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  • Be Comfortable With Ambiguity

    Kathy Andrews is the Founder and Managing Director of Cinga Leadership & Learning Inc., a boutique leadership consultancy. With over 20 years of experience as a people and culture strategist, executive coach, and master facilitator across public, private, and nonprofit sectors, she specializes in aligning business strategy and culture through high-impact leadership programs. Before Cinga Leadership, Kathy held various senior HR and leadership development positions at several global organizations. She also hosts For Leaders By Leaders, a podcast featuring global thought leaders and executives. 

    Kathy Andrews apple spotify pandora amazon music Deezer iheartradio playerfm .podwrap img{margin-right:20px;}.center-block{margin:0 auto;float:none;display:block;text-align:center;} height:53 .elementor-element-9f9cfc5 a .wp-image-1318{ width:183px; max-width:183px; min-height:5px; height:53px; } .elementor-10888 .elementor-element.elementor-element-76df018, p{text-shadow: none !important;}

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

    • [3:40] How Kathy Andrews transitioned from IT to founding a leadership development firm
    • [8:30] The meaning behind the name “Cinga” and its South African roots
    • [10:51] Why organizations should invest in leadership development programs
    • [14:52] What is the difference between healthy and unhealthy conflict in leadership?
    • [16:50] How to create an inclusive and positive work environment
    • [20:54] Addressing unconscious bias in hiring and promoting
    • [22:49] Kathy’s sustainable talent strategy for organizations
    • [26:36] Advice for women assuming leadership roles

    In this episode…

    Creating an inclusive workplace requires more than just hiring diverse talent; it demands a culture where every employee feels heard, valued, and empowered. When leaders foster psychological safety and open communication, they create an environment where diverse perspectives lead to stronger decision-making and innovation. How can organizations shape their cultures to eliminate bias and create lasting inclusion?

    Leadership expert Kathy Andrews encourages leaders to make calculated hiring and promotion decisions. Unconscious biases often occur in rushed choices, so leaders must challenge their initial assumptions and seek diverse input. Additionally, storytelling is an influential leadership tool, as authentic narratives can allow leaders to communicate their values, build trust, and inspire action. By weaving personal and organizational stories into their leadership approach, executives can foster deeper connections with their teams and reinforce inclusive practices. 

    Tune in to the latest episode of the Lead Like a Woman Show as Andrea Heuston welcomes Kathy Andrews, the Founder and Managing Director of Cinga Leadership & Learning Inc., to talk about fostering inclusive leadership. Kathy shares how to build psychological safety within teams, her sustainable organizational talent strategy, and how to differentiate between healthy and unhealthy conflict in leadership.

    Resources Mentioned in this episode:

    Quotable Moments:
    • “You don’t get the culture you wish for, you get the culture you deserve.”
    • “Healthy conflict is about attacking the problem, not the person. That’s where real progress happens.”
    • “Leaders who embrace self-awareness create workplaces where people feel seen, heard, and valued.”
    • “Storytelling is an irreplaceable leadership skill — it connects, persuades, and inspires in ways data alone never can.”
    • “If you’re making big decisions, slow down. Bias thrives in rushed decisions, but great leadership requires intention.”
    Action Steps:
    1. Foster a culture of psychological safety: Encourage open and honest communication within teams to create an environment where employees feel safe expressing ideas and concerns. This builds trust and leads to better decision-making and collaboration.
    2. Develop conflict resolution skills: Recognize the difference between healthy and unhealthy conflict, ensuring that debates focus on problems rather than personal attacks. Leaders who manage conflict effectively can drive innovation and maintain a positive work environment.
    3. Slow down when making hiring and promotion decisions: Take time to check for unconscious biases when evaluating candidates for leadership roles. Thoughtful decision-making leads to stronger, more diverse teams that enhance organizational performance.
    4. Master storytelling as a leadership tool: Use compelling narratives to communicate vision, inspire teams, and influence key stakeholders. Leaders who tell impactful stories create stronger connections and drive engagement in ways that facts alone cannot.
    5. Invest in leadership development programs: Implement structured leadership training tailored to company culture and goals. Internal programs help build a shared language of leadership, increase engagement, and prepare high-potential employees for senior roles.

    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.

  • Community Over Competition

    Emilia D’Anzica is the Founder and Managing Partner of Growth Molecules™, a management consulting firm that helps companies protect and grow their revenue. With two decades of experience as a chief customer officer in Silicon Valley, she has been named the Top Customer Growth Advisor of 2024 by IAOTP. Emilia is also the co-author of Pressing ON as a Tech Mom. 

     

     

    Sabina Pons is the Managing Director of Growth Molecules™ and the Co-founder of SoCalCX, a community fostering collaboration among go-to-market leaders to deliver exceptional customer experiences. As a fractional chief customer officer and tech industry thought leader, she has scaled companies from $14 million to over $100 million. Sabina is also the co-author of Pressing ON as a Tech Mom.

    Sabina Pons apple spotify pandora amazon music Deezer iheartradio playerfm .podwrap img{margin-right:20px;}.center-block{margin:0 auto;float:none;display:block;text-align:center;} height:53 .elementor-element-9f9cfc5 a .wp-image-1318{ width:183px; max-width:183px; min-height:5px; height:53px; } .elementor-10888 .elementor-element.elementor-element-76df018, p{text-shadow: none !important;}

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

    • [4:34] What inspired Emilia D’Anzica and Sabina Pons to co-write their book?
    • [9:06] How Emilia and Sabina selected women’s stories to feature in their book
    • [14:45] Addressing workplace sexism through Pressing ON as a Tech Mom
    • [17:21] Sabina and Emilia share how they met
    • [20:47] The impetus for Growth Molecules™ and the loneliness factor for women leaders
    • [25:17] Why women leaders don’t have to emulate men

    In this episode…

    Women leaders, executives, and entrepreneurs often face loneliness as they navigate rejection, especially from men in similar roles. This may cause them to parallel men’s leadership styles to conform to established norms and stereotypes. How can women identify and hone their personal leadership styles?

    Women undertake many roles, some including mother, mentor, and leader. Rather than trying to emulate men while juggling personal and professional pursuits, Emilia D’Anzica and Sabina Pons maintain that women should tap into their unique and dynamic skills. These include high levels of emotional intelligence and empathy and supportive natures. Women should also support each other in their roles and share their individual experiences to dismantle stereotypes, bias, and sexism in corporate work environments.

    In this week’s episode of the Lead Like a Woman Show, Andrea Heuston welcomes Emilia D’Anzica and Sabina Pons of Growth Molecules™, to discuss how they broke the glass ceiling in corporate tech. Together, Emilia and Sabina share the women’s stories featured in their book, the loneliness epidemic among women leaders, and how to address workplace sexism.

    Resources Mentioned in this episode:

    Quotable Moments:
    • “Balance means something different for everyone; sometimes it’s focused on work, other times it’s health and family — unapologetically.”
    • “The key thing is that we’re not alone.”
    • “Rise above it, especially when people really hurt you.”
    • “Fake it till you make it; take your imposter syndrome and squash it.”
    • “Come as you are; we’re better together as a community.”
    Action Steps:
    1. Embrace vulnerability and share experiences: Sharing personal struggles and successes can build a supportive community. This transparency allows for shared learning and understanding, addressing the challenge of isolation that many tech moms face.
    2. Set boundaries and define balance: Defining what balance means individually can help tech moms manage their professional and personal lives. This approach allows for flexibility and reduces the guilt associated with not meeting societal expectations, promoting mental health and well-being.
    3. Seek mentorship and be an ally: Sabina Pons’ story of seeking mentorship from Emilia D’Anzica highlights the importance of guidance in professional growth. This can lead to personal development and empowerment, overcoming the challenges of feeling unsupported in male-dominated industries.
    4. Advocate for inclusivity in the workplace: Educating male counterparts and advocating for supportive measures for working mothers can foster a more inclusive work environment. This addresses workplace sexism and helps retain diverse talent.
    5. Utilize professional networks and resources: Joining groups like Women Presidents Organization or other peer networks can provide support and the opportunity to share experiences with other women leaders. These networks help combat loneliness in leadership, providing a community that understands the unique challenges faced by women in tech.

    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.

  • Panic Panties

    Maria Marino, Alex Berstein, and Katherine Anne Koury are the Co-founders of Panic Panties, a premium, ready-to-wear underwear brand sold in airports, boutiques, hospitals, Walgreens, and over 5,000 CVS stores nationwide. With over 16 million brand hashtag views on TikTok, Panic Panties has won the Women Business Enterprise National Council’s (WBENC) national pitch competition for innovation and has been named Hot Undergarments by Star magazine. Maria, Alex, and Katherine Anne founded the company at Syracuse University after noticing a lack of attractive, on-the-go underwear options. 

    Panic Panties apple spotify pandora amazon music Deezer iheartradio playerfm .podwrap img{margin-right:20px;}.center-block{margin:0 auto;float:none;display:block;text-align:center;} height:53 .elementor-element-9f9cfc5 a .wp-image-1318{ width:183px; max-width:183px; min-height:5px; height:53px; } .elementor-10888 .elementor-element.elementor-element-76df018, p{text-shadow: none !important;}

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

    • [3:33] The catalyst for Panic Panties and its evolution
    • [8:41] An overview of Panic Panties products
    • [11:28] How Maria Marino, Alex Bernstein, and Katherine Anne Koury market their brand
    • [14:22] Panic Panties’ sustainability initiatives and manufacturing process
    • [17:21] What’s next for Panic Panties?
    • [21:20] The Panic Panties team’s most influential mentors, advice, and superpowers[

    In this episode…

    Purchasing underwear in a pinch is a common yet overlooked problem for women on the go. Whether after a workout, during travel, or in unexpected situations, traditional retail options fall short, offering unappealing, bulk-packaged choices. How did three best friends turn a shared frustration into an essential brand?

    Dissatisfied by the lack of on-the-go underwear options on the market, Maria Marino, Alex Bernstein, and Katherine Anne Koury teamed up to create a premium, ready-to-wear underwear line designed for convenience and style. Their innovative approach and strategic retail partnerships with Walgreens and CVS have fueled Panic Panties’ rapid growth. The trio promotes their products by producing viral social media content, facilitating community events, and hosting a life-sized panty costume that appeared in high-traffic areas like Times Square and the Vegas Strip. Through social media engagement and a commitment to sustainability, Maria, Alex, and Katherine Anne have penetrated a niche market with an innovative solution. 

    Tune in to the latest episode of the Lead Like a Woman Show as Andrea Heuston chats with Maria Marino, Alex Bernstein, and Katherine Anne Koury, Co-founders of Panic Panties, about how they scaled their brand. Together, they discuss the brand’s manufacturing and development process, their future endeavors for Panic Panties, and how they broke into major retail chains.

    Resources Mentioned in this episode:

    Quotable Moments:
    • “We were three real-life best friends constantly running from the gym to happy hours, always needing a pair of panties on the go.”
    • “We panicked, so you don’t have to.”
    • “Our product is so personal — every woman has a visceral reaction to a time they needed a spare pair of underwear.”
    • “Where there is a will, there is a way.”
    • “Don’t take no for an answer. Sometimes, it takes a year to get a yes.”
    Action Steps:
    1. Embrace the blue ocean strategy: Identifying unique market opportunities can set a business apart from the competition.
    2. Prioritize effective networking: Building connections can open doors to essential resources and support.
    3. Foster resilience and perseverance: Develop a persevering mindset to navigate setbacks.
    4. Engage with your community: Connecting with local communities can increase customer loyalty.
    5. Maintain a sustainable focus: Prioritizing sustainability resonates with consumers and enhances brand reputation.

    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.

  • 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 apple spotify pandora amazon music Deezer iheartradio playerfm .podwrap img{margin-right:20px;}.center-block{margin:0 auto;float:none;display:block;text-align:center;} height:53 .elementor-element-9f9cfc5 a .wp-image-1318{ width:183px; max-width:183px; min-height:5px; height:53px; } .elementor-10888 .elementor-element.elementor-element-76df018, p{text-shadow: none !important;}

    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.