Lead Like a Woman

Kate Pozeznik is the Founder and CEO of Quirk, a personal branding and career consulting firm that helps accelerate women executives’ careers. She works with mid-six- to seven-figure executives to showcase their unique professional qualities during career transitions. Kate’s clients include executives and leaders at Google, Amazon, Meta, and other notable organizations. She has been featured in articles on Buzzfeed, AARP, and Upworthy. In this episode… Sometimes, C-suite executives seem to have it all in their careers. However, many of them — especially women — have become stagnant in their journeys, longing for more fulfilling opportunities. How can personal branding, resiliency, and risk-taking elevate your career? Having struggled with networking, gaining confidence in her skills, and achieving fulfillment, Kate Pozeznik understands the frustration of identifying an ideal career path. She encourages high-salaried women to develop a personal brand representing their values, mission, and purpose. This unlocks professional opportunities that align with your career goals. Kate also advises taking small, calculated risks to develop resilience to challenges and build confidence. Join Andrea Heuston in this episode of the Lead Like a Woman Show as she interviews Kate Pozeznik, the Founder and CEO of Quirk, about embracing risks and creating an impactful personal brand. Kate shares how she helps women define personal success, how she turned her side gig into a career opportunity, and how C-suite executives can communicate their value propositions.

Hannah Kain is the President and CEO of ALOM, a global supply chain, contract packaging, and fulfillment company. As a global supply chain executive, she has written business books and papers, taught graduate classes, and spoken at various business events. Hannah has extensive international management experience as well as membership and involvement in governmental agencies and business groups, including the National Association of Manufacturers, Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC), and How Women Lead. In this episode… Studies show that business financial performance increases when women are given leadership positions. Yet many industries, including the supply chain industry, are perpetually male-dominated. How can male support and organizational collaboration elevate female representation in these industries? As a Danish immigrant with an innate drive to challenge the status quo and help women break into leadership roles, Hannah Kain advocates for involvement with industry networks and leadership associations that promote women’s voices and ideas. Organizations like the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council and other niche associations can advance women’s roles in their companies and industries. When men and women collaborate within these organizations, they can enhance company culture and results. In today’s episode of the Lead Like a Woman Show, Andrea Heuston sits down with Hannah Kain, the President and CEO of ALOM, to discuss empowering women in the supply chain industry. Hannah shares her Danish upbringing, advice for women leaders to encourage their teams, and how she champions women’s leadership.

Sandra James is the Founder and CEO of Private Eyes, which creates safe workplaces through high-quality background checks. She is also the bestselling author of Don’t Tell Me I Can’t, a memoir recounting her journey from growing up on a farm and battling substance abuse to becoming an entrepreneur. As an advocate for entrepreneurship, Sandra served on the board and is a member of the leadership forum for the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC). She also serves on the board of WBEC-West.   In this episode… Growing up disadvantaged can make achieving career fulfillment and growth feel like an illusion, especially if you grew up during a time when women couldn’t obtain a business loan without a man’s co-signature. Learn how a farm girl turned entrepreneur overcame incredible odds to reach the pinnacle of her career. Sandra James grew up working on her family’s farm and slept in a closet in a two-bedroom house with eight siblings. Rather than become complacent with her situation, Sandra altered her perspective and leveraged her childhood-acquired work ethic to become an entrepreneur. Along the way, she struggled with substance abuse and navigated a tumultuous relationship when her first husband stole her business idea. Despite these obstacles, Sandra maintains that resilience, persistence, and optimism are crucial in overcoming hardships. In today’s episode of the Lead Like a Woman Show, Andrea Heuston welcomes Sandra James, the Founder and CEO of Private Eyes and the author of Don’t Tell Me I Can’t, to talk about her journey from farm girl to CEO. Sandra delves into her early entrepreneurial endeavors, why she joined WBENC and Vistage, and her decision to become sober.

Sylvia Theisen is a Life Coach at Prime Time Coaching, where she coaches women through a transformational process of discovery. As a former psychotherapist, speaker, author, and business owner, she specializes in human behavior and personal development, helping women lead more fulfilling lives. Sylvia is also the author of Break the Rules: An Uncommon Guide to Creating the Life You Crave. In this episode… Antiquated gender roles are shifting as women begin to recognize their limitless possibilities. As of 2022, women comprise half of the college-educated workforce, and single women now own and occupy more homes than single men. How can you participate in this radical movement to create the life you want? Traditionally, women have felt uncomfortable when served food and other comforts and were hesitant to embark on solo adventures. As a midlife development coach, Sylvia Theisen encourages women to engage in the process of self-discovery by stepping out of their comfort zones to develop confidence and essential life skills. These skills include disappointing others to avoid disappointing yourself and setting crucial boundaries. Tune in to this episode of the Lead Like a Woman Show as Andrea Heuston invites Sylvia Theisen, Life Coach at Prime Time Coaching, to speak about how she empowers midlife women to rewrite their life stories. Sylvia talks about breaking free from societal expectations, how to embrace the changes of midlife, and how she helps women identify their unique potential.

Minette Norman is an author, speaker, and consultant with decades of experience leading global teams in the software industry. As a vital voice in inclusive leadership, she speaks about psychological safety and empathy. Minette is also the author of The Boldly Inclusive Leader and the co-author of The Psychological Safety Playbook. In this episode… In a corporate world dominated by male leaders, women often feel silenced and suppress their opinions and emotions. Yet vulnerability and emotional intelligence are vital characteristics of women leaders. How can you harness these qualities to make a true impact on your team? After being forced out of Silicon Valley by male leaders threatened by her dominance, Minette Norman discovered the power of inclusive leadership. This involves cultivating a diverse team to enrich company dynamics and promote creative problem-solving. It also entails establishing psychological safety in the workplace to ensure team members feel comfortable sharing ideas and taking risks. Embracing your authentic self in your leadership role fosters genuine connection and creates an atmosphere of trust. Tune in to the latest episode of the Lead Like a Woman Show as Andrea Heuston welcomes Minette Norman to talk about transforming leadership through emotional intelligence and inclusivity. Minette reveals insights from her book, how she cultivated a network when starting a new business, and her transformation from acting to leadership in Silicon Valley.

Imelda Alejandrino is the CEO and Creative Director at AP42, a top-performing digital team specializing in advertising, branding, direct marketing, and technology. As a seasoned digital strategist, she has over 25 years of experience leading innovative creative efforts across various platforms. Imelda’s work has spanned digital AR/VR, film, retail packaging, and events. She has collaborated with major brands, including Accenture, Meta, General Motors, and Chevron and launched Oggi, an immersive digital reality application, in 2020. In this episode… When embracing creativity and innovative ideas in your work, you’re likely to encounter resistance from those who are skeptical of new technologies. Rather than shying away from the new and uncomfortable, you can embrace it. How can you nurture creativity in a fast-paced digital world? Creative powerhouse and digital visionary Imelda Alejandrino champions using immersive digital realities to strengthen connections and create memorable experiences. Yet attitudes toward technology adoption have been negative, so eliminating the associated fear with open communication and demonstrations is crucial in promoting widespread adoption. Imelda notes that mentorship, networking, and engaging in continuous learning have allowed her to develop groundbreaking new ideas in her career. In this episode of the Lead Like a Woman Show, Andrea Heuston hosts Imelda Alejandrino, the CEO and Creative Director at AP42, to discuss technological innovation. Imelda delves into practical applications of virtual reality, the metaverse, and the human aspect of digital engagement.

Marley Majcher is the CEO of The Party Goddess, a full-service event planning and catering company celebrated for creating high-profile parties. With clients like Snoop Dogg and Britney Spears, Marley's events are renowned for their elegance and extravagance. Known as The Profit Goddess, she provides invaluable resources for small business owners and entrepreneurs. She is also the author of But Are You Making Any Money?, a witty guide to managing a lucrative business. In this episode… Turning a passion project into a full-time business can be a nightmare, especially if you’re not earning enough money to match the time spent. How can you create structure from seemingly endless business tasks and turn your passion into profit? A-list party planner and profit coach Marley Majcher combines creativity, grit, and strategic financial management to lead her business effectively. If you want to transition from a hobby to a viable business, you must price your products and services accordingly and focus on revenue-generating tasks while delegating the rest. Additionally, by focusing on your unique selling proposition, you can cut through the noise in the market and make your business stand out. In the latest edition of the Lead Like a Woman Show, Andrea Heuston sits down with Marley Majcher, the CEO of The Party Goddess, to discuss how to elevate your business. Marley shares entrepreneurship anecdotes and analogies, the importance of continuous business assessment, and how to transform a simple project into a full-fledged business.

Niki Avraam is the Co-founder of the London-based law firm Howat Avraam Solicitors, where she litigates high-profile employment and discrimination cases. A keynote speaker on leadership mindset and workforce issues, she is deeply invested in the concept of purposeful work, inspiring others to discover their work's profound impact. Niki is a sought-after leadership consultant who champions unconventional thinking to reach professional and personal heights. In this episode… It’s not uncommon for women to feel stuck in their careers, feeling constrained by workplace customs that no longer serve them. Despite this, these women often fear discomfort. How can you overcome these obstacles and turn discomfort into your greatest ally? Transformational leader and legal entrepreneur Niki Avraam advocates for women’s involvement in male-dominated business and networking events, carving a path for them to thrive professionally. Additionally, her preferred discomfort framework promotes growth and innovation by embracing challenges that dismantle personal and professional boundaries. By breaking away from conventional workplace practices, you can inspire creativity and progress. In this episode of the Lead Like a Woman Show, Andrea Heuston chats with Niki Avraam, the Co-founder of Howat Avraam Solicitors, about harnessing discomfort to enhance leadership qualities. Niki discusses her journey through the legal world, her passion for reshaping leadership, and the pursuit of workplace evolution.

Lydia Knight is the CEO of The She Center, a consultancy that transforms women’s lives through neuroscience-based habit change. As a certified health coach and eating disorder expert, she has received recognition from CBS, NBC, Fox News, and Yahoo for her revolutionary methods. Lydia is committed to transforming culture by empowering individuals to move from self-sabotage to self-fulfillment through programs and certification courses. In this episode... Many women are at constant war with themselves, trying to meet unrealistic societal expectations. The key to overcoming these personal hurdles often lies in how you approach your thoughts and emotions. Is it possible to transform struggle into progress? Habit change expert Lydia Knight has helped women overcome eating disorders and spearheaded a global movement to accelerate women’s growth. To boost your leadership development, you must first regulate and accept your emotions, develop personal integrity, and alter negative thought patterns. This sense of self-love and acceptance allows you to improve your decision-making and break free from self-sabotaging cycles. Once you learn to stop seeking external validation and recognize your inner potential, you can empower others. Tune in to this episode of the Lead Like a Woman Show as Andrea Heuston welcomes Lydia Knight, the CEO of The She Center, to discuss empowering individual potential. Lydia’s philosophies on self-empowerment, societal pressures, and the journey to self-love resonate deeply, offering a beacon of hope to those seeking meaningful change in their lives.

Mary Crossan is the Co-founder of Leader Character Associates and Virtuosity Character, which enhance organizational leadership characteristics. She is also the Professor of Strategic Leadership at Western University’s Ivey Business School. Recognized on the global list of the top 2% of the most cited scientists in her discipline in 2021, Mary received the Lifetime Career Achievement Academy of Management Distinguished Educator Award in 2023. Her research includes leadership character, organizational learning, strategic renewal, and improvisation. A prolific author, Mary has contributed to over 100 articles and books and is the co-author of The Character Compass. In this episode… Is “character” a mere buzzword, or does it hold tangible value for those in leadership positions? Cultivating a specific set of behaviors can improve your personal effectiveness and enhance your team’s performance and commitment. How can you define and develop your character to uplevel your organization? According to leadership researcher Mary Crossan, leaders must develop and hone 11 character disciplines, including integrity, humility, and courage, to empower their companies. Each discipline holds a set of behaviors that leaders can self-assess to identify strengths and weaknesses. By promoting a culture that nurtures and rewards positive characteristics and reflecting daily on actions and behaviors, you can increase employee engagement and satisfaction. In the latest episode of the Lead Like a Woman Show, Andrea Heuston sits down with Mary Crossan, the Co-founder of Leader Character Associates, to talk about developing leader character. Mary discusses The Character Compass, an innovative approach to shaping leadership character, and explains the implications of character on organizational culture, performance, and commitment.