Finding Brave

Are your thoughts and actions regularly dictated by a harsh inner critic? Do you find yourself filled with feelings of unworthiness and that you are undeserving of love? If so, you may well be dealing with the symptoms of core shame. Our guest, David Jurasek, knows firsthand the devastating impact shame can have on your life and relationships, and he joins us today to shed light on this urgent topic. Drawing on his 25 years of experience as a mentor and therapist, David’s work is defined by his belief that your biggest source of sabotage is driven by core shame. He is the founder of Powerful and Loving, a community helping men and boys become powerful leaders who cultivate thriving relationships. Additionally, he is the author of My Heart Is A Muscle, a book that he wrote with the hopes of moving 500 men in the deepest way possible. In today’s conversation, we unpack the concept of core shame, where it tends to stem from, the devastating impact it can have on our lives, and how we can begin to release and heal from it. David opens up about the role that shame played in his life and explains why identifying its root cause is so important. We explore how our shame-based society prevents us from looking inward and the power of healthy relationships and community in helping us heal from shame. Our conversation also investigates the role of shame in our relationships and how we can break patterns of blame and criticism, before exploring how to go about dethroning your inner critic, followed by simple and effective techniques to help you process and let go of shame. Today’s episode is filled with profound insights and will give you a newfound understanding of the complexities of shame and its impact. We hope you’ll join us for a thought-provoking and empowering conversation on healing from shame and the power of love and community.   Key Highlights From This Episode: • Unpacking the concept of core shame, the impact of seeing yourself as unworthy or unlovable, and how this influences our lives and behavior. [06:40] • Why it’s so important to understand where your shame comes from and what it’s attached to. [12:10] • David’s vulnerable account of how shame impacted him, and how the kindness of a friend, who had confronted his own core shame, altered David’s life. [21:23] • The symptoms of shame, why most people don’t realize they are carrying core shame, and why a shame-based society doesn’t want us to look internally. [26:13] • How patriarchal, racist, and capitalist systems have created a shame-based society, and what David has learned from studying healthy communities. [30:17] • Understanding how shame can show up in relationships; how we project our shame onto loved ones; and what it looks like to unlearn shame and your unique conditioning. [33:40] • Dethroning your inner critic and how this shifts your perspective; the physiological effects of releasing shame; effective and accessible techniques for letting go of shame. [39:37] • The nuances of shame and how interrogating it can teach us powerful lessons about our natural gifts. [49:40] • Find out where you can learn more about David’s work and get in touch. [55:47]   For More Information: David Jurasek on LinkedIn David Jurasek on Instagram Powerful and LovingCritical Love   Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Check out David’s book My Heart Is A Muscle   ——————— Are you ready for a BIG positive shift in how you’re working and what you’re capable of achieving today in your career and leadership? Let’s work together and make that happen! While you might know me best as a podcast host and writer, a key focus in my work is career and leadership coaching for mid to high-level professional women around the globe. In my top-rated Career & Leadership Breakthrough coaching programs, I help women address root causes of their core challenges today, and move through those challenges to create what they want most, which includes more confidence, impact, recognition, advancement, financial reward, well-being, and fulfillment. I also help them close their damaging power and confidence gaps and embrace their most exciting visions for the future, along with experiencing greater self-worth (sometimes for the very first time in their lives) so they can move forward to greater joy, reward and fulfillment  In the past 16 years, I’ve worked with over 20,000 women across 6 continents. Before that, I served as a therapist, and prior to that, I was a corporate VP managing multi-million-dollar budgets and global initiatives. I leverage all of that experience to help women build a new chapter of work to reach their highest and happiest potential in careers they love. For organizations looking for top-level career and leadership coaches to support the emerging and seasoned female leaders in your workforce, please feel free to contact me here. Check out my private coaching programs >> Kathy’s Career & Leadership Growth Help. I hope you’ll register now. I’d love to support you!   ——————— Need some great podcast production support? Check out We Edit Podcasts! Hi, folks! Kathy here. So, are you thinking of launching a new podcast or have you been at it a while and recognize it’s time for more or better production help to create the best podcast you can? I totally understand — I’ve been podcasting for over 6 years and know how challenging it can be. That’s why I’m very excited to share key info about the great product team I’m using called We Edit Podcasts. I’ve been working with them for well over a year, and I’ve been so happy with the results! They’re a full-service production agency and their services give me access to a wonderful team of seasoned audio engineers and editors who help create a polished, professional sound. And they work hard to ensure that my particular podcasting approach and style comes through in every episode. They also help me make sure my guests are reflected in the best possible light through the creation of terrific show notes, which is an important part of the show for me. Their process is easy and streamlined, and their responsiveness and customer service are terrific too. If you’re ready for better production help, definitely check them out and take advantage of their FREE trial episode, allowing you to sample their process and quality to see if it’s a great fit for you. I’m confident you’ll love them. Just paste this link into your browser: >> http://weeditpodcasts.com/findingbrave

In the pursuit of gender equity, Ludo Gabriele emerges as an esteemed authority, globally acclaimed for advocating healthy masculinity. As a trailblazing thought leader in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), he welcomes nuance, disagreement, and holistic inclusion, inviting change and transformation. Ludo is the founder of Humen Leaders, a leadership advisory practice devoted to advancing healthy masculinity in the workplace and beyond. As the senior director of branding of the MARC (Men Advocating Real Change) Initiative at Catalyst, Ludo led its full rebranding, from storytelling to visual identity. He delivered more than 100 engagements with senior leaders, top-tier media, and academics. He also led the learning design and implementation of two ground-breaking events on healthy masculinity in the workplace: the MARC Summit in 2020 and Real Change with MARC in 2022. His expertise has notably been featured on Forbes, BBC, and Vice. As masculinity reaches a crossroads, Ludo joins us to discuss the significance of celebrating International Men’s Day in 2023. We delve into some of the key challenges that men face today, examine the state of masculinity, and suggest ways to avoid zero-sum thinking in the pursuit of holistic gender equity. Tuning in, you’ll also learn about the cultural shift required to make real progress, the difference between equity and equality, the importance of being receptive to opposing views, and more. For a fascinating conversation about what must change to create a better world for all, don’t miss this eye-opening conversation with Ludo Gabriele.   Key Highlights From This Episode: •   Ludo’s take on the importance of celebrating International Men’s Day in 2023. [05:43] •   Conformity and conflicting narratives about masculinity in today’s patriarchal culture. [12:13] •   The perception of “soft skills” as feminine and why progress requires a culture change. [15:33] •   Societal challenges for men and boys that can ultimately lead to self-harm, poor mental health, and even violence. [20:10] •   The identity crisis many men face today and the importance of building community. [27:05] •   What it means to Ludo to take a holistic approach to gender equity. [31:33] •   How to help men avoid zero-sum thinking (that when one group wins another must lose) when it comes to “leveling the playing field.” [35:43] •   Key takeaways about gender equity and practical advice for both men and women. [38:49]   For More Information: Ludo Gabriele Humen Leaders MARC Initiative at Catalyst Ludo Gabriele on LinkedIn Ludo Gabriele on Instagram Ludo Gabriele on X   Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Learn more about the significance of International Men’s Day. Gain insight into the challenges that men face today in the State of American Men Report 2023.   ——————— Are you ready for a BIG positive shift in how you’re working and what you’re capable of achieving today in your career and leadership? Let’s work together and make that happen! While you might know me best as a podcast host and writer, a key focus in my work is career and leadership coaching for mid to high-level professional women around the globe. In my top-rated career and leadership breakthrough coaching programs. I help both men and women get what they want most, which includes more confidence, impact, recognition, advancement, financial reward, well-being, and fulfillment. And I also help them close their power gaps and embrace their most exciting visions for the future. In the past 16 years, I’ve worked with over 20,000 professionals across 6 continents. Before that, I served as a therapist, and prior to that, I was a corporate VP managing multi-million-dollar budgets and global initiatives. I leverage all of that experience to help people build a new chapter of work to reach their highest and happiest potential in careers they love. For organizations looking for top-level career and leadership coaches to support the emerging and seasoned female leaders in your workforce, please feel free to contact me here. Check out my top four career and leadership growth programs here >> https://kathycaprino.com/career-help/#coaching. I hope you’ll register now. I’d love to support you! And use coupon code “UNSTUCK25” at registration checkout to get a 25% discount this week.   ——————— Need some great podcast production support? Check out We Edit Podcasts! Are you thinking of launching a new podcast or have you been at it a while and recognize it’s time for more or better production help to create the best podcast you can? I totally understand — I’ve been podcasting for over 6 years and know how challenging it can be. That’s why I’m very excited to share key info about the great product team I’m using called We Edit Podcasts. I’ve been working with them for well over a year, and I’ve been so happy with the results! They’re a full-service production agency and their services give me access to a wonderful team of seasoned audio engineers and editors who help create a polished, professional sound. And they work hard to ensure that my particular podcasting approach and style comes through in every episode. They also help me make sure my guests are reflected in the best possible light through the creation of terrific show notes, which is an important part of the show for me. Their process is easy and streamlined, and their responsiveness and customer service are terrific too. If you’re ready for better production help, definitely check them out and take advantage of their FREE trial episode, allowing you to sample their process and quality to see if it’s a great fit for you. I’m confident you’ll love them. Just click here >> http://weeditpodcasts.com/findingbrave

When it comes to building learning programs that move individuals and organizations forward, today’s guest believes that we have to look beyond the obvious and take risks to make bold moves. According to Jon Peters, almost nothing is out of reach if we explore alternative paths. Jon is the Founder and Chief Innovation Officer of AthenaOnline, an award-winning e-learning company that developed and released the first enterprise “microlearning” platform. He’s also a board member of the Institute for Management Studies (IMS), as well as a director and producer. Throughout his career, Jon has combined his passions for art and technology, running an award-winning technology-focused ad agency and working in computer marketing, corporate development, design, visual effects, and film. In our conversation today, Jon shares his advice for leading your own organization and explains why innovation can’t take place in a vacuum, highlighting the importance of creativity, working backwards from your purpose, asking “what if?” and introducing diverse perspectives. Tune in today for an extremely insightful conversation with a truly innovative problem-solver and creator.   Key Highlights From This Episode: •   The importance of defining your purpose first and working backwards to implement it. [05:53] •   Advice for B2C companies about when to pivot and when to double down. [08:37] •   Why approaching problems head-on doesn’t work for innovative problem solvers. [14:36] •   The essential role of asking “what if?” and conducting the necessary research. [18:00] •   Jon’s take on diverse perspectives as an essential ingredient for innovation. [20:07] •   How you can benefit from avidly pursuing creativity, whatever form it takes. [24:14] •   What many organizations “get wrong” when it comes to adopting new innovations. [28:46] •   A closing anecdote about DreamWorks co-founder Jeffrey Katzenberg that illustrates the value of embracing failure. [33:04]   For More Information: Jon Peters on LinkedIn Jon Peters on Facebook AthenaOnline Institute for Management Studies (IMS)   Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Follow AthenaOnline on X and Facebook Create your own custom ChatGPT chatbot with CustomGPT   ——————— Are you ready for a BIG positive shift in how you’re working and what you’re capable of achieving today in your career and leadership? Let’s work together and make that happen! While you might know me best as a podcast host and writer, a key focus in my work is career and leadership coaching for mid to high-level professional women around the globe. In my top-rated Career & Leadership Breakthrough 1:1 Program, I help professionals get what they want most, which includes more confidence, impact, recognition, advancement, financial reward, well-being, and fulfillment. And I also help them close their power gaps and embrace their most exciting visions for the future. In the past 16 years, I’ve worked with over 20,000 professionals and leaders across 6 continents. Before that, I served as a therapist, and prior to that, I was a corporate VP managing multi-million-dollar budgets and global initiatives. I leverage all of that experience to help people build a new chapter of work to reach their highest and happiest potential in careers they love. For organizations looking for top-level career and leadership coaching to support the emerging and seasoned female leaders in your workforce, please feel free to contact me here. Check out Career & Leadership Breakthrough Coaching Program - Kathy Caprino. I hope you’ll register now. I’d love to support you!   ——————— Need some great podcast production support? Check out We Edit Podcasts! Are you thinking of launching a new podcast or have you been at it a while and recognize it’s time for more or better production help to create the best podcast you can? I totally understand — I’ve been podcasting for over 6 years and know how challenging it can be. That’s why I’m very excited to share key info about the great product team I’m using called We Edit Podcasts. I’ve been working with them for well over a year, and I’ve been so happy with the results! They’re a full-service production agency and their services give me access to a wonderful team of seasoned audio engineers and editors who help create a polished, professional sound. And they work hard to ensure that my particular podcasting approach and style comes through in every episode. They also help me make sure my guests are reflected in the best possible light through the creation of terrific show notes, which is an important part of the show for me. Their process is easy and streamlined, and their responsiveness and customer service are terrific too. If you’re ready for better production help, definitely check them out and take advantage of their FREE trial episode, allowing you to sample their process and quality to see if it’s a great fit for you. I’m confident you’ll love them. Just paste this link into your browser: >> http://weeditpodcasts.com/findingbrave

In a society that constantly pushes us to do more, achieve more, and be more, how do we ensure that we're not running on empty, or worse - experiencing debilitating physical, emotional and mental symptoms of stress? Joining us today to help unpack this complex topic is  Dr. Neha Sangwan, who went from working on the frontlines of healthcare as a hospital emergency room physician, to becoming a key voice on burnout as an entrepreneur, author, and speaker. Her transformative new book Powered by Me: From Burned Out to Fully Charged at Work and in Life, was inspired by her own experiences as a young hospital physician when circumstances forced her to navigate the difficulties of extreme burnout. She is also the founder and CEO of Intuitive Intelligence Inc., where she combines the science of medicine with the art of communication to transform workplace cultures. In our conversation, Neha opens up about her life-altering experience with burnout, the impact it had on her, and how it reshaped her entire perspective on life and work. We delve into the complex nature of burnout, why it’s different for every individual, and explore the cultural, systemic, and personal dimensions of burnout. We also discuss our values as a society, why Neha believes burnout is a global epidemic and reflect on what would be needed to address our collective mental health crisis and return to equilibrium. If you’re interested in learning more about how to balance the relentless pace of modern life with genuine self-care, this is a conversation you won't want to miss. Tune in for Neha’s invaluable insights and take that crucial step towards reclaiming your well-being!   Key Points From This Episode: • The life-altering experience that compelled Neha to write about burnout. [05:20] • Learning to understand why burnout is such a complicated issue: the impact of culture, systemic factors, and trauma. [19:21] • Why it can be so challenging for experts to be vulnerable and ask for help. [21:01] • How moments of crisis can shift our perspective and equip us to better help others. [22:10] • What it’s like to undergo a paradigm shift; an overview of the five levels of agreement and how to make the transition from insight to personal accountability. [25:57] • A breakdown of the three pieces of burnout: me, we, and the world. [32:40] • Key factors that are contributing to our collective mental health crisis. [40:55] • Our outward focus as a society and the opportunity we have to invest in ourselves and come back into balance. [45:51] • How to assess where you are on the spectrum from burnout to fully charged. [48:24]   For More Information: Neha Sangwan, M.D on LinkedIn Neha Sangwan, M.D. on InstagramNeha Sangwan, M.D. on YouTubeNeha Sangwan, M.D. on TikTok Neha Sangwan, M.D. on X Neha Sangwan, M.D. on Facebook Intuitive Intelligence Inc Intuitive Intelligence Burnout Rx AssessmentPowered by Me: From Burned Out to Fully Charged at Work and in Life Talk Rx: Five Steps to Honest Conversation That Create Connection, Health, Happiness Dr. Neha Sangwan TEDx Talk: Changing and Letting Your Heart Speak Dr. Neha Sangwan at TEDx Berkeley: The Communication Cure Dr. Neha Sangwan TEDx San Luis Obispo: The Community Cure   Other resources mentioned in this episode: The Joy Luck Club Are you ready for a BIG positive shift in how you’re working and what you’re capable of achieving today in your career and leadership? Let’s work together and make that happen! While you might know me best as a podcast host and writer, a key focus in my work is career and leadership coaching for mid to high-level professional women around the globe. In my top-rated Career & Leadership Breakthrough private coaching program, I help women get what they want most, which includes more confidence, impact, recognition, advancement, financial reward, well-being, and fulfillment. And I also help them close their power gaps and embrace their most exciting visions for the future. In the past 16 years, I’ve worked with over 20,000 women across 6 continents. Before that, I served as a therapist, and prior to that, I was a corporate VP managing multi-million-dollar budgets and global initiatives. I leverage all of that experience to help women build a new chapter of work to reach their highest and happiest potential in careers they love. For organizations looking for top-level career and leadership coaches to support the emerging and seasoned female leaders in your workforce, please feel free to contact me here. Check out Career & Leadership Breakthrough Coaching Program. I hope you’ll register now. I’d love to support you! ——————— Need some great podcast production support for your podcast?! Check out We Edit Podcasts! Are you thinking of launching a new podcast or have you been at it a while and recognize it’s time for more or better production help to create the best podcast you can? I totally understand – I’ve been podcasting for over 6 years and know how challenging it can be. That’s why I’m very excited to share key info about the great product team I’m using called We Edit Podcasts. I’ve been working with them for well over a year, and I’ve been so happy with the results! They’re a full-service production agency and their services give me access to a wonderful team of seasoned audio engineers and editors who help create a polished, professional sound. And they work hard to ensure that my particular podcasting approach and style comes through in every episode. They also help me make sure my guests are reflected in the best possible light through the development of terrific show notes, which is an important part of the show for me. Their process is easy and streamlined, and their responsiveness and customer service are terrific too. If you’re ready for better, easier podcast production help, definitely check them out and take advantage of their FREE trial episode allowing you to sample their process and quality to see if it’s a great fit for you. I’m confident you love them. Just paste this link in your browser >> weeditpodcasts.com/findingbrave

Relationship expert, trainer, speaker, and author Dr. Eric FitzMedrud uses his wide-ranging expertise to teach men how to hone their consent skills for stronger relationships and hotter sex, and also has witnessed how consent enhances connection, reward, respect and fulfillment in work and organizational settings as well.  As a therapist committed to helping people live more meaningful, connected lives, Eric wrote the book The Better Man: A Guide to Consent, Stronger Relationships, and Hotter Sex to offer much-needed tools for instruction, healing, and growth. As you’ll discover in this episode, these tools can assist us in nearly all aspects of our lives. Today on Finding Brave, Eric paints a clearer picture of consent-driven leadership, highlights some of the systemic barriers that hinder the creation and growth of a consent culture at work, and delves into the emotional responses that often make the word “no” so difficult to hear and accept and what to do to shift that. We also touch on the important role of curiosity, open dialogue, vulnerability, and more. For a broader view of consent and how it can help you build deeper connections and mutual respect in life and work, be sure to tune in today!   Key Highlights From This Episode: •   How toxic masculinity negatively impacts men, not just women and others. [03:55] •   What consent is and why many of us lack the skills to communicate our needs. [08:10] •   The biggest problems that men have with consent in their intimate relationships. [14:29] •   Why receiving a “no” can be so difficult to deal with, the role of curiosity, and how to empower yourself using the things within your control. [17:00] •   The importance of (re)examining unconscious assumptions in relationship contracts. [24:11] •   How to ask better questions and encourage participation in consent conversations at home and at work. [30:40] •   A look at what consent-based leadership looks like and why open dialogue is crucial. [35:52] •   An invitation to add to and share your takeaways from this conversation with us! [42:53]   For More Information: Dr. Eric FitzMedrud Dr. Eric FitzMedrud on LinkedIn Dr. Eric FitzMedrud on Twitter Dr. Eric FitzMedrud on YouTube Dr. Eric FitzMedrud on Instagram   Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Order your copy of The Better Man and gain FREE access to The Better Man Summit! Check out Kathy’s LinkedIn post on the Barbie movie and read her article, ‘The ‘Barbie’ Movie Missed the Mark for Me – Did It Work For You?’.   Are you ready for a BIG positive shift in how you’re working and what you’re capable of achieving today in your career and leadership? Let’s work together and make that happen! While you might know me best as a podcast host and writer, a key focus in my work is career and leadership coaching for mid- to high-level professional women around the globe. In my top-rated Career & Leadership Breakthrough private (1:1) Coaching Program, I help women achieve and create what they want most, which includes more confidence, impact, recognition, advancement, financial reward, well-being, and fulfillment in work that matters to them. And I also help them close their power gaps and embrace their most exciting visions for the future. In the past 16 years, I’ve worked with over 20,000 women across 6 continents. Before that, I served as a therapist, and prior to that, I was a corporate VP managing multi-million-dollar budgets and global initiatives. I leverage all of that experience to help women build a new chapter of work to reach their highest and happiest potential in careers they love. For organizations looking for top-level career and leadership coaching to support for your emerging and seasoned female leaders in your workforce, I’d love to support you. My programs address the most important topics that have to be examined if true diversity, equity and inclusion is to be achieved in your organization. The Most Powerful You video and live training program delivers powerful and transformative results! Please feel free to contact me here for more information.   Check out Career & Leadership Breakthrough Coaching Program here: Career & Leadership Breakthrough 6-session Coaching Program I hope you’ll register now. I’d love to support you!   ——————— Order Kathy’s book The Most Powerful You today! In Australia and New Zealand, click here to order, elsewhere outside North America, click here, and in the UK, click here. If you enjoy the book, we’d so appreciate your giving the book a positive rating and review on Amazon! And check out Kathy’s digital companion course The Most Powerful You, to help you close the 7 most damaging power gaps in the most effective way possible.  Kathy’s Power Gaps Survey, Support To Build Your LinkedIn Profile To Great Success & Other Free Resources Kathy’s TEDx Talk, Time To Brave Up & Free Career Path Self-Assessment Kathy’s Amazing Career Project video training course & 6 Dominant Action Styles Quiz   ——————— Sponsor Highlight I'm thrilled that both Audible.com and Amazon Music are sponsors of Finding Brave! Take advantage of their great special offers and free trials today! Audible Offer Amazon Music Offer   Quotes: “Consent is the process of using our communication skills to deliver the love that’s in our heart, to deliver positive intentions for connection – and also to telegraph what our needs are so that people are empowered to give us what we need.” — @drericfitz [0:08:19] “Managing [our] emotions is a foundational principle underneath the scaffolding of consent conversations.” — @drericfitz [0:16:28] “‘No’ can mean a lot of different things but often, when we lean into our emotional response, it feels like rejection even when it isn’t.” — @drericfitz [0:17:45] “When we are living a multi-dimensional, thriving life, the desperation to get this one particular domain from this one particular person shifts. It becomes something we want to offer instead of something we’re trying to get.” — @drericfitz [0:22:05] “When things move too fast, there can be a systemic barrier to the process of giving and maintaining the consent process or consent culture at work.” — @drericfitz [0:40:17] “We need to work with each other to build a conversation of consent.” — @drericfitz [0:43:36]   Watch our Finding Brave episodes on YouTube!   Don’t forget – you can experience each Finding Brave episode in both audio and video formats! Check out new and recent episodes on my YouTube channel at YouTube.com/kathycaprino. And please leave us a comment and a thumbs up if you like the show!

As our reality becomes more entwined with social media, an ever-increasing number of girls and women are engaging in self-objectification. And while gaining money, resources and agency may seem empowering, there are hidden impacts to this behavior that can have far-reaching consequences for women, girls, and our society as a whole. Today’s guest, Dr. Caroline Heldman, describes this phenomenon as ‘the sexy lie’ and outlines it in her new book The Sexy Lie: The War on Women’s Bodies and How to Fight Back. Dr. Heldman has spent the bulk of her career engaging in issues around gender and social justice. She has published seven books on gender justice and politics and is a professor of Critical Theory & Social Justice at Occidental College in Los Angeles. Her work has been featured in numerous documentaries, including Miss Representation and The Mask You Live In. She is also the  Executive Director of The Representation Project, a political commentator for Spectrum and CNN, and co-founder of the New Orleans Women’s Shelter, the Lower Ninth Ward Living Museum, End Rape on Campus (EROC), Faculty Against Rape (FAR), and led the End Rape Statute of Limitations (ERSOL) that successfully abolished the time limit on prosecuting rape in California. In today’s conversation with Caroline, we tackle the difficult topic of how women are sexually objectified, the way it’s normalized within mainstream culture, and how this makes it virtually impossible for women to achieve full value in society. Caroline provides a comprehensive breakdown of ‘the sexy lie’ and how mistaking attention for power has led to the common misconception that self-objectification is empowering before unpacking the profoundly harmful effects of objectification on girls and women. Listeners will also hear her expert insights on the role of capitalism, profit margins, and the patriarchy in women’s sexual objectification and the structural changes it will take to alter these entrenched systems of power. Our conversation also explores the insidious impact of objectification culture in the workplace before hearing some much-needed advice on what women can do to fight back against internalizing the sexy lie and how to change society for the better. It’s no secret that our culture objectifies women, but by facing it head-on, naming it, and recognizing it for what it is, we can find new ways to ignite change and fight for better outcomes. Caroline is a deeply inspiring guest and I personally learned so much from this conversation.. Be sure to tune in to this today and share it with the men and women you know.   Key Highlights From This Episode: • Introducing Dr. Caroline Heldman, her definition of “the sexy lie” is, and the harmful effect this has on girls and women.  [01:52] • The overlap of power, influence and impact; why women tend to shun power; and how power is regularly defined in masculine terms. [09:57] • How society (de)values women; the gains and setbacks over the past few decades. [12:44] • The appeal of self-objectification and how we mistake attention for power. [15:14] • An overview of society’s deeply entrenched anti-fat bias, diet culture, and the harmful misconceptions we have when it comes to weight and size. [17:15] • How to understand power in the context of monetizing your image, reinforcing the male gaze, and the consequences for one’s self and broader society as a whole. [19:11] • Sexual objectification, how it dehumanizes people, and the many harms that this causes, especially for marginalized women. [24:17] • The serious impact of porn and social media on younger generations and their understanding of sex. [30:07] • Caroline’s advice on how to navigate objectification culture: recognizing to what extent you’ve internalized the sexy lie, reframing your outlook, and changing your habits. [35:31] • How our culture of objectification affects women in the workplace, and the extensive work that still needs to be done when it comes to creating an equal and just society. [43:01]   For More Information: Dr. Caroline Heldman Dr. Caroline Heldman on YouTube Dr. Caroline Heldman on Instagram Dr. Caroline Heldman on X Dr. Caroline Heldman on Facebook     Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:   Caroline’s latest book, The Sexy Lie: The War on Women’s Bodies and How to Fight Back Caroline’s TEDxTalk, The Sexy Lie Learn about The Representation Project and End Rape on Campus Check out her work in Miss Representation and The Mask You Live Learn more about New Orleans Women’s Shelter, the Lower Ninth Ward Living Museum, End Rape on Campus (EROC), Faculty Against Rape (FAR) Listen to Finding Brave Episode 248: Essential Career Strategies for Underrepresented Women with Octavia GoredemaOctavia’s book Prep, Push, Pivot: Essential Career Strategies for Underrepresented Women Listen to Finding Brave Episode 4: Gender, Power and Relationships: The Crushing Effects of Patriarchy with Terry Real   Join me in my Fall 2023 Career & Leadership Growth Courses – Choose the One That Suits You Best (or take BOTH) and Move Forward Fast in your professional and personal life! This Fall I am happy to be offering BOTH of my top-rated courses – starting the week of September 25th, 2023. Enroll in the one that fits your needs and budget best (or join me in both) and positively transform your work and career (and your life) in the most direct and effective way possible. Check out the two courses below and register now as an early bird (with great savings and bonuses) for the one that is most compelling to you, and achieve the success, reward, and impact you long for, in work you love and are proud of. This is information all professionals need to understand if they want to reach their highest, most fulfilling potential and visions. Course 1: The Most Powerful You – Close Your Power and Confidence Gaps and Rise – 8 weeks, meets every Wednesday from Noon to 1:15 pm EST 8-week online LIVE course focused on building your confidence, strength, impact and self-esteem so you can achieve what you long to Starts Wednesday, 9/27, held via Zoom, Wednesdays  Noon to 1:15 pm EST Empower your journey towards personal and professional success with “The Most Powerful You” 8-week course, a transformative learning experience from Kathy Caprino. Drawing on her coaching and training of thousands of professionals worldwide, her qualitative and quantitative research, and from her acclaimed book The Most Powerful You: 7 Bravery-Boosting Paths to Career Bliss, including interviews with over 50 of the top experts in fields essential to our success, Kathy offers a comprehensive program designed for women who are ready to claim their true power and impact, and build their confidence and self-esteem in the process. Through insightful lessons and practical exercises, you’ll shatter limiting beliefs, build more resilience and strength, and cultivate vital communication and interpersonal skills, networking ability, learn how to challenge mistreatment, build negotiation strength, and more! The ultimate result? You’ll take new steps to leverage all that you are to do work you love and find meaning and joy all along the way. With Kathy’s guidance, learn how to address and overcome once and for all the seven most damaging power and confidence gaps that hinder our progress. Join Kathy and a supportive community of like-minded women and access proven strategies to elevate your career and life. This course is for you if you’re ready to embrace your authentic self and embark on the path to becoming “The Most Powerful You” today. CLICK HERE (or visit https://mostpowerfulyou.com) FOR MORE INFO AND TO REGISTER AS AN EARLY BIRD AND SAVE! Course 2: The Amazing Career Project – 16 weeks, meeting every Thursday, Noon to 1:15 pm EST 16-week online LIVE course focused on helping you improve, pivot or change your career in the best way, without costly mistakes (Starts Thursday, 9/28, held via Zoom, Thursdays Noon – 1:15 pm EST) Discover your path to a more fulfilling and rewarding career with The Amazing Career Project course. Embark on a transformative journey of the 16 most essential steps to building an amazing career that blends personal reflection, actionable strategies, powerful teaching, and group/community support to revitalize your professional life. You’ll learn how to evaluate what has to change in your career to find more happiness and reward. And you’ll uncover your unique strengths, conquer self-doubt, and align with your true passions. Gain exclusive access to Kathy’s proven techniques for navigating career challenges, and take these five essential steps to advancing in your role or career, achieving more success, or transitioning successfully to a new exciting direction. The Amazing Career Project is for you if you want to ignite confidence, reconnect to your purpose, and take steps to build the career you’ve always envisioned. Enroll now and unlock a brighter professional future. CLICK HERE (or visit https://amazingcareerproject.com) FOR MORE INFO AND TO REGISTER: OR TAKE BOTH and SAVE 50% on the 2nd course! Thank you so much and can’t wait to support you starting the week of September 25th!   ——————— Order Kathy’s book The Most Powerful You today! In Australia and New Zealand, click here to order, elsewhere outside North America, click here, and in the UK, click here. If you enjoy the book, we’d so appreciate your giving the book a positive rating and review on Amazon! And check out Kathy’s digital companion course The Most Powerful You, to help you close the 7 most damaging power gaps in the most effective way possible.  Kathy’s Power Gaps Survey, Support To Build Your LinkedIn Profile To Great Success & Other Free Resources Kathy’s TEDx Talk, Time To Brave Up & Free Career Path Self-Assessment Kathy’s Amazing Career Project video training course & 6 Dominant Action Styles Quiz   ——————— Sponsor Highlight I'm thrilled that both Audible.com and Amazon Music are sponsors of Finding Brave! Take advantage of their great special offers and free trials today! Audible Offer Amazon Music Offer   Quotes: “The sexy lie is the lie that being a sex object is empowering.” — @carolineheldman [0:04:35] “We know that the more you internalize this idea that you're supposed to be sexy for the outside world — and that your appearance is your primary form of value — the less happy you are.” — @carolineheldman [0:07:28] “At the end of the day, women are still treated as second class citizens in fundamental ways. Especially marginalized women.” — @carolineheldman [0:13:28] “We're still devalued. And how do we know this? Because one in six women will experience sexual violence over the course of her lifetime. And only 1% of rapists ever see a day inside a jail cell.” — @carolineheldman [0:13:52] “This is not about women's sexual pleasure. This is about feeling bad about our bodies and buying more stuff because of it.” — @carolineheldman [0:27:50] “Little girls view their bodies as these projects to work on and constantly be improved. And little boys view their bodies as these tools to master their environment.” — @carolineheldman [0:47:59]   Watch our Finding Brave episodes on YouTube! Don’t forget – you can experience each Finding Brave episode in both audio and video formats! Check out new and recent episodes on my YouTube channel at YouTube.com/kathycaprino. And please leave us a comment and a thumbs up if you like the show!

If there’s one person who is intimately familiar with what it means to be a woman making her way in a male-dominated field, it’s today’s guest, Manuela Nicolosi, an Italian international soccer referee, speaker, and entrepreneur. Manuela is an undeniable trailblazer and has a series of barrier-breaking accomplishments to her name. Not only is she the first woman to referee a Men’s European Final (the Super Cup between Liverpool and Chelsea in 2019), but she is also the first Italian woman to referee the final of the Women’s World Cup. In today’s conversation with Manuela, we talk about her journey as a soccer referee, her love of the game, and the challenges she’s faced while navigating a field dominated by men. We learn about the strict rules that governed Italian soccer when she was growing up, how this prevented women from becoming referees, and the change in regulation that took place when she was only 15, opening up new opportunities for women. Not only did this allow her to pursue her huge dream of making a name for herself in soccer, but it paved the way for her to inspire other young women to do the same through her work as a public speaker. Tuning in you’ll learn about many of the skills you need to master as a top-level referee, such as being able to make quick decisions under pressure and remaining calm and balanced when players and fans are (sometimes aggressively and angrilly) challenging your decisions. We then go on to examine how these skills can translate to other leadership positions and why learning to accept your mistakes and take them in stride is such a game-changer. Today’s episode is deeply inspiring and a powerful reminder of what it means to follow your dreams, no matter the odds, so be sure to tune in!   Key Highlights From This Episode: • Learing about our inspiring guest today: Manuela Nicolosi. [00:21] • Her strong relationship with her father, their shared love of soccer, why he objected to her playing professionally, and how he came to support her dream of refereeing at a high level.  [03:13] • Italy’s outdated rule that only men could be referees, and the Federation’s decision to open up opportunities to women. [05:41] • The tragic loss of her father when she was 16 years old and her desire to make her father proud through her work. [09:53] • Manuela’s experience of being the only woman in a male-dominated field, the challenges she has had to overcome, and how her dedication helped her persevere. [13:56] • What Manuela has learned about how to remain focused when she makes a mistake and what this can teach us about leadership. [19:24] • The resistance and active opposition you face from players and why it’s important to remain calm and firm in your decisions. [23:27] • The intense selection process to referee for the World Cup, what it was like for Manuela to referee the Finals, and the tremendous pressure she faced as a woman. [29:12] • The crowd’s beautiful reaction to seeing the first ever group of women refereeing a World Cup final. [36:05] • Find out about Manuela’s children’s book and what she has learned from her work as a speaker. [38:19]   For More Information: Manuela Nicolosi on LinkedInManuela Nicolosi on Instagram The Magic in You – Soccer Dreams with Sophia Book Manuela to Speak   Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:  The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz Join Kathy in her Fall 2023 Career & Leadership Growth LIVE Courses – Choose the One That Suits You Best (or take BOTH) and Move Forward Fast in Your Career and Leadership! This Fall I am happy to be offering BOTH of my top-rated LIVE training courses – starting the week of September 25th, 2023. Enroll in the one that fits your needs and budget best (or join me in both!) and positively transform your career, leadership and your life in the most direct and effective way possible. Check out the two courses below and register now as an early bird (to access great savings and bonuses) for the one that is most compelling to you, and achieve the success, reward, and impact you long for and deserve, in work you love and are proud of. This is information all professionals need to understand if they want to reach their highest, most fulfilling potential and visions. COURSE 1: THE MOST POWERFUL YOU: CLOSE YOUR POWER AND CONFIENCE GAPS AND RISE  8-week online LIVE course focused on building your confidence, strength, impact and self-esteem so you can achieve what you long to Starts Wednesday, 9/27, held via Zoom, Wednesdays  Noon to 1:15 pm EST THIS IS FOR YOU if you need and want a huge confidence and self-esteem boost, so you can thrive in any career direction. “The Most Powerful You” 8-week course is a transformative learning experience with Kathy Caprino that will give you a strong boost of confidence, self-reliance and strength to succeed in any career of your makring. Drawing on her coaching and training of thousands of professionals worldwide, her qualitative and quantitative research, and from her acclaimed book The Most Powerful You: 7 Bravery-Boosting Paths to Career Bliss, including interviews with over 50 of the top experts in fields essential to our success, Kathy offers a comprehensive program designed for women who are ready to claim their true power and influence, and build greater confidence and self-esteem in the process. With Kathy’s guidance, learn how to address and overcome once and for all the seven most damaging power and confidence gaps that negatively impact 98% of professional women today, keeping them from their greatest goals and success.  With Kathy’s teaching plus a wonderful, supportive community of like-minded women as your fellow participants, you’l learn proven strategies that will elevate your career and life. This course is for you if you’re ready to embrace your authentic self and embark on the path to becoming “The Most Powerful You” today. CLICK HERE (or visit https://mostpowerfulyou.com) FOR MORE INFO AND TO REGISTER AS AN EARLY BIRD AND SAVE BIG! COURSE 2: THE AMAZING CAREER PROJECT 16-week online LIVE course focused on helping you improve, pivot or change your career in the best way, without costly mistakes and wasted time and money (Starts Thursday, 9/28, held via Zoom, Thursdays Noon – 1:15 pm EST) THIS IS FOR YOU if you already have confidence and self-trust in your work but need help to determine the best next direction for your career, and how to get to your goals in the most direct way. Embark on a transformative journey of the 16 most essential steps to building an amazing career that delivers proven actionable strategies for career growth, powerful teaching, and inspiring group/community support to revitalize your professional life. You’ll learn how to evaluate what has to change in your career to experience more happiness and reward. And you’ll uncover your unique strengths, conquer self-doubt, and align with your true passions, networking more successfully and more. Gain exclusive access to Kathy’s proven techniques for navigating career challenges, and take these five essential steps to advancing in your role or career, achieving more success, or transitioning successfully to a new exciting direction. The Amazing Career Project is for you if you want to get on a new path to change or grow your career in news ways. Enroll now and unlock a brighter professional future. CLICK HERE (or visit https://amazingcareerproject.com) FOR MORE INFO AND TO REGISTER: Thank you so much and can’t wait to support you starting the week of September 25th!   ——————— Order Kathy’s book The Most Powerful You today! In Australia and New Zealand, click here to order, elsewhere outside North America, click here, and in the UK, click here. If you enjoy the book, we’d so appreciate your giving the book a positive rating and review on Amazon! And check out Kathy’s digital companion course The Most Powerful You, to help you close the 7 most damaging power gaps in the most effective way possible.  Kathy’s Power Gaps Survey, Support To Build Your LinkedIn Profile To Great Success & Other Free Resources Kathy’s TEDx Talk, Time To Brave Up & Free Career Path Self-Assessment Kathy’s Amazing Career Project video training course & 6 Dominant Action Styles Quiz   ——————— Sponsor Highlight I'm thrilled that both Audible.com and Amazon Music are sponsors of Finding Brave! Take advantage of their great special offers and free trials today!   Audible Offer Amazon Music Offer   Quotes: “I started playing [soccer] myself, but my dad said ‘It's not something for girls. So I don't want you to play soccer.’ He wanted me to do everything except soccer.” — [0:04:56] “I was lucky because I [was] at the beginning. It was something new. People were supportive. Also in the local Federation, people were supportive. They helped me with many games. I always had someone coming with me and giving me advice.” — [0:11:49] “I only had one goal, I was focused, I wanted to achieve always more and more and more.” — [0:15:11] “When you referee you also need to learn [to say] ‘Okay, I made the mistake. I will think about that. I will analyze that later. But I need to continue running, continue be focused on the game because otherwise I will keep making errors.’” — [0:19:27] “The crowd did a very beautiful thing. Normally when referees go out on the pitch, or are warming up before the game, they always whistle. [But] in this case, we went out and all of the stadium started clapping.” — [0:36:24] “I think we girls are afraid of competition. They are not taught that it's good to be competitive. It's good!” — [0:41:19] Watch our Finding Brave episodes on YouTube! Don’t forget – you can experience each Finding Brave episode in both audio and video formats! Check out new and recent episodes on my YouTube channel at YouTube.com/kathycaprino. And please leave us a comment and a thumbs up if you like the show! Please share your positive ratings and reviews! If you enjoy the show, we’d be so very grateful for a positive rating and review on Apple Podcasts! These great ratings help us reach more and more people who are interested in boosting their careers, businesses, and their leadership, and keep in the Top 100 Apple Career Podcasts in the U.S. and around the world and in the top 1.5% of over 3.1 million podcasts! Thank you!

Thank you for listening to our Finding Brave show, now with over 500K downloads and ranked in top 1.5% of over 3 million podcasts worldwide!  “You have a lot of knowledge and expertise, but if you continually doubt the strength of your opinions and views, or the importance of sharing your ideas, you are going to lose the ability to shape where your career (and life) is going.” – Kathy Caprino  Confidence is key as you step into being the most powerful and impactful (and happiest) version of you. This topic is something I feel compelled to talk about ​given my particular lens as a former corporate VP, then a marriage and family therapist (focused on systems and communication), a researcher, and in coaching and training thousands of executives and professionals across 6 continents these past 16 years. I know too – from working with teams and leaders at organizations both large and small, including startups that are experiencing exponential growth – that many managers and even seasoned leaders fear they simply don’t know enough to do their jobs well, Many suffer from imposter syndrome. In short, confidence is a problem that impedes thousands of people’s success and fulfillment in life and work. Tune into today’s show as I explore the 5 ways that your lack of confidence is hurting you, and what you can do specifically to overcome this challenge and build your confidence and self-trust now so that it doesn’t impact your success and professional fulfillment in the future. In this episode, I reference my recent Forbes blog post, 5 Ways Your Lack Of Confidence Is Apparent And Hurting You, which I recommend reading. If you find the information helpful in identifying and overcoming a lack of confidence in yourself, please feel free to share the piece and this episode with your teams, organizations and colleagues who might benefit as well. Highlights from this Episode: How questioning your own ideas is holding you back right now in so many different ways [6:50] The importance of understanding and “reading” the environment and ecosystem you are in, before sharing your ideas, and an example from my own career that highlights this [8:56] How the 7 damaging power gaps impact your confidence, courage to grow and your self-respect and self-acceptance today [13:21] What agonizing over your performance and how others think of you will interfere with what you need to do to experience more success and reward [14:27] Some places where you can get outside help if you’re feeling as if you’re “blowing it” in the workplace, and how this will help you move forward in your career [17:03] What to do the next time you find yourself being hypercritical of someone, and what I’ve seen from my experience as a therapist that explains why this is happening [18:31] An example from my own life as a parent when I truly learned that it’s not possible to be perfect, and nor should we strive to be [21:21] Where jealousy and the feeling of being threatened by others’ success often stems from, and how to begin leaving these emotions behind so that you can move forward more joyfully  [25:10] Action steps to take to help you determine what you are good at and how that matters [30:25] What unshakable success requires and why so many of us don’t have it [34:50]   For More Information:  My Forbes Post, 5 Ways Your Lack Of Confidence Is Apparent And Hurting You https://kathycaprino.com/  https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathycaprino https://www.facebook.com/ElliaCommunications https://twitter.com/kathycaprino    Resources Mentioned: American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy Kathy’s 6-Session Career Breakthrough Coaching Program & Career Path Self-Assessment Kathy’s TEDx Talk, Time To Brave Up  Kathy’s Forbes Interview with Bestselling Author Gretchen Rubin, How Bestselling Author Gretchen Rubin Uncovers Life-Changing Behaviors And Touches Millions Kathy’s Forbes Posts, Developing a Confidence Mind: Key Strategies for Experiencing Unshakable Success & 7 Signs Of Perfectionistic Overfunctioning – How To Recognize It In Yourself And Change It Finding Brave interviews with Dr. Zinsser (Parts 1 and 2) * * * * * * * * * *  Join me in my Fall 2023 Career & Leadership Growth Courses - Choose the One That Suits You Best (or take BOTH) and Move Forward Fast! This Fall I am happy to be offering BOTH of my top-rated courses – starting the week of September 25th, 2023. Enroll in the one that fits your needs and budget best (or join me in both) and positively transform your work and career (and your life) in the most direct and effective way possible.  Check out the two courses below and register now as an early bird (with great savings and bonuses) for the one that is most compelling to you, and achieve the success, reward and impact you long for, in work you love and are proud of. This is information all professionals need to understand if they want to reach their highest, most fulfilling potential and visions.   Course 1: The Most Powerful You - Close Your Power and Confidence Gaps and Rise - 8 weeks, meets every Wednesday from Noon to 1:15 pm EST 8-week online LIVE course focused on building your confidence, strength, impact and self-esteem so you can achieve what you long to Starts Wednesday, 9/27, held via Zoom, Wednesdays  Noon to 1:15 pm EST Empower your journey towards personal and professional success with "The Most Powerful You" 8-week course, a transformative learning experience from Kathy Caprino. Drawing on her coaching and training of thousands of professionals worldwide, her qualitative and quantitative research, and from her acclaimed book The Most Powerful You: 7 Bravery-Boosting Paths to Career Bliss, including interviews with over 50 of the top experts in fields essential to our success, Kathy offers a comprehensive program designed for women who are ready to claim their true power and impact, and build their confidence and self-esteem in the process. Through insightful lessons and practical exercises, you'll shatter limiting beliefs, build more resilience and strength, and cultivate vital communication and interpersonal skills, networking ability, learn how to challenge mistreatment, build negotiation strength, and more! The ultimate result? You’ll take new steps to leverage all that you are to do work you love and find meaning and joy all along the way. With Kathy's guidance, learn how to address and overcome once and for all the seven most damaging power and confidence gaps that hinder our progress. Join Kathy and a supportive community of like-minded women and access proven strategies to elevate your career and life. This course is for you if you’re ready to embrace your authentic self and embark on the path to becoming "The Most Powerful You" today. CLICK HERE (or visit https://mostpowerfulyou.com) FOR MORE INFO AND TO REGISTER AS AN EARLY BIRD AND SAVE!  Course 2: The Amazing Career Project - 16 weeks, meeting every Thursday, Noon to 1:15 pm EST 16-week online LIVE course focused on helping you improve, pivot or change your career in the best way, without costly mistakes (Starts Thursday, 9/28, held via Zoom, Thursdays Noon - 1:15 pm EST) Discover your path to a more fulfilling and rewarding career with The Amazing Career Project course. Embark on a transformative journey of the 16 most essential steps to building an amazing career that blends personal reflection, actionable strategies, powerful teaching, and group/community support to revitalize your professional life. You’ll learn how to evaluate what has to change in your career to find more happiness and reward. And you’ll uncover your unique strengths, conquer self-doubt, and align with your true passions. Gain exclusive access to Kathy's proven techniques for navigating career challenges, and take these five essential steps to advancing in your role or career, achieving more success, or transitioning successfully to a new exciting direction. The Amazing Career Project is for you if you want to ignite confidence, reconnect to your purpose, and take steps to build the career you've always envisioned. Enroll now and unlock a brighter professional future. CLICK HERE (or visit https://amazingcareerproject.com) FOR MORE INFO AND TO REGISTER:  OR TAKE BOTH and SAVE 50% on the 2nd course! Thank you so much and can’t wait to support you starting the week of September 25th!   * * * * * * Order Kathy’s book The Most Powerful You today!  In Australia and New Zealand, click here to order, elsewhere outside North America, click here, and in the UK, click here. If you enjoy the book, we’d so appreciate your giving the book a positive rating and review on Amazon! And check out Kathy’s digital companion course The Most Powerful You, to help you close the 7 most damaging power gaps in the most effective way possible.  Kathy’s Power Gaps Survey, Support To Build Your LinkedIn Profile To Great Success & Other Free Resources Kathy’s Amazing Career Project video training course & 6 Dominant Action Styles Quiz ___________________________________________________________ * * * * * *  Sponsor Highlight I’m thrilled that both Audible.com and Amazon Music are sponsors of Finding Brave! Take advantage of their great special offers and free trials today! Audible Offer Amazon Music Offer QUOTES FROM TODAY’S SHOW: “Your lack of confidence is most likely apparent to those around you, and it is hurting you. It is keeping you from growing.” [6:51] “Greater awareness equals greater choice, and it is really important to get to the bottom of what you need to be aware of now.” [18:23] “Kind, loving, and generous people are usually the same way to themselves. They’re accepting and they’re forgiving of themselves.” [18:58]  “What consistently repeats is not random. We co-create, we co-sustain, and we attract behavior.” [20:05]  “Do something empowering when you feel jealous of others. Look at what it really means, and then do something concrete.” [30:17] “If you don’t recognize what you are good at, then you can’t talk about what you are good at. If you can’t talk about it and share it and put it on LinkedIn, put it on your resume, discuss it in your interviews and talk to your boss about it, you are leaving so much success, money, reward and advancement on the table.” [31:01] “It’s not bragging to talk about what you’re good at and the outcomes that you’ve created.” [32:20]   Watch video versions of my interviews on Finding Brave!  Don’t forget – you can experience each Finding Brave interview episode in both audio and video formats! Check out new and recent episodes on my Youtube channel at YouTube.com/kathycaprino. And please leave us a comment and a thumbs up if you like the show!  * * * * * * Please share your positive ratings and reviews! If you enjoy the show, we’d be so very grateful for a positive rating and review on Apple Podcasts! These great ratings help us reach more and more people who are interested in boosting their careers, businesses, and their leadership, and keep in the Top 100 Apple Career Podcasts in the U.S. and around the world and in the top 1.5% of over 3.1 million podcasts! Thank you!

THANK YOU FOR 5 WONDERFUL YEARS OF FINDING BRAVE, HELPING US REACH THE MILESTONE OF OVER 500,000 DOWNLOADS, AND RANKING IN THE TOP 1.5% OF OVER 3 MILLION PODCASTS WORLDWIDE! We’re so excited to bring you this special episode of Finding Brave which celebrates two big milestones that I am very proud of. Firstly, we’re celebrating 5 years of continuous publication of this show and, secondly, reaching over 500,000 downloads! And we’re thrilled to be ranked in the top 1.5% of over 3 million podcasts globally and to consistently list in the Top 100 Apple Career Podcasts all over the world. I am so grateful to all our amazing guests who have provided so much thought-provoking and informative content that enriches our lives, careers, and relationships. Today, you’ll hear brief excerpts of the top 20 most popular episodes of the show since its inception. I hope you love them and find them thought-provoking and enriching, in your life, work and pursuits. I’m very grateful to you, our wonderful listeners, who’ve been so supportive and encouraging over the past years. Thank you again for all your interest and support of the show. It’s been a true joy to bring it to you. I and my wonderful team send our deepest thanks, and we look forward to the next five years together! Here’s to Finding Brave in your life every day!   Key Highlights From This Episode: •   Bestselling author Joseph Grenny explains why “80% of the problem (in communication) is pre-verbal.” [01:48] •  Why #1 vocal coach Cheryl Porter encourages you to believe in yourself without a doubt. [03:22] •  The vital importance of distinguishing between a job and a calling with Kathy Caprino. [05:05] •  How to turn your “mess into a message” and what has to happen first, according to success coach Anthony Trucks. [07:16] •  How learning to let go of the future can become a superpower in your life, with futurist April Rinne. [08:47] •  What it means to #1 Communication Coach Dorie Clark to build a “portfolio career”  and why that’s essential for success today. [11:00] •  Why forgiveness expert Dr. Fred Luskin believes that you limit yourself when you take things “too personally.” [12:58] • Jason Marc Campbell explains why, in your sales, professional and business growth endeavors, you must not ever compromise on your true mission. [15:06] •  Five essential steps to take when you want change in your career with Kathy Caprino. [16:08] •  Top 100 Financial Advisor George Grombacher on the unforced errors you might be making in your personal finances. [18:18] •  How Simple Courage founder Heather Hubbard believes experimentation propels us  forward like no other action can. [20:45] •  Why Brave By Design founder Laura Khalil stresses that 30% of people won't like you and how understanding that fact frees us. [22:11] •  The importance of recognizing and understanding “privilege” as unearned benefits, with  coach and author Karen Catlin. [23:19] •   Financial coach Catherine Morgan’s strategy for relinquishing guilt and shame around money. [25:13] •   How self-help guru Amy Morin defines mental strength and views it as a choice. [27:32] •   What Chief Storyteller Tony Vlahos means when he says your story must “have soul.” [28:34] •   Three aspects of a worthy goal, according to author Michael Bungay Stanier. [30:05] •   Entrepreneur Wendy Pease on the differences between men and women in business. [32:26] •   Why we need to resist some aspects of socialization in order to avoid mediocrity as explained by human performance expert Dr. Nate Zinsser. [33:25] •   Advice for finding clarity through experience, from performance coach Stu Massengill. [35:02]   Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: 186: How to Have Those Difficult But Crucial Conversations With Friends and Colleagues, with Joseph Grenny 187: #1 Vocal Coach on How to Pivot Your Creative Business and Soar, with Cheryl Porter 190: Free Audio Chapter 6 of The Most Powerful You: Losing Sight of Your Thrilling Dream for Your Life 192: Making A Powerful Identity Shift That Will Elevate Your Life, with Anthony Trucks 193: Using a "Flux" Mindset To Better Navigate The Future, with April Rinne 194: How Being A Long-Term Thinker Will Improve Your Life and Career, with Dorie Clark 195: How to Forgive Someone When You Feel You Can't, with Dr. Fred Luskin 196: How to Sell With Love (and Love Doing It), with Jason Marc Campbell 197: The 5 Biggest Blunders Career Changers Make 198: What's Really Holding Us Back From Earning and Having Exponentially More Money, with George Grombacher 201: Are The Stories You’ve Been Told Supporting or Suppressing You? with Heather Hubbard 202: Build Greater Business Success By Answering Three Key Questions, with Laura Khalil 204: How To Be a Better Ally at Work And Build an Inclusive Culture, with Karen Catlin 205: How To Build Financial Wellbeing Into the Heart of Your Life and Work, with Catherine Morgan 207: How to Build the Mental Strength You Need To Reach Your Great Potential, with Amy Morin 209: How to Tell a Riveting True Story About Who You Are and Why That Matters, with Tony Vlahos 210: How to Begin Doing Something That Matters, with Michael Bungay Stanier 211: Stepping Out From Corporate Life to Entrepreneurship By Buying a Business, with Wendy Pease 212: How Confidence Is the Key, and How You Can Get It, Build It, and Keep It, with Dr. Nate Zinsser 218: Find Your Direction and Fall In Love With What You Do, with Stu Massengill   Seize the Day and Take 40% off my three most popular 1:1 Career and Leadership Coaching Programs! Looking for top-level hands-on career and leadership growth support? Join me this month in one of my most requested private coaching programs, and get the direct coaching, support, mentorship and guidance you’re looking for, to move forward fast to your highest, most exciting visions. Check out these three programs and pick the one that fits your needs best: Career & Leadership Breakthrough Program (6 sessions)Jumpstart Your Career Success (3 sessions)Build Your Confidence, Self-Esteem and Impact and Rise (6 sessions) Take 40% off this week on any of these programs! Use coupon code SEIZETHEDAY40 at registration checkout for your savings. ___________________________________________________________________________________ Ready to Advance, Rise and Launch Yourself to the Next Level FAST?  JOIN “THE MOST POWERFUL YOU” 8-WEEK COACHING AND TRAINING COURSE WITH KATHY! Hello! Kathy here. Thanks so much for tuning into today’s episode. One quick thing I’d love to share before you go is about my video training program for organizations and professionals, called “The MOST POWERFUL YOU” which is the companion to my book The Most Powerful You: 7 Bravery-Boosting Paths to Career Bliss.  I’m so thrilled that a division of the United Nations brought in The Most Powerful You program as a training tool for members of their staff and other amazing global organizations have done the same. This program brings to organizations real-world, research-based, and transformative training for leaders, teams, and professionals to help them close their leadership, confidence, and communication gaps so they can achieve their highest and most rewarding potential and success in their work and projects. Please take a look at what I’m teaching in The Most Powerful You training and LIVE course, and, if you feel the content would be instrumental for you and your teams, I hope you’ll ask your HR and DEI managers to bring this training program to your company. It’s truly transformational for work cultures and professionals everywhere, and it generates amazing results. Thank you so much, and here’s to you becoming The Most Powerful You!   ——————— Calling all coaches! Do you run a coaching business that focuses on supporting professional women? If so, I’ve got some exciting news about supporting your coaching growth, success, and impact! Right now, we’re opening the enrollment of my private (1:1) coaching training program called The Amazing Career Coach Certification, which is a 17-week, hands-on training program that certifies female coaches in my proprietary 16-step career growth model, which is perfect for coaches who want a deeper dive into learning powerful, proven coaching frameworks, concepts, and skills that teach the 16 most essential steps to build an amazing career that your clients need to know about. And this training will help you become far more effective and impactful in supporting women to thrive today in their jobs, roles, and careers. Through the program, you’ll also get access to a powerful Small Business Acceleration program called The Rapid Growth Academy, delivered by my friend and colleague, award-winning business growth expert Matthew Pollard. Through Matthew’s program, you’ll be taught critical business and sales growth info that will help you grow your business success in the quickest way possible. In my view, there’s nothing on the market like it for both new and more seasoned coaches because it targets the two critical aspects of success: how you support your clients to thrive, and just as importantly, how to grow your own business to the next level. For more information, visit certification.amazingcareerproject.com and check out the details. Join me this Winter!   ——————— Order Kathy’s book The Most Powerful You today! In Australia and New Zealand, click here to order, elsewhere outside North America, click here, and in the UK, click here. If you enjoy the book, we’d so appreciate your giving the book a positive rating and review on Amazon! And check out Kathy’s digital companion course The Most Powerful You, to help you close the 7 most damaging power gaps in the most effective way possible.  Kathy’s Power Gaps Survey, Support To Build Your LinkedIn Profile To Great Success & Other Free Resources Kathy’s TEDx Talk, Time To Brave Up & Free Career Path Self-Assessment Kathy’s Amazing Career Project video training course & 6 Dominant Action Styles Quiz   ——————— Sponsor Highlight I'm thrilled that both Audible.com and Amazon Music are sponsors of Finding Brave! Take advantage of their great special offers and free trials today!   Audible Offer Amazon Music Offer   Quotes: “If you believe in yourself enough in the beginning, those people who believe in you will come along. Sometimes, you have to wait for them but you’re not going to find them if you don’t believe in yourself in the beginning.” — Cheryl Porter [0:04:14] “We are so caught up in needing to control THE future as we want it to play out that we actually miss all the different possible futures that may play out and how you might contribute to one of those.” — April Rinne [0:09:20] “If you’re mission-driven, if you’re an impact-driven entrepreneur, then every time you discount yourself, you’re limiting the potential energy you can reinvest within your business.” — Jason Marc Campbell [0:15:31] “One of the lessons that I learned very early on in business is – 30% of people are just never going to like you.” — Laura Khalil [0:22:31]  “Mental strength is a choice. It’s all about what you choose to do every day [and] getting control of the way you think, feel, and behave.” — Amy Morin [0:28:12] “The way you get clarity in your life is through experiencing, not thinking.” — Stu Massengill [0:36:26]   Watch our Finding Brave episodes on YouTube! Don’t forget – you can experience each Finding Brave episode in both audio and video formats! Check out new and recent episodes on my YouTube channel at YouTube.com/kathycaprino. And please leave us a comment and a thumbs up if you like the show!

A great leader is able to resiliently and bravely handle core challenges and address key obstacles, all while building a work culture of belonging, safety and trust. And having leaders who demonstrate true empathy has become far more important to employees in today’s post-covid world. To explore what empathy in the workplace is today and how leaders must demonstrate it more fully and authentically, is our inspiring guest Raj Sharma from Ernst & Young.  Raj is the Vice Chair at Ernst & Young (EY) Consulting. His 25 years of experience in commercial and financial services has helped him become a global business executive and transformative technology leader, building businesses and executing strategic growth initiatives worldwide. He now leads over 25,000 consultants across the Americas service line. In our conversation, we explore the importance of empathy in leadership by examining EY’s recent study on empathy in business. We learn about the most compelling results from the study and what motivated EY to do this research in the first place, how their findings can help other leaders, and what our guest thinks about empathy overall.  Discussing the research findings that over 50% of employees don’t see real empathy at work, Raj explains how empathy can lead to innovation and accountability and how you can improve actionable empathy in your own workplace. We discuss his 5 steps for becoming a great leader and what Raj finds most challenging about managing such a large workforce. Finally, we explore the idea that leaders aren’t just “born” – there is a great deal of work, commitment and self-mastery required in becoming a highly effective leader and manager. To learn more about empathy and its critical role in sustaining a successful organization, don’t miss today’s show.    Key Highlights From This Episode: • A note of thanks to our loyal listeners for 500 000 downloads and our top 1.5% ranking! [00:53] • Introducing Raj Sharma and his inspiring professional background. [02:48] • Why Ernst and Young (EY) decided to do a study on empathy in leadership. [04:18] • What leaders can learn from EY’s empathy observations, and Raj’s take on empathy. [07:20] • The most compelling findings from EY’s study. [13:01] • How empathy creates safe spaces that drive creativity and accountability. [14:37] • Why more than 50% of study participants value empathy but aren’t getting it at work. [18:39] • Some steps for improving authentic, actionable empathy at your organization. [19:40] • Kathy’s five characteristics of a great leader, and Raj’s five steps to become one. [23:55] • The most difficult aspect of managing a massive team/workforce, according to Raj. [35:44] • A call from Raj to learn more about empathy and get acquainted with EY’s empathy survey and study tool. [38:02]   For More Information: Raj Sharma on LinkedIn Raj Sharma on Twitter Ernst & Young (EY) Consulting Ernst & Young (EY) Consulting on Twitter   Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:  EY’s 2023 Empathy in Business Survey, Authentic Empathy:  The key to your organization's business success Steve Payne on LinkedIn New EY US Consulting Study, Employees Overwhelmingly Expect Empathy In The Workplace, But Many Say It Feels Disingenuous Kathy’s Forbes Interview with Raj, Employees Now Expect Empathy In The Workplace, But Half Aren’t Getting It Kathy’s Globe and Mail Article, Why Promoting Your Star Employee Into A Managerial Role May Not Be A Great Idea Kathy’s Book, The Most Powerful You Are you ready for a BIG positive shift in how you’re working and what you’re capable of achieving today in your career and leadership? Let’s work together and make that happen! I’d love to share about my video training program for organizations and professionals called, “The Most Powerful You” which is the companion to my book, The Most Powerful You: 7 Bravery-Boosting Paths to Career Bliss. I’m so thrilled that a division of the United Nations has brought in The Most Powerful You program as a training tool for members of their staff and other amazing global organizations have done the same. This program brings to organizations real-world, research-based and transformative training for leaders, teams and professionals to help them close their power and confidence gaps in leadership, communication, interpersonal relationships, strategic thinking, collaboration-building and more – so they can achieve their highest and most rewarding potential and success in their work and projects. Please take a look at what I’m training in The Most Powerful You and if you feel the content would be instrumental for you and your teams, I hope you’ll ask your HR and DEI managers to bring in this training program to your company. It’s truly transformational for work cultures and professionals everywhere, and it generates amazing results. Thank you so much and here’s to you becoming The Most Powerful You. ———————- Calling all coaches! Do you run a coaching business that focuses on supporting professional women? If so, I’ve got some exciting news about supporting your coaching growth, success, and impact. Right now, we’re opening the enrollment of my private (1:1) coaching training program called The Amazing Career Coach Certification, which is a 17-week, hands-on training program that certifies female coaches in my proprietary 16-step career growth model, which is perfect for coaches who want a deeper dive into learning powerful, proven coaching frameworks, concepts, and skills that teach the 16 most essential steps to building an amazing career that your clients need to know. And this training will help you become far more effective and impactful in supporting women to thrive today in their jobs, roles, and careers. And through the program, you’ll get access to a powerful Small Business Acceleration program called The Rapid Growth Academy, delivered by my friend and colleague, award-winning business growth expert Matthew Pollard. Through Matthew’s program, you’ll be taught critical business and sales growth info that will help you grow your business success in the quickest way possible. In my view, there’s nothing on the market like for both new and more seasoned coaches because it targets the two critical aspects of success: how you support your clients to thrive, and just as importantly, how to grow your own business to the next level. For more information, visit certification.amazingcareerproject.com and check out the details. Join me this Winter!   ——————— Order Kathy’s book The Most Powerful You today! In Australia and New Zealand, click here to order, elsewhere outside North America, click here, and in the UK, click here. If you enjoy the book, we’d so appreciate your giving the book a positive rating and review on Amazon! And check out Kathy’s digital companion course The Most Powerful You, to help you close the 7 most damaging power gaps in the most effective way possible.  Kathy’s Power Gaps Survey, Support To Build Your LinkedIn Profile To Great Success & Other Free Resources Kathy’s TEDx Talk, Time To Brave Up & Free Career Path Self-Assessment Kathy’s Amazing Career Project video training course & 6 Dominant Action Styles Quiz   ——————— Sponsor Highlight I'm thrilled that both Audible.com and Amazon Music are sponsors of Finding Brave! Take advantage of their great special offers and free trials today! Audible Offer Amazon Music Offer   Quotes: “Empathy is not sympathy — I can be sympathetic to anything, [but] I can only be empathetic when I understand what you’re going through, and [I’m] putting myself in your shoes, and I’m taking action to ensure that I’m helping you.” — @RajShramUM [11:01] “We always knew that empathy creates a safer place for people to work, but we were surprised at the data [demonstrating] that [empathy] is driving so much creativity and so much innovation in the company.” — @RajShramUM [14:36] “If you create a safe place where people are not afraid to fail, and [where] every failure does not have an impact associated with it — now you’re creating a culture of mutual respect, belonging, and more importantly, accountability.” — @RajShramUM [14:49] “If you’re going to create a consistent culture of high-performing teams, empathy has to be a big part of it.” — @RajShramUM [18:13] “It’s not good [enough to just] talk about empathy; the most important thing is authentic, actionable empathy.” — @RajShramUM [19:42] “Have the courage to listen, [and] have the compassion to make the changes.” — @RajShramUM [21:14]   Watch our Finding Brave episodes on YouTube! Don’t forget – you can experience each Finding Brave episode in both audio and video formats! Check out new and recent episodes on my YouTube channel at YouTube.com/kathycaprino. And please leave us a comment and a thumbs up if you like the show!