Win Exponentially

Irma Parone is the President and CEO of the Parone Group, which helps employers improve organizational effectiveness through customer and employee retention. As a consultant, best-selling author, and speaker, she earned a certification in organizational development from the Institute of Organizational Development. Before founding the Parone Group, Irma was the Senior Regional Vice President of Weiser Security Services, Inc., where she reduced employee turnover in her region by 27%.
Irma Parone
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Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

  • [3:29] Why Irma Parone launched an organizational development firm
  • [6:30] Irma talks about her problem-solving book
  • [8:18] The emotional influence of decision-making
  • [13:22] Eight steps for organizational problem-solving
  • [17:54] How a post-decision review accelerates the problem-solving process
  • [22:03] Irma’s resources for organizational problem-solving

In this episode...

Addressing organizational challenges involves balancing customer satisfaction, employee engagement, and profitability. How can leaders adopt a holistic approach to problem-solving that benefits all stakeholders?

According to leadership consultant Irma Parone, effective problem-solving begins with accurately identifying the issue and evaluating its root causes. Her eight-step model emphasizes assessing the impact on customers, employees, and the company while exploring alternatives and preparing for potential outcomes. By incorporating emotional awareness and considering all stakeholder perspectives, leaders can ensure comprehensive and sustainable decisions.

In this episode of the Lead Like a Woman Show, Andrea Heuston interviews Irma Parone, the CEO and President of Parone Group, about organizational problem-solving and decision-making. Irma discusses how to foster collaboration across teams, create a culture of continuous improvement, and guide balanced decision-making.

Resources Mentioned in this episode:

Quotable Moments:
  • “One team on the same train, moving in the same direction, is a powerful force.”
  • “If you’re not measuring things, you’re not getting to where you want to go.”
  • “It’s a lot easier to have great customers when they know talking to you is going to be fun instead of boring.”
  • “If you don’t solve it, you made a decision. No decision is a decision.”
  • “Help your company, help your boss, and help yourself by doing it the right way.”
Action Steps:
  1. Develop emotional awareness in decision-making: Recognizing the role of emotions in influencing decisions can significantly improve judgment. By being aware of emotional biases, individuals can make more rational and effective choices, leading to better outcomes in leadership and organizational settings.
  2. Implement the WINX Focus Trio framework: Utilize the WINX Focus Trio to evaluate the impact of decisions on customers, employees, and the company. This holistic approach ensures solutions are balanced and sustainable, addressing multiple stakeholder perspectives.
  3. Practice root cause analysis: Go beyond surface issues to identify the root causes of problems. This deeper understanding prevents the recurrence of issues and fosters long-term solutions, enhancing leadership effectiveness.
  4. Utilize problem-solving strategies and tools: Employ various problem-solving techniques and tools to generate and evaluate alternative solutions. This structured approach encourages creativity and thoroughness, crucial for tackling complex challenges in leadership roles.
  5. Conduct post-decision reviews: Regularly review the outcomes of decisions to ensure they align with expected goals and adapt strategies as needed. This reflective practice helps leaders learn from experiences and improve their decision-making processes.

Sponsor for this episode…​

This episode is brought to you by Artitudes Design by Andrea Heuston. Artitudes Design is an award-winning creative agency that has been creating visual communication for Fortune 500 companies for over 25 years. They have worked with notable companies such as Microsoft, Starbucks, Expedia, and have also served startups and nonprofit organizations.

They specialize in connecting speakers with audiences by creating visual value with presentations and through the creation of motion graphics, video, and content.

To learn more about Artitudes Design, visit their website today. Checkout their portfolio to see their previous projects, and contact them today to find out how they can help you bring your business a cut above the rest.

Every Human Being Is Magnificent

Wendy Beth Cozzens is a traveler, speaker, author, and soul guide who created the Living Blueprint, a tool that guides individuals away from stress and confusion to living their potential and gaining traction. Having overcome loss, anxiety, addiction, and suicidal ideation, she wrote Living Blueprint – A True Story: Five Principles to Creating an Authentic, Joy-Filled Life.

Wendy Beth Cozzens
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Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

  • [3:14] Wendy Beth Cozzens’ catalyst for writing Living Blueprint
  • [7:09] The principles for creating an authentic, joy-filled life
  • [12:00] How vulnerability impacts leadership and personal growth
  • [15:01] Wendy Beth discusses designing a living blueprint
  • [20:40] Wendy Beth’s travel adventures for self-discovery 
  • [24:51] Advice for women struggling with the next steps in their careers

In this episode...

Overcoming profound personal challenges can shape your perspective, leading to unexpected opportunities for growth. After surviving adversity and embarking on a transformative journey of self-discovery, one resilient entrepreneur found a way to turn pain into purpose. How can embracing vulnerability and authenticity lead to a more joyful and meaningful life?

Wendy Beth Cozzens has developed five principles for living authentically, which include discovering who you are, following your personal guidance system, nurturing your biochemistry, telling the truth, and demonstrating love and kindness. Exemplifying these principles promotes vulnerability, which allows you to feel safe within your relationships, hone your leadership style, and grow personally and professionally. 

Tune in to the latest episode of the Lead Like a Woman Show as Andrea Heuston chats with Wendy Beth Cozzens, a traveler, speaker, author, and soul guide, about living authentically to overcome personal doubts. Wendy Beth talks about designing a living blueprint, how to advance to the next steps in your career and life, and her travel adventures for self-discovery.

Resources Mentioned in this episode:

Quotable Moments:
  • “I sat there, and I was just like, I made it. This is it. I’m in Nirvana.”
  • “Differences are opportunities to go deeper into love.”
  • “When we spend that time with ourselves, we know the truth.”
  • “My superpower, or my greatest gift, is that I see magnificence in every human being.”
  • “Vulnerability allows others to feel safe with us. And when we have safety, walls come down.”
Action Steps:
  1. Embrace vulnerability: Sharing your authentic self encourages openness and trust, creating a safe environment for growth. By being vulnerable, you dismantle barriers and foster deeper connections, which can lead to personal and professional development.
  2. Develop your personal guidance system: Learning to listen to and trust your instincts helps you navigate life with confidence. This ability to guide yourself through challenges and opportunities can be transformative.
  3. Nurture your biochemistry: Understanding and caring for your body’s needs can significantly impact your mental and emotional well-being. By prioritizing your physical health, you are better equipped to face life’s challenges and embrace opportunities for growth.
  4. Practice love and kindness: Acting with kindness strengthens relationships and builds a supportive community around you. Love and kindness are powerful forces that can hold everything together, creating a foundation for a joyful life.
  5. Engage in self-reflection: Spending time alone to reflect on your thoughts and feelings can clarify your path and reveal your true desires. Getting quiet and writing down your thoughts can help you discover what truly matters to you and guide your future actions.

Sponsor for this episode…​

This episode is brought to you by Artitudes Design by Andrea Heuston. Artitudes Design is an award-winning creative agency that has been creating visual communication for Fortune 500 companies for over 25 years. They have worked with notable companies such as Microsoft, Starbucks, Expedia, and have also served startups and nonprofit organizations.

They specialize in connecting speakers with audiences by creating visual value with presentations and through the creation of motion graphics, video, and content.

To learn more about Artitudes Design, visit their website today. Checkout their portfolio to see their previous projects, and contact them today to find out how they can help you bring your business a cut above the rest.

You Have To Be Your Own Biggest Fan

Janna Willoughby-Lohr is the Founder of Papercraft Miracles, a handmade paper art company specializing in sustainable weddings and events, corporate swag, and custom orders. Having studied under renowned book artist and author Gwen Diehn, Janna has been writing poetry for over 35 years and has been performing live as a musician for over 30 years. 

Janna Willoughby-Lohr
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Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

  • [3:19] The events that led Janna Willoughby-Lohr to create Papercraft Miracles
  • [6:24] Janna shares her college horror stories and tragedies 
  • [13:41] How waiting to start her venture allowed Janna to excel
  • [18:01] Papercraft Miracles’ most inspirational projects
  • [20:46] Janna talks about her podcast and course for entrepreneurial artists
  • [31:56] Janna’s personal interests

In this episode...

Personal tragedies can taint your whole world, making it seem like you’ll never get past your grief. However, you can leverage these experiences to influence your professional endeavors. How can you transform calamities into thriving business ventures?

Janna Willoughby-Lohr, an artist, entrepreneur, and advocate for connection, has built a career turning grief into inspiration. Following a series of personal tragedies during college, including the loss of her mother, a dorm fire, and financial aid troubles, Janna discovered the power of storytelling through art. She began creating artist books that intertwined materials, design, and words to explore themes of resilience and meaning. These works inspired others and solidified her belief in the importance of human connection, which she highlights is crucial to audience engagement.

In this episode of the Lead Like a Woman Show, Andrea Heuston interviews Janna Willoughby-Lohr, the Founder of Paper Craft Miracles, about transforming challenges into creativity and purpose. Janna shares how her personal calamities shaped her entrepreneurial path, the impactful projects she’s undertaken, and her efforts to empower other women through her business and community work.

Resources Mentioned in this episode:

Quotable Moments:
  • “The energy that made her live when it was no longer contained in her body; she could make things happen all the time.”
  • “Five things to survive: you need food; you need water; you need shelter; you need someone that loves you and something that drives you.”
  • “I want to be an artist, and I don’t want to be broke.”
  • “None of that stuff defines you; the main thing that’s important is being connected to other people.”
  • “You have to be your own biggest fan. If you’re not 110% proud of your work, no one else is going to love it.”
Action Steps:
  1. Embrace your unique story and vision: Janna Willoughby-Lohr’s journey demonstrates the power of integrating personal experiences into a business vision. By aligning your unique life story with your professional goals, you create a compelling narrative that differentiates you in the marketplace and resonates deeply with clients.
  2. Cultivate resilience through adversity: Janna’s experiences of overcoming personal tragedies highlight the importance of resilience. Developing resilience equips you to navigate setbacks and maintain momentum in your endeavors, turning challenges into opportunities for growth and innovation.
  3. Connect through meaningful art: Janna uses her art to forge connections and tell stories, demonstrating how art can be a medium for deep personal and communal ties. By leveraging creative expression, you can foster emotional engagement and create memorable interactions with your audience.
  4. Support women in leadership and entrepreneurship: Janna’s commitment to providing childcare solutions for mompreneurs illustrates the importance of supporting women in business. By advocating for resources and policies that empower women, you can contribute to a more inclusive and diverse business environment, addressing systemic barriers to women’s advancement.
  5. Continuously develop and adapt your skills: Janna’s evolution from a student to a successful entrepreneur underscores the value of lifelong learning and adaptability. By continually enhancing your skills and staying open to new opportunities, you can effectively address the dynamic challenges of the business world and sustain long-term success.

Sponsor for this episode…​

This episode is brought to you by Artitudes Design by Andrea Heuston. Artitudes Design is an award-winning creative agency that has been creating visual communication for Fortune 500 companies for over 25 years. They have worked with notable companies such as Microsoft, Starbucks, Expedia, and have also served startups and nonprofit organizations.

They specialize in connecting speakers with audiences by creating visual value with presentations and through the creation of motion graphics, video, and content.

To learn more about Artitudes Design, visit their website today. Checkout their portfolio to see their previous projects, and contact them today to find out how they can help you bring your business a cut above the rest.

You Don’t Have To Clean the Toilet

Jamie Van Cuyk is the Owner of Growing Your Team, which provides bespoke hiring frameworks and comprehensive guidance for women entrepreneurs. With over 15 years of leadership experience, she teaches women to master the hiring process. Jamie is also a speaker and the host of The Growing Your Team Podcast. 

Jamie Van Cuyk
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Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

  • [2:56] Jamie Van Cuyk’s impetus for her entrepreneurial journey
  • [7:26] How Jamie built her consulting company with calculated decisions
  • [10:54] Why Jamie targets women entrepreneurs
  • [15:44] The secret to hiring for your business
  • [18:40] Strategies for hiring and onboarding
  • [26:56] Jamie teases her upcoming collaboration book

In this episode...

Many women entrepreneurs struggle to delegate tasks and trust others, believing they have to accomplish everything alone to achieve success. How can you embrace delegation as a positive step to grow your team effectively?

According to hiring consultant Jamie Van Cuyk, women often carry a heavy mental load, balancing professional and personal responsibilities, which can hinder growth. Jamie believes that delegating personal and professional tasks allows women to accomplish their goals. By starting with small, manageable hires, such as part-time or contract roles, women can lighten their workload and focus on their strengths.

In the latest episode of the Lead Like a Woman Show, Andrea Heuston welcomes Jamie Van Cuyk to discuss the art of hiring and onboarding. Jamie shares her journey from corporate life to entrepreneurship, offers strategies for hiring the right people, and highlights the mindset shifts needed for delegation. She also reveals her superpower of deep listening, which enables her to craft personalized hiring strategies and help businesses thrive.

Resources Mentioned in this episode:

Quotable Moments:
  • “No one needs to know why you’re not available, just that you’re not available.”
  • “Just because someone’s good at what they do does not mean they’re right for you.”
  • “To have it all, we need to do it all; it’s a myth that needs to be broken.”
  • “Delegating is a sign of success, not a sign of failure.”
  • “Does it need to be done right, or does it need to be done by you?”
Action Steps:
  1. Embrace delegation: Start by identifying tasks that do not require your personal involvement and delegate them to others. This frees up your time for higher-value activities and alleviates the mental load.
  2. Hire strategically: Focus on hiring part-time employees or contractors initially rather than full-time employees. This approach allows for budget-friendly growth and helps in building your delegation skills, addressing the challenge of resource management in small businesses.
  3. Develop a comprehensive onboarding plan: Create an onboarding process that spans at least two weeks and covers job-specific tasks and your company’s expectations and culture. This ensures new hires are well-integrated and reduces the risk of miscommunication and unmet expectations.
  4. Communicate expectations clearly: Clearly outline your expectations to new hires rather than assuming they know what you want. This proactive communication prevents misunderstandings and aligns the team with your vision.
  5. Leverage your superpower: Identify and utilize your unique strengths to enhance your leadership and hiring processes. Recognizing and applying your superpowers can lead to more effective decision-making and relationship-building.

Sponsor for this episode…​

This episode is brought to you by Artitudes Design by Andrea Heuston. Artitudes Design is an award-winning creative agency that has been creating visual communication for Fortune 500 companies for over 25 years. They have worked with notable companies such as Microsoft, Starbucks, Expedia, and have also served startups and nonprofit organizations.

They specialize in connecting speakers with audiences by creating visual value with presentations and through the creation of motion graphics, video, and content.

To learn more about Artitudes Design, visit their website today. Checkout their portfolio to see their previous projects, and contact them today to find out how they can help you bring your business a cut above the rest.

Master Conflict So It Works for You

Karen Valencic is the Founder of Spiral Impact, where she blends physics and martial arts to manage conflict and enhance performance. With over 30 years of experience in the martial art Aikido, she created the Spiral Impact method, which guides people on mastering conflict, fostering positive engagement, and driving innovation. Karen is also the author of Spiral Impact: Black Belt Edition.

Karen Valencic
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Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

  • [3:30] Karen Valencic shares her entrepreneurial path through martial arts
  • [7:58] An alternative definition of conflict
  • [11:59] How Aikido transformed Karen’s career and mindset
  • [15:04] How to master conflict
  • [26:28] The connection between Aikido and conflict resolution
  • [30:42] Karen details her conflict mastery course

In this episode...

Conflict is often viewed as negative, especially by women who feel they lack positions of power to resolve conflict. However, conflict can foster innovation and growth when managed effectively. How can you shift your approach to leverage conflict to your benefit?

As a third-degree black belt in Aikido, Karen Valencic defines conflict as the tension between force and power. Recognizing this tension is the first step to mastering conflict since it allows you to develop emotional intelligence and mindfulness to solve problems. You must then determine where and how to focus your energy, which may involve asking questions to gain more information about the issue and foster a positive dialogue. 

Tune in to this episode of the Lead Like a Woman Show as Andrea Heuston invites Karen Valencic, the Founder of Spiral Impact, to speak about mastering conflict in your personal and professional lives. Karen shares the connection between conflict resolution and Aikido techniques, how to join her conflict mastery course, and how Aikido altered her perspective.

Resources Mentioned in this episode:

Quotable Moments:
  • “Conflict doesn’t have to be an awful thing. Sometimes, it is just getting your voice heard or getting your ideas considered.” 
  • “We don’t evolve or innovate without conflict. It’s the source of all innovation and all beauty.” 
  • “Power is something that you own for yourself, and you can develop that.”
  • “Recognize when you feel uncomfortable or anxious; that’s often where conflict starts.” 
  • “True mastery isn’t about perfection, but about trying, failing, and trying again.”
Action Steps:
  1. Recognize conflict early: Pay attention to the signs of tension in yourself and others to identify conflict early. This awareness allows you to address issues before they escalate, fostering a more harmonious environment.
  2. Practice centering techniques: Use centering techniques from martial arts like Aikido to maintain calmness and clarity during conflicts. This helps keep discussions productive and prevents reactive behaviors that can exacerbate tensions.
  3. Ask questions instead of making statements: Shift from making declarative statements to asking questions during a conflict. This approach opens up dialogue, encourages understanding, and shifts the focus from blame to problem-solving.
  4. Set clear intentions: Define what you want to achieve from a conflict without focusing on others’ actions. This clarity in intention guides the direction of the conversation and aligns efforts toward a constructive outcome.
  5. Embrace the Spiral Method: Use the Spiral Method to move with the conflict instead of against it, applying rotational power rather than force. This technique, inspired by Aikido, reduces resistance and creates momentum toward resolution and innovation.

Sponsor for this episode…​

This episode is brought to you by Artitudes Design by Andrea Heuston. Artitudes Design is an award-winning creative agency that has been creating visual communication for Fortune 500 companies for over 25 years. They have worked with notable companies such as Microsoft, Starbucks, Expedia, and have also served startups and nonprofit organizations.

They specialize in connecting speakers with audiences by creating visual value with presentations and through the creation of motion graphics, video, and content.

To learn more about Artitudes Design, visit their website today. Checkout their portfolio to see their previous projects, and contact them today to find out how they can help you bring your business a cut above the rest.