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Women Taking the Lead

The Women Taking the Lead podcast is a resource for women leaders, allies, and organizations looking to promote more women into senior leadership. Episode formats include specific leadership challenges, "on-air" coaching with women leaders, and interviews with internal talent and organizational development leaders. Women Taking the Lead inspires women to overcome self-doubt and lead with confidence, integrity and a sense of humor.
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Now displaying: November, 2015
Nov 29, 2015

Robyn Barnes lives in North Yarmouth, Maine, with her husband and two children, Nicholas who is 23 and Alexandra who is 18 and a freshman in college. Since returning to Maine in 1989, Robyn has managed and operated her own businesses, which allowed her to raise her children and work at the same time. Her latest adventure with co-owner Barb Brown is Carpe Diem, a wine room located in Yarmouth, Maine.  

Playing Small Moment

Robyn got a job at a law firm and expected to go in and take charge, but she realized that was not the case. The value of her contributions was not getting her anywhere. Robyn ended up staying at the law firm much longer than she should have. She feels like she lost a piece of herself from doing that job.

The Wake Up Call

When Robyn had her first son, she had a wakeup call.  She had always taken the traditional 9-5 jobs as long as they gave her a paycheck.  When her son was born, she decided she wanted it all, and she knew that she could have it all.  When she got pregnant, she wanted to work to fulfill her own needs, rather that everyone else's.  Robyn definitely had to make sacrifices to make it work.  She would stay up working until 2am and on weekends when things had to get done, to make sure her kids could stay home.

Style of Leadership

Robyn calls herself an extrovert and says she has a type A personality. She believes there are leaders and followers, and we need both. Robyn is a leader with an evolving leadership style.

What Are You Excited About?

Event planning has Robyn feeling really excited right now. Robyn loves being able to plan and bring joy to events, and she appreciates the opportunity for financial gain that is tied in with doing that job.

Leadership Practice

Listening makes Robyn a better leader. It’s been more obvious to her as she gets older. Taking the time to allow someone to open up brings another piece of importance to her leadership practice.

Book to Develop Leadership

The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom by Don Miguel Ruiz

What Would You Change?

If Robyn could tell her younger self anything, it would be not to take it all so seriously.

Inspirational Quote

“Never dull your sparkle.”

Interview Links

http://www.carpediemwineroom.com/

https://www.facebook.com/Carpe-Diem-Wine-Room-1540562549516400/?fref=nf

Nov 25, 2015

Dave Crenshaw is a master at helping business-owners triumph over chaos. He has appeared in Time magazine, FastCompany, USA Today, and the BBC News. His first book titled The Myth of Multitasking: How ‘Doing It All’ Gets Nothing Done, has been published in six languages and is a best seller in the time-management category. His latest book,  The Focused Business: How Entrepreneurs Can Triumph Over Chaos, is also a best seller in the small business category. As an author, speaker, and business coach, Dave has transformed thousands of businesses worldwide.  

A Women Who Has Influenced Your Life 

Dave shares how two women of the same name have influenced his life. His wife, Katherine, is an incredible leader. Dave admires her for her ability to get things done, with the gift of making people feel warm and welcomed in the process. She has a way of making everyone feel comfortable being themselves, and that has had the biggest impact on Dave’s life.

The second Catherine is the founder of Defy Ventures, which aims to reform the prison system. Dave is inspired by how she always sees the best in everyone. No one wants to hire ex-convicts, so by teaching them about entrepreneurship, they are given the opportunity to take control of their own destiny.

What He Sees ThatHolds Women Back 

Dave believes women fall victim to over-commitment, and the “busy badge”. He believes women have thoughts such as: “I am going to do everything; I should be able to do everything because I am strong.” He acknowledges that women are strong, but with only 24 hours in a day, time can be a limiting factor. He sees a lot of people who have taken on the belief that ‘busy equals success’. According to Dave, busy is not success; results are success.

What He Has Learned from Women 

Dave has learned that—especially with women—it’s not just about making money, it’s about transforming the world. Angy Ford, who takes pride in transforming daycare, has taught him something very important: the finish line. Everyone starts their day out not knowing where it’s going to end. Just like in a race, the finish line defines where you are going to stop and allows you to better map out your day.

The Necessary Changes 

Dave has seen a lot of women feeling burnt out. He believes that you can do everything and that you are capable, but not all at once. It’s important to recognize your limits and make choices accordingly. When you continually say yes, you are chipping away at all of the yesses you said previously.  Dave shares that you can go into debt with time, but then you have to pay it back with interest.

Inspirational Quote 

 “Conditioning is more powerful than discipline.”

Leadership Practice 

Dave’s leadership practice revolves around conditioning. He makes sure to clear his ‘physical inbox’ once a week, and ensures to tackle his unresolved points.

Interview Links 

DaveCrenshaw.com 

DaveCrenshaw.com/freetime 

 

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Nov 22, 2015

Angie Fisher founded and created Coaching Success Systems in 2011 as a way to provide busy business owners with the full range of resources they need to accomplish their goals. What began as a part-time position became a full-time, thriving business by 2012, providing copywriting, graphic design, administrative and marketing assistance, and more, to several successful coaching entrepreneurs. As a mother of three children and an entrepreneur, Angie understands the importance of providing solutions that will help you reduce stress, grow your personal wealth, decrease overwhelm, stabilize your business during hectic times and find more free time to do what you enjoy. 

Playing Small Moment

Right before she hired her first team member in 2011, she took advice from mentors to create packages. The packages ended up being a disaster and didn’t fit in her. She figured out you have to be careful when you have coaches and trust blindly.

The Wakeup Call

Her goal was to grow her business while working her other job.  She found herself still working long hours after leaving her other job and needed to pull back.  At a networking meeting, she realized she needed to build a team.

Style of Leadership

Leading by example means respect, communication and taking accountability. She also practiced this in her life, not just work. Having an attitude of “we’re all in this together”.

What Are You Excited About?

She is working with a new coach and is excited about a new point of view. A lot of new changes, new programs and new clients.

Leadership Practice

Having open communication and meetings with her team. Keeping communication open, and having a project management system. All things come back to communication, and ensuring you have a good flow with everyone in your business.

Book to Develop Leadership

DECIDE:  The Ultimate Success Trigger, by Jim Palmer

What Would You Change?

To listen to her gut. Intuition is huge, and it can drive you in the right direction or keep you from moving forward.

Inspirational Quote

“Walk with the dreamers, the believers, the courageous, the cheerful, the planners, the doers, the successful people with their heads in the clouds and their feet on the ground. Let their spirit ignite a fire within you to leave this world better than when you found it...” - Wilferd Peterson

Interview Links

http://www.coachingsuccesssystems.com/ 

Free Gift: http://www.coachingsuccesssystems.com/womentakingthelead/

Nov 18, 2015

Lane Kennedy, is a Life Liberator & Business Igniter for go-getting, kick ass women who are ready to think bigger and get noticed! She’s been a serial entrepreneur, turned a startup into a legit business that brought in over a million dollars in sales in less than 18 months.  Spun rough sketches of lingerie into a booming business where thousands of garments were being shipped out every year. Gone off the grid to work for a non-profit in Bangkok, creating a program that served to empower women across the country and get them off the streets. She is a proclaimed...foodie, mama, fiction writer, recovering fashion model, biohacking freak and Beatles-lover. She can’t live without... yoga, meditation, prayer, music and cheese. And the longest relationship she’s had is...with her dog, Jackson, 13 years and counting!

Playing Small Moment

An investor told Lane that he didn’t want to hear her strategy on how to bring in money and how to be ethical n his company. She stared at him and sat down. She realized that she had become a statistic. Lane was shocked, as had heard about this but never actually experienced it. She lost her confidence in that moment.

The Wake Up Call

Lane's wake up call ended up in her taking an exit from the lingerie company.  Her eyes were sunken in, she was working 16 hour days and not being present in her life.  Lane had to work back into things that kept her grounded and back into her life.

Style of Leadership

Lane gives her people full power to execute what they’re going to do. She also makes sure not to micromanage.

What Are You Excited About?

Lane is excited about her second draft of her book about finding your north star. She is also passionate about upgrading your lifestyle and is working on a project that focuses on that.

Leadership Practice

Lane uses Slack so she can get out of her inbox and just pay attention to work.

Book to Develop Leadership

Pitch Perfect by Bill McGowan

What Would You Change?

She would tell her younger self to take it slowly.

Interview Links

Game Changer Society: http://thegamechangersociety.com/

https://instagram.com/gamechangersociety

connect@lanekennedy.com

https://twitter.com/lanekennedy

https://www.facebook.com/lanekennedylevy

https://www.linkedin.com/in/lanekennedy

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Nov 15, 2015

Mercy Nthiga likes to say, that growing up in Kenya, she did everything she “should" do. Studied hard in primary school, passed the 8th grade exams that allow a small % of Kenyans to continue to secondary school, became one of the 5% that graduated secondary school to attend university. Completing university put her in the top few percent of Kenyans. For all that, facing 60% unemployment, it still took years to find work. 

That’s when she determined to find a better way for herself, and her country. She came to Houston, and scrambled through more to become a radiological technologist. Mercy has started a business to focus on genuine education of children – which Mercy perceives as essential for kids in America and Kenya.  Her business is Entertain to Educate My Child . The business is built on the realization that our children are our greatest responsibility. The mission is to maximize the time parents spend with kids as opportunities for education, and to form a community where parents support each other in our greatest calling on this planet.

Playing Small Moment

Mercy struggled through school, but made it a goal to finish school and go to college. She attended college in Houston and still struggled to find work. At a job that she held for 4 years, she struggled with tardiness as her daughter had to be dropped off at school before she went to work. This had not been favored, but was tolerated by management at the time. Once management changed, she was forced to choose between her job and getting daycare for her child.

Style of Leadership

Mercy realized that once people are bored, they tune out. She tries to make things fun, jovial and entertaining with her work.

What Are You Excited About?

Mercy is really enjoying Periscope. She has been doing 10-minute daily tip sessions on Periscope and has loved the interaction.

Leadership Practice

Thinking of who she is serving, Mercy tries looking from their point of view to help the situation.

Book to Develop Leadership

Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert

What Would You Change?

Mercy believes we become who we are because of our past, but she would tell herself not to be so willing to fit in with society. Nice girls don’t make history, so why not ruffle some feathers.

Inspirational Quote

“If you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree it will live its live thinking it is stupid.”    -Albert Einstein

Interview Links

Entertain to Educate My Child 

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/mercy.kay2

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/mercymercykay

https://www.ted.com/talks/ken_robinson_says_schools_kill_creativity?language=en

https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/magic-lessons/id1018969048?mt=2&i=348850892

If you enjoyed this episode subscribe in iTunes or Stitcher Radio and never miss out on inspiration and community!

Nov 11, 2015

Dr. Ellen Braaten is associate director of The Clay Center for Young Healthy Minds at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), director of the Learning and Emotional Assessment Program at MGH, and an assistant professor of psychology at Harvard Medical School. She earned her Ph.D. in psychology from Colorado State University, has published four books, and is an educational leader and advocate for mental health. 

Playing Small Moment

Ellen was asked to start a new program to assess children with a wide variety of differences. She didn’t take on the role of a leader like she should have; she didn’t think of herself first.

The Wake Up Call

When Ellen’s oldest child entered middle school, she realized her daughter needed her in a different way. She had to start working part time and had to pick and choose parts of her job that were more important.

Style of Leadership

Ellen tries to hire good people and let them do their best. She gives them freedom and confidence to do a good job.

What Are You Excited About?

Ellen is writing multiple books with different partners right now and is feeling very inspired and motivated.

Leadership Practice

Ellen leads with empathy. It helps her understand where people are coming from. It can be an Achilles heel but it’s also very powerful. Looking at a problem through their eyes can be helpful in all partnerships.

Book to Develop Leadership

Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking, by Susan Cain

What Would You Change?

Ellen would tell her younger self: don’t worry, don’t hurry. Your career path is much longer than you think it is.

Inspirational Quote

“Bloom where you are planted” ~ Ellen Braaten

Interview Links

The Clay Center for Young Healthy Minds at Mass General Hospital: www.mghclaycenter.org 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/massgeneralclaycenter/?ref=hl 

Twitter: @MGHClayCenter 

Ellen’s handle: @ellenbraaten 

Google +: https://plus.google.com/101617766762117356957/videos 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBdGAoFma-eEZL4ywneftIg 

If you enjoyed this episode subscribe in iTunes or Stitcher Radio and never miss out on inspiration and community!

Nov 8, 2015

Laurie Lachance was named President of Thomas College in 2012. She is the first woman and to lead the College in its 120 year history. Before coming to Thomas, Laurie served as the Maine State Economist and is an author and speaker on the economy, leadership and education. Laurie holds an undergraduate degree from Bowdoin College, an MBA from Thomas College. 

 

Playing Small Moment

As a female in a predominantly male field, and a predominantly male college, Laurie was used to being the only female. She was always questioning herself, wondering if she could really do it. Once Laurie was working for the college, she still found herself questioning her actions. Until the board asked her why she couldn’t just do it, why she was playing small.

The Wake Up Call

When Laurie was working for the power plant, she encountered someone who questioned her self worth and her actions. This caused her to have a lot of self-doubt and it started to affect her work. In order to regain the balance in her life, Laurie found that she had to pull back get more in tune with her life.

Style of Leadership

Laurie’s leadership style is collaborative. She really likes to get the insights of the people around her to come up with the best solution. It may look like it’s a sign of weakness to others, but it’s not. Laurie believes in getting the best ideas out on the table so you can move forward in the best direction.

What Are You Excited About?

Laurie is excited about her new Center for Innovation in Education. This new program will add teaching and learning in a proficiency level instead of age based learning and it will integrate technology into learning. This new center will also integrate the arts into curriculum, taking the country from STEM to STEAM. Laurie is hoping to transform how teachers teach in the future.

Leadership Practice

Laurie starts each day with inspirational message and ends each day writing 5 things in her gratitude journal.

Book to Develop Leadership

The Art of Possibility, by Rosamund Stone Zander

http://www.amazon.com/The-Art-Possibility-Transforming-Professional/dp/0142001104

Live Your Dash, Linda Ellis

http://www.amazon.com/Live-Your-Dash-Moment-Matter/dp/1454912227/

Thrive, Arianna Huffington

http://www.amazon.com/Thrive-Redefining-Success-Creating-Well-Being/dp/0804140863

What Would You Change?

Laurie would tell her younger self to focus on balance a lot earlier in life; try not to sweat it, don’t throw yourself into your work fully until you hit the wall. It’s a lot harder to come back from the wall.

Inspirational Quote

“Set a goal so big that you can’t achieve it until you grow into a person who can.” - Unknown

Interview Links

www.thomas.edu 

president@thomas.edu

 

Social media: 

@Thomas_Top_Dog

https://www.linkedin.com/pub/laurie-lachance/55/526/565 

Facebook.com/ThomasCollege 

https://www.youtube.com/user/thomasadmissions

If you enjoyed this episode subscribe in iTunes or Stitcher Radio and never miss out on inspiration and community!

Nov 4, 2015

Nancy Marshall started her PR firm 25 years ago. She believes in the power of old-fashioned relationship building combined with the use of technology, such as social media, email, and the web. She holds a BA from Colby College and an MBA from Thomas College. She is also certified as a Personal Branding Strategist. She has two college-aged sons, and she enjoys supporting them and their friends in their athletic and academic pursuits.

Playing Small Moment

While Nancy was in her mid twenties and working at a ski resort, she had an injury after surgery from pushing herself too much too soon. As she lay crumpled on the floor, she was told she would never move up as a woman.

The Wake Up Call

Nancy was headed on a fitness trip and broke her ankle, but didn’t want to accept it. She desperately wanted to go on the trip, and hoped she could make it through. After another fall, she ended up realizing she wasn’t taking care of herself.

Style of Leadership

“Enthusiastic” sums up Nancy’s leadership style in one word. Nancy wants her people to know that she supports them enthusiastically and that they have a piece of her business that they can each grow.

What Are You Excited About?

Nancy is thrilled about her new audio book that will be on Audible soon. She was surprised how much she loved recording it and plans to do that with other books as well.

Leadership Practice

Nancy participates in a national network of agencies that meets often. Networking with others inspires her and ensures that she is keeping up with the latest business trends.

Book to Develop Leadership

Youtility by Jay Baer

What Would You Change?

Nancy wishes she had taken care of her own needs: taking time off when she needed it and cutting herself some slack.

Inspirational Quote

“Our Deepest fear is not that we are inadequate; our deepest fear it is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant gorgeous talented and fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small doesn’t serve the world. There’s nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people will not feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine as children do. We are born to make the manifest, the glory of God that is within us. It’s not just in some us of it’s in all of us. As we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give others permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fears, our presence automatically liberates others.”

– Maryann Williamson

Interview Links

www.marshallpr.com

www.prmaven.com

Twitter: @maineprmaven

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancymarshall

If you enjoyed this episode subscribe in iTunes or Stitcher Radio and never miss out on inspiration and community!

Nov 1, 2015

Sara Speicher, a wife and a mom of two little ones, helps women entrepreneurs make greater impact, serve their client better. Integrating business consulting and coaching, this international best-selling author’s specialty is helping mom-business owners, who are stuck due to a change in life or shift in business, make more money, have more time and more fun. Sara, who holds an MBA degree and is a former internationally recruited NCAA D-1 basketball player (at 6’1” she still rocks her high heels), and her husband are also avid travelers.

Playing Small Moment

Growing up, Sara was always told not to brag, because no one cares. Well, playing small held her back. Because of the fine line between bragging and using her accomplishments for marketing and credibility, she often sold herself short.

The Wake Up Call

She battled Post Partum Depression, she saw an offer for a health program and it clicked that she needed to start focusing on her health and her family. It came down to feeling bad for herself or doing something about it, so she chose to make changes.

Style of Leadership

Sara has a combination of different leadership types. She always puts her people first, and believes heavily in leading by example. She is always open about making changes with her leadership and parenting.

What Are You Excited About?

Sara is excited to give another look at her business, and having more time to spend with the girls.

Leadership Practice

Sara relies on trusting her gut as a leader.

Book to Develop Leadership

Circling the Sun by Paula McLain

What Would You Change?

Sara would tell herself to stop thinking and start doing.

Inspirational Quote

“One dream could change your life.”

Interview Links

www.saraoblakspeicher.com

If you enjoyed this episode subscribe in iTunes or Stitcher Radio and never miss out on inspiration and community!

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