Shows
She Is BossyHow to Start a Project from Scratch: A Step-by-Step Guide for New ManagersIn this solo episode, Clara breaks down her go-to, battle-tested framework for launching any new project or program—from billion-dollar acquisitions to scrappy product rollouts. If you’ve ever been handed a vague assignment and wondered, “Where do I even start?”—this one’s for you.You’ll learn:The 5 essential steps for kicking off a successful projectHow to define the “why,” “what,” “who,” “when,” and “how” of your workThe underrated power of delivery structures and how to create oneWhy timelines should start high-level—and how to pressure tes...2025-07-0836 minShe Is BossyFrom Broadway to AI: Kyra Atekwana on Pivoting with PurposeIn this episode of She Is Bossy, Clara sits down with the multitalented Kyra Atekwana—AI consultant by day, Broadway producer by night. Kyra takes us on a journey through her eclectic and passion-led career, from studying anthropology and music at Harvard to auditioning for Broadway, scaling an education startup in Dubai, launching a food tech business, leading at HelloFresh, and now transforming teams through AI at Section.We explore how Kyra blends her creativity with analytical thinking, what it’s like co-producing Tony-nominated Broadway shows, and why AI should be in every manager’s tool...2025-06-2437 minShe Is BossyNavigate your Career with Confidence & Clarity: Lauren Michie on Resumes, Interviews and ReinventionThis week on She Is Bossy, Clara reconnects with her former roommate and longtime friend Lauren Michie for a candid conversation on switching careers, managing rejection, and building confidence from scratch.Lauren Michie’s career path is anything but typical—she’s gone from the State Department to investment banking to wealth management, and now she’s helping women land their dream jobs through her coaching business, The Prep Room. In this episode, Lauren shares how to make bold career pivots, craft a resume that actually sounds human, and walk into interviews with real confiden...2025-06-1039 minShe Is BossyAMA: Bossing When Busy, Giving Upward Feedback & Leading without Direct ReportsIn this special Q&A episode, Clara answers real listener questions with tactical advice every aspiring and current boss can use. Whether you’re swamped at work, struggling to speak up to your manager, or trying to build leadership skills without managing a team—this one’s for you.Clara also shares exciting news: the brand-new She Is Bossy website is now live! Submit your questions, listen to past episodes, and grab free tools to help you lead with confidence.💬 Topics Covered:How to Be a Great Boss When You’re Really B...2025-05-2729 minShe Is BossyFailing Forward, Authentic Leadership, and Winning Championships with Julianne SitchIn this inspiring episode of She is Bossy, Clara sits down with trailblazing soccer coach Julianne Sitch — the first woman to lead a men’s team to an NCAA championship. From her early days as the only girl on an all-boys soccer team to coaching at the collegiate level, Julianne shares her journey of resilience, authenticity, and leadership.We dive into how to build trust as a new leader, why failing forward is essential for growth, and how to stay mentally tough when setbacks happen. Julianne also opens up about pursuing her professional dreams afte...2025-04-2937 minShe Is BossyYour Job Shouldn’t Make You Cry: Handling Toxic Work EnvironmentsEver felt so overwhelmed by your job that you find yourself in tears, stressed, or anxious just thinking about work? You're not alone. In this heartfelt and practical solo episode of "She is Bossy," Clara Purk dives deep into her personal experience dealing with a toxic workplace. She shares candid stories of her own struggles and provides powerful, actionable strategies for managing anxiety, stress, and burnout at work. Learn how meditation, journaling, and therapy can help you reclaim your mental health and build resilience, even in challenging professional environments. Remember: Your job shouldn’t cost you your peace—listen now...2025-04-1525 minShe Is BossyWhy People Pleasing is Costing You as a ManagerPeople pleasing might feel good in the moment—but it’s quietly chipping away at your leadership. In this solo episode of She Is Bossy, Clara gets real about the hidden cost of people pleasing at work, especially for new managers.You’ll learn:✔️ What people pleasing really is (and what it’s not)✔️ How it shows up in your leadership style—often without you realizing it✔️ Why trying to be liked can hold your team back✔️ The root causes of people pleasing (hello, fear + self-worth)✔️ Actionable mindset...2025-04-0132 minShe Is BossyHybrid Culture, Performance Reviews, and Taking your Vacation with Dr. Katie RehnbergIn this conversation, Dr. Katie Rehnberg shares her research on hybrid meetings, the challenges they present, and insights into effective communication in the workplace. Katie also reflects on her career path, transitioning from academia to talent management, and the complexities of leadership and management. Katie and Clara discuss the multifaceted responsibilities of leadership, the challenges of overcoming imposter syndrome, and the intricacies of conducting performance reviews. They emphasize the importance of clear communication, setting expectations, and establishing boundaries to foster a healthy work environment. The dialogue also touches on the significance of self-reflection and personal growth in leadership roles...2025-03-1851 minShe Is BossyOwning Your Bossy, Facing your Fears and Getting Out of the Way with Liz TinkhamIn this episode of She is Bossy, I sit down with Liz Tinkham—former Senior Managing Director at Accenture and a true powerhouse in the world of leadership and business. Over her 32-year career, Liz led some of Accenture’s largest accounts, managed global teams of over 5,500 people across 12 countries, and drove over $800 million in sales and revenue. Now in her third act, she’s just getting started.We talk about everything from flipping the script on being called "bossy" to the pivotal moments that shaped her career. Liz opens up about what it was like to take r...2025-03-1247 minShe Is BossyAvoiding Priority Whiplash: 4 Steps to Set Direction for your TeamIn this episode, Clara discusses the challenges new managers face, particularly the tendency to shift priorities frequently, which can lead to frustration and disengagement within teams. She provides a framework for effective leadership that includes setting clear goals, prioritizing tasks, creating a structured plan, and communicating effectively with team members. By following these steps, new managers can lead with confidence and build trust within their teams.2025-03-0407 minShe Is BossyTrusting your Gut, Having Hard Conversations, and Getting over Imposter Syndrome with Melissa SchoppenIn this conversation, Clara Purk interviews Melissa Schoppen, a former police officer turned head of HR and eventual entrepreneur. They discuss the challenges of being a new manager, how to conquer imposter syndrome, and the best way to handle "difficult" employees. Melissa shares her insights on performance improvement plans and the unique challenges faced by women in male-dominated industries. The conversation concludes with valuable advice for career development and the importance of trusting oneself.2025-02-2527 minShe Is BossyEp 7: Stop Doing Someone Else's JobIn this conversation, Clara Purk addresses the challenges faced by high-performing overachievers who often take on responsibilities that are not theirs. She emphasizes the importance of self-awareness, understanding the root causes of overcommitment, and the necessity of pausing before taking on new tasks. Clara discusses the significance of redirecting responsibilities to the right individuals and overcoming insecurities that lead to excessive workload. Ultimately, she encourages listeners to regain control of their work and focus on their strengths to contribute effectively to their teams.2025-02-1820 minShe Is BossyEp 6: How to Lean In and Learn AI with Mary PurkIn this episode of 'She Is Bossy', Clara interviews AI expert and former Executive Director of the AI Center at Wharton, Mary Purk, discussing the intersection of AI and leadership. Mary shares her career journey, emphasizing the importance of confidence and self-awareness in management. The conversation explores how managers can approach AI use cases in their organizations, where to start your AI journey, and how AI is an equalizer to help close the gender gap in middle management. Mary highlights the need for continuous learning and adaptation in a rapidly changing technological landscape, and provides some practical tips to...2025-02-1127 minShe Is BossyEp 5: How to Get Good at Receiving FeedbackIn the workplace (and, honestly, in life) receiving feedback is one of the best tools we have to learn and grow. But receiving feedback is also one of the hardest things to do well, especially when the feedback challenges our perception of ourselves or the worldview we operate in. Sometimes, in an effort to protect ourselves and our identity, our defensiveness runs on auto-pilot, refusing to hear what we don't want to accept. But this defensiveness only hurts us in the long run, by keeping blind spots of our performance hidden and preventing us from truly developing and improving...2025-02-0423 minShe Is BossyEp 4: Navigating the New Manager Transition with Anna PurkIn this episode, we hear from Clara's sister, Anna Purk, a manager in healthcare strategy consulting. Clara and Anna discuss the challenges and lessons learned in transitioning to management. They explore the importance of trust, authenticity, and continuous learning in effective management. Anna also shares insights on building strong team dynamics, the significance of understanding individual strengths, and the value of patience and grace in the management journey.2025-01-2726 minShe Is BossyEp 3: Get Comfortable Being WrongBeing wrong is inevitable! So why is it so hard to admit when we are?
In this episode, I cover 3 reasons why it's important to get comfortable being wrong, 4 tips on what to do when you do make a mistake, and how to apply these lessons to build a happier, healthier team culture.
Happy listening!
2025-01-2122 minShe Is BossyEp 2: 6 Steps to Coach your Team to SuccessAs a boss, you have a unique opportunity to coach your team and help them be more successful. Follow these six steps to effectively coach people on your team, while also making delegating and giving feedback easier for you.2025-01-1310 min
She Is BossyEp 1: 5 Tips for DelegationShe is Bossy is the podcast dedicated to helping you be a better boss. Listen to 5 practical tips for delegation that you can apply immediately to help you delegate better at work.2024-10-2209 min