Standing up to the Hurricane

Kait Gannon is the Founder and CEO of Mezzo Allies, Inc., which raises awareness for family-controlled human trafficking and child sexual abuse. She is a survivor of family-controlled commercial child sexual exploitation and shares her experience through public speaking and hosting the podcast The Ugly Truth About the Girl Next Door. With a background in social work, Kait is trained in suicide prevention and was the program director for a public health clinic in Buffalo, New York.

Kait Gannon

Laurie Krull is the Clinical Director of Mezzo Allies, Inc., the co-host of The Ugly Truth About the Girl Next Door podcast, and a licensed clinical social worker. With over 30 years of clinical experience, she specializes in foster care, adoption, and trauma. Laurie began her career as a social worker with child protective services before working in an outpatient children’s mental health ward.

Laurie Krull
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Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

  • [4:51] How a desperate personal situation led Kait Gannon to seek Laurie Krull’s clinical help
  • [8:48] Kait shares how her daughter sparked her journey toward recovery
  • [14:01] The bright and dark worlds in the context of abuse
  • [17:19] Breaking through dissociation to reconcile prolonged trauma
  • [22:26] What led Kait and Laurie to launch The Truth About the Girl Next Door?
  • [27:18] The three levels of understanding in human trafficking
  • [35:04] Mezzo Allies, Inc.’s mission to provide support to sexual abuse victims

In this episode...

Sex trafficking isn’t talked about enough, as most people remain unaware of the magnitude of abuse taking place throughout the world, believing it’s relegated to minority groups and third-world countries. Yet much of this trafficking occurs within the family unit, as 82% of survivors report parents or extended family members as primary offenders. How can you educate yourself and become a fierce advocate for child sex trafficking victims?

A family home is supposed to be a safe haven, but for Kait Gannon, it was a recurring nightmare. Beginning before the age of four and continuing well into adulthood, Kait was sexually trafficked by her parents, grandparents, and uncles — a mere pawn in a generations-long organized trafficking scheme. After receiving threatening messages following repeated attempts to escape, Kait connected with trauma social worker Laurie Krull, who helped her reconcile the compartmentalized abuse with other areas of her life, leading to support initiatives for child sexual abuse victims. Through rigorous training programs and volunteering with mission-based organizations, you can become an advocate these survivors need.

Tune in to the latest episode of the Lead Like a Woman Show as Andrea Heuston welcomes Kait Gannon and Laurie Krull of Mezzo Allies, Inc., to talk about family-organized child sex trafficking. Together, they uncover abuse survivors’ compartmentalized worlds, how to reconcile prolonged trauma, and the three levels of public understanding in human trafficking.

Resources Mentioned in this episode:

Quotable Moments:
  • “I’m not just going to die in a dark hole someday, and no one’s gonna know.” – Kait Gannon
  • “It’s about being able to channel that rage, to channel that drive towards something productive.” – Kait Gannon
  • “Even though I was still unsafe, I started receiving threats. It was an act of desperation.” – Kait Gannon
  • “If not us, then who? We didn’t wake up one day and decide; it was driven by necessity.” – Kait Gannon
  • “Persistent. When I hit an obstacle, I bounce around it, especially when the vulnerable are on the line.” – Laurie Krull
Action Steps:
  1. Educate yourself about the different levels of human trafficking, especially family-controlled abuse: Awareness is the first step to change; understanding the issue enables one to recognize and act against such injustices.
  2. Become an advocate for survivors in your community by staying informed and spreading awareness: Advocacy can drive systemic change and create a safer environment for survivors to come forward.
  3. Volunteer or offer professional services to organizations like Mezzo Allies, Inc.: Engaging directly with organizations supports their mission and extends help to those needing specialized services.
  4. Donate or seek sponsorships for initiatives combating sexual exploitation: Financial contributions fuel the programs, training, and support vital to survivors and their advocates.
  5. Support legislation and policymakers who prioritize the fight against human trafficking: Legislative support ensures the development and enforcement of laws that protect victims and hold perpetrators accountable.

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.

Curiosity Is the Tool You Need

Lisa Fain is the CEO of the Center for Mentoring Excellence and the founder of Vista Coaching. She was formerly senior director of the diversity and inclusion function at Outerwall Inc. (former parent company to automated retail giants Redbox and Coinstar). She is a certified mediator through Chicago’s Center for Conflict Resolution, and a certified life coach through the International Coach Academy.

Lisa Fain
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Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

  • [2:45] Lisa Fain’s shift from a legal career to leading the Center for Mentoring Excellence
  • [10:56] How Lisa transformed her mindset to become an entrepreneur
  • [13:41] Lisa talks about her books Bridging Difference for Better Mentoring and The Mentor’s Guide
  • [19:13] The most common misconception about mentoring
  • [20:21] How to build trust between a mentor and mentee
  • [22:26] What is the Mentoring Bites program?
  • [28:00] Why mentoring is crucial for fostering workplace inclusion
  • [29:51] The difference between mentoring and coaching

In this episode...

The Harvard Business Review reveals that corporations have a more inclusive culture when women and other minority groups occupy C-suite and board positions. How can mentoring and leadership coaching lead organizations to adopt these practices?

As a leader in DEI, Lisa Fain maintains that mentorship is inclusion in action. Mentoring up-and-coming leaders invites transparent conversations about diversity through relationships and connections. The relationship between mentors and mentees is reciprocal, with both parties learning from each other. Companies can create a mentoring culture by providing ongoing support and training that enables consistent communication.

Tune in to the latest episode of the Lead Like a Woman Show as Andrea Heuston welcomes Lisa Fain, the CEO of the Center for Mentoring Excellence, to talk about the role of mentoring in leadership and organizational inclusion. Lisa shares the most common mentoring myth, why she transitioned from a legal career to an entrepreneur, and how to build trust between a mentor and mentee.

Resources Mentioned in this episode:

Quotable Moments:
  • “A career vision crafted through curiosity leads to a journey of impactful discoveries.”
  • “When somebody says, ‘Hey, can you explore that?’ and it’s in an area I’m interested in, I’m like, let’s go.”
  • “Fun can be so underrated; we really need it in our work lives.”
  • “I’ve spent a lifetime taking myself too seriously, and when I started having fun at work, it was like a whole new world of job satisfaction.”
  • “The main thing is to keep the main thing, the main thing.”
Action Steps:
  1. Embrace work-life balance: As Lisa discussed her transition to focus more on family, this reminds us to recognize the importance of maintaining balance and adjust roles to fulfill personal goals.
  2. Cultivate curiosity: In leadership, fostering a culture of curiosity can lead to innovative thinking and problem-solving.
  3. Establish a personal board of advisors: Like Lisa creating a mentoring community, this step can provide diverse perspectives and guidance for professional growth.
  4. Welcome hybrid work: Lisa’s insights on remote work show it’s essential to adapt leadership strategies to effectively engage teams in various work environments.
  5. Prioritize “the main thing”: Consistently assessing and maintaining focus on core values can be an effective way to ensure leaders remain on track toward their goals.

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 Cannot Outman a Man

Diane DiResta is the CEO of DiResta Communications, Inc., a consultancy serving business leaders who deliver high-stakes presentations. As a certified speaking coach and communications professional, she coaches executives to be influential public speakers and delivers keynote speeches, seminars, and workshops to train teams in effective communication and leadership skills. Diane is also the author of Knockout Presentations and has been featured on CNN and quoted in the New York Times and The Wall Street Journal.

Diane DiResta
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Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

  • [3:14] Diane DiResta’s inspiration and writing process for her book Knockout Presentations
  • [8:22] How to overcome the fear of public speaking
  • [12:01] The YAM formula for public speaking
  • [15:07] Diane shares how her military upbringing shaped her personal and professional journey
  • [20:42] Avoiding “wimpy words” to speak with confidence and conviction
  • [24:58] Tips for navigating Q&A sessions during speaking events
  • [30:45] How Diane leads like a woman

In this episode...

Although it may seem far-fetched, 78% of people would rather die than speak on stage. This is especially true for women, who often overanalyze their public personas. Yet public speaking is crucial for leaders who want to make an impact. How can you overcome your fears to deliver confident speeches?

Master presenter Diane DiResta maintains that since the presentation is for the audience’s benefit, to be nervous is to be self-centered. Instead, shift your perspective to create an informative and memorable experience for your listeners. Delivering powerful speeches requires understanding yourself, your audience, and your message without relying on memorization or using passive phrases such as “like” or “I think.”

In today’s episode of the Lead Like a Woman Show, Diane DiResta, the CEO of DiResta Communications, joins Andrea Heuston to discuss how to communicate with confidence and intention. Diane talks about her military upbringing, how she leads like a woman, and the dos and don’ts of Q&A sessions.

Resources Mentioned in this episode:

Quotable Moments:
  • “To be a leader with influence, you have to be a knockout presenter.”
  • “If you’re extremely nervous, you’re being self-centered; get over yourself because it’s not about you, it’s about the audience.”
  • “Gifted speakers are born, but effective speakers are made.”
  • “Don’t memorize your speech; familiarize and be conversational.”
  • “People don’t realize your audience is nervous too. They’re thinking, ‘Who is she? Do I like her? Can I trust her? What’s in it for me?'”
Action Steps:
  1. Shift the focus from self to audience: Remind yourself the presentation is for the audience’s benefit, not a performance review for yourself. This mindset helps relieve self-imposed pressure.
  2. Prepare for Q&A in advance: Identify potential questions and strategize responses to ensure you aren’t caught off-guard, promoting confidence and authority.
  3. Avoid “wimpy words”: Practice using strong, decisive language to convey your message with authority and boost your credibility.
  4. Apply the ‘YAM formula’: Understand yourself, your audience, and your message to create a tailored and effective presentation strategy.
  5. Close Q&A sessions powerfully: Finish with a succinct summary or a thought-provoking statement to ensure your message remains memorable and authoritative.

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.

What Women Need to Know

Sarah Moody is the Founder of Iconic, a program that helps high-achieving women have the career and love life of their dreams. After spending 25 years working with C-suite executives at global tech companies, she became a mentor to women experiencing burnout and wrote the book Rock Your Brain Rock Your Life. Sarah is also an engaging speaker and presenter delivering events in Silicon Valley and hosts the Rock Your Brain. Rock Your Life podcast.

Sarah Moody
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Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

  • [3:16] Sarah Moody’s transformative journey from burnout to serving high-achieving women
  • [7:41] How women can fully embrace their leadership qualities
  • [11:34] Sarah shares her inspiration for embarking on a self-healing journey
  • [14:39] The writing process for Rock Your Brain Rock Your Life
  • [16:56] What is divine femininity?
  • [21:44] How to support Sarah in reaching her goal of servicing 1,000 women in 2024
  • [24:57] The importance of self-love

In this episode...

So many women feel exhausted and unfulfilled in their careers despite their achievements. This often stems from an unconscious tendency to emulate masculine leadership styles, which contradicts their natural feminine qualities. How can you embrace your femininity to create the life you desire?

After struggling with corporate burnout and an eating disorder, Sarah Moody was determined to alter her life’s trajectory for the better. She believes in fully embodying the feminine essence to create a more authentic and powerful presence in work and relationships. Sarah notes that true happiness and fulfillment come from within, and by trusting your intuition and relinquishing your masculine armor, you can feel safe in your body and mind.

Tune in to this week’s episode of the Lead Like a Woman Show as Andrea Heuston chats with Sarah Moody about cultivating self-love and feminine strength. She shares her personal struggles, including battling an eating disorder, insights from her coaching program, and her upcoming book focused on tapping into divine femininity.

Resources Mentioned in this episode:

Quotable Moments:
  • “I gotta be successful. I’ve gotta emulate the masculine.”
  • “None of that is going to fucking change how you feel.”
  • “I teach them how to fall madly in love with themselves.”
  • “This is a gift to my future self.”
  • “It is the big unlock to being the woman you are dying to be on the inside but don’t believe you can be.”
Action Steps:
  1. Hire a coach to mentor you through personal and professional challenges: A dedicated coach can offer personalized strategies and support for overcoming burnout and finding fulfillment.
  2. Rewire your mindset using cognitive-behavioral therapy: CBT is evidence-based and proven to change internal narratives, leading to increased confidence and success.
  3. Embrace your feminine essence while maintaining a masculine structure: Mixing ease and intuition with discipline creates balance in life, pushing past hustle culture to cultivate joy and fulfillment in work and relationships.
  4. Practice daily affirmations of self-love: Affirming your love for yourself fosters internal safety, boosts self-esteem, and leads to a more empowered presence in all areas of life.
  5. Listen to Sarah Moody’s podcast Rock Your Brain. Rock Your Life: Gaining insights through the podcast can provide listeners with tangible tools for transforming their mindset and achieving their iconic life.

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.

No Straddling Fences!

Lori Michele Leavitt is the Founder of LML Services, a collaborative group of independent thought leaders and experts who serve various industries. She is also the Founder and President of Abrige Corp, which offers the Aligned Momentum (A.M)® program and software to help managers lead.

Widely recognized as The Pivot Catalyst, Lori has coached, consulted, and trained hundreds of global leaders to achieve their objectives and generate momentum. She speaks globally about catalyzing momentum, leading, pivoting, and workplace culture change. Lori also leads the 10x!® business and leadership private peer advisory groups. As an author, she wrote The Pivot and Pivot to Clarity.

Lori Michele Leavitt
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Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

  • [2:53] Lori Michele Leavitt’s trajectory from corporate America to leadership consulting
  • [6:29] What is the 10x!® peer advisory group?
  • [10:47] Lori talks about her books Pivot and Pivot to Clarity
  • [13:25] How to create a culture that fosters change readiness
  • [17:20] Six key indicators of aligned momentum
  • [24:47] The role of mindset in pivoting successfully

In this episode...

Organizational change is necessary to kickstart and sustain growth, but resistance from leaders and other changemakers can impede progress and create friction. How can you instruct your team to adapt and pivot during challenges?

Leadership catalyst Lori Michele Leavitt believes in fostering a vibrant workplace and business, which entails future-proofing your team and company by maintaining high value. She encourages leaders to identify and recognize the fear surrounding change and create a safe space to work through those fears and foster trust. By aligning progress with your end goals and pivoting in response to setbacks, you can build a resilient and change-ready organization.

In today’s episode of the Lead Like a Woman Show, Andrea Heuston chats with Lori Michele Leavitt, the Founder of LML Services, about adaptable leadership. Lori talks about cultivating an organizational mindset that anticipates change, her 10x!® peer advisory group, and how to align your momentum.

Resources Mentioned in this episode:

Quotable Moments:
  • “You can keep the traits that you want and create buffers, boundaries, and disciplines around yourself so you’re not realizing the negatives from those positives.”
  • “Leadership is not about stepping over other people; it’s about being kind, respected, and staying true to yourself.”
  • “Hope is the opener, but fear could just close that door right up. To have your message land, you need to know what their fears are.”
  • “We can do the things if we’re finding that people are taking advantage; it’s not that we need to stop being kind or respectful.”
  • “Talent adaptability is about how you inspire others to make changes in their own talents when it’s not yet urgent.”
Action Steps:
  1. Embrace change wholeheartedly: Commit fully to new strategies and objectives, tracking progress along the way. This approach ensures a focused and concerted effort towards organizational change.
  2. Cultivate a vibrant workplace: Strive for a business environment that’s exciting, high-value, and a great place to work. This vibrant culture is critical for maintaining a successful business.
  3. Foster an adaptable workforce: Encourage employees to be open to developing their talents in anticipation of future changes.
  4. Address the role of fear: Acknowledge and address the fears that may impede change, creating an atmosphere where open communication can thrive.
  5. Anchor leadership in kindness: Maintain kindness and respect in leadership while establishing boundaries to protect against being taken advantage of.

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.