IntHERrupt

What are your goals for the New Year? Is it to improve your finances, change careers, or start a new hobby? Maybe it’s the classical resolution of joining the gym.

Whatever your New Year’s goal is, you must take the time to plan it out. Why is this so important?

Listen to this week’s episode of the Int-HER-rupt podcast to find out. Join Linda Yates in this three-part series as she shares powerful leadership strategies to supercharge your success in the new year. In this premier episode, Linda dives into the importance of planning and setting yourself up for a successful year as a leader.

Planning for Success

• Linda emphasizes the crucial role of planning in one’s journey as a leader and a successful professional. Planning principles remain equally applicable, whether it's the start of a new fiscal year, a new project, or any point in one's professional journey.

• She highlights the significance of purpose and encourages listeners to contemplate their purpose, plans, and aspirations for the year.

Prioritizing Self-Care

• Linda stresses the importance of self-care for leaders, emphasizing prioritizing activities that rejuvenate and empower individuals. 

• She shares personal examples, such as scheduling monthly beach visits, to illustrate the significance of self-care in maintaining personal well-being.

Value of Vacations

• Encouraging leaders to plan vacations well in advance, Linda emphasizes that personal well-being is the foundation for effective leadership. 

• By setting an example and prioritizing vacations, leaders can cultivate a culture of balance and rejuvenation within their teams.

Setting Personal Goals

• Linda highlights the multifaceted nature of personal goals and advocates for a holistic approach that extends beyond professional targets. 

• She urges leaders to identify and prioritize various goals, encompassing professional, self-care, social, financial, and health aspects.

The Power of Knowledge

• Linda underscores the instrumental role of books in enriching knowledge. 

• Encouraging leaders to read or listen to books that align with their goals, Linda emphasizes the transformative impact of continuous learning on professional and personal development.

Personal Insights and Experience

• Drawing from personal experiences as a mother and a business professional, Linda discusses her family's annual goal-setting rituals and their impact on creating a purposeful and successful year. 

• She parallels this approach with organizational retreats, highlighting the effectiveness of planning and prioritization.

As Linda signs off, she leaves listeners with a compelling message, reminding them of their hidden strengths and the boundless possibilities awaiting realization. With the unwavering belief that nothing is impossible, Linda instills confidence and determination in her listeners as they gear up to conquer 2024 as strong, purposeful leaders.

Tune in to part two next week as Linda delves deeper into actionable strategies for leading effectively in the new year.

“What is your purpose for today? What is your purpose for your experiences? What is your purpose for the clothes that you put on? Many of you know that I work with individuals on their personal image, so it really comes down to your purpose or why.” - Linda Yates

If this episode connected with you, reach out to Linda and let her know. This podcast is produced by TSE Studios. Check out other podcasts by TSE Studios, including this episode’s sponsor, The Sales Evangelist, helping new and struggling sellers close more deals and achieve their sales goals. Subscribe to the IntHERrupt Podcast so you won’t miss a single show. Find us on Apple Podcast, Google Podcast, Spotify, and Stitcher. Audio created by Ryan Rasmussen Productions. 

In this energizing episode of the Int-HER-rupt podcast, our host Linda Yates connects with Radhika Shukla. Shukla has 21 years of experience in sales across many different industries leading high-performing teams. She doesn’t just talk the talk – she is the living embodiment of a growth mindset. Listen in for tons of great tips on how to cultivate resilience, passion, and determination!

What Is a Growth Mindset?

• The belief that your abilities and skills can be developed over time.
• Failure is viewed as an opportunity for self-development and growth.
• All things are possible, 100% accountability, and the time for action is now!
• If you believe you can’t change, you have what’s called a “fixed mindset.”

Tips for Creating a Growth Mindset

• Embrace challenges with an open mind. Focus on learning all you can in new situations and don’t dwell on self-doubt.
• Be open to feedback. Even brutal feedback can be a gift, as it gives you a chance to develop self-awareness.
• View failure as a learning opportunity. Failure is a moment in time, and teaches resilience. It’s okay to feel your feelings, but then bounce back!
• Cultivate a passion for learning. Find interesting ways to continue to improve yourself, even if it’s not “required”.
• Persevere. When things are difficult, keep trying. Progress takes time and patience.

How to Help Yourself on Tough Days

• Gratitude practice: Shukla journals about things she is grateful for.
• Physical activity to work it out. Shukla dances and does yoga!
• Give yourself space. It’s okay to not be okay.
• Surround yourself with good people.
• Mindfulness practice.

“Rejection means redirection… to something bigger and better.” – Radhika Shukla

Resources

Radhika Shukla on LinkedIn

Radhika Shukla on Instagram

Check out the Int-HER-rupt Website at www.intherrupt.com! You can reach out to Linda and let her know how this episode relates to you. This podcast is produced by TSE Studios. Check out other podcasts by TSE Studios, including this episode’s sponsor, The Sales Evangelist, helping new and struggling sellers close more deals and achieve their sales goals. Subscribe to the IntHERrupt Podcast so you won’t miss a single show. Find us on Apple Podcast, Google Podcast, Spotify, and Stitcher. Audio created by Ryan Rasmussen Productions.

In this episode of "Int-HER-rupt," host Linda Yates speaks with Susan Bigsby, a Florida-based image consultant and personal stylist, to discuss the importance of personal image in leadership. With over 30 years of experience, Susan has worked with high-profile individuals, including Florida governors and top-level professionals. 

Discover insightful advice on how to stand out as a leader in this week’s episode. You’ll even hear some stylish fashion tips from Susan, so tune in now.

Susan's Journey

• Susan shares her lifelong fascination with fashion and style, tracing her journey from being an expert seamstress to winning an international sewing contest. 
• Her passion for music and fashion ultimately led her to become a corporate image consultant for Estée Lauder executives in the early '90s, offering a unique perspective on personal image and confidence.

The Impact of Making Yourself Stand Out

• Susan emphasizes the importance of presenting oneself in a polished and professional manner, particularly for women. 
• She stresses the significance of grooming and personal presentation, underscoring the role of appearance in leaving impactful impressions and building self-respect.

The Shift in Personal Style

• Discussing contemporary trends and the post-COVID era, Susan addresses the challenges individuals face in maintaining a professional image. 
• With the rise of virtual platforms like Zoom, she emphasizes the need to create a well-groomed and professional appearance, highlighting the importance of first impressions in a digital world.

Tips for Standing Out

• Susan offers valuable tips, including preparing dress rehearsals for important events and creating lookbooks for effortless outfit selection. 
• She advocates for making intentional wardrobe choices and understanding individual body types to curate impactful and authentic personal styles.

Authenticity in Personal Style

• Contrary to changing someone's style, Susan emphasizes enhancing individual styles to align with their lifestyle and confidence. 
• She urges individuals to keep up with fashion trends, make conscious new wardrobe additions, and recognize the cultural influence in dressing.

Susan's Personal Journey

• Susan opens up about personal interruptions, including overcoming alopecia, conveying a message of resilience and positivity in adapting to life-altering changes. 
• Her experience is a testament to the power of personal image in fostering confidence and adaptability.

Leadership Tips

• Drawing from her extensive work with leaders and CEOs, Susan underscores the importance of being prepared, respecting one's peers, and doing the right thing as key leadership principles. 
• She emphasizes the significance of acknowledging and preparing for diversity of perspectives in leadership roles.

This episode offers a comprehensive exploration of the role of personal image in leadership, featuring practical tips and personal anecdotes from Susan Bigsby's illustrious career. Listen to gain valuable insights into enhancing personal styles and how it develops you into a confident leader.

"Being prepared and respect your audience, respect those that you're addressing." - Susan Bigsby

Resources

Susanbigsby

Susan Bigsby on Facebook

Susan Bigsby on Instagram

If this episode connected with you, reach out to Linda and let her know. This podcast is produced by TSE Studios. Check out other podcasts by TSE Studios, including this episode’s sponsor, The Sales Evangelist, helping new and struggling sellers close more deals and achieve their sales goals. Subscribe to the IntHERrupt Podcast so you won’t miss a single show. Find us on Apple Podcast, Google Podcast, Spotify, and Stitcher. Audio created by Ryan Rasmussen Productions.

In a world filled with constant disruptions, the power of example has never been more important.

In this episode of Int-Her-rupt, host Linda Yates welcomes Denise Jones to discuss the powerful impact of leading by example in personal and professional settings. The conversation delves into Denise's personal experiences, professional insights, and the valuable lessons learned from her journey.

Discover inspiring leadership skills within this insightful episode!

Denise's Journey

• Denise shares her journey as a transformation expert with over 20 years of experience in the IT and software service industry. 
• As a working parent, Denise emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and embracing discomfort as a means of personal and professional growth.

Leading by Example - Influential Figures

• Denise draws inspiration from her mother, who exemplified resilience and a can-do attitude as a single parent. 
• She credits her mother for instilling the values of learning, leading, and graciously seeking help when necessary. 
• Professionally, Denise holds Satya Nadella, the CEO of Microsoft, in high regard as a phenomenal leader whose approach to problem-solving and inclusivity has left a lasting impression.

Effective Leadership Traits

• The discussion reveals the significance of curiosity, transparency, and integrity as pivotal traits necessary for effective leadership. 
• Denise emphasizes the value of maintaining an open mind and a transparent approach while upholding the highest standards of integrity.

The Impact of Positive Interruptions

• Denise shares personal experiences of positive interruptions, such as her children's academic accomplishments and professional achievements. 
• She highlights the importance of balancing personal and professional milestones while maintaining a positive and proactive approach to interruptions in life and work.

The Power of Positive Leadership

• Denise provides three concrete tips for positively leading by example:
• Leave a place, situation, or team better than you found it.
• Embrace curiosity and openly seek new ideas and perspectives.
• Foster transparency and integrity as foundational values in leadership.

Navigating Challenges and Poor Leadership Traits

• Denise reflects on encounters with poor leadership traits involving fear-based leadership and intimidation in the professional sphere. 
• She elaborates on the significance of effectively navigating through challenges, fortifying resilience, and sustaining a productive and growth-oriented approach.

Lessons from Interruptions

• Denise candidly discusses her journey through a significant interruption in her career, addressing the experience of being laid off and the subsequent resilience and positivity exhibited in approaching the unexpected change. 
• She emphasizes the value of embracing interruptions as opportunities for personal and professional growth, ultimately shaping a new path forward.

Denise shares her valuable insights and experiences, underscoring the transformative impact of leading by example and the enduring influence of positive leadership in personal and professional realms.

Join Linda Yates and Denise Jones in this enriching conversation as they explore the profound impact of leading by example, navigating interruptions, and fostering positive leadership traits in both personal and professional spheres.

“I've always been taught, and took me a little while to learn it's not what you say. It's how you say it. And it's literally coming to the table with new, not necessarily better all the time, but with new ideas, new thoughts again, even if it's close to what they were sharing prior, which is my own little Denise isms or twist on it that stems from my experience in the industry that we're in. Like I said, I don't claim to know it all. I'm open to learning, but I will share my knowledge, my historical background, and what has and hasn't worked.” - Denise Jones.

If this episode connected with you, reach out to Linda and let her know. This podcast is produced by TSE Studios. Check out other podcasts by TSE Studios, including this episode’s sponsor, The Sales Evangelist, helping new and struggling sellers close more deals and achieve their sales goals. Subscribe to the IntHERrupt Podcast so you won’t miss a single show. Find us on Apple Podcast, Google Podcast, Spotify, and Stitcher. Audio created by Ryan Rasmussen Productions.

Re-entering the paid workforce is a terrifying experience. The idea of having to prepare yourself for the job hunt makes your heart pound nonstop. 

You search Indeed and LinkedIn for the perfect gig with an excellent salary and benefits. As you do your research, you feel discouraged, believing you are too inexperienced to succeed.

To help you find the courage to re-enter the workforce, listen to this week's episode of the Int-HER-rupt podcast. Host, Linda Yates, speaks with career coach, Cassie Spencer, on tips to help you find the perfect job. It's time to dust off your resume and tune in to discover insightful job-hunting tips.

Cassie Spencer’s Background

• Cassie is a career coach passionate about helping others find their ideal job. She has helped over 700 clients in different industries build their confidence in job hunting and gaining effective application skills.
• She believes that too many women spend time working in a career that they dislike. So, she built a career out of doing it to help others find employment that they loved.
• Cassie is the owner and founder of Career Coach Cassie. Check her out if you need help finding a job you love and want to spend years in.

Tips For Re-entering the Workforce

• Cassie’s biggest tip for re-entering the workforce is to start with a plan. If you’re unsure of what you want when job-seeking, finding a job that fulfills you will be hard.
• Her next tip is preparing documents, such as resumes and cover letters. She also discusses the importance of internal reflection and defining your job goals.
• Cassie’s last tip is to be open to networking. You may be afraid to speak to people, but conversations with past employers or co-workers can lead to open doors for your next career.

Advice on Feeling Overwhelmed With Job-Seeking

• Cassie continues to discuss the importance of a tailored plan focusing on your job-hunting goals. This will ensure you find employment that meets your needs.
• The plan can also help you spend the amount of time you need for job-seeking. Everyone is not able to spend hours searching for employment. If you only have fifteen minutes a day for job-seeking, set that amount of time aside.
• She also discusses the importance of showing an impact on your resume. This is where you show numbers or metrics of a change you made that positively impacted a previous company you worked for.

How to Know It’s Time to Re-enter the Workforce

• Cassie shares that it’s based on a person’s needs and goals when it’s time to re-enter the workforce. Do you have to re-enter the workforce now, or is it a want?
• Knowing why it’s time for you to re-enter the workforce will help you feel more confident during your job search.
• During interviews, employers may ask why you are re-entering the workforce and why you have been out of it for so long. So, it would help to consider your wants and needs of re-entering beforehand.

In this insightful episode of the Int-HER-rupt podcast, guest speaker Cassie Spencer shares tips on your job search. She discusses using LinkedIn, advice on filling in employment gaps, and interviewing tips. Tune in and listen to empowering tips to help you gain confidence for re-entering the workforce. 

“The number one tip is always to negotiate. That is my number one tip no matter what, even if it feels uncomfortable and that type of thing. Everyone should always be negotiating. My second tip would be to remember that you can negotiate more than or in addition to the salary. So I often work with people who that's that's the one and only thing that they're negotiating. But we are in a time and in a world in our workforce where there are so many other benefits and aspects that you can negotiate into a contract. So salary is always a good one to negotiate. But there are other things like potentially a flexible work schedule.” - Cassie Spencer.

Resources

Career Coach Cassie

Happenstance The Podcast

Cassie Spencer on Instagram

Cassie Spencer on LinkedIn

If this episode connected with you, reach out to Linda and let her know. This podcast is produced by TSE Studios. Check out other podcasts by TSE Studios, including this episode’s sponsor, The Sales Evangelist, helping new and struggling sellers close more deals and achieve their sales goals. Subscribe to the IntHERrupt Podcast so you won’t miss a single show. Find us on Apple Podcast, Google Podcast, Spotify, and Stitcher. Audio created by Ryan Rasmussen Productions.

Listening to your inner voice is like having a guide through life's journeys. However, sometimes you don’t listen to yourself and make the wrong decisions.

How can you trust yourself to make the right choices and live a fulfilling life?

In this absorbing episode of the Int-HER-rupt podcast, host Linda Yates speaks with Jane Stein, a former successful wealth manager, on trusting one’s inner voice. Jane shares her unique journey and experiences, shedding light on the importance of listening to our inner voice and making career changes.

Following Your Inner Voice

• Jane began her career as a stockbroker due to her mother's insistence, but it wasn't fulfilling. 
• She shares her dissatisfaction with having the same business conversations over and over, prompting her to retire and move to the tranquil city of Boulder, Colorado. 
• Here, Jane delves into the significance of self-awareness, the need for change, and the value of variety in business.

Authentic Decision-Making: Stories from Jane Stein's Life

• Jane gives an engaging account of how she considered buying a franchise but realized she'd be back to the monotony of recurring conversations, serving as an example of effective decision-making. 
• She emphasizes the importance of knowing oneself and aligning daily choices with our authentic selves. 
• Jane's stories from her personal life, including trusting her instincts when dealing with her son's autism, provide valuable lessons in following our authentic instincts.

The Art of Tuning Into Your Inner Voice

• Linda and Jane explore and share practical tips to tune into one's inner voice effectively, such as acting with certainty and seeking alternative perspectives. 
• Jane discusses her three key factors for listening to our inner voice: periods of solitude, doing the right thing regardless of difficulty, and the feeling of knowing over logical reasoning.

The Consequences of Ignoring Our Inner Voice

• Jane shares a personal anecdote about her major misstep of ignoring her instincts in the stock market, leading to missed opportunities. 
• Linda and Jane examine the fear and setbacks that can stop us from trusting our own inner voice, including a deeply personal account of Jane's seven-year interruption in her life by a cult.

Overcoming Interruptions and Turning Pain into Learning

• This heartrending segment explores the aftermath of Jane's life-altering interruption. 
• Both Jane and Linda highlight the healing process and the importance of learning from negative experiences. 

The conversation with Jane Stein is an inspiring testament to the power of trusting our inner voice, embracing change, and finding resilience in the face of adversity. Her journey from wealth management to "unretirement" and all the unique challenges and victories along the way are proof of how fulfilling and transformative it can be to follow your authentic path.

Don't miss this episode packed with wisdom on tuning into and trusting your own voice. Listen in and join the journey towards self-awareness and authenticity.

“It is the small minute choices we make every day, whether or not we're even aware we're making them. The trick to a successful, joyful, and satisfied life is aligning those daily choices as best you can. We're in the midst of life, running around with small children; you're just getting by. However, if you can, at the end of the day or at the beginning of the day, set an intention to align those daily choices with honesty.” - Jane Stein. 

Resources

Your Franchise is Waiting 

Jane Stein on LinkedIn

Jane Stein on Facebook

Jane Stein on Twitter

If this episode connected with you, reach out to Linda and let her know. This podcast is produced by TSE Studios. Check out other podcasts by TSE Studios, including this episode’s sponsor, The Sales Evangelist, helping new and struggling sellers close more deals and achieve their sales goals. Subscribe to the IntHERrupt Podcast so you won’t miss a single show. Find us on Apple Podcast, Google Podcast, Spotify, and Stitcher. Audio created by Ryan Rasmussen Productions.

Are you ready to step out of your comfort zone and embrace the power of risk?

In this exciting and insightful interview, Linda Yates, the host of Int-HER-rupt, sits down with Shannon Seeberan, a successful entrepreneur and leader in the medical aesthetics industry. They dive deep into the topic of risk, exploring its benefits, challenges, and how it can empower women to take control of their careers.

Shannon shares her own experiences, tips for goal setting, and the importance of collaboration and humility in leadership. This interview is a must-listen if you're looking for inspiration to overcome fear and seize opportunities.

The Power of Taking Risks

●     Shannon, a women's studies major in college, shares how she learned early on that taking risks can lead to personal empowerment and growth.

●     She believes pushing past fear and embracing the unknown can be rewarding and set individuals on a path to success.

Overcoming Nervousness and Building Confidence

●     As Shannon ventured into advertising and media sales, she encountered vulnerability and self-doubt.

●     However, she learned to overcome these feelings by recognizing her own expertise and knowledge about the products she was selling. This newfound confidence allowed her to comfortably lead and speak about what she represented.

Embracing Change and Pivoting Careers

●     Later in her life, Shannon made a bold career change, transitioning into a completely unfamiliar field.

●     Despite the initial perceived risks, her husband encouraged her to take on the challenge.

●     She emphasizes the importance of understanding one's own capabilities and not underestimating oneself, especially as women tend to have more self-doubt.

●     Shannon learned that success can be achieved by being open to learning and having a clear strategy and goals.

Risk in Leadership and Entrepreneurship

●     Shannon believes that women are undervalued in various industries, so they often doubt their abilities to succeed as leaders and entrepreneurs.

●     She strives to disrupt these norms by championing women in the medical aesthetic space and encouraging them to take control and recognize their value.

●     Shannon also points out that the perception of risk has evolved, and with shared resources, networking, and tapping into opportunities, risks can be minimized in today's entrepreneurial landscape.

Determining Risks: Knowing When to Step Back

●     While taking risks can be beneficial, Shannon acknowledges that not everyone is cut out for it.

●     Some individuals may have a mindset that consistently focuses on the negatives and doubts their own capabilities. In such cases, she believes that diving into risks may not be the best option and encourages a realistic assessment of pros and cons before committing.

Lessons Learned from Interruptions

●     Shannon highlights that becoming a parent has been one of the most interruptive experiences in her life.

●     She emphasizes the humbling nature of parenting, realizing that one cannot fully control their children's paths and outcomes.

●     It has taught her resilience, the importance of adaptability, and the recognition that no one is an expert in parenting.

Essential Tips for Risk-Taking

●     Through her work with clients, Shannon shares three key tips for risk-taking:

○    Setting realistic and strategic goals: Crafting an achievable and implementable roadmap over time.

○    Building a supportive network: Surrounding oneself with people who uplift and champion individual success.

○    Resilience and accepting ups and downs: Recognizing that the journey of entrepreneurship and risk-taking is not always smooth, but staying committed to the strategy and focusing on long-term goals.

The Role of Humility in Leadership

●     Shannon emphasizes the importance of humility in leadership.

●     She believes that openness, listening, and acknowledging the value others bring to the table foster stronger relationships and collaborative success.

●     Taking a humble approach to meetings and partnerships can increase opportunities for growth and development.

In this enlightening and empowering episode, Shannon Seeberan shares her expertise in risk-taking and leadership. She encourages women to overcome self-doubt, embrace change, and recognize the value they bring. By setting strategic goals, building supportive networks, and remaining resilient, individuals can overcome obstacles and thrive in their entrepreneurial endeavors.

“So I've heard years ago that life begins outside your comfort zone. And the analogy was given that even when we're being carried in the womb, life has not fully started. Experiences have not fully started for us until we come out of that comfort zone, of that womb.” - Linda Yates.

Resources

Shannon Seeberan’s email: [email protected]

Cloudmedspas

If this episode connected with you, reach out to Linda and let her know. This podcast is produced by TSE Studios. Check out other podcasts by TSE Studios, including this episode’s sponsor, The Sales Evangelist, helping new and struggling sellers close more deals and achieve their sales goals. Subscribe to the IntHERrupt Podcast so you won’t miss a single show. Find us on Apple Podcast, Google Podcast, Spotify, and Stitcher. Audio created by Ryan Rasmussen Productions.

Do you often struggle with negative thoughts? You find it hard to get outside of your own head while holding a career and being a mother. 

You are supposed to be a strong leader, and others look up to you. These thoughts shouldn’t be inside of your head. But it is, and it’s okay because it’s nothing you should be ashamed of.

In this episode of Int-HER-rupt podcast, host Linda Yates welcomes Ama Hooks, a talented senior-level consultant with extensive experience in strategic planning, diversity and inclusion, and cultural change management. Ama shares her journey of personal growth and transformation, particularly in dealing with negative thoughts. 

Linda is fascinated by the concept that our thoughts shape our reality and is eager to explore Ama's insights and experiences. Listen to this week’s episode to help you overcome negative thinking.

Ama's Personal Journey and the Power of Reprogramming the Subconscious

• Ama opens up about her five-year journey of self-reflection and reprogramming her own subconscious. 
• She emphasizes that our unconscious biases influence 80% to 85% of our decisions and thought patterns. Initially focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts,
• Ama realized the need to confront her own negative thoughts and redefine her self-image as a mother, wife, and business owner.
• She started with writing and journaling, gradually expanding her knowledge through courses, and continues to embrace this journey of self-discovery.

Negative Thoughts and Doubt

• Linda asks Ama to define negative thoughts, and Ama describes them as thoughts that doubt oneself, others, or a situation. 
• She explains the importance of differentiating between intuition and fear-based doubts. Ama believes that negative thoughts often stem from fear and insecurities. 
• Drawing from her upbringing in a single-parent household, Ama reflects on her experiences with financial insecurity and how it has influenced her decision-making process. The fear of scarcity and economic instability has consistently plagued her, causing her to doubt herself and limit her possibilities.

Managing Negative Thoughts

• Ama shares three strategies that have helped her manage and overcome negative thoughts. Firstly, she practices journaling and reflecting on the best and worst possible outcomes of a decision. This exercise has helped her realize that the worst-case scenarios are often unrealistic and that fear should not dictate her choices. 
• Secondly, Ama's faith is vital in providing her with strength and guidance in navigating negative thoughts. Her morning routine of prayer and Bible reading centers and empowers her. 
• Lastly, Ama mentions her study of John Kehoe's work on manifestation and the science behind it. Being data-driven, she finds it helpful to understand how the brain and quantum reality can be harnessed to replace negative thoughts with positive ones.

Ama's Professional Journey in HR

• As an HR professional, Ama shares her experiences in building internship programs, implementing cultural change initiatives, and promoting diversity in the workplace.
• However, her decision to leave corporate America after starting a family led her to consulting. 
• Ama expresses her passion for helping organizations overcome negative thoughts related to biases and diversity, fostering inclusive environments that prioritize psychological safety and belonging for all individuals.

In this enlightening episode, Ama Hooks emphasizes recognizing and addressing negative thoughts that hinder personal growth and decision-making. Through her own journey of self-discovery and reprogramming her subconscious, she has found strategies such as journaling, faith, and studying the science of manifestation to be effective in managing negative thoughts. Ama's experiences and insights serve as an inspiration to listeners, encouraging them to confront their own doubts and embrace a more positive mindset.

“Know your superpower and double down on it. That would be number one. Right. So know what you're really good at. Like Shonda Rhimes says, don't be afraid to brag. Most women don't brag. Right? Like, know what it is and speak to it and put yourself in situations to showcase it and talk to it and know how to leverage it and know how you can become a resource.” -Ama Hooks

Resources

Ama Hooks on LinkedIn

Ama Hooks on Instagram

If this episode connected with you, reach out to Linda and let her know. This podcast is produced by TSE Studios. Check out other podcasts by TSE Studios, including this episode’s sponsor, The Sales Evangelist, helping new and struggling sellers close more deals and achieve their sales goals. Subscribe to the IntHERrupt Podcast so you won’t miss a single show. Find us on Apple Podcast, Google Podcast, Spotify, and Stitcher. Audio created by Ryan Rasmussen Productions.

Are you connected with your inner self?

No.

If you do not know yourself, how do you expect to be a good leader? One of the biggest assets you can give to others is being true to yourself and knowing who you are as a person.

Why is this so important?

In this episode of the INT podcast, host Linda Yates speaks with Olivia Smith, founder of Healing House, on the importance of women leaders knowing themselves. Discover how to become a better leader by developing this skill in this week’s episode.

Olivia Smith’s Background

• For twelve years, she worked in the nursing field and left after having children. After becoming a stay-at-mother, Olivia struggled with her inner self. 

• She enjoyed being at home with her children, but she was lost within herself.

• After finding a hobby, she discovered how to make money with it and soon turned it into a six-figure business.

Self-Awareness and Personal Growth

• When starting her nonprofit business, Olivia learned to recognize and acknowledge her strengths and weaknesses. This allowed her to transition the leadership position of her nonprofit to someone else.

• She also shares it’s essential for leaders to recognize when they are not in their wheelhouse and to take action to remove themselves from a situation in which they don’t fit in. 

• Olivia further compares this skill with other experiences to help highlight the importance of self-reflection.

Leadership Styles and Communication in the Workplace

• Olivia believes that understanding one's own communication style and how to adapt to others is crucial for effective leadership, leading to improved employee retention and a more productive work environment.

• She recognizes that leaders often unknowingly create a toxic culture by using language that can be intimidating or frightening to their team members.

• She suggests that leaders should be aware of their own personality styles and how they may impact their communication with team members. In addition, leaders should try to create a safe and trustworthy environment for everyone.

Leadership Development, Self-Awareness, and Personal Growth

• Olivia provides coaching and consulting services to help individuals overcome self-doubt and impostor syndrome, which can stem from past experiences and be deeper than just work-related issues.

• She works with individuals to identify the root causes of their struggles and provides a process of work over time to help them overcome these challenges.

• Olivia emphasizes the importance of finding something outside of mothering to help cope with the emotional demands of staying at home and how this enabled her to work through her struggles.

In this episode of the INT podcast, you’ll hear an empowering story about Olivia Smith and how she became a better leader by developing one essential skill that most leaders lack. Tune in and discover the importance of investing in self-awareness to help you develop better leadership skills.

“Investing in knowing more about yourself is like the advice they give you on the plane when they say put your own oxygen mask on first before you can help anyone else. Know who you are first. Before you try to lead others, you'll be a better leader, you'll be a better parent, there'll be a better spouse. If you become much more clear on who you are and how you're coming across to other people, and being honest about that, and seeing that as a growth opportunity.” -Olivia Smith

Resources

www.writeanewstory.com

Olivia Smith on Facebook

Olivia Smith on Instagram

Olivia Smith on LinkedIn

If this episode connected with you, reach out to Linda and let her know. This podcast is produced by TSE Studios. Check out other podcasts by TSE Studios, including this episode’s sponsor, The Sales Evangelist, helping new and struggling sellers close more deals and achieve their sales goals. Subscribe to the IntHERrupt Podcast so you won’t miss a single show. Find us on Apple Podcast, Google Podcast, Spotify, and Stitcher. Audio created by Ryan Rasmussen Productions. 

It’s no secret that everyone makes mistakes, and of course, this includes you. Many try to hide their mistakes and pretend they never happened.

You may also feel ashamed and embarrassed that you made the mistake, and someone will judge you. However, instead of hiding your mistakes, try to learn from them.

In this episode of the Int-HER-rupt podcast, host Linda Yates speaks with Jessica McClain on how leaders can learn from their mistakes and the importance of doing it. Tune into this week’s episode to discover actionable tips on dealing with mistakes.

Jessica McClain’s Background

●     McClain is the CFO for the Girl Scouts Nation Capitol and oversees the finance and business operations of the company. In addition to this, she is a certified public accountant in Virginia.

●     She has an impressive background in the accounting profession and recently won AICPA and CPA awards. Also, she is known as one of the most powerful women in the accounting profession.

●     Her educational background includes a bachelor’s degree from Towson University and a master’s degree from George Washington University.

Learning From Mistakes

●     Despite McClain's outstanding background, she is human and has made many mistakes. However, she always saw her mistakes as an opportunity to learn and grow.

●     She follows her motto, “Great things don’t come from growth zones.” Whenever a situation or problem makes her uncomfortable, it’s an opportunity for her to learn.

●     McClain also shares you should be the storyteller of your personal brand instead of someone else and the importance of understanding real networking.

Why Is Everyone Afraid of Failing?

●     McClain takes a social media viewpoint on how everyone wants to show how perfect their life is. No one wants to show the ugly parts of their lives, but people need to be aware of the whole truth of their lives.

●     When you know the good, the bad, and the ugly parts of your life, you can grow from your mistakes.

Resilient and Leadership

●     McClain discusses that one of the key traits for a leader is resilience. She believes it helps create a positive work environment for the employees when a leader has this trait.

●     When employees see a leader who can handle difficulties, it comforts them. They know they’re being guided by someone who can handle any situation effectively and efficiently.

●     To help prove her point, she shares a story on how resilience has helped her as a leader.

In this episode of the Int-HER-rupt podcast, you’ll learn that you should never be ashamed of your mistakes. It’s okay to show the world that you’re imperfect and human; you can sometimes make mistakes in your professional and personal life.

But when it happens, learn from them instead of hiding them. Subscribe to the podcast to hear Jessica McClain's advice on how leaders can learn from their mistakes.

“When you look at social media, it gives a narrative that your life or career is perfect, and everything is always great. It doesn't show the mistakes, the failures, or the setbacks that people encounter, which we all do. People must be okay with living in reality and the truth of their journeys. And the full truth, not just the good part, not just the happy part, but the good, the bad and ugly, they got to show all of it.” - Jessica McClain

Resources

Jessica McClain on LinkedIn

If this episode connected with you, reach out to Linda and let her know. This podcast is produced by TSE Studios. Check out other podcasts by TSE Studios, including this episode’s sponsor, The Sales Evangelist, helping new and struggling sellers close more deals and achieve their sales goals. Subscribe to the IntHERrupt Podcast so you won’t miss a single show. Find us on Apple Podcast, Google Podcast, Spotify, and Stitcher. Audio created by Ryan Rasmussen Productions.