

Shameless Leadership
Sara Dean
Welcome to Shameless Leadership! This show is for women, transgender people, non-binary folks, and allies who are committed to advancing their leadership and the leadership of those around them. In this space, we believe everyone deserves to feel seen, heard, valued, and supported. Our mission is to help you foster these feelings within your own circles of influence to build trust, psychological safety, and a culture of belonging.In each episode, we dive into essential topics impacting women in leadership - everything from shutting down your inner critic and imposter syndrome to overcoming perfectionism to using your voice in new ways to advocate for yourself, your ideas, and other folks carrying marginalized identities. You'll hear practical tips, effective strategies, and inspiring stories that will not only enhance your leadership skills but also broaden your perspective to become a more confident, thoughtful, and empathetic leader.Our stories come from people carrying identities who are often underrepresented, underestimated, and excluded. By sharing their experiences, we aim to provide you with invaluable lessons that will transform your leadership journey. We are thrilled to have you join this community of Shameless Leaders who are actively creating a world where everyone, regardless of gender, can intentionally lead through a more curious, compassionate, and inclusive lens.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Dec 23, 2020 • 55min
505: Kelly Altman: Quitting Dieting To Be A Better Leader
Kelly Altman is a certified health coach, a fitness business owner and a Shameless Mom to 4 kids, ages 2-14. Growing up overweight and lacking energy she fell in love with exercise and the way it made her feel in her 20's and became an entrepreneur by "accident" when she and her husband, Jay, started a fitness business in 2010.After taking a back seat to the business when her 3rd child was born it was only then that she started to realize how much of her own thoughts, feelings, and desires were taking a back seat in so many aspects of her life. She knew something had to change when her physical and mental health were suffering and she was ready to play by her own 'rules' - including stopping the endless cycle of 'on and off' again dieting that had manifested when she became the face of a fitness business.She became a health coach to help busy women see that in their life there is nothing more important than their physical and mental health and that they can put themselves first even when they need and want to show up for everyone else.Through her one-on-one coaching, group coaching, and her new on-line course she helps women upgrade their lifestyle by forming their own rules around eating, exercise, and their daily habits so they can gain the energy and confidence they desire.Listen in to hear Kelly share:
The impact of moving 13 times in her childhood and how it built her resiliency
Her compromise to work at a job she didn’t like to keep medical benefits for her daughter’s health condition
How she left corporate in order to help her husband grow their fitness business
How diet culture damaged her - while she was selling diet programs
How her dieting compromised her fertility
Her shift from following other’s lead to become a leader in her own right
How she asked her husband for support and not permission in her building her own dreams
The gift of COVID - How she has totally shifted her business to position herself as a leader and be in total alignment with her core values
The most important thing you can do to make change
How to put yourself first - even with a ton of people counting on you
Links mentioned:
Join my 2021 Plan & Prep Pajama Party
Connect with Kelly
Join the Wait List for Kelly’s Lifestyle Upgrade Challenge
Kelly on Facebook
Kelly on Instagram
Thank you to our sponsor:
Homeschool Magnet: Go to Homeschoomagnet.com and join the growing waitlist! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dec 21, 2020 • 56min
504: Kelly Travis: Living Authentically After An Eating Disorder and Abusive Marriage
As a Health and Success Coach, Kelly Travis helps ambitious, high achieving women realize they don’t have to “should” their way to success in life or business. Through her programs and speaking, Kelly helps women realize what they actually want for themselves, ditch limiting beliefs and excuses, and create a sustainable action plan to achieve their big scary goals. Kelly models the ideal mix of professionalism, compassion, and discipline to help women get to where they want to go - not to where she thinks they should go (her methods are not prescriptive) but where they truly want to go in their career and life.Her brave, sassy, and always approachable coaching style encourages women to take a cold hard look at their habits, mindset, boundaries, and everything that goes into creating a life on their terms.Officially, Kelly earned her Bachelor of Science in Public Health with an emphasis on mental health from Central Michigan University. She is also a graduate of the Institute for Integrative Nutrition where she earned her certification as a Holistic Health Coach. Her passion for wellness and her ability to create successful strategies to reach goals started in college, where she was a collegiate All-American runner at UNC-Charlotte.Listen in to hear Kelly share:
The truth about our struggle to dream or create goals
The way we make choices that provide false benefits and let us hide from our dreams
How her eating disorder led her into her career
How her unplanned pregnancy pushed her to learn how to use her voice and ultimately leave an abusive marriage
Her daily coping skills to continue to work on herself as she recovers from an abusive relationship and is a single mom to two littles
How she shows up as her very imperfect, messy, most authentic self
How to start working toward a goal based on how you want to feel vs metrics & milestones
Why you need to make decisions for yourself and not based on other people’s formulas, templates, prescriptions or opinions
Links mentioned:
Join my 2021 Plan & Prep Pajama Party
Connect with Kelly
Kelly’s free workshop, Clear AF: Complete Clarity On What You Desire
Kelly on social media: @kellythealth
Podcast: She Doesn’t Settle
Thank you to our sponsor:
Take2Minutes: Download Take2Minutes for free at: take2minutes.org/shameless. Check out their shop page and use the code SHAMELESS for 15% off your purchase. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dec 16, 2020 • 1h 4min
503: Leslie Tagorda: How To Use Astrology To Amplify Your Voice and Your Gifts
Leslie Tagorda is a multiracial, brand astrologer, designer, podcast host, and author. An Aquarius boss woman and Human Design Projector, she calls herself a Brand Navigator as she guides spiritual entrepreneurs, social impact makers, and visionaries to become the luminary leaders they are born to be using an innovative system of empowered brand and biz astrology called The AstroBrand™ Framework.Since 2004 Leslie has helped hundreds of entrepreneurs and social impact organizations clarify their brand so they can stop hiding and contribute their expertise in the world through their websites, social media, and brands.Leslie hosts a podcast and Facebook community The Savvy Luminary – Astrology for Entrepreneurs. And while you might think this sounds too woo woo for you, I invite you to listen in to all the really practical ways you can use astrology to greatly amplify your voice and your gifts in the world.Listen in to hear Leslie dig into:
Acknowledgment that we have all lost something and we’re all grieving something right now
The rise and power of female leaders and spiritual leaders in 2020
Her accidental entrance into motherhood and grieving her pre motherhood life
How her multi cultural family lead her on a spiritual path to discover astrology - and then turn it into a career later in life
How to amplify your energy and your gifts by understanding your astrological birth chart
Why the massive energy around change, shift, and growth in 2020 is totally real and part of an expansion that only happens every 800 years
How this big shift applies directly to you and your ability to overcome self limiting beliefs in the near future
The reading of my actual birth chart
How having your birth chart read can affirm and validate your direction in life and career
Links mentioned:
Connect with Leslie: The Savvy Luminary
Podcast: The Savvy Luminary
Order Leslie’s books, New Moon Rituals for Entrepreneurs and Star Powered Brand
Leslie on Instagram
Join Leslie’s free Facebook group
Thank you to our sponsor:
com: To save 30% off a Care.com Premium membership, visit Care.com/SHAMELESSMOM
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dec 14, 2020 • 34min
502: Creating Peace & Ease In Pandemic Holidays
What do you need out of these holidays to consider them a success?This is an important question if you want to make this time count. In a year of heartbreak and loss, we still have the power to create joy and magical memories in alignment with our values. When I sat down to think about what I want out of this season, I came up with this:HealthSafetyGood CitizenshipJoyConnectionRestHaving identified this list, it was so much easier to make decisions around what is right and what is best for our family as we celebrate the holidays this year. In this episode I help you decide what it is that you truly want out of this holiday season and then I give you 4 simple strategies to actually getting what you want. While this year is anything but normal, there are still plenty of opportunities to connect and find joy & magic this holiday season. We are in this together. I got you.Thank you to our sponsor:
Homeschool Magnet: Go to Homeschoomagnet.com and join the growing waitlist! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dec 9, 2020 • 1h 3min
501: Mia Hemstad: Nourishing Oneself While Living With PTSD and Depression
Mia Hemstad is a wife and mom of two kids (ages 2 and 4). She works full time as a social justice activist, and runs her personal company online where she talks about her daily life with PTSD and depression and the importance of doing the hard, inner work of overcoming trauma and taking care of yourself. A recovering perfectionist and people pleaser, Mia wants women to learn to take their power back by making themselves a priority. Mia’s raw and honest content about mental health and stepping into her power has earned her features in media outlets such as Romper, Parents.com, Cafe Mom, and several others. Some of Mia’s favorite pastimes include trying out new coffee shops, taking naps, watching anything about food, and buying yet another journal from the planner section at Target.Listen in to hear Mia share:
Her identity around being born on Guam, one of 11 children, into an African-Caribbean/Mexican/German family
What it was like to be an American living on Guam, watching the mainland US from afar
Her journey through PTSD, depression and suicidal ideation
How she was diagnosed with anxiety and depression and how it changed her life
Why she decided to start talking about her mental health publicly
How to catch yourself in perfectionism and let it go
The difference between self care and nourishment
The critical difference for women stuck in comparison vs seeking camaraderie
Links mentioned:Book: Radical Acceptance by Tara BrachMia HemstadMia HemstadFacebook: Mia HemstadInstagram: Mia HemstadMia on YoutubeThank you to our sponsors:
Homeschool Magnet: Go to Homeschoomagnet.com and join the growing waitlist!
Take2Minutes:Download Take2Minutes for free at: take2minutes.org/shameless. Check out their shop page and use the code SHAMELESS for 15% off your purchase.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dec 7, 2020 • 36min
500: 5 Reasons To Keep Showing Up
Holy cow. 500 episodes. 500!!!Part of me wants to be all exasperated, “How did that even happen? How did we get here???”But that would diminish what I know to be true. 500 episodes of The Shameless Mom Academy happened because I chose to show up - ALL THE WAY UP - 500 times. I have shown up full of joy and hope. I have shown up with a broken heart, in a puddle of tears.I have shown up to teach and coach and listen and learn and share and apologize and cry and push myself and push you and model leadership and celebrate. I have shown up on some of the best days of my life and some of the worst days of my life.I didn’t get to 500 episodes on accident. I got here on purpose. I worked hard to get here. Just like I encourage all of you to do, I’m going to own the heck out of this accomplishment. Most podcasts don’t make it past 14 episodes. And here we are. 500 episodes. Your legacy is built on how you choose to show up over time. These 500 episodes are a massive part of my legacy. I have learned so much about the power of showing up over the last 500 episodes. I have learned exactly why it matters, exactly how it can change your life, and exactly how it can open big huge doors to your future. Listen in to get really inspired and totally FIRED UP to keep showing up for your life and your dreams.Thank you to our sponsor:
Take2Minutes: Download Take2Minutes for free at: take2minutes.org/shameless. Check out their shop page and use the code SHAMELESS for 15% off your purchase. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dec 2, 2020 • 1h 6min
499: Meredith Atwood: Addiction, Abstinence, Nonsense & Truth Onions
Meredith Atwood is a former attorney, podcaster and motivational speaker, and 4x IRONMAN triathlete. She is the author of the best-selling triathlon book, Triathlon for the Every Woman, and the new book, The Year of No Nonsense. She’s the host of the iTunes Top 50 fitness podcast, “The Same 24 Hours.” She has been featured in The Boston Globe, The New York Post, the Seattle Times, and dozens of online publications. Meredith is a contributing writer to Psychology Today online, Triathlete Magazine, and Women’s Running. She is a sobriety advocate, and the founder of Grateful Sobriety. She is a USA Weightlifting Level II, USA Triathlon Level I, and Precision Nutrition Level I Coach. She is originally from Georgia and lives in the burbs of Boston, Massachusetts with her husband and two tweens.Listen in to hear Meredith share:
Her spark moment in a spin class that changed everything in her head and opened her eyes to totally new layers of potential within herself
Her experience doing her first triathlon - in an overweight body
How she used triathlons and Ironmans to try and prove she was healthy when she was truly unhealthy
What caused her to give up a 2 bottle a day wine habit
Why she identifies as an addict and how she negotiates moderation and abstinence in different areas of her life
How she defines Nonsense and how this concept shaped her life
How to open up your Truth Onion in order to find freedom and liberation and escape a lot of your own self inflicted oppression
What real leadership looks like in these days of influencer culture
The dangers of marketers who present themselves as leaders and take no accountability for the harm they do online
Links mentioned:
Connect with Meredith: SwimBikeMom
IG/Facebook/Twitter: @SwimBikeMom
Book: The Year of No Nonsense
Podcast: The Same 24 Hours
Thank you to our sponsors:
Best Fiends: Download FREE on the Apple App Store or Google Play.
Take2Minutes: Download Take2Minutes for free at: take2minutes.org/shameless. Check out their shop page and use the code SHAMELESS for 15% off your purchase.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nov 30, 2020 • 37min
498: The Truth About Procrastination & Perfectionism
There are all sorts of stories that people will tell you about procrastinators. They are lazy and lack motivation. They are ill prepared and unqualified. They just don’t have what it takes. They don’t have their shit together.If you’re someone who struggles with procrastination, perhaps these are the things you say about yourself? You wouldn’t be alone…The truth is that procrastination is commonly a form of perfectionism. Many people procrastinate because they are paralyzed by the fear of doing something wrong, making a mistake, looking foolish, not being good enough, and being stuck in analysis paralysis. This makes them feel guilty and weak and like they are not enough. This creates feelings of dread and worry and massive self doubt.Relatable much???Many (most?) women struggle with perfectionism because we have been conditioned to believe we must show up a certain way, on certain terms, within certain parameters. The specificity around what is acceptable and what is not is a fine line drawn with a Sharpie.Listen in to learn more about why procrastination is not a bad thing, how to use it to your advantage, and how to release yourself from the perfectionism that comes from procrastination.Thank you to our sponsors:
Homeschool Magnet: Go to Homeschoomagnet.com and join the growing waitlist!
Take2Minutes: Download Take2Minutes for free at: take2minutes.org/shameless. Check out their shop page and use the code SHAMELESS for 15% off your purchase.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nov 25, 2020 • 1h 5min
497: Kristen Westcott: PPD, Adaptability & Accessing Your Skills In Motherhood
Kristen Westcott is a Shameless Mom to two little girls, as well as a business growth strategist and founder of Kristen Westcott Media who has spent the last decade in the legal and education fields supporting leaders and students in the areas of goal setting, productivity, and project management. After recognizing her true passion lies in serving entrepreneurs, Kristen honed her skills as a Director of Operations. She quickly noticed that what was holding many business owners back wasn’t a lack of drive or ability, but a lack of foundational systems that could support the day-to-day operations of a scaling business. These days, she spends her time helping online coaches, copywriters, and course creators scale without the frustration that massive growth often brings.Listen in to hear Kristen share:
How she navigated the decision around wanting children vs not wanting children
What triggered her Postpartum Depression for her and how it showed up for her
Being thrown for a loop when she got pregnant on the pill
How PPD showed up very differently after both of her daughter’s births
How she treated her PPD
Why women are resistant to getting help and support
How to be more adaptable in order to use our best skills in all areas of our lives
How to own your skills in order to access them in hard times and places
How to prioritize and optimize hiring help in your home and your work
Links mentioned:
Connect with Kristen: Kristen Westcott Media
Kirsten on Facebook: Kristen Westcott Media
Kristen on Instagram: Kristen Westcott
Kristen on LinkedIn: Kristen Westcott
Thank you to our sponsors:Take2Minutes
Homeschool Magnet: Go to Homeschoolmagnet.com/ and join the growing waitlist!
Take2Minutes: Download Take2Minutes for free at: take2minutes.org/shameless. Check out their shop page and use the code SHAMELESS for 15% off your purchase.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nov 23, 2020 • 35min
496: 4 Ways To Find Abundance & Gratitude #everydamnday
2020 would like you to think you can’t do it, you’re not enough, you just don’t have it in you. I would like to suggest otherwise.You CAN do it.You ARE enough. You DO have it in you.On any given day, at any given moment, your life is full. Full of gifts and magic. Full of hope and power. Full of everything you need to keep going and to keep growing.Last week we did a 5 day Abundance & Gratitude Challenge with 250 Shameless Moms. Maybe you were one of them. Every day of the challenge I was blown away by all the abundance we have in our collective lives. HOT DAMN. So much goodness. In this episode, I walk you through 4 areas of your life that are already abundant - as long as you choose to see them that way. By the end of the episode, you’re gonna be all kinds of fired up about the gifts in your life that you perhaps have struggled to see in 2020.Link mentioned:Book: Mindset by Carol S. DweckThank you to our sponsor:
Take2Minutes: Download Take2Minutes for free at: take2minutes.org/shameless. Check out their shop page and use the code SHAMELESS for 15% off your purchase. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices


