Explore every episode of the podcast Shameless Leadership

Integrity in leadership is easy to talk about when the stakes are low. The real test comes when living your values costs you something: approval, belonging, comfort, status, or social capital. In this episode of Shameless Leadership, we’re talking about what leadership character actually looks like in practice. It’s one thing to say you support women, value inclusion, or believe in ethical leadership. It’s another to examine whether your actions consistently reflect those values, especially in rooms where speaking up might be uncomfortable, inconvenient, or risky. We’ll explore the gaps that can emerge between our stated values and our behavior, from speaking poorly about another woman while claiming to support women, to staying silent when harmful behavior happens in front of us. This is about what it looks like to build character consistently over time, through leadership, self-awareness, personal accountability, and a willingness to notice when our integrity becomes conditional. If you want to strengthen your leadership character, live your values more consistently, and contribute to a workplace culture where people are willing to stand up for what they say they believe in, this episode will give you practical questions and tools to start. In this episode, you’ll learn: What integrity in leadership looks like when there is a real social or professional cost How to recognize gaps between your actions and values Why leadership character is revealed through everyday choices, not just your stated values How personal accountability strengthens ethical leadership How to practice courageous communication when you witness behavior that conflicts with your values Ways to approach difficult workplace conversations without immediately creating blame or defensiveness How speaking up, supporting women, and addressing harmful behavior contribute to healthier workplace culture Questions to strengthen your leadership self-awareness and help you decide what you want to do differently next time Leadership isn’t simply about what we believe or the values you say you hold near and dear. It’s about the choices we make when those beliefs and values are tested.  Links Mentioned: Hire Sara to speak: saradean.com/speaking Coach with Sara: https://saradean.com/executive-coaching-services Connect with Sara on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saradeanspeaks Watch Shameless Leadership episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@saradeanspeaks Take my Leadership Archetype Quiz: saradean.com/quiz Thank you to our sponsor, Ironwall. Stop online threats before they become real-world attacks. Visit ironwall.com/SHAMELESS and request a free Risk Assessment to see exactly how exposed your executives are. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Communication breaks down between senior and mid-level leaders even when everyone is really hustling to do the very best they can in their respective roles. In the work I’ve done with leaders and teams, I’ve had the opportunity to take a close look at what people are thinking and feeling behind the scenes - and how their thinking and feelings impact their behavior. In this episode, I share some of the patterns I consistently see and what leaders on both sides can do to communicate more effectively. We’ll look at what happens when senior leaders pass down decisions without enough context, leaving mid-level leaders to explain the what without understanding the why. We’ll also talk about why well-intended mid-level leaders sometimes hold back difficult and pertinent information until a problem becomes urgent. We will also dig into how this can erode the trust they were hoping to protect by holding back. We will address the very real pressure of leading in the middle. This typically includes trying to meet senior leaders’ expectations while taking care of your team, often with limited resources and conflicting priorities. I share how a propensity toward people-pleasing can make that squeeze harder. This leads us into the critical importance of being solution-oriented rather than problem-focused. It’s easy to find 27 problems on any given day. It’s the leaders who are finding and creating solutions, staying in momentum, and able to make strategic recommendations who are typically building more credibility, authority, and trust in their roles.  Finally, we’ll consider pace. When senior leaders move from one decision to the next too quickly, the people responsible for implementation may struggle to keep up. Before setting another priority or timeline, it helps to ask: Who is most likely to be negatively impacted by this decision? If you recognize these dynamics on your team, I’d love to talk about how I can help you strengthen communication and strategic thinking across levels of leadership.  Links Mentioned: Hire Sara to speak: saradean.com/speaking Coach with Sara: https://saradean.com/executive-coaching-services Connect with Sara on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saradeanspeaks Watch Shameless Leadership episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@saradeanspeaks Take my Leadership Archetype Quiz: saradean.com/quiz [UNTIL 10/31] Thank you to our sponsor, Ironwall. Stop online threats before they become real-world attacks. Visit ironwall.com/SHAMELESS and request a free Risk Assessment to see exactly how exposed your executives are. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

I met Dr. Sherri Lynch on my first day on campus for graduate school. I was told by another professor that I should introduce myself to her. I was admittedly nervous and fumbly. Luckily, Sherri is overwhelmingly kind and open to connections of all sorts. We quickly hit it off and have had the chance to get to know each other and partner for multiple events. My obsession with her work and her commitment to women began a few months later, the day after Election Day in 2024. You’ll have to listen in to hear that story! Sherri Lynch, PhD, is the Assistant Dean at Gonzaga University's School of Leadership Studies, where she teaches in the Organizational Leadership & Comprehensive Leadership programs. She is a certified emotional intelligence practitioner and a highly skilled relationship builder. She co-founded the Women Lead program, which includes conferences, workshops, and a certificate program, to educate and empower women at all stages of their careers. She has presented to many professional organizations on leadership topics such as emotional intelligence, microaffirmations, mentorship and sponsorship, and the power of storytelling. Sherri has a heart for service and continues to serve on various community boards, including the YWCA and Canopy Credit Union. Listen in to hear Sherri share: How to answer the question, “What do you do?”, in a much more impactful and strategic way Her current work on microaffirmations as a means of building culture in communities and organizations How to use microaffirmations in a way that is authentic to you to influence culture in a positive way Why and how to base your microaffirmations on behavior - not simply compliments Why your sense of self, self-identity, and leadership identity matter so much in your professional evolution The truth about “overdoing” positivity as part of your leadership brand Links Mentioned: Connect with Sherri on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sherrilynch/ Women Lead Events: https://www.gonzaga.edu/school-of-leadership-studies/women-lead/conferences-and-events November 10th Women Lead Fall Conference with Bev Anderson: https://www.gonzaga.edu/school-of-leadership-studies/women-lead/conferences-and-events/women-lead-fall-luncheon Women Lead on IG: @zagwomenlead Hire Sara to speak: saradean.com/speaking Coach with Sara: https://saradean.com/executive-coaching-services Connect with Sara on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saradeanspeaks Watch Shameless Leadership episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@saradeanspeaks Thank you to our sponsor, Ironwall. Stop online threats before they become real-world attacks. Visit ironwall.com/SHAMELESS and request a free Risk Assessment to see exactly how exposed your executives are. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

I don’t know anyone who has breezed through life since 2020. Constant change, enduring uncertainty, and frequent downright chaos have become fixtures of life. It’s taken a toll on us all.  Constant change, uncertainty, and chaos not only rock your nervous system, it can also do a number on your confidence. When you’re navigating professional shifts, economic uncertainty, and ongoing instability, it’s easy to move from change overwhelm into uncertainty fatigue, and eventually into full-on burnout. And when that happens, the impact extends well beyond work. In my work wth executive coaching clients, I see this result in increased self-doubt, decreased self-trust, and questioning one’s capabilities.  Many clients come to me having made a hobby of collecting evidence that reinforces the idea that they have less power than they actually do. I don’t blame them. There have been many large-scale efforts to make most of us (anyone carrying a marginalized identity - women, people of color, LGBTQIA+ people, immigrants) feel completely powerless. In this episode, I’m talking about how to maintain your confidence when so much around you feels unpredictable. We’ll explore why waiting for certainty before trusting yourself can keep you stuck, how chronic catastrophizing and hopeless assumptions quietly erode your self-trust, and why it’s crucial to identify the capabilities and strengths you can carry with you anywhere in life. I’ll also share how to hold legitimate risks alongside emerging possibilities so you don’t accidentally let fear become the only evidence you’re willing to consider. While you may not be able to control what happens next, you can strengthen your leadership confidence, protect your sense of agency, and continue making grounded decisions without requiring certainty first. Links Mentioned: [1 Spot Left] Join my Aligned Leadership Incubator: saradean.com/aligned Hire Sara to speak: saradean.com/speaking Coach with Sara: https://saradean.com/executive-coaching-services Connect with Sara on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saradeanspeaks Watch Shameless Leadership episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@saradeanspeaks Take my Leadership Archetype Quiz: saradean.com/quiz Thank you to our sponsor, Ironwall. Stop online threats before they become real-world attacks. Visit ironwall.com/SHAMELESS and request a free Risk Assessment to see exactly how exposed your executives are. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Strong leadership communication isn’t just about knowing what to say. It’s also largely about knowing how to say what you need to say. It's about building the habits that help you communicate well when you’re frustrated, under pressure, or navigating tension. In this episode, I’m breaking down four communication skills every leader needs to practice: Checking your assumptions before reacting and responding Addressing tension immediately, directly, and transparently Stating the WHY behind the WHAT Strategically tailoring communication to meet your audience where they’re at We’ll talk about what happens when you assume you know why someone is underperforming, why an email sounded snarky, or why someone missed the mark, and how quickly your reaction to those assumptions can undermine your leadership. We will explore what happens when you don’t share enough information with those you lead. We will address how to assess different people’s communication needs and how to best serve different kinds of people, even in tough and tense moments. Whether you’re working on team communication, giving feedback to employees in a way they can actually hear and integrate, navigating difficult conversations as you manage up or manage down, or simply trying to become a more thoughtful and emotionally intelligent leader, these are skills that will strengthen your leadership while also making your work significantly more rewarding. Links Mentioned: [1 Spot Left] Join my Aligned Leadership Incubator: saradean.com/aligned Hire Sara to speak: saradean.com/speaking Coach with Sara: https://saradean.com/executive-coaching-services Connect with Sara on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saradeanspeaks Watch Shameless Leadership episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@saradeanspeaks Take my Leadership Archetype Quiz: saradean.com/quiz [UNTIL 10/31] Thank you to our sponsor, Ironwall. Stop online threats before they become real-world attacks. Visit ironwall.com/SHAMELESS and request a free Risk Assessment to see exactly how exposed your executives are. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dana Robinson Slote and I originally connected on LinkedIn, where I stumbled upon her work and was immediately excited about some of our similar passions. In getting to know her a bit and learning more about her strengths, I knew she would be a great fit for the show. She loves to talk about things many leaders dread, such as public speaking and managing up. I love a leader who brings simplicity to things that can be overwhelming, if not downright scary. Dana does just that. Dana brings more than two decades of experience in the political arena and the public sector to her work as a communications strategist. In her current role, she's responsible for advocacy communications in the External Affairs division for the country’s largest regional children’s hospital, serving four states and one million square miles. In prior positions, Dana served as the Director of Media Relations at the University of Washington and as the Director of Communications for the Seattle City Council and the Washington State Senate concurrently. Dana earned a bachelor’s degree in communication from Western Washington University and a master’s degree in communication and organizational leadership from Gonzaga University.  She’s also an affiliate faculty member at UW’s Communication Leadership program, a world traveler, and a two-time Ironman triathlete with deep roots in the Pacific Northwest. Listen in to hear Dana share: How her overlap of working in politics, public sector work, media relations, and being a two-time Ironman triathlete brought her to her current leadership role How to find opportunities in moments of massive inconvenience or disappointment How to create “fake stakes” as self-imposed deadlines for discipline and accountability Her belief that all speaking is public speaking and her 3 Ps to make public speaking more approachable How to manage up more effectively by asking strategic questions to open up conversations  Links Mentioned: LI: Dana Robinson Slote, M.A. | LinkedIn Connect with Dana on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danarobinsonslote1 [2 Spots Left] Join my Aligned Leadership Incubator: saradean.com/aligned Hire Sara to speak: saradean.com/speaking Coach with Sara: https://saradean.com/executive-coaching-services Connect with Sara on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saradeanspeaks Watch Shameless Leadership episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@saradeanspeaks Thank you to our sponsor, Ironwall. Stop online threats before they become real-world attacks. Visit ironwall.com/SHAMELESS and request a free Risk Assessment to see exactly how exposed your executives are. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As I’ve talked about in past episodes about perimenopause and menopause (Episodes 924, 954, and 968), the transition from perimenopause to menopause took me down - HARD. Since navigating this journey myself, I’ve become hyperaware as clients start to share common difficulties at work that might also be connected to menopause (poor focus, forgetfulness, irritability, lack of patience, chronic fatigue, feeling “off,” feeling irrational (and maybe irate) for no particular reason, and more.  Perimenopause and menopause can affect far more than how you feel physically. Changes in sleep, focus, memory, anxiety, and energy can influence how you communicate, make decisions, handle pressure, and show up in high-visibility leadership moments. For women who have always been known as highly capable, these changes can be unsettling. I’ve noticed that it’s pretty common that we clock this as evidence that we are losing our competence, confidence, or leadership edge - which could not be farther from the truth.  It’s time to clear this up! In this episode, I’m exploring five specific ways perimenopause and menopause can affect how women lead. I’ll talk about changes in access to executive functioning skills, shaken confidence in high-stakes situations, a reduced tolerance for dysfunctional workplace norms, the invisible workload of privately managing a major physical transition, and the need to redefine sustainable leadership.  If you’re navigating this transition and questioning your confidence, capacity, or next chapter, individual executive coaching can help you distinguish between what may be changing physically and what remains true about your experience, expertise, and leadership. Together, we can strengthen your boundaries, communication, decision-making, and leadership practices so you can continue growing without sacrificing your well-being. Coaching can complement appropriate medical care, but it does not replace evaluation or treatment from a qualified Healthcare professional. If I can support you during this season, please reach out!  Links Mentioned: [2 Spots Left] Join my Aligned Leadership Incubator: saradean.com/aligned Hire Sara to speak: saradean.com/speaking Coach with Sara: https://saradean.com/executive-coaching-services Connect with Sara on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saradeanspeaks Watch Shameless Leadership episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@saradeanspeaks Thank you to our sponsor, Ironwall. Stop online threats before they become real-world attacks. Visit ironwall.com/SHAMELESS and request a free Risk Assessment to see exactly how exposed your executives are. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What happens when too much goes unsaid at work? The conversations we avoid don’t simply disappear. Over time, unspoken concerns can become resentment, erode trust, and cause people to disengage from their colleagues and their work. Even when no one is openly arguing, unresolved tension can quietly shape how a team communicates, collaborates, and makes decisions. The long-term costs are even more significant - and frequently reflected in lost productivity, personnel, and revenue. In fact, in a Crucial Learnings study of 1,000 employees across various organizations and industries, 33% shared that leaving things unsaid at work cost their organization at least $25,000. Another 19% shared that leaving things unsaid at work cost their organization a staggering $50,000 or more.  In this episode, I’m exploring the hidden emotional and organizational costs of leaving important things unsaid. We will examine why high-performing, “nice” teams can be especially prone to conflict avoidance, how much energy people expend working around unresolved issues, and how a daring conversation is very different from an aggressive confrontation. Daring conversations aren’t about being harsh or creating unnecessary conflict - they’re about addressing what matters with honesty, courage, curiosity, and respect - in order to work toward a common goal and shared vision.  I also share a simple way to begin saying the thing that needs to be said, even if you don’t have the perfect words. If unresolved tension or avoided conversations are affecting your leadership or your team, this is work I support through executive coaching and customized leadership development for teams. Together, we can build the trust, communication skills, and shared practices needed to address hard things before they become costly problems. Links Mentioned: Early Bird Enrollment is open for my Aligned Leadership Incubator! Save $500 if you apply by June 30th: saradean.com/aligned Hire Sara to speak: saradean.com/speaking Coach with Sara: https://saradean.com/executive-coaching-services Connect with Sara on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saradeanspeaks Watch Shameless Leadership episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@saradeanspeaks Thank you to our sponsor, Ironwall. Stop online threats before they become real-world attacks. Visit ironwall.com/SHAMELESS and request a free Risk Assessment to see exactly how exposed your executives are. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Change is inevitable and, these days, seemingly constant. The responsibility to manage change effectively is a large one that can weigh heavily on the shoulders of a conscientious leader. There are many ways to get it right and many ways to get it wrong when it comes to guiding your team or organization through change.  What I see too often is leaders announcing a new direction, initiative, or process without helping employees understand the larger context (what I call “the why behind the what”), or recognizing and honoring the impact the change will have on the people closest to the work. When leaders aren’t intentional and strategic in leading change, employees can be left carrying confusion, frustration, and an ever-growing workload. Over time, the costs of poorly managed change can undermine trust and organizational integrity, resulting in anything from decreased morale to a mass exodus of high-performing employees.  In this episode, I’m breaking down five common change-management mistakes that may be exhausting your team. I’ll talk about the key and critical difference between communicating change and managing change, what leaders miss when they underestimate the frontline experience, and why resistance isn’t necessarily a sign that employees are unwilling to adapt. Sometimes, what looks like resistance is actually a request for more information, more involvement, or more time to process what is being lost. I’ll also share how leaders can create more thoughtful and sustainable change by communicating the bigger “why,” involving employees earlier, making space for questions and grief, and honestly assessing the team’s capacity before introducing another initiative. If your organization is navigating ongoing change - or your employees seem increasingly disengaged, cynical, or depleted - this episode will help you lead the transition with greater clarity, empathy, and intention. Links Mentioned: Early Bird Enrollment is open for my Aligned Leadership Incubator! Save $500 if you apply by June 30th: saradean.com/aligned Hire Sara to speak: saradean.com/speaking Coach with Sara: https://saradean.com/executive-coaching-services Connect with Sara on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saradeanspeaks Watch Shameless Leadership episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@saradeanspeaks Thank you to our sponsor, Ironwall. Stop online threats before they become real-world attacks. Visit ironwall.com/SHAMELESS and request a free Risk Assessment to see exactly how exposed your executives are. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

While every leader I work with is deeply talented, many struggle to self-identify their own areas of excellence and what sets them apart. If we want to be strategic problem solvers, we need to know, identify, and share what sets us apart.  In this episode, I'm sharing how to identify and then strategically position your leadership strengths in a way that allows them to become your greatest leadership edge. Whether you're pursuing career advancement, building executive presence, or simply wanting to have a bigger impact in your work, the way you talk about what you do matters just as much as what you do. I'll walk you through exercises I use with my coaching clients to uncover the expertise they're often overlooking. The skills you've practiced hundreds - or even thousands - of times are often the exact things someone else is struggling to learn. I'll help you identify your unique expertise, strengthen your personal leadership brand, and think differently about how your experience can support others. This episode provides real-life examples of how everyday experiences, from navigating difficult conversations and developing communication skills in the workplace to the work I’m doing with high schoolers in their first jobs to how my 13-year-old is positioning his skills on the baseball field. The goal isn't to sound impressive. It's to become more intentional about sharing what you know so you can increase your leadership visibility, grow your thought leadership, and create new opportunities and options for yourself moving forward. If you've ever dismissed your strengths because they "come naturally," this episode is your invitation to reconsider and shine a little brighter. I'll leave you with practical reflection questions to help you identify your strengths, clarify who needs to learn from you, and begin leveraging your expertise with more confidence.  Thank you to our sponsor, Ironwall. Stop online threats before they become real-world attacks. Visit ironwall.com/SHAMELESS and request a free Risk Assessment to see exactly how exposed your executives are. Links Mentioned: Enrollment is open for my Aligned Leadership Incubator: saradean.com/aligned Hire Sara to speak: saradean.com/speaking Coach with Sara: https://saradean.com/executive-coaching-services Connect with Sara on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saradeanspeaks Watch Shameless Leadership episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@saradeanspeaks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

If you're a woman leader looking to grow your career, build executive presence, increase your visibility at work, or develop your leadership skills, this episode is for you. I'm sharing four strategies my executive coaching clients are using right now to create career opportunities, establish thought leadership, strengthen their personal brand, and advance their careers—even in today's challenging environment. It’s easy to find things that AREN’T working right now. And, to be fair, a lot of things truly are not working right now. However, navigating the world with a "nothing is working, why bother trying" attitude is going to harm you far more than help you. One of my most important jobs with my executive coaching clients is to help them determine and tap into what IS working. Right now, a number of my clients are exploring big questions like, "How do you find your power when it's easy to find evidence that power is systematically being taken away at every turn?" and "How do you maintain hope when you have so much evidence that people are deeply struggling right now?" As they dig into these questions, my clients are taking action and seeing results! In a sea of “everything is horrible and broken” voices, here are a few things my clients are doing that ARE working: Thinking and strategizing at a level above their current title Investing in their learning and growth for their long-term career trajectory Establishing their voice and expertise Creating visibility opportunities outside their current roles and teams You’re not wrong that it’s TOUGH out there right now. And… you still have the power to be seen, create opportunities, and open doors for yourself. In this episode, I’ll share what’s actually working, the real-life results my clients are getting, and what you can do today to feel a stronger sense of power and hope.  Links Mentioned: Early Bird Enrollment is open for my Aligned Leadership Incubator! Save $500 if you apply by July 31st: saradean.com/aligned Hire Sara to speak: saradean.com/speaking Coach with Sara: https://saradean.com/executive-coaching-services Connect with Sara on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saradeanspeaks Watch Shameless Leadership episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@saradeanspeaks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jacqui Gordón Núñez and I met when we were both speaking at the same women’s leadership event last spring. From the moment she took the stage, I knew I wanted to interview her. She has an incredible story and such a deeply rooted leadership philosophy that the world needs to hear. She is passionate about her work and how the work she does in agriculture impacts the world in ways we don’t consider daily - but should. Jacqui is the Vice President of the Washington State Tree Fruit Association and a passionate advocate for leadership development. Originally from Ecuador, she built her career in Washington helping people in agriculture grow their confidence, communication skills, and impact within their communities. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Food Science and her Master of Science in Horticulture from Washington State University.  Listen in to hear Jacqui share: Her path from Ecuador to the US, through immigration, and into agricultural leadership The importance of understanding cultural awareness and intercultural competence in the workplace The dangers of minimizing your own culture and the fine line between cultural adaptation and self-abandonment How leaders can create more space and safety for a wider range of cultural experiences and expressions so employees can show up authentically and contribute as optimally as possible How women leaders in agriculture are changing the landscape for women in agriculture   Agriculture as a form of reverence How to navigate self-doubt when you feel like you don’t fit in or feel insecure about your ability to add value in a situation Links Mentioned: Connect with Jacqui on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqui-gordon-nunez/ Agriculture Leadership Program (ALP) website: www.alp-wa.com Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI): https://idiinventory.com/ Join Sara’s Aligned Leadership Incubator Early Bird Enrollment (save $500!): saradean.com/aligned Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

For the 1000th time, I sat down and hit record. This is a goal I have worked toward for 10 years. When I launched the podcast on March 15, 2016, my goal was to “feel this out.” I wanted to see if I liked podcasting as a medium for coaching, community building, and exploration. I quickly knew this was going to be my jam.  If you don’t know the origin story of this show, you might be surprised to learn that this little show that could largely exists as it does today because I was hit with a cease & desist within 48 hours of launching. The way that situation transpired lit a fire underneath me. In that messy moment of panic, I knew that if someone was going to try to take me down, I was taking this show TO THE TOP.  The show became a Top 10 show in multiple categories on Apple Podcasts. Today, in a sea of 3.4 million podcasts, our show is ranked in the top 0.5% globally. The show has been downloaded over 7 million times in over 140 countries. It is currently a Top 30 Management show - a category of over 30,000 shows.  These numbers are fun for me to see. But the story behind the numbers is so much more impactful. In this episode, I’m sharing the story of the show. From that cease & desist to building an international community of women, to landing on international stages to speak, to Glennon Doyle Zoom bombing our membership community, to a global shutdown, to failed IVF,  PTSD/Anxiety/ADHD diagnoses, rebranding and renaming the show, a Masters Degree, returning to my roots in healthcare, and supporting Fortune 10 companies, this has been a wild ride I could have never predicted.  The impact of the show is so much bigger than me. And, that was always the plan. That was the goal. You all showed up and listened. You did the work. You got uncomfortable. You changed your behavior. You made your life better. You modeled to others how to make their lives better.  Collectively, we have changed lives. Thousands, if not millions, of lives impacted across 7 million downloads and 5.25 million hours of listening. For my fellow math nerds, that’s 600 YEARS of continuous listening.  I set out to do this alone. But I am never actually alone. At any given moment, someone somewhere is listening in. In every moment, one of you is with me. We are constantly in this together. And that means everything to me.   In this with you. Always. Links Mentioned: Early Bird Enrollment is open for my Aligned Leadership Incubator! Save $500 if you apply by June 30th: saradean.com/aligned Hire Sara to speak: saradean.com/speaking Coach with Sara: https://saradean.com/executive-coaching-services Connect with Sara on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saradeanspeaks Watch Shameless Leadership episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@saradeanspeaks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

I’ve worked with high-achieving women for over two decades. I think I attract high-achieving women because this is an attribute I deeply relate to - sometimes to my own detriment.  One of the things I’ve noticed my clients and I can struggle with is FUN. High achievers tend to take things seriously. Like, very seriously. We are intense and motivated to make everything great, if not perfect. This drive can suck the life right out of what otherwise might have been a footloose and fancy-free experience.  Rather than embracing fun as a birthright, high-achieving women in leadership have a tendency to treat fun only as a reward - which must be earned after a remarkable and noteworthy win. It’s as if somewhere along the way, we convinced ourselves that fun belongs to others but not to us. But here's what I've learned: when you connect fun only to rewards and achievement, you aren't just flirting with leadership burnout; you're leaving one of the most underrated leadership skills on the table. Fun isn't a reward or a distraction from the work of female leadership — it's an essential emotional intelligence practice that sharpens decision-making, deepens connection, and builds sustainable leadership. In this episode, I break down the essential elements that make something truly fun (hint: it's not just scheduling a happy hour), why high-achieving women are particularly prone to forgetting how to access it, and why reframing fun as a leadership strategy — not self-care, not a luxury, not an afterthought — changes everything. We will also walk through a simple 5-step process for reconnecting to your version of fun — not the Instagram version, not what your team thinks sounds good, but the kind of fun and joy that actually replenishes you. Because the most powerful leadership development tool often isn't another productivity system or another personal development book - it's remembering how to be fully alive and in your joy while you lead. Links Mentioned: Early Bird Enrollment is open for my Aligned Leadership Incubator! Save $500 if you apply by June 30th: saradean.com/aligned Hire Sara to speak: saradean.com/speaking Coach with Sara: https://saradean.com/executive-coaching-services Connect with Sara on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saradeanspeaks Watch Shameless Leadership episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@saradeanspeaks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Middle managers are getting squeezed from both directions right now. While this isn’t entirely new, the pace of change amid constant adaptation and uncertainty makes this season uniquely challenging. While you’re trying to keep senior leaders happy, your team needs clarity, support, and meaningful leadership. This can feel overwhelming, to say the least. In this episode, I'm breaking down four management mistakes that are quietly trapping even the most well-intentioned leaders: the Task Trap, the Communication Trap, the Reactivity Trap, and the Talent Trap. While these aren’t new problems, the pace of today's workplace has made them far more expensive to ignore. If you find yourself questioning how to uphold effective leadership, this conversation will help you gain clarity on how to cultivate enduring, productive, and rewarding relationships that advance collaboration and positive outcomes with those you lead. We will talk through how to bridge the gap between management and leadership, ensuring you’re more than just a project manager, but also a people developer. We will dig into how to avoid reactive leadership habits that impede the strategic thinking and action-taking your team actually needs from you. And we will discuss how to communicate to create clarity instead of more.  This episode will open your eyes to leadership mistakes to avoid when you find yourself in the midst of constant change and uncertainty, and help you take an honest look at where middle-management pressure meets real leadership development. You'll walk away with a clearer sense of which trap is costing you the most right now and what to do about it before it costs you your best people. Links Mentioned: Early Bird Enrollment is open for my Aligned Leadership Incubator! Save $500 if you apply by June 30th: saradean.com/aligned Hire Sara to speak: saradean.com/speaking Coach with Sara: https://saradean.com/executive-coaching-services Connect with Sara on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saradeanspeaks Watch Shameless Leadership episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@saradeanspeaks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Does visibility follow opportunities, or do opportunities follow visibility? The (perhaps hard) truth is that the opportunities you desire likely require visibility first. And… Creating that visibility lands squarely on you. Most people aren’t randomly discovered for their talent and unique perspective. The people who are platformed and promoted have intentionally and strategically made themselves visible enough to be discovered. Do you find yourself thinking: I'd like to have a greater impact I'd like to be recognized for my expertise I'd like to be considered for bigger opportunities I'd like more influence I'd like to be known for something I’d like to be seen as the hands-down best candidate for a new role Right now, the leaders who are getting invited into bigger conversations aren't necessarily the smartest, most credentialed, or most decorated people in the room. They're often the people who have done the work of clarifying what they stand for, what they know, and how they want to contribute. In this episode, I walk you through the exact steps to become more of a go-to voice in your industry. You may be thinking you need more experience or education before positioning yourself as an expert in your field. Nope. You’re already ready. Promise.  I have no doubt your unique blend of education/experience/talent/perspective qualifies you to stand out in some way. So, let’s figure out how you can leverage that, shall we? Using my 5-step Authority Ascension Framework, you will move from Competence (owning your expertise, experience, and unique POV) to Clarity (your unique thought leadership framework) to Contributing (actually becoming more visible in various ways) to Confirmed Credibility (becoming known and trusted by others), and finally, to Called Upon (people coming to you with opportunities!) We will also spend some time digging into how women miss the mark with visibility and leave the door wide open for others to take up the spaces they are ready and qualified to fill. This will help you see and understand the (likely arbitrary, if not completely made up) rules you are letting hold you back.  Major opportunities are often built from dozens of small visibility moments. This episode will help you position yourself for those little and not-so-little moments, from building your own content and frameworks to facilitating different kinds of conversations to speaking at events to mentoring others to getting interviews to getting published and more.  Links Mentioned: June 24th Free Workshop: The Future-Proof Leader: Why Your Thought Leadership Matters Significantly More in the Age of AI: https://saradean.com/future/ Hire Sara to speak: saradean.com/speaking Coach with Sara: https://saradean.com/executive-coaching-services Connect with Sara on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saradeanspeaks Watch Shameless Leadership episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@saradeanspeaks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In the age of AI (yes, I kind of roll my eyes when I say that), you have a massive opportunity to double down on YOU. You are an original - literally one in eight billion… I want you to be strutting your stuff like that means something to you. Because if it means something to you, it will mean something to those around you, too.  AI cannot replicate you. No version of AI can create the unique overlap of your lived experiences, trained skills, innate talents, professional judgment, values, and unique points of view to create another you. While AI can generate endless information, it cannot replace the wisdom you've gained throughout your career or the way you connect ideas, solve problems, and influence others.  This episode will help you solidly step into your unique expertise, experiences, and insights that contribute to your personal leadership brand and make your contributions uniquely valuable in the future of work. It is time for you to define what you want to be known for. You have an opportunity to decide how you will be seen and how you will be valued as someone who is irreplaceable and indispensable.  In this episode, I will walk you through my thought leadership formula: (Knowledge x Lived Experience x Unique POV) + Communication = Thought Leadership. Understanding how to leverage this formula will become increasingly important in the age of AI. This will help you future-proof your career and remain relevant in a rapidly changing environment.  I also tackle the often uncomfortable topic of visibility and why leadership visibility matters more than ever. For many women in leadership, being seen can feel vulnerable, yet visibility is often the bridge between expertise and influence. Whether you're focused on building your leadership legacy, increasing your impact, or becoming more intentional about how you show up professionally, this episode will challenge you to think differently about how you choose to be seen, what you want to be known for, and how your thought leadership can create meaningful influence for years to come. Links Mentioned: June 24th Free Workshop: The Future-Proof Leader: Why Your Thought Leadership Matters Significantly More in the Age of AI: https://saradean.com/future/ Hire Sara to speak: saradean.com/speaking Coach with Sara: https://saradean.com/executive-coaching-services Connect with Sara on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saradeanspeaks Watch Shameless Leadership episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@saradeanspeaks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

There is no denying that artificial intelligence is rapidly changing how we work, communicate, and lead, leaving many professionals wondering how to future-proof their career in an increasingly automated world. While AI can generate information in seconds, we desperately need leaders who can make meaning of information, influence others, and inspire action. This is the work of thought leadership. In this episode, I explore why thought leadership has become one of the most important leadership skills leaders can develop and why leadership in the age of AI requires far more than simply knowing things or technical expertise alone. Many women leaders hear the phrase thought leadership and assume it means becoming an influencer, author, or keynote speaker. In reality, becoming a thought leader is about increasing your influence, visibility, and credibility by sharing your unique perspective and expertise. For women seeking greater impact, stronger executive presence, and access to new opportunities, thought leadership is one of the most powerful leadership skills for women to develop, regardless of industry, role, or career stage. In the age of AI, your expertise alone is no longer enough. Information is everywhere. The leaders who create the greatest value are those who can interpret information, connect ideas, challenge assumptions, spot patterns, and help others navigate uncertainty. AI can summarize data and generate content, but it cannot replicate your lived experiences, professional judgment, values, intuition, or ability to lead people through change. In an era of constant digital transformation, these human capabilities are becoming more valuable, not less. Listen in to hear how thought leadership can support your leadership development and create long-term career resilience. If you're looking to strengthen your influence and develop the leadership skills that will matter most in the future, this episode will help you better understand the evolving relationship between AI and leadership and how to position yourself for lasting success. Links Mentioned: June 24th Free Workshop: The Future-Proof Leader: Why Your Thought Leadership Matters Significantly More in the Age of AI: https://saradean.com/future/ Denise Brosseau and The Thought Leadership Lab: https://thoughtleadershiplab.com/what-is-a-thought-leader/ Hire Sara to speak: saradean.com/speaking Coach with Sara: https://saradean.com/executive-coaching-services Connect with Sara on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saradeanspeaks Watch Shameless Leadership episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@saradeanspeaks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sage Hobbs is an author, facilitator, and coach whose work combines her background in counseling psychology with a passion for helping people communicate with clarity, courage, and compassion. She empowers leaders and teams to navigate challenges, build trust, and strengthen the relationships that drive personal and professional success. Sage began her career as a school counselor. This experience shaped her understanding of complex communication and reinforced her belief that our happiness and success are tied to the quality of our relationships. She has since worked with schools, districts, nonprofits, and global organizations to foster emotional intelligence, positive culture, and effective leadership. Sage is the author of Naked Communication: Courageously Create the Relationships You Really Want and the host of the Principal Pep Talks podcast, bringing candid conversation to the real challenges of leadership. With a master’s degree in counseling psychology from the University of Colorado Denver and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Pennsylvania, Sage is also a proud mom of two, a cancer survivor, and a lover of humor, books, and the occasional kitchen dance party. Listen in to hear Sage share: Why facilitating connection is a critical leadership skill How rewarding leaders for having all the “right” answers has undermined connection in leadership What missed opportunities for connection cost leaders and organizations Why people avoid hard conversations and why moments of discomfort in communication are imperative for leadership growth The distinction between leadership and management when it comes to communication How to leverage curiosity, clarity, and compassion in communication as a pathway to connection Four things you can do today to improve your communication and ability to connect in a meaningful way Links: Connect with Sage: https://sagebhobbs.com/ Get Sage’s Book: Naked Communication: Courageously Create the Relationships You Really Want  Sage on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sagebhobbs/ Hire Sara to speak: saradean.com/speaking Coach with Sara: https://saradean.com/executive-coaching-services Connect with Sara on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saradeanspeaks Watch Shameless Leadership episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@saradeanspeaks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We all have gaps in our leadership skills and capabilities that can be tough to spot on our own. But once seen, we cannot unsee these gaps, and we know we must take responsibility for our own growth and development. In this episode, I'm digging into Brené Brown's framework of Armored Leadership versus Daring Leadership from her book Strong Ground, with the hope that you will be able to spot some of your gaps in your leadership habits. I break down the 11 aspects of armored leadership, those self-protective behaviors that feel like safety but actually keep us stuck, and explore what shifts when you choose daring leadership instead: vulnerability, authenticity, and real growth.  We talk about what drives armored leadership in the first place, from scarcity mindset and social conditioning to past trauma, and how those patterns show up in organizational culture without us even realizing it. Then we flip the lens to daring leadership, where leading proactively and strategically rather than reactively becomes possible. We talk about values in leadership, the role of failure, and how building a belonging culture starts with the willingness to be vulnerable as a leader. This is leadership development that meets you where you actually are, for better or worse. This is an invitation to take an honest look at where armor and your need for self-protection are costing you. As I share in the episode, leadership is an act of service, and daring leadership asks you to show up fully, armor down, and lead from a place ot humility, curiosity, and authenticity.  Links Mentioned: Hire Sara to speak: saradean.com/speaking Coach with Sara: https://saradean.com/executive-coaching-services Connect with Sara on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saradeanspeaks Watch Shameless Leadership episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@saradeanspeaks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

I’m five days out from graduating with my Master’s in Organizational Leadership. I’ll be honest, I am tired. Like, bone tired. I think the last four months have been a never-ending adrenaline rush to get to the finish line of grad school while also managing a full-time (and fully intense) work schedule and parenting during a busy baseball season. It’s been a lot. Don’t get me wrong, it’s been a lot of great things. I’m so grateful and truly elated for all I have experienced over the last two years. But I’m feeling the comedown, and it’s leaving me wiped out! While I think I’ll be processing the last two years for quite some time, I wanted to share a few nuggets with you right away. I’m walking away from this grad school experience with some important lessons learned that are immediately applicable for me — and might be for you, too! In this episode, I’m sharing three big takeaways from my grad school experience. First, I’m sharing a philosophy I learned in one of my first classes in the program on how to “see and see again.” This philosophy challenges us to look past assumptions, judgments, and biases and peel back the layers that might not be obvious at first glance. Second, I’m talking about how to be a leader who is for others. I’ve always known that leadership is not only about power, and leaders who get this confused are destined to become toxic, highly dysfunctional leaders (i.e., rulers or dictators). There are specific ways to embrace and embody leadership as a leader who is for others, and this is the kind of leadership we need to develop in one another. Third, I opted to get a concentration in Change Leadership as part of my Master’s program. My first few classes in change leadership felt a little dry and didn’t totally resonate with me. While the content felt helpful from an informational standpoint, it didn’t light a fire in me. Then I ended up in a change leadership class that completely flipped my notion of change leadership on its head, and I had this glaring realization that I am a change leader and have been for years (decades??). I was just looking at myself and my work through the wrong lens. When you hear my story about this, I think you might be able to see yourself and your change leadership capabilities through a new lens, too! The last two years have been an incredible ride. Thank you for your words of support and encouragement, as well as your many congratulations on social media and via email over the last week. I appreciate you!! If you have any questions about going back to school as a middle-aged, full-time working mom, please reach out. I’m an open book! Links Mentioned: Hire Sara to speak: saradean.com/speaking Coach with Sara: https://saradean.com/executive-coaching-services Connect with Sara on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saradeanspeaks Watch Shameless Leadership episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@saradeanspeaks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

I had the pleasure of meeting Emily Scherberth when we were in an Organizational Change & Transformation class in our Master’s in Organizational Leadership program. I knew right away that Emily was whip smart and someone I wanted to geek out with and learn more from. When Emily shared her recent research on feedback, vulnerability, and leadership - and the glaring gender differences, I knew I wanted to do a deep dive with her. This conversation is that deep dive. I’m so grateful to Emily for doing this important work and bravely sharing it with the world.  Emily Scherberth is the Founder and CEO of Turas Leadership Consulting, Inc.  She serves as a partner and strategist for executives, teams, and organizations that are ready to transform their cultures and lead with purpose. With nearly 30 years of experience in corporate strategy, communications, leadership, qualitative research, and facilitation, Emily created Turas Leadership to realign more intentionally with her own purpose: to help actualize the potential in others.   As the creator of the Leader-First Transformation™ model and a Gallup-Certified CliftonStrengths® coach, Emily synthesizes decades of direct leadership experience with forward-thinking research and evidence-based methods to help clients increase performance and find meaning in their work. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication Studies from Loyola Marymount University, a Master of Arts degree in Communication Studies from California State University, Northridge, and is completing a second Master of Arts degree in Organizational Leadership from Gonzaga University. Listen in to hear Emily share: How she made a pivot from a 30-year communications career into leadership consulting How to assess and develop your leadership capacity by identifying connectedness within yourself and within the systems in which you lead Her recent research on the vulnerability of receiving feedback and being challenged The surprising data on leaders wanting to be challenged  The dramatic gender differences in her data, and how to account for these differences  How current organizational systems are limited in their capacity to provide psychological safety on a systemic level, and the problem with only addressing psychological safety on the team or department level What capacity building means in leadership, and why leadership development needs to focus more specifically on capacity building How you can own and honor your leadership capacity while also challenging yourself to advance your current capacity Links Mentioned: Connect with Emily and Turas Leadership: https://turasleadership.com/ Follow Emily on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emilyscherberth/ Turas Leadership Article and Research: The Leadership Paradox: Leaders Want Feedback but Fear the Cost of Asking for It Emily on Medium: The Leadership Journey: https://medium.com/the-leadership-journey Hire Sara to speak: saradean.com/speaking Coach with Sara: https://saradean.com/executive-coaching-services Connect with Sara on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saradeanspeaks Watch Shameless Leadership episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@saradeanspeaks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode, I'm sharing strategic time-management tips for women ready to stop letting their calendars control them. We're talking ruthless prioritization, time-blocking, unscheduling, and the specific strategies that women in leadership use to reclaim their focus without burning out. This conversation goes beyond surface-level productivity tips to explore the mindset shifts that actually change how you manage your time. Because the truth is, time management isn’t just about your calendar, it’s about your beliefs, your boundaries, and your willingness to take ownership of how you lead your life and work. I walk you through the questions I believe every woman leader needs to ask herself about her relationship with time. What are you actually accountable for? What stories are you telling yourself about how you manage your time? And where did those patterns come from? So much of our time management is inherited or unconscious, and until we bring awareness to it, we stay stuck in cycles that don’t serve us.  From there, I break down core time management strategies - the rules that executive coaching clients and I personally use and teach when it comes to managing your time with intention. We talk about identifying what truly moves the needle, getting honest about what is not a “yes right now”, and setting clear boundaries around your schedule (and when others have access to it!) I also share how to use time blocking to protect my energy and focus, and why knowing how your brain works is one of the most underrated productivity tips for sustainable success. This is about making time management decisions that align with your values, not just reacting to demands. Finally, we get real about what it takes to be accountable for your time in seasons that require more of you. There are times to sprint and times to rest & recover. Knowing when each is necessary is everything. Whether you’re in a current sprint or want to be more prepared for your next sprint season, this episode will help you reframe your mindset around time management and reclaim your time, your energy, and your authority as a leader. Links Mentioned: Hire Sara to speak: saradean.com/speaking Coach with Sara: https://saradean.com/executive-coaching-services Connect with Sara on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saradeanspeaks Watch Shameless Leadership episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@saradeanspeaks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Difficult conversations are something most of us avoid, delay, or overthink. I get it. Who wants to get super uncomfortable - on purpose?!  But what if you could reframe difficult conversations as a massive opportunity to grow your leadership skills? In this episode, I share how I approach these conversations through a simple 5-question framework that centers on emotional intelligence, intentionality, care, and self-leadership. In this episode, we explore how quickly our assumptions can shape a conversation before it even begins, and why separating fact from story is such a powerful communication skill for leaders. I also talk about what it looks like to create common ground intentionally, even when tension exists, and how that changes the trajectory of conflict resolution. One of the most important parts of having hard conversations is not just what you say, but how you show up. I walk through how to ground yourself before speaking, how to choose your tone and energy, and how to anchor into the leader you want to be in the moment. This is how we start to shift from reacting to leading. If you’ve ever wondered how to speak up at work or in your leadership without overexplaining, shutting down, or escalating tension, this episode will help you. These five questions are a practical tool you can return to again and again to strengthen your communication skills and build more trusting relationships through honest dialogue in your personal and professional life. Links Mentioned: Hire Sara to speak: saradean.com/speaking Coach with Sara: https://saradean.com/executive-coaching-services Connect with Sara on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saradeanspeaks Watch Shameless Leadership episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@saradeanspeaks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

When Loren Mayor’s team reached out to me about Loren guesting on Shameless Leadership, it was a quick and easy YES! For decades, Loren’s work and legacy have been guided by her values of impact, strategic problem solving, and connection. Her secret leadership sauce will help you think more deeply and intentionally about what it means to show up in your gifts and in the service of meaningful work. As Chief Operating Officer of World Wildlife Fund (WWF-US), Loren ensures the organization delivers on its strategy to create a world where people and nature live in harmony. She oversees strategic partnerships, operational functions, and resource mobilization teams while strengthening workplace culture and advancing WWF’s mission with external stakeholders. Prior to WWF, Loren was President of Operations at National Public Radio (NPR), where she oversaw the full suite of organizational operations and identified new business opportunities, developing NPR’s strategic plan, and building a strong, empowering culture. Before NPR, Loren held leadership roles at PBS and worked with clients in the non-profit and media sectors during her tenure at McKinsey & Company. Loren has an undergraduate degree from the University of Chicago and a Ph.D. in theater from Northwestern University, where she also served as a visiting assistant professor. Listen in to hear Loren share: How she is leaning into connection in this season of chaos and uncertainty Her journey from a PhD in theater to becoming the COO of one of the largest environmental organizations globally The value of building a non-linear career focused on impact, strategy, problem-solving, and connection What it really means to be “smart” - that doesn’t necessarily relate to expertise How strong leaders balance priorities in professional environments - and in the overlap of personal and professional realms 3 key steps to take when leading through a crisis How to stay humble and open as you grow in leadership Links Mentioned: Connect with Loren on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lorenmayor/ World Wildlife Fund website: https://www.worldwildlife.org/ Give an Hour for Earth: A WWF campaign to take action for nature at a time when it needs us most. (The campaign runs from March 23-April 30.): https://www.worldwildlife.org/support/campaigns/gah/give-an-hour-for-earth/ Poem: We Are Nature, Nature Is Us: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2qeEcxCUEAM Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ever since my own ADHD diagnosis in my mid-forties, I’m on the lookout for other women who are talking about their later-in-life diagnosis. I stumbled across Sumur Williams on LinkedIn, and her posts on ADHD consistently resonated with me. So, I reached out to ask her to join me on the show to talk about high-performing women who have ADHD.  Sumur Williams is the founder of The Unpolished Brain, and an ADHD coach and AI strategist for late-diagnosed professionals. She helps newly diagnosed adults finally understand how their brain actually works and build systems that support their current needs. She is passionate about changing how ADHD is understood and helping people move from survival mode into intentional, supported growth. As a woman who was diagnosed with ADHD at 47, Sumur didn’t fit the traditional narrative. She spent decades masking, overcompensating, and performing at high levels while quietly struggling underneath it all. Today, Sumur combines lived experience with practical tools, including AI, to help people reduce overwhelm, improve task initiation, and stop spinning their wheels. Her work focuses on building real-life scaffolding, systems that still work on hard days, not just good ones. Listen in to hear Sumur share: How she was diagnosed with ADHD at age 47, and the layers of grief that ensued after her diagnosis  Some of the misconceptions and common characteristics you see in high-performing women who have ADHD Her experience in choosing to disclose having ADHD at work and her recommendations around workplace disability disclosures What executive dysfunction looks like for middle-aged women The importance of energy regulation and boundaries for neurodivergent women How to use AI as a tool for task management, decision fatigue mitigation, and emotional regulation Links Mentioned: Free Workshop on April 16th: Trust Your Voice: Communicate with Courage When the Stakes Are High: https://saradean.com/trust Connect with Sumur: https://theunpolishedbrain.com Sumer on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sumurwilliams Sumur on Instagram: @theunpolishedbrain Hire Sara to speak: saradean.com/speaking Coach with Sara: https://saradean.com/executive-coaching-services Connect with Sara on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saradeanspeaks Watch Shameless Leadership episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@saradeanspeaks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Why do many women leaders freeze in high-stakes moments even when they know exactly what to say? If this is you, you’re definitely not alone. This episode breaks down what is really happening in these moments and the communication skills gap that holds women back in leadership: the freeze response, the over-explanation, and the impulse to soften a message until it loses all its power. If you're a woman in leadership who (like many of my clients and me!) has ever walked out of a crucial conversation feeling like you left something unsaid, this one is for you. In this episode, we explore: Why the freeze response shows up for women leaders - and why it's not a confidence problem The hidden cost of over-explaining in high-stakes moments (and how it undermines your executive presence) How workplace communication patterns are shaped by social conditioning, not capability What emotional intelligence actually looks like when the pressure is on Practical tools for women leaders to show up with clarity and authority in crucial conversations How to release perfectionism and control when the stakes are high The impulse to shut down is a default that is not serving you. While it may be a deeply ingrained protection mechanism, it’s preventing you from taking up the space you deserve to own. It’s time to set some new defaults so you can hold any conversation, articulate your thoughts even when uncomfortable, and trust yourself to share your ideas in a way that calls people in. With just a few simple steps, you can begin to set new defaults to stay present, nimble, and assertive in high-stakes moments.  Links Mentioned: Free Workshop on April 16th: Trust Your Voice: Communicate with Courage When the Stakes Are High: https://saradean.com/trust Hire Sara to speak: saradean.com/speaking Coach with Sara: https://saradean.com/executive-coaching-services Connect with Sara on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saradeanspeaks Watch Shameless Leadership episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@saradeanspeaks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

If you’ve ever wondered how to improve communication skills without overthinking it, this is for you. I’m breaking down simple, practical ways to strengthen your communication skills so you can create deeper connections in your everyday conversations. Through small, intentional shifts, like acknowledging people in real time, expressing genuine gratitude, and demonstrating active listening, the way you engage with others can instantly become more human, humane, and impactful.  Effective communication isn’t about saying more, it’s about being more intentional with what you say, how you say it, and how you consistently show up - especially in moments where others are experiencing highs and lows. In this episode, I walk through how to build communication skills that actually translate into stronger relationships - whether you’re leading a team, growing a business, or navigating personal dynamics. These are the same tools my current coaching clients use to advance their leadership communication (with great success) while modeling clarity, confidence, and authenticity.  From asking better questions to mirroring and validating others, these “micro-moments” of communication are all it takes to shift conversations from surface-level chit chat to meaningful interactions that build trust, safety, and belonging. Every one of these communication habits contributes to real trust building, the kind that solidifies psychological safety, reduces defensiveness, and helps people feel seen, valued, and understood. When you consistently communicate this way, you don’t just get better at conversations; you become someone people trust, respect, and want to engage with. Links Mentioned: Hire Sara to speak: saradean.com/speaking Coach with Sara: https://saradean.com/executive-coaching-services Connect with Sara on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saradeanspeaks Watch Shameless Leadership episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@saradeanspeaks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sometimes the biggest obstacle holding you back in your work and leadership isn’t related to your skillset at all. It’s your mindset. When your mindset is your obstacle, there is usually a pretty straight line to your dissatisfaction, and perhaps even hopelessness. This isn’t an indication you’re doing anything wrong. You’re human. You’re probably tired and overwhelmed. You feel short on time, energy, and resources. You start questioning yourself. The pressure builds, the stakes feel higher, and suddenly the voice of doubt gets louder than the voice of truth.  In those moments, it’s easy for your mindset to become more harmful than helpful. In these moments, you need a mindset reset - an often subtle but powerful shift in how you’re thinking, interpreting, and responding to what’s in front of you. Mindset shifts are where your power lives because they change how you show up in real time. Your mindset informs your habits, behaviors, and thinking. Your mindset allows you to access clarity when things feel messy, confidence when fear is loud, and grounded leadership when everything around you feels uncertain. When hope or belief starts to waver, it’s not a sign to pull back; it’s an invitation to lead yourself differently.  The women who become the most powerful, steady, and trusted leaders aren’t the ones who avoid difficult moments; they’re the ones who learn how to think their way through them with intention. In this episode, I walk you through the top 5 mindset shifts powerful women leaders make when the going gets tough. These mindset resets will allow you to take back your power even when you may not have the control you want over a situation or outcomes. This is an invitation to help yourself before you wreck yourself and to consistently maintain the kind of thinking you need to KEEP GOING in sticky moments and seasons.  Links Mentioned: Hire Sara to speak: saradean.com/speaking Coach with Sara: https://saradean.com/executive-coaching-services Connect with Sara on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saradeanspeaks Watch Shameless Leadership episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@saradeanspeaks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Emotional intelligence is that thing that most people agree is important but few understand how to develop. It can feel tricky - and vulnerable. In this episode, I’m breaking down emotional intelligence skills in a highly practical way. Most leaders assume EQ means “stay calm” or “be nice,” but real emotional intelligence is far more active than that. It’s a set of tangible skills that help you build trust, create psychological safety, and navigate the inevitable tension that comes with people working together. I’m sharing five emotional intelligence skills that I see leaders skip all the time - not because they don’t care, but because no one ever taught them how to actually practice these skills in real moments. Listen in as I walk you through the difference between noticing emotions and naming them, suppressing reactions versus regulating them, and why reading the emotional undercurrent of a room matters just as much as managing the agenda. I share examples from my own leadership experiences, including moments when I’ve felt nervous before stepping on stage for a keynote and how I manage that in real time.  I also talk about two of the more challenging leadership skills: holding space without immediately trying to fix someone’s problem, and repairing ruptures when things don’t go the way you intended. People make mistakes. Conversations get messy. What builds real psychological safety isn’t avoiding those moments; it’s how you show up afterward. These five skills are simple and transformative. When leaders practice them consistently, teams feel safer, communication improves, and belonging becomes something people actually experience instead of something written in a company value statement. Emotional intelligence isn’t about perfection. It’s about recognizing and honoring what’s happening inside you and around you, and then choosing how to respond in a way that protects trust and connection. Links Mentioned: Hire Sara to speak: saradean.com/speaking Coach with Sara: https://saradean.com/executive-coaching-services Connect with Sara on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saradeanspeaks Watch Shameless Leadership episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@saradeanspeaks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ambition looks different for every woman. In this episode, we dive into the questions ambitious women ask themselves to define success on their own terms. Whether you're navigating leadership challenges as a woman leader or redefining your personal growth journey, these self-reflection prompts will help you clarify what ambition means to you in this season and set goals that actually align with your current life. This is also a chance for you to identify who your ambition serves and whether or not your current ambition actually serves YOU or not. While women talk a lot about how to be ambitious, we don’t talk nearly enough about how to be ambitious in a way that feels personally aligned and sustainable. In this conversation, I unpack the quiet, powerful habits of ambitious women - the ones that often go unnoticed, such as intentionally turning down opportunities, strategic rest, and protecting your reputation over popularity.  If you suspect you might benefit from a stronger success mindset or ambition mindset without sacrificing your health, relationships, or integrity, this episode will give you practical reflection questions to guide your goal setting on your own terms. This is a chance for you to explore what it really means to define your ambition by your season of life, detach your worth from outcomes, and build a version of success that reflects who you are now and who you are becoming.  Links Mentioned: Hire Sara to speak: saradean.com/speaking Coach with Sara: https://saradean.com/executive-coaching-services Connect with Sara on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saradeanspeaks Watch Shameless Leadership episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@saradeanspeaks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What if your team isn’t getting along as well as you think?  What if… they’re just hiding? In this episode of Shameless Leadership, we’re talking about what your team might be hiding behind a facade of niceness and seemingly quiet contentment. When employees don’t feel psychological safety, they edit themselves, downplay ideas, avoid disagreement, and stay quiet in meetings. Silence gets mistaken for alignment. Politeness gets labeled as trust. But often, it’s fear. Fear-based compliance is one of the earliest warning signs of a toxic work environment. Psychological safety isn’t soft. It’s a measurable leadership skill and a foundational component of leadership development. When people don’t feel safe to challenge ideas, admit mistakes, or raise concerns, innovation slows, engagement drops, and diverse voices disappear first. The cost isn’t just emotional, it’s operational. If you care about performance, retention, and long-term results, psychological safety must be a strategic priority as you intentionally build out your team culture. In this episode, I share a simple 5-question Psychological Safety Audit you can run anonymously with your team to assess whether they are masking behind fear. The data may surprise you. Because masking doesn’t always look dramatic - it often looks like professionalism, harmony, and “everyone gets along great”. But underneath that surface, your culture may be training people to stay small, even if inadvertently. If you want to strengthen psychological safety and prevent a toxic work environment, you must lower the social cost of honesty. That means rewarding thoughtful dissent, staying regulated when challenged, and modeling curiosity instead of defensiveness. Your reactions shape your team culture more than the values on your wall. If people are masking, it’s not a performance problem. It’s a leadership opportunity for you to solve. Links Mentioned: Shameless Leadership Episode 930: The Hidden Costs of Women Masking at Work TED Talk: Dare To Disagree: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PY_kd46RfVE Hire Sara to speak: saradean.com/speaking Coach with Sara: https://saradean.com/executive-coaching-services Connect with Sara on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saradeanspeaks Watch Shameless Leadership episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@saradeanspeaks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

I was recently given the opportunity to step into some volunteer work at Cristo Rey Jesuit High School in Seattle. While I suspected I would find this work meaningful and enjoyable, I didn’t expect to be so overwhelmingly impressed with every aspect of the Cristo Rey mission and how their work is setting up students to be incredible leaders from such a young age.  As this work has quickly become very near and dear to my heart, I thought it would be fun to have a different kind of leadership conversation here on the show.  I asked Katie Seltzer, the Vice President of Corporate Work Study at Cristo Rey, to join me.   Katie Seltzer leads the expansion of Cristo Rey’s signature (and truly exceptional) Corporate Work Study Program. In her role, Katie nurtures strategic partnerships with employers, ensuring students gain meaningful, real-world professional experience while earning toward the cost of their education. She is committed to preparing students from limited economic means for success in college and career through intentional mentorship, professional development, and high-expectation work placements.  Katie’s journey with Cristo Rey Jesuit Seattle began as Feasibility Study Director, helping assess and mobilize support for the school’s launch in Seattle. In 2022, she relocated to Seattle to lead the foundational work of opening the new Cristo Rey Jesuit High School, collaborating with volunteers, donors, business leaders, families, and community leaders to bring the mission to open its doors in 2024. She holds a Master's degree from both Harvard Divinity School and Harvard’s Graduate School. Originally from the East Coast, she calls Queen Anne home now with her husband and six-year-old son. Listen in to hear Katie share: How she connects her family’s three generations of educational values to her work, impact, and service today Her commitment to expanding equitable outcomes and what that looks like in action in her current VP role Cristo Rey’s unique educational model built on service, mentorship, and sponsorship What it looks like when work and leadership opportunities are integrated into high school education programming The significance of providing a culture of belonging in Fortune 500 companies for young people who commonly face barriers to belonging A systems thinking approach to leadership legacy that layers youth leadership, educational leadership, and organizational leadership The power of dismantling systemic barriers to provide opportunity and advancement in your community and workplaces Links Mentioned: Watch the Cristo Rey Draft Day 2025 video: https://www.cristoreyseattle.org/corporate-work-study/cws-draft-day-2025 Learn more about Cristo Rey Jesuit Seattle: cristoreyseattle.org Learn more about the Cristo Rey Network: cristoreynetwork.org Connect with Katie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katie-seltzer Hire Sara to speak: saradean.com/speaking Coach with Sara: https://saradean.com/executive-coaching-services Connect with Sara on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saradeanspeaks Watch Shameless Leadership episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@saradeanspeaks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Perhaps we need to stop celebrating resilience. Because we may actually be celebrating toxic resilience. Hear me out. In the corporate world, telling a woman she is resilient is often just a polite way of saying, “We are going to give you an impossible workload, broken systems, and no support… and we expect you to smile through it.”  In fact, if you’re complimenting my resilience, I may question if you were complicit in building and upholding the systems that made my resilience mandatory when yours was not.  Somewhere along the way, resilience became high praise for women in leadership. But too often it’s code for “Figure it out, we’re not going to fix this.” Women are expected to absorb dysfunction, manage emotional labor, navigate bias, and hold everything together without complaint. When resilience becomes a requirement instead of a choice, it stops being empowering and starts being extractive. The truth is, many women develop extraordinary resilience not because they lack capability, but because they are operating inside systems that demand more from them than from their male counterparts. They are expected to be competent but warm, assertive but not threatening, and ambitious but endlessly accommodating. So they adapt. They endure. They carry. And then they’re praised for how well they survive conditions that were never equitable to begin with. But endurance is not the same as leadership strength.  Endurance drains creativity, dulls voice, and quietly normalizes what should actually be challenged. Resilience is an important skill, but it should not be constantly taxed. Real leadership isn’t about how much you can tolerate - it’s about what you’re willing to transform. Instead of asking women to be more resilient, we should be asking why the system requires so much resilience in the first place. Sustainable leadership includes boundaries, advocacy, and the courage to disrupt what isn’t working. Sometimes the most powerful move a woman can make isn’t proving she can handle it. It’s refusing to carry what was never hers to hold. Links Mentioned: Hire Sara to speak: saradean.com/speaking Coach with Sara: https://saradean.com/executive-coaching-services Connect with Sara on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saradeanspeaks Watch Shameless Leadership episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@saradeanspeaks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

How often do you take action in a way that makes you think, “This is going to get me where I want to go!” My guess is that you’re not taking these kinds of strategic action steps often enough, AND you’re probably taking many other action steps each day that are not helping advance your career growth.  In fact, you may be stuck in a vicious (exhausting?!) cycle of over-giving, over-producing, and over-proving yourself without any long-term benefit to your career.   In this episode, I’m sharing five leadership skills that truly accelerate women’s careers - not in a hustle-harder, fix-yourself way - but in a grounded, strategic, and sustainable way. Too often, women are given vague advice like “just be more confident” or “speak up more,” without being taught the actual skills that create visibility, influence, and momentum. This episode is about naming the skills that actually move the needle in your career advancement and then making them actionable.  This is especially for women who are doing great work and still feel stuck or overlooked. I walk through five specific skills that I’ve seen make a real difference over and over again: strategic self-advocacy, clear and confident communication (especially in high-stakes moments), intentional relationship-building, navigating power and bias without losing yourself, and setting boundaries that protect both your energy and your credibility. I talk honestly about the traps women are often socialized into, such as self-sacrificing, waiting to be noticed, staying quiet to stay “likable,” and how these skills help you move out of those patterns without becoming someone you’re not. This conversation is for women at any stage of their career who want to lead with more intention, influence, and ease. My hope is that as you listen, you’ll identify one skill that feels especially relevant right now - one lever you can pull that creates momentum instead of burnout. Leadership isn’t about perfection or a dazzling personality; it’s about practicing the skills that help you be seen, heard, and valued for the leader you already are, so that when the right opportunity opens up, you are well-positioned to step right into it. Links Mentioned: Hire Sara to speak: saradean.com/speaking Coach with Sara: https://saradean.com/executive-coaching-services Connect with Sara on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saradeanspeaks Watch Shameless Leadership episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@saradeanspeaks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

When the world feels heavy and chaotic, I hear the same question from leaders over and over again: “What do I say?” In this episode, I talk about why that question matters and why saying nothing can be just as harmful as saying the wrong thing. When the people we lead are overwhelmed, grieving, angry, or exhausted, pretending it’s business as usual erodes trust and undermines our integrity as leaders. You don’t need perfect words or a polished message, but you do need the willingness to name the moment and lead with humility and humanity. What people truly need right now is trust, transparency, connection, and a sense of meaning in their work. This episode offers examples of what leaders can say to help people feel seen, supported, and safe, while still moving forward with compassion and grace. I share practical language leaders can use during tough days, weeks, or seasons - words that honor the moment without asking people to perform or explain their pain. These are ways you can acknowledge the reality of the moment without having to do a deep dive into sensitive topics.   I also name what inclusive leadership requires beyond empathy. Trauma and systemic harm are not new for many people, and leaders need to be mindful not to center their own shock or selectively extend compassion. This conversation is an invitation to recognize privilege and power, elevate Black and brown voices and experiences, and act with integrity when neutrality could erode trust and integrity. Rest assured, you don’t need to be an expert on the issues at the center of global politics.  You don’t need to be a therapist.  You just need to show up as a human who demonstrates awareness and compassion.  Sometimes the most powerful thing a leader can say is simply: I see this. I see you. You are not alone. Links Mentioned: Hire Sara to speak: saradean.com/speaking Coach with Sara: https://saradean.com/executive-coaching-services Connect with Sara on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saradeanspeaks Watch Shameless Leadership episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@saradeanspeaks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

“Work that is meaningful has the power to change not just what we do, but who we become.” Gloria Steinem Meaningful work isn’t just about what you do for a living—it’s about how your values, strengths, and sense of purpose show up in the world. Meaningful work is where your strengths, values, and actions intersect to drive a sense of purpose.  In this episode, I explore why meaningful work matters so deeply, especially for leaders and high achievers who look successful on paper but feel disconnected on the inside. I talk about how meaning sustains us through hard seasons, protects us from burnout, and helps us stay grounded in who we are rather than chasing external validation. I also unpack a misconception I see all the time: that your job should meet all of your meaning needs. That belief can create unnecessary pressure and disappointment. Meaningful work can live inside your workplace, but it can also exist outside of it through mentoring, service, creativity, advocacy, and leadership in your community. I share how anchoring meaning in values and strengths, rather than titles, opens up far more possibilities for fulfillment and impact. This episode also provides simple, practical ways to do more meaningful work right now, without quitting your job or blowing up your life. We talk about redefining work, creating micro-purpose moments, and giving yourself permission to diversify where purpose comes from. If you’ve been craving more depth, alignment, or impact in how you spend your time and energy, this episode will help you reconnect with what actually matters - and take your next meaningful step. Links Mentioned: Washington Immigrant Solidarity Network: https://waisn.org/ Become a Rapid Responder (next virtual training 2/6/26): https://waisn.org/events/ Create a neighborhood Whistle Brigade and other action steps: https://seattleindivisible.com/support-immigrant/ [Open Enrollment] Join Sara’s Aligned Leadership Incubator: saradean.com/aligned Hire Sara to speak: saradean.com/speaking Coach with Sara: https://saradean.com/executive-coaching-services Connect with Sara on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saradeanspeaks Watch Shameless Leadership episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@saradeanspeaks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Leadership in 2026 is asking more of us. But, not necessarily in volume, output, or productivity.  It’s asking more from us in terms of depth, awareness, nuance, and intentionality.  The old leadership rules simply aren’t holding anymore - which is a good thing! In this episode, I break down six leadership trends I’m seeing shift in real time and what they mean for how we communicate, build trust, measure success, and lead humans through complexity and change. Shift 1: Control >>> Adaptability: Leadership power is shifting from control to adaptability, where flexibility, responsiveness, and calm under constant change matter more than rigid authority. Shift 2: Output-Focused >>> Wellbeing-Centered: Burnout leadership is giving way to sustainable leadership, where boundaries, emotional regulation, and long-term stamina are performance indicators, calling leaders to separate self-worth from output and productivity. Shift 3: Information Hoarding >>> Transparent Communication: Trust now depends on transparent communication, where leaders openly share what they know, name what they don’t, and commit to frequent and consistent communication rather than gatekeeping. Shift 4: Information Access Point >>> Insight Provider: With AI at our fingertips, leaders are valued less for sharing information and facts that people can find on their own and more for providing insight by connecting dots, adding nuance, and offering a unique point of view. Shift 5: Individual Achievement >>> Collective Wins: Leadership success is moving from individual advancement to collective wins, where authority is shared, responsibility is distributed, and progress and success are measured by how people rise together. Shift 6: Skill-Based Presence >>> Identity-Aware Influence: Leaders are increasingly expected to lead with identity awareness, cultural humility, and equity literacy, shifting the focus from representation to true belonging, trust, and psychological safety. These shifts aren’t about becoming a “better” leader in the traditional sense.  They’re about becoming a more honest, adaptive, authentic, and human one. In 2026, the leaders who will have the greatest impact are those willing to let go of outdated metrics and practices, lead with clarity and care, and create environments where people don’t just perform, but actually belong, grow, and stay. Links Mentioned: Hire Sara to speak: saradean.com/speaking Coach with Sara: https://saradean.com/executive-coaching-services Connect with Sara on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saradeanspeaks Watch Shameless Leadership episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@saradeanspeaks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Leadership visibility sounds empowering, even exciting… until you’re the one being seen. In this episode, I’m talking about why stepping into new levels of visibility so often triggers discomfort, imposter syndrome, and a very loud inner critic, especially for women and others who were never encouraged to take up space or were judged for doing so in the past. I share a recent conversation with a friend facing a visibility opportunity and how it sparked a deeper reflection on why being seen can feel risky even when we know our work matters. I unpack what actually happens when your leadership expands beyond your comfort zone and opens the door to judgment, assumptions, people unfollowing or quietly pulling away - and why none of that means you’re doing it wrong. I offer a reframe I come back to often: those who judge are rarely in the arena with you. Those who are not in the arena are not entitled to live in your head rent-free.  Visibility brings up emotions in others, but their reactions are not your responsibility. Your responsibility is your mission, your values, and the people who are helped because you chose not to stay quiet. This episode is an invitation to think differently about visibility, not as self-promotion, but as service. I’ll walk you through questions to anchor yourself when discomfort shows up, including who your visibility helps, what’s at stake when you’re seen, and how being visible challenges the status quo and expands what’s possible for others. If you’ve been feeling the pull to step into a brighter spotlight in 2026 but the urge to avoid discomfort feels just as strong, this conversation is for you. Links Mentioned: [Open Enrollment] Join Sara’s Aligned Leadership Incubator: saradean.com/aligned Hire Sara to speak: saradean.com/speaking Coach with Sara: https://saradean.com/executive-coaching-services Connect with Sara on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saradeanspeaks Watch Shameless Leadership episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@saradeanspeaks Book: Daring Greatly by Brene Brown Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lean In and McKinsey & Company Women in the Workplace 2025 report claims that, for the first time, women are less likely than men to want a promotion, stating that 80% of women want to be promoted to the next level, compared to 86% of men.  They label this development an “ambition gap”, stating that women are currently less ambitious than men.  This label is wildly inaccurate, deeply offensive, and grossly irresponsible. Calling these findings an “ambition gap” is strategic reframing that places blame back on women, per usual, while letting broken systems (and the power players who uphold them) off the hook.  When powerful institutions confuse correlation with causation and misdiagnose the problem like this, women pay the price. Again. These kinds of reports shape policy, leadership decisions, funding priorities, and how women are talked about at work. This label is not ok.  It is harmful. The report assumes ambition is singular and linear, defined by traditional corporate ascent, and treats women’s slower advancement or disengagement as a personal failure instead of a rational response to inequitable systems and poor resource allocation. Most critically, the report ignores caregiving realities entirely.  You cannot meaningfully analyze women’s ambition in 2025 without examining care infrastructures - or lack thereof.  Choosing to ignore this is a distortion of reality.  In other words, this is gaslighting.  In this episode, I highlight other voices and data that were conveniently ignored.  This counter data shows us what we already know - women are more ambitious than ever.  Rather than seeking out a deeper understanding of the data, Lean In and McKinsey opted to report dirty diagnostics.  What we know about data analysis is that to get to the real why, you have to dig deeper, think critically, and ask crucial questions of the actual people impacted.  This didn’t happen with this reporting. When you actually talk to women, the situation is clear.  We are no longer willing to self-abandon inside systems that refuse to evolve. We know that to get to the reported 80%, we were required to work exponentially harder with fewer resources.  This is proof of our ambition, resilience, and talent, not lack thereof. The headline is not about an ambition gap.  The headline is that women are growing, evolving, and working smarter while institutions largely are not. In reality, what we are seeing is an institutional gap, a patriarchal gap, and a systems gap.  The bottom line is this… If we want to truly understand the evolution of women’s ambition, we need to start by examining the systems that punish it. Links Mentioned: Lean In and McKinsey & Company Women in the Workplace 2025: https://leanin.org/women-in-the-workplace Blessing Adesiyan on the Care Gap:https://thecaregap.substack.com/ More about Blessing Adesiyan: https://blessingadesiyan.com/ Chief and Harris Poll Data on Women’s Ambition: https://chief.com/articles/calling-bs-on-the-myth-of-womens-fading-ambition [Open Enrollment] Join Sara’s Aligned Leadership Incubator: saradean.com/aligned Hire Sara to speak: saradean.com/speaking Coach with Sara: https://saradean.com/executive-coaching-services Connect with Sara on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saradeanspeaks Watch Shameless Leadership episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@saradeanspeaks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In early 2025, my dear friend Jennifer started telling me about how she was preparing for her youngest child to leave for college.  She was celebrating this parenting milestone while also preparing for the grief.  Simultaneously, she was watching her father’s health deteriorate.  She knew 2025 would be a year of massive change.  And, it most certainly was.  I had the opportunity to connect with Jennifer throughout the year, and when she felt ready, I was honored to invite her to the show to discuss the overlap of life, grief, work, and the magical opportunities that arise for midlife women.   Professionally, Jennifer R. Hudson is an award-winning communications leader with more than 25 years of experience helping organizations strengthen and grow their brands through strategic, effective communication. She has led communications programs, facilitated workshops, launched businesses, and secured high-impact media coverage for both corporations and nonprofits. Before founding ThinkBeyond Public Relations, Jennifer served as Vice President of Communications at British Airways, overseeing internal and external communications across 18 markets, and held senior communications roles at Sabre and American Airlines, where she was a Spanish-speaking spokesperson. Jennifer is an accredited public relations professional (APR), a certified mentor and coach supporting entrepreneurs and social impact leaders, and a past president of PRSA Greater Fort Lauderdale. She was named PRSA Greater Fort Lauderdale’s 2024 Communicator of the Year.  Most notably, Jennifer is the proud mom of two grown children who still love coming home to visit their mom on a regular basis.  Listen in to hear Jennifer share: The difference between mentally preparing for change, loss, and grief and actually enduring them How navigating change and life transitions has improved her leadership focus and personal and professional goals Practices that help leaders stay centered and purposeful when personal life changes collide with professional responsibilities The unique opportunities that come out of hard seasons to create new and transformational experiences How vulnerability builds leadership trust and perfectionism erodes it The importance of giving yourself time to reflect on 2025, release what needs to be released, and claim what you want to own and carry forward from 2025 The PR framework leaders can use to sustain visibility and consistency in their communications without burning out or losing themselves in the process Links: Learn more about Jennifer and ThinkBeyond: wethinkbeyond.com Reach out to Jennifer: jen@wethinkbeyond.com  Connect with Jennifer on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenrhudson/ Connect with Jennifer on IG: https://www.instagram.com/thinkbeyondpr/ [Open Enrollment] Join Sara’s Aligned Leadership Incubator: saradean.com/aligned Hire Sara to speak: saradean.com/speaking Coach with Sara: https://saradean.com/executive-coaching-services Connect with Sara on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saradeanspeaks Watch Shameless Leadership episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@saradeanspeaks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As we head into a new year, I’m just as focused on breaking rules as I am on setting goals. In this episode, I share six leadership “rules” most of us have followed for years that I’m consciously unlearning as I step into 2026. These are the quiet, normalized rules that fuel burnout, decision fatigue, over-functioning, and self-silencing - especially for women and especially in midlife. This episode is both a reflection and an invitation to question the rules you’ve inherited, absorbed, or outgrown, and to decide what actually serves the person you are choosing to become as you step into a new year. I walk through productivity rules that say more output equals more value, and share why I’m shifting toward tracking energy instead of hours, creating more white space, and protecting time for thinking and breathing (I’m really bad at breathing). I unpack confidence rules like needing to “feel confident” before speaking up and the belief that strong leaders shouldn’t show doubt. We also dig into communication rules that tell women to soften their message to keep others comfortable, and visibility rules that limit us to who people think we’ve been rather than who we are becoming.  Finally, I challenge the midlife career rules that say you should have it all figured out by now and legacy rules that tell us impact only “counts” if it’s big, visible, or measurable. The truth is that midlife can absolutely feel like expansion, not a plateau.   For the next year, I’m focused on my 2026 legacy rather than a lifetime headline.  I’m doing this by doubling down on upholding my values, challenging myself, making meaning, and defining success on my own terms. As you listen, I invite you to reflect on this question: “In 2026, I’m breaking the rule that says ______.” Links Mentioned: [Dec 9th and Jan 8th] Shameless Rising: a 2-part workshop series to release the noise, reclaim your voice, and reignite your vision in 2026: saradean.com/rising [Open Enrollment] Join Sara’s Aligned Leadership Incubator: saradean.com/aligned Hire me to speak: saradean.com/speaking Coach with me: https://saradean.com/executive-coaching-services Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saradeanspeaks Watch Shameless Leadership episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@saradeanspeaks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

There is no denying that 2025 has been a doozy for women and anyone carrying a marginalized identity.  AND… I’m seeing midlife women step into a completely new season of power, clarity, and momentum. We are the backbone of everything strong and sustainable, including our companies, our communities, and our families. For decades, we've been the stabilizers, culture shapers/shifters/carriers, and trust-builders, and now organizations and society are finally waking up to the value of lived experience, emotional intelligence, and the quiet leadership skills we’ve built while carrying so much.  There is a growing recognition that our wisdom isn’t just nice to have, it’s our essential secret sauce, what sets us apart, what gives us undeniable collective power, and what is critically needed in workplaces, community organizations, and all sectors of government. We are also seeing a movement in reinvention. Mid-life women are moving up, out, around, and into what actually fits. We’re starting businesses, staking a claim, demanding appreciation, and refusing to shrink or settle. This is happening while we’re in the middle of a full-blown Health Revolution. We are normalizing perimenopause and menopause care, nervous-system support, rest, play, and renegotiating the division of caregiving labor in all environments. We’re leading this shift, no longer just whispering about it in the shadows, and it’s changing how we work, lead, and live.  And maybe the most powerful shift of all? Our confidence is starting to come from authenticity over performance. We’re tired of proving, perfecting, and pleasing. Showing up real, grounded, values-led, a little quirky, and deeply human is becoming the new leadership standard women are setting for ALL. We’re reframing our struggles as strengths—whether that’s caregiving experience, neurodivergence, or navigating perimenopause. This matters because there is real momentum available to us if we pay attention.  This episode will inspire you to think differently about your power, take bold action, and ask yourself a few critical questions to inform your 2026 decision-making. Links Mentioned: [Open Enrollment] Join Sara’s Aligned Leadership Incubator: saradean.com/aligned Hire me to speak: saradean.com/speaking Coach with me: https://saradean.com/executive-coaching-services Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saradeanspeaks Watch Shameless Leadership episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@saradeanspeaks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

I love having mentors.  Watching and learning as others navigate the world is one of my superpowers.  Sometimes I feel like a spy as I closely and quietly observe the behavior of others and think, “Oh, I want to be more like THAT.”  Because I love learning and growing personally and professionally, I have hired many mentors and coaches over the years - paying well over 6 figures to learn how to improve many aspects of my life.   However, some of the most important mentorships I’ve benefited from have been totally free and come from unlikely relationships.  In this episode, I talk about the mentorship I’ve received from one of my sisters-in-law.  On paper, our lives are wildly different.  We were born in different generations, have had very different career paths, and many different interests.  However, there is an overlap in some of our most important core values that has always made it feel like she just gets me.  That said, she approaches life with a quiet wisdom and deep curiosity that I don’t have (yet).  I pay close attention to how she asks questions, how she listens with her head and her heart, how she speaks with compassion, and how she is never afraid to learn or try something new.  I’m curious for you, who are the people you already have proximity to who might be your greatest teachers, even though they lead a very different life than you?  And, what might happen if you were to identify and adopt some of their greatest strengths as your next stepping stones of growth?  Listen in to learn how to find and learn from these kinds of unlikely mentors in your life.  Links Mentioned: [Open Enrollment] Join Sara’s Aligned Leadership Incubator: saradean.com/aligned Hire me to speak: saradean.com/speaking Coach with me: https://saradean.com/executive-coaching-services Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saradeanspeaks Watch Shameless Leadership episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@saradeanspeaks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

When I learned of Lauren Tetenbaum’s work around workplace menopause advocacy, I knew I wanted her to come on the show.  Talking about menopause at work is long overdue.  When there is something that directly impacts 50% of our population, 100% of us are impacted in some way.  We need to be talking about menopause at work.  Period.  Lauren Tetenbaum, LCSW, JD, PMH-C is a licensed clinical social worker, women's rights advocate, writer, and mom dedicated to supporting and empowering women through life transitions. With experience as both a lawyer and a psychotherapist, Lauren specializes in counseling women navigating identity shifts related to motherhood, career, and reproductive health. Lauren frequently contributes thought leadership to media and professional organizations; she is the author of the 2025 book Millennial Menopause: Preparing for Perimenopause, Menopause, and Life's Next Period.  Listen in to hear Lauren share: Why reproductive healthcare is a workplace issue The perimenopause/menopause symptoms that impact women at work Accommodations workplaces can make that support women in perimenopause/menopause (that benefit others too!) Benefits that workplaces can easily add to improve healthcare access for midlife women When and how to prepare for perimenopause instead of waiting for it to “hit you” in a way that profoundly impacts your life The costs we are seeing for employers who are choosing to NOT address menopause in the workplace How men can advocate for menopause friendly policies, education, and accommodations in the workplace Links Mentioned:  Connect with Lauren: millennialmenopause.com Get Lauren’s book: Millennial Menopause Lauren on IG: @thecounselaur: https://www.instagram.com/thecounselaur/ Lauren on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurenatetenbaum/ Organization: Let’s Talk Menopause Organization: The Menopause Society [Dec 9th and Jan 8th] Shameless Rising: a 2-part workshop series to release the noise, reclaim your voice, and reignite your vision in 2026: saradean.com/rising [Open Enrollment] Join Sara’s Aligned Leadership Incubator: saradean.com/aligned Hire me to speak: saradean.com/speaking Coach with me: https://saradean.com/executive-coaching-services Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saradeanspeaks Watch Shameless Leadership episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@saradeanspeaks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

I recorded this episode on the eve of my 50th birthday.  I’m writing this show description at 6:23am on the morning of my 50th birthday.  50 feels weird.  Maybe because for the first 48ish years of my life, it felt one million years away.  Then, suddenly it’s just… here…  For the past few months, people have been asking me what I plan to do to celebrate this monumental birthday and it’s felt overwhelming to decide on one thing.  I feel this pressure to make the BEST choice because I’ll always remember whatever I choose.  Therefore, it must be super special and memorable.  That’s just too much pressure.  To date, I’ve made no decisions.  I don’t know how I’m celebrating. I guess I’ll have to keep you posted in that arena.   Instead of making the perfect birthday plan, I’ve been thinking about what 50 means.  I have a few thoughts about this milestone and the apparent wisdom everyone says women unlock at this age.  In fact, I was sitting with a multigenerational group of people last week and laughing about how at every new age milestone (20, 30, 40, 50, etc.) we think we “finally” have it all figured out.  However, I think the older I get, the more I realize there is so much more to still figure out.  That actually feels really exciting.  In this episode, I’m sharing 5 things I’ve figured out so far.  But, honestly, I’m so excited to uncover so many new learnings in the years and decades to come!  Today, I’ll share the major lesson my 13-year-old keeps reminding me (that is as profound as 6-7), how I’m embracing messiness and the “worst” parts of myself, what I’m protecting most, and where I’m mining for magic.   THANK YOU to you for listening to the show and being a significant part of my life.  10 years ago, on the morning of turning 40, I had no idea I would launch a podcast that would be approaching 10 years and 1,000 episodes.  In fact, at this time 10 years ago, I was just starting to think about, “maybe I’ll do a podcast… someday….”  It’s an honor to be in your ear.  Thank you for listening, sharing, and making my work feel meaningful.  Meaningful work has always been and always will be one of the very best parts of my life.  I couldn’t do it without you.  Links Mentioned: Join me for Shameless Rising, a 2-part workshop series to release the noise, reclaim your voice, and reignite your vision in 2026: saradean.com/rising [OPEN ENROLLMENT] Join Sara’s Aligned Leadership Incubator: saradean.com/aligned Hire me to speak: saradean.com/speaking Coach with me: https://saradean.com/executive-coaching-services Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saradeanspeaks Watch Shameless Leadership episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@saradeanspeaks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode, I’m exposing the Authenticity Trap for you.  The Authenticity Trap is the mixed messages women get about “being themselves.” We’re told authenticity is the key to trust, confidence, and influence, yet many of us were conditioned to 1) think we need to lead like men if we want to make it to the top to serve, and 2) constantly abandon our own needs and wants to center and care for those around us. That means when we try to show up authentically, we often bump up against years of social conditioning that taught us to prioritize likability over authenticity. The authenticity trap is what happens when the call to “be yourself” collides with systems and expectations that were never designed to make room for your full, real self. In this episode, I unpack why so many women struggle with authenticity in leadership.  It’s not because we lack confidence or clarity, but because we’ve learned to perform leadership instead of embodying it in a way that is true to who we are. We’ve been rewarded for being agreeable, accommodating, and endlessly capable, even when that performance costs us energy, boundaries, and joy. The result of the Authenticity Trap is burnout, disconnection, and missed opportunities to share your best self with the world.  Of course, I’m not going to leave you hanging without an action plan.  We will dig into simple ways to begin reclaiming your authenticity as a daily leadership practice. We’ll talk about getting clear on your values and boundaries, noticing when you’re performing versus connecting, and experimenting with small, brave acts of honesty and self-expression. My hope is that you walk away knowing that authenticity isn’t a luxury or a buzzword.  It’s a muscle that, when strengthened, allows you to tap into who you truly are when you disconnect from all the noise around you. When you strengthen this muscle and step out of the Authenticity Trap, you not only lead with more joy, ease, and impact — you also give everyone around you permission to do the same. Links Mentioned: [NOVEMBER 20th] Join my 90-minute Leadership Roundtable, Thriving in Leadership in Uncertain Times: saradean.com/roundtable [LISTENER SURVEY] Let me know what Programs & Events you want me to host in 2026: saradean.com/survey Hire me to speak: saradean.com/speaking Coach with me: https://saradean.com/executive-coaching-services Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saradeanspeaks Watch Shameless Leadership episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@saradeanspeaks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

I was thrilled when I learned that past podcast guest Jessica Frew wrote an entire book on decision-making.  Decision fatigue is real and so very exhausting.  It holds us back from taking action, best leveraging our time and energy, and truly trusting ourselves.  Jessica is a firecracker and I know this conversation will give you some great AHA’s about becoming a more decisive person.   Jessica Frew is an author, speaker, coach, wife, ex-wife, mom, stepmom, and BOLD action taker.  She believes that you find true peace, connection and confidence by making your next best decision.  Jessica helps you make clear, confident, and concise decisions to lead a BOLD life that is in alignment with who you were created to be while leaving behind overthinking, people pleasing, and the need to justify your decisions through her proven Be.Be.Be Decision Making Formula.  Her new book, Shove Your Shoulds: Become a Decision-Making Badass & Live the Life You Deserve is all about unlearning the decision-making patterns we were taught (especially as women, mothers, and leaders) and embracing choices that actually feel aligned. Listen in to hear Jessica share: The power in giving yourself permission to evolve yourself and your work over time How your “shoulds” quietly hijack your decision-making and breed negative self-judgment How her narrative around being a stepmom held her back and how she unpacked this old narrative to write a new, better one How to unravel long-term narratives that keep us stuck and how writing your own narratives elevates you as a leader Why women hold so much fear around decisiveness The connection between indecision and fear and how to reclaim your power by embracing decisiveness The actual (simple) steps you can take in releasing an old narrative that is no longer serving you or possibly even harming you Links Mentioned: Get Jessica’s Book, Shove Your Shoulds: https://shoveyourshoulds.com/ Follow Jessica on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heyjessicafrew/ [NOVEMBER 20th] Join my 90-minute Leadership Roundtable, Thriving in Leadership in Uncertain Times: saradean.com/roundtable [OPEN ENROLLMENT] Join Sara’s Aligned Leadership Incubator: saradean.com/aligned [LISTENER SURVEY] Let me know what Programs & Events you want me to host in 2026: saradean.com/survey Hire me to speak: saradean.com/speaking Coach with me: https://saradean.com/executive-coaching-services Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saradeanspeaks Watch Shameless Leadership episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@saradeanspeaks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

"Sara, I tried one little thing you recommended in our session and it totally changed my interaction with a team member!" Back story…I was leading a training for a leadership team recently and we talked about how to practice active listening in leadership.  One of the leaders decided to put one of my recommendations into action immediately (Gold Star for this leader!) and he was so excited about the results.  Following our training, he shifted his default behavior of “getting right down to business” in a one-on-one meeting to starting off a one-on-one by asking a team member an open-ended question.  This led to a great conversation and important insights between the two of them.  By getting curious before getting down to business, this leader fast-tracked trust and paved the way for open and honest communication with their team member.  He was giddy sharing this win with me.  I love it when new behaviors lead to new wins!  Curiosity is one of the most underrated, yet most powerful, leadership skills you can develop. In this episode, we dig into how curiosity can completely shift the way you lead, communicate, and connect with others. Whether you’re managing up, collaborating across, or leading your team, curiosity opens up space for real conversation, minimizes assumptions, and builds relationships that feel grounded in care and respect. When you lead with curiosity, you create connection instead of disconnection, and you let the people around you truly shine. In this episode, I walk you through five ways to use curiosity to become a more emotionally intelligent leader. We’ll talk about how to ask before assuming, how to get curious about motivations instead of just outcomes, and how curiosity can bridge differences when perspectives clash. You’ll also learn how to replace performance check-ins with curiosity-driven conversations that make your people feel seen and supported, and why modeling curiosity publicly builds trust and psychological safety at every level of your organization. Ultimately, curiosity helps you become a leader who doesn’t just manage people — but inspires them. Tune in to discover how a few thoughtful questions can transform the way you collaborate, innovate, communicate, and lead. Links Mentioned: [NOVEMBER 20th] Join my 90-minute Leadership Roundtable, Thriving in Leadership in Uncertain Times: saradean.com/roundtable [OPEN ENROLLMENT] Join Sara’s Aligned Leadership Incubator: saradean.com/aligned Hire me to speak: saradean.com/speaking Coach with me: https://saradean.com/executive-coaching-services Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saradeanspeaks Watch Shameless Leadership episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@saradeanspeaks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

When it comes to giving yourself credit for your wins and accomplishments, how would you rate yourself?  Are you a strong self-promoter?  Do you share your accomplishments with others and routinely make it known that you’re up to great things?  Or, do you tend to shy away from shining too brightly in front of others? As women leaders, we’re often taught to keep our heads down, work hard, and let our results speak for themselves.  But here’s the truth: results don’t speak.  People do.  If we’re not willing to talk about our wins, we’re missing out on opportunities to advance our careers, inspire other women, and rewrite what leadership visibility looks like.  In this episode, I’m diving into why women need to brag more and how we can do it in ways that feel authentic, strategic, inspiring, and empowering to others. I’ll unpack how women consistently undersell themselves compared to men, even when they’re performing at the same or higher levels. We’ll explore how cultural conditioning, fear of backlash, and the “be humble” narrative keep women from taking rightful credit for their accomplishments. I’ll also talk about how self-promotion isn’t egotistical or arrogant, but rather a form of advocacy. It’s a way to own your impact, document your growth, and create a ripple effect that encourages other women to step into their power. You’ll walk away from this episode with tangible strategies to brag smart, from reframing your wins as stories of impact to finding ways to normalize sharing success within your teams and networks. Whether you’re climbing the ladder, leading a team, or mentoring others, this episode will help you show up more visibly, confidently, and unapologetically as the accomplished leader you already are. It’s time to stop playing small and start celebrating yourself because when women brag, we all rise. Links Mentioned: [TIME SENSITIVE] Join Sara’s Aligned Leadership Incubator: saradean.com/aligned [VIRTUAL EVENT] Join me on November 20th for my Leadership Roundtable, Thriving in Leadership in Uncertain Times: saradean.com/roundtable Hire me to speak: saradean.com/speaking Coach with me: https://saradean.com/executive-coaching-services Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saradeanspeaks Watch Shameless Leadership episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@saradeanspeaks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices