See Things in a Positive Light

Michelle Scribner is the CEO of Sum of All Numbers, a financial analysis and planning company specializing in bookkeeping and the Profit First methodology. With over 30 years of business experience, she is a Certified Mastery Level Profit First Professional, Pumpkin Plan Strategist, and Fix This Next Strategist. Michelle works with entrepreneurs to help them achieve greater profitability.

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

  • [2:46] Michelle Scribner explains how her passion for serving others led her to lead Sum of All Numbers
  • [7:41] How Michelle introduced company-wide cash flow management training
  • [12:05] How the Profit First system applies behavioral psychology to help entrepreneurs manage cash flow
  • [15:59] Michelle’s talent for interpreting financial statements to reveal client fears and habits
  • [22:00] The role of risk tolerance in financial management
  • [26:26] Challenges Michelle faced managing rapid growth using Profit First principles
  • [29:21] The core leadership value Michelle brings to Sum of All Numbers

In this episode...

Entrepreneurs often launch their businesses with dreams of making an impact, building wealth, and enjoying freedom, but the reality is often far messier. Between cash flow crises, unpredictable risks, and the emotional toll of leadership, many struggle to balance profitability with purpose. How can business owners align their finances with their values to create sustainable companies?

Profit First professional Michelle Scribner maintains that professionals must understand the numbers and behaviors behind financial management. She advises entrepreneurs to implement proactive cash flow strategies, tailor financial plans to their risk tolerance, and set clear boundaries on spending and saving. By focusing on client relationships, aligning team values, and embracing constant improvement, you can turn financial chaos into stability and growth.

In this episode of the Lead Like a Woman Show, Andrea Heuston sits down with Michelle Scribner, CEO of Sum of All Numbers, to discuss leveraging a Profit First mindset for long-term growth. Michelle talks about the role of risk tolerance in finance strategies, the importance of servant leadership, and her cash flow management training.

Resources Mentioned in this episode:

Quotable Moments:
  • “I thought, ‘this is wrong for us to not encourage this’… it was up to them.”
  • “Somehow you manage to be full on a smaller plate
  • “If firing someone is easy, then what does that say about humanity and me, right?”
  • “You still need to have a marriage and a life and your hope and a community.”
  • “I just choose to focus on what is good, which absolutely makes me feel grateful.”
Action Steps:
  1. Apply Profit First cash flow strategies: Separating income into distinct accounts ensures you prioritize profit and owner pay before spending. This system builds financial discipline and helps prevent overspending that threatens long-term business survival.
  2. Align your team around shared values: Ensuring everyone buys into core company values creates a unified, motivated workforce. This alignment improves team resilience, especially during times of change or growth.
  3. Understand your risk tolerance: Knowing how much uncertainty you can handle lets you make smarter, more sustainable financial bets. This prevents emotional decisions that can undermine your business and personal well-being.
  4. Set clear financial boundaries and goals: Establishing targets for savings, spending, and reinvestment helps you stay focused and accountable. It also creates a roadmap that protects you during downturns and supports intentional growth.
  5. Focus on continuous improvement: Embracing constant learning and refinement helps leaders and teams stay adaptable in changing markets. It also fosters innovation, which drives both individual and organizational success over time.

Sponsor for this episode…​

This episode is brought to you by Lead Like a Woman, a podcast dedicated to empowering women to unlock their leadership potential and amplify their voices.

We’re excited to introduce our new newsletter, which brings you exclusive access to past podcast episodes, products and services from our incredible podcast guests, unique Lead Like a Woman merch, and valuable opportunities to help you grow and lead.

To sign up for our newsletter and stay connected, send an email to andrea@leadlikeawoman.biz, and we’ll get you on the list today.

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How To Ask for More and Get It

Dia Bondi is the Founder, Communications Coach, and Advisor at Dia Bondi Communications, where she works with senior leaders, founders, and other professionals to help them identify and lead with their voice. With over 20 years of experience as a leadership communications coach, she has worked with world-class brands like Intel, Mozilla, Dropbox, and Salesforce. Dia helped Rio de Janeiro secure the 2016 Summer Olympics and has coached world leaders at United Nations gatherings. She is also the author of Ask Like An Auctioneer, which aims to empower one million women to ask for more and get it.

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

  • [2:50] What led Dia Bondi to write Ask Like an Auctioneer?
  • [6:45] How auctioneering taught Dia to build trust with an audience before making requests
  • [9:28] Dia shares her core belief to speak from who you truly are
  • [12:48] Behind the scenes of Rio de Janeiro winning the Summer 2016 Olympics bid
  • [17:01] How fear of asking for too much limits opportunities, and the difference between price and worth
  • [23:39] Why having a plan for handling rejection transforms how you approach major requests
  • [25:15] Dia’s six-step ask plan framework for designing bold asks

In this episode...

Many women professionals struggle with asking for what they truly want, often fearing rejection, seeming too aggressive, or being seen as “not worth it.” This hesitation limits earning potential and stifles personal and professional growth. If making bold requests feels intimidating or unrealistic, how can leaders and entrepreneurs shift their mindset to embrace their value and move confidently toward their goals?

According to communications expert and auctioneer Dia Bondi, the key lies in understanding the difference between value and worth and designing requests that challenge your comfort zone. By leveraging the “zone of freaking out” (ZOFO) concept, women can view fear as a sign of stepping into new potential. Dia suggests creating a clear “ask plan,” which includes setting a tangible goal, identifying bold moves to reach it, and preparing for rejection as an obstacle rather than a failure. By separating your worth from the outcomes of an ask, you can make substantial requests to receive more.

In this week’s episode of the Lead Like a Woman Show, Andrea Heuston chats with Dia Bondi, the Founder, Communications Coach, and Advisor at Dia Bondi Communications, about how to make requests to achieve your goals. Dia discusses the difference between price and worth, her core belief, and leadership lessons learned from auctioneering.

Resources Mentioned in this episode:

Quotable Moments:
  • “You are your most powerful when you speak from who you truly are.”
  • “Rejection feels like an existential threat, period.”
  • “Price is a measure of value, not worth.”
  • “If you’re not in your comfort zone, you’re in your zone of freaking out.”
  • “Confidence is an outcome of action; it can’t be a prerequisite.”
Action Steps:
  1. Develop a personal ask plan: Designing a strategic plan for your asks clarifies your goals and boosts your confidence to pursue them. Knowing your next big move keeps you focused and intentional rather than waiting passively for opportunities.
  2. Recognize the difference between value and worth: Separating how others value your asks from your self-worth helps prevent rejection from feeling personal. This mindset shift empowers you to keep asking boldly without internalizing setbacks.
  3. Embrace the zone of freaking out (ZOFO): Feeling uncomfortable signals you’re pushing the limits of what you think is possible. Recognizing and leaning into your ZOFO leads to greater personal growth and breakthrough achievements.
  4. Prepare a plan for handling rejection: Having a response strategy in place makes hearing “no” less intimidating and keeps momentum moving forward. It turns rejection into a detour instead of a dead end.
  5. Speak authentically from your true self: Leading with authenticity increases connection, trust, and impact in high-stakes conversations. People respond more positively to communication that feels real rather than overly rehearsed.

Sponsor for this episode…​

This episode is brought to you by Lead Like a Woman, a podcast dedicated to empowering women to unlock their leadership potential and amplify their voices.

We’re excited to introduce our new newsletter, which brings you exclusive access to past podcast episodes, products and services from our incredible podcast guests, unique Lead Like a Woman merch, and valuable opportunities to help you grow and lead.

To sign up for our newsletter and stay connected, send an email to andrea@leadlikeawoman.biz, and we’ll get you on the list today.

And the easiest way to find us? Simply type #LeadLikeAWoman into your search bar.

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From Survival to Revival

Daisy Auger-Dominguez is a global Chief People Officer, keynote speaker, and author of Burnt Out to Lit Up and Inclusion Revolution. Currently leading people strategy at Digital Asset, a high-growth fintech, she has shaped culture at Google, Disney, Moody’s, and VICE. A TEDx speaker and contributor to Forbes and Harvard Business Review, Daisy helps leaders and organizations build the clarity, steadiness, and systems to lead what’s next without burning out in the process.

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

  • [3:11] How a sabbatical inspired Daisy Auger-Domínguez to launch a consultancy
  • [9:25] Daisy talks about the role of storytelling and culture in her business
  • [13:35] Why Daisy wrote Burnt Out to Lit Up after experiencing burnout as a chief people officer
  • [16:55] How Burnt Out to Lit Up helps leaders recognize burnout and rediscover fulfillment
  • [21:25] Using the Japanese concept of ikigai to reconnect with purpose
  • [27:42] Tips for addressing racial bias and discrimination throughout the employee lifecycle 

In this episode...

Burnout is an all-too-familiar experience in the workplace, especially for leaders balancing people management with high performance. As professional demands grow and organizational culture lags behind, how can leaders sustain their energy, lead with purpose, and inspire their teams without losing themselves in the process?

Workplace strategist and leadership expert Daisy Auger-Domínguez has developed strategies for conquering burnout and leading with intention. To sustain energy and inspire others, she recommends beginning with self-awareness by using the Japanese ikigai framework to connect your strengths and passions with team needs and payment structures. Leaders can also set clear boundaries, reshape harmful narratives, and use scripted, compassionate conversations to address tension within teams. 

In this episode of the Lead Like a Woman Show, Andrea Heuston interviews Daisy Auger-Domínguez, Founder and CEO of Auger-Domínguez Ventures, about creating sustainable leadership while avoiding burnout. Daisy explains how to dismantle racial bias and discrimination in the workplace, the role of storytelling and culture in leadership, and how to reignite your passion.

Resources Mentioned in this episode:

Quotable Moments:
  • “I walked into my storytelling era; I didn’t know it would resonate with so many others.”
  • “Avoiding burnout is not to not work; it’s how we do the work that matters.”
  • “How do we build work that energizes, empowers, and fuels progress, not just survival?”
  • “We can’t build shared understanding and trust if we’re constantly in this righteous place of stories.”
  • “Don’t forget the human in human resources. When we get that right, everything is right.”
Action Steps:
  1. Reflect on what energizes and drains you: Understanding your personal energy drivers helps you make intentional choices about how and where to invest your time. This clarity prevents burnout and enhances your ability to lead effectively.
  2. Use the ikigai framework to define your purpose: Mapping out what you love, do well, and can be paid for helps align your work with meaning. Purpose-driven work increases motivation and long-term sustainability.
  3. Establish clear communication scripts for tough conversations: Providing managers and employees with language tools empowers respectful, productive dialogue during high-stress or emotional moments. This fosters psychological safety and stronger team relationships.
  4. Revisit your workplace narratives continuously: Questioning internal stories about rejection or failure can transform conflict into opportunities for growth. This shift enables more empathy, self-awareness, and effective collaboration.
  5. Design workplaces that revitalize, not deplete: Prioritizing well-being, creativity, and positive energy ensures organizations support sustained high performance. A thriving workplace culture attracts and retains top talent.

Sponsor for this episode…​

This episode is brought to you by Lead Like a Woman, a podcast dedicated to empowering women to unlock their leadership potential and amplify their voices.

We’re excited to introduce our new newsletter, which brings you exclusive access to past podcast episodes, products and services from our incredible podcast guests, unique Lead Like a Woman merch, and valuable opportunities to help you grow and lead.

To sign up for our newsletter and stay connected, send an email to andrea@leadlikeawoman.biz, and we’ll get you on the list today.

And the easiest way to find us? Simply type #LeadLikeAWoman into your search bar.

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We’re Stronger Together

Miren Oca is the Director of Ocaquatics Swim School, a mission-driven organization and Certified B Corporation. Ocaquatics focuses on water safety, community impact, and environmental responsibility, including carbon neutrality and support for clean water initiatives. Miren is also the Founder of Ripples of Impact, a nonprofit offering resources for personal and environmental resilience. She has been inducted into the US Swim School Association Hall of Fame and recognized in Forbes for using business as a force for good.

Miren Oca
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Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

  • [3:09] How an unexpected pregnancy shifted Miren Oca’s career path from aspiring orthopedic surgeon to swim instructor
  • [4:55] Why Miren grew her swim school into a business focused on drowning prevention in Florida
  • [10:14] Miren shares how becoming B Corp certified improved her company’s environmental and social impact
  • [13:21] The decision to convert Ocaquatics into an employee-owned business
  • [20:39] Ripples of Impact’s mission to extend water safety to underserved communities
  • [23:10] Miren’s future community endeavors

In this episode...

Running a business with heart can feel like an uphill battle, especially when profitability seems at odds with purpose. Many entrepreneurs wonder how to lead with values, uplift their team, and still build a thriving enterprise. How can you grow a mission-driven company that puts people and the planet first without sacrificing success?

As a leadership-focused entrepreneur and social impact advocate, Miren Oca has built a values-based organization from the ground up. She emphasizes aligning business operations with purpose, which has allowed her to obtain a B Corp certification, transition to employee ownership, and develop an entrepreneurial mindset through financial literacy and internal growth. Entrepreneurs can also leverage peer groups and community support to foster mission-driven growth.

In this episode of the Lead Like a Woman Show, Andrea Heuston sits down with Miren Oca, the Director of Ocaquatics Swim School, to discuss building a business that saves lives and empowers employees. Miren shares how she transitioned her company’s focus, her employee-owned business structure, and how she launched her nonprofit to expand community impact.

Resources Mentioned in this episode:

Quotable Moments:
  • “Lack of funds builds creativity. And poof, there was a lot of lack of funds.”
  • “We are different, and we make a difference.”
  • “We have a business that saves lives and does so much more.”
  • “Your frontline team members are the ones who have all the best ideas.”
  • “You get much fuel from others by listening to their experiences; learning from them.”
Action Steps:
  1. Develop an ownership mindset among employees: Teaching team members to think like owners enhances engagement, accountability, and long-term commitment to company goals. This mindset shift leads to more effective and empowered teams who contribute to overall business success.
  2. Invest in financial literacy training: Helping employees understand both personal and business finances fosters informed decision-making and builds trust within the organization. This knowledge equips team members to participate meaningfully in profit-sharing and operational improvements.
  3. Leverage B Corp tools to assess impact: Using the B Impact Assessment provides a structured way to measure and improve your company’s social and environmental performance. Even without certification goals, this tool offers valuable strategies for running a values-aligned business.
  4. Grow leaders from within the organization: Promoting and developing existing team members encourages loyalty and creates a culture of continuous growth. It also ensures leadership reflects the company’s core values and firsthand operational experience.
  5. Create community-driven initiatives aligned with your mission: Expanding your impact through nonprofit efforts or social programs builds brand authenticity and fulfills a higher purpose. These initiatives can amplify your company’s reach while reinforcing its values among both employees and customers.

Sponsor for this episode…​

This episode is brought to you by Lead Like a Woman, a podcast dedicated to empowering women to unlock their leadership potential and amplify their voices.

We’re excited to introduce our new newsletter, which brings you exclusive access to past podcast episodes, products and services from our incredible podcast guests, unique Lead Like a Woman merch, and valuable opportunities to help you grow and lead.

To sign up for our newsletter and stay connected, send an email to andrea@leadlikeawoman.biz, and we’ll get you on the list today.

And the easiest way to find us? Simply type #LeadLikeAWoman into your search bar.

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Dealing With a Workplace Bully

Vicky Oliver is an award-winning author of six books on career development, business etiquette, and office politics. She is also the Non-fiction and Art Editor for LIT Magazine, The New School journal for the MFA program. Vicky’s career advice has been featured in over 900 media outlets, including The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and Esquire.

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

  • [2:20] How hiring unprepared candidates inspired Vicky Oliver to write career development books
  • [4:11] Why Vicky decided to pursue traditional publishing despite early rejections
  • [6:01] Vicky gives an overview of her six bestselling books on careers, etiquette, and frugal living
  • [8:15] How women can define, identify, and confront workplace bullying
  • [17:05] Tips for finding allies in the workplace and recognizing bullying patterns

In this episode...

Workplace bullying is a pervasive issue that can be difficult to define and even harder to confront, especially for women. Teasing disguised as humor, passive-aggressive comments, or public callouts can chip away at a person’s confidence and job satisfaction. How can professionals take back their power in environments where subtle harassment is tolerated or ignored?

To identify and address bullying without jeopardizing your professional reputation, award-winning author on business etiquette Vicky Oliver suggests documenting incidents privately and expressing concerns calmly. Women can also partner with allies and track personal achievements to protect themselves from being labeled as the instigator. If the situation escalates, Vicky recommends a tiered approach: address the bully directly, then seek support from allies, and finally consider involving HR if the incidents don’t resolve.

In this episode of the Lead Like a Woman Show, Andrea Heuston interviews bestselling author Vicky Oliver about reclaiming power from workplace bullies. Vicky shares how to document inappropriate behavior, respond with professionalism, and protect your workplace reputation.

Resources Mentioned in this episode:

Quotable Moments:
  • “If you feel you are being bullied, then you are bullied.”
  • “You are better off keeping a private list. Keep a little list.”
  • “Document your wins. If someone says to you, ‘Hey, you did a fantastic job on this,’ say thank you.”
  • “The enemy you know is better than the enemy you don’t.”
  • “Be good at your job. Be helpful. Solve a problem, and you’ll be fine.”
Action Steps:
  1. Document workplace bullying incidents privately: Keeping a detailed record of inappropriate behavior helps establish a pattern and protects your credibility. This documentation can be crucial if you need to escalate the issue to HR or leadership.
  2. Use “I messages” in difficult conversations: Expressing your concerns using statements like “I feel” reduces defensiveness and promotes constructive dialogue. This approach helps maintain professionalism and keeps the focus on behavior rather than blame.
  3. Choose the right time to address conflict: Avoid confronting bullying during high-stress or chaotic moments in the workplace. Waiting for a calm, private opportunity ensures your message is better received and taken seriously.
  4. Identify allies within your organization: Connecting with others who may have experienced similar treatment builds support and validates your concerns. Allies can offer guidance, speak up on your behalf, or corroborate patterns of behavior.
  5. Ask for positive feedback in writing: When someone compliments your work, request they document it in an email or tell a colleague. This creates a paper trail that reinforces your value and counters potential negative narratives.

Sponsor for this episode…​

This episode is brought to you by Lead Like a Woman, a podcast dedicated to empowering women to unlock their leadership potential and amplify their voices.

We’re excited to introduce our new newsletter, which brings you exclusive access to past podcast episodes, products and services from our incredible podcast guests, unique Lead Like a Woman merch, and valuable opportunities to help you grow and lead.

To sign up for our newsletter and stay connected, send an email to andrea@leadlikeawoman.biz, and we’ll get you on the list today.

And the easiest way to find us? Simply type #LeadLikeAWoman into your search bar.

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