Smart Women on Fire Podcast

I am dedicating this episode to my father who recently passed.       In between the waterworks, I think about the happy memories we created together. I know deep in my belly that he lived a full life and indeed it is the circle of life. As hard as losing a loved one is…the end of one chapter brings birth to something new. So, as I pay homage to my father it is also the perfect time to wrap up Season 1 of the podcast. Season 2 will be coming soon.

If you missed the last podcast episode (#38 – Permission to press pause – Part I), be sure to check it out. We talked about the importance of giving yourself permission to pause so you can enjoy the “in-between” moments of life. Today's episode is recorded live from a private villa in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico where I am co-hosting the Recharge leadership retreat with Katerine Johnson. Our personal development sessions have been curated to remind our attendees that tension is a teacher and that we must not ignore the warning messages that continue to show up. In today's episode, we'll review how quickly tension can consume the mind, body and spirit if we let it get out of control. It's time to get going…so, dive in and enjoy the episode!

I have been talking about it for months – now the time is finally here. Yes, I am hours away from facilitating the Recharge Leadership Retreat, in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. I will be joined by the amazing Katherine N Johnson (who is an amazing mentor and coach and I'm honored to call my friend) – and together, we will let the experience we have been curating for the last 18 months unfold beautifully. What's interesting is, one of the most respected careers is leadership - but we are all so busy chasing success that we forget to pause long enough to recharge. I have decided to take action and lead the way and so I hope you take the opportunity to do the same. If you are joining me in Puerto Vallarta this week, I look forward to serving you - it's going to be A-M-A-Z-I-N-G! If you are unable to join us this time, then check out this episode for the three keys (Awareness, Appreciation and Action) of giving yourself permission to pause. Now, take a breath, breathe and if you are joining us then I can't wait to see you in Mexico!

I don't know about you, but sometimes I need a little kick in the pants to get me going again.   You, too? It is sooooo easy to fall off “the wagon” right? – and, if we don't have the right support, before long, moments will turn into months and we will be down and out for much longer than is necessary and that is definitely not a good thing! Today, I'm supplying you with a little rocket fuel, that I hope will be the first step to getting you all “juiced-up” and going again. Relax, kick off your heels and tune into today's episode.   BTW: Here is the link to the Real Women Atlanta Magazine I mentioned at the beginning of the show. It is currently published in digital format so check it out at your leisure.

As leaders chasing success, we (unknowingly) often take on one of the following three leadership personas: The planner – focuses on the big picture creating roadmaps of what to expect ahead The thinker – loves investigating, researching and getting caught up in the weeds The go-getter – focuses on moving forward and is unphased by obstacles and roadblocks This episode provides insight into the importance of putting wisdom into action if we are going to achieve fundamental success. As part of the discussion, the episode takes a bird's-eye-look at eight leadership archetypes originally discussed in a Harvard Business School (HBR) Article.    

When working with ambitious, high-potential leaders who are actively chasing success, often the key measure at the core of that success is money. In today's episode, we unpack other currencies of success that may be worth considering. Besides money, we take a look at the currency of time, love, energy, happiness, status and independence. Enjoy the episode.

Have you ever set yourself a massive goal but had no idea how you are going to achieve it? Well, you are not alone and I hear you loud and clear! In episode #33 (Waiting for the magic to happen) we talked about getting out of our comfort zone by moving through the fear and learning zones to get to the zones where we grow and stretch. Like it or not, overcoming inertia is a necessary evil if we want to lean into our edge. So today I'm taking a dose of my own medicine (gulp) and announcing the title of my new book that is in the works. It's called Fired Up! How Smart Leaders show up “turned on” bringing the magic every time. This is a book for all those amazing leaders who have lost that fire in the belly feeling – you know that energy that's at the core of who we are and the work we do.  The goal of the book is to help you reignite your passion, purpose and drive so you continue to excel personally and professionally.   This will be my first solo effort as an author and although I am super excited, I am also full of anxiety and anticipation about the journey ahead. As you listen to the episode, I hope it inspires you to declare something “impossible” that you want to work on over the coming months, too. Dive in and enjoy the episode – and don't worry about making it happen, I've got your back because we're in this together!

Sometimes we get super comfortable with life. Deep down we know we want more but we wait on the side-lines of life waiting for the magic to happen. We stay stagnated in a job, relationship or situation for longer than necessary often making excuses that stop us from growing and evolving. The truth is, without any momentum to get over the inertia, it could be a very long wait! This episode is a nudge forward to help you get out of your comfort zone and into your growth zone. Stop waiting for the music to happen; instead, go after what you really want!

There is something beautiful about the rhythm of life that I really enjoy. It's like the details are in the flow, the patterns and the tempo that make up our day-to-day world and help us live a happy and fulfilling life. From the rise of the sun to the annoying alarm signaling it's time to get up and start the day. From the food choices we make to the timing of when we eat; from the way we move about the day to the thousands of thoughts we process every minute, hour and day. When we are thriving, there is something simply magical about the ebb and flow of the rhythm of life. And…every once in a while, for one reason or another, life kicks in and we lose our flow. Instead of thriving – we find ourselves surviving or perhaps even struggling – and we both know this is such a yucky place to be, right? If you find yourself starting to feel out of synch in one way or another, it may be the perfect time to recalibrate. Check out the episode on three things you can do to get your juices flowing again. BTW: here is the link to the song I mention in the episode: Artist: Club des Belugas Track: Hip Hip Chin Chin on Spotify or Youtube

With the 2021 Summer Olympic Games currently underway in Tokyo, the best athletes gather from all around the world to play, compete and win. We all know that every athlete hopes to take home a medal (or two) but only a small handful actually do. In this episode, we look at how world-class athletes train from week to week and then chat about what we can learn from their dedicated regime. Enjoy the episode.

From my days as a project manager, I remember all too well managing my client's projects down to the smallest detail to avoid scope creep and running out of money before the project was completed. Scope creep is what happens when changes are made to the project scope without any control procedures in place and things end up going over budget. Well, this is exactly what has happened to my waistline over the last few months – specifically because (like many of us working from home) I have not worn “real clothes” for the last 18 months or so. When our go-to daily work attire is athleisure wear, we enjoy the benefit of being super comfortable all day long. However, with no zips, buttons, or belts in play, there is no control procedure to remind us when scope creep is underway. In today's episode, I share why it is important to try on a dress or a pair of trousers every once in a while, as it can help alert us that things are getting out of control. Additionally, I share three simple measures you can use to get back on track again.

Feeling overwhelmed sucks.  This sensation, along with the heavy, weighty feeling of stress simply drains any energy, inspiration and passion we have for feeling great. As someone who once worked 12 -16 hours a day I know the feeling well. When we find ourselves on this roller coaster ride, it's important to have tools at hand so we don't have to stay on the “dark side” any longer than necessary. Armed with the right tools, we can start to change the narrative from feeling overwhelmed to feeling alive and energized – enjoying success without the stress. There's always a range of tools and approaches available to us but sometimes we don't have the time to learn and embrace more information.…however, the right tools can simply be powerful questions you ask yourself when the going starts to get tough or the warning signs appear. In this episode, I share my three favorite questions that I also  challenge you to answer for yourself: What obligations (that no longer hold meaning for me) can I let go of? When am I going to stop pleasing everyone else? What have I been neglecting in my life that really needs more of my attention? By answering these questions, you're taking the first step to releasing the tension that comes with feeling overwhelmed. Enjoy the episode.

As wonderful as it is to take a pause in life, there's a time when we just need to pick up momentum and get going again. For me, it's been about flying and traveling; however, as flight restrictions have been in place for the last year (or so) both domestic and international travel have been off the cards. With an invitation to speak at The Human Leader in You Conference (hosted by Dr. Patricia Burlaud) in Orlando, it was time to get back in the air. With my bags packed and mask on (still a requirement during these post-pandemic times) – I boarded a short flight from Atlanta to Orlando. Listen to this episode as I discovered what I really missed about traveling and how it may inspire you to get your engines revving again.   Enjoy the episode.  

I have the pleasure of interviewing many amazing women on this podcast and today I'm excited. My guest, Diana Watson, is a woman who stands out from the crowd. Diana's journey started in the US, and like many looking to do something different, she decided to venture abroad eventually landing in Taiwan (where she is now based). Like many Smart Black Women, Diana has accomplished a lot, but unlike many, Diana embraced Mandarin and later went on to win a Chinese Speaking competition.   Diana is an author, four-time national speaking champion and cultural immersion expert. Her latest speech in Mandarin "Am I Strange?" had over 1,000,000 views only two weeks after it was posted on YouTube and transformed how the world views black women (and men) who speak Chinese. Diana trains individuals and organizations on how to effectively immerse in other cultures by emphasizing foreign language public speaking, cross-cultural leadership and cultural intelligence, so they will obtain critical knowledge that leads to profitable outcomes ultimately making a positive impact on the local culture. Her book, “The Speaking Seed: Secrets to Successful Foreign Language Public Speaking,” is the first book ever dedicated to foreign language public speaking. Diana recently co-authored her latest book “Called to Lead: Success Strategies for Women” and it is now available on Amazon. Diana has lived in Taiwan for almost 16 years and considers it home. email: contact@dianawatson.net Instagram: speakingseed Facebook: thespeakingseed LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/watsondiana

With summer in full effect here in the US (or perhaps it's autumn in your part of the world) – well, whatever the season – it is a reminder that time waits for no one - as quickly as the last six months flashed by, the next few months will do exactly the same. Tune in and listen to this episode for my favorite song that reminds me how many minutes in a year and three keys to taking action so you can maximize every single moment of time to come. Here are the YouTube and Spotify links to the song:  Seasons of Love (from the Broadway show, Rent) I mention in today's show. Seasons of Love on YouTube Seasons of Love on Spotify   Enjoy the episode.

Would you ever ignore a warning light on the dashboard of your car? Probably, not – the truth is, within a short period of time we typically take action and also seek out a professional to take a look at the car problem, right? Yet somehow, when warning signs show up in the body, we conveniently ignore them or make excuses why we can't see a professional today, tomorrow, next week or perhaps even next month (I know, I have been guilty of this too.) Listen in to this episode for a friendly reminder of why you should take immediate action when an unexpected health warning sign shows up in life. Enjoy the episode.

Sound is a beautiful thing – but silence can also be powerfully therapeutic, too. You've probably experienced various times in your life when you have felt tired, overloaded, and out of gas, right? Well, have you ever thought of using silence to recharge physically and emotionally? Because noise is around us all the time, we have become accustomed to the barrage of sounds that constantly pound our ears and nervous system…and over time, this can suck away energy and negatively affect us. Planning periods of silence can be a great way to refresh and renew, so listen (I know, it's a paradox) to hear about my experience at a recent silent retreat – and the three things you can do to create a powerful therapeutic silent experience yourself without leaving home! Enjoy! Special Thanks to Lauren Morton, the hostess of Bee-at-Peace Silent Retreats for guiding us through the experience.

In today's episode, we hear from my guest, Ashleah Nelson. Like many of you out there, I call Ashleah – Superwoman! She's a wife, mother of two amazing kids, and also has time to run a wellness coaching business. Ashleah's journey has been an interesting one, and in this episode, she spills the beans of what it really takes to make it all work! My hope is that it will inspire you to lean into your own journey – whether you are creating it or living it out loud. Here's Ashleah's Bio and contact information:  Ashleah Nelson is a wellness coach, certified personal trainer, and the founder of Know Full Well. Through movement and mindfulness, she empowers Black women to put themselves first and nourish the fullest version of themselves. Her approach is informed by her background as a social worker and sexual health educator- prioritizing intuitive knowledge, self-acceptance, and pleasure.  You can reach Ashleah here: Email: you@knowfullwell.co  Website: knowfullwell.co Instagram: @knowfullwell.co Enjoy the episode!

As a leader If you feel lonely at work, you're not alone. As you ascend the ladder of success and take on an official leadership role, it can often reduce friendly staff interactions and lead to more of a divide between you and your team members. Leadership loneliness is a subject that's recently been featured in the Harvard Business Review. The research suggesting that loneliness can lower productivity and create stress for both you and the rest of your team. This along with the associated negativity can eventually ripple throughout an entire company or organization ultimately affecting corporate morale, goals and revenue.   Keep in mind that loneliness is different from being alone. It has more to do with working conditions that don't fulfill your desire for connection and companionship. Depending on individual personalities, the workplace conditions could be ideal for one leader and isolating for another. This episode introduces three strategies on how to encourage a greater sense of connection so you can lead a more harmonious leadership lifestyle - especially when you feel you're feeling totally isolated.

There comes a time during the journey of life when we stop caring so much about how society sees and judges us, and instead, we decide to lean into how we want to be seen in the world – authentic and original! For most, this is easier said than done because often we have spent a lifetime living in the shadow of ourselves (the place where we have cleverly learned to mask all our imperfections and limitations).   Although we may think we are ready to evolve, we second guess whether the world will accept and embrace who we REALLY are. Well, as scary as it is – you owe it to yourself to lean into your authentic self. Listen in for insights on why now is the time for you to stop hiding and instead show up in all your glory!

Dreaming big and getting excited about what you want to achieve in life is so invigorating. It's like the best feeling in the world - when you and are “ON” you are letting your brilliance shine. The adrenaline and excitement draw out amazing energy in us enhancing our joy and happiness factor. That said, despite how enthusiastic we are about our dreams, at some point we lose momentum – and as a result, we either find ourselves in one of two situations, on shaky ground or at a complete standstill. The average person can get de-railed in either of these situations, but the smartest women in the room are 100% unapologetic about what they want and have an inner drive to go after it because they know, while it will not be easy, pursuing big dreams has the potential of generating big rewards! Listen in to this episode if you feel you are starting to disconnect from what you really want and need a little boost to get you going again!

Sometimes you want something so bad, you can taste it but for one reason or another it feels like it is taking forever to happen and luck does not appear to be on your side. As you and I both know, anything worth having takes time – and sometimes you just have to make the most of the journey along the way. Recently, when a client asked me to stop the B.S. on making things appear super easy to accomplish, I had to get real and break things down.  It was an opportunity for some #realtalk as I laid out the #realwork that had to be done to cross the bridge. In this episode, I share… personal lessons learned and strategies on being patient throughout the journey of growth and transformation.   Enjoy the episode.

There are few better questions than “How can I love more? It's a powerful question that invites us to connect more deeply with ourselves, specific individuals and/or perhaps the world-at-large. So why should we love more? Well, from love flows happiness, contentment, peace and joy – and this allows you to live life to the fullest (without hiding in the shadows of fear).   Sometimes loving more means being unapologetic and putting more energy into cultivating what we really want for ourselves and others. In this episode, listen in as we explore three simple strategies on how to: Be more intentional when it comes to loving yourself when completing a simple daily routine Direct real heart-centered love towards a specific individual Embrace who you are, stop hiding and let your light shine for all to see. Enjoy the episode.

If you feel like you have been taking life too seriously lately and have lost your sense of laughter then it is time to #stopthemadness and prioritize fun. Playtime isn't just for children, absolutely not… having fun is essential – no matter your age. Giving yourself permission to lighten up, be spontaneous and see the brighter side of things is critical to your health, wellbeing, sanity and productivity. You see, when you're enjoying yourself, you're also reducing stress, increasing your energy levels and building stronger relationships. In this episode, we talk about: Creating an empowering declarative statement Shifting your physical state to get your energy flowing Being in the present moment and absorbing all the juicy gems that surround you Being intentional about incorporating more fun in your day-to-day life is a selfless act because when we take time out to just have F-U-N – we feel more enriched and fulfilled about this journey of life! Enjoy the episode.

As busy, driven and ambitious women, we often don't slow down enough to figure out what we want in life, so when the “What do you REALLY want?” question inevitably comes up, we often have not done the deep inner-thinking to clearly articulate the answer to this question. In this episode, we look beyond the material things, and  I'll share a client's journey along with the questions that helped her gain deeper insight into discovering what was next for her.

If you find yourself wasting needless hours being frustrated over situations you have no control over – listen to this short episode on how to use a simple scale to measure your current level of frustration. Also learn the 3 simple strategies that have helped workshop participants enjoy more flow in their lives.

I have the pleasure of interviewing many amazing women on this podcast and today is no exception. My guest is the elegant, powerful Patricia Burlaud. Patricia's journey started as a nuclear physicist and she earned her Ph.D. in High Energy Physics from the Sorbonne University in Paris. As a scientist, she worked under the direction of two Nobel Prizes winners at the Center of European Nuclear Research in Geneva. From scientist in Europe to program executive in several African counties, to global dean for a university in Dubai to now living state-side.  Over the years Patricia has created an amazing path for herself while traversing the ups and downs of life, work and family. Today, she is the founder of P. Burlaud Consulting and serves as a sounding board, a challenging advisor and an executive coach to out-of-the-box thinkers and game-changers around the world. Patricia's full bio and contact details are below. Patricia Burlaud, founder of P. Burlaud Consulting, serves as a sounding board, a challenging advisor, or an executive coach to out-of-the-box thinkers and game-changers within or outside of their organization. She offers a variety of expert consulting and global executive coaching services in leadership development, strategic planning, transitions and transformations, as well as organizational optimization, domestically or internationally. But moreover, she helps you uncover the King or the Queen you are deep within yourself so you can meaningfully impact the world. Patricia earned her Ph.D. in High Energy Physics from the Sorbonne University (Pierre & Marie Curie), Paris, France, and, as a scientist, contributed to quark physics, under the direction of two Nobel Prizes, Dr. Charpak and Dr. Rubia, at CERN (European Center for Nuclear Research) in Geneva. However, this exciting world of fundamental research led Patricia to sadly lose touch with the real-life, her family, her friends, and even her own child. Realizing this was hard, but it was time for her to change life. She then enrolled in the French Cooperation Program for Higher Education in West Africa and, with her family, worked and lived in various West African countries. As a program executive, she led crucial transformations and transitions in several universities, from Cameroun to Algeria, Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso and Mali. Patricia's versatility and adaptability to lead through difficult situations (even wars) made her noticed by a newly created university in Dubai (UAE), Zayed University. Moving there in 2000 as a university professor, Patricia moved up as Dean for their two campuses, Dubai and Abu Dhabi, UAE. In 2008, she was recruited as Global Dean by New York Institute of Technology to oversee the whole operation of its six global campuses around the world (China, Middle East, and Canada). Based in NY, she then led a team of 400+ PhD faculty and administrators to serve over 9000 students from 3 continents, from different cultures and religions, and championed collaborative leadership on a daily (or nightly) basis. With over 35+ years of experience in executive coaching around the world, and certified by both the Tony Robbins and Chloe Madanes Academy, and the Peysha's Coaching Institute Patricia Burlaud opened her own practice in 2020. She currently works with both the worldwide acclaimed executive coaches Ritch Litvin, and Shirzad Chamine. Dr. P. Burlaud is also affiliated with the American Council on Education/ Women's Higher Education Network (ACEWN), for which she served as Board Chair, and Past Board Chair of the New York State Chapter between 2008 and 2014, and as a consultant for the ACEWN National Board from 2014 to 2017. She also devoted more than 20 years to the advancement of women's education in West Africa and the Middle East, both professionally and personally.   Website: https://pburlaud-consulting.com   Email: Patricia@pburlaud-consulting.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/pburlaud-consulting

When you're stuck, you'll quickly find yourself in survival mode. Your life becomes focused on just getting through the day – because, in truth, you really don't love where you are (in life) or what you are doing. Your thoughts and emotions are likely consumed with dreaming of all the other things you wish you were doing. Now more than ever, we must take control of our thoughts and emotions so we don't get lost in la-la land. Smart, powerful women around the world have become masterful at hiding their frustration or unsatisfaction with where they find themselves – in fact, behind the smiles and giggles is a secret desire to be enjoying more fulfilling circumstances. Listen in for the warning signs that might indicate you are stuck and three lessons that may help you get unstuck. In the long run, if you want to be a winner, you'll have to master the art of getting unstuck by pushing through the messy, icky stuff!   Listen in and enjoy the episode.

In today's episode, we release a little mental clutter making room for what really lights you up! Many of us are familiar with the term spring cleaning and its meaning – the practice of thoroughly cleaning a place (typically our home) in preparation for the blossoms of the season to come. In the US, this usually takes place in the Spring but around the world, this practice can take place during a different time of the year. In theory, spring cleaning can take place any time you need to get rid of what no longer serves you - so you can recharge. Listen in and enjoy the episode.

It's International Women's Day - a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. World-wide – it is about coming together to celebrate women's achievements or rally for women's equality.  The campaign theme this year is #ChooseToChallenge A challenging world is an alert world. And from challenge comes change. Today, I am excited to invite you to listen in to a very special conversation I had with Dr. Roddran Grimes – a powerhouse in her own right – she is the Assistant Professor of Special Education at Georgia State and College University just outside Atlanta, Georgia. Roddran's story is inspiring because unlike some women, she did not start her career in education. Quite the opposite – she has created her career by design – and now she is doing work she loves. You see, at the start of our careers, we are all dealt a hand of cards – We have choices how to play the hand - “accept the cards” or with a little gumption, we can choose to challenge the hand we have. It's very common to get locked into a career you don't love – and instead of doing something about it – you hang in there for 40+ years until retirement! My guest today decided to do something different and although she is now a top professor– that is not where her career started. If you're a leader who feels stuck in a career you no longer love…listen in to today's episode... because it is full of gems – some of which I hope will inspire you to take action and go after what you really want. Listen in and enjoy the episode.   Dr. Grimes' Bio Dr. Roddran Grimes is currently an Assistant Professor of Special Education at Georgia College & State University in Milledgeville, Georgia. She teaches research-based courses for the Special Education undergraduate and graduate programs. She is a former Assistant Professor of Special Education at Lewis-Clark State College in Lewiston, Idaho. Dr. Grimes earned her Bachelor of Science degree at Indiana State University in Safety Management and her Ph.D. degree in Curriculum and Instruction with a concentration in Special Education. She earned her Master of Science degree in Health Policy and Health Administration from Mercer University. Her research interests include studying the effects of implementing school-wide positive behavior interventions and support, investigating male underachievement in P-12 schools, and examining teacher effectiveness and improvement strategies   For more information, you can reach Dr. Grimes at roddrangrimes@roddrangrimes.com

Resilience is the word of the day, week, month, year – it is often talked about as the ability to withstand the tough times. With leadership being intense at the best of times…as female leaders we have become experts of disguise – hiding behind the invisible mask that makes it look like we ALWAYS have it all together! But the truth is…life happens – just like others we fall off track in the tough times because when the darkness comes – it comes hard. How well you take care of yourself, recalibrate and get back to looking your best, doing your best work, and feeling your best is all down to knowing your Bounce Back Factor™ (BBF) BBF™ is one of the many frameworks I use in my experiences with groups and individuals – the outcome helping people reconnect with what really matters without paying the true price of success…BURNOUT! In this episode, I introduce the concept of knowing how to tap into your BBF™ and how it can serve you when you feel like life has you trapped in the middle of a whirlwind. Listen in and enjoy!

When you have a ton of thought going n in your head – how do you slow your brain down and free it from all the mental activity that is taking up space? Today, I share a strategy on how to stop mental chatter and bring some calm into your hectic life. Kick-off your heels, grab a hot (or cold) drink of your choice and let's spend a few minutes together. Enjoy and listen in! PS, if you'd like to stay connected, please subscribe to this podcast. Alternatively, you can also head over to https://smartwomenonfire.com for more resources. Cheers!

When you're a savvy, busy woman on a mission to do more of what you love there is nothing worse than finding yourself stuck and in a funky mood...sometimes for months or even years! With the new year well underway…so many women are finding themselves in a holding pattern – wondering what's next – is this you? If you raised both hands (and in some cases, both feet, too) – then, I hear you loud and clear – and you are not alone. One of many paths forward is to reflect and reconnect with the important things in life like… How far you have come Why you got started in the first place The joy of being playful and falling forward Kick-off your heels, grab a hot (or cold) drink of your choice and let's spend a few minutes together. Enjoy and listen in! PS. if you'd like to stay connected, please subscribe to this podcast. Alternatively, you can also head over to https://smartwomenonfire.com for more resources. Cheers!

Welcome to today's episode of the Smart Women on Fire Podcast. The journey of entrepreneurship can be a rocky ride and statistics from entities such as the Small Business Administration always highlight how many businesses fail in the first 1-5 years. But don't let the statistics derail your dreams – because there are women doing amazing things – one of those many women on fire is my guest today, Dorothy Andreas. In 40 years as an entrepreneur, Dorothy has developed 9 companies. She has been speaking internationally and leading business-oriented workshops for over two decades. Her best-selling book, Streamline Success: Eliminate Chaos from Your Service Business, led Dorothy to launch Streamline Success Consulting a few years ago. In 2021 her second book, Conflict Revelation, shot to best seller status and opened an even larger audience for Dorothy. She has served on numerous boards, at the leadership level with organizations she is passionate about. She is a wife, a mother, speaker, author, business owner and a life-long learner.  Today, I chat with Dorothy as we go behind the scenes of entrepreneurship – discussing the good, bad and the ugly of success, the inner strength to go after what you really want and what it takes to make it all work effortlessly! Listen in! You can also reach Dorothy at StreamlineSuccess.com or by email at Dorothy@streamlinesuccess.com

When you are a savvy woman on a mission to do more of what you love there are times you may feel unsteady and wobbly about who you are and what you are doing. The exact feeling may be hard to explain – but for me, it's something that is both physical and emotional - I feel it all over my body, specifically in my head, heart and stomach. Although the feeling is hard to describe – all I can say is that I feel like I want to throw up, slow my racing pulse down and get back to doing something that feels more familiar and comfortable immediately. Imposter Syndrome? Based on a recent study conducted by Forbes – it appears more that 75% of professional women experience imposter syndrome and this number is even higher when it comes to entrepreneurs and women in business. Many of us simply “push through” because, after all, “Superwoman” is our middle name and we don't know how to show up any other way. Lessons learning from my own dark days and by working with women who experience the negative effects of self-doubt, lack of confidence and courage – I have found connecting with the following can help manage the feeling of feeling like a fraud. Essence (who you are) Experience (what you have already done) and Expertise (what you know) Listen in on how to break through the fear and win. Enjoy! PS, if you'd like to stay connected, please subscribe to this podcast. Alternatively, you can also head over to https://smartwomenonfire.com for more resources. Cheers!

Part of my “why” behind launching the Smart Women on Fire podcast – is to create something for women by women.   Besides sharing key lessons learned and insights from my own journey – I'm even more excited to give other the women who have embarked (or are embarking) on a journey to create something more fulfilling for themselves – a platform to share their successes and sorrows with others who may feel stuck or who are doubting themselves.   Listen in as I chat with Katherine Johnson, a powerhouse entrepreneur who is blazing a trail and making shift happen.   Katherine N Johnson is a Certified Professional Coach, mentor, writer and speaker. She helps professional women gain the clarity, confidence and courage to pursue their bigger purpose and vision so that they can have fulfillment and THRIVE. Katherine shares her story of feeling unfulfilled in her career to empowering women to find their voice and show up as their authentic self so that they can bring themselves fully into their careers and life. Katherine has worked in the Information Technology (IT) field for over 20 years. She enjoys working with technology and helping organizations leverage IT solutions. Katherine leverages her extensive experience, education and expertise to mentor women in S.T.E.M. fields helping them level up so that they can EXCEL in their careers. She also mentors young girls teaching them critical life skills and helping them become more self-aware and self-confident. She believes that every young girl deserves the tools, resources and support to set them up for greater success. Katherine takes us behind-the-scenes as she went from a structured military environment to becoming a civilian working on fast-paced internet technology projects, to now doing more of what she really loves.   Contact details: Website: https://katherinenjohnson.com/

A short episode to remind you of the importance of staying in your zone of genius by doing more of what you love. Enjoy this short episode as a pick-me-up to get you through your day.

In this episode – you'll discover the 5-step framework for planning and goal-setting I share with individuals and groups in my popular workshop, Vision by Design. While results-based goals are certainly one way of looking at your goals – they can often set us up for failure – because we are not really tied to the outcome. The 5-step framework I'll guide you through is based on first looking at what's important to you (your values) and then using this as a platform from which to create your goals. The 5-step framework outlined in this episode is: Reconnect to your values Dream Big (Vision) Set Goals (outcomes you want) Take Action Enlist Help Kick-off your heels, grab your favorite drink, and listen in as I guide you through the steps. Also, here's a link to the video I mentioned that I share with my clients  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NVGuFdX5guE The video is by CGP Grey and he talks about getting off the “Resolution Rodeo” and instead put your thoughts and energy into creating a theme for the year.  The video is only six minutes and will give you lots of food for thought, so I hope you enjoy it! If you'd like to stay connected, please subscribe to this podcast. Alternatively, you can also head over to https://smartwomenonfire.com for more resources. Enjoy! Cheers, Kafi

In this episode, we take a deeper look at the leader in you and how to reflect on the many chapters of your personal and professional life. Within those chapters are the true gifts - often disguised as success and sorrows. We also get into your superpowers – and how to embrace them as you take on your next adventure in life! Take a listen…

Thanks for stopping by the Smart Women on Fire Podcast.  Hi, I'm your host, Kafi London. Since this is our first session together, I share why I started this podcast, who it is for, and what to expect from future episodes. I also spend a little bit of time sharing my backstory - the real driver behind this adventure. Listen in and enjoy! Cheers.