Latest Blog Article: Leading in Times of Uncertainty with Stephanie Royal

Untapped Talent: The Rise of Skill Based Hiring – an Interview with Betty Thompson, Former CPO at Booz Allen Hamilton

diversity skills talent Feb 05, 2025
 

I had the great pleasure of interviewing Betty Thompson, former Chief People Officer at Booz Allen Hamilton and Chairwoman of the Board at SHRM, about her journey and insights on harnessing untapped talent. She emphasized the importance of skills over degrees, citing the rising cost of education and the need for diverse workforce strategies. Thompson highlighted the value of internal talent development, leveraging AI for skill identification, and creating pathways for non-traditional candidates. She stressed the necessity for organizations to plan three to five years ahead, invest in lifelong learning, and foster a culture of continuous improvement. Thompson encouraged individuals to seize opportunities rather than chase specific roles, advocating for resilience and adaptability in the evolving job market.

Key Takeaways from this Interview:

  • 0:34:50 Individuals should chase opportunities that challenge them, as learning often comes from stepping outside one’s comfort...
Continue Reading...

Getting Up to Speed Fast in an Executive Role - an Interview with Rachel Tuller, Vice President Global Channels at Autodesk

culture mentorship trust Jan 29, 2025
 

I had the great pleasure of interviewing Rachel Tuller, Vice President Global Channel Sales at Autodesk. Rachel discusses her career journey, emphasizing the importance of mentorship and overcoming challenges. She highlights her non-linear career path, starting as a technical trainer and evolving through various roles. Rachel credits her success to leveraging transferable skills and the support of mentors like James Mundell. At Autodesk, she emphasizes the importance of understanding the company culture, building trust, and establishing executive relationships. Rachel advised new executives to create a stakeholder map, have a clear plan, and leverage available resources. She stresses the balance between collaboration and confidence in driving success.

Key takeaways from this interview:

  • 0:01:15 Rachel's family history of professional women inspired her to be a "fearless female" and pursue impactful work that helps others.
  • 0:02:40 Rachel's career path has been a "lattice, not a...
Continue Reading...

The ROI of Being Kind in Leadership

 

In today’s fast-paced, results-driven world, it can be tempting to prioritize efficiency and hard metrics over softer skills like kindness. Yet, research consistently demonstrates that kindness isn’t just a “nice-to-have” quality in leadership—it’s a transformative tool with measurable returns. For leaders striving to create lasting impact, embracing kindness isn’t just a moral choice; it’s a strategic one.

Kindness Builds Engaged and Loyal Teams

“People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” Maya Angelou’s words resonate deeply in the workplace. Employees don’t leave jobs; they leave managers. Gallup research shows that managers influence 70% of the variance in employee engagement, and kindness plays a pivotal role in creating workplaces where people want to stay.

A client of mine, a senior executive in a global tech firm, struggled with...

Continue Reading...

The Power of Influence: Gaining Buy-In as a Fearless Female Leader

Influence is one of the most powerful skills a leader can have. As women, however, it’s easy to feel that we have to work twice as hard to gain the same level of buy-in. 

  • Visibility and Advocacy: Women are 25% less likely than men to advocate directly for their own initiatives at the board level due to concerns about being perceived as overly self-promotional or self-interested (Catalyst, 2020). This hesitancy can impact the perceived value of their proposals and limit the level of buy-in they receive compared to male counterparts who are more willing to assert their ideas directly.
  • Impact on Proposal Approval Rates: An EY survey showed that 48% of women in executive roles have had strategic proposals declined by the board at a higher rate than men, often due to perceived "risk" or "ambition" biases that question the feasibility or long-term impact of the proposed changes. This “confidence gap” in the boardroom can lead to missed opportunities for innovation...
Continue Reading...

Welcome to 2025: The Year of Fearless Impact - Where will your fearless journey take you?

 

As we step into 2025, I want to wish you a joyful, healthy, and prosperous New Year! This year holds the promise of next-level impact, and I couldn’t be more thrilled to have you as part of this community of Fearless Female Leaders.

2025 is going to be a pivotal year, not just for us, but for over one million women stepping boldly into fearless leadership. When women’s voices are heard, valued, and respected, we change organizations, industries, and the world—and honestly, that’s never been needed more.

I’m also excited to share updates about The Fearless Female Leader, launching in February! If you’d like to join the VIP community, now is the time. By signing up, you’ll gain early access to exclusive resources, bonuses, and a sneak peek at the movement shaping this year.

Opportunities to Partner in 2025

A few exciting ways to get involved this year:

  • VIP Book Community: Sign up to receive exclusive content, event invites, and first access...
Continue Reading...

Grateful for you this holiday season - Coming up in 2025

 

As we approach the holidays, I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude to you. This time of year is perfect for reflection—not only on how far you’ve come but also on the lessons learned and the incredible impact you’ve made.

Looking ahead to 2025, I’m excited about how we can embrace being fearless together. Fearless doesn’t mean being without fear—it means moving forward despite it, guided by the feelings in your heart and gut.

My upcoming book, The Fearless Female Leader, is designed to help you amplify your voice, be heard, and have an even greater impact. If this resonates with you, I’d love to welcome you to the VIP pre-order community. It’s an opportunity to access exclusive extras as we gear up for an incredible 2025.

Thank you for being part of this community, for taking action even when it’s hard, and for joining the movement of over a million fearless women who are ready to step into the new year with...

Continue Reading...

Key Factors to Build Cohesive Teams - With Jen Fults, Global Chief People Officer at Alvarez & Marsal

Uncategorized Dec 16, 2024
 

In the latest Fearless Female Leadership interview, I had the privilege of speaking with Jen Fults, the Global Chief People Officer at Alvarez & Marsal. Jen shared her journey of rising through the ranks, driven by a passion for people and an unwavering commitment to creating cohesive, high-performing teams. Throughout our conversation, her wisdom and practical insights highlighted the importance of leadership grounded in humanity, accountability, and clear communication.

This interview is a must-listen for leaders striving to build strong, resilient teams, particularly as we close out the year and prepare for new challenges ahead. From fostering team cohesion to addressing burnout head-on, Jen’s approach offers actionable strategies for navigating complex people challenges with grace and impact.

Key Takeaways

The Power of Grit and Resourcefulness (00:05:44)
Jen credits her success to a deep sense of grit and resourcefulness, traits she honed during her early career and as...

Continue Reading...

Breaking the Confidence Barrier: Empowering Female Executives to Lead Boldly

As women leaders, we often find ourselves navigating environments that can feel both inspiring and, at times, intimidating. Many of us have experienced the unique challenge of feeling like we need to prove ourselves, even after years of success. Confidence, unshakeable confidence—isn’t always easy to come by, especially when the stakes are high, and we’re striving to lead without compromising our values.

In my new book "The Fearless Female Leader", my goal is to empower women like you to break through the confidence barrier and step into every room with authority and purpose.

When it comes to building genuine confidence, I’ve learned that it’s not about “fake it until you make it”. Instead, it’s about mastering specific tools and practices that strengthen your self-assurance from the inside out. In the book, I cover strategies for reframing negative self-talk, establishing your non-negotiables, and leveraging your unique strengths so...

Continue Reading...

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

  1. The Power of...
Continue Reading...

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...

Continue Reading...
Close

Before You Leave, Have You Joined the Waitlist on My New Book The Fearless Female Leader?

Get Exclusive Early Access Bonuses:

  • Get a "Sneak Peek" with a digital version of Chapter 1
  • View a digital lesson of the Fearless Female Leadership Enterprise Journey Edition
  • Gain early access to book exclusive training events during International Day of the Woman
  • Receive volume book purchase discounts
YES, I'D LIKE TO JOIN THE WAITLIST! >>
Close

97% Complete

Get Our Most Current Mental Toughness Articles, Tips, Tools, Videos and More! 

Emailed directly to you each week ... and all FREE!