Lead Like a Woman

Oksana Esberard is a mental wellness expert, mindfulness and meditation trainer, international speaker, and best selling author. She is the Founder of SattvaMe, a global virtual training organization that’s focused on stress management, productivity, and wellness for employees, business leaders, and entrepreneurs. Utilizing her extensive practice and multicultural background, Oksana leads online corporate programs and in-person training in small businesses and Inc 500 companies around the world. She has worked with companies like Microsoft, Sandler's Training, BuzzFeed, YPO, EO, Petra Coach, and New Horizons Computer Learning Centers. After overcoming her struggles with severe anxiety and suicidal thoughts, Oksana shares her story in her best selling book, Next Level You. She is also a member of EO's Accelerator Program which helps businesses grow through learning and networking. In this episode… Like other women, Oksana Esberard used to believe that success and stress came as a package deal, that you can’t be successful without having gone through a seemingly insurmountable amount of stress. But she learned through vast travel experiences that you can be productive and successful without sacrificing your mental wellbeing. She says that it is possible to work towards your goals and enjoy the material and financial fruits of your labor while being happy with your choices, your interactions with people, and the decisions that you’re making. Oksana advises women to use their feminine power in their businesses to create an energy flow that creates less resistance in everything they do. This will open them up to more business opportunities, attract the right people, and find the best solutions to issues. She also encourages women to go with the flow, express gratitude, and be kind to themselves in every way possible. In this week's episode of the Lead Like A Woman Show, Andrea Heuston is joined by Oksana Esberard, a mental wellness expert, to find out how women can use their femine power and energy to build better business. Oksana talks about her inspiration to write her book, Next Level You, her journey to founding SattvaMe, and how she helps her clients improve productivity and handle stress. Stay tuned.

Lisa Rueff is the Founder and CEO of Collective Hearts. She is a multi-faceted community leader, inspirational speaker, wellness expert, jewelry designer, Sparked board game creator, and entrepreneur. She created Collective Hearts to connect, inspire and amplify love in the world. As the Founder and Chief Love Warrior Lisa Rueff knows what it means to love with purpose, and she is on a heart-based mission to spread kindness and generosity worldwide from leading international humanitarian trips to raising millions of dollars for women and children. And from her heart jewelry designs to signature workshops, retreats and talks, Lisa inspires collective hearts worldwide.  Lisa is also a Co-founder of The Jacmel Children’s Center which offers love, a home, education, and a better future for the orphans in Jacmel, Haiti. She also served as the Executive Director of the Do It For The Love Foundation which was founded by musician Michael Franti and his wife, ER nurse, Sara Agah Franti to grant live concert music wishes to people living with life-threatening illnesses, children with severe challenges, and wounded veterans, including those diagnosed with PTSD. In this episode… Lisa Rueff loves people. And her love for humanity and her desire to continuously be able to help others led her to Haiti to help victims of the 2010 earthquake that ravaged through the country. She was inspired by the people's spirit and perseverance, and she wanted to do more for them. This paved the way for her to help fundraise and start a children's home and later started a jewelry business whose proceeds help support the children's home. So why is Lisa so passionate about helping others and filling every project that she gets her hands on with love? Well, Lisa believes that when you follow your heart and do things that make others happy, more doors will open for you in the future. And women have a higher propensity to lead with love because they tend to be more tuned-in to their hearts in whatever it is that they’re working on, allowing them to have a kinder, more generous, more supportive, and more nurturing approach on their projects. Lisa Rueff, Founder and CEO of Collective Hearts, is Andrea Heuston's guest in this episode of the Lead Like a Woman Show. Tune in as Lisa talks about her humanitarian work in Haiti and how it led to the founding of a children's home and jewelry business, how her jewelry pieces have made its way to top female leaders like Patrisse Cullors and Michelle Obama, and find out how doing things with love can make the world a better place.

Cherri Prince is the Executive Vice President, Head of Client Growth at Seed Strategy. Since 1990, she has been the strategic brains behind building some of the most successful brands that market to women. She has been awarded 5 Effie awards, the only award in the ad industry based on marketing effectiveness. In 1998, Cherri co-founded an agency with Leo Burnett designed to unlock new insights into women. In this capacity, she honed unique strategies to challenge how marketers think about specific female relevant topics including beauty, motherhood, and aging. Her expertise landed her a consulting role with the creators of the 2000 hit movie What Women Want starring Mel Gibson and Helen Hunt. In 2016, Cherri joined Seed Strategy, a brand growth acceleration firm that marries creativity and business strategy to grow client business from startups to Fortune 500 firms. She created the SheQ™ Test which is the company's insight and growth initiative to empower clients with insights and strategies to grow their businesses with women. In this episode… Cherri Prince believes that everything in life happens for a reason. Growing up, she didn’t see it that way. But as an adult, she has come to appreciate the wisdom behind the words that her mother shared with her early in her life. In life, there are many things that you’ll encounter that may seem like amazing opportunities. But things don’t always go as planned and there is always that risk for disappointments to happen. But when things don’t go right, what do you do? Especially in terms of your career and your business, how do you turn an upside down situation right side up? Cherri Prince, Executive Vice President of Seed Strategy is Andrea Heuston's guest in this week's episode of the Lead Like a Woman Show. Cherri shares her marketing expertise with Andrea, why she loves working with and focusing on women in her career, and why it’s important to learn to pivot during challenging times. She also talks about Seed Strategy's Leading Ladies Networking Event and how her mother has inspired her to do her work the way that she does. Stay tuned.

Adi Klevit is the leader and visionary behind Business Success Consulting Group. Her 25 years of knowledge and experience as a trained industrial engineer, management consultant, and business executive gives her a unique understanding of the challenges that businesses face. She utilizes her practical know-how and wisdom to successfully help organizations and companies of any size to dramatically improve their efficiency and performance. By leveraging her ability to understand business processes and people, drawing on her high-caliber skills, and utilizing her knowledge and experience on vital areas of personnel management, finance and operations, Adi can help virtually any business owner to achieve their goals and bring order to their lives. When she isn’t busy running the Business Success Consulting Group or directly working with clients, Adi enjoys spending time with her husband and son, volunteering in the community, traveling, being outdoors and cooking healthy food. In this episode… Adi Klevit is a successful woman who surrounds herself with people who trust and believe in her. She believes in the power of networking and building connections because she recognizes how powerful these can be in different aspects of your life, particularly in business. Adi is also a firm believer of having a support group, especially for female leaders. She explains that it’s important to have a group of people who knows what you’re doing and can offer you support when you need it. This, along with continued learning through books and mentors, can help spell you become the kind of leader that you want to become. In this episode of the Lead Like a Woman Show, Adi Klevit, the Co-owner of Business Success Consulting Group, joins Andrea Heuston to talk about the benefits of networking and how your network can potentially determine your net worth. Adi also discusses how she helps fellow women leaders in scaling their businesses, why having systems and processes in place is good for any business, and what it takes to become a good leader. Stay tuned.

Stephanie Sims is a capital strategist, startup advisor, and the Founder of Finance-Ability, where she helps founders build economic stories that make dollars and cents. After nearly a decade in investment banking and having worked with the likes of Goldman, Lehman and CSFB on over $5 billion of transactions, Stephanie rode the high tech startup rollercoaster in Europe, complete with angels, venture capitalists, and the coveted exit to a publicly traded company. Stephanie has educated and mentored hundreds of entrepreneurs across three continents and has helped her clients raise over $30 million dollars in early stage capital. She is frequently asked to judge startup competitions and to speak about venture capital, angel investment and alternative sources of funding. Stephanie is also the host of the "What's Your Ask Podcast', where she talks to investors and entrepreneurs about the different ways they've asked and been asked for money, references, introductions, and more. In this episode… Without a doubt, the COVID-19 pandemic has had a big impact on many people's lives, especially on women in business. They’ve been forced to work from home and juggle business with motherhood. However, these circumstances could provide a good opportunity for women to figure out what their businesses actually need. At this time of limited movements and interactions, it is important for women entrepreneurs to take advantage of the situation, sit down and get clear on what you want. You need to remember what got you excited about your work in the early days of your business and find out what gives you joy right now. This way, it will be easier to figure out what works well for you and use that to improve both your personal and professional life. Stephanie Sims, the Founder of Finance-Ability, is Andrea Heuston's guest in this week's episode of the Lead Like a Woman Show where she shares her expertise on entrepreneurial finance and venture funding. She also talks about her own entrepreneurial journey that led to the founding of Finance-Ability and her work with organizations that serve startup founders. Stay tuned.

Faith Koen has been in the procurement profession for over 20 years across multiple industries. She is currently the Procurement Manager for Ste. Michelle Wine Estates and she is responsible for overseeing the procurement team and supporting the wineries and facilities that are located in Washington, California, and Oregon. Faith joined the Women of Wine (WoW) Employee Resource Group within Ste. Michelle in 2015 and she currently serves as the Chair of the organization. During her tenure with WoW, she has embraced the opportunity to collaborate and learn from other amazing women in the organization, which has allowed her to grow as a leader and more importantly, a supporter.  Christina Starr is a communications and public relations professional with 17 years of experience working with luxury brands from hospitality to tourism and wine. Currently, she's the Senior Communications Manager for Ste. Michelle Wine Estates' luxury and imported wine portfolio. She oversees the communications in the U.S. for Champagne and Villa Maria in New Zealand, along with several other domestic and important wine brands. She is also the Vice Chair of Ste. Michelle's Women of Wine (WoW), which supports events and programming to support professional development, collaboration and knowledge sharing within St. Michelle. Christina holds a level two certification from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust and is currently pursuing her level three certification. In this episode… Unlike men, most women avoid taking some actions because they feel that they do not know enough about certain subjects for them to make a move. They are unable to recognize themselves as leaders or experts in their fields and they often forget that even being a successful business owner is a continuous learning process that everyone goes through. This failure to see their own achievements and skills as enough puts a limit on them and the things that they can do, and these all stem from one thing: fear. Fear is a real thing but instead of embracing it and facing it head on, many women allow it to take over their lives. This reaction to fear prevents them from moving forward and learning from potential experiences that can elevate them and propel them towards success. So what can women do to help cope with their own fears and how can they get over their own limiting beliefs and imposter syndrome in order to unlock opportunities in their career and in their life? Join Andrea Heuston in this episode of the Lead Like a Woman Show as she interviews Faith Koen and Christina Starr of Ste. Michelle Wine Estates to talk about women in the wine industry and how they can assuage their own fears and realize that they are enough. They will also be discussing their company’s sustainability goals, what the Women of Wine Employee Resource Group in Ste. Michelle is all about, and how the wine industry has evolved through the years to be more inclusive of women. Stay tuned.

Jenna Lange is the Founder and CEO of Lange International. She specializes in high stakes communications and is a key partner for executives and their teams on how to make the most out of short but critical communication moments. Jenna has been transforming people into great communicators for over 15 years through her work with executives from the world's leading brands. In addition to working with the C-suite, she also coaches sales teams on how to pitch to win key accounts, and takes the stage for keynotes. Her experience crosses countries, industries, and communication challenges. Jenna is fluent in Spanish and Portuguese and has delivered keynote presentations to global teams throughout Europe, Latin America, and Asia. Jenna's book, Please Don't Picture Them Naked, takes readers on a humorous tour of public speaking do’s and don’ts. When she's not working, you can find her running, eating, biking, skiing, or relaxing with her husband and two children. In this episode… Unlike men, most women fail to advance in their careers and leadership roles because they are often afraid to ask for the things they need to move forward in their profession. They fear asking for referrals, asking for that promotion they've been working hard for, and asking for advice from the people who can guide them in their careers. Jenna Lange encourages women to work on their confidence and be ready to ask for things when the opportunity arises. She helps them network and communicate better, and she also encourages them to explore their world, be curious, be open minded, avoid judging themselves or other women, and get better at encouraging and advocating for other women. But why is she so passionate about this and how does she apply this to her own life and business? In this episode of the Lead Like a Woman Show, Andrea Heuston talks to Jenna Lange, Founder and CEO of Lange International, about entrepreneurship and creating your own success. Jenna explains why women leaders should not always say 'Yes' to everyone and everything, why they should advocate for fellow women, and how she leads like a woman in her business which she started 16 years ago. Stay tuned.

Nancie McDonnell Ruder is the owner of Noetic Consultants, a marketing consulting firm providing consumer research, brand strategy, marketing process and training expertise to BtoB and BtoC firms. Nancie has more than 25 years of marketing experience. She began her career at the Leo Burnett Company before starting Noetic Consultants in 2002. The word 'noetic' is related to one's intellect and thinking. Nancie chose this name for the company because it reflects her team's commitment to helping clients strategically think through their challenges, so that together, they can take the actions necessary to get the best possible outcomes. Noetic Consultants' clients have included Samsung, PepsiCo, Nike, Marriott, Mayo Clinic, and Discovery Inc, amongst others. Nancie also serves as an adjunct professor at Georgetown University, and is the creator of the Noetic Art and Science Assessment. In this episode… According to Nancie McDonnell Ruder, a woman does not have to talk loudly when working with men in order to be heard or to establish herself as a good leader. A woman can effectively lead in her own unique and feminine way because leading doesn't have to involve dominating a conversation or being masculine. It’s all about attitude and knowing how to inspire people to do what needs to be done. Being a good leader involves collaborating well with other people and not being afraid to express who you are, most especially your feminine side. Although you should be assertive and express your opinions where necessary, what’s most important is you finding your authentic voice which can be and will be heard by those around you. You don’t have to be the loudest person in the room for you to be heard–you just have to be the one that makes the most sense and offers the best options for people to choose from. And the only way that you can do this is by defining who you are living by this standard everyday. Nancie McDonnell Ruder, Founder of Noetic Consultants, is Andrea Heuston's guest in this week's episode of the Lead Like a Woman Show where she explains why women leaders should find their own authentic voice in order to become good and successful leaders. Nancie shares her own experience as a woman leader among men and how she started company. She also talks about her brand building framework, and how her brand health diagnostic tool can help her clients. Stay tuned.

Stacy Lill is the Co-founder and CEO of Cashmere Partners, focusing her efforts on corporate networking, marketing and strategic partnerships. She provides strategic consulting in wine industry education and development for many wineries. In 2007, she founded O Wines, which she sold to Chateau Ste Michelle Winery. After the sale of O Wines, Stacy founded the Opportunity for Success Scholarship Program which funds educational college scholarships for deserving young women. To date, they have awarded 71 full scholarships. Stacy’s career includes 25 years of sales and marketing experience for numerous Fortune 500 companies including Ernst and Young. She has received many honors including the Women's University Club Businesswoman of the Year, Soroptimist Award for Outstanding Community Service, Women for Wine Sense National Rising Star Award, Seattle Magazine’s Community Service Award, and the Puget Sound Business Journal Woman of Influence Award. She is highly regarded for her philanthropic efforts and is known as a community leader in both business and philanthropy. Stacy is a graduate of University of Washington, a member of the International Women's Forum, and most recently became a founding member of the Puget Sound Business Journal’s Leadership Trust. Ensuring young women have an opportunity for quality education is a pillar in Stacy's legacy. Recently, Stacy and her husband, Greg, recently co-founded Lill Family Wines as another brand in their wine portfolio. In this episode… Wine is a delicious and wonderful way of bringing people together. It’s capable of connecting people from different walks of life and different industries, and allows them to enjoy something good together. The wine industry is also an incredibly inclusive industry, allowing both men and women to contribute to its growth through their individual knowledge and skill sets. While it is a fun industry to be a part of, it is not for the faint of heart. It takes determination and a lot of collaboration, and it often challenges people to go beyond their known limits. But once you learn the ropes and fully immerse yourself in all the things it has to offer–both the good and the bad–it’s not impossible to find success. Of course, it all really depends on how you handle the cards that you’re dealt with. In this week's episode of the Lead Like a Woman Show, Andrea Heuston interviews Stacy Lill, the Co-founder and CEO of Cashmere Partners, about entrepreneurship, marketing, and wine. Tune in as they discuss Stacy's career in the wine industry and the new brands that she has recently launched with her husband, the scholarship program she offers for college kids, and her best tips for success in the wine industry.

Aimee Carpenter is the CEO and Owner of SolTerra Solar, a Seattle-based solar energy contractor. She leads a team of 25 people to bring solar design and installation services to homeowners and business owners across Washington State, and her leadership has helped grow the company to over 2000 installed solar customers. She's been an entrepreneur in the construction industry since 2004 and is passionate about using her entrepreneurial expertise for the greater good. Outside of her work at SolTerra Solar, Aimee serves on the board of the Seattle chapter of the Entrepreneurs' Organisation and the Advisory Board of NEDDIE. She is a big sister with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Puget Sound and coaches incarcerated entrepreneurs through Defy Ventures. In this episode… When Aimee Carpenter took over a solar company and became its owner and CEO, she struggled with imposter syndrome and felt that she wasn't good enough to run the company. She even avoided making any new changes because she was scared of making bad decisions. But over the years, she has learned to believe in herself and take control and ownership of the business. Many women face the same challenges when they take up leadership positions because of the limiting beliefs they have about themselves. They hinder their own growth and this greatly impacts their work and business. So how do they overcome this so that they can become the best version of themselves? Aimee Carpenter, the CEO and Owner of SolTerra Solar, joins Andrea Heuston in this week's episode of the Lead Like a Woman Show where they talk about Aimee’s struggles with imposter syndrome and how she got over her own limiting beliefs to successfully grow SolTerra Solar into what it is today. Aimee also discusses how she thrives in a male-dominated industry, the lessons she learned about being a better leader, and why she puts such high value on accountability and a no-excuses attitude. Stay tuned.