Leading Through Herculean Change and Disruption - Insights from Kathie Johnson, CMO of Sitecore
In the latest installment of my Fearless Female Leadership interview series, I had the privilege of sitting down with Kathie Johnson, the Chief Marketing Officer of Sitecore. Kathie has a proven track record of leading through complex challenges, and her first year at Sitecore was no exception. From navigating leadership and board changes to spearheading a monumental rebranding initiative, Kathie’s story is a masterclass in resilience, clarity, and focus.
Our conversation delved into what it takes to lead teams through Herculean change while managing the inevitable disruptions that come with it. Kathie shared invaluable lessons from her journey, emphasizing the importance of clarity, communication, and staying centered in one’s values. Whether you’re an individual contributor navigating organizational shifts or a leader managing teams through uncertainty, this interview offers practical advice to help you thrive.
Key Moments from the Interview
- The Power of...
Unlocking Your Potential with "Fearless Female Leadership" - A Feminine Approach To Courageous Leadership
As Fearless Female Leaders in executive roles, we often face unique challenges that can either propel us forward or hold us back, depending on how we navigate them. The stakes are often high. We’re managing teams, leading strategic initiatives, and influencing the direction of our organizations, all while balancing the persistent pressures and expectations that come with being a high-level female leader. But here’s the truth: when we lead fearlessly and authentically, we unlock not only our potential but also that of everyone around us.
That’s why I’m thrilled that my upcoming book, Fearless Female Leadership, is set for release in early 2025. This book is my way of sharing the strategies, insights, and tools that I’ve developed and refined over years of working with some of the most accomplished female leaders. Fearless Female Leadership is more than a book; it’s a practical guide to taking control of your career, maximizing your influence, and...
Unlocking Bold Potential with Connie White
In this Fearless Female Leadership Interview, I had the pleasure of connecting with Connie White, Chief People Officer at Altos Labs, to discuss the art and science of unlocking bold potential. Connie’s journey, insights, and passion for empowering others offer a roadmap for leaders and emerging professionals alike to tap into their own potential and that of their teams.
We explored what it means to “unlock bold potential” and how that journey often starts with small, intentional actions. Connie's stories—from her formative years to her current leadership role—underscore the importance of staying curious, giving and receiving feedback, and taking bold, well-thought-out action.
Key Takeaways
~ The Value of Curiosity in Unlocking Potential (00:01:17)
Connie emphasizes that curiosity is a powerful, often underappreciated factor in both personal and team development. As a leader, being curious about team members and their strengths helps create...
Why Women Leaders Need the Right Support to Thrive
We need female leaders to have a bigger voice at the table, now more than ever. Full Stop.
As female leaders, we face incredible opportunities and challenges, and the research tells us that it’s magnified for women who are further marginalized within our gender. But one thing I see time and again, even among the most successful women, is that too many of us are navigating our journeys without the confidential support we deserve. Without the right coaching, it’s easy to miss out on opportunities, undervalue ourselves, and struggle to reach the impact and influence we know we’re capable of.
The truth is, the journey to the top doesn’t need to feel so isolating or uncertain. Let’s talk about what’s really at stake when we or our team does not have the right support and guidance.
~ Not Earning What You’re Worth
It’s a well-known fact that women, even at the executive level, are often underpaid compared to their male counterparts. Women...
Leading in Times of Uncertainty with Stephanie Royal
In this podcast episode, I had the privilege of speaking with Stephanie Royal, Chief People and Culture Officer at the Robin Hood Foundation. Stephanie’s journey and experiences provide a powerful reminder that leading with authenticity, resilience, and purpose is essential, especially in today’s ever-changing landscape. Together, we unpacked the importance of embracing our unique leadership journeys, navigating cultural and societal expectations, and finding strength in community and self-care.
Here are five key takeaways from our conversation:
- Embrace Your Unique Journey (1:17)
Stephanie’s journey to becoming a leader wasn’t linear. Inspired by strong female role models, she learned early on the importance of carving her own path. Despite societal and familial expectations, Stephanie emphasized that we must give ourselves permission to pursue the career and life paths that align with our values. "You do you," as we like to say, because it’s your life...
Your Secret Weapon in High-Stakes Leadership - Influence with Impact
Your Secret Weapon in High-Stakes Leadership
As Fearless Female Leaders, we’ve fought hard to get where we are. We’ve broken through barriers, shattered glass ceilings, and earned our seat at the table. Sometimes there is an uncomfortable truth — once we’re at the table, the challenges don’t stop. High-stakes conversations, negotiations, and pivotal decision-making moments continue to test our resilience, confidence, and ability to lead under pressure.
One thing I’ve noticed in my work with executives across industries is this: Emotional agility is often the difference between a leader who influences with impact and one who struggles to get buy-in.
But what is emotional agility, and why is it crucial for us as women in leadership?
I spoke about this in a recent LinkedIn post, and so I wanted to continue the conversation.
Let’s break it down and explore how mastering emotional agility, especially when there is a lot at...
Developing Resilience when itโs Time to Rise with Anne Pao
In this insightful episode, I had the pleasure of connecting with Anne Pao, CEO and founder of Ignite Consulting, to explore resilience and the critical role of self-care in leadership. Anne shares her journey from a challenging childhood to a successful corporate career, emphasizing the importance of taking pauses to recharge.
Anne dives into the necessity of integrating self-care routines, the power of sleep, and redefining productivity to include rest. Her experiences offer valuable lessons for female leaders on sustaining resilience and achieving long-term success by prioritizing well-being and trusting oneself.
Key Takeaways
Introduction to Resilience (00:00:01)
The importance of resilience, especially in Q4.
Running Away Decision (00:04:02)
At 12, Anne considers running away but chooses to focus on academics instead, demonstrating resilience.
Burnout and Recovery (00:10:36)
Anne shares her experience with burnout during the pandemic and the importance of taking a break...
Ready for Your Next High-Stakes Negotiation?
After Monday’s LinkedIn post on navigating high-stakes negotiations, I thought it’d be the perfect time to revisit a blog that goes deeper into strategies for handling these critical conversations with confidence and clarity.
In this post, I share insights I picked up from a slightly terrifying—but amazing session with Chris Voss and his team of NYPD and FBI hostage negotiators.
It was a powerful reminder that our ability to remain calm, collected, and prepared in emotionally charged discussions can be a game-changer—both in the boardroom and beyond.
Here’s a quick preview of what I cover:
- Why lack of preparation is our biggest hurdle—and how a little foresight can eliminate most of the stress around tough conversations.
- The ABC Prep Framework: Plan A (Total Buy-In), Plan B (Partial Buy-In), and Plan C (Push Back)—so you know how to respond no matter what happens.
- Real-world examples of how women leaders have turned even the...
Enhance Influence in Negotiations: Unleashing Your Inner Champion - Negotiations 101
Enhance Influence in Negotiations
Emotions are running high which is 100% understandable. For many companies, earnings are down, and there is a lot of disruption happening around us.
The ability to navigate negotiations with finesse and confidence, especially now, is paramount. For female leaders, this skill is not just about securing favorable outcomes but also about asserting influence and maintaining productivity and profitability under pressure. In this 3-minute video, I share my tips on how women can enhance their negotiation skills through emotional agility and strategic preparation.
Understanding the Challenges
There are two primary challenges that can get in the way of our ability to influence: Over-communicating can dilute the message and reduce the perceived authority.
Emotional Reactions: Displaying anger or annoyance, while understandable, can undermine the negotiation process, especially with leadership.
The Power of Emotional Agility
Emotional agility is the runway of...
Being an Executive and Being Happy with Larissa Thomas
I had the absolute pleasure of speaking with Larissa Thomas, Vice President of Talent and Effectiveness at Electronic Arts.
We dive right into career fulfillment, emphasizing the importance of defining personal happiness and success.
Larissa shares her journey, highlighting struggles with confidence and societal pressures. She underscores the necessity of self-care and resetting to achieve mental clarity.
We also touch on cultivating happiness, setting realistic expectations, and focusing on personal growth.
I hope this episode inspires you, as a fearless female leader, to take charge of your career, prioritize well-being, and redefine success on your own terms.
Key Takeaways:
Defining Personal Success (00:03:28)
Larissa discusses the importance of defining her own version of success rather than following corporate norms.
Crafting a Career Change Plan (00:08:15)
Larissa details her process of planning a career change, focusing on strengths and desired work...
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