Women have a competitive advantage in today's corporate environment, with businesses dependent on their autonomy and authoritative decision-making. However, to become leaders, women must discover and own their strengths. How can you harness your mindset to boost performance? With a versatile career in education and innovation, Jane Frankel has identified four components of mindset: goals, values, beliefs, and work styles. Once you've established these elements, you can align them by observing and recording your behaviors and reactions. Gaining full control of your mindset lets you assess opportunities effectively to propel your personal and professional life. Tune in to this episode of the Lead Like a Woman Show as host Andrea Heuston sits down with Jane Frankel, The Art of Performance's Managing Partner, to discuss the fundamentals of mindset. Jane breaks down the difference between mindset and mindfulness, her definition of women in leadership, and how to identify your five “whys.”

Brandi Marek is a Business Advisor at Ferguson Alliance, which helps family businesses increase their value. As a second-generation family business leader, she helps leaders and owners assess their companies by aligning organizational structure, strategies, and finances with family goals. Before joining Ferguson Alliance, Brandi held leadership and management roles at Magnolia Gardens Nursery, a family-owned business. In this episode… Leaders in family businesses often face an overwhelming sense of obligation to uphold familial expectations. How can you maintain relationships to build a thriving inter-generational company? In a family-owned company, many members struggle to differentiate between work and relatives. As a former second-generation daughter-in-law in a family business, Brandi Marek simultaneously faced judgment for her role in the company and a duty to preserve the family legacy, causing her to develop imposter syndrome. Having become an advisor, she encourages families to communicate with each other by identifying their needs and goals, maintaining honesty, and clarifying expectations. Join Andrea Heuston in this episode of the Lead Like a Woman Show as she hosts Brandi Marek, a Business Advisor at Ferguson Alliance, who talks about reconciling expectations and commitments in family businesses. Brandi shares her transition from an executive assistant to the manager of a family business, how her role as a daughter-in-law impacted her business relationships, and her desire to become a consultant.