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Nobody warns you that opening your own business is also going to hold up a mirror. In this episode, I sit down with my dear friend and fellow leading lady ambassador Maria Winters, a licensed mental health therapist and founder of The Coaching Therapist, to talk about what entrepreneurship shows us about ourselves, the strengths we didn't know we had and the self doubt we didn't see coming. We talk about why you will never be fearless (and why that's okay), what "ready" even means, and how success can look completely different from the version you chased at the start. Maria also shares the moment a woman standing by the stairs of her building, unsure she belonged, showed her what success really looks like. Topics covered in this episode include: The thing about owning a business that no one tells you until you're in it Why waiting to feel ready might be the sneakiest way we stay stuck What a woman standing by the stairs taught us both about success If you've ever caught yourself saying "I'll start when I'm ready," this one is for you.  Show notes available at www.leadinglady-coaching.com/podcast   Resources Mentioned:  The Coaching Therapist: https://thecoachingtherapist.com/  Maria on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coaching_therapist/  Take the Lead by AliceAnne Loftus: https://leadinglady-coaching.com/books/take-the-lead-book/  Have you joined the Leading Ladies Facebook Group yet?! I would love to see you in there! Head to https://www.facebook.com/groups/LeadingLadiesAAL to join! Let's connect on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aalcoaching Let's connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leading.lady.coach/

Have you ever noticed how the more you grow, the more criticism you seem to attract? In this episode of the Leading Lady Podcast, I dive into the connection between growth and criticism—why it happens, how it impacts us as leaders, and what we can do to navigate it with resilience and confidence. I open up about my own experiences as a business owner, from handling personal attacks and misconceptions to reframing criticism into opportunities for growth. We'll explore the emotional sting of criticism, why it often comes from unexpected places, and how to build healthy boundaries while still staying open to meaningful feedback. If you've ever felt like judgment or fear of being misunderstood has kept you from stepping fully into your potential, this conversation will remind you that you're not alone—and that growth and criticism are often two sides of the same coin. Show notes available at www.leadinglady-coaching.com/podcast   Resources Mentioned:  Join the Hub: https://leading-lady.mykajabi.com/the-leading-lady-business-hub?_gl=1*1s4a4xr*_ga*MjU0MDQzMTcyLjE3NTA3NjgxOTQ.*_ga_SNX3LH5T78*czE3NTM0NzE4NzEkbzY5JGcxJHQxNzUzNDcxODgwJGo1MSRsMCRoMA.. Have you joined the Leading Ladies Facebook Group yet?! I would love to see you in there! Head to https://www.facebook.com/groups/LeadingLadiesAAL to join! Let's connect on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aalcoaching Let's connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leading.lady.coach/

Have you considered how writing a book could benefit your business? This episode will give you a glimpse of the possibilities that await when you share your story with the world! In this episode, I'm sharing the top five positive outcomes I have personally experienced in my business since becoming a published author. Each of these outcomes has significantly impacted my business growth and my reputation, and I know they will do the same for you if writing a book has been on your mind.   Topics covered in this episode include: What made me realize I wanted to write a book The importance of building trust and credibility in your industry How a book acts as a segue for new networking  opportunities   Though it hasn't always been an easy process, becoming a published author has been incredible for me, my business, and especially my community. Show notes available at www.leadinglady-coaching.com/podcast   Resources Mentioned:  Check out the latest We Lead book: https://a.co/d/0jIrLx7 Have you joined the Leading Ladies Facebook Group yet?! I would love to see you in there! Head to https://www.facebook.com/groups/LeadingLadiesAAL to join! Let's connect on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aalcoaching Let's connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leading.lady.coach/

Let's meet more of the inspiring Leading Lady Ambassadors! Each of these women fills the expert role in one or more areas of the Strategic Wheel.  I developed the Strategic Wheel to help us see ourselves as a whole person when it comes to caring for not just our businesses but our health, relationships, and everything in between! Today, I'm talking with Heidi Schmidt, Jen Howat, Tara De Leon, and Gala McCray. In this episode, we're talking about the resources available within the Leading Lady Ambassador Program and how these incredible women have established themselves as experts in their niche. These women have helped me in so many aspects of my life, and I know they can do the same for you, so be sure to tune in!  Topics covered in this episode include: Why Heidi focuses more on quality in all things social media instead of  gaining a mass following  Jen's mission to help business owners increase their visibility and reach through Kajabi Tara's controversial approach to personal training in an industry hyper-focused on weight loss How Gala's expertise extends beyond just bookkeeping to help women feel confident in their finances   Show notes available at www.leadinglady-coaching.com/podcast   Resources Mentioned:  Download the Strategic Wheel and learn more about the Leading Lady Ambassadors: https://leading-lady.mykajabi.com/wheel    Have you joined the Leading Ladies Facebook Group yet?! I would love to see you in there! Head to https://www.facebook.com/groups/LeadingLadiesAAL to join! Let's connect on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aalcoaching Let's connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leading.lady.coach/

What does it really take to create a cohesive, memorable brand experience at a live event? In this episode, I sit down with my dear friend and fellow Leading Lady Ambassador, Jennifer Osterhouse, to pull back the curtain on everything that went into creating the stunning marketing materials for our recent We Lead conference. Jennifer is a graphic designer with over 25 years of experience, and she's the creative genius behind all of the Leading Lady's marketing assets. You'll hear about the strategy sessions, timeline, and thoughtful planning that went into every single piece, plus why certain design choices (like those Leading Lady bags people spot in the wild!) make all the difference in how your business is perceived and remembered. This conversation isn't just about an event—it's about the bigger picture of how you show up for your business. Jennifer and I discuss the importance of investing in quality swag that people actually want to use, creating evergreen marketing pieces that serve you again and again, and why planning your marketing assets months in advance will save your sanity. Show notes available at www.leadinglady-coaching.com/podcast   Resources Mentioned:  Schedule a Call with Jenn: https://jenniferosterhousegraphicdesign.as.me/schedule/afdde3fd Have you joined the Leading Ladies Facebook Group yet?! I would love to see you in there! Head to https://www.facebook.com/groups/LeadingLadiesAAL to join! Let's connect on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aalcoaching Let's connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leading.lady.coach/

Is your business aligned with your faith? It can be a little scary and vulnerable to be so open about your faith as a woman in business. In this episode of the Leading Lady podcast, I sat down with Erin Harrigan to talk about how God has a different definition of success and he is waiting for us to embrace it and align with his assignment. Erin Harrigan is a Christian wife, mom, and international coach/speaker, helping women tune out the world, tune into God's truth and turn up focus to redefine hustle & pursue success in God's way. It's easy to get discouraged and feel like you aren't successful because your life just isn't perfect like what you see on social media. It's important to remember that no one is perfect. What you see online is just a highlight. Everyone has their own struggles and difficulties that many of us will never see. We shine when we embrace those perfect imperfections so that we can step into our faith and align ourselves with God's plan. To do this, you have to let go. Let go of your idea of success and let God lead you to where you need to be. It can be scary to surrender control, but it is truly amazing what happens when you do.  Tune in to learn more about how you can be a woman of faith in business, how to let go and let God lead, the 4 keys to aligning yourself with God's plan, and so much more!    Resources Mentioned:  Download The 4 Keys Guide Check out the Be Led Retreat Visit Erin's website Follow Erin on Facebook Follow Erin on Instagram Show notes available at www.leadinglady-coaching.com/podcast Have you joined the Leading Ladies Facebook Group yet?! I would love to see you in there!

Want to know where I go when I'm feeling down? I go spend time with four-year-olds! They are the friendliest and most authentic people I know. I find myself showered with compliments, questions, and requests to be best friends. Where along the road do we lose the openness and authenticity we had as little girls? As women business owners, we often get so focused on our own success that we are afraid to connect with and compliment other women we see doing well. It is my firm belief that when women collaborate and connect with each other, we can do more than we can do on our own! In this episode, I'm sharing what four-year-olds teach us about connection and how to shift our mindset about our interactions with other women business owners. This is an important message in our world so focused on competition, so be sure to tune in!   Topics covered in this episode include: Life lessons from interacting with four-year-olds Why we hesitate to openly compliment other women in business Questions to ask yourself to lead with more kindness and connection Show notes available at www.leadinglady-coaching.com/podcast   Resources Mentioned:  You're invited to the new LEADING LADY HUB: https://leading-lady.mykajabi.com/the-leading-lady-business-hub   Have you joined the Leading Ladies Facebook Group yet?! I would love to see you in there! Head to https://www.facebook.com/groups/LeadingLadiesAAL to join! Let's connect on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aalcoaching Let's connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leading.lady.coach/

Your business can look successful on the outside while your financial systems are quietly working against you. In this episode, I sit down with my dear friend and financial strategist Gala McCray to talk about why the way we manage our numbers has so much more to do with leadership than we might realize.  We explore what happens when outdated systems drain our time and energy, how our financial records can reveal what is really happening beneath the surface of our businesses, and why avoiding our books can mean missing important opportunities. Gala also shares why there is no shame in falling behind and how having the right support can help us move forward instead of getting stuck in guilt and overwhelm. Topics covered in this episode include: Why your financial system is never as neutral as it may seem The clues your numbers might be giving you about how you're really doing What outdated systems could be costing you beyond money   Show notes available at www.leadinglady-coaching.com/podcast   Resources Mentioned:  Join the Hub to gain access to Gala's "Financial Focus" every month, plus TONS of other resources! https://loom.ly/bpErIic  Have you joined the Leading Ladies Facebook Group yet?! I would love to see you in there! Head to https://www.facebook.com/groups/LeadingLadiesAAL to join! Let's connect on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aalcoaching Let's connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leading.lady.coach/

Some of the most valuable career lessons happen when you get the chance to step outside the classroom and experience the real world firsthand. In this episode, I'm joined by my summer interns, Paige Burgess and Dylan Ulehla, as we reflect on their experience with Leading Ladies and the lessons they're taking with them into their next chapters. We talk about what surprised them most about seeing entrepreneurs at work, how their confidence and communication skills grew, and why work-life balance and a supportive community made such an impact.   Topics covered in this episode include: Why seeing the messy middle of entrepreneurship can change your perspective The confidence boost that can come from one simple networking habit What goes into deciding whether a business is actually ready to grow Why brand consistency matters more than you might think How real-world projects can teach lessons a classroom can't The unexpected ways AI can show up in everyday business What makes an internship genuinely valuable Why staying open minded can lead you somewhere you never expected   Tune in to hear Paige and Dylan share what they learned, how they grew, and what they're taking with them as they head into their next chapters! Show notes available at www.leadinglady-coaching.com/podcast   Resources Mentioned:  Connect with Paige on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paige-burgess-732b65345/ Connect with Dylan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dylan-ulehla/ Have you joined the Leading Ladies Facebook Group yet?! I would love to see you in there! Head to https://www.facebook.com/groups/LeadingLadiesAAL to join! Let's connect on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aalcoaching Let's connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leading.lady.coach/

What if the biggest thing holding your business back isn't your strategy, but the way you're treating your own health? In this episode, I sit down with registered dietitian, intuitive eating counselor, and wellness expert Elizabeth Harris to talk about why so many high achieving women struggle to prioritize themselves, even when they know exactly what they should be doing. We explore why productivity often becomes tied to our self-worth, how diet culture makes healthy habits feel overwhelming, and why waiting until burnout isn't the answer.   Topics covered in this episode include: Why so many ambitious women continue putting themselves last The mindset that keeps healthy habits from sticking A simple shift that changes how you think about self-care Show notes available at www.leadinglady-coaching.com/podcast   Resources Mentioned:  Join Elizabeth's Nourished Table: https://elizabethharrisnutrition.com/recipe-club  Have you joined the Leading Ladies Facebook Group yet?! I would love to see you in there! Head to https://www.facebook.com/groups/LeadingLadiesAAL to join! Let's connect on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aalcoaching Let's connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leading.lady.coach/

Want to have a smooth and successful business collaboration? In this episode, I'm sharing ten tips to ensure your next business-to-business collaboration is a success. When done correctly, collaborations are a powerful thing for your business. But when they're not done right, it can lead to exhaustion, frustration, and disappointment. I'm here to take away any fears you may have and prepare you with everything you need to find and work with your next collaboration partner.  In Today's Episode We Discuss:  How to choose the right partner to collaborate with What communication should look like with your collab partner Factors to keep in mind when tracking success   If you have any questions or need help with any of these steps, I invite you to book a call with me so we can fine-tune your plans!  Show notes available at www.leadinglady-coaching.com/podcast   Resources Mentioned:  Book a Discovery Call   Have you joined the Leading Ladies Facebook Group yet?! I would love to see you in there! Head to https://www.facebook.com/groups/LeadingLadiesAAL to join! Let's connect on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aalcoaching Let's connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leading.lady.coach/

Have you been looking for a way to connect with like-minded women in leadership? From the outside looking in, you might not realize just how many benefits there are to being in a networking group. Yes, you grow your network, but you also get so much more than that. In this episode of the Leading Lady podcast, I'm sharing six of the most powerful benefits, both personal and professional, of being part of a networking group.    Topics covered in this episode include: My secret to getting more work done in less time  How to guarantee a good return on investment from your education  The surprising benefits of being in a networking group   If you're looking to make an investment to grow your business and improve your life, a networking group could be the answer for you! Tune in to learn more.  Show notes available at www.leadinglady-coaching.com/podcast   Resources Mentioned:  Learn More About The Collective: https://leadinglady-coaching.com/the-collective/ Have you joined the Leading Ladies Facebook Group yet?! I would love to see you in there! Head to https://www.facebook.com/groups/LeadingLadiesAAL to join! Let's connect on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aalcoaching Let's connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leading.lady.coach/

Perfectionism usually gets framed as something to overcome, but what if there's another way to think about it? In this episode, I'm joined by several members of the Leading Lady ambassador community for an honest conversation about the different ways perfectionism shows up in our work, our relationships, and our leadership.   .We discuss the different perfectionist archetypes, the difference between healthy and unhealthy perfectionism, and how traits like attention to detail, organization, high standards, and thoughtful execution can become genuine strengths.   Topics covered in this episode include: Why perfectionism isn't always something that needs to be "fixed" The five perfectionist archetypes and which one might sound familiar The difference between adaptive and maladaptive perfectionism Show notes available at www.leadinglady-coaching.com/podcast   Resources Mentioned:  Take the Quiz to See What Kind of Perfectionist You Are: https://www.perfectionistsguide.com/quiz Have you joined the Leading Ladies Facebook Group yet?! I would love to see you in there! Head to https://www.facebook.com/groups/LeadingLadiesAAL to join! Let's connect on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aalcoaching Let's connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leading.lady.coach/

Are you feeling disconnected from your original business vision?  In this episode, I pose this crucial question and share my personal journey of realigning my business vision and values after 20 years as an entrepreneur. I walk you through a powerful exercise I recently completed, which helped me rediscover the core values that drive my early childhood education business. I explore how to identify, define, and assess your top five business values, and offer insights on how to ensure your organization is truly living up to these principles. By the end of this episode, you'll have practical tips on conducting a values audit, identifying areas for improvement, and creating an action plan to bring your business back into alignment with your original vision. This episode is a must-listen for entrepreneurs and business leaders looking to reignite their passion and ensure their organization stays true to its foundational principles. Topics covered in this episode include: How to create an action plan to realign your business with its original vision The impact of operating from a place of fear versus values-based leadership Strategies for communicating your business values to your team (and the hidden benefits of doing so!) Show notes available at www.leadinglady-coaching.com/podcast   Resources Mentioned:  Book a Discovery Call: https://aalcoachschedule.as.me/?appointmentType=2262142   Have you joined the Leading Ladies Facebook Group yet?! I would love to see you in there! Head to https://www.facebook.com/groups/LeadingLadiesAAL to join! Let's connect on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aalcoaching Let's connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leading.lady.coach/

The last thing any business owner wants is a bad review. Sometimes they help us to grow and improve our client experience. But what if someone is just being mean? In this episode, I'm talking about how to handle an unwarranted negative review based on a recent personal experience. As business owners, we can't always share our side of the story. So when we come across a negative review that isn't exactly deserved, it can leave us feeling emotional and hurt.  I'm sharing how to approach this situation with a mindset that keeps you thriving and helps you focus on improving your business.    In Today's Episode We Discuss:  How to approach a negative review with a positive mindset Why responding to reviews builds credibility Approaching negative reviews in a way that can help your business By the end of this episode, you'll know what to do with those reviews that come out of malice. There's no reason to feel defeated!  In the spirit of leaving reviews, I invite you to leave a review for the Leading Lady Podcast so we can reach and empower more women leaders like you!  Show notes available at www.leadinglady-coaching.com/podcast   Resources Mentioned:  Leave a review for the Leading Lady Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leading-lady-podcast/id1500954725   Have you joined the Leading Ladies Facebook Group yet?! I would love to see you in there! Head to https://www.facebook.com/groups/LeadingLadiesAAL to join! Let's connect on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aalcoaching Let's connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leading.lady.coach/