In the latest Fearless Female Leadership interview, I had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with Erika Irby, the Director, GTM Small Medium and Corporate Business, Americas at Microsoft, to explore how embracing your personal story can fuel your professional impact. Erika's energy, authenticity, and strategic insight lit up the conversation as we discussed storytelling, visibility, and fearless leadership—especially as women in tech.

Erika’s leadership journey began early—at just 17, she chos...

In the latest Fearless Female Leadership interview, I had the privilege of speaking with Melissa DiMuro, the Chief People, Culture & Marketing Officer at Limbach, about leading with resilience during times of change and the importance of evolving alongside the businesses we serve.

Melissa’s journey started in a blue-collar household and was shaped by the strength and grit of her grandmother—a farmer’s daughter who raised twelve siblings and worked multiple jobs just to keep food on the table. Tha...

You can be successful, and still feel like there is more. More for you to give and contribute, more impact to be made, and more joy to feel from your work.

Is it possible that it may be time to pivot?

There are many ways to successfully pivot, whether internally within your company or your current career, or an external pivot toward something entirely different. This is not typically easy and can require a great deal of personal influence.

Here’s how to get started with an influential mindset reset...

As we prepare for the new year, it’s a great time for reflection and introspection. The year 2023 has been a remarkable journey, not just in terms of the challenges we faced but, more importantly, in the lessons we learned and the growth we experienced. This year has been a testament to our strength, adaptability, leadership, and resilience, particularly in the face of unprecedented challenges. It was a year that not only tested us but also highlighted our unique capabilities as women in leaders...

Heidi Melin, a Strategic Marketing Leader, Board Director, and Go-To-Market Advisor, has navigated the complexities of the business world with unparalleled finesse. Her career has evolved from operational roles to advisory capacities, making her a go-to expert for those contemplating a similar transition.

This interview is a goldmine of practical advice and actionable insights. If you're an executive mulling over your next career move or an up-and-coming leader looking to expand your skill set,...

So many times, whether in a professional setting or personal life, having influence or getting through to someone that you're in disagreement with can seem like an uphill battle. I know I've wrestled with it, and from my recent message to my client about these very challenges, it's clear many others do too. But since this is such an important topic, I didn't want to stop there. I wanted to share these insights with you as well.

When emotions are running high, conversations can quickly escalate ...

There is a misconception about influence that it is reserved for the elite few or for those in positions of authority.

We all have ideas, feelings and wisdom that deserve to be heard AND that may have a profound impact on others. I almost look at it as an obligation. Whether you feel like you are influential or not, you can learn to become more influential, and it starts with gaining an influential mindset.

Keep in mind that you believe what you consistently tell yourself, so use your inter...

New leadership is often one of the biggest drivers of worry and uncertainty, both for the employees and the new leader themselves. This is because new leadership typically brings about changes and a shift in organizational culture, which can understandably lead to anxiety and stress for those involved.

While extremely normal, it’s not so great for innovative ability, productivity, or profitability, especially during disruptive or challenging times.

For employees, a new leader may bring uncerta...

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to negotiate when lives are on the line, in deadly hostage stand-offs, with ISIS, or with an armed man with sniper weapons on the National Mall in Washington DC? Sounds terrifying, highly emotional, and exhausting, right?

Grant it that negotiations with your leadership and/or board may not be life or death, but they can be no less exhausting or frustrating when you’re not heard, valued, and respected for your ideas and initiatives.

I’ll be joining FBI and ...

“When the pressure is on, you don’t rise to the occasion —

you fall to your highest level of preparation.”

- Chris Voss

I recently spent time with Chris Voss and a few of his Black Swan NYPD and FBI hostage negotiators in New York City. It was slightly terrifying (I’m half joking), but the quote above sums up why most emotionally charged conversations escalate and ultimately fail to be productive. 

Lack of preparation.

This is the first part of a live SOLD OUT masterclass series presented ...