Future Female Leaders

Continuing the week's momentum on believing your labor has value and tracking it in your brag document, Nichole covers a step most people skip entirely: getting feedback from your manager before you ever bring up a raise.

In this episode:

• Why walking into a raise conversation cold is risky, and how an unknown concern can catch you off guard mid-ask
• How to time this conversation depending on your company's review cycle
• The exact, low-pressure way to request a feedback conversation with your manager
• How to frame it if you already have regular one-on-ones
• Why this conversation gives you either confidence or a heads-up gap to close before the real ask
• Specific questions to ask in the meeting, including biggest strengths, growth areas, and what performance at the next level looks like
• Why you should log your manager's exact words in your brag document to reference later
• How this conversation quietly plants the seed for your manager, ahead of the actual raise discussion
• Today's task: get a feedback conversation on the calendar for the next week or so

Download the 7 Days to Ask for a Raise Challenge to help you confidently ask for a raise here.

Connect with Nichole on Instagram @nichole.harrop

Building on yesterday's episode about believing your labor has value, Nichole introduces the one tool that actually proves it: the brag document.

In this episode:

• Why the word "brag" makes so many women cringe, and why this document isn't about bragging to anyone but yourself
• Why our brains are wired to forget our own wins, and how that hurts us when it's finally time to ask for a raise
• What to actually write down: one line per win, including the date, what happened, and the result
• The difference between logging a task versus logging an outcome, with a real example
• Why you should also save the "soft stuff," like compliments, kind messages, and moments coworkers came to you for help
• Today's challenge: open a blank note, title it "My Wins," and write down your first entry

Download the 7 Days to Ask for a Raise Challenge to help you confidently ask for a raise here.

Connect with Nichole on Instagram @nichole.harrop

After more than a year away from the podcast, Nichole is committing to daily episodes throughout the rest of the year, all in service of one goal: helping 1,000 women confidently ask for a raise by the end of the year.

In this episode:

• Why Labor Day is the perfect day to ask yourself: What is my labor actually worth?
• Why women in particular tend to minimize their own work, even while defending others who are underpaid
• The belief that has to come before any raise conversation: "My labor has value"
• Why companies pay people what they negotiate, not what they're worth, and why that starts with believing you deserve more
• A small challenge for today: write down the sentence "my labor has value" somewhere you'll see it

Get the 7-Days to Ask for a Raise Challenge here

Connect on Instagram @nichole.harrop

Nichole is back after a break, with a life update: she is expecting her third daughter and easing back into recording. In this episode, she gets real about a recent moment where she asked for feedback the wrong way, even though it is a topic she coaches on all the time. She breaks down exactly what went wrong, why vague feedback requests rarely get you anywhere, and how to ask in a way that actually gets you something useful. She also covers what to do with feedback you do not agree with, and why timing matters more than most people realize, especially after a rejection.

• Why asking "what could I be working on?" is too vague to get helpful feedback
• The exact phrasing to use instead, so your ask is specific and actionable
• Why feedback tied to something from months or years ago can still catch you off guard, and what to do with it
• What "good" feedback actually feels like, and why it is not always sunshine and rainbows
• How to handle feedback you do not agree with, without dismissing it outright
• Why asking for feedback immediately after a rejection is the wrong move, and what to do instead
• How following up on feedback, on your own initiative, sets you apart from almost everyone else

[00:03:00] Nichole shares a recent experience where she asked a senior leader for feedback on a potential future role, and where her ask fell short.

[00:07:00] Why company-wide feedback requests often turn into a pile-up of unrelated complaints, and what that reveals about how most people think of the word "feedback."

[00:07:30] A moment where Nichole received feedback tied to something from her first few months at the company, two and a half years later.

[00:09:00] How to reframe a vague feedback request into a specific one, using real language you can borrow.

[00:11:00] What to do when you get feedback you do not fully agree with, and why she still calls feedback a gift.

[00:12:30] Why asking for feedback the moment you get turned down for a role almost never works in your favor.

[00:14:00] The follow-up strategy Nichole used as a hiring leader, and why so few candidates actually followed through, and what that means for you.

"Feedback is feedback. It is a gift, so we're gonna take it and run with it and figure out what we can do with it from there."

"Don't be like me. Don't go in and ask for vague feedback because you're probably not gonna get what you're looking for."

Follow along on Instagram @nichole.harrop for daily career growth tips, and head to the link in bio for the Career Journal, the Ultimate Career Growth Workbook,

🎙️ Episode Summary: In this candid solo episode, Nichole opens up about her own experience with imposter syndrome—including why she hesitated to hit "record" after a few months away from the mic. From putting off speaking engagements to doubting her podcasting consistency, Nichole reflects on the internal dialogue so many women face at work.

You'll walk away with practical strategies for recognizing and confronting imposter syndrome, plus reminders that growth takes time—and you're not alone.

💬 What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• Why imposter syndrome can creep in—even when you're already successful

• How to reframe fear-based thoughts and stop self-sabotage

• Ways to reflect on and celebrate your growth

• The power of technical vulnerability and asking for help

• Why clarity from your leader can reduce self-doubt

• How to use your voice (literally!) to change your mindset

✨ Nichole's Top Tips:

• Speak truth out loud: Replace fearful thoughts with intentional affirmations.

• Track your growth: Write down how you've improved since starting your current role.

• Don't go it alone: Ask for support, guidance, or mentorship when you're feeling stuck.

• Connect with your leader: Clarify what success looks like in your role and what to work toward.

📥 Get the Career Growth Guide: Not sure what to focus on each month in your career? Download Nichole's Career Growth Guide—it includes two focus areas per month and video support to help you grow with purpose. 👉 Grab it here.

🔗 Let's Connect: Nichole would love to hear from you! Say hi on LinkedIn and start a genuine conversation. You're not alone in your career journey. 💛

In this episode, Nichole Harrop dives into the practice of selecting a Word of the Year to guide personal and professional growth. She shares her own process of choosing the word Momentum for 2025 and how it aligns with her goals. Nichole also offers practical tips for selecting a word, incorporating accountability, and using AI tools to brainstorm meaningful options.

Don't forget to get your copy of the Career Growth Guide

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• Why choosing a word of the year can provide clarity and motivation
• Nichole's personal journey with goal-setting and accountability
• How to find a word that resonates with your goals and values
• Real-life examples of words chosen by others and their meanings
• How to stay accountable and build momentum throughout the year

Resources Mentioned:

• Career Growth Guide: A resource to help you focus on key areas of growth each month. Get your copy via the link in the show notes.
• LinkedIn Connection: Join Nichole on LinkedIn to participate in free career growth sessions.

Key Takeaways:

• Selecting a word that aligns with your aspirations can help guide your actions throughout the year.
• Building habits and accountability through small steps leads to long-term success.
• Using AI tools like ChatGPT can help generate ideas and refine your word selection process.
• It's okay to pivot and adjust your focus throughout the year as needed.

Real quick, grab the Career Growth Guide here.

Nichole Harrop chats with co-worker Lauren Cohen about her incredible journey through nearly four decades in the tech industry. From programming on mainframes in the '80s to embracing cutting-edge AI and modern workplace technologies, Lauren shares her insights on staying adaptable and thriving in an ever-changing field.

Lauren discusses how she navigated major transitions in technology, overcame challenges as a woman in computer science, and continues to evolve in her role at Vasion. She offers actionable advice on managing change, collaborating across generations, and building confidence through experience. Whether you're just starting out or looking to level up in your career, this episode is packed with inspiration and practical takeaways.

What You'll Learn:

• Strategies for staying relevant in the tech world.
• The value of cross-generational learning and collaboration.
• How to embrace change and manage frustrations when learning new skills.
• Tips for identifying mentors and leveraging workplace relationships.

Resources Mentioned:

• Career Growth Guide: Plan your development with actionable monthly goals. Get your copy here.

About the Guest: Lauren Cohen is a Digital Transformation Engineer at Vasion with 37 years of experience in software development. She has a passion for learning and sharing knowledge, and her ability to adapt and thrive in the fast-paced tech world makes her a leader and mentor to her peers.

Connect with Nichole

• Visit www.hellogrowvio.com for more career resources.
• Follow Nichole Harrop on LinkedIn.

Nichole chats with Amy Spurling, the CEO and Founder of Compt, about the power of leading with boundaries. Amy shares her personal journey of founding Compt at 40 after a successful career as a CFO and COO in the tech industry. She explains how Compt's global lifestyle benefits platform supports employees in a personalized way, empowering companies to meet their team members where they are in their life journeys.

This conversation dives into key strategies for balancing well-being and career success, setting boundaries like "No Meeting Mondays," and embracing mental health as an integral part of leadership and workplace culture.

1. The Importance of Boundaries: Amy emphasizes how setting boundaries—like logging off at 5 p.m. or protecting lunch breaks—leads to increased productivity, creativity, and team morale.
2. Measuring Outcomes Over Hours: A results-oriented mindset encourages flexibility and allows employees to manage their workloads without unnecessary stress.
3. Mental Health Matters: Amy opens up about her personal strategies for managing her mental health and the ripple effect this approach has on her team.
4. Personalized Benefits Work: Learn how tailoring employee benefits to individual needs can improve workplace satisfaction and foster a positive culture.
5. Leadership Lessons: Amy's insights on empowering her team, managing priorities, and fostering sustainable work environments are invaluable for leaders at every level.

• Connect with Amy Spurling on LinkedIn
• Learn more about Compt
• Download the Career Growth Guide to simplify your professional development journey: link here.

In this episode, Nichole Harrop chats with career coach Andrea Yacub Macek to discuss navigating career uncertainty and creating strategies for your next career move. Andrea shares her personal journey, including how she transitioned from pursuing a medical career to climbing the corporate ladder, and finally finding her passion in helping women discover career alignment.

Andrea and Nichole dive into topics like:

• How to recognize when you're at a career crossroads
• Common challenges women face in their careers, like toxic bosses or feeling lost in their roles
• The importance of sitting with discomfort and using it to gain clarity
• Practical strategies for turning setbacks into growth opportunities
• The power of vulnerability and building trust in your decision-making process

Whether you're feeling stuck in your current role or unsure of your next steps, Andrea's advice on gaining clarity and aligning your career with your purpose will give you the tools you need to move forward with confidence.

Key Takeaways:

1. Embrace Change: Career setbacks or unexpected changes can be growth opportunities if you practice resilience and trust in yourself.
2. Clarity First: Before making any decisions, take time to clarify your vision for your life and career, and simplify it into actionable steps.
3. Support System: It's important to build a network of supportive people around you, whether that's inside your workplace or outside.
4. Sit in Discomfort: Growth often comes from uncomfortable emotions. Don't run from them—process them to gain deeper insight into what you truly want.

Links Mentioned:

• Download Nichole's Career Growth Guide to focus on key areas of professional development each month. Get yours here.
• Connect with Andrea Yacub Macek on LinkedIn.
• Visit Andrea's website for more information on her coaching services.

Check out the Career Growth Guide to grow in your career.

In this episode, Nichole Harrop sits down with Heather Nemelka, a single mother of five who re-entered the workforce after an 18-year break. Heather shares her inspiring journey of navigating career pivots, regaining confidence, and launching her own business, Elevare, to help women—especially single mothers—return to the workforce.

Heather discusses the challenges she faced, including the self-doubt that comes with re-entering the workforce after a long break. She offers actionable advice on using informational interviews to build confidence, making career pivots, and leveraging networking to grow professionally. Heather's story provides valuable insights for anyone looking to re-enter the workforce or pivot careers.

Key Takeaways:

• Informational Interviews: Heather explains how conducting informational interviews helped her gain confidence, network, and land her first role after her career break.
• Building Confidence: Heather highlights the importance of "borrowing confidence" from those around you and using past experiences as evidence of your abilities.
• Networking: Heather shares practical tips for expanding your network, including attending free local events, volunteering, and making meaningful LinkedIn connections.
• Affirmations and Self-Belief: Heather emphasizes the power of positive affirmations in overcoming self-doubt and rebuilding confidence.
• Reframing Experience: Mothers returning to the workforce can leverage the skills they've gained during their time at home to showcase value in the professional world.

Resources Mentioned:

• Elevare: Heather's business focused on helping women, particularly mothers, return to the workforce. Visit www.elavare.com for more information.
• Career Growth Guide: Nichole's resource to help you focus on skill development and career conversations with your leader.

Connect with Heather Nemelka:

• Website: www.elavare.com
• LinkedIn: Heather Nemelka

Connect with Nichole Harrop:

• Website: hellogrowvio.com
• LinkedIn: Nichole Harrop