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Leadership positions in corporations are overwhelmingly held by men. Women who want to advance their careers and have equal representation at the table face enormous obstacles in today's society. They are frequently viewed through the lens of stereotypes, making it difficult for them to demonstrate their worth. In response, it's only natural that they keep their heads down and wallow in their insecurities. Don't you wish there was a guidebook for women to use as they enter the workforce? With this, they could have a much easier time navigating the complex environment. Since there isn't anything like it out there, Jen Pestikas created a podcast called Brave Women at Work to fill the void. This show encourages women to believe in themselves and take charge of their professional lives so that they can progress to the next level. Each episode is devoted to a different set of issues that prevent professional women from reaching their full potential and obtaining the leadership positions they seek. Burnout and imposter syndrome are two common causes of self-sabotage. Learn to break free of the victim mentality and the distractions that prevent you from speaking up, and you will have taken the first step toward removing those obstacles. Get out of your comfort zone and into the path to achieving much larger objectives. Use the information you gain from this show to help you realize your full potential, then stand firm against the unjust demands of the business world. Listen in on discussions that teach you how to advocate for yourself and let others recognize the value you bring to the workplace. Don't let the long hours you spend at work make you feel bored or unappreciated. Find out when it's appropriate to negotiate your salary, your hours, and your position to get the most out of your job. One should not put their professional success in the hands of others. Take advantage of your unique abilities to make significant strides in your career. For over twenty years, Jen has worked as a Certified Career and Leadership Coach in the business world, and now she's bringing that knowledge to the podcast audience. She'll show you how to succeed professionally without sacrificing your personal life or putting on a false front. Gain self-assurance and knock down roadblocks to success with the help of Jen's insightful advice. In addition to her extensive expertise, Jen shares uplifting takeaways from her own corporate experience. Both burnout and the "imposter syndrome" have affected her. She struggled with many self-limiting beliefs and experienced her share of professional dissatisfaction. After spending many years in the predominantly male investment services industry, Jen learned what it takes to stand out as a strong, career-focused woman. She overcame adversity and is now the Senior Vice President of Business Development at a thriving financial institution. She is a shining proof of how far one can go in their careers by playing to their strengths and removing any self-doubt that may have been holding them back. On the podcast, Jen not only discusses her own life but also features interviews with other remarkable women. Find out how they overcame the obstacles they encountered in the business world and how they turned their setbacks into opportunities. These outstanding individuals were once in your shoes, and now you can benefit from their experiences and insights as you propel your own career to new heights. As long as men dominate the corporate world, it will be difficult for women to advance. Don't let the gender gap stop you from pursuing your professional goals. Acquire the resources you need to fully realize your potential by following Jen's guidance and the examples of her amazing guests. Luck will not make you a good leader. Instead, make people listen to what you have to say, become your own advocate, and take bolder action in everything you do. Listen to Brave Women at Work at https://bravewomenatwork.com/.

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Presence Over Achievement: Nida Leard on Redefining Success Through Relationships

2026/10/22

When I was growing up, I didn’t see my parents have a lot of friends over at our house. We were working a lot and were a tight, insulated family unit. Also, it didn’t help that I was a bit of a misfit and a loner. I was in the “nerd herd” in middle school and was a wallflower at dances. Remember 7th and 8th grade dances? As a side bar, does anyone remember the song Lady in Red? Look it up if you don’t. It’s all cringe. The point of all of this is that I didn’t understand the power of community. I thought if I wanted to do things right, I did them on my own. It wasn’t until I was in my twenties and beyond that I realized how important friends would be in my life. After all, my friends are my chosen family. My guest today, Nida Leard, founded her company IRL or In Real Life. During our conversation, Nida told me how our relationships impact how we lead in every area of our lives. During the podcast, we also chatted about: The story behind Nida’s company, IRLHow did Nida build her network as an introvert? What tips does she have to build their tribes if it isn’t natural for them?Why do high achievers struggle building relationships, and what can they do about it?How do our relationship patterns show up in all areas of our lives?How does IRL’s work translate from the boardroom to the bedroom?How does working on our personal and professional relationships help us with our leadership skills?How is relationship building the new definition of success?Here is more about Nida: Nida Leardprasopsuk is a Master Certified Coach (ICF) and systems-oriented practitioner working at the intersection of identity, relationships, leadership, and human systems. With over two decades of experience spanning business, psychology, and personal transformation, she supports high-performing individuals, leaders, and changemakers in creating alignment across career, relationships, family, leadership, and self. Grounded in the belief that human challenges are systemic—what shows up in the boardroom often mirrors what shows up in intimacy, family dynamics, boundaries, confidence, and self-worth—Nida helps clients transform at the identity and relational level so change naturally ripples into every area of life. Her background includes executive and leadership coaching, couples and family systems work, sex therapy, identity reinvention, and organizational culture, enabling her to translate insights across contexts in a way that is both deeply practical and profoundly human. She is also the license holder and organizer of TEDxThonglorWomen, where she curates conversations on identity, relationships, power, and societal change. Before we begin, please be sure to share this show with a family member, friend or colleague. As you know, your ratings and reviews help this show to gain traction and continue to grow. Thank you if you have already left a review. Also, if you haven’t downloaded one of my freebies on my site, check them out on bravewomenatwork.com. I have 5 Ways to Managing Imposter Phenomenon, 34 Leadership and Career Affirmations, and 10 tips to Win Your Next Negotiation. Download one or them or all three! If you also have a story to share and a deep desire to become an author, please contact me at [email protected]. I am happy to share the details on the project. Alright, let’s welcome Nida to the show!

Confidence Creates Opportunity: Jazzlyn Feliciano on Five Conversations Every Emerging Leader Needs

2026/10/15

Are you ready for a cup of espresso? My conversation with guest, Jazzlyn Feliciano, was like a strong cup of joe and a motivational shot in the arm. Jazzlyn was so inspiring to me because she has a “go for it” attitude, which I love. Our discussion also challenged me because I can often get lost in self-doubt and Imposter Syndrome, which I know so many of you and others can relate to. While Jazzlyn faces her own fair share of Imposter Syndrome, she has some wonderful wisdom to share of how to manage it. During our conversation, Jazzlyn and I also chatted about: 1.What does betting on herself mean to Jazzlyn? 2.How does confidence create opportunities? If you are short on confidence, how do you cultivate it? 3.What is the strategic risk framework Jazzlyn has used personally and professionally? 4.What are five conversations that every emerging leader needs to have? 5.What is Jazzlyn’s company, Recee, and what her goal is with the fintech and app? Here is more about Jazzlyn: Jazzlyn Feliciano is an award-winning corporate leader, entrepreneur, and founder of Recee, a fintech startup reimagining how consumers understand and use their everyday purchase data. With more than a decade of experience across Wall Street and Big Four consulting, Jazzlyn has built a career at the intersection of strategy, leadership, and innovation. Beyond corporate America, she is known as “Your Corporate Big Sis,” using her platform to share the career lessons, confidence, and corporate realness she wishes she had earlier in her journey. Today, she’s bringing those same experiences into the startup world as she builds Recee from the ground up. Before we begin, please be sure to share this show with a family member, friend or colleague. As you know, your ratings and reviews help this show to gain traction and continue to grow. Thank you if you have already left a review. Also, if you haven’t downloaded one of my freebies on my site, check them out on bravewomenatwork.com. I have 5 Ways to Managing Imposter Phenomenon, 34 Leadership and Career Affirmations, and 10 tips to Win Your Next Negotiation. Download one or them or all three! If you also have a story to share and a deep desire to become an author, please contact me at [email protected]. I am happy to share the details on the project. Alright, let’s welcome Jazzlyn to the show!

From Burnout to Breakthrough: Christina Woods on Hypnotherapy, EMDR, and Healing Your Own Way

2026/10/08

I have no idea what’s happening to me. I guess we will do anything for our kids. During our conversation, we also chatted about: The situation that drove Christina to seek change and healing in her lifeWhat contributed to her autoimmune diseases and the end of her marriageHow too much responsibility contributes to toxic work patternsWhat modalities Christina used in her healing journeyWhat EMDR is and what drove Christina to get certified in hypnotherapy?Here is more about Christina: Christina L. Woods is an internationally recognized Clinical Hypnotherapist, subconscious transformation expert, and former corporate executive who helps high-functioning, successful individuals resolve the quiet disconnect between their outer success and inner experience. With over three decades of corporate leadership experience and a global private practice, Christina works with accomplished women and high-level professionals around the world who have done the therapy, mindset work, and personal development — yet still feel an underlying sense of restlessness, misalignment, or emotional incongruence they can’t think their way out of. Through her signature Wise Woods Method and as the Founder of Wise Woods Hypnotherapy, Christina integrates clinical hypnotherapy, subconscious reprogramming, and energy-based healing to shift the deeper patterns that insight alone doesn’t change. Her work supports clients in feeling more settled, clear, and internally aligned — not by fixing what’s “wrong,” but by completing the internal upgrades their awareness has already initiated. Known for her ability to articulate what people intuitively sense but struggle to put into words, Christina brings depth, clarity, and grounded presence to conversations around identity, self-trust, subconscious conditioning, leadership, and real life. Her approach bridges science and spirituality in a way that is practical, intelligent, and deeply human. Before we begin, please be sure to share this show with a family member, friend or colleague. As you know, your ratings and reviews help this show to gain traction and continue to grow. Thank you if you have already left a review. Also, if you haven’t downloaded one of my freebies on my site, check them out on bravewomenatwork.com. I have 5 Ways to Managing Imposter Phenomenon, 34 Leadership and Career Affirmations, and 10 tips to Win Your Next Negotiation. Download one or them or all three! If you also have a story to share and a deep desire to become an author, please contact me at [email protected]. I am happy to share the details on the project. Alright, let’s welcome Christina to the show!

I’m Right Here: Bet on Yourself with Kelly Hiller

2026/10/01

I love a good I started from one place and made my way up to the top story, and this is what I have for you today with my guest, Kelly Hiller. Kelly’s story is unique because she has been with Purdue University and Purdue Alumni Association a combined total of over 20 years! You do not hear that very often. We often hear that the employee had to leave an organization to find their next opportunity. What if you could craft it for yourself inside one organization? And better yet, what if you had the guts to let everyone know that you were the replacement and that they didn’t need to recruit to fill the role? That takes bravery and guts, and Kelly’s story inspired me deeply. During our conversation, we also chatted about: What it was like for Kelly to transition to the Chief Marketing Officer at Purdue University. How she set clear boundaries with management regarding how she was different than her predecessor, so they know what they were getting right up front.How she continually works to build relationships within her team, including having a one-on-one meeting with every person in her group once per year.How Kelly has navigated Imposter Phenomenon as she has ascended to higher roles in leadership.What perceptions Kelly and her female-leadership team have faced.And so much more.One thing among many that I love about Kelly is her refreshing honesty. It was obvious that she is authentic, and I believe that this is a sign of a true leader. Listen in for real leadership talk! Here is more about Kelly: Kelly Hiller is Chief Marketing Officer at Purdue University, where she leads the marketing strategy, brand, creative, and social teams responsible for bringing the Purdue University and Purdue Global brands to life. Overseeing a full-service in-house agency, she drives initiatives that build reputation, generate demand, and tell compelling stories across digital, social, content, and live experiences. A passionate advocate for community impact and leadership, Kelly also serves on her local school board. Before we begin, please be sure to share this show with a family member, friend or colleague. As you know, your ratings and reviews help this show to gain traction and continue to grow. Thank you if you have already left a review. Also, if you haven’t downloaded one of my freebies on my site, check them out on bravewomenatwork.com. I have 5 Ways to Managing Imposter Phenomenon, 34 Leadership and Career Affirmations, and 10 tips to Win Your Next Negotiation. Download one or them or all three! If you also have a story to share and a deep desire to become an author, please contact me at [email protected]. I am happy to share the details on the project. Alright, let’s welcome Kelly to the show!

7 Kids, One World Championship, and a Company Built on Equity with Maria Colacurcio

2026/09/24

Superwoman alert! Or at least someone I see as a superwoman. My guest today, Maria Colacurcio, not only has 7 children (you heard that right), but she also is a top-level athlete and is the founder and leader of her own company. Woah. Maria shares with us how she doesn’t do it all, leans on her partner, and even boldly talks about how she has learned that each of her children do not need the same level of attention. Understanding that we do not need to do it all made me feel like my whole body did a deep exhale. During our conversation, we also chatted about: Maria’s company, Syndio, and the work they are doing with pay equityWhat tips Maria has for balancing a full professional and personal lifeThe seasons or rhythms she follows for making it happen and how her family is in the know with these seasonsWhat she things women should stop doingWhat HYROX is and how she trains her body to support her life and workHere is more about Maria: Maria Colacurcio is reshaping how enterprises govern their largest and most consequential investment: how they pay their people. As CEO of Syndio, she leads the company that defined the market for pay equity software and is now pioneering Decision Intelligence for Pay. Under her leadership, Syndio partners with global brands including Walmart, Microsoft, and Salesforce to make every pay decision compliant, optimized, and aligned with business strategy. Maria previously co-founded Smartsheet, which went public in 2018. She has built her career at the intersection of technology, policy, and purpose-driven leadership, earning recognition as one of the 100 most exceptional entrepreneurs by Goldman Sachs Builders+ Innovators Summit. Before we begin, please be sure to share this show with a family member, friend or colleague. As you know, your ratings and reviews help this show to gain traction and continue to grow. Thank you if you have already left a review. Also, if you haven’t downloaded one of my freebies on my site, check them out on bravewomenatwork.com. I have 5 Ways to Managing Imposter Phenomenon, 34 Leadership and Career Affirmations, and 10 tips to Win Your Next Negotiation. Download one or them or all three! If you also have a story to share and a deep desire to become an author, please contact me at [email protected]. I am happy to share the details on the project. Alright, let’s welcome Maria to the show!

Overachieving, Under-Recovering: Breaking the Corporate Burnout Cycle with Katie Hardie

2026/09/17

It Was Never Just About the Podcast: 9 Lessons in 300 Episodes

2026/09/14

Honestly, when I started the podcast, I thought it was just that. A podcast. But it became so much more. The Brave Women at Work Podcast has been: A path to healing from burnoutA doorway to amazing friendships, business colleagues, and partnershipsA way to express myself creativelyA platform to build communityAnd a huge part of who I am and my purposeAs I reflected on my learnings, I have jotted down nine learnings. Some of them will sound familiar if you've been listening a while. Some might surprise you. Let’s get right into it! LESSON 1: SOMETIMES YOU JUST NEED TO GO FOR IT When I started this podcast, I didn't know how to run a podcast. I was afraid — of sounding foolish, of nobody listening, of starting something I couldn't sustain. I did it anyway. And that's the first lesson, maybe the most important one: waiting until you feel ready means you might never start. Readiness is a myth we tell ourselves to stay safe. Sometimes the only way through fear is straight through it. LESSON 2: IT TAKES DISCIPLINE — AND IT REWARDS MORE THAN JUST YOU Here's what nobody tells you about 300 episodes: inspiration will not get you there. Inspiration is unreliable. It shows up when it feels like it. Discipline is what shows up every week — whether you feel like it or not, whether the episode's easy or hard, whether you're excited or exhausted. Three hundred episodes is not a monument to motivation. It's a monument to discipline. And here's what I didn't expect: that discipline wasn't just a gift to myself. I used to think of it as a private commitment — something I owed only to my own goals. But showing up consistently became a gift to everyone who kept coming back, week after week, expecting this show to be here. Consistency isn't just self-discipline. It's a form of care for other people too. LESSON 3: YOU NEVER KNOW WHAT WILL BECOME YOUR ART I didn't set out to make this podcast my art. It started as a project, an idea, maybe even an experiment. Somewhere along the way, it became something else. It became the thing I think about, care about, pour myself into. And I think that's true more broadly — you don't always know in advance what will become the thing that defines you. Sometimes you have to commit to something before you understand what it actually is. LESSON 4: LISTENING IS THE PATH TO LEARNING Every single guest on this show has taught me something I couldn't have learned by talking. The best moments in 300 episodes weren't when I had the perfect question or the sharpest insight. They were when I got out of my own way and just listened. Listening isn't passive — it's actually the harder skill. And it's the one that taught me the most. LESSON 5: THE ROAD IS LONG AND WINDING, AND THERE WILL BE POTHOLES There was no straight line from episode 1 to episode 300. I thought there might be — a clean, upward path. That's not what happened. The road curved in directions I didn't plan for. Topics I never expected to cover. Seasons where the show changed shape entirely. And along the way — bad episodes, technical failures, weeks I wanted to quit entirely. I used to think those potholes meant I was doing something wrong. Now I know they're just part of the road, not a detour from the journey, but the journey itself. If you're doing anything long enough, you will hit potholes. The lesson isn't to avoid them. It's to keep driving. LESSON 6: MOTIVATION SHOWS UP IN THE ODDEST PLACES Not always where I expected it. A comment from a listener I'd never met. A guest's offhand remark that stuck with me for weeks. A message that arrived on exactly the day I needed it. I stopped looking for motivation in the big, obvious places. Some of the smallest, strangest moments are what kept me going. LESSON 7: HEALING COMES IN INTERESTING

What Brave Women Taught a Brave Young Man with Logan Schultz

2026/09/03

It’s a special day over here at Brave Women at Work! Today marks the first show in almost 300 episodes when I have a male guest! Logan is the first! So, you may be thinking, “Why now?” First, the format of this show is not changing. Most of the guests will be female or identify as female, but I just knew in my gut that Logan had to be the first male guest because he is not only interesting and amazing at the young age of 16, but he has co-written a children’s book series, Different But the Same Game, that celebrates diversity, inclusion, and empathy, with his aunt, Mylene Barizo. Logan is a brave young man because he is smart, wise, and I love that he has amazing, strong women in his life, such as his mom, NAME, his aunt, Mylene, and also his sister Layni, who has not only beaten leukemia as a child but also has Down’s Syndrome. I have been told that Layni is a firecracker and really squeezes the juice out of life, so I hope I get to meet both Layni and Logan in-person one day. The first book in the series, Tabletop Fun, is not just a book. This book is for every child who has ever felt different, every family who has navigated tender conversations about special needs, every parent that has looked for a joyful and more natural way to teach empathy to their kids, and for every teacher that wants to celebrate diversity. Here is more about Logan: Logan Schultz was fourteen years old when he agreed to co-author a children's book celebrating his experience as the sibling to Layni, his sister with Down Syndrome. Layni’s special needs have shaped him in many ways. At an early age, he became very aware of how different they were. Learning to accept and embrace their individual qualities came as he matured, a process that accelerated when he lived through Layni’s battle with cancer. A high school student today, Logan excels in academics, competes in piano adjudications, is a sports enthusiast (go Seahawks!) and shares a love of travel and food adventures with his family. His parents' gifts of a strong work ethic and love of music are things he will carry into college and beyond. Before we begin, please be sure to share this show with a family member, friend or colleague. As you know, your ratings and reviews help this show to gain traction and continue to grow. Thank you if you have already left a review. Also, if you haven’t downloaded one of my freebies on my site, check them out on bravewomenatwork.com. I have 5 Ways to Managing Imposter Phenomenon, 34 Leadership and Career Affirmations, and 10 tips to Win Your Next Negotiation. Download one or them or all three! If you also have a story to share and a deep desire to become an author, please contact me at [email protected]. I am happy to share the details on the project. Alright, let’s welcome Logan to the show!

From Corporate to Classy: Building a Career on Your Own Terms with Anna Runyan

2026/08/27

have a wonderful repeat guest, Anna Runyan, this week on the show! I always learn something from Anna, and this show is no different. I see Anna as my brave big sister in business, and she has taken brave leaps personally, too. For example, as you will hear, she moved with her family to Europe for a year, which is on my bucket list! Either way, Anna represents not following the traditional path to me. She is someone that took an intentional look at her life and work and purposefully decided to build her personal and professional life on her own terms. When I was pregnant with my first child, like so many of us, I tried to fit my growing family into my existing work instead of the other way around. Anna was like, “Nope!” This isn’t for me. There must be a better way. And she found it and now helps others with that same dream. So, if you are a closet dreamer of a better way to live and work, this show is for you! During our podcast, Anna and I chatted about: The story behind her company Classy Career GirlHer learnings traveling nomadically as a family and when she realized she wanted to come back to the U.S. and settle in FloridaHow did Imposter Syndrome or (phenomenon) show up for Anna as she was building her businessWhat Classy Career Girl offers and what’s next for her companyHere is more about Anna: Anna is the creator of The Corporate Rescue Plan and The Classy Career Girl® Certified Career Coach Program. She is a former corporate consultant turned entrepreneur. Her website was picked as one of Forbes Top 100 Websites For Women and one of Forbes 35 Most Influential Career Sites. She’s been featured on Fox, The Wall Street Journal and People StyleWatch magazine. Anna was nominated as San Diego Magazine’s Woman of the Year and her podcast was named as Yahoo’s 10 Best Podcasts. Prior to founding Classy Career Girl in 2010, Anna worked for Booz Allen Hamilton where she spent 8 years managing a client delivery team and managed a $75M annual U.S. Navy budget. She was a Certified Adjunct Instructor at Booz Allen Hamilton and a Professor of Management at DeVry University. She received her MBA from University of California, San Diego and after a year of traveling around Europe with her husband and three daughters, she now lives in Florida. Before we begin, please be sure to share this show with a family member, friend or colleague. As you know, your ratings and reviews help this show to gain traction and continue to grow. Thank you if you have already left a review. Also, if you haven’t downloaded one of my freebies on my site, check them out on bravewomenatwork.com. I have 5 Ways to Managing Imposter Phenomenon, 34 Leadership and Career Affirmations, and 10 tips to Win Your Next Negotiation. Download one or them or all three! If you also have a story to share and a deep desire to become an author, please contact me at [email protected]. I am happy to share the details on the project. Alright, let’s welcome Anna to the show!

Unapologetic: Living Boldly and Being Nothing but Yourself with Cassy Williamson

2026/08/20

Do you resonate with this? You bump into someone and say, “I’m sorry.” You send out an email and start it with, “I’m sorry I’m asking this question again, but…” Or you say, “I’m sorry that I need your help, but…” How many times do women say, “I’m sorry” on the average day? According to Google, women apologize 10 times per day on average, and 25% more than men. What would it look like if we stopped apologizing for everything and started living unapologetically? What would change in your life if you started living that way? Does that just feel like your entire body takes a deep and relaxing sigh? During our podcast, Cassy and I chatted about: What being unapologetic means to her.How does being unapologetic play out in Cassy’s life and work?If someone is a fawner or people pleaser, how can we start being more unapologetic?What prompted her to write her book, Unapologetic: A Journey to Living Boldly, Loving Fiercely, and Being Nothing but Yourself?What Cassy’s thoughts are on failure and comparison?What the Unapologetic Women community and Unapologetic Edit are and how we can get involved.Here is more about Cassy: As a passionate leadership coach, Cassy’s mission is simple: to help individuals and teams reach their full potential, achieve outstanding results, and to fall in love with the process along the way. With a background in healthcare, sales, and marketing, Cassy has seen firsthand how the right leadership and a strong company culture can transform an organization, propelling them to the next level. Her approach is all about inspiring others to lead with heart, innovation, and confidence. After moving from the music industry to healthcare and then transitioning into sales and marketing, Cassy discovered the powerful impact of leadership that values both people and performance. Over the years, she trained and coached professionals at all levels, from front-line employees to senior leaders, helping them develop the leadership skills necessary to create positive, lasting change both for themselves and their organizations. Cassy believes the best leaders are those who serve, empower, and inspire those around them. Her coaching style is centered on cultivating trust, collaboration, and a deep commitment to growth—both personal and professional. Leadership isn’t just about titles — it’s about making a difference, no matter where you stand in an organization. Cassy’s WHY is to serve you and your team through impactful coaching programs that provide clear, actionable strategies to elevate your leadership, company culture, and make a difference. Whether you’re looking for a high-impact, one-day experience or a year-long coaching journey, Cassy is here to help you grow and thrive into the leader that you are meant to be. If you’re ready to take your leadership journey to the next level and create a team that’s aligned, inspired, and driven by a shared vision, Cassy would love to work with you! Before we begin, please be sure to share this show with a family member, friend or colleague. As you know, your ratings and reviews help this show to gain traction and continue to grow. Thank you if you have already left a review. Also, if you haven’t downloaded one of my freebies on my site, check them out on bravewomenatwork.com. I have 5 Ways to Managing Imposter Phenomenon, 34 Leadership and Career Affirmations, and 10 tips to Win Your Next Negotiation. Download one or them or all three! If you also have a story to share and a deep desire to become an author, please contact me at [email protected]. I am happy to share the details on the project. Alright, let’s welcome Cassy to the show!

Leading in a System That Wasn't Built for You with Nicole Pulliam

2026/08/13

I have been schooled in the best way. I learned something so valuable during my conversation with my guest, Nicole Pulliam. You know how everyone (including me) has referenced Imposter Syndrome as well, a syndrome? What if the original researchers on the topic never intended for it to be called that? What if it was really called Imposter Phenomenon. We could do a whole podcast on why it was changed from phenomenon to syndrome, but the gist is that with a syndrome, we can tend to blame ourselves and think we are inherently wrong or bad. With imposter phenomenon, we take the imposter outside of ourselves and into the environment. What in the environment triggered us to feel like an imposter? And what can we do about it? During our podcast, Nicole and I chatted about: The backstory behind her work with her company, Real and WorthyWhat imposter phenomenon is, and how it is different than Imposter SyndromeWhat does it mean to lead in a system that wasn’t built for you? And how is this especially difficult for women of color?What is the Worthy Leadership Framework?The “I am worthy of” promptIf you have beat yourself up regarding Imposter Syndrome, flip your brain inside out in the best way possible with today’s show. Here is more about Nicole: Nicole Pulliam is a first-generation trailblazer, a tenured professor, and a Woman of Color who has spent over 20 years inside the very systems she now helps others navigate. She has led organizations, built programs from the ground up, and sat in rooms where she had to fight, quietly or loudly, to be taken seriously. As a tenured professor, Nicole works inside the academy every day. When she coaches faculty, Nicole is not speaking from the outside. She is speaking from experience. As Nicole knows, the rules are different when you’re a woman. The game often feels different when you’re a Woman of Color. Through executive coaching, leadership development, speaking, and consulting, Nicole partners with women, especially Women of Color, who are doing meaningful work in environments that don't always make space for them. She also partners with higher education institutions ready to invest in their people. Her approach is identity-affirming, strength-based, and unapologetically human. Nicole holds a Ph.D. in Counselor Education, an M.A. in Counseling, and a B.A. in Psychology, along with professional certifications in coaching and intercultural development. But more than credentials, Nicole brings lived experience and a genuine commitment to each of her client’s growth. Whether you're a leader navigating your next chapter, a faculty member in the thick of academic life, or an organization ready to do the real work, Nicole’s goal is the same: to help you lead with clarity, courage, and a deeper sense of who you actually are. Before we begin, please be sure to share this show with a family member, friend or colleague. As you know, your ratings and reviews help this show to gain traction and continue to grow. Thank you if you have already left a review. Also, if you haven’t downloaded one of my freebies on my site, check them out on bravewomenatwork.com. I have 5 Ways to Managing Imposter Phenomenon, 34 Leadership and Career Affirmations, and 10 tips to Win Your Next Negotiation. Download one or them or all three! If you also have a story to share and a deep desire to become an author, please contact me at [email protected]. I am happy to share the details on the project. Alright, let’s welcome Nicole to the show!

Age Beastfully: Reclaiming Your Power at Any Age with Anne Marie Chaker

2026/08/06

Have you ever seen an absolutely powerhouse woman in the gym? By this, I mean a woman who isn’t afraid to lift heavy and has muscle – like real muscle? When I have seen a woman like this in the gym before, I must be honest – I am partially I awe and terrified at the same time. But here’s the thing. As I get deeper in mid-life, I’m inspired and challenged by the idea of lifting. I know that it is the key to my longevity and doing the things I want to do as I get older. And sure, it’s still a bit scary, but I may just become one of these women yet. Anne Marie Chaker, my guest today, had her own strong woman moment in a hotel. It changed the trajectory of her life, and maybe this conversation will change yours. During our podcast, Anne Marie and I chatted about: The fateful moment where Anne Marie said I want to be like her; I want to be strong.How getting strong has changed Anne Marie’s life for the better.The story behind her book, Lift: How Women Can Reclaim Their Physical Power and Transform Their Lives.Anne Marie’s thoughts on GLP-1’s and diet culture vs. getting strongWhat does it mean to age beastfully vs. gracefully?If someone wants to get started lifting, where should they start? Here is more about Anne Marie: Anne Marie Chaker is a veteran journalist and professional bodybuilder. During her two-decade career at The Wall Street Journal, she held reporting jobs all over the paper, from the Journal’s regional editions to the Spot News Desk during the September 11 attack. She has covered everything from politics to news events, consumer trends, education, the workplace, and the major sociological shifts of our time. Her article “I Never Thought I’d Write This: I Am a Female Bodybuilder” generated more than 500k views since it was published in 2020. She is also the author of LIFT: How Women Can Reclaim Their Physical Power and Transform Their Lives, which hit the shelves in 2025. Chaker lives in the Washington, D.C., area with her partner, Rick; daughters Juliette and Sylvie; and their overeager pup, Ninja. Before we begin, please be sure to share this show with a family member, friend or colleague. As you know, your ratings and reviews help this show to gain traction and continue to grow. Thank you if you have already left a review. Also, if you haven’t downloaded one of my freebies on my site, check them out on bravewomenatwork.com. I have 5 Ways to Managing Your Imposter Syndrome, 34 Leadership and Career Affirmations, and 10 tips to Win Your Next Negotiation. Download one or them or all three! If you also have a story to share and a deep desire to become an author, please contact me at [email protected]. I am happy to share the details on the project. Alright, let’s welcome Anne Marie to the show!

Reclaim Your Time: Why Emails and Meetings Aren't Leadership with Carol Schultz

2026/07/30

Everyone is Creative: Busting the Biggest Myth at Work with Melissa Dinwiddie

2026/07/23

When was the last time you had fun and experienced joy while doing it? I know. I had a coach many years ago ask me the question, “When do you play?” I was dumbfounded. I worked. I took care of my family. I tried to take care of myself in the middle of all of that. And repeat. I immediately thought there wasn’t time for fun. Let alone creative pursuits like I used to have. Like many times in my life, I was wrong and had to learn that fun, joy, and creativity have a place in our lives. This is imperative for our self-care, for our healing, and for living a full life. And yes, we can be creative at work too. During today’s conversation with my guest Melissa Dinwiddie, we and I chatted about: Her first book, The Creative Sandbox Way.Why everyone is creative, and why believing the opposite is a lie.The steps we can take today to bust out of a creative rut and start experiencing the joy of creative play todayHer latest book, Innovation at Work, and how The Creative Sandbox Way and Innovation at Work play off one another.How you can start one way, like Melissa did at Julliard, move to an entirely different career as a jazz singer, and land in a new place (aka – your career doesn’t have to have a straight line)If you lean towards the work, work, work camp like me, listen into this show with an open mind. And be prepared to debunk the myth that you are no creative because that is simply not true. Here is more about Melissa: Melissa Dinwiddie is an innovation strategist and keynote speaker who helps leaders at mid-to-large tech and SaaS companies turn an innovation mandate into an innovation practice. Her Create the ImpossibleTM framework — Play Hard, Make Crap, Learn Fast — was designed specifically for the analytical, skeptical teams who are convinced they’re not creative. Because that’s exactly who needs it most. Melissa’s keynotes are immersive, interactive experiences that blend storytelling, science, and hands-on activities. Audiences don’t just listen — they participate, surprise themselves, and leave with tools they can use on Tuesday morning. The numbers back this up: 94% of attendees find her talks valuable, and 96% say they’d see her speak again. Her background includes work with teams at Meta, Google, Salesforce, and Uber, and she has delivered sessions for SHRM, PMI, AMA, and Stanford. She studied dance at Juilliard, spent 15 years as a professional artist in Silicon Valley, performed as a jazz singer/songwriter and musical improviser, and is the author of Innovation at Work: 52 Micro-Experiments for Brave Leaders (Pluralite Press, 2026). Before we begin, please be sure to share this show with a family member, friend or colleague. As you know, your ratings and reviews help this show to gain traction and continue to grow. Thank you if you have already left a review. Also, if you haven’t downloaded one of my freebies on my site, check them out on bravewomenatwork.com. I have 5 Ways to Managing Your Imposter Syndrome, 34 Leadership and Career Affirmations, and 10 tips to Win Your Next Negotiation. Download one or them or all three! If you also have a story to share and a deep desire to become an author, please contact me at [email protected]. I am happy to share the details on the project. Alright, let’s welcome Melissa to the show!

Unlocking Your Human Design: Live and Lead in Alignment with Michelle Pecak

2026/07/16

Podcast reviews

Read Brave Women at Work podcast reviews

5 out of 5

76 reviews

★★★★★

birdy' 2026/09/03

Be BRAVE!

HerCSuite introduced me to Jen Pestikas and that led to unexpectedly becoming a contributing author to two Brave Women at Work anthologies. This podc...

★★★★★

Anna Runyan 2026/09/01

A must-listen for women navigating careers and leadership

Brave Women at Work is such a valuable resource for women who want to grow in their careers and become stronger, more confident leaders. Jen brings so...

★★★★★

Anna Hall - Your Expert Guest 2026/06/04

Inspiring and Practical

Each episode gives me useful insights and encouragement for facing workplace challenges with confidence and clarity. This is a meaningful listen for a...

★★★★☆

SreeIyer 2025/03/22

Great podcast and ….

Love the topics, speakers and questions you ask Jen. Only one feedback I have is the intro segment is too long. One of the recent episodes i listened...

★★★★★

SWAGGERU JMS 2025/01/14

CSO

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Brave Women at Work with Jen Pastikas is a Must-Listen! Are you looking for a podcast that not only inspires but empowers you to act? B...

★★★★★

HerCsuite 2024/12/27

Amazing Show Always Inspired

Host Jen Pestikas creates captivating conversations with actions the listener can take to be Brave at Work. This is your go to podcast for advice that...

★★★★★

lhn546 2024/12/11

❤️ A must listen

Jen is a wonderful host and highlights the stories and learnings of women in the workplace! Love her approach and actionable takeaways for listeners.

★★★★★

JLSmith920 2024/11/19

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

I can wholeheartedly attest that Brave Women at Work is a vibrant and empowering community of women who have overcome challenges to create happier, he...

★★★★★

daniburch 2024/09/06

Really informative and Inspiring

I love this podcast! Jen is great about getting amazing women on her show that really inspire me to move forward even when things are tough. Highly re...

★★★★★

Migraine engineer 2024/07/09

Inspiring and Educational

Brave women at work is one of my favorite podcasts! I learn something every episode and many of them are so deeply relatable to where I am in life th...

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