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
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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
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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
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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

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.

You Have To Be Your Own Biggest Fan

Janna Willoughby-Lohr is the Founder of Papercraft Miracles, a handmade paper art company specializing in sustainable weddings and events, corporate swag, and custom orders. Having studied under renowned book artist and author Gwen Diehn, Janna has been writing poetry for over 35 years and has been performing live as a musician for over 30 years. 

Janna Willoughby-Lohr
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Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

  • [3:19] The events that led Janna Willoughby-Lohr to create Papercraft Miracles
  • [6:24] Janna shares her college horror stories and tragedies 
  • [13:41] How waiting to start her venture allowed Janna to excel
  • [18:01] Papercraft Miracles’ most inspirational projects
  • [20:46] Janna talks about her podcast and course for entrepreneurial artists
  • [31:56] Janna’s personal interests

In this episode...

Personal tragedies can taint your whole world, making it seem like you’ll never get past your grief. However, you can leverage these experiences to influence your professional endeavors. How can you transform calamities into thriving business ventures?

Janna Willoughby-Lohr, an artist, entrepreneur, and advocate for connection, has built a career turning grief into inspiration. Following a series of personal tragedies during college, including the loss of her mother, a dorm fire, and financial aid troubles, Janna discovered the power of storytelling through art. She began creating artist books that intertwined materials, design, and words to explore themes of resilience and meaning. These works inspired others and solidified her belief in the importance of human connection, which she highlights is crucial to audience engagement.

In this episode of the Lead Like a Woman Show, Andrea Heuston interviews Janna Willoughby-Lohr, the Founder of Paper Craft Miracles, about transforming challenges into creativity and purpose. Janna shares how her personal calamities shaped her entrepreneurial path, the impactful projects she’s undertaken, and her efforts to empower other women through her business and community work.

Resources Mentioned in this episode:

Quotable Moments:
  • “The energy that made her live when it was no longer contained in her body; she could make things happen all the time.”
  • “Five things to survive: you need food; you need water; you need shelter; you need someone that loves you and something that drives you.”
  • “I want to be an artist, and I don’t want to be broke.”
  • “None of that stuff defines you; the main thing that’s important is being connected to other people.”
  • “You have to be your own biggest fan. If you’re not 110% proud of your work, no one else is going to love it.”
Action Steps:
  1. Embrace your unique story and vision: Janna Willoughby-Lohr’s journey demonstrates the power of integrating personal experiences into a business vision. By aligning your unique life story with your professional goals, you create a compelling narrative that differentiates you in the marketplace and resonates deeply with clients.
  2. Cultivate resilience through adversity: Janna’s experiences of overcoming personal tragedies highlight the importance of resilience. Developing resilience equips you to navigate setbacks and maintain momentum in your endeavors, turning challenges into opportunities for growth and innovation.
  3. Connect through meaningful art: Janna uses her art to forge connections and tell stories, demonstrating how art can be a medium for deep personal and communal ties. By leveraging creative expression, you can foster emotional engagement and create memorable interactions with your audience.
  4. Support women in leadership and entrepreneurship: Janna’s commitment to providing childcare solutions for mompreneurs illustrates the importance of supporting women in business. By advocating for resources and policies that empower women, you can contribute to a more inclusive and diverse business environment, addressing systemic barriers to women’s advancement.
  5. Continuously develop and adapt your skills: Janna’s evolution from a student to a successful entrepreneur underscores the value of lifelong learning and adaptability. By continually enhancing your skills and staying open to new opportunities, you can effectively address the dynamic challenges of the business world and sustain long-term success.

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.