Don’t Be Afraid To Take a Risk!

Kate Pozeznik is the Founder and CEO of Quirk, a personal branding and career consulting firm that helps accelerate women executives’ careers. She works with mid-six- to seven-figure executives to showcase their unique professional qualities during career transitions. Kate’s clients include executives and leaders at Google, Amazon, Meta, and other notable organizations. She has been featured in articles on Buzzfeed, AARP, and Upworthy.

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

  • [6:27] How Kate Pozeznik turned her side gig in resume writing into a full-fledged career consultancy
  • [11:42] Kate’s desire to help C-suite executives communicate their value proposition
  • [16:40] Why Kate began working with women executives
  • [18:43] The importance of establishing a personal brand
  • [22:20] Developing resilience to manage challenges and embrace risks
  • [28:55] Advice for taking calculated risks

In this episode...

Sometimes, C-suite executives seem to have it all in their careers. However, many of them — especially women — have become stagnant in their journeys, longing for more fulfilling opportunities. How can personal branding, resiliency, and risk-taking elevate your career?

Having struggled with networking, gaining confidence in her skills, and achieving fulfillment, Kate Pozeznik understands the frustration of identifying an ideal career path. She encourages high-salaried women to develop a personal brand representing their values, mission, and purpose. This unlocks professional opportunities that align with your career goals. Kate also advises taking small, calculated risks to develop resilience to challenges and build confidence.

Join Andrea Heuston in this episode of the Lead Like a Woman Show as she interviews Kate Pozeznik, the Founder and CEO of Quirk, about embracing risks and creating an impactful personal brand. Kate shares how she helps women define personal success, how she turned her side gig into a career opportunity, and how C-suite executives can communicate their value propositions.

Resources Mentioned in this episode:

Quotable Moments:
  • “We all have a unique version of success. There’s no one size fits all.”
  • “Don’t take things personally. When something didn’t go my way, I had to develop a growth mindset.”
  • “Taking calculated risks, even when there’s a chance of failing, always opens the door for learning.”
  • “You’ve got to take a risk, and you’ve got to be willing to show up.”
  • “Reflect back, and… take time to look back and reflect on how far you have come.”
Action Steps:
  1. Reflect on your personal mission and align your career goals accordingly: This encourages intentional decision-making and ensures your professional pursuits resonate with your values.
  2. Cultivate a growth mindset and be resilient in the face of adversity: Opening yourself to learning from setbacks contributes to personal development and career progression.
  3. Take calculated risks in both personal and professional realms: Kate emphasizes that risk-taking is essential for discovering opportunities and cultivating self-trust.
  4. Invest in developing your personal brand as a key to career advancement: A strong personal brand builds credibility and can influence your career positively.
  5. Step out of your comfort zone through solo activities like travel or dining: These experiences can enhance self-confidence and translate into assertiveness in professional scenarios.

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’s Holding You Back?

Hannah Kain is the President and CEO of ALOM, a global supply chain, contract packaging, and fulfillment company. As a global supply chain executive, she has written business books and papers, taught graduate classes, and spoken at various business events. Hannah has extensive international management experience as well as membership and involvement in governmental agencies and business groups, including the National Association of Manufacturers, Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC), and How Women Lead.

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

  • [4:13] Hannah Kain’s journey from Denmark to founding a supply chain company in Silicon Valley
  • [11:54] How Hannah’s Danish background influences her approach to entrepreneurship
  • [21:53] The evolving role of women in the supply chain industry and Hannah’s efforts to promote it
  • [24:42] Supporting women in leadership roles to boost company performance
  • [28:20] Hannah talks about her drive to empower women
  • [35:00] Advice to women leaders for uplifting their teams

In this episode...

Studies show that business financial performance increases when women are given leadership positions. Yet many industries, including the supply chain industry, are perpetually male-dominated. How can male support and organizational collaboration elevate female representation in these industries?

As a Danish immigrant with an innate drive to challenge the status quo and help women break into leadership roles, Hannah Kain advocates for involvement with industry networks and leadership associations that promote women’s voices and ideas. Organizations like the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council and other niche associations can advance women’s roles in their companies and industries. When men and women collaborate within these organizations, they can enhance company culture and results.

In today’s episode of the Lead Like a Woman Show, Andrea Heuston sits down with Hannah Kain, the President and CEO of ALOM, to discuss empowering women in the supply chain industry. Hannah shares her Danish upbringing, advice for women leaders to encourage their teams, and how she champions women’s leadership.

Resources Mentioned in this episode:

Quotable Moments:
  • “I felt I had an obligation to do the best with my life, be the best I could be, and really leverage opportunities.”
  • “You cannot have the roast be done two hours before the potatoes.”
  • “Nobody’s perfect; it’s not about being perfect; it’s about those strengths and putting them to work and really leveraging what you can bring to the party.”
  • “I learned something in my process. I’m learning something from everybody around me, including you.”
  • “It’s not that women are winning and men are losing… This is about collaboration.”
Action Steps:
  1. Cultivate a collaborative culture: Build environments that value team contributions and collective success. It’s effective because collaboration often leads to more innovative solutions, as emphasized by Hannah’s description of effective supply chain management.
  2. Embrace continuous learning: Never stop seeking knowledge and insights from those around you, as all individuals have valuable experiences to offer. Continuous learning keeps you relevant and adaptive in today’s fast-paced world.
  3. Lead without regrets: Draw inspiration from personal history to fuel your leadership drive; use your own narrative to foster a sense of purpose. This approach ensures a strong focus on what’s truly important in both professional and personal realms.
  4. Empower underrepresented groups: Actively work towards increasing diversity and representation within your field, as diversity in leadership has been proven to drive better financial results. It also reinforces the importance of inclusivity, which is a cornerstone of progressive leadership.
  5. Align vision with action: Regularly check team alignment with organizational goals and ensure that team members’ personal objectives support the company’s direction. This alignment prevents miscommunication and maximizes resources towards achieving collective milestones.

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.

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.