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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: December, 2016
Dec 28, 2016

Lin Eleoff is an Internet startup lawyer, but she's more than that — she's the kind of lawyer that wants to help you avoid having to hire a lawyer, especially when you're just trying to grow your business, and money is tight.

That means she doesn't want you to hire her; she wants to show you how you can do a lot of the legal legwork yourself. Her "DIY Legal Toolkit" not only answers your legal questions, it provides you with checklists, templates, and the law you need to know about in order to "cover your assets online." Online entrepreneurs don't know what they don't know, and that means they're exposing themselves to liability, and they're putting their personal assets at risk.

Playing Small Moment

Lin says playing small for her was when she attempted to be all things to all people.

The Wake Up Call

Lin started her online business without knowing what she was doing. After some time, she made a 46-step checklist that she made into a book. A book she wished she had had access to when she first started her business.

 

Style of Leadership

Lin would like to be a leader who leads with grace, to enable those who have the guts and the grit to go for it. She throws in some humor and some sarcasm, just to lighten things up.

What Are You Excited About?

Lin is really excited about her new Mind, Body, Business Freedom Mastermind. She wants to make an affordable community for women who want to find success when starting their own online businesses.

Current Business Challenge

Lin says it has been challenging finding a group of like-minded women who are willing to go all-in.

Your Support System

Lin belongs to a high-level Mastermind Group, she has a business coach, a virtual assistant, and a tech support system.

Leadership Practice

Asking questions is Lin’s practice that makes her a better leader.

Book to Develop Leadership

The Dance of Anger, by Harriet Lerner

The Four Agreements, by Don Miguel Ruiz

Advice For Younger Self

“You are on the right track. Keep doing what your heart is telling you to do. Yes it’s scary. Keep moving forward.”

Inspirational Quote

“This too shall pass.”

Links

Website: CoverYourAssetsOnline.com

Website: DIYLegalToolkit.com

 

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

Find more resources at https://womentakingthelead.com 

Dec 25, 2016

Dana Zarcone, known as “The Liberating Leadership Coach,” is passionate about helping her clients live all-in and full-out, step into their power, and enjoy epic success in life and business. Dana has her masters in counseling, is a national certified counselor, certified core energetics practitioner, certified life coach and energy healer. She’s the founder of Source Your Joy™ and is a motivational speaker, author, and host of The Your Shift Matters podcast.

Playing Small Moment

When Dana was growing up, her parents had her life already roadmapped for her. She did exactly what was expected of her. Dana’s playing small moment came after receiving her mother’s discouragement after she told her mom she was going back to college, after becoming successful in corporate America. She ended up staying the course and continuing her work, when it wasn’t what she wanted to do.

The Wake Up Call

Dana decided to leave the corporate world to become an entrepreneur and coach. When she took the leap, she realized that she didn’t know who she was. She had identified herself with her job title and her paycheck for so long, she had no idea how much confidence she lacked. After a breakdown and some soul searching, her wake up call came when she realized she had a purpose in this world. 

Style of Leadership

Dana’s leadership style is about being compassionate, sympathetic, humble, and non-judgmental. She firmly holds people accountable.

What Are You Excited About?

Dana is co-authoring a book, The No-BS Truth: What it Really Takes to Build a Business. She is also really excited about her energy work, and having Jodi as a guest on her new podcast, Your Shift Matters.

Current Business Challenge

Dana underestimated just how much work having a podcast is, so she is in the market for a Virtual Assistant.

Your Support System

Friends and family are supportive of Dana’s ventures. Her virtual friends have really been great sounding boards and mentors. She is thankful for these women she considers some of her dearest friends.

Leadership Practice

Dana does a 5-minute energy routine.

Book to Develop Leadership

Thrive, by Arianna Huffington

Eat That Frog, by Brian Tracy

Who Moved My Cheese, by Spencer Johnson

Advice For Younger Self

“Don’t let other people’s opinions about you and about life determine how you feel about yourself and what you can accomplish.”

Inspirational Quote

“Our deepest fear isn’t that we are inadequate. It’s that we are powerful beyond measure; and there is nothing enlightened about shrinking so others won’t feel insecure around you.”
― Marianne Williamson

Links

Website: http://www.DanaZarcone.com

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/DanaZarcone

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

Podcast: http://www.YourShiftMatters.com

  

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

Find more resources at https://womentakingthelead.com 

Dec 23, 2016

In this holiday season while we are putting more effort into being forgiving, cheerful and jolly I thought I’d go over some of the reasons why you might want to continue the effort throughout the year…at least until it doesn’t require as much effort.

We’ve all needed to vent at one time or another. The pressure builds inside of us and we need to release it to a close and trusted confidant.

The mistake I see some women make is bringing that behavior into their professional life assuming everyone they are talking to is on the same page as they are. They voice their grievances indiscriminately and without any commitment to create change for the better.

Another reason I’m doing this episode is as a reminder to myself to always be mindful of the impact I have on others. I’m generally known as a positive person but I have my moments of negativity and I’d like those moments to be fewer and farther between in the future.

Also, if you are a win-lose kind of person I can tell you when you go negative in a relationship you lose. The person being the most negative appears to be the more immature, unstable person and thus will appear to be the source of the problems.

Protect your reputation and your peace of mind by being aware of what comes across as negative and work towards keeping a more positive frame of mind.

Obvious ways we tend to go negative

  1. Complaining about another person, especially when framed in a way to make yourself look good.

This is also a form of gossip and it is as damaging to the other person as it is to you. You may not realize it but you are sending a message to those you are talking with that you don’t know how to handle conflict, that you are not capable of resolving issues.

While you may find people who agree with you and validate your position you also make yourself look weak and untrustworthy. Those around you will believe you to be the type of person who will sell them out as well should you get mad at them.

Instead, find a way to resolve your conflict with the source. If you need to talk through your strategy with someone first, find a trusted confidant who will listen objectively and keep your conversation confidential.

  1. Talking at length about how hard you have it

Everyone is going through something. No one has it easy. It’s okay to share with your friends and close associates an update on some challenges you have to let them into your world and possibly brainstorm some solutions. If the conversation is focused on finding a solution it can actually be energizing, especially to those who love problem solving.

And before you share your challenges, weigh whether or not it is even worth sharing. You’ll be surprised that if you are able to let some things go and not focus on them by engaging in a conversation about them, fewer things will bother you.

We all have things to be grateful for, share those instead.

  1. Saying anything snarky

It’s unprofessional. I’ve seen people try to be snarky in mixed company thinking that it was a good joke but instead it landed like a lead balloon. Sarcasm is easily misunderstood so outside of the private conversation with your other sarcastic friend, avoid it. It’s not worth taking the chance.

Subtle forms of going negative

  1. Disagreeing with everyone’s ideas without expressing any alternatives or offering to help in the solution

It’s okay not to agree with others but when you shoot down other people’s ideas and don’t have a logical reason for it or an alternative you run the risk of looking contentious. Rather than disagreeing outright politely ask questions that would help the other party see the gaps in their plan or reveal information that would help you to see the validity of the idea.

  1. Expressing your opinions without being asked for them.

Have you ever been around someone who was constantly blurting out, “I don’t like that”? Oy!

When asked for your honest opinion it’s okay to be honest, just hold back from laying it on thick.

  1. Moping

This passive-aggressive tactic is usually employed after someone has not gotten their way. Rather than accepting what has been decided they choose to disengage and refuse to participate in protest. This is considered childish behavior and it makes the situation uncomfortable for everyone.

Rather than moping either completely remove yourself from the situation or organization if it’s that intolerable or shake it off and start participating again.

Be the person others want to be around

We all can agree that it’s draining to be around people who are constantly complaining. Don’t be the person others want to avoid because you have a tendency to go negative on occasion.

I go over all the triggers to this behavior and how you can be the person others want to work with, promote and support as you move toward your goals in my book, Accomplished: How to Go from Dreaming to Doing. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N3LH7S0

Resources

Private Facebook Community: Chat, share and collaborate with other women in the community!

Accomplished: How to Go from Dreaming to DoingA simple, step by step system that gives you the foundation and structure to take your goals and make them happen.

Find more resources at https://womentakingthelead.com

Subscribe to Women Taking the Lead

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Dec 21, 2016

Michelle McQuaid is a best-selling author, workplace well-being teacher, and playful change activator. With more than a decade of senior leadership experience in large organizations around the world, shes passionate about translating cutting-edge research from positive psychology and neuroscience, into practical strategies for health, happiness, and business success. She blogs for Psychology Today, Huffington Post, and Live Happy, and her work has been featured in Forbes, the Harvard Business Review, the Wall Street Journal, Boss Magazine, The Age, and more.

Michelle lives to help people discover their strengths, move beyond their fears, and finally discover what it truly takes to flourish with confidence.

Playing Small Moment

Michelle says her playing small moment came when she requested coffee with a friend who was a C-level executive from a large financial firm, to ask for some career advice. When her contact said she should take on a new role, Michelle was embarrassed, because she didn’t think she had what it would take for a role of that size.

The Wake Up Call

While watching TV one evening, Michelle was amazed to learn there is a science behind how we show up every day. This was her wake up call that maybe she had plateaued in her current position, and it was time for her to learn more about positive psychology.

Style of Leadership

Michelle practices positive leadership. She has a weekly check in and asks her team members “What lit you up the most?”

What Are You Excited About?

Michelle’s book, Lead Like a Woman, was released in early 2016. When she and her partner saw the incredible results, they devised a way to get it in front of more women, through an online program.

Current Business Challenge

Michelle finds it challenging not to be attached to outcomes, and to give her best efforts to the daily processes.

Leadership Practice

Michelle looks for the best in people.

Book to Develop Leadership

Lead Like a Woman, by Michelle McQuaid &
Megan Dalla-Camina

Advice For Younger Self

“Be gentler on yourself.”

Inspirational Quote

“What if everything you dreamed was entirely possible?”

Links

Website: https://www.leadlikeawoman.net

Website: http://www.michellemcquaid.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/chellemcquaid

Character Strength Assessment: http://www.viacharacter.org/

 

Find more resources at https://womentakingthelead.com

Dec 18, 2016

Andrea Goulet is the CEO of Corgibytes, a software development shop dedicated to maintaining and modernizing software applications. Named by LinkedIn as one of the top ten professionals in software under 35, Andrea is the founder of LegacyCode.Rocks, and hosts a podcast dedicated to changing the way we think about legacy code. She keynotes frequently about building a business based on balance, empathy, and trust; the perils of the technical/non-technical divide; and the technical philosophies around working with legacy code. In her spare time, Andrea enjoys helping other people learn how to code, and writing about the intersection of empathy and software. She loves watching her kids explore the world, and is a sucker for a good physics documentary. You can recognize her by the JavaScript tattoo on her wrist.

Playing Small Moment

Andrea says she still plays small sometimes, and she feels the anxiety that accompanies her fear may always be there for her. She finds herself focusing on the negative comments about her work, so she welcomes positive feedback about the impact she is making.

The Wake Up Call

After hearing her husband describe her as non-technical, Andrea realized she was the person who had been holding herself back. He had used the exact words to describe her as she had used to describe herself just days before.

Style of Leadership

Andrea encourages her team members to go outside of their comfort zones. She considers herself a gardener who sets seeds and lets them grow, and tries not to get in the way.

What Are You Excited About?

Andrea is ready to dedicate her time to writing a book and getting it published. She is also excited about the community of LegacyCode.Rocks.

Current Business Challenge

As Corgibytes continues to grow, Andrea is challenged with embracing the growth, while maintaining her original vision.

Your Support System

Andrea’s business partner Scott, who is also her husband, provides her with amazing support. Scott’s parents provide child care which gives them freedom to run their business. All of the team members are willing to do whatever it takes to get the job done.

Leadership Practice

Shared daily journals have been a transformative practice.

Book to Develop Leadership

Daring Greatly, by Dr. Brene Brown

Nice Girls Don’t Get the Corner Office, by Dr. Lois Frankel

Advice For Younger Self

“Recognize no matter what you do, you are gaining an important lesson you can use later.”

Inspirational Quote

No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.”
― Eleanor Roosevelt

Links

Website: Corgibytes.com

Website: LegacyCode.Rocks

Twitter: @AndreaGoulet

LinkedIn: AndreaMGoulet

GitHub: AndreaGoulet

 

Find more resources at https://womentakingthelead.com

Dec 14, 2016

As CEO of Successful Culture, Marissa helps CEOs master the three most critical aspects of business growth: leadership development, strategy formulation and execution, and organizational culture assessment and improvement. Marissa also helps CEOs build the supporting communities they need to grow, including advisory boards and CEO roundtables. Successful Culture ensures organizations have the strongest internal infrastructures and external support systems required to build their greatest organizations, and reach their greatest potential.

Playing Small Moment

When Marissa worked for a company before starting her own business, she was a protégé to the CEO. She had built a business case about why she deserved a raise and the CEO told her she would never be worth more than $34K to his company. For a moment, Marissa thought maybe I am only worth a certain amount. She then remembered her mother saying “Never let anyone else determine your value.”

The Wake Up Call

After a government initiative to only accept lowest-cost providers, Marissa decided her values were not alignment with this style of business, so she left for her own company.

Style of Leadership

Marissa is a servant leader. She believes in a supreme service model for those who work for her and those she works for.

What Are You Excited About?

Marissa’s book, Built to SCALE, helps companies build advisory boards. She is excited to work with CEOs to implement the SCALE model. She also is introducing new roundtables to an existing project, and working on her third book.

Current Business Challenge

Marissa has a tremendous vision for successful culture, and her biggest challenge is to execute all of the many pieces she has planned.

Your Support System

Marissa has a dedicated team of advisors, a Mastermind group, and an EO forum, and her girlfriends are her lifeline of emotional and moral support.

Leadership Practice

Marissa intentionally educates herself, and is constantly aware of the information she takes in.

Book to Develop Leadership

The Four Agreements, by Don Miguel Ruiz

Advice For Younger Self

“Hire more slowly and fire faster,” and, “Surround yourself with great people.”

Inspirational Quote

Be the change you wish to see in the world.”

“The trouble is, you think you have time.”

Links

Website: SuccessfulCulture

Facebook: Successful Culture

Twitter: @MarissaLevin

LinkedIn: Marissa Levin

Instagram: @MarissaLevin1

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

Find more resources at https://womentakingthelead.com

Dec 11, 2016

Upon the creation of Wreaths Across America™ in 2007, Karen Worcester was chosen for the position of executive director. With over 40 years’ experience in the administrative stewardship of various Worcester enterprises, Karen is a passionate champion and spokesperson. As a co-founder of Wreaths Across America, Karen tenaciously works on ways the organization can best remember the fallen; honor those who serve; and teach our children that our freedoms are purchased at a great cost.

Playing Small Moment

When Karen’s second child was born two months premature, she blamed herself. It put things in perspective for her, and she knew if she could survive that, she could survive anything.

The Wake Up Call

Karen struggles with self-doubt and realizes many people just want to be loved and needed. She feels blessed to have understood from a young age, she didn’t need to be perfect, and she could only do the best that she could do.

Style of Leadership

Karen is respectful of the fact that we all have different skill sets and she wouldn’t ever set someone up to fail. She enjoys making other people feel successful.

What Are You Excited About?

Karen is working on a living history project through Wreaths Across America. Through reenactments, they are teaching people about the character of the men and women who stepped up to serve.

Current Business Challenge

Karen finds it challenging to raise funds to get wreaths for all the graves at Arlington National Cemetery.

Your Support System

Volunteers step up and take the responsibility to get sponsorships and make the ceremonies. Many people in her organization don’t take a salary and she gets a lot of support from the community.

Leadership Practice

Karen practices patience, and this makes her a better leader.

Book to Develop Leadership

The Bible

Advice For Younger Self

“Don’t eat the bread.” and “Don’t let a day go by that you don’t appreciate your family, your country, and what you have. Don’t have a pity party, and don’t let the sun go down being unhappy with people around you.”

Inspirational Quote

Give freely, love deeply and always reach down and grab another gear.”

Links

Website: http://www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WAAHQ/?fref=ts

 

Find more resources at https://womentakingthelead.com

Dec 7, 2016

As a lifelong pianist, Jennifer Eklund has embodied the American entrepreneurial spirit since she was a teenager. She worked as a performer and teacher for twenty years before diving head-on into running her music book publishing company, Piano Pronto Publishing, full-time, starting in 2014. A trailblazer in the evolving print music industry, Eklund is an avid composer of educational piano music and now represents and publishes the works of a growing number of independent composers.

Playing Small Moment

Jennifer says for musicians small moments can come on an almost daily basis. She had created a curriculum she felt needed to be seen in the publishing industry. She accepted many rejection letters before standing her ground and questioning them on why they thought the world didn’t need it.

The Wake Up Call

Jennifer had a contract meeting with a major publisher which made her feel like she would be signing away her life. They edited her piece of music and took all the fun out of it. She knew at that moment she needed to stay independent so she would have control over her own work.

Style of Leadership

Jennifer has a very personal and hands-on leadership style.

What Are You Excited About?

After a summit, Jennifer offered to mentor someone she knew from social media. The venture has since turned into her core business at Piano Pronto. She is excited to create a loyal community of composers who wish to publish their works.

Current Business Challenge

Jennifer is challenged with managing her time. She realizes she needs to take more time for herself and her creative endeavors.

Your Support System

When Jennifer first started her business she was responsible for every function of the business. She now has a team of people she can rely on to help run the business.

Leadership Practice

Jennifer wakes up really early to review her list of short-term and long-term goals.

Book to Develop Leadership

The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership, by John Maxwell

Linchpin, by Seth Godin

Advice For Younger Self

“Be more curious about the inner working of things.”

Inspirational Quote

You are the star, and the life is your stage. It’s up to you whether or not the audience shouts for an encore.”

Links

Website: www.PianoPronto.com

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

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

 

Find more resources at https://womentakingthelead.com

Dec 4, 2016

Milly Welsh is the founder of Zebralove Web Solutions, a web development company in Portland, Maine, that specializes in web design & development, mobile app development, and search engine optimization. Milly started Zebralove in 2006 and loves to help businesses, small and large, achieve the online presence they need, to grow to the next level. Milly is currently working on a mobile app, called VibeSquirrel, that will come out for iOS and Android in early 2017.

Playing Small Moment

Milly’s playing small moment was when she took on an enormous project, and because she was a self-taught developer, she didn’t ask for help from other developers. She feared they might think her a fraud.

The Wake Up Call

Milly realizes that by helping other people she is able to grow her business to the next level.

Style of Leadership

Milly is developing her leadership style through collaboration. She knows it takes longer than giving directives but she believes better ideas come out of it.

What Are You Excited About?

Milly is excited about developing her own mobile app, VibeSquirrel, which is a random positive messaging app. She is raising money through Kickstarter to cover the marketing costs.

Current Business Challenge

Milly is challenged by getting all the pieces of her business in place. She may be reaching the tipping point of having to hire additional people.

Your Support System

Milly’s support system consists of her husband, her team members and her dad.

Leadership Practice

Milly has a heart-to-heart conversation with new team members so she can assess where they fit into her team, and how she can help them to move forward.

Book to Develop Leadership

The Little Engine that Could by Watty Piper

Advice For Younger Self

“Don’t think too much,” and “Trust your gut.”

Inspirational Quote

Each of your cells is a galaxy in the universe that is your body. You are full of amazing things.” ― VibeSquirrel

Links

Website: www.vibesquirrel.com

Website: http://zebralovewebsolutions.com/

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

 

Find more resources at https://womentakingthelead.com

Dec 2, 2016

Today, for this bonus episode, I want to talk to you about bartering. This topic is relevant if you have a business or not, so stick with me.

First, let’s start with selling. The idea of selling, for many women, is an icky thing. We are taught as young girls to be of service and to give for the sake of giving. Usually when we were transacting with money the price was set by someone else and we were not to haggle over it.

And as a coach, the idea that I was selling conversation – something I gave away for free all the time – that was even more difficult.

I remember when I became a newbie coach there was a lot of advice and opinions on what to charge for services and how to have those conversations. I remember being told not to barter my services; that my services are a valuable commodity and I needed to respect that. I can see how this advice was well intended but I have evolved as a coach and a business owner and I want to share my new understanding with you in the hopes that it is helpful to you and gives you some freedom.

Resources

Private Facebook Community: Chat, share and collaborate with other women in the community!

Accomplished: How to Go from Dreaming to DoingA simple, step by step system that gives you the foundation and structure to take your goals and make them happen.

Women Taking the Lead Website: Find more resources to help you on your leadership journey.

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