Don’t Tell Me I Can’t

Sandra James is the Founder and CEO of Private Eyes, which creates safe workplaces through high-quality background checks. She is also the bestselling author of Don’t Tell Me I Can’t, a memoir recounting her journey from growing up on a farm and battling substance abuse to becoming an entrepreneur. As an advocate for entrepreneurship, Sandra served on the board and is a member of the leadership forum for the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC). She also serves on the board of WBEC-West.  

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

  • [3:25] Sandra James’ entrepreneurial path to founding Private Eyes
  • [7:57] Sandra talks about the growth of Private Eyes
  • [13:38] How growing up on a farm shaped Sandra’s work ethic
  • [18:38] Hitting rock bottom and becoming sober
  • [21:53] Sandra shares how her first husband stole her business idea
  • [24:50] The impact of WBENC and Vistage on Sandra’s career

In this episode...

Growing up disadvantaged can make achieving career fulfillment and growth feel like an illusion, especially if you grew up during a time when women couldn’t obtain a business loan without a man’s co-signature. Learn how a farm girl turned entrepreneur overcame incredible odds to reach the pinnacle of her career.

Sandra James grew up working on her family’s farm and slept in a closet in a two-bedroom house with eight siblings. Rather than become complacent with her situation, Sandra altered her perspective and leveraged her childhood-acquired work ethic to become an entrepreneur. Along the way, she struggled with substance abuse and navigated a tumultuous relationship when her first husband stole her business idea. Despite these obstacles, Sandra maintains that resilience, persistence, and optimism are crucial in overcoming hardships.

In today’s episode of the Lead Like a Woman Show, Andrea Heuston welcomes Sandra James, the Founder and CEO of Private Eyes and the author of Don’t Tell Me I Can’t, to talk about her journey from farm girl to CEO. Sandra delves into her early entrepreneurial endeavors, why she joined WBENC and Vistage, and her decision to become sober.

Resources Mentioned in this episode:

Quotable Moments:
  • “The magic happens when we really get accountable for whatever we’re doing. The universe just opens things up for good.”
  • “It’s our job as entrepreneurs and owners to ensure that our employees and team are being taken care of.”
  • “If you do hard things now, life will be easy. And if you do easy things now, life will be hard.”
  • “My superpower is the ability to stay optimistic despite whatever is happening around me.”
  • “The right people have come into my life that wanted to be an advocate or wanted me to win.”
Action Steps:
  1. Embrace resilience and persistence: Developing resilience and persistence is crucial for overcoming obstacles and achieving long-term success.
  2. Leverage mentorship and networking: Engage with mentorship programs and networking opportunities, as they can provide valuable insights and support.
  3. Cultivate financial literacy: Understanding financial fundamentals is essential for business success, as it helps make informed decisions and manage challenges.
  4. Focus on personal development: Prioritizing personal growth and self-improvement can lead to better decision-making and leadership skills.
  5. Practice optimism and positivity: Maintaining a positive outlook can foster innovation and inspire teams to overcome difficulties.

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.

If You Want Something, Create It!

Sylvia Theisen is a Life Coach at Prime Time Coaching, where she coaches women through a transformational process of discovery. As a former psychotherapist, speaker, author, and business owner, she specializes in human behavior and personal development, helping women lead more fulfilling lives. Sylvia is also the author of Break the Rules: An Uncommon Guide to Creating the Life You Crave.

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

  • [2:56] What led Sylvia Theisen to pursue coaching?
  • [7:01] The shift toward female empowerment and pro-aging
  • [13:21] Sylvia shares the genesis of her book Break the Rules
  • [14:24] Strategies for overcoming societal pressures that dictate women’s roles
  • [18:20] Why women struggle with being served
  • [22:49] Sylvia’s passion for empowering women
  • [30:18] Advice for women struggling to find their potential

In this episode...

Antiquated gender roles are shifting as women begin to recognize their limitless possibilities. As of 2022, women comprise half of the college-educated workforce, and single women now own and occupy more homes than single men. How can you participate in this radical movement to create the life you want?

Traditionally, women have felt uncomfortable when served food and other comforts and were hesitant to embark on solo adventures. As a midlife development coach, Sylvia Theisen encourages women to engage in the process of self-discovery by stepping out of their comfort zones to develop confidence and essential life skills. These skills include disappointing others to avoid disappointing yourself and setting crucial boundaries.

Tune in to this episode of the Lead Like a Woman Show as Andrea Heuston invites Sylvia Theisen, Life Coach at Prime Time Coaching, to speak about how she empowers midlife women to rewrite their life stories. Sylvia talks about breaking free from societal expectations, how to embrace the changes of midlife, and how she helps women identify their unique potential.

Resources Mentioned in this episode:

Quotable Moments:
  • “We’re natural givers. We don’t need to be told to be givers.”
  • “Being able to disappoint people is a really valuable life skill.”
  • “Women are realizing that we just get better with age.”
  • “Where we feel resentment is pointing us to where we’re over giving.”
  • “The beauty is we have control over it, because it’s things that are internal within us.”
Action Steps:
  1. Embrace the freedom and empowerment of doing solo activities, such as dining out alone: Taking time for oneself without distractions can foster independence and self-confidence.
  2. Actively practice the art of receiving gracefully and gratefully: Learning to receive can balance our natural inclination to give, reducing resentment and increasing fulfillment in personal exchanges.
  3. Challenge yourself to step beyond your comfort zone and try new experiences, especially during midlife: Expanding one’s experiences taps into the myriad opportunities available for growth and self-discovery.
  4. Connect with others who share similar aspirations or challenges, particularly in transitional life phases: Building a supportive network can provide community and understanding, demonstrating that one is not alone in their journey.
  5. Consider seeking a coach or mentor who can help identify and cultivate your innate potential: Engaging with a professional can provide guidance, uncover hidden strengths, and create actionable plans for personal and professional development.

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.

Be a Boldly Inclusive Leader

Minette Norman is an author, speaker, and consultant with decades of experience leading global teams in the software industry. As a vital voice in inclusive leadership, she speaks about psychological safety and empathy. Minette is also the author of The Boldly Inclusive Leader and the co-author of The Psychological Safety Playbook. 

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

  • [3:24] Minette Norman’s transformation from acting to becoming a leader in Silicon Valley 
  • [4:55] Why Minette left the corporate world to empower leaders
  • [6:55] The importance of maintaining an extensive network when starting a new business
  • [9:21] How Minette navigated male-dominated leadership in Silicon Valley
  • [12:18] The impetus and concept for Minette’s book 
  • [22:57] What is psychological safety, and how does it impact inclusive leadership?
  • [30:34] Practical advice for women leading teams amid frustration

In this episode…

In a corporate world dominated by male leaders, women often feel silenced and suppress their opinions and emotions. Yet vulnerability and emotional intelligence are vital characteristics of women leaders. How can you harness these qualities to make a true impact on your team?

After being forced out of Silicon Valley by male leaders threatened by her dominance, Minette Norman discovered the power of inclusive leadership. This involves cultivating a diverse team to enrich company dynamics and promote creative problem-solving. It also entails establishing psychological safety in the workplace to ensure team members feel comfortable sharing ideas and taking risks. Embracing your authentic self in your leadership role fosters genuine connection and creates an atmosphere of trust. 

Tune in to the latest episode of the Lead Like a Woman Show as Andrea Heuston welcomes Minette Norman to talk about transforming leadership through emotional intelligence and inclusivity. Minette reveals insights from her book, how she cultivated a network when starting a new business, and her transformation from acting to leadership in Silicon Valley.

Resources Mentioned in this episode

Quotable Moments:

  • “Leadership is the most important role… you’re changing the trajectory of people’s lives.”
  • “When you feel you don’t have a voice, the whole team loses out on important perspectives.”
  • “People often appreciate you more when you show up as your authentic self.”
  • “Diversity in a team accelerates innovation.”
  • “Create the conditions for people to speak up and improvise.” 

Action Steps:

1. Embrace vulnerability in leadership: Being open about your emotions can open up channels of communication and trust within your team.

2. Foster diversity in thought: Actively seek out perspectives that differ from your own to drive creative solutions.

3. Prioritize psychological safety: Create an environment where team members feel safe to share ideas and make mistakes without fear of negative consequences.

4. Network broadly and authentically: Build genuine relationships outside your immediate circle that can support you and provide opportunities.

5. Learn to listen and be patient: Understand that some team members may need more time to articulate their ideas, and create space for those conversations.

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.

Making the Uncomfortable Comfortable

Imelda Alejandrino is the CEO and Creative Director at AP42, a top-performing digital team specializing in advertising, branding, direct marketing, and technology. As a seasoned digital strategist, she has over 25 years of experience leading innovative creative efforts across various platforms.

Imelda’s work has spanned digital AR/VR, film, retail packaging, and events. She has collaborated with major brands, including Accenture, Meta, General Motors, and Chevron and launched Oggi, an immersive digital reality application, in 2020.

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

  • [4:01] Imelda Alejandrino’s journey into the creative space and the evolution of AP42
  • [5:52] The lessons Imelda learned from working with powerful clients and mentors
  • [13:31] Imelda talks about her groundbreaking VR platform Oggi and its applications
  • [17:20] How the metaverse has evolved and its adoption across generations
  • [19:42] Translating new technology for various audiences
  • [24:42] The strategic path to engaging with stakeholders through volunteering and networking

In this episode…

When embracing creativity and innovative ideas in your work, you’re likely to encounter resistance from those who are skeptical of new technologies. Rather than shying away from the new and uncomfortable, you can embrace it. How can you nurture creativity in a fast-paced digital world?

Creative powerhouse and digital visionary Imelda Alejandrino champions using immersive digital realities to strengthen connections and create memorable experiences. Yet attitudes toward technology adoption have been negative, so eliminating the associated fear with open communication and demonstrations is crucial in promoting widespread adoption. Imelda notes that mentorship, networking, and engaging in continuous learning have allowed her to develop groundbreaking new ideas in her career.

In this episode of the Lead Like a Woman Show, Andrea Heuston hosts Imelda Alejandrino, the CEO and Creative Director at AP42, to discuss technological innovation. Imelda delves into practical applications of virtual reality, the metaverse, and the human aspect of digital engagement.

Resources Mentioned in this episode

Quotable Moments:

  • “My superpower is making uncomfortable situations comfortable.”
  • “It’s not so much the demographics that matter, but rather the attitudes towards technology adoption.”
  • “If you’re a marketer, you think about age groups. For me, it’s attitude.”
  • “Confidence. That’s the most impactful piece of advice I’ve received, and it has stayed with me.”
  • “When I showed her my capabilities brochure that had AR in it, she said, ‘Call me Monday.’ And the rest is history.”

Action Steps:

1. Embrace new technology in your field to stay ahead of the curve: As Imelda demonstrated with her innovation in virtual reality, adopting new tech can differentiate your service offerings and attract forward-thinking clients.

2. Network strategically and volunteer within industry organizations: Engaging with others in organizations like WBENC opens doors to mentorship and collaborative opportunities.

3. Utilize immersive technology for enhanced engagement: Imelda’s success with Oggi shows how immersive virtual spaces can create deeper connections and more memorable experiences, projecting importance for events and education.

4. Be open to mentoring and continuous learning: Imelda’s professional journey underlines the importance of mentorship, both as a mentee and a mentor, fostering personal growth and advancing one’s business prospects.

5. Build confidence and communicate effectively: Developing confidence can help overcome barriers and empower female leaders to assert their presence in typically male-dominated industries.

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.

Fluff Up Their Wings

Marley Majcher is the CEO of The Party Goddess, a full-service event planning and catering company celebrated for creating high-profile parties. With clients like Snoop Dogg and Britney Spears, Marley’s events are renowned for their elegance and extravagance. Known as The Profit Goddess, she provides invaluable resources for small business owners and entrepreneurs. She is also the author of But Are You Making Any Money?, a witty guide to managing a lucrative business.

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

  • [03:57] The origins and evolution of Marley Majcher’s journey as The Party Goddess
  • [6:11] Marley describes her entrepreneurial ambitions at four years old
  • [12:38] How to translate simple project profitability into overall business success
  • [19:23] What was the inspiration for But Are You Making Money?
  • [25:57] Maintaining creativity in life and business
  • [30:35] The connection between entrepreneurship and cooking
  • [36:25] Why entrepreneurs need to continuously assess their businesses

In this episode…

Turning a passion project into a full-time business can be a nightmare, especially if you’re not earning enough money to match the time spent. How can you create structure from seemingly endless business tasks and turn your passion into profit?

A-list party planner and profit coach Marley Majcher combines creativity, grit, and strategic financial management to lead her business effectively. If you want to transition from a hobby to a viable business, you must price your products and services accordingly and focus on revenue-generating tasks while delegating the rest. Additionally, by focusing on your unique selling proposition, you can cut through the noise in the market and make your business stand out.

In the latest edition of the Lead Like a Woman Show, Andrea Heuston sits down with Marley Majcher, the CEO of The Party Goddess, to discuss how to elevate your business. Marley shares entrepreneurship anecdotes and analogies, the importance of continuous business assessment, and how to transform a simple project into a full-fledged business.

Resources Mentioned in this episode

Quotable Moments:

  • “As long as you keep focusing on that unique selling proposition, you’re golden.”
  • “Success is really about doubling down on what sets you apart.”
  • “You can’t accelerate the experience; just like aging a fine wine, business acumen takes time.”
  • “Learning to price correctly is crucial; it’s the dividing line between business and a hobby.”
  • “Sometimes when you don’t feel like it; that’s exactly when you need to work the hardest.”

Action Steps:

1. Identify low-value tasks: Assess which tasks can be outsourced or automated and focus on high-value activities to increase efficiency and profits. By eliminating or delegating low-value tasks, you create more time for project areas that directly contribute to your revenue.

2. Implement a pricing system: Establish a systematic approach to pricing your services or products to ensure profitability on each project. Marley emphasizes that clear, structured pricing protects your margins and guarantees that each work segment is profitable.

3. Raise prices creatively: Look for innovative ways to increase revenue without significantly raising prices, such as offering additional services or reducing costs. As Marley illustrates with cereal box pricing strategies, subtle changes can yield significant financial gains.

4. Cultivate resilience and grit: Embrace challenges as opportunities and persevere through difficult times by staying focused on your goals. This reinforces Marley’s advice to keep your head down and work hard, addressing setbacks with determination.

5. Take time to reassess: Regularly step back from daily operations to evaluate your business trajectory and adjust strategies accordingly. Taking time away from the grind provides fresh perspectives that can lead to improved business practices.

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.