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Archives for September 2025

Win Exponentially

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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

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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.