WAIT. HOLD UP...WHAT?

In this episode of WAIT. HOLD UP…WHAT?, host Dawne Hanks is joined by Alyson Spungin for a vulnerable, honest conversation about what it means to truly take up space—and how that looks different for everyone.Together, they unpack the pressure women face around body image, productivity, and performance, especially within the dance community. Alyson shares how her personal experiences with therapy and psychology shaped her understanding of health, healing, and autonomy. She also opens up about her practice of celebrating small wins offline—without social media, without external validation, just presence.Dawne and Alyson both reflect on how we often expect others to “fix” us when all we really need is a safe space to exist. They honor the quiet, supportive men in their lives—like Alyson's father, who drove hours just to check in during her first year of college, or Dawne's stepfather, who offered small gestures that made a big impact. These moments model the kind of support that empowers rather than overcomes.This episode isn't just about movement or mindset. It's about redefining what health, growth, and support look like on your own terms—and how giving ourselves permission to take up space is a radical act of self-trust.

In this episode of WAIT. HOLD UP...WHAT?, we dive into the complex world of consumerism, ethics, and financial empowerment with Dawne and returning guest, Gina Jacobson. Dawne reflects on her growing desire to vote with her wallet — to spend her money in alignment with her values — and how difficult that can be in today's landscape of corporate consolidation and marketing manipulation.Dawne explores the challenges of trying to avoid companies and brands that don't have her best interest at heart, and how frustrating it can feel when those same brands dominate the market. The duo gets candid about the emotional weight of wanting to do the “right thing” while navigating convenience, cost, and access.But this isn't just a critique — it's a rallying cry. Dawne shares her belief in the power of women as a collective force. When women begin to see their everyday purchases as tools of protest and protection, real change becomes possible.She also challenges us to rethink our definition of wealth: if your household brings in more than $40,000 a year, you're wealthier than most of the global population. That means your money can make a difference — even when it doesn't feel like it.This episode is for anyone trying to align their values with their spending — and wondering if it's even possible. Spoiler alert: it is.

In this episode of WAIT. HOLD UP...WHAT?, host Dawne Hanks sits down with Zhou Fang, a journalist with a unique perspective on navigating privilege, gender, and success across two cultures. Zhou's journey from growing up in a STEM-heavy family in China to transitioning into journalism in the U.S. offers invaluable insights into the complexities of being an immigrant in the workplace.Zhou reflects on how she initially believed in the myth of the American Dream—thinking that working hard and keeping her head down would be enough to "make it." But as she entered the tech and compliance industries, the realities of privilege, networking, and identity began to surface. Zhou shares her experiences of being told to “smile more” in performance reviews and being constantly assumed to be junior due to her age, gender, and immigrant status. At 30, she found herself grappling with how to break through these biases.The conversation also touches on the gender pay gap and why pay transparency is essential for achieving real equity in the workplace. Zhou explains how, without transparency, it's nearly impossible to assess whether pay is equitable, especially when employees can't compare their salaries with their peers. This lack of visibility leads to confusion and frustration, making it difficult for anyone to determine if they're being fairly compensated.Throughout the episode, Zhou emphasizes how the fight for women's financial equality is often slow and invisible. The intersectionality of her immigrant status, gender, and age plays a major role in the challenges she faces. This conversation provides a candid and insightful look into the obstacles women face in industries that undervalue them and underscores the importance of transparency in creating a more equitable future.This episode offers a powerful conversation about navigating the realities of being a woman of color in a biased workplace and the need for real pay transparency. Tune in to hear Zhou's perspective and why these issues matter now more than ever.

In this powerful episode of WAIT. HOLD UP...WHAT?, host Dawne Hanks sits down with Evelyn Kocher to discuss a deeply personal journey of self-discovery, resilience, and the courage it takes to embrace one's true identity.Evelyn opens up about her transformative experience in 2020, a year marked by uncertainty, depression, and a search for meaning. After facing a lack of academic validation and grappling with feelings of disconnection, Evelyn realized that she couldn't continue living a life that didn't feel authentic to her. At 24, she came to terms with her identity as a transgender woman. This was her catalyst for change, a turning point that set her on a path to living authentically — even though it meant confronting her deepest fears.Dawne and Evelyn dive into why change can be so frightening, especially when it forces us to face things we've been avoiding. The episode explores how society's fear of the unknown often leads to resistance and how personal growth often requires us to confront discomfort head-on.Evelyn's journey isn't just about gender identity; it's about the universal experience of embracing who we truly are despite the noise and judgment of others. As Evelyn continues to wake up each day in a body that once represented her greatest shame, she now sees it as a symbol of strength. Her story is a reminder that confronting our deepest fears can unlock our greatest potential.This episode is a moving and thought-provoking conversation about self-acceptance, personal transformation, and the courage it takes to live in your truth.

In this episode of WAIT. HOLD UP... WHAT?, host Dawne Hanks sits down with Vision Capital Wealth Advisor Gina Jacobson to dive into a conversation that's essential for every woman: financial security. Many women wrestle with the fear, “Am I going to be okay?” when considering their long-term financial futures. Whether it's planning for retirement or ensuring they aren't a burden on their children, these concerns are real.Gina shares that while men are often more willing to take financial risks, women are less likely to invest at all. But the good news? Women who feel comfortable with strategic risk-taking often end up with diversified portfolios that grow steadily over time. It's about planting seeds, not putting all your eggs in one basket.In this episode, we also explore the important concept of women putting on their oxygen masks first—especially for mothers. So often, women feel guilty about prioritizing their own needs. But when it comes to finances, it's essential to secure your own future first. Whether it's managing your net (wealth and investments) or your nest (home and security), planning today is key to ensuring you're ready for the next 30-40 years.Join us for a powerful discussion that'll give you the confidence and knowledge to take control of your finances and start building a future of financial independence and security.

In this episode of WAIT. HOLD UP…WHAT?, host Dawne Hanks dives deep into the complexities of power, wealth, and equality in today's world. She reflects on the historical and ongoing struggles women face, from the fight for financial independence to the exclusionary practices within modern feminism. Dawne opens up about her own journey—how she used to shop mindlessly for the dopamine hit but has since learned to approach her financial choices with purpose and intention.The episode explores the intersection of money and power, how access to wealth drives success in a capitalist society, and why it's crucial for women to control their financial futures. Dawne emphasizes that true feminism and equality can only be achieved when we advocate for all women, including women of color, transgender women, and those in the LGBTQIA+ community. She challenges listeners to rethink what true growth and progress look like and encourages women to capitalize on their strengths to create a secure and prosperous future.Join Dawne for an insightful conversation about wealth, purpose, and the path toward genuine equality. Tune in and let's get smarter about how we invest in our futures!

In this solo episode of WAIT.HOLD UP...WHAT?, Dawne Hanks reflects on the power and significance of being called “weird.” Inspired by a conversation with her nephew, who was labeled "weird" for playing outside alone at school, Dawne dives deep into how the word "weird" is often used to belittle, but it actually carries a much more powerful meaning.Dawne shares her personal journey of being called “weird” from childhood through her professional life, and how these moments made her shrink and question whether she could just be “normal.” But in this episode, Dawne uncovers the fascinating truth behind the word “weird” – it comes from WYRD, an old English term meaning fate or destiny. Being weird isn't something to hide from; it's a sign that you're following your own path.Dawne encourages listeners to embrace their unique, beautiful weirdness and stop conforming to societal rules that try to box us in. It's time to lean into what makes you stand out and show up as your true, authentic self. This episode is a reminder that your weirdness is your destiny, and it's what makes you who you are.

In this powerful episode, we sit down with Kola Shippentower. Her tribal name is Tumhiya, and she is from Nixyaawii country, in Eastern Oregon as an enrolled tribal member of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation. She is a two-time professional athlete, and a passionate advocate for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Relatives (MMIW). She shares her deeply personal journey into advocacy—a role she never sought but felt compelled to take on as violence against Indigenous women continues to impact her community. Kola reflects on the weight of this work, the pain of losing loved ones, and the responsibility she carries to fight for justice, not just for her family but for future generations.Through raw and heartfelt storytelling, she challenges misconceptions about Indigenous identity, the erasure of Native voices, and the way non-Native audiences often consume these tragedies without taking meaningful action. She emphasizes the urgent need for funding, systemic change, and allyship that goes beyond passive sympathy. Guided by her father's wisdom, Kola has shifted her approach—moving beyond sorrowful storytelling to empowering and mobilizing her people to reclaim their strength, resilience, and rightful place in the fight for justice. This conversation is a wake-up call to all who listen: real change requires more than awareness—it demands action.

The theme of IWD 2025 has been selected as #AccelerateAction.Step forward in solidarity for International Women's Day (IWD) 2025 and help #AccelerateAction to speed up women's equality. At the current rate of progress, it will take 134 years to reach full gender parity in 2158, which is roughly five generations from now, according to data from the World Economic Forum. So, together, let's Accelerate Action to speed up the rate of progress.

"Ok, you attempted something new, you took on a project at work, you tried to get healthy, and then... you hit a road block, you missed a day, you tried your best but the project didn't succeed in the way you wanted, NOW WHAT? As a people leader, one of the biggest challenges I have noticed in the last decade or more is the inability of people to rebound and move past mistakes and/or failure. We have all heard that failure is necessary for progress but it often feels like failure is not an option in sucgh a competitive culture. But failure IS OK, despite what it feels like or how people talk about it, the catch? It is only ok if we know how to rebound and move forward to bigger and better. Easier said than done? Let's talk about the art of the rebound. I also wrote this draft that might be useful in some of what we write for the synopisis, newletter and/or social - When I grew up, I had two homes, like many people. There was only one thing that both of these homes had in common.BASKETBALLBoth dads and all three brothers would yell at the tv for one reason or another but the thing I remember most clearly, the thing that became a sort of mantra for me was yelled by my step dad - Papa Doc or Pops. “Offense doesn't win basketball games. DEFENSE wins basketball games. Get under the basket and rebound.”Now there were variations of this but it became somewhat of a life lesson for me. No I myself became a die hard Indiana Pacers fan. We do not know why. I was teased and questioned about it quite often as a west coast girl in TrailBlazer country but you couldn't tell me nothing when it came to Reggie Miller and Jalen Rose. One of my favorite facts about Reggie was that he developed his offensive shooting style IN RESPONSE to playing with his even more bad ass (sorry Reggie) sister Cheryl Miller to compensate for her shot blocking. Anyway….In 2017 The HBO documentary UConn: The March to Madness was released. I was transfixed. All these years that I was obsessed with basketball and I was so ashamed to not know about this team and their success. The UConn Huskies are the most successful women's basketball program in the nation, having won a record 11 NCAA Division I National Championships Including four in a row, from 2013 through 2016,[2] over 50 conference regular season and tournament championships. They have taken part in every NCAA tournament since 1989; as of the end of the 2018–19 season, this is the third-longest active streak in Division I.[3] From 2008 to 2022, they appeared in a record 14 consecutive Final Fours.[4]UConn owns the two longest winning streaks (men's or women's) in college basketball history. The longest streak, 111 straight winsThe second streak counts 90 consecutive wins, including two undefeated seasons (2008–09 and 2009–10),The Huskies also own the longest winning streak in regular-season games in college history;As I watched (and bare with me as this was 8 years ago, I remember being transfixed by the relationship between the players and the coach and the way in which they understood and studied the gameNow let me explain that I am an idea person. I watch documentaries, listen to music, watch movies you name it and then I get ideas and I couldn't help but think about the people on my team and more specifically one person. Lucy! A member of my team almost a decade ago, we did a lot of work to find her path and “THE ART OF THE REBOUND” was center stage. In this episode, we talk about the journey and why rebounding is so important for women both personally and professionally."

"Think goal setting is just for New Year's? Think again. While many of us have already abandoned our January resolutions—or skipped them altogether—there's no better time than now to revisit what you truly want to accomplish this year.In this episode, we explore why resolutions and goal setting are not the same thing and why meaningful goals require more than a midnight toast. Backed by research, we discuss how writing down your goals, setting deadlines, and having accountability partners can dramatically improve your chances of success—by as much as 42%!I'll also share my personal tradition of a New Year's goal-setting retreat with friends, where we combine reflection, creativity, and intentional planning to map out our dreams. From journaling and goal boards to rituals for letting go of the past, this process has been life-changing, helping me accomplish 90% of my goals in a single year.You'll walk away with actionable tips to:Reflect on your past year to uncover what truly matters.Set specific, measurable goals with clear deadlines.Create a visual reminder of your goals to keep you motivated.Use accountability and acknowledgment to stay on track.It's never too late to get intentional about your life. Whether it's March or December, the time to set meaningful goals is now. Let's do this!"

The lion is the king of the jungle and stories throughout history have been told exhalting the power and prowess of the lion. But did you know that the pride is held together by the lioness? It is the lioness who is in charge of hunting and securing resources to keep the pride alive. It is the lioness who cares for the cubs teaching them survival skills, how to hunt and social behaviors. It is the lioness who defends the pride's territory. The lion's role is to patrol and mark territory. Not quite as impressive, am I right? It makes a girl wonder, why so few stories are told about the lioness. In this episode we explore what we can learn from the lioness and her role in the pride and how we can apply it to modern culture and the roles of women.

"Welcome to Season Two! In this episode, we dive into the wild ride that has been the job market over the past five years—a journey marked by remote work revolutions, massive layoffs, and seismic shifts across industries. And I've been right there on the roller coaster with you.After facing two layoffs since 2020—one just before the pandemic and another in 2023 when my department was offshored—I know firsthand how disorienting and daunting job loss can be. But I've also learned a lot through this extended period of unemployment and rebuilding.This episode is for anyone navigating their own journey of job loss, career change, or reinvention. I'll share hard truths about today's hiring landscape, including why the process takes longer than ever and how AI has made things feel less personal. But I'll also highlight the good news: tools and strategies are available to help you regain control, clarify your goals, and find a role that truly aligns with your needs.We'll cover practical tips for staying organized, avoiding scams, and creating a job search plan tailored to you. Plus, I'll explore how creativity can be a powerful antidote to the stress of job hunting, backed by research on its benefits for mental health.It's tough out there, but you're not alone—and with the right mindset and tools, this chapter can lead to something extraordinary. Let's get started."

We often think that to be successful we have to be confident and never feel uneasy. That is a lie. It's not about never experiencing self-doubt; it's about not letting that self-doubt hold you back. It's about being able to recognize it when it arises and choosing to move forward anyway, despite the fear, despite the doubt.That's the freedom, Karen Laos wants every woman to feel—that they can trust themselves, their voice, their choices, and their path, even when the road isn't clear. That is why she is on a mission to eradicate self doubt in 10M women in 10 years. Karen is a public speaker and coach who has worked with brans like Netflix, Google, Starbucks, and Nasa. She is also the author of the book “Trust Your Own Voice: Growing Your Influence Through Confident Communication”Her work has impacted so many to come out of the shadows and do their best work. It's about creating a world where every woman feels safe enough to use her voice, not just for others but for herself, where she can step into any room and know she belongs there. And that's a world worth fighting for.

Modern culture has forced many women to believe that there was only room for one, which bred this narrative that women were catty or couldn't support each other. But the truth is, as women, we were set up to believe that scarcity was the norm. And that if one woman succeeded, it meant there was less opportunity for the rest of us. That mindset was ingrained in us for so long, how do we break free?Now, instead of competing, we're seeing more women come together and lift each other up. We're realizing that when one of us wins, it opens the door for others to win as well. We're dismantling that scarcity mindset and replacing it with one of abundance. There's enough room for all of us to succeed.When strong women break down barriers and create opportunities, they're not just doing it for themselves; they're doing it for every woman who comes after them. They're saying, “I've made it this far, and now I'm going to reach back and help you come with me.”That's how we create lasting change—by making sure that no one has to do it alone, by ensuring that the next generation has the resources, support, and community to achieve even more than we did. Enter Ronesha Hayes. Ronesha is the owner of Hayes Consulting and Coaching. Hayes Consulting and Coaching is a women and minority owned consulting agency supporting the Portland Metro area. Her team believes that financial security should be obtainable to everyone. Ronesha aims to break down barriers by offering low cost services that increase the financial wellness and empowerment of our clients. She is the board secretary for Xcelerate Women, a non profit that helps women business owners overcome systemic inequities to grow their businesses and build economic power now. Ronesha has spent majority of her career supporting and empowering women entrepreneurs and supporting corporations and government agencies implement supplier diversity initiatives/ programming across the region.The work she is doing is about creating networks of support and empowerment where we all rise together.

Did you know that, nationally, only 20% of girls engage in at least 60 minutes of daily physical activity, a lower rate than boys? Or that girls' participation drops off significantly from ages 10-17.WAIT. HOLD UP…WHAT?Some of the barriers that contribute to this include lack of financial means, lack of role models, and concerns about body changes including breast development and the need for a sports bra.The simple intervention of a sports bra along with the normalization of body development can change the trajectory of a girl's relationship with body movement for her whole life.You read that right, their whole life.In this episode we talk to Sarah Lesko MD. MPH, Executive Director, Board President of Bras for Girls, a non-profit looking to change the narrative around this and ensure that these barriers are no longer an issue for girls. Join us as we talk about the importance of participating in sports, teaching girls about the normal ways in which our bodies change throughout our lives, and building confidence in our girls.

"There is an incredible song overture on the Chika's Samson: The Album featuring Lin-Manuel Miranda that says “Our stories are all we got, so if you're going to tell it, tell it boldly. Tell the truth, without fear.” Chika continues with an amazing stanza, but one particular part resonates for us. “We may do a little bending, but you'll never see us breakin', this world is all ours, it's ready of the takin' behold the flow and watch me grow. They say I'm chosen, I say I know.” Then Lin Manuel concludes with “And if you happen upon a story that serendipitously aligns with your own don't hesitate to explore it. That's what it's there for. Our stories are all we've got.”Every time we hear this, our shoulders go back and our head sits higher, because it is such an incredible reminder of the power of stories.But for so often so many stories weren't told.In this episode, we discuss why so many shy away from telling their stories and how owning our story and stepping into the spotlight can help ourselves and others."

Being called resilient can be strange compliment to accept. On one hand the ability to “bounce back” from difficult experiences or to adapt to adversity and move forward is most certainly something to be proud of. But often in order to be considered resilient, you have to walk through the fire, which is not exactly what anyone dreams of.Resiliency is a muscle and it has to be moved. Most of the movement comes through negative or traumatic experiences.In this episode we speak to author of the trilogy memoir series ResilientAF. The 2nd installment: Not My Circus is available for pre-sale, Kissing Asphalt -The Courageous True Story of One Child's Unbreakable Spirit—From Kidnapping & Abuse to Self-Love is available now!

We were doom scrolling recently when we came across a number of posts clearly targeted at us that featured the acronym :”SINKS” in them. SINKS refers to single income, no kids individuals, but more often than not women. Most of these articles talk about all of the reasons women who fall in this category should be embarrassed or ashamed to which we sayWAIT. HOLD UP… WHAT?No thank you. So in this episode we talk about the reasons this label is ridiculous and also the benefits of women living the life that makes the most sense for them whether that makes them a SINK, a MILF or smoother soon to be dismissive and ridiculous acronym.

"Since the inception of our country there has been a cultural conversation around the word “justice”. Everyone has an opinion or an idea of what it means TO THEM, but very rarely do they align with how others view it. Now, more than ever, we are inundated with headlines about the inequities that permeate our culture every day and we see a constant class of pundits and talking heads with differing opinion on what is just.Which means we live in a world of subjective justice, that results in very little justice for anyone beyond a select few. How do we guarantee justice for everyone? As you might imagine, this is not an easy task but it starts with creating a collective understanding of the word and how it gets implemented. In this episode, we speak with Libra Forde, the Executive Director of the Women's Foundation of Oregon and a dedicated advocate for social justice in all spaces and places. We talk about the complicated moment of time we are in and how it is moments like this that open doors for change."

Recently in an article for the Newsweek- writer Jim Mac Ghlionn wrote and Op Ed titled "Taylor Swift Is Not a Good Role Model | Opinion"On any other day, this wouldn't have gotten our attention, but the media firestorm was swift (no pun intended) and so we got curious and read the article. In it the writer went on to say in short that a 30 something single woman with no kids and lots of money is a bad role model. And let's just say we had thoughts. In this episode we soeak with Amy Campbell, a DIrector of Real Estate and content director living in Brooklyn NY. Full disclosure, we go all over the place in this episode and there is a frenetic energy but click bait will do that to you from time to time.

As women, we frequently encounter 'terms of endearment' that, at first, may appear kind but are often intended to infantilize, belittle, or undermine our experiences and roles. We'll delve into the impact of such terms, exploring how they can inadvertently foster bias and diminish the level of respect we receive in specific situations.

47% of women believe that failing a task or project makes them a failure as a person.WAIT. HOLD UP… WHAT? Our society is currently obsessed with women doing everything. This obsession can lead to a misguided attempt to be “perfect”. With many women feeling that they have to be perfect in every aspect of life - this feeling is typically rooted in the fear of not being good enough, and often leads to higher rates of burn out.But where does this fear come from and why are women so impacted by it? We discuss this with Dr. Andrea Mata, a clinical child psychologist and parenting coach who explores the concept of the Audaciously Imperfect Woman and how embracing this concept can help us all live or more value based life.

Around 90% of podcasts never make it past 3 episodes and we are now on episode 10! Can you believe it? This week we reflect on the journey so far, the laughs, the tears, the stories, and the guests, and look forward to another amazing guest episode next week.

Have you ever been inside your head, chastising yourself for not getting enough done, showing up enough, doing enough, or even just calling yourself lazy? You are not alone. In a world where women are supposed to want and do it all it can be easy to feel less than. But what if that narrative is lying to us? What if there is a reason to be lazy? What if the reason you feel that way is because your brilliance isn't being seen for one reason or another. In this episode we talk to REBECCA TOLBERT, LICSW, a Washington DC based mental health therapist and ADHD coach who's work helps create safe spaces to explore, heal, and grow.

Believe it or not, I once had a co-worker show up on Halloween dressed as Aunt Jemima, complete with blackface. To complicate matters, this person was also a person of color. In this episode, we delve into the crucial importance of having Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and harassment policies in the workplace that address such micro-aggressions. We discuss the significance of providing channels for reporting and opportunities for education, all aimed at creating a safe and inclusive space for everyone.

There are all sorts of self help books out there for women promising to help them be a better version of themselves but what if we didn't need to read them. What if, instead we just believed in our worth and did the things we want to do? What if we pushed back the doubters and trusted ourselves instead? What if we understood the power we have to do and get whatever we want?Whether true or not you have to believe it to push past the doubters and get to your happinessLiberation and self empowerment. For some that is easier said than done for others, like our guest, Anna Sweet of Artist Wine Block, it is innate to who they are and they use it to build the life they want. In today's episode we hear how Anna leaned into her own confidence and built a business in the process.

Advocating for ourselves and others starts with a crucial step: understanding our limitations and embracing them as part of our growth process.In this enlightening discussion, we uncover the significance of knowing what you truly desire, the power of continuous learning, and the importance of holding space not only for ourselves but also for those around us. Discover how letting your passions shine through can inspire not only yourself but also the next generation, fostering a culture of authenticity and empowerment.We confront the pervasive mindset that success is solely defined by accolades and prizes, challenging the notion that if you can't be the best, you shouldn't even try. Instead, we advocate for a shift towards confidence over competition, emphasizing the value of supporting each other's journeys regardless of perceived achievements.Moreover, we explore the vital role of taking up space and making noise in today's society. Why does it matter, and how does it contribute to the collective advancement of all individuals? Tune in as we unpack these questions and more, inviting you to join the conversation and be part of the movement towards a future where everyone's voice is heard and valued.

Years ago, in a “Required after-work” meeting with a client, a high-level executive had. a little too much to drink and without saying a word, he reached over and grabbed my leg, hoisting my foot onto his lap. I attempted to jerk away, but he held my foot firmly in his hands, took off my shoe and started to rub my feet. I protested and continued to try and free my foot. Others in the room looked on with a clear feeling of discomfort on their face, but nobody said anything or offered assistance. What he did next was so brazen and inappropriate, I still cringe when I think of it. In this episode, we tackle the uncomfortable and blatantly inappropriate situations that women all too often encounter in the workplace. These moments have been traditionally dismissed as 'part of the game,' but it's time to shift the narrative. We delve into strategies to prevent such scenarios from occurring in the first place and, more importantly, how to respond when faced with them. Our focus is on creating and nurturing a work environment where safety and respect are paramount. Join us as we explore the path to fostering a culture that supports and empowers everyone.”

In this episode, we delve into the journey of Janelle Suzanne, a successful entrepreneur, single mother, and advocate for women and girls. Janelle's story begins with a reflection on her childhood, where her "strong-willed" nature was often viewed through a negative lens in a culture that expected girls to be meek, quiet, and submissive. Despite this, Janelle harnessed her determination and resilience to overcome personal and professional obstacles, leading her to thrive as a Managing Partner and Chief Marketing Officer of Louder Agency, and a devoted mother.

I openly embrace my emotional nature, and there's absolutely nothing wrong with that. However, it's often challenging to reconcile this authenticity with the expectations of a corporate environment. Ironically, displays of anger, shouting, insults, name-calling, and even profanity may sometimes be tolerated or brushed aside, while shedding tears often becomes a line that most leaders won't cross. Strangely, it makes them uncomfortable and is unfairly viewed as a weakness, becoming a pretext for the underrepresentation of women in leadership roles. We will challenge this perception and discuss why embracing and expressing emotions in a healthy manner at work can boost productivity and enhance employee retention.

In today's world, the art of self-promotion reigns supreme. Everyone appears to be an influencer. The days of quietly working hard in the background seem to be long gone, and for many, it might have been a myth to begin with. We've come across numerous studies and reports that highlight a gender imbalance in self-promotion, often suggesting that it's our responsibility to assert ourselves and fight for our place, only to face criticism when we do so. From crafting resumes to negotiating and seeking promotions, there seems to be a double standard on how we should promote ourselves and the level of assertiveness that's acceptable. What is often celebrated in men is met with skepticism when women do the same.

It's a moment etched in my memory, one that reshaped my perspective on the challenges many of us encounter in the workplace. I had always known that such thoughts could exist, but what struck me was the audacity of hearing an executive openly articulate this concept in a room full of employees, including women. It was unapologetic, leaving no doubt that this person genuinely considered this question to be reasonable. This pivotal moment marked a turning point in my career. It unveiled the realities that most of us tend to overlook, often brushing them off as the status quo. However, in that instant, I found myself compelled to ask why.

You are at school, work, out with friends, family, colleagues; when someone says or does something that makes you stop in your tracks, tilt your head and say WAIT. HOLD UP... WHAT?