Shows
Advancing Women PodcastContaminated Leisure: Yep, It Has a Name!~A follow-up to “Permission to Pause”
If you've ever stepped away to “rest” but came back feeling just as drained, this episode is for you. In this powerful follow-up to Permission to Pause, we name and unpack a concept that deeply resonated with listeners: contaminated leisure — the kind of downtime that looks like rest but still carries the weight of responsibility, guilt, and multitasking. And naming it matters. Because once we recognize what’s happening, we can begin to reclaim the kind of rest that actually restores.
This episode dives deep into:
What contaminated leisure reall...2025-06-1726 minAdvancing Women PodcastPermission to Pause: Can We Stop Doing and Just Be for a Minute?This episode is for the ambitious woman who’s doing it all—and still feels like it’s never enough.
If you’re listening while multitasking—folding laundry, answering emails, or in between Zoom calls—this one’s for you. Dr. KimberlyDeSimone invites you to press pause on the pressure and unpack why we’ve lost the ability to truly rest. With research, real talk, and radical empathy, this episode explores:
The blurred boundaries of remote work and why they’re burning us out
The myth of “productive breaks” and the science behind contaminated leisure
The invisible labor women...2025-06-0220 minAdvancing Women PodcastMind the Gap: Between Expectations & RequirementsAre Your Expectations Really the Problem — or Is That Just What You've Been Told?
Research shows that expectations can be a major source of stress, anxiety, and even the breakdown of trust and respect in our relationships. But let’s challenge the tired narrative that women’s so-called “too high expectations” are to blame.
In this episode of the Advancing Women Podcast, I flip the script. We take a closer look at the real issue: the difference between expectations (often shaped by social norms and limiting stereotypes) and requirements or standards (which are rooted in self-respe...2025-05-2018 minAdvancing Women PodcastPraise Publicly, Criticize Privately
In this powerful and timely episode, we explore how feedback—especially public feedback—can have vastly different impacts depending on gender, and why the principle “praise publicly, criticize privately” is more than just good advice—it’s a vital strategy for allyship, equity, and leadership development.
Dr. Kimberly DeSimone shares personal insights from years of academic leadership, backed by compelling research on gender bias in student evaluations, performance reviews, and workplace feedback. This episode uncovers how even well-intentioned critiques can reinforce long-standing stereotypes and disproportionately affect women, particularly those in authority or leadership roles.
From teaching eva...2025-05-0622 minAdvancing Women PodcastLive What Matters and Let The Rest Go!
We’re constantly reminded to take time for ourselves, to prioritize self-care, to fill our own cup first. These messages are everywhere—but let’s be honest, it’s not always that simple. Life has a way of stacking the deck against us. The expectations never stop piling up. We’re juggling so many responsibilities—personally, professionally, emotionally—and somehow we’re supposed to keep all the balls in the air…with a smile on our face.
In this episode of the Advancing Women Podcast, I explore the radical idea of accepting the chaos—acknowledging it without judgment—and finding...2025-04-2227 minAdvancing Women PodcastWalking in an Autism Mom’s Shoes: The Gift of EmpathyWant to know how you can truly support family or friends raising a child with autism? This episode is for you. With April being Autism Awareness Month, it’s the perfect time to learn about what really matters.
Studies show that mothers of children with autism experience stress and depression levels on par with those of active combat soldiers. In this episode, we dive into the importance of awareness, empathy, and practical ways you can offer meaningful support. These are the things autism moms wish you understood, and this episode shares how you can show up for them.
...2025-04-0717 minAdvancing Women PodcastTrailblazing Women: Timeless Words of Wisdom for Women's History MonthIn this episode, we celebrate Women’s History Month with words of wisdom from many powerful, brilliant, and inspiring women. Their poignant quotes provide lasting insight and inspiration for all women as we continue to work towards gender equity for all.
These quotes and the resulting discussion come from a variety of women including women of color, women from the LGBTQ community, and women from countries across the globe. The quotes go as far back as the 1700s through current day. This is about the voice and inspiration of ALL women. From Abigail Adams, Susan B. Anthony an...2025-03-2416 minAdvancing Women PodcastThe Progress PrincipleIn today’s episode, I dive deep into the feeling of being overwhelmed and constantly busy, despite our best efforts to manage our time better. I share some personal reflections on how to take back control of our time and the importance of making small progress in our personal and professional lives. I explore the concept of The Progress Principle, backed by science, and how small wins can lead to greater momentum and motivation. It's a journey of intentionality — where it's not about doing more or being perfect, but about creating consistent, small steps toward progress that lead to grea...2025-03-1026 minAdvancing Women PodcastOh, The Joy of Missing Out!What if we could turn FOMO (the fear of missing out) into JOMO (the JOY of missing out)? In this episode of the #AdvancingWomenPodcast join me in exploring how embracing the freedom to say “no” can help us prioritize us and our time.
JOMO isn’t about scaling back on ambition or motivation, it’s about intentionally focusing our time and energy on what truly brings us both achievement and joy. It’s about creating balance. #tunein to discover how to shift from the fear of missing out to the joy of missing out. JOMO could be the perfec...2025-02-2517 minAdvancing Women PodcastBlack History Month: Historic Black Women's VoicesFebruary is Black History Month, an annual celebration to honor the remarkable achievements of African Americans and acknowledge their pivotal contributions to U.S. history. Throughout this journey, African American women have often been overlooked, despite playing a central role in the ongoing fight for gender equity.
This episode celebrates and highlights the powerful voices of courageous Black women, past and present, who have dedicated their lives to creating a more just and equitable world. Tune in for a profound conversation filled with the wisdom and inspiration of these incredible women, whose words continue to carry immense...2025-02-1118 minAdvancing Women PodcastStop Policing How Women TalkIf you feel like your “tone” and level of emotion are being policed, #tunein because this is the #advancingwomenpodcast episode for you!
Scrutiny of women’s speaking patterns is the latest frontier in an endless barrage of judgment and undermining women face. It is yet another way to blame women. An attempt to shift the emphasis to fixing women versus doing the hard work of fixing #genderbias
Tone policing (when someone focuses on how something is said, rather than what is actually being said) often involves critiquing the emotional tone, volume, or manner of speaking, rather...2025-01-2819 minAdvancing Women PodcastA New Year, or Just Another Year?Moving from one calendar year to the next doesn't automatically result in personal growth or transformation. Without making changes to the way we think and behave, we’re unlikely to experience any significant improvement or progress, no matter how much time passes.
As author James Clear says…we don’t rise to the level of our goals, we fall to the level of our systems. And too often, the systems we try to succeed in weren’t designed by or for us. In this Advancing Women Podcast episode we deconstruct the barriers that get in the way of our su...2025-01-1423 minAdvancing Women PodcastLet’s Make 2025 a year for daring greatly!We live in a world designed largely by and for men and men's pursuits. Research shows that women - even working full time - almost always take on the lion's share of home responsibilities and most of the emotional labor in our families. If you are bogged down in the unnoticed, unappreciated work and feel like your time and goals are deprioritized or derailed, you’ll want to #tunein to this episode!
It’s your time! Let's let 2025 be a year for prioritizing our bold goals. Together, let's get unstuck, start the thing, and overcome resistance! There is N...2024-12-3116 minAdvancing Women PodcastWhy you shouldn’t always give 100%Instead of always aiming for 100%, how about focusing on balance? How about embracing progress over perfection?
The "all or nothing" mindset, always pushing to give 100%, may actually be standing in the way of living our best lives. Consider this your permission to let go of this unnecessary pressure and reject the constant brainwashing.
During this hectic time of year, it’s easy to feel like life is nothing more than an endless to-do list. This #newepisode is all about breaking that cycle. Life is messy and imperfect, and sometimes doing what we can—rather than stri...2024-12-1715 minAdvancing Women PodcastComplicated Girls Suck with Dr. Tara WalkerHave you ever been written off as too complicated? Too emotional? These labels may not seem like a big deal, but they can serve as a way to push aside our difficulties or invalidate our feelings. If you have ever felt not enough AND too much all at once, then this is the episode for you!
Having your emotions policed is not a healthy experience. Being gaslighted is not a healthy experience. In this episode of the #advancingwomenpodcast I am here with Dr. Tara Walker to detangle and deconstruct the complicated woman stereotype. #tunein
For more about D...2024-12-0341 minAdvancing Women PodcastMindful Communication#tunein for this dynamic and pragmatic interview on mindful communication and emotional intelligence with communications strategist Anna Bulszewicz. We dive deep into communication, community, and connection.
Let’s stop calling communication skills and emotional intelligence "soft skills.” These are ESSENTIAL skills that women tend to be exceptionally good at, so let’s make sure we are acknowledging, owning, honing, and touting these super skills!
Podcast referenced in this episode (Let’s teach girls bravery and teach boys empathy)
iTunes https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/lets-teach-girls-bravery-and-teach-boys-empathy/id1569849100?i=1000576175167
Spotify https://open.spotify.com/episode/10oW7FgzU65qrJ5JAsMDrc?si=gCQU...2024-11-0530 minAdvancing Women PodcastEmotional Intelligence: An Antifragility Mindset“The wind extinguishes a candle and energizes fire.” ~Taleb (2014)
In this episode, I’m talking about Antifragility, a concept even more powerful than resiliency and grit. It’s about overcoming. Harnessing the wind and being the fire that is energized.
As Nietzsche (and Kanye) have said…that that don’t kill me…can only make me stronger…”
Antifragility, resilience, and grit are valuable tools in combating gender inequity so we can transcend and thrive. Despite the barriers that create an unlevel playing field for far too many talented, highly qualified women, it is possible that...2024-10-0819 minAdvancing Women PodcastWeaponized Gratitude & Gratitude Shaming
Do you ever feel guilty for not feeling more grateful? Guess what? This is a classic example of “it’s not your fault, but it is your problem.”
Have you noticed an increase in using positivity and gratitude as a means of control and superiority? A weaponizing of gratitude where it’s being wielded to minimize someone's experience? In this episode, we explore weaponized gratitude and gratitude shaming. Our feelings are valid! No problem is "too small to matter” and being told to be "grateful” when we are upset isn’t helpful or kind, it’s manipulative and invalidating...2024-09-2316 minAdvancing Women PodcastComparison is Kryptonite, Let’s Ditch It!In this episode, we talk about social comparison and how we can fall into the trap of valuing our personal and social worth by assessing how we compare to others. Whether it is an upward or downward comparison, if we allow comparison of others to dictate how we view our own lives it can steal our joy. Comparison is a Kryptonite that often makes us want more while simultaneously seeing ourselves as less. “A flower does not think of competing with the flower next to it. It just blooms” ~Zen Shin
#tunein to this episode of the #advanc...2024-09-1012 minAdvancing Women PodcastAdvice To My 20-Something Self!I’m practicing what I preach in this episode and offering myself some grace. Enjoy a reposting (with a new introduction) of one of my most popular, and most downloaded episodes ever. It’s all about 50/20 vision…what advice in my 50s would I give my 20-something self?
We've all heard the adage “Hindsight is 20/20”. It's an expression that suggests it's easier to understand something after it has already happened, that we have a level of clarity when we look back at a situation, event, or decision.
This episode in from November 2021 and was my 25th episode...2024-08-2634 minAdvancing Women PodcastWhen Dads Do What Moms DoHow often are you asked, “How do you juggle it all?” If you’re a working mom, the answer is probably OFTEN. If you’re a working dad, the answer is probably NEVER. Research confirms that dads working outside the home are often praised for being good fathers while moms who work outside the home are often judged.
If you’ve ever felt frustrated at how dads get a pat on the back whenever they are out with their kids, while moms often get judged, this episode will hit home! It’s time to detangle having it all from DOIN...2024-08-1220 minAdvancing Women PodcastThe Joy of Missing Out!Warriors, do you ever feel like no matter how many productivity techniques you master there is always more to do than you can ever accomplish in the time you have available? So much effort and attention to be productive…often chasing the holy grail of maximizing our productivity. And what about FOMO? The fear of missing out on events, experiences, or life decisions that could make our lives better. The irony is that the exact opposite tends to be true. Research shows FOMO can lead to extreme dissatisfaction and negatively affect our physical and mental health.
FOMO can...2024-07-2917 minAdvancing Women PodcastFashion is for everyBODY!Did you know that research shows we tend to dress the way we feel? If we feel sad or unmotivated, we are more likely to wear unflattering clothing. But here’s some good news, we can also feel the way we dress! Fashion is one of the most visible ways we can express ourselves and increasingly there's a movement to make fashion more playful and inclusive.
Maybe it’s time this summer to have some fun and rethink the fashion choices we are making. Are we picking colors and patterns we love, or wearing black because it’s most...2024-07-1525 minAdvancing Women PodcastCalm in the ChaosTake time for yourself…take time for self-care…fill your cup. We hear this all the time, but the reality is that things often work against you. All the expectations…the balls we’re meant to juggle, all at once and never drop. Oh…and keep smiling.
In this episode of the Advancing Women Podcast, I explore the radical acceptance of the chaos in our lives and talk about how we can care for ourselves, in small ways, regularly. It’s about creating a practice for peace, even in difficult moments, and being mindful and intentional in how we show...2024-07-0128 minAdvancing Women PodcastIt’s Not a Women’s Ambition Gap, It’s an Ambition Penalty!Coming off of last week's episode addressing the assault on women’s ambition, I wanted to explore ambition and the backlash women experience in more detail in this episode with special guest nationally recognized money expert, Stephanie O'Connell Rodriguez
Does the workplace constantly make you question yourself? Ever had an offer rescinded when you tried to negotiate for more money? Ever been told to speak up but when you do, you face consequences? Ever feel like ambitious men are celebrated while ambitious women are criticized and experience backlash? Tired of the backlash, blame, and gaslighting? Then you won’t want to mi...2024-06-1832 minAdvancing Women PodcastWhy is Mom So Angry? I’m Glad You Asked!It’s May, a month we celebrate moms and a great time to touch base about how we are feeling about things. If you sometimes find yourself feeling undervalued, unseen, and underappreciated, this episode is for you.
Research shows most women, especially moms, have been socially conditioned to do for others. To always prioritize and meet everyone’s needs. We face societal and familial expectations of selflessness, ensuring everybody stays comfortable and happy. We are meant to make sure everything gets done and to do it without complaint.
But what happens when the constant juggling of to...2024-05-2118 minAdvancing Women PodcastA Grown Up Gap Year With #Youtuber Jen LefforgeHave you ever wondered what you would do if you could do anything? What if you took a grown-up gap year to figure it out? That’s just what my guest Jen Lefforge did. That is how, at age 46, after a 25-year career, and after raising 3 sons, she took a year off to find out what she wanted to be when she grew up. That grown-up gap year resulted in her current day job as a professional content creator and full-time #YouTuber who makes a living documenting her travels, adventures, and the art of joyful living to her community of mo...2024-05-0749 minAdvancing Women PodcastCareer Advice From Women of InfluenceToo often the advice given to women doesn’t work because it wasn’t designed by or for women. In this episode, we share advice from inspirational women of influence. We break it down and talk about what advice serves us, and what advice…seemingly well-meaning, might lead to unintended consequences.
Should we always give 100% in everything we do? Should we bring our authentic selves always? Should we only do work we love? Maybe, maybe not. #Tunein and we’ll break it all down. With a special guest, the very wise Heather Harris
https://heatherlynnharris.com/
Episodes of the Advan...2024-04-2349 minAdvancing Women PodcastWhat Autism Moms Need: Empathy & UnderstandingWant to know what you can do to show support for your family or friends who have a child with autism? This is the episode for you. April is autism awareness month so here are some things to be aware of.
Research shows that mothers of children with autism have elevated levels of depression and stress levels comparable to the stress levels of active combat soldiers! This episode is about awareness, acknowledgment, empathy, and small ways YOU can show your support. This is what moms of children with autism want people to know, so don’t miss th...2024-04-0817 minAdvancing Women PodcastDelivering Big Creativity: Small Steps & PracticesDelivering big creativity starts with small steps and practices you incorporate into your everyday life. Too often we hold back our creative energy because we lack courage, but the truth is connecting to your creativity is connecting to your courage.
Creativity = Courage
Just like any proficiency, creativity is a muscle that needs to be exercised. Developing your creativity starts with the simple act of developing a creative practice that is judgment-free and full of fun.
#tunein to this episode of the Advancing Women Podcast with Creative Warrior Heather Harris and learn to embrace...2024-02-2622 minAdvancing Women PodcastBlack History Month: Ain't I a Woman?February is black history month, an annual celebration of achievements by African Americans, and a time for recognizing their central role in U.S. history and, importantly, in the women’s equality movement. African American women have too often been overlooked in the history of our fight for gender equity.
This episode honors and quotes many brilliant, brave, black women who fought to create a fairer and more equitable world. These words have tremendous power and impact including the important work of Kimberlé Crenshaw who coined the phrase intersectionality. Crenshaw simply and poignantly said, "If we aren’t int...2024-02-1218 minAdvancing Women PodcastThe Community We NourishWhen you sit with warriors, the conversation is different. The power of sitting with warriors is the impact of those conversations. Too many of us are surrounded by people that will always see us as we are, rather than seeing our potential and growth. We need to nurture the right relationships and build a community of people that we can count on, that give it to us straight, that we trust, and that have our backs. I'm talking about the people who elevate us and move us toward our best selves and our best lives. #tunein to learn what y...2024-01-3015 minAdvancing Women PodcastAdvice That Works for Women! Center Coach Create™As women, we are often faced with unique barriers and then contradictory advice. This episode is about better understanding the biases that produce those barriers so that we can interrupt them and ditch the contradictory advice with strategies that work FOR WOMEN.
Too often the best practice advice that women receive doesn't work for us because it wasn't designed by or for us! So, we end up internalizing the fault and the flaw when ANY advice grounded in women as not enough, flawed, or defective is advice we don’t need and should not listen to!
2024-01-1548 minAdvancing Women PodcastThis Is the Year for Bold, Audacious Goals!Thanks to the sponsor of this episode Center Coach Create™ a personal and professional development company that helps ambitious women develop their mindset, skillset, and toolset with evidence-based strategies designed by and for women, Center Coach Create™ can help you get unstuck so you can transcend and thrive. Learn more at https://centercoachcreate.com/
Let's let 2024 be a year for bold, audacious goals. Let's get unstuck, start the thing, and overcome resistance BUT, let's also remember that there is NOT an expiration on our goals. It’s our lives and our goals, so it should be on our timeline. We must be...2024-01-0117 minAdvancing Women PodcastLess Chaos, More Comfort & JoyAs women, we can find ourselves feeling more stressed with all the holiday prep that so often disproportionately drains us of our time and our calm. We feel like if we don’t do all the things, others will be disappointed, or things will fall through the cracks. So, we do everything in our power to mediate that, often at great personal cost to our comfort and joy.
This episode focuses on YOUR comfort, joy, calm, and cozy. Learn more in this episode of the Advancing Women Podcast about the Danish practice of Hygge (coziness & comfort) and th...2023-12-1920 minAdvancing Women PodcastWarrior Gift Giving: Women Supporting WomenDid you know that although women make up half the population, research shows we control or influence most consumer spending (more than 80% of all purchases!)
Why then don't more businesses large and small think of women first when creating new products and services AND how dare these companies that benefit so greatly from the decisions women make to purchase their products not create more equity for women within the organization's leadership?
Tis the season…to flex our consumer power and help support women and women’s advancement. This episode encourages us all to think intentionally and...2023-12-0415 minAdvancing Women PodcastStop Telling Us We Have Imposter SyndromeHave you ever felt Imposter Syndrome? Then #tunein because this is the episode for you!
Women in the workplace and in society are too often “problematized” rather than addressing very real biases and barriers we face. We are told if we want to succeed…to belong…we have to fit in and research shows that fitting in is the opposite of belonging because we are expected to change who we are rather than be who we are. We are told to be our authentic selves then feel consequences when we do.
This episode addresses the three ma...2023-11-2119 minAdvancing Women PodcastLess Hustle & Grind, More Alignment & BalanceToo often culturally we glorify the hustle and grind. The truth is though, we all pay a price for overwork including stress, burnout, and less healthy emotional well-being. Especially for women.
This episode of the #advancingwomenpodcast addresses the extreme work model, presenteeism, and a 24/7 work culture where high intensity is the norm, where everything is an emergency, and where every problem is critical. A culture of constant accessibility and availability has become the productivity standard. But is it necessary? If you want less #hustle and #grind and more #balanced and #alignment then this is the episode for...2023-10-2324 minAdvancing Women PodcastWhat Mansplaining IS and What It Is NOT (And How to Make It Stop!)Mansplaining is more than condescension or interrupting, it’s where condescension intersects with power and privilege. Mansplaining is a condescending explanation by members of socially, culturally, or legally privileged groups in their interactions with those who don’t hold the same power and privilege.
In this episode, we deconstruct Androcentric Bias (the assumption that the male view is the norm or default), and Androcentrism (the tendency to center society around men’s needs and priorities).
This episode addresses where mansplaining is most prevalent (which domains) and provides some new solutions to a tiresome old problem. It’s al...2023-10-1023 minAdvancing Women PodcastWhen and HOW to Say NO. Setting Boundaries in Work and in Life!Too often we as women take on an unfair share of responsibilities and then are blamed for saying yes to every request when we are too busy and feel overwhelmed. But… if we don’t do it, who will? This episode demystifies why it is so difficult for us as women to say no (hint: it’s not your fault, but it is your problem!)
I explore with compassion (and a lot of evidence) why saying no, while difficult for many people, can be especially difficult for women. I address the very real patterns of bias, social norms...2023-09-2524 minAdvancing Women PodcastThe Paradox of MeritocracyCan meritocracy make things fairer? Does it level the playing field?
A meritocracy is a system where power and advancement are granted to individuals based solely on talent, effort, ability, and achievement. That we will be evaluated based solely on performance as measured through objective criteria and demonstrated achievement.
The problem is the premise of meritocracy. The assumption is that evaluations in the workforce are objective, despite research and knowledge that we as human beings, social beings with different experiences, are incapable of being completely objective. So then, if we know that, we should...2023-09-1220 minAdvancing Women PodcastCreate Habits & Systems to Interrupt Bias“You do not rise to the level of your goals, but you fall to the level of your systems” (James Clear, 2018, Atomic Habits).
It is crucial for us as women who so often encounter unique, unfair barriers while also hearing conflicting advice (not created by or FOR women!) to transcend and thrive by creating intentional, actionable, steps and strategic processes that disrupt the bias and better serve us.
This episode is about creating the clarity we need to be proactive and effective. When we see the patterns of bias in the situation, we can respond in a...2023-08-1522 minAdvancing Women PodcastThe Problem with Presenteeism & The Extreme Work ModelIf you are ambitious and achievement driven, it can be easy to find yourself in an extreme work model and out of balance especially when #presenteeism and constant availability are often erroneously associated with commitment and drive. This outdated “ideal worker” norm is bad for everyone, men and women, but research shows it can be especially damaging to women’s careers.
Societal norms and expectations continue to perpetuate the idea that being a wife and raising a family is the top priority for women, while career advancement and financial independence are secondary while for men, the opposite is tru...2023-08-0122 minAdvancing Women PodcastGender Equity = Win/WinThis episode focuses on evidence-based, positive outcomes of gender equity for everyone, men, women, children, businesses, and even nations.
A more gender-egalitarian future is one that can improve our lives. It’s a future with a higher potential for more happiness and satisfaction, reduced stress, better health, better marriages, stronger families, and more successful and profitable companies.
Research shows conclusively that the more gender equitable an organization is, the better outcomes are for ALL employees when measured against a host of key indicators from job satisfaction to lower turnover to better recruiting to higher rates of...2023-07-1824 minAdvancing Women PodcastLet’s Swap Expectations for RequirementsResearch shows that expectations can be a major cause of stress, anxiety, and loss of trust and respect in our relationships. This episode challenges the too-common narrative that it is women’s “too high expectations” that cause many of our problems. I introduce a more accurate narrative that serves women by distinguishing expectations(grounded in social norms and stereotypes) from requirements and standards(grounded in our self-esteem and self-care.)
The real questions we should be asking ourselves as women is not are my expectations and standards too high, but rather, what do I require in my relationships, and why...2023-07-0318 minAdvancing Women PodcastKicking the Over-Apologizing HabitDo you over-apologize, even when you haven’t done anything wrong? Do you deflect compliments? These are topics that I am asked to speak about often and in this episode, I dig into why we as women over-apologize (hint: It’s not our fault) and what we can do to successfully interrupt this pattern.
Apologizing when we have done something wrong is a real strength, but compulsive apologizing can present as a weakness at work and in personal relationships. Research shows women apologize up to three times more often than men and that we deflect praise in ways...2023-06-1922 minAdvancing Women PodcastTwo-Year Anniversary Episode: It’s Still Not Your Fault!Today marks two years since I launched the Advancing Women Podcast. This episode highlights the evidence-based knowledge and awareness of our reality as ambitious women. The very real biases and barriers that can make our journey more difficult. I continue to hold up to the light, call out, and interrupt the narratives around women’s advancement that too often suggest that we are flawed; that it is our not-enoughness that leads to inequity.
This podcast continues to be grounded in the rejection of the false premise that women are defective, flawed, or somehow less fit to lead, ad...2023-06-0517 minAdvancing Women PodcastWomen, Inclusivity, and the Business of Sports with Leah BoydIn the past few decades, we have seen a steady increase of women entering male-dominated fields, yet they are still finding that the good ole boys’ club persists. Studies show that women working in the business of sports trail all other industries on every dimension of inclusion. Women are expected to prove their competency again, and again, and again, while working tirelessly to “fit in.”
In this episode of the Advancing Women Podcast, I am chatting with Leah Boyd; a leader for a global brand focused on sports, and culture that works with many of the biggest profes...2023-05-2228 minAdvancing Women PodcastComparison is the Thief of JoyIt happens each time we turn on the tv, or scroll on our favorite social media app, and even when we visit with good friends. As human beings, we are all driven to try to gain an accurate self-assessment of who we are. If we’re not careful, this passive watching (and sometimes judging) of others can subconsciously begin to make us feel like what we have isn’t enough. Who we are and what we have achieved isn’t enough. Or on the flip side of this, we may begin to feel a sense of superiority over others. Whethe...2023-05-0812 minAdvancing Women PodcastHow We Talk About Women and WorkWomen represent half of the workforce, yet still, it is necessary to call out the subtle and overt ways the narratives surrounding women's contributions in the workforce can serve to reinforce biases.
Too often, discussions on women and work, especially women, in a partnership or marriage suggest that work for women is a "choice" or in some way less important than it is for men. This can perpetuate the bias that men's, careers, and career successes are more important than women's AND that in a partnership women should be the ones to subordinate their careers.
...2023-04-2524 minAdvancing Women PodcastDon’t Call Them Soft Skills With Communications Strategist Anna Bulszewicz“It is no longer reasonable or appropriate to identify everyday communication skills or people skills as soft skills. In a post-pandemic world, leaders, managers, and teammates must trailblaze with empathy and strong emotional intelligence or lose out.” (AMC)
Tune in for this pragmatic interview on mindful communication with communications strategist Anna Bulszewicz. After working for nearly 20 years in corporate, the media, and academia, Anna helps leaders and businesses implement mindful communication practices that increase emotional, quotient and generate successful business communities. In this episode, she shares incredible insight and some useful tips you won’t want to miss. It’s all ab...2023-03-2830 minAdvancing Women PodcastYoung Men are Opting Out of Marriage and Relationships. Should we Care?A recent Pew Research Center report is gaining a lot of attention in the media. The study found that 30 percent of U.S. adults are neither married, living with a partner, nor engaged in a committed relationship and nearly half of all young adults are single. Here’s what is surprising, 34 percent of women, and a whopping 63 percent of men are single.
Why are so many young men shying from marriage or even dating? Are younger men getting lazier or more selfish? Are young women getting choosier or more demanding? Find out what is going on and why...2023-03-1320 minAdvancing Women PodcastBlack Women’s Voices in The Women’s Rights MovementFebruary is black history month, an annual celebration of achievements by African Americans, and a time for recognizing their central role in U.S. history. African American women have too often been overlooked in the history of our fight for gender equity. The struggle against racism, sexism, and all other-isms. All must be addressed simultaneously.
This episode honors and quotes many brilliant, brave, black women who fought and fight, to create a fairer and more equitable world.
Don’t miss this episode with the wisdom and inspiration of so many brilliant black women who have pr...2023-02-2818 minAdvancing Women PodcastFashion Should Be Fun for EveryBODY, Talking Body Positivity With Veronica FreundFashion is one of the most visible ways we express ourselves, yet too often we feel compelled to choose what is most flattering. We choose clothing that shrinks us or “sucks us in” versus what makes us feel joyful. Fashion should NOT just be for some, we should all be comfortable and confident enough to enjoy fashion, but that requires dismantling the negative external messaging around women’s bodies, perfection, and who is “deserving” of fashion.
Increasingly there is a movement to make fashion more inclusive. This episode of the Advancing Women Podcast with fashion, lifestyle, and body posit...2023-02-1328 minAdvancing Women PodcastAuthentic Branding with Pamela Long from Little Big BrandsWith the super bowl approaching many of us are going to be thinking about and talking about the ads. Recent studies show that despite an increased cultural focus on equality and empowerment movements, women report feeling that major brands are still not effectively acknowledging women’s priorities or communicating with women in an empowering or authentic manner.
This conversation is about more than entertainment. It's about continuing to challenge a media industry, organizations, and brands that too often misrepresent women, distort women’s experiences, and speak inauthentically to women. We are joined in this episode of the Adva...2023-01-3116 minAdvancing Women PodcastHave a Hygge Holiday!As women, we can find ourselves feeling more stressed with all the holiday prep that so often disproportionately drains us of our time and our calm. We feel like if we don’t do all the things, others will be disappointed, or things will fall through the cracks. So, we do everything in our power to mediate that, often at great personal cost to our comfort and joy.
This episode focuses on YOUR comfort, joy, calm, and cozy. Learn more in this episode of the Advancing Women Podcast about the Danish practice of Hygge (coziness & comfort) and th...2022-12-1920 minAdvancing Women PodcastAll-Or-Nothing Thinking: What It Is, and How to Stop It!In this episode of the Advancing Women Podcast, we're tackling cognitive distortions. A cognitive distortion is an assumption we make based on minimal evidence, or without considering the evidence. It is an exaggerated or irrational thought pattern that causes us to perceive reality inaccurately. We all engage in cognitive distortions.
We can overgeneralize and interpret one negative event or mistake as a pattern of defeat. We can mentally filter discounting our positive qualities and accomplishments and dwelling on the negatives. We jump to conclusions “mind-reading” others’ interpretation of our actions assuming others are judging us negatively, even when t...2022-12-0515 minAdvancing Women PodcastUnlearn and Restore with Alicia JabbarI often say when you sit with warriors, the conversation is different! We all need both challenge and support to thrive in our careers and our lives, but this is especially important for women. As women, we face unique biases and barriers that make #mentors, #sponsors, #coaches, and #community even more important. “When women connect in groups, they experience a sense of validation and inspiration that breaks down the barriers limiting their fully expressed leadership in the world.”
There is wisdom in women’s shared experiences. There is power in the tribe!
I am very excite...2022-11-0734 minAdvancing Women PodcastThe Dark Side of Beauty with Schonte Hamilton“We live in an age of ugly beauty. Reverence for beauty is just an escape from reality, it is the perpetual adolescent in us refusing to accept a flawed world” ~ author, Nancy Etcoff (Survival of the Prettiest).
Research shows that society has long impacted our standards of beauty, playing a role in affecting beauty trends, body image, and self-esteem, and increasingly this is exacerbated by social media.
In this episode of the Advancing Women Podcast, I talk with actress, singer, and songwriter Schonte Hamilton. Schonte is passionate about promoting body positivity and acceptance. She is the...2022-10-2527 minAdvancing Women PodcastCultivating Creativity with Illustrator Heather HarrisIt takes courage to express the things you are passionate about and to transcend the limits of your comfort zone. Connecting to your creativity is connecting to your courage.
Creativity, like courage, is energy with which you can connect. It is an essential part of who you are, AND it is a practice. Too often people think about creative people or the arts as being endowed from heaven, but as our guest today, illustrator and creator, Heather Harris says “That's not true. You were created, so you are creative!” Don’t miss this episode of the Advancing Women...2022-10-1022 minAdvancing Women PodcastThe 4 Ps Advancement Model™ for WomenThe advancing women podcast is where empathy meets pragmatism and today's episode is heavy on pragmatism. As ambitious, warrior women, we spend a lot of time and effort working toward professional goals and advancement. Unfortunately, there are many inequitable, sometimes invisible barriers and bias patterns that create an unlevel playing field for women because the system was not designed by or for us. We can't keep playing the game and expecting the outcomes to change. We must change the game and find ways to interrupt the inequitable rules of the game in ways that help serve us.
...2022-09-2623 min
Rising TideDr. Kimberly DeSimone: It's Not Your Fault But It Is Your ProblemWomen in the workplace are facing a difficult reality. There are tremendous forces working against you. Too often the blame is placed on women to improve and get over their imposterism, there is backlash when you show up authentically, or women risk burning out due to unpaid labor responsibilities.This might be our reality but it doesn't have to be our fate.Today I'm joined by Dr. Kimberly DeSimone, an expert on gender equality in the workplace. Kimberly shares her story and shares powerful insights and research to empower professional women to tackle the inequalities...2022-09-141h 09Advancing Women PodcastCompassionate Self-Improvement with Wellness Warrior Erica GolubSeptember is Self-Improvement Month, a time to reflect on all you've accomplished this year and to think about which goals you still want or need to work toward. Self-Improvement Month encourages us to make conscious and intentional efforts to improve ourselves.
In this episode of the Advancing Women Podcast, we approach self-improvement from a more compassionate and self-kind approach. Let’s think about the improvements we need to make, to be better to ourselves and at prioritizing OUR needs. Don’t miss this episode with esteemed guest; Wellness Warrior and certified yoga, mindfulness, and meditation practitioner Erica Golu...2022-09-1238 minAdvancing Women PodcastToxic Positivity versus Mental ContrastingIn this episode of the Advancing Women Podcast, we explore toxic positivity; a phenomenon where positivity is used to minimize one’s experience, and how this has been painfully exacerbated because of social media which thrives on toxically optimistic outlooks.
Toxic positivity has perpetuated a brushing over of the real inequities and challenges many women face. With empowerment language forced upon us, there can be a false reality that leaves too many talented, empowered women, confused when our “positive vibes” aren’t enough to transcend very real gender bias and inequity in the workplace. Just as it is not h...2022-08-2916 minAdvancing Women PodcastLet’s Teach Girls Bravery AND Teach Boys Empathy!In her popular TEDTalk titled Teach Girls Bravery Not Perfection, Reshma Saujani, the founder of Girls Who Code asserts that we are raising our girls to be perfect, and we're raising our boys to be brave. Saujani says “I worry about our bravery deficit. The bravery deficit is why women are underrepresented in STEM, C-suites, boardrooms, Congress, and pretty much everywhere you look.”
While I don't disagree that girls and women have been overly socialized to avoid risk, in this episode, I challenge assertions and oversimplifications that perpetuate a fix the women, fix the problem narrative.
Su...2022-08-1526 minAdvancing Women PodcastLiving Life to Our Fullest Potential With Margaret WenigerIn a world where high salaries and titles are often considered the pinnacle of success, we can sometimes overlook things like personal happiness, satisfaction, purpose, and reaching our full potential. Winning, collecting the most toys, making the most money, earning the big title, attaining and dominating...that tends to be the language of success. But what if we approach success more holistically? What if we had more conversations about the importance of living life to our fullest potential where we don't have to see success at odds with our happiness, purpose, and wellness? Living life to our fullest potential!2022-08-0132 minAdvancing Women PodcastTightrope Bias & The Likeability DilemmaHave you been called bossy or pushy at work when you were just doing your job? Have you been tough, when necessary, only to be deemed difficult to work for or with? The explanation for this is Tightrope Bias and the Likeability Dilemma.
Research shows that in many workplaces’ women wanting to advance often must take on more “masculine qualities” to get ahead, presenting as more ambitious, assertive, and competitive. Yet we are still expected to maintain our “feminine qualities” of being caring, modest, helpful, and nice. Research also confirms that women who violate stereotypically feminine social norms are...2022-07-1822 minAdvancing Women PodcastTone Policing, Vocal Fry, & UpspeakWarrior women, this is an important and timely episode of the Advancing Women Podcast. Our speech, our “tone”, and even the octave of our voice is under attack!
Scrutiny of women’s speaking patterns is the latest frontier in an endless barrage of judgment and undermining women face. It is yet another way to blame women. An attempt to shift the emphasis to fixing women versus doing the hard work of fixing structural, and organizational inequities.
We must see tone policing and commentary about upspeak and vocal fry for what it is. It’s not a peeve...2022-07-0419 minAdvancing Women PodcastPurpose, Embrace Your Calling with author Jessica HuieIf you ask people the purpose of life, a lot of people will say happiness, but I would argue the purpose of life is to find purpose IN life. As Ralph Waldo Emerson famously said “The purpose of life is not to be happy, it is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate. To have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well.”
I am delighted to have author Jessica Huie on the Advancing Women Podcast. Jessica is an author, entrepreneur, and speaker who runs retreats to help people breathe life into thei...2022-06-2129 minAdvancing Women PodcastThe Medical Gaslighting of Women: It’s NOT just in your head!With guest Leah Noonan
Medical gaslighting is when a healthcare provider dismisses your complaints or concerns. They don't take you seriously or blame your symptoms on a vague cause (such as stress) and often send you home without a proper diagnosis or treatment plan. This is what happened to today’s guest for decades.
We live in a world where much of the data we have is based on the male experience. As Feminist author Simone de Beauvoir said, “Representation of the world, like the world itself, is the work of men; they describe it from...2022-06-0738 minAdvancing Women PodcastOne Year Anniversary Episode: It’s Still Not Your Fault!Today marks the one-year anniversary since I launched the Advancing Women Podcast. That’s 52 consecutive episodes…52 #newepisode Tuesdays!
This episode addresses what I have learned along the way. It’s about transcending the roadblocks, overcoming resistance, fear, imposter syndrome, negative self-talk, and silencing the inner saboteur.
It’s about gratitude, reaching milestones, and bold radical audacious goals. It’s about continuing to hold up to the light, name, challenge, and disrupt the distasteful and inequitable constructs, biases and barriers that keep far too many talented, warrior women from reaching their full potential. \
We talk about...2022-05-2321 minAdvancing Women PodcastThe 3As of Allyship (Acknowledge, Amplify, Act)Gender equity is not an issue for women to solve alone, it’s for all of us to solve. This episode of the Advancing Women Podcast addresses allyship and what I call the 3A’s of allyship…Acknowledgement, Amplification, and Action.
Allyship must be more than a philosophy or belief…it is a commitment to action. To being an agent of change. It’s about tangible effort and intent to be a part of the solution.
I address the provisions, assurances, and roadmaps to success existing for men as well as the proven barriers t...2022-05-1719 minAdvancing Women PodcastThe Motherhood PenaltySomewhere along the line we have found it acceptable to honor mothers one day each year in May, while penalizing them every other day in the workforce. The research data show a very real motherhood penalty exists in the workforce which results in inequity in all aspects of women's careers from the ability to get hired, to evaluations and promotions, to earnings. This contributes to the #genderpaygap.
Gender stereotypes lead to mothers being less likely to be hired for jobs, to be perceived as competent at work, or to be paid as much as their male colleagues...2022-05-0926 minAdvancing Women PodcastConquering ResistanceDo you ever find yourself working on anything and everything but the thing that you should be working on? This episode addresses resistance. And I have often referred to resistance in my life as the inner saboteur…that voice in the back of your head that gives you all the reasons NOT to act.
This episode is about interrupting procrastination but more importantly, to stop blaming YOURSELF for procrastination, and instead…blame resistance.
Resistance is anything that stops you from taking creative action, including inner fears, negative self-talk ego, and self-doubt. Resistance has one sole miss...2022-05-0324 minAdvancing Women PodcastThe JOY of NO (JONO!)In the last episode of the Advancing Women Podcast I talked about letting go of FOMO (fear of missing out) to make way for JOMO (joy of missing out). This episode addresses why women disproportionately experience fear of missing because of the COST of missing out. I acknowledge and address societal expectations, stereotypes, and gender bias which can unfairly lead to missing out on future opportunities, loss of professional capital, and even lack of promotion. The very real consequences for women that can come from just saying NO. How for women especially, saying no can be so agonizing, and...2022-04-2624 minAdvancing Women PodcastTurn your FOMO into JOMO!Fear of missing out (FOMO) is the feeling of apprehension that we are not “in the know.” That we're missing out on events, experiences, or life decisions that could make our lives better. The irony is that the exact opposite tends to be true. Studies suggest that FOMO, that fear of missing out, can lead to extreme dissatisfaction and can have a detrimental effect on our physical and mental health.
And FOMO can be exacerbated by social media which creates a constant, instantaneous window into the lives of others, into seeing all the achievements and high points of ot...2022-04-1917 minAdvancing Women PodcastDad’s Don’t Babysit, It’s Called Parenting!OK warriors - let me know if this sounds familiar. You go out without your kids and see a friend. They say…”whose got the kids?” Meanwhile, your husband goes out with the kids, and he hears "Awe, it's so nice of you to babysit and give mom a break." Sigh.
Or you’re a mom who works outside the home and are frequently asked “How do you juggle it all?” Conversely, your husband, who also works outside the home is asked that question NEVER. Ever feel frustrated when dads get a pat on the back whenever they are out...2022-04-1120 minAdvancing Women PodcastA Salute to Moms of Children with AutismApril is autism awareness month. It’s about more than awareness though. It’s about acceptance and appreciation because awareness isn't nearly enough for our kiddos. It is though…a wonderful place to start when we are talking about the experience of autism moms. Research shows that mothers of children with autism have stress levels comparable to those of combat soldiers. As women, as working mothers, we all have challenges, but while we may all be in the same boat, we are not all in the same storm.
This episode is a salute to all the badass warrior...2022-04-0517 minAdvancing Women PodcastHERstory in History: Honoring Women’s Narratives and AchievementsMarch is Women’s History Month, and it is a time to acknowledge women’s often untold achievements, but also to acknowledge the importance of female narratives and stories in history. French feminist author Simone de Beauvoir famously said “Representation of the world, like the world itself, is the work of men; they describe it from their own point of view, which they confuse with the absolute truth” and so we must continue to push to tell the stories of women, the history of humanity inclusive of women’s perspective to correct both the invisibility and distortion of the female exp...2022-03-2926 minAdvancing Women PodcastClosing the Gender Pay GapThis episode addresses a problem which has existed for women, since we entered the workforce. A problem that, despite a host of stated commitment and endless implementation of interventions, persists. The gender pay gap. Let’s debunk the myths that continue to perpetuate a narrative that is both incorrect and does not serve women and contributes to gender inequity.
I share data that shows how even after adjusting for years of work experience, industry, and region, men start their careers at higher levels and pay than women and, after starting behind, women often do not catch up. Me...2022-03-2227 minAdvancing Women PodcastInterrupt Unconscious Bias and be an Agent of ChangeDespite women’s advancement in the overall workplace, a broken pipeline remains with far too many qualified warrior women not advancing to the top levels. If you have ever felt frustrated when you have done all the things to advance, but still you are passed over, or if you have ever felt like the blame has been placed on your shoulders…that you have deficiencies that need to be “fixed” in order to advance when in reality there are systemic inequities and organizational gender biases and barriers that are holding you back, then THIS is an episode you don’t want to...2022-03-1523 minAdvancing Women PodcastWrite-on Sister: Women in Publishing with Janee’ BrownThis week’s episode of the Advancing Women Podcast is about busting multiple boundaries, it’s about women in the entrepreneurial space and women in leadership in the publishing industry.
Despite increases in women’s entrepreneurship, it is still male dominated, and even though publishing tends to employ many women, as in so many domains, the numbers shift when you look at the top. So, I have the perfect guest to discuss these important issues, Publishing CEO Janee' Brown is talking entrepreneurship, publishing, and how to make this the year you add "author" to your bio!
Je...2022-03-0730 minAdvancing Women PodcastLeading through an equity lens with Chief Diversity Officer Dr. Latoya PierceEver wonder why despite decades of diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives we are still far from leveling the playing field for women and person of color? We need to lead through and equity lens and create real change that moves the needle in advancing women (and women of color!) to those top-level leadership roles of power, pay, and prestige.
A face at the table is not a voice at the table. Don’t miss this interview with Chief Diversity Officer, the brilliant Dr. Latoya Pierce as she provides a practical and actionable roadmap to a fairer and mor...2022-02-2840 minAdvancing Women PodcastAffirmations, positive mindset, and abundance with author Mia ShantelThis episode of the Advancing Women Podcasts is about interrupting the outer critic and the inner saboteur with words of wisdom from author @miashantel who shares affirmations from her new book Water for your Garden "Just as you water a garden to enrich life, allow these words to enhance you spiritually." You are the garden!
Water For Your Garden is a compilation of gems from conversations with women in Mia Shantel's ecosystem at various phases of their lives. This piece of work is to be the bright spot in your day when you need that reminder of...2022-02-2233 minAdvancing Women PodcastThat’s What She Said: The Power of Black Women’s VoicesFebruary is black history month, an annual celebration of achievements by African Americans and a time for recognizing their central role in U.S. history. African American women have too often been overlooked in the history of our fight for gender equity. The struggle against racism, sexism, and all other-isms. All must be addressed simultaneously.
This episode honors and quotes many brilliant, brave, black women who fought and fight, to create a fairer and more equitable world.
Don’t miss this episode with the wisdom and inspiration of so many brilliant black women who have pro...2022-02-1518 minAdvancing Women PodcastSelf-Compassion versus Self Improvement: How about both?Do you ever feel like you have to either be tough on yourself OR self-forgiving and self-compassionate? Self-compassion doesn’t have to be in opposition of being goal driven. This episode shows how self-compassion, self-caring, and self-forgiveness can all be the path to success…part of your growth mindset!
February is a month of love and passion – let’s reframe that warriors, and talk about self-love and self-compassion.
It’s not just mindset, it’s skillset and toolset. This episode addresses how we as women who are held to unfair, unattainable, even ridiculous societal expectations can foster th...2022-02-0122 minAdvancing Women PodcastAchieving Goals: Mindset, Skillset, ToolsetIn continuing with our January focus of transcending barriers and achieving goals this episode is all about success systems and how to assess and strengthen our mindset, skillset, and toolset.
“You do not rise to the level of your goals, but you fall to the level of your systems” (James Clear, 2018, Atomic Habits). Too often we spend a lot of time creating and focusing on goals, when what we really need to do is to focus on the systems necessary to achieve the goal.
Research confirms many unique barriers that we as women encounter that are...2022-01-1827 minAdvancing Women PodcastThat’s What She Said!In last week’s episode I talked about calmness, harmony, comfort, and joy during the holiday season. This week though, as we wrap up 2021, many of us are shifting our mindset. It is the season of setting resolutions, a time for setting goals. A time to be inspired!
So, in this episode we’ll ring in 2022 with words of wisdom from 22 powerful, brilliant, and inspiring women. Their poignant quotes provide lasting insight and inspiration for all women as we continue to work towards, and demand, gender equity for all.
These quotes and the resulting discussion come...2021-12-2816 minAdvancing Women PodcastImposter SyndromeWomen in the workforce, consistently report a very real sense of disparity and otherness. But it’s more than just otherness, we have problematized and even pathologized women to individualize the reasons for gender inequity. Blame the women…Fix the women…rather than address the societal, cultural, and organizational norms that create the barriers.
And one of these problems women are constantly told WE must fix is Imposter Syndrome. This episode addresses the three main themes in the imposter syndrome: 1. Not believing you deserve the success you have achieved. 2. A feeling of fraudulence about that success. 3. A feelin...2021-12-0721 min
The Simplifiers PodcastHow to tackle mansplaining in the workplace - with Dr. Kimberly DeSimone (PART TWO)Earlier this week, we shared part one of this conversation, all about how to tackle mansplaining in the workplace. My goodness, what a HOT TOPIC that one was for y’all! There is nothing more cringy than when it happens to someone nearby, huh? And it’s no fun to be on the receiving end of it either. Not an easy topic to simplify but one worth examining as a collective to dismantle it for good. Now, if you haven’t heard part one, go back and listen to that one first. But if you’re ready to contin...2021-11-2628 minThe Simplifiers PodcastHow to tackle mansplaining in the workplace - with Dr. Kimberly DeSimone (PART ONE)Have you ever had to tackle mansplaining in the workplace? Yes, it’s a real thing. And yes, we’re going there today. My special guest today is gender equity expert, Dr. Kimberly DeSimone and she’s simplifying how to tackle mansplaining in the workplace. It’s more than just a buzzword, it’s a challenge people face on the daily, especially nowadays. The good news is, there are simple ways to respond, rise above, and prevent it from happening again where you work. We break it all down, you might be quite surprised to learn why it happens...2021-11-2337 minAdvancing Women PodcastIs the Term Mansplaining Sexist? No Actually, and Here’s Why…This episode addresses what mansplaining IS and what it is NOT. If we see mansplaining as synonymous with being condescending, then of course – the immediate response will be “but what about womensplaining”? Women can be condescending too, of course, but retorting with “what about womensplaining” fails to consider historical context in terms of men speaking for women in politics, in the media, and still often, in the workplace.
There is NO HISTORY of women having voice when men did not, or of women creating laws and policies for men, or of women being in the position of power over...2021-09-2724 minAdvancing Women PodcastDoes Diversity Training Do What It Is Supposed To Do?Diversity training is aimed at interrupting problematic behaviors that can sometimes lead to a hostile workplace and inequitable opportunities, or lack of opportunity for certain groups. It’s meant to create a more culturally competent environment, to improve morale, help workers feel more committed to their jobs, help companies recruit and retain a diverse workforce and even increase productivity and creativity.
But does it do these things…and if not, why not? Also, is mandatory diversity, equity, and Inclusion training effective, and if not, how do we make the necessary changes to create solution that move the need...2021-09-2124 minAdvancing Women PodcastGender Equity is Good for Everyone – Not Just Women!We are still, too often, trying to “sell” people on gender equity.
First, we must prove that we don’t already have it. This idea that “things have gotten so much better” persists and with it, the idea that the work is done, when the data just don’t support that. The work is far from done!
Next, we must prove that gender equality is not about accommodating women, a narrative that is the opposite of equality. We don’t “accommodate” half the population. It’s about creating an environment conducive to the success of individuals in the 2...2021-09-1426 minAdvancing Women PodcastTapping Into Your Flow Mojo!Have you ever been “in the zone”, the highly focused mental state conducive to optimal creativity and productivity?
In positive psychology, this is known as the Flow state, the mental state in which a person performing some activity is fully immersed in a feeling of energized focus, full involvement, and enjoyment in the process. Coined by Hungarian American Psychologist and author Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi (you’ll have to listen to know how it’s pronounced!) flow is, at its core, about achieving happiness, joy, purpose, and optimal performance.
A lot of people say that the purpose of life...2021-09-0722 minAdvancing Women PodcastTapping into your Flow MojoHave you ever been “in the zone”, the highly focused mental state conducive to optimal creativity and productivity?
In positive psychology, this is known as the Flow state, the mental state in which a person performing some activity is fully immersed in a feeling of energized focus, full involvement, and enjoyment in the process. Coined by Hungarian American Psychologist and author Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi (you’ll have to listen to know how it’s pronounced!) flow is, at its core, about achieving happiness, joy, purpose, and optimal performance.
A lot of people say that the purpose of life is to be happy...2021-09-0721 minAdvancing Women PodcastMale AllyshipThis episode is focused on male allies for gender equity in the workplace and why male allyship is so crucial in the advancing women movement.
This isn't about men being in a savior role. We're not damsels in distress. It’s about shifting the conversation from empowering women (spoiler alert – women are already powerful!) to empowering male allies to be at the forefront of leading inclusive, respectful, cultures where women too can thrive. We need male allies boldly and publicly supporting the work of advancing women.
This episode also focuses on building upon allyship towards advo...2021-08-3127 minAdvancing Women PodcastUse Good Communication to Interrupt Gender BiasYou’re in for a real treat on this week’s #advancingwomenpodcast. I am delighted to have communication expert Dr. Pat Sanders as a guest this episode talking about how communication can be our superpower! We discuss how the power of a good story, and a good narrative can impact our advancement. When people are willing to really listen and hear and understand, they're much more likely to be on your side and advocate for you. This episode helps with the pragmatic tools we need to use our communication superpower to mediate and transcend bias and barriers that keep tale...2021-08-2342 minAdvancing Women PodcastThe Deals We MakeWork and Family Decisions and the Impact on Women’s Bargaining Power
Women’s workforce decisions, whether to work full time, work part time or stay at home (after starting a family) can have a significant impact not only on our economic wealth over our lifetime, but also on our agency, voice, and bargaining power.
This episode explores the full complexity of our roles, our bargaining power and our voice in the home and in the workplace. We’ll talk about the Opt-Out Revolution and the Opt-out Myth. It’s a conversation not just about our choi...2021-08-1638 minAdvancing Women PodcastEmotional LaborDo you ever feel the overwhelming need to scream ENOUGH! I’M DONE! If you’ve felt the frustration of not only the constant managing of every small task, but also managing your feelings and emotions and frustrations when nobody seems to understand all you do. And managing other people’s emotions to ensure you keep everyone else comfortable and happy. The physical tasks, but also all the invisible emotional work – that other people don’t ever seem to see, but WE see it and feel it. In everything we do, at home and at work, everywhere. This is emotional l...2021-08-0925 min