Carrie, It's Not That Serious

Reinvention doesn’t mean starting over—it means amplifying the expertise you’ve already earned. In Part 1, Carrie Hunter sits down with visibility + authority strategist Barbara Pike Gonzales to unpack the identity shift from “corporate star” to personal brand, the myths women believe about reinvention, and how to build credibility from your existing body of work.

Timestamped Overview[00:00] Episode open + intro to Barbara Pike Gonzales[02:07] Childhood roots: Midwest upbringing + early leadership[04:01] Corporate career lessons, missed opportunities + redefining success[10:00] The hard parts of leaving a corporate identity behind[12:41] Identity shift: from corporate persona to personal brand[15:07] Myth-busting: what reinvention really means for women[18:05] Authenticity vs corporate rules + visibility challenges[19:20] Final reflections + episode close

Tapping into presence and rest can be the most powerful leadership move you make—but what happens when high-achieving women finally slow down?

In this episode, Nicole Bliss joins Carrie Hunter for a transformative conversation about shifting from busyness to conscious leadership. You'll discover why traditional notions of productivity are being replaced by the pursuit of inner peace, the tangible ways executives can reconnect with themselves (beyond just chasing titles), and the vital importance of rest for leaders. Nicole Bliss shares real-world practices—from journaling to retreats and yoga nidra meditation—that help women leaders reset, heal, and ultimately show up aligned and empowered in their lives and organizations.

Timestamped Overview[00:00] Episode intro and picking up from Part 1[00:16] The dangers of not delegating and unchecked leadership patterns[01:48] Reconnecting to self beyond achievement[02:14] How to rediscover joy and passion as a leader[05:13] The cultural shift from success to peace—especially for women[07:15] Why rest is a revolutionary leadership practice[10:00] The necessity of rest and embodied self-awareness[11:35] Nicole Bliss's personal journey with mindfulness, yoga, and leadership[17:11] What happens for women who give themselves permission to slow down[20:06] Overview of Nicole Bliss's retreats and conscious leadership offerings[29:05] The ocean as a metaphor for presence and home[31:12] What "Women in Power" truly means[33:44] Closing thoughts, invitation to connect, and episode wrap-up

Slowing down might be the most powerful leadership move you can make—could pressing pause actually unlock more growth than hustling harder?

In this episode, Carrie Hunter sits down with executive coach and founder of Lead with Bliss, Nicole Bliss, to uncover how leaders can break free from patterns of burnout and rediscover their true essence—both in life and at work. From reconnecting with your childhood joy to undoing always-on habits like nonstop Slack notifications, this candid conversation delivers practical insights into conscious leadership, the value of presence, and why rest is a necessity, not a luxury.

Episode Overview

00:05 Welcome and Introduction to Nicole Bliss

02:15 Carrie Hunter asks about Nicole Bliss's childhood and early influences

05:18 The moment of realizing success wasn't enough

08:18 Why leadership begins with presence, not answers

11:10 Distraction, multitasking, and making the choice to focus

15:55 Moving past hustle: How success patterns can hold us back

19:23 Common unconscious patterns in high performers

21:45 Wrapping up and preview of part 2

Discover why embracing your strengths—not your weaknesses—can supercharge your career trajectory and open doors to influential leadership. What does it really take for women to confidently land a board seat, and how can community accelerate your journey?

In this insightful episode, Carrie Hunter sits down with Annette Pearson and Samantha Carroll to break down actionable steps for women aiming for board leadership, the power of representation at decision-making tables, and how to build meaningful impact at every career stage. Expect candid advice on overcoming self-doubt, strategies for finding your unique path to influence, the tangible benefits that women bring to boards, and inspiration from dream advisory boards—featuring everyone from Oprah to real-life family heroes.

Episode Overview

00:00 Welcome and episode setup

00:16 Confidence, self-worth, and leadership lessons

01:22 Leaning into strengths vs. forcing weaknesses

03:24 Multiple paths to impact and the importance of asking questions

05:35 Why board representation matters for women

07:31 Tangible benefits of women in boardrooms

09:06 First steps to land a board seat and building community

11:00 How to match board service to your life and priorities

14:01 Light the Way and Board of Advisors: resources & community

18:12 Dream advisory boards: personal inspirations

24:04 What does "woman in power" mean?

28:02 Closing thoughts and calls to action

When women realize their skills—both technical and “soft”—are the keys to decision-making power, whole new rooms open up. But why do so many talented women still see the boardroom as out of reach?

In this game-changing episode, Carrie Hunter sits down with Annette Pearson and Samantha Carroll, co-founders of Light the Way, to discuss the myths and mindsets that keep women from board seats and how their Board of AdvisHERs program breaks down those barriers. You’ll hear real stories about imposter syndrome, the underestimated value of soft skills, what boards actually seek, and how strategic communication and self-advocacy play an essential role in elevating women’s leadership journeys. If you’ve ever thought a board seat isn’t for you, this episode will make you think again.

Timestamped Overview

00:00  Introduction & Guest Backgrounds02:29  Childhood Roots: Early Confidence & Connection07:02  The Power of Partnership10:56  Why Women Should Pursue Board Seats13:23  Surprises from Board Cohorts15:56  Barriers to Board Service: Knowledge, Access & Confidence19:19  What Boards Are Really Looking For23:19  Undervaluing Soft Skills27:24  The Critical Role of Executive Presence & Communication30:42  Closing & Episode Wrap Up

True leadership is about knowing your own power—and using it to lift others.

In this inspiring episode, Carrie Hunter sits down with former Planned Parenthood president and Take the Lead co-founder Gloria Feldt to dig into resilience, empathy, and the real stories behind the fight for women’s leadership. Discover why intention alone isn’t enough, how empathy can become your “superpower,” and why setbacks are a natural—sometimes necessary—part of impactful progress.

Gloria Feldt shares fresh insights on the future of female leadership in an AI-driven world, the importance of owning your story, and practical ways to get involved and keep advancing the movement.

Timestamped Overview

00:00 Episode open, Planned Parenthood, and empathy in leadership04:34 Intentioning: turning ambition into action06:26 Role models, caring, and the reality of success09:02 What gives Gloria Feldt hope—and how change really happens13:17 Future generations, responsibility, and confidence14:39 Take the Lead: mission, resources, and how to participate21:25 Writing a memoir: telling your story as legacy26:13 What "women in power" means today28:25 Closing: resources, next steps, and gratitude

Discover how embracing your power—no matter where you start—can transform your life and the world around you. What does it truly mean to recognize and use your own power?

In this episode, Carrie Hunter welcomes visionary leader Gloria Feldt—author, advocate, and co-founder of Take the Lead Women—for an inspiring conversation about overcoming cultural barriers, redefining power, and building movements that make real change.

Key highlights include:

• Gloria Feldt's personal journey from a small Texas town to the helm of Planned Parenthood
• The cultural factors that hold women back from recognizing their own power—and how to overcome them
• Actionable insights into movement-building, leadership, and why mindset comes before skillset
• Candid reflections on work, ambition, and the real impact of women supporting each other

Tune in for powerful stories and practical wisdom to help you claim your place as a woman in power—no excuses.

Timestamped Overview

[00:00] Episode introduction and Gloria Feldt's background

[02:01] Childhood, cultural influences, and early ambitions

[03:36] Awakening to leadership and civil rights activism

[06:06] Realizing gender inequities and becoming an advocate for women

[09:58] The concept of power unused, and its personal impact

[11:10] Learning power, movement-building, and facing backlash

[14:10] Opening clinics, providing care, and discovering a love for growing organizations

[17:02] Reframing power: from "power over" to "power to"

[19:33] Women’s ambivalence around power—the research and reality

[22:08] Scarcity mindset vs. generative leadership

[22:58] Cultural conditioning and the pay gap

[24:00] Mindset versus skillset: the foundation of women’s leadership

[25:17] From teacher to CEO: navigating opportunity and impact

[28:14] National leadership, organizational adversity, and unexpected life changes

[31:00] The power of supportive partnerships and holistic impact

[31:51] Episode wrap and preview of part 2

When confidence meets community, women can transform not just their own lives—but entire communities. What if the first step to change is smaller than you think?

In this inspiring episode, Carrie Hunter sits down with Amara Martin, executive director of Dress for Success Denver, to talk about why transformation starts with a single action—no matter how small. They break down the misconceptions about Dress for Success, highlight the game-changing Butterfly Bus, and discuss the true meaning of economic independence and self-defined success. Along the way, Amara Martin shares actionable tips for building confidence, removing barriers, and how anyone can get involved to make a measurable difference.

Episode Overview:

00:06 - The power of sharing vulnerability and the mission of Dress for Success01:13 - How confidence shifts and why it’s vital for transformation02:33 - Four signature Dress for Success Denver programs04:23 - The impact and necessity of community07:23 - The origin of the innovative Butterfly Bus10:27 - Action before confidence: practical advice for women12:53 - Why financial independence matters for women15:17 - How to get involved and support Dress for Success Denver22:27 - The underestimated power of women’s transformation25:13 - Amara Martin’s love for pugs and closing reflections on self-defined success

Discover why true empowerment starts on the inside. What does it really take for women to break through barriers of self-doubt, rebuild confidence, and define success on their own terms?

In this inspiring episode, Carrie Hunter sits down with Amara Martin, CEO of Dress for Success Denver, to explore two decades of transforming lives—not just through job interview outfits, but through cultivating self-worth, resilience, and authentic community. Listen for moving stories about perseverance, building a judgment-free space, the unexpected power of vulnerability, and leadership lessons that no textbook can teach.

Timestamped Overview

00:00 Introduction & guest background02:08 Amara Martin on her childhood & learning to stand out05:07 Journey to Dress for Success & discovering her true purpose09:25 What women really need—beyond clothes & resume tips13:16 The volunteer-driven, judgment-free community at Dress for Success17:03 Powerful lessons in perseverance & strength from women served23:24 How serving others and role modeling became Amara Martin’s mission25:37 Why authenticity and showing struggle matter in leadership29:43 The isolation of “perfection” and impact of vulnerability32:06 Wrap-up and preview of part two

Discover why nurturing your body with small, consistent habits can do more for your longevity and resilience than overwhelming, all-or-nothing approaches. What hidden stories are your body and mind telling, and how does stress really affect your health and aging—especially for women?

In this insightful episode, Carrie Hunter and somatic movement educator Sue Hitzmann uncover practical ways to outsmart packaged food pitfalls, simple movement hacks for daily energy and mobility, and the fascinating science behind how our emotions and physical states are deeply intertwined. Dive into actionable tips on nervous system regulation, the truth about aging well, and how the Melt Method empowers you to take charge of your health—no three-hour CrossFit sessions required.

Key highlights:

• Decoding food labels, barcodes, and carcinogens—even at health stores
• Everyday stress, trauma, and their silent effects on your body
• Nervous system regulation explained in plain language
• Simple daily actions to support longevity and resilience
• The power of consistency over intensity (especially for women)
• MELT Method: what it is, why it matters, and tools for self-care
• Candid revelations from over 20 years of human cadaver dissection

Episode Overview

00:00 Positive habits and the Yucca app: upgrading your grocery shopping

02:04 Fruits, veggies, and what those produce stickers mean

04:05 How emotional trauma physically manifests

05:39 Awakening to body-mind connections

09:48 Nervous system dysregulation: what it means, what to do

13:05 Aging, longevity, and what women are missing

16:31 Easy movement hacks for a healthier life

18:45 What actually causes age-related stiffness and pain

18:53 MELT Method—what it is, how to try it

25:13 Lessons from 20 years of human cadaver dissection

26:48 What does “women in power” mean to Sue Hitzmann ?

28:31 Wrap-up and next steps