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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: May, 2016
May 29, 2016

Suzanne Doyle-Ingram is a best-selling author of 7 books, and she has written or co-written a total of 13 books. She has also helped over a hundred business professionals get published by bringing together the collaborative efforts of experts in various fields that contribute to one book on a specific topic. Suzanne has had tremendous success with this model.

In addition, she also coaches and trains individuals and existing authors on how to write and publish a book and how to use that book as leverage to increase their visibility, open doors for speaking engagements, grow their brand and business, and much more. She lives on the West Coast of Canada with her husband James and three kids ages 9, 12 and 14.

Playing Small Moment

Suzanne recalls playing it small by not knowing her value, and the value of what she could do. When Suzanne was approached to help create an entire course, she jumped at the opportunity. Creating this course took up much of her schedule and without a written agreement she was not compensated appropriately. Suzanne created this course in hopes of someday making money, when she should have charged up front for the hard work it would require.

The Wake Up Call

When Suzanne first started her Expert Author program, one of her privately coached students forwarded her an email containing quite the testimonial. The student raved about how her book was guaranteeing her business success. This prompted Suzanne to notice that she had all of the proof needed to spread the word about her course.

Style of Leadership

As described by one of her past students, Suzanne is a coach, a best friend and a mom all rolled into one. She tries to be nice and encouraging, but also sets deadlines and follows up frequently to make sure her students are on target.

What Are You Excited About?

Suzanne is currently working on writing multiple books. Her and twelve professionals are writing a book on mortgage, she is ghost writing a realtor book and an entrepreneur book and is looking for students for her private coaching.

Leadership Practice

Suzanne is continually learning. Even though she knows more than her clients do, Suzanne is always learning to help her clients as much as she can.

Book to Develop Leadership

No B.S. Time Management for Entrepreneurs, by Dan Kennedy

Advice For Younger Self

Charge more. Suzanne was not brave enough to charge more and she was working too hard for not enough money. Know your value and know your worth. Realize how the work you do helps others make money.

Inspirational Quote

“The harder you work, the luckier you get.” ~ Gary Player

Interview Links

http://prominencepublishing.com/

https://twitter.com/prominencepubs

https://www.facebook.com/SuzanneDoyleIngramBiz/

 

https://womentakingthelead.com/suzanne-doyle-ingram/

May 25, 2016

Fabienne Raphaël is an Online Business Strategist & Connector, Speaker, Best-Selling Author & Podcaster at Marketing to Crush your Competitors. She helps entrepreneurs to cash-in on their expertise & build their online business the right way to make it profitable & automated, so they can spend more time with their loved ones. Her mantra is: Connect, Build, Automate.

Playing Small Moment

Fabienne was scared to put herself out there for fear of what others would say. Silencing her true self, she struggled to fit in and please everyone. While in a mastermind group, she clashed with another entrepreneur because she saw herself not as skilled as the other women, despite all of their similarities. This caused a rift that couldn’t be repaired during their project.

The Wake Up Call

Fabienne’s wakeup call wasn’t just one day, but a series of events to expose who she really was. Her business partner was a great influence on her life and business skills. Fabienne realized what she was expressing was only a small percentage of who she was. Shocking to her, once she was acting like herself people were accepting her and she started embracing her true self.

Style of Leadership

Fabienne likes to lead with passion, confidence and empathy. She puts herself in the shoes of the person she is serving and is very conscious of what others are feeling and experiencing.

What Are You Excited About?

Fabienne is excited about the upcoming 200th episode of her podcast, airing May 17th. She has some huge surprises she can’t wait to reveal!

Leadership Practice

Listening. With all of the selfies and status updates on social media, we are not used to listening to each other. Ask a question as a follow up instead of make a comment about yourself, but you have to really be in it. If you are sincerely interested in other people, they will be more interested to help you as well.

Book to Develop Leadership

The Ten X Rule: The Only Difference Between Success and Failure,

Advice For Younger Self

“Just do it! Make it happen.”

Inspirational Quote

“Success is something you attract by the person you become.” – Jim Rohn

Interview Links

Freebie to offer:

www.marketingtocrushyourcompetitors.com

Social Media:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FabiennRaphael

FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/connect.build.automate/

Twitter: @FabiennRaphael

 

https://womentakingthelead.com/fabienne-raphael/

 

May 22, 2016

Susan Morris is a condominium developer in Portland, Maine and Principal of NewHeight Group, a firm specializing in providing marketing, branding and business strategy to organizations developing new products and services, or repositioning existing ones. Susan is a Maine Angel and is actively engaged in Maine Startup and Create Week, Women Standing Together, TopGun and the House of Genius. She has built and exited from several businesses.

Prior to having her own businesses, Susan worked for Marriott International for 13 years. Susan is co-author of a college textbook, Hospitality Sales: A Marketing Approach and serves as a speaker, adjunct professor and facilitator.

Playing Small Moment

During her Marriott career, Susan was the account manager for very large accounts, handling all aspects of their development and strategies. The man who replaced her when she relocated to a new position packaged up her work, claiming it as his own, and teaching presentations about it all throughout Marriott. Looking back, she viewed her work as not fully complete and realized that a lot of women tend to do the same.

The Wake Up Call

There were two instances during her career with Marriott where Susan was up for a job against men, where she was the more qualified candidate that didn’t get the job. When Susan inquired why she was not chosen for the job, her boss informed her that the man was married and had two kids to put through college. Susan realized as you go higher in a company, there tends to be more people who think the same and they don’t like it when you challenge those thoughts.

Style of Leadership

Susan believes in rallying people to believe in her vision and see what their part is in that vision. She is an exceedingly verbal person and quite proactive in throwing out ideas, recognizing that it gives people a chance to react. Susan prides herself on being able to change her mind and be convinced to do so.

What Are You Excited About?

Susan is excited about a new condominium, Luminato, with a new theme of living light. This condominium will bring about new concepts of living and the idea that if you live in a bright space, you can live in a smaller space. They will be including new amenities, such as a guest room you would see in a hotel and a community room to do your work or hang out in. Something else that excites Susan is that there are more female buyers than male buyers now.

Leadership Practice

Susan is full of curiosity about the world and the people she gets to interact with. Her style can be described as what you see is what you get.

Book to Develop Leadership

Women Don’t Ask: The High Cost of Avoiding Negotiation–and Positive Strategies for Change, by Linda Babcock and Sara Laschever

Advice For Younger Self

There are many times when Susan has thought she could make the changes needed or make it happen before throwing in the towel, when she should have moved on sooner. Susan often lives by The Serenity Prayer, reminding herself to only change what she can.

Inspirational Quote

“Do not follow where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.” ~ Emerson

“Stop me before I volunteer again.” ~ Susan Morris

Interview Links

http://www.newheightgroup.com

Email: susanvmorris@newheightmorris.com

 

https://womentakingthelead.com/susan-morris/

May 18, 2016

Marissa Lawton is a Self-Esteem & Strategy Coach for Mompreneurs. In a previous life, Marissa was a Mental Health Counselor who specialized in women's issues. Today, she uses her training as a licensed therapist along with her business degree to help moms raise their biz babies while raising their real-life babies.

Playing Small Moment

Marissa realized, at her 8th grade graduation, the importance of grades and reputation. She wanted to go to college and growing up with a single mom she knew the only way she could get there was by earning a full-ride scholarship. All throughout high school she would daydream about moving to a far away place and getting out of the area. However, during her junior year, Marissa received a full-ride scholarship from Arizona State University, which was only 2 hours away. Marissa jumped at the chance because she decided to stay closer to home. That choice changed the course of her life forever.

The Wake Up Call

The corporate world was not for Marissa, so she decided to go down the Mental Health path instead. Marissa became a mother because her daughter at birth had some health concerns, so she quit her job to stay at home. Marissa had Post- Partum Depression because she didn’t have a purpose in life and she didn’t know what was going to happen with her daughter’s health. Marissa never figured she would be an entrepreneur at a young age. However, when the opportunity arose, she took it.

Style of Leadership

The ability to meet people where they are in their process by using her listening skills is Marissa’s style of leadership. She believes no one is one-size fits all.

What Are You Excited About?

Marissa is excited about helping moms. The Riss Lawton Company’s mission is showing women they can be excellent mothers and still have passion and purpose beyond motherhood. She has two free resources: More than Mom Mini Course and Feel Good Schedule Challenge.

Leadership Practice

Listening for undertones - it’s more about what people don’t say than what they do say.

Book to Develop Leadership

The Success Principles: How to Get from Where You Are to Where You Want to Be by Jack Canfield

Advice For Younger Self

Marissa would tell her younger self that life is not going to look like anything you thought it would, but that doesn’t mean it's not going to be amazing and beautiful.

Inspirational Quote

“All love starts with self love.” ~unknown

Interview Links

To learn more and join her caring community of motivated mamas click here >>> bit.ly/join-mompreneur

 

https://www.womentakingthelead.com/marissa-lawton

May 15, 2016

With her signature program Step into the Spotlight, Profile Builder and Coach Mentor, Vanessa Talbot specializes in igniting coaches to Be Seen and Heard by boosting their profile and increasing their influence; resulting in their magnetic attraction for more leads, more clients and more opportunities! Creator of the popular Facebook group Coaches, Authors, Entrepreneurs: Step into the Spotlight, Vanessa is also the Author of the international selling Inspirational book for women, Extraordinary YOU: The art of living a lusciously spirited, vibrant life.

Playing Small Moment

Vanessa was playing small when she had a mining company with her husband. She realized that business was his dream, not hers - they ended up getting a divorce. Vanessa never fought for what she deserved because she didn’t like conflict. She had to start all over again from scratch. Vanessa knew she had to find another way to earn an income while still maintaining the same lifestyle she had grown to love.

The Wake Up Call

As a shy introvert, Vanessa did all the admin and financial work at the mining company, but when she started her coaching business Vanessa had to be the face of her brand. She was approached by a media celebrity in Australia for her advice. Vanessa challenged that friendship until she ended up losing it because she felt intimated by that caliber of a person. Vanessa is more open to playing with the bigger players now.

Style of Leadership

Never been a follower when she was younger, Vanessa leads by the beat of her own drum. She doesn’t care what others think; she listens to her inner self.

What Are You Excited About?

Vanessa is excited about her May launch of Step into the Spotlight for Coaches, which is a six-month program based on finding a key message and expanding and boosting their profile.

Leadership Practice

Balance is how Vanessa starts her day. She doesn’t start working until noon because she spends her mornings outside with her animals.

Book to Develop Leadership

Book Yourself Solid: The Fastest, Easiest, and Most Reliable System for Getting More Clients Than You Can Handle Even if You Hate Marketing and Selling by Michael Port

Advice For Younger Self

Vanessa would say to her younger self to stop playing mediocre.

Inspirational Quote

“Life is short. Eat dessert first.” ~ Jacques Torres

Interview Links

Website:  www.extraordinarybeings.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/stepintothespotlight/

 

https://womentakingthelead.com/vanessa-talbot/

May 13, 2016

I don’t think it will come as a surprise for anyone that in the past year I’ve spent a lot of time contemplating our position as women in the workplace, in the home and in society - more than I ever have in the past.

Multiple conversations per week flow into more conversations and more pondering. Sometimes, I admit, I get a little overwhelmed - like I’m trying to crack a code that no one has been able to solve yet.

There are many reasons why as women we are faced with bias and some are out of our control.

However, what I’ve come to see as the biggest obstacle to our confidence and equal opportunities is ourselves.

Collectively, it is our own self-imposed limits that are having the greatest impact on the slow progress we’ve had as women.

Stay with me for a bit, Here is a story from my own experience.

In grammar school my peers and I were assigned in work groups based on what our ability was believed to be in certain subjects and the teacher taught each group according to this criteria.

When I was in the 3rd grade I was placed in the middle reading group in school. At some point during the year my teacher met with my parents to propose moving me to the higher reading group because the workload in my level was too easy for me.

The change was made and the problems began.

I wasn’t finishing my work and it wasn’t at the same caliber it had been.

My peaceful existence in the 3rd grade suddenly changed. I was publicly ridiculed by my teacher and accused of being lazy. My teacher seemed to look for opportunities after that to criticize me.

In the 3rd grade I began wetting myself at school.

Luckily in the 4th grade I had a wonderful and compassionate teacher and I worked hard to prove myself worthy of her kindness. I excelled in school through the sixth grade and was always in the top groups.

Then when transitioning to Catholic school in the 7th grade I tested into the middle level.

I was shocked by that having been in all top levels since the 3rd grade but it was explained to me that Catholic school was harder than public school and I was actually an average student in this new system. I wasn’t happy but I accepted what I was told.

Until high school when I tested into the highest level once again. However, after 2 years of being average and at an older age when these beliefs become more firm, I could not accept this change.

My parents were pleased but I was not. I was freaked out. Remember the last experience I had when moved into a higher level?

The thought that ran through my head as I sat in the classroom on the first day of school was, “I don’t belong here, I don’t belong here. I’m going to fail.”

This was reinforced when a girl from my previous school, who had been in a higher level, looked at me with surprise as she walked into the room that first day and asked what I was doing there.

I transferred this thought to my new classmates in the room. It didn’t matter that they didn’t know me. In my mind they knew I was a fraud and that I shouldn’t be there.

For weeks I begged, I pleaded and lashed out in anger at my parents and my guidance counselor. They wouldn’t budge. I had tested well and I belonged in the honors level classes. In their mind - that was that, case closed.

Long story short – I intentionally flunked Biology that first quarter and my parents and guidance counselor, much to their chagrin, agreed to move me down two levels to the middle level.

Do you know it took me the next 2½ years to get back into honors level classes? The reality was I didn’t belong in the middle level classes.

It was only after meeting an amazing teacher, who helped me to begin changing the beliefs about my abilities, reinforced by other teachers around me, that I could begin to see I had been wrong about myself.

Until I changed the belief I had about myself that I was only an average student I couldn’t excel in school.

This isn’t just the case with me, this happens to us all.

We create an outward reality that reflects the internal beliefs we have. The two have to connect.

This is the crux of the work I do with my clients.

When they change their limiting beliefs about themselves and what’s possible, they suddenly have this renewed energy and confidence to take action or take new actions.

With these new actions things start to change and they start getting the things they’ve always wanted but couldn’t seem to make a reality, be it better relationships, more money, or to finally write their book.

Until we as women are willing to believe that we are worthy of more; that we deserve the right to speak up and advocate for ourselves, to be treated well - what we will get is what we’ve always gotten.

Isn’t it time you got something different?

I saw a meme on Facebook recently that stated, “When you stand up for yourself as a woman you stand up for all women.”

How true is that?

I hope this was helpful for you.

Give me your feedback by commenting on the post that accompanies this episode or by leaving me a rating and review in iTunes. I see and appreciate all the feedback I get there and it also makes this podcast more visible for those who want to be in community and get support from others just like them.

Thank you so much and here’s to your success!

https://womentakingthelead.com/how-we-see-ourselves/

May 11, 2016

Dr. Joanie Connell is the founder of Flexible Work Solutions, a consulting firm that specializes in leadership assessment and development.  She is the author of Flying without a Helicopter: How to Prepare Young People for Work and Life.  She received her doctorate from UC Berkeley and her bachelors from Harvard.

Playing Small Moment

After Joanie had graduated with her Psychology degree, she decided to apply for the CSPP (California School of Professional Psychology). When CSPP made the offer, she accepted the salary, which was in alignment with the wage Berkley stated. Joanie didn’t counter; she accepted it as is. The program director at CSPP boosted her salary because he realized she didn’t negotiate and was worth more than she was initially offered.

The Wake Up Call

Joanie had her wake up call after she left her previous job of being a professor over a decade ago. Joanie became a consultant and wasn’t sure what she could offer others that hadn’t been offered before. One of her contacts called her to develop an assessment center for executives; they told her the reason why, she was reliable, ethical, structured, and would get the job done. Joanie realized at that moment what her brand was going to be.

Style of Leadership

Situational is Joanie’s leadership style. Listening and paying attention to what's needed in any given situation and being adaptable.

What Are You Excited About?

Joanie’s excited about her book Flying without a Helicopter: How to Prepare Young People for Work and Life. She’s taken lessons learned from successful people and is bringing it to the younger generation, helping them realize what their needs are and focusing more on life skills than academics and experiences.

Leadership Practice

Joanie listens more and talks less. She finds this is the best way to know what is going on with someone. People don’t always want to know your opinion.

Book to Develop Leadership

Through the Labyrinth: The Truth About How Women Become Leaders (Center for Public Leadership) by Alice H. Eagly and Linda L. Carli

Advice For Younger Self

Be true to yourself! Be authentic at an early age.

Inspirational Quote

“Be true to yourself and your values.” ~unknown

Interview Links

Website: www.flexibleworksolutions.com

Twitter: @ConnellLessons

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LessonsfromtheWorkplace

 

https://womentakingthelead.com/joanie-connell

May 8, 2016

Kim Boudreau Smith is a multi-talented CEO and business leader with a legacy of empowering thousands of women. From a corporate background in sales and marketing and over 20 years of experience in the fitness industry, Kim has gone on to become a #1 International Best-Selling Author with the book being one of the best-selling on Amazon for 2015! Kim combines her expertise with a passion for motivating and inspiring other women to become “top producers in their lives”. As CEO of Kim Boudreau Smith Inc. and KBS Publishing, her platform on international speaking and coaching has enabled thousands of women to benefit from her inspirational and empowering work.

Playing Small Moment

Kim thought that in order to continue her radio station she needed to merge with someone else. She met a woman who owned a radio station in Michigan, and ultimately this partnership didn’t work out. Kim closed the doors on everything and told her client she was done, but they told her “Kim, you are not a quitter”. Kim and her client merged under Kim’s radio station and the platform that she had started 3 years prior.

The Wake Up Call

Kim had an ‘aha’ moment when she fell asleep at the wheel; she knew at that moment she was living without passion in her life.

Style of Leadership

Empowering her team to take ownership of their decisions is Kim’s leadership style. 

What Are You Excited About?

Kim is launching her second radio show called Down & Dirty with Kim BS. She is also excited because Bold Radio Station is in a growth phase.

Leadership Practice

Kim practices meditation.

Book to Develop Leadership

The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00U6SFUSS/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?ie=UTF8&btkr=1

Advice For Younger Self

Stop living for everyone else and flex your confident muscle.

Inspirational Quote

“Be yourself, everyone else is already taken.” ~ Oscar Wilde

“Be sure to taste your words before you spit them out.” ~ Unknown

Interview Links

www.boldradiostation.com   

www.kimbsmith.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kboudreausmith 

https://www.facebook.com/BoldRadioStation/?fref=ts

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/KimBSmithInc

https://twitter.com/BoldRadioStatio

 

https://womentakingthelead.com/kim-boudreau-smith/

May 4, 2016

Michelle Mazur, Ph.D. is hired by speakers and entrepreneurs to create speaking as profit-center for their business by building a speech-like product that positions them as the go-to expert in their field. She is the CEO of Communication Rebel. She lives in Seattle, WA with her adoring husband, 2 obsessive felines, and a huge collection of Duran Duran memorabilia.

Playing Small Moment

Michelle was taking Debate during her Junior Year of College and read the judges’ comments on the ballot while on a trip back home. She saw, in big bold letters, a capital B and a word that rhymes with witch. That moment ended up changing her life. She was scared of speaking up which still plagues her today; Michelle has never shared this story with another audience before.

The Wake Up Call

Michelle needed to find her voice; she was a blogger and didn’t know how to go about showing her passion in her writing. Michelle attended a conference; the lady at the beginning tricked and duped the whole audience. She was very upset, and while the woman was still speaking, Michelle wrote a rant about “How to Not Be a Motivational Speaker” - it was funny and cutting. Michelle published it the next day and was waiting for the backlash. She received an email from someone telling her she did a great job, and they wanted to hire her as a speaking coach. Michelle had her aha moment, realizing it is OK to have a different perspective than others.

Style of Leadership

Michelle is very direct in her leadership style and has good vision. She will ask her team what they think, before she goes ahead with implementing a decision, to ensure everyone else is onboard.

What Are You Excited About?

Michelle is getting ready to launch her 6-week program “The Speaking Distillery”. The goal behind this program is for women who want to get their message out there and get paid.

Leadership Practice

Meditation makes Michelle feel less reactive.

Book to Develop Leadership

Art of Asking: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Let People Help by Amanda Powers

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00IRISKD6/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?ie=UTF8&btkr=1

Advice For Younger Self

No matter what you hear or what other people think, don’t let anyone dull your spark.

Inspirational Quote

“Learn the rules like a pro, so you can break them like an artist.” ~Pablo Picasso

Interview Links

www.drmichellemazur.com

Rebel Speaker Facebook Group: www.drmichellemazur.com/group

Twitter: twitter.com/drmichellemazur

 

https://womentakingthelead.com/michelle-mazur/

May 1, 2016

Rachael Thompson Phillips is a Spiritual Entrepreneur, Business and Spiritual Mentor, and Founder of Successfully SASSY and 'BEYOU' Oracle Cards. She works with sassy spiritual lady entrepreneurs who are lightworkers, healers, therapists, psychics, psychic mediums, yoga teachers and coaches providing a service based business and want to unleash their potential and become successful spiritual entrepreneurs through online businesses and/or online courses.

Playing Small Moment

Rachael always learned to follow her intuition. During Easter vacation 15 years ago, she decided to ride on a jet boat. Rachel was saying goodbye to everyone when her heart sunk. She didn’t listen to her gut instinct, 5 minutes into the trip the steering cable snapped and she was thrown from the jet boat into the water going 80mph. Rachael was under the water angry at how she hadn’t lived her life’s purpose yet and how she almost died leaving her family and friends behind.

The Wake Up Call

Rachael’s aha moment was creating two different careers with absolutely no knowledge behind them. This time, she decided to go with her instincts and realized it was the right thing to do. Rachael knew all the pieces would come together. She had to change her mindset from being a teacher to being the student. Rachael knew she could achieve anything she wanted to.

Style of Leadership

Determination! Rachel wants to know how things are relevant to help other people live a more congruent life.

What Are You Excited About?

Rachael created a deck of Oracle cards called BEYOU. She wanted to give women the tool to learn more about themselves.

Leadership Practice

Consistency is Rachael’s leadership practice.

Book to Develop Leadership

Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway®: Dynamic techniques for turning Fear, Indecision and Anger into Power, Action and Love by Susan Jeffers, Ph.D.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008OXEROK/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?ie=UTF8&btkr=1

Advice For Younger Self

Believe in yourself, you can achieve anything you want to.

Inspirational Quote

“You are never given a Dream without the Power to Make it Come True.” ~ Richard Bach 

Interview Links

Web: www.rachaelthompsonphillips.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rachaelthompsonphillips.spiritualentrepreneur

Instagram: https://instagram.com/rtp.spiritualentrepreneur/

 

https://womentakingthelead.com/rachael-thompson-phillips/

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