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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: April, 2016
Apr 27, 2016

Vicky Murgatroyd is a mindset coach and transformation specialist. After losing her Mom and finding out her partner was cheating on her weeks later, she lost herself completely. Discovering the world of personal development, Vicky finally owned the responsibility she had, both towards her failings and then her potential. She now shows other entrepreneurial women that self-awareness and self-knowing are the only way to success.

Playing Small Moment

Vicky's playing small moment was when one of the girls in her group of friends verbally abused her. She slipped into a perception of believing that was her reality, rather than having the confidence to know that she defines herself. Vicky thought if she could make herself unnoticeable, it would all go away.

The Wake Up Call

Vicky’s aha moment happened when she lost her mom, leaving her to feel like she had nobody to fall back on. Vicky learned, from her practitioner, about a new process to help her let go of her emotions. She needed to get over her boundaries in order to get over emotions. It was an emotionally draining process. Vicky didn't notice at the time, but she started to move past her feelings. She could see the light at the end of the long winding tunnel.

Style of Leadership

Naturally introverted, Vicky plays the role of the observer. She gets people to find the answers within themselves. 

What Are You Excited About?

The launch of Vicky's program is in its second stage. Master Your Emotions, which is about a person who can't grow their business bigger than their mindset allows. 

Leadership Practice

Self-reflection, being continually willing to develop yourself. 

Book to Develop Leadership

A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life's Purpose by Eckhart Tolle

http://www.amazon.com/New-Earth-Oprah-61-Awakening-ebook/dp/B000PC0S5K/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qi...

Advice For Younger Self

It is entirely okay to play your own game regarding knowing what you want.

Inspirational Quote

"I expand in abundance, success, and love everyday as I inspire others to do the same." ~ Gay Hendricks PhD

Interview Links

www.lifeempowermentproject.com

https://www.facebook.com/lifeempowermentproject

https://twitter.com/LifeEProject

https://au.linkedin.com/in/vicky-murgatroyd-a7634782

 

https://womentakingthelead.com/vicky-murgatroyd

Apr 24, 2016

Niyc helps women, struggling to find their self-belief, overcome negative self-talk, activate next level breakthroughs in their life and business, and create their life of joy, personal power, and unstoppable success. Her signature 90 Day Master Your Success Mentorship and Guru Girl Entrepreneur Mastermind combine the power of Positive Psychology with Niyc’s decade of experience in coaching women to create positive change, and produce dramatic and long lasting results. Niyc is from the UK, where she recently won Young Entrepreneur of the Year and is currently travelling the world, speaking and coaching. She is Founder of niycpidgeon.com, Award Winning lifestyle brand optimallyou, Newcastle parkrun, and her first book Now Is Your Chance will hit the book shelves in March 2017, with Hay House

Playing Small Moment

Niyc began her career as a personal trainer. She would push herself really hard. The income wasn't great, but she was doing something she really loved. Niyc got to a point where she felt stuck while working, going to school, and going back to work at night. That came at a detriment to her health and she felt like a victim. She was playing small because she gave struggle the strength.

The Wake Up Call

Last June, Niyc had taken two months off from her business to write her book. She had savings in the bank and was launching an online group program at the end of that two-month gap. She knew it was going to be a success because she worked so hard on it for 6 months with her assistant. When Niyc launched the program, she had a grand total of one sale. Real panic and fear started to set in. She got one or two more sales as weeks went on. Niyc was on the other side of the world, sold her car, and moved out of her apartment. She was faced with the prospect of getting a job and leaving entrepreneurship behind. Niyc decided she needed to stay true to what she talked to her community and clients about. Never abandon yourself. Always back yourself and always believe in yourself. If you don't believe in yourself, then nobody else is going to believe in you.

Style of Leadership

Strength and Love is her leadership style. Niyc leads from a loving heart with joy and inspiration. As a leader she wants to create an atmosphere that is supportive.

What Are You Excited About?

Niyc is in the editing process of her book Now is Your Chance. She is working on a TV Series, Niyc TV or Happiness TV, still in creation at the moment.

Leadership Practice

Niyc's morning mindset ritual is what gets her ready in the morning. By building a strong body and strong mind you are able to go out there and seize the day and be a powerful strong leader that is coming from the right place. 

Book to Develop Leadership

7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey

Advice For Younger Self

Niyc would tell herself no matter what happens along the way that it is always going to work out all right. 

Inspirational Quote

"Find fulfillment in the joy of your journey." ~ Niyc Pidgeon

Interview Links

w: http://www.niycpidgeon.com/

F: http://www.facebook.com/niycpidgeon

T: http://www.twitter.com/niycpidge

IG: @niycpidge

 

https://womentakingthelead.com/niyc-pidgeon/

Apr 22, 2016

This past year I kicked off a local mastermind group in Maine. The participants gelled very quickly and within an hour they were being very open about their struggles, the current state of their business, and where they would like to be making more progress.

Some common themes quickly cropped up and one in particular was the need to constantly work on creating the conditions for a great life, as well as what is required to maintain those conditions.

One of the participants blurted out, “Happiness is not for the faint of heart!” We all chucked but it was laughter with the ring of truth.

And she is right. Happiness is not something you work for, achieve, and then you can forever stare at your happiness diploma on the wall

Do You Feel Like a Happiness Failure?

Happiness is not an achievement at all and I think that’s where many of us go wrong. Happiness is a state of being - it can come and go based on the choices we make and our current level of awareness.

If you feel like your failing because there are times when you are clearly not happy, you are not alone. In fact, floating in and out of happiness is part of the human experience but you can increase the amount of happiness you experience overall.

This is something that hit me over the head recently when I noticed that things that once rolled right off my shoulders started to bother me. My patience was wearing thin and I started to feel unappreciated.

These are red flags for me!

This is an early warning (or not so early warning) system for me that I am exhausted and need to unplug from work, obligations, or anything that doesn’t serve my greater good.

And I do need to unplug.

Despite all my recommendations otherwise to my friends, family and clients, I haven’t had a day off in months.

If I only put in a few hours of work on a Saturday or Sunday I consider that a “day off.”

I know what I’m afraid of: that everything will unravel if I take time for myself.

I pride myself on excellence; it’s one of my core values and I’m afraid I will have to sacrifice excellence if take time for myself and fill it with non-purposeful fluff.

Also, I have a sense that my business is on a precipice. It’s nearing that tipping point where at any time I can suddenly grow and then (yes then!) I can hire someone to take some of this load off my shoulders.

The problem is I know this way of thinking is a trap. I’m more likely to see my business to the next level if I am well rested and enjoying my work.

You and I will not experience happiness if we are running ourselves into the ground. If we are pushing ourselves too hard we may actually be preventing the very experience we are trying to obtain: happiness.

 

Read more: https://womentakingthelead.com/failing-to-be-happy/

Apr 20, 2016

In 2002, Sheila Ronning believed so strongly in women’s ability to serve on corporate boards that she became the founder & CEO of Women in the Boardroom. Today, as one of the nation’s top leadership and board service experts, Sheila excels at connecting influential women executives and professionals with the people and tools they need to succeed in business and the boardroom.  She has built a strong track record and a powerful network over the years, which she uses to help women achieve their goals. When asked about her secret to networking, Sheila says to “Be fearless, sincere, honest, and frank.”

Playing Small Moment

Sheila is a life learner. She was playing small when she was working for a major retailer. She realized her boss was always just dangling a carrot in front of her face. He was always giving the store management positions to the guys. Sheila was selling herself short by constantly needing to please him.  

The Wake Up Call

The aha moment Shelia can remember was when she moved from Minneapolis to New York. She didn't know anyone in NY. The relationship she moved there for had ended. Her company took a nose dive, because the financial crisis crept up and she didn't have her eye on the ball. Sheila tried to hide what was going on with her business and relationship. She didn't want anyone to see she was failing. Sheila became this really unhappy and angry person. One of her friends suggested she should try meditation.

Style of Leadership

Sheila leads by communication and authenticity. 

What Are You Excited About?

They reformatted Women from the Boardroom from an event company to a membership platform five years ago. Sheila is continuing to develop this platform for growth for getting more women on corporate boards.

Leadership Practice

Sheila meditates as her leadership practice.

Book to Develop Leadership

Give and Take: Why Helping Others Drives Our Success by Adam Grant

Advice For Younger Self

There are going to be some serious bumps in the road, keep forging through. Everything happens for a reason. 

Inspirational Quote

“Remember to show up, stand up, and speak up.” ~ Sheila Ronning

Interview Links

http://womenintheboardroom.com/

 

https://womentakingthelead.com/sheila-ronning/

Apr 17, 2016

Laura Novak Meyer is the owner and founder of Little Nest Portraits, a luxury boutique brand of photography studios specializing in family portraiture. As an independent photographer, Laura built Little Nest Portraits as a way to meet customer demand in an underserved niche of the market. Today Laura is one of only 3 % of women business owners to grow her company to more than a million dollars in revenue. Little Nest Portraits is now an emerging franchise company staying true to its leader’s core values, vision and passion.

Playing Small Moment

Laura played small when she first started Little Nest Portraits. She believed this was a temporary solution to an economic downturn.  Laura thought Little Nest Portraits was going to be a little spin off of Laura Novak Photography.

The Wake Up Call

Laura had a wake up call was when she delegated ‘culture’ to a senior manager. The senior manager created a culture of fear and blame. It took Laura almost two years to undo that. She realized culture is the one thing you cannot delegate.

Style of Leadership

Humility through service is her leadership style. Laura is always asking other people what she can do to make them more successful.

What Are You Excited About?

Laura is thrilled about franchising. She is excited to see the systems and processes working so well.

Leadership Practice

Meditation is the one practice that makes Laura a better leader. 

Book to Develop Leadership

Rising Strong by Brené Brown

Advice For Younger Self

Don't take the bait when people try to hand you negativity. 

Inspirational Quote

"Peace in my heart and wisdom out of my mouth." ~ Laura Novak Meyer

Interview Links

http://www.littlenestphoto.com/

4 Key Mindsets that Grow Business Success free PDF

 

https://womentakingthelead.com/laura-novak-meyer/

Apr 13, 2016

Bola is a money coach, business strategist and founder of Clever Girl Finance, a platform that empowers and educates women to make the best financial decisions for their current and future selves. Clever Girl Finance also inspires women to pursue their dreams of financial independence in order to live life on their own terms.

Playing Small Moment

Bola attended a meeting at work with a senior VP. Though in her head she had so much to say, she actually didn't say anything for the whole hour. After the meeting had concluded, the executive pulled her aside and told her if she didn’t speak up people would not realize her potential. Bola realized that she can be successful at doing what she puts her heart into. She just needs to quit thinking the WHAT IF.

The Wake Up Call

Bola’s wakeup call was when she had her twins; she realized she needed to pursue her dreams. Bola wanted to make sure she left a legacy her children would be proud of. She told her fear that she was going on a journey and fear could come along for the ride, but that it was going to need to take a back seat because she was the one in charge now.

Style of Leadership

Bola does well when she is motivated to be her best. She is a motivational leader. Bola is very good at helping people to realize how capable they are and how much power they have.

What Are You Excited About?

Clever Girl Finance is seven months old. Bola is working on a weekly business planner for women, to help them plan out their business goals, visions, business tasks, and business finances. She is focusing on small business owners, entrepreneurs, and women who are launching their business part-time or full-time.

Leadership Practice

Affirmation and To Do lists make Bola a better leader and business owner.

Book to Develop Leadership

Nice Girls Don't Get the Corner Office: 101 Unconscious Mistakes Women Make That Sabotage Their Careers by Lois P. Frankel

Advice For Younger Self

Bola, do not be afraid! Do not worry about fear of failure and fear of what others think. 

Inspirational Quote

“We can’t become what we need to be by remaining what we are.” ~ Oprah Winfrey

Interview Links

Web: Clevergirlfinance.com

Email: info@clevergirlfinance.com

Instagram: @Clevergirlfinance

Facebook: Facebook.com/Clevergirlfinance

 

https://womentakingthelead.com/bola-sokunbi/

Apr 10, 2016

Lee Gaitan is the author of two books, including her most recent one, My Pineapples Went to Houston—Finding the Humor in My Dashed Hopes, Broken Dreams and Plans Gone Outrageously Awry. Her work has appeared on The Huffington Post, Erma Bombeck, Mothers Always Write, Better After 50, The Good Men Project and many others.

Playing Small Moment

Lee was really lost and desperate when everything came to a screeching halt. She felt like she had to go back thirty years. Lee was feeling ashamed and embarrassed that she lost everything in her life due to a man. Lee had to sell everything she owned just to be able to afford a run down apartment. She had to work five jobs just to get back on her feet again. One day Lee burst into tears thinking she was never going to get to walk on the path she was on before everything hit the fan.

The Wake Up Call

One of Lee’s aha moments was when she was at a marketing session for teachers. The keynote speaker sought her out at the break and told her she should be speaking professionally. Little by little she started connecting with like-minded people. She realized at that moment that she was fully back to life again. Lee dusted her self off and got back on the path. She hasn’t stopped writing since.

Style of Leadership

Lee’s style of leadership is relationship oriented. She relates to people and always empowers them. Lee never takes anything or anyone for granted. She also uses humor as a helpful breaking point for tension.

What Are You Excited About?

Lee has a story in the book called Feisty After 45: The Best Blogs of Mid-life Women. She is also being featured on a website called Next Act for Women, and is also doing a mini re-launch of her book, My Pineapples Went to Houston, by giving a 21st century spin on it.

Leadership Practice

Assessing herself honestly and taking inventory is Lee’s leadership practice. She has learned to outsource as she realized her time is better spent on her core strengths. Different does not mean ‘less than’.

Book to Develop Leadership

You Can Heal Your Life by Louise Hay

Advice For Younger Self

Don’t hold yourself back! Lee would do this to make sure she wasn’t outshining others. Distinguishing your light doesn’t help them light theirs.

Inspirational Quote

“What we call the beginning is often the end. And to make an end is to make a beginning. The end is where we start from.” ~ T.S. Elliot

Interview Links

http://www.leegaitan.com/

https://www.facebook.com/mypineappleswenttohouston

https://www.twitter.com/LGPineapple

http://www.pinterest.com/leegaitan

http://www.stumbleupon.com/stumbler/lgaitan7

 

https://womentakingthelead.com/lee-gaitan/

Apr 8, 2016

What Nearly Toppled Me

I did my first live webinar for Women Taking the Lead last week and I’m glad it’s done.

Don’t get me wrong. It was awesome. It was amazing. And the size and scope of it nearly toppled me.

And, now I know I can do it again.

The foundation has been created and each time I do a webinar it will be easier and I can identify ways to tweak it a little bit to constantly be improving.

Stretching to Accomplish New Things is Good

I was reflecting on this experience prior to doing the webinar while I was home visiting for Easter. I was trying to not to let the work and worry of the webinar interfere with the celebration.

Honestly, what gave me a little peace was the thought that it’s meant to be like this.

Am I supposed to stress myself out with each new thing? No.

I can see in retrospect some things I could have done to spread the work out more and to support myself.

But I (and you), if we want to live amazing lives, we have to find opportunities to stretch our current abilities. This is one of the ways in which we grow.

Sometimes life throws things at us and we’re forced to grow, whether we’re ready or not. But for the most part we have a choice in the areas we want to grow and how fast we want to grow.

How To Support Yourself While You Stretch

For myself, I’m a big fan of the Slight Edge philosophy; doing little things every single day to get just a little bit better.

For the webinar, when I wasn’t rushing at the end, I was watching a couple short videos each day and working on one or two slides at a time.

When I had to learn new software I would give myself more frequent and longer breaks because that is not my strong suit. I can learn new technology, and have a lot of fun with it once I do, but learning it takes effort and concentration. It’s not intuitive to me and frankly it makes me nervous at times.

But I do it, I take it slow, and I celebrate when it’s done.

I’ve got some steps you can take to just get started and feeling more comfortable stretching yourself in a new area.

Keep in mind, though I’m going to have you set a goal, the focus in these steps is not the goal, the focus is on mindset and forming new habits that will support you in attaining any goal.

Here are your steps:

  1. Identify something you want to accomplish

Something. Anything. Think of the life you’d rather be living and identify something you can start working towards now.

  1. Set a date by which you can reasonably accomplish this

Don’t make it too tight. Life happens and you don’t want to blame life events for the reason you didn’t hit your deadline. And not too far out either. Remember, the deadline provides motivation. If it’s too far out you won’t make this a priority.

  1. Identify an easy daily practice you can put into place 

This will support you in working toward your goal.

It should take no more than 20 minutes a day though somewhere between 5 and 15 minutes is ideal.

  1. Get Someone In Your Corner

Who can you count on whom you can check in with, and that you feel comfortable being honest with, about your progress? That’s your accountability partner. Ask them if they are up for the task.

  1. Get started

Don’t put it off. There’s no better time than now.

Of course there will be other things you will have on your to do list to accomplish this goal but you need to look at this daily practice as the foundation. It will keep you on track and moving toward your goal even if life gets crazy.

Here’s an example from my life.

Identify a goal. I want to begin building a team this year and I know it’s going to start with a virtual assistant who can help me with tasks around the promotion of the episodes of Women Taking the Lead. Something that needs to happen first is getting sponsors for the podcast. This, like the webinar, is new and definitely out of my comfort zone but I know I can do it. I’ve got the media kit ready to go and I know other podcasters who have sponsors so I know I can ask them any questions as they come up for me.

Set a date. I think it’s very reasonable that I could have my first paid sponsor within 30 days.

Daily practice. A daily practice would start with making a list of brands that I think align with my mission and would benefit from being my sponsor. I’m looking for a win-win! Once that is done my daily practice would be to send 2 customized emails to potential sponsors.

Accountability partner. I already have an accountability partner, Kim, whom I check in with every Monday at 9 am.

Getting Started. Today, I’m going to spend 15-20 minutes researching companies that share my mission and that my audience would love. Tomorrow, I’ll create an email template that I’ll customize to each company that I reach out to so I’m not recreating the wheel so to speak with each email I send.

Now it’s your turn. Go through the steps until you have your foundation and you are ready to start. If you find getting started difficult start with something fun or light to ease into the process and get used to it.

What do you want to accomplish this year?

 

https://womentakingthelead.com/accomplished

Apr 6, 2016

Margaret Hasna Kelsey is the Founder of Wave of Insight, which offers conscious leadership coaching and consulting, and she has authored Wave of Insight's Poetry and Prose on Facebook, with a global following of 25,000+. She’s mother to a 7-year-old boy, whom she adopted from Nepal. When asked what she loves most about working with individuals and groups, she'll tell you, "Watching that aha moment when true transformational learning takes place.”

The Wake Up Call

While Margaret was married and in the process of adopting, she realized her husband didn't want a family. She had to ask herself if she was going to be able to adopt and raise a family on her own as a single woman. Margaret had to assess whether she was limiting herself or she was being limited by an outside force.

Style of Leadership

Margaret’s leadership style stems from a few different places. She pays attention to which part of her is growing the most now, and which part needs to grow the most, and then she watches for which parts regress at that time. Margaret learned from a past mentor that patience is highly important as a leader and she emulates that in her life.

What Are You Excited About?

Margaret is putting together an online gallery so people can purchase different mediums of the artwork. She loves being able to see analytics that tell her when her artwork is shared or made as profile pictures and ultimately seeing her work resonate.

Leadership Practice

Meditation and any kind of mindful practice, which provides Margaret with the opportunity to put space between her and the things that ‘suck’ her in.

Book to Develop Leadership

Taking the Leap: Freeing Ourselves from Old Habits and Fears, by Pema Chödrön

Advice for Younger Self

Never take anything too seriously. Life is really here for enjoyment, it’s here for the exploration and the experiences. Don’t take it all too seriously.

Inspirational Quote

“ONG NAMO GURU DEV NAMO”

Ong is "Infinite Creative energy in manifestation and activity".

Namo is "Reverent Greetings" implying humility, 

Guru means "Teacher or Wisdom."

Dev means "Divine or of God."

“I call upon the Divine Wisdom, and Self-knowledge that is within us.”

“Do something today that your future self will thank you for.”

Interview Links

http://www.waveofinsight.com/

https://www.facebook.com/waveofinsight/

http://waveofinsightgallery.com

Email: mhkelsey@waveofinsight.com

 

https://womentakingthelead.com/margaret-hasna-kelsey/

Apr 3, 2016

Adrian Granzella Larssen is editor-in-chief of The Muse, a career platform that helps millions of people find and succeed at their dream job. A nationally recognized career expert, she helps Millennials navigate career changes and job searching in the digital world. She has been featured in Forbes, Inc., Real Simple, Money, Fox TV, and MSNBC.

Playing Small Moment

Adrian played small from the very beginning. She took her first job right out of college, just to have a job. Though she learned a lot from that job, it wasn't exactly what she wanted to pursue.

The Wake Up Call

Adrian had a great job and worked with great people, but realized that her 16 year old self would be totally bummed about who she had become.

Style of Leadership

Adrian only hires people she can really trust and believe in.

What Are You Excited About?

Adrian is excited about Coach Connect, which launched last year. Coach Connect is a place where you can book time with coaches to enhance your skills, improve your launch and acquire new strategies.

Leadership Practice

Spending time with people outside of her team helps Adrian get a broader look of the company she works for.

Book to Develop Leadership

The Five Dysfunctions of A Team, by Patrick Lencioni

Advice For Younger Self

Adrian would tell herself that you don't have to have it all figured out by the time you graduate, or ever. You have to keep moving forward, but not in the same direction.

Inspirational Quote

“If opportunity doesn’t knock, build a door.” ~ Adrian Granzella Larssen

Interview Links

http://www.themuse.com/advice

Twitter: @adriangranzella

Instagram: @adriangranzella

 

https://womentakingthelead.com/adrian-granzella-larssen/

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