If you’ve ever walked into a high-stakes conversation with a great plan yet felt your words landed flat, you’re not alone. What we think and feel beforehand shapes what others hear (through our tone, body language, and presence.) That’s why mental preparation isn’t a “nice to have”... it’s a performance edge.

Over the last decade, my work with senior female leaders has shown a consistent pattern: those who prepare their mindset before they prepare their message influence more effectively… especia...

In the latest Fearless Female Leadership interview, I had the privilege of speaking with Kim Thomas, Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resource Officer at OneAmerica Financial, about the power of fear and how leaning into discomfort has shaped her extraordinary leadership journey. Kim shared her personal story of growing up with instability at home, which inspired her from a very young age to take control of her future. That determination carried her through college, career uncertainty, lead...

In Parts 1 and 2, we built trust with Strategic Empathy and Curiosity that Creates Trust. Now we complete the ECO Mindset Model with Optimism… not Pollyanna positivity, but a clear, credible future-cast that aligns what you want, what they need, and what the organization must achieve. 

Why Optimism (and What It Is Not).

Optimism is the discipline of communicating a shared vision, better future, and the path to get there. It acknowledges real pressure and loss-pain, but refuses to leave anyone ...

In the latest Fearless Female Leadership interview, I had the distinct honor of sitting down with Kimberly Currier, Global Vice President of Talent Development at AECOM, about “The Importance of Vision During Disruptive Times.”

Kimberly’s story is one of grit, grace, and grounded vision. A former Division I softball player turned global executive, she learned early that success depends not only on skill, but on teamwork, resilience, and self-leadership. These lessons carried her from the softba...

In Part 1 of the "Build Influence Without Being Seen as a Threat" series, we focused on Strategic Empathy… leading with what matters most to your stakeholder. Now we’ll build on that foundation with Curiosity that Creates Trust: asking brave, compassionate questions that surface pressures, fears, and desires so your ideas land without triggering a threat response. 

Why Curiosity (and Why It’s a Little Uncomfortable).

Research and real-world practice point to a hard truth: people are most motiv...

If you’ve ever shared a strong idea and felt the room tense or held back because you "didn’t want to step on your boss’s toes," you’re not alone. Your voice matters A LOT, so let’s make sure it’s heard, valued, and respected. This series is doing just that while ensuring you are not held back or blocked by being perceived as a threat: Strategic Empathy.

Why “strategic empathy”?

Strategic Empathy isn’t just kindness, it’s preparation.  It shows you understand and care what matters to the person...

In the latest Fearless Female Leadership interview, I had the privilege of speaking with Carrie Davis, Vice President of Employee and Patient Experience at Hanger, about her journey and her inspiring message on “Seeking Yourself Through Service.” Carrie shared her deeply personal story of being born with a congenital upper limb difference and how that shaped her resilience, leadership style, and passion for creating belonging.

From hiding her true self as a child to now proudly embracing her id...

In the latest Fearless Female Leadership interview, I had the privilege of speaking with Kim Beauvais, Executive Vice President of Human Resources and Business Operations at FOX Sports, about resilience, leadership, and the importance of owning your power.

Kim credits her early upbringing—where the word “can’t” wasn’t allowed in her household—as a foundation for her mindset. From her time as a Division I soccer player to becoming a senior executive in the male-dominated world of sports, Kim has...

Preparation is powerful. But here’s the trap I see so many fall into: they spend all their time practicing the “why” behind their ask… and almost no time practicing the “what.”

When negotiating salary, budget, or new opportunities, leaders will confidently talk about their accomplishments and impact. But when the conversation turns to “So what are your salary expectations?”—their voice changes, their tone drops, and their confidence wavers. Yes, making a bold ask, especially a pecuniary one, is...

Have you ever noticed that right when you’re about to ask for something important—like a raise, more resources, or a new opportunity—resistance shows up?

Maybe it’s worry, fear, or imposter syndrome whispering in your ear. Most of us, understandably, see these emotions as negative. . But what if they were actually superpowers in disguise?

Resistance is often our ego’s way of trying to protect us. But instead of fighting it, you can reframe it into wisdom and fuel.

Here’s how:
✔ First, notice t...