Why do so many strong, capable women still feel the need to say “sorry” all the time?

In this episode, we unpack the everyday habit of over-apologizing—and how it's quietly chipping away at your confidence and credibility. From real-life “say this, not that” swaps to powerful mindset shifts, we’re diving into the language that holds us back and how to reframe it to show up as the leader you already are. This conversation is both a call-in and a call-out—to speak clearly, stand tall, and stop shrinking ourselves to make others comfortable.Takeaways:– Over-apologizing weakens your message and presence.– Women often say "sorry" to seem polite, but it can come off as insecure.– Leadership starts with confident, clear communication.– Assertiveness and kindness are not opposites—you can do both.– “Taking up space” is a leadership skill, not something to be ashamed of.– Say what you mean, and stop over-explaining your worth.– Accountability doesn’t require constant apology—it requires honesty.– Replacing apology language with empowered phrasing builds trust.– The words you choose shape how you're perceived.– Let’s support each other in ditching the default “sorry” and speaking with strength.

When dads show up — or don’t — daughters carry those stories into every part of life.In this powerful episode of Lead Like a Girl, we open up about the complicated, beautiful, and sometimes painful realities of father-daughter relationships. Through personal stories and honest reflection, we explore how our experiences with our fathers — whether present, absent, or somewhere in between — have shaped our self-esteem, our romantic choices, and our view of men.

From divorce and co-parenting challenges to the deep need for forgiveness and healing, this conversation gets real about the emotional impact fathers have on their daughters’ lives. We talk about the generational cycles that can be broken, the responsibility fathers hold, and the support moms can give to nurture these crucial bonds.

If you’ve ever wrestled with your relationship with your dad—or if you’re a parent navigating this with your own kids—you’ll find truth, hope, and healing here.

• The impact of father-daughter relationships on future romantic choices

• How fathers shape daughters' self-esteem and trust in men

• Co-parenting and divorce: protecting kids from generational damage

• Honest conversations about absent or inconsistent fathers

• Forgiveness as a powerful tool for personal healing

• The vital role moms play in supporting father-daughter relationships

• Breaking family cycles and choosing a different future

• Why daughters need their fathers just as much as sons do

• It's never too late to repair and rebuild the relationship

What if happiness isn't something that just happens to us?

In this episode of Lead Like a Girl, Coralyn, Jamie, and Jessica get real about what it means to be happy—and why so many of us get it wrong. They break down the myths we believe about happiness, like thinking success will make us happy, or that we can somehow make others happy if we try hard enough. Spoiler alert: happiness doesn't work that way.

The conversation dives into how much our mindset, gratitude, and intentionality shape our happiness. They talk candidly about self-sabotage, the danger of unrealistic expectations, and how we sometimes block our own path to joy. The episode also addresses the complex relationship between happiness and mental health, including the role of medication, community, and support systems.

If you've ever felt frustrated that happiness seems out of reach, this episode is your reminder that happiness is a daily choice—one that requires effort, grace, and a healthy dose of perspective.

• Happiness is deeply connected to mindset and gratitude.

• Success doesn’t create happiness; happiness can drive success.

• Unrealistic expectations often lead to self-sabotage.

• Personal responsibility is critical in pursuing happiness.

• Happiness boosts productivity and creativity.

• You can't make someone else happy; they have to choose it themselves.

• Life is too short to settle for unhappiness.

• Happiness requires daily, intentional effort and cannot be faked.

• Medication may help temporarily, but isn’t a long-term solution alone.

• Mindset shifts and purposeful perspective are key.

• A sense of purpose is essential for lasting happiness.

• Community support is vital to well-being.

• Life’s challenges are part of the happiness journey.

• Setting and pursuing goals directly correlates with happiness.

• Healthy habits are crucial to sustaining happiness.

• You control your own happiness story.

• Life is a series of chapters—even after the hard ones, good chapters are ahead.

Feeling stretched thin and constantly on edge? This episode is your permission slip to slow down and take back control.

In this empowering conversation, Dr. Bita Shahidi dives into the vital connection between stress management and self-advocacy. She explains how finding clarity and building confidence can reduce mental overload, help you navigate challenging seasons, and lead to the right opportunities—even in the messiest moments of life.

Key takeaways:
– Advocating for yourself is essential to managing stress and protecting your well-being.
– Clarity and confidence help reduce anxiety and bring focus.
– The right opportunities often arise when you're willing to pause and reflect.
– Discomfort can be a sign you're growing, not failing.
– Stretching beyond your comfort zone helps you build resilience.
– Taking initiative allows you to set healthy boundaries and avoid burnout.
– Confidence is built over time through consistent self-investment.
– Knowing your worth is the first step to saying “no” without guilt.
– Stress management and self-advocacy go hand in hand.
– The journey is ongoing—and worth it.

Feeling stuck? This episode is the breath of fresh air you didn’t know you needed.

In this episode of Lead Like a Girl, Jamie, Jessica, and Coralyn get real about what it means to catch your second wind—especially after facing rejection, career setbacks, and self-doubt. From honest conversations about imposter syndrome to the surprising power of mentorship and feedback, this one’s for every woman who’s ever felt like giving up.

• Stories of perseverance through job rejections, grief, and growing pains

• Why emotional health is a career advantage (not a liability)

• How to replace lies with truth and switch your strategy—not your dream

• The importance of vulnerability, mentorship, and owning your worth

• Tools for finding your second wind and fighting for the life you want

Whether you’re in the middle of a career transition or just need a reminder that you're not alone, this episode offers encouragement, insight, and a whole lot of truth.

If you’ve ever said, “I’m fine—just busy,” this one’s for you.

In this episode of Lead Like a Girl, we’re getting honest about the hustle. About what it’s really costing us as women, leaders, moms, and friends when we stay stuck in go-mode. We're unpacking The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark Comer—not as a religious read, but as a wake-up call for any of us who feel like we’re drowning in our own calendars.

We talk about the pressure to keep up, the power of pausing, and what it looks like to give ourselves actual permission to rest. We share the good, the bad, and yes—the funny—parts of trying to live a slower, more intentional life while still managing all the things.

This isn’t about quitting your job or moving to the mountains. It’s about creating space for breath in the middle of your real life. Because here’s the truth: rest isn’t lazy. It’s leadership.

✨ Real Talk Takeaways:

• You’re not alone—so many of us are running on empty but afraid to slow down.

• When we stop performing and start pausing, everything changes.

• Rest isn’t weakness—it’s how we show up strong for the people we love.

• Simplicity doesn’t mean doing less—it means doing what matters.

• Silence and stillness aren’t luxuries; they’re how we hear ourselves think.

• We don’t have to earn rest. We just have to allow it.

• Slowing down doesn’t make you less ambitious. It makes you more intentional.

• Your presence is more powerful than your performance.

Think parenting is hard when they’re little? Just wait until they start adulting.
In this episode of Lead Like a Girl, Jamie, Jessica, and Coralyn get real about what it looks like to parent when your kids aren’t kids anymore. From unexpected texts that stop you in your tracks to the emotional shift from being in charge to simply being there—they’re unpacking all the messy, beautiful parts of staying connected as kids grow up.

This conversation dives into the heart of parenting adult children—the joy, the awkwardness, the frustration, and the letting go. The trio opens up about how parenting styles evolve, how hard it is to watch your kids make choices you wouldn’t, and what it means to go from “mom the manager” to “mom the mentor.”

Inside this episode:
– The surprise texts from their kids that hit different
– Why parenting adult children is a whole new learning curve
– The moment you realize your kid is running their own life
– Letting go of control without letting go of connection
– How to cheer for your kid, even when you disagree
– That tricky shift from giving advice to just listening
– Why comparison is a confidence killer for parents
– What to do when it feels like your grown kid is pulling away
– Why it’s never too late to reconnect or repair a strained relationship
– And the reminder that both parents and kids are still figuring it out

This is an honest, heartfelt, and often hilarious episode that reminds listeners they’re not alone. Because parenting doesn’t stop when they grow up—it just gets real.

In this inspiring episode of Lead Like a Girl, host Coralyn is joined by her friends Jamie and Jessica to welcome special guest Julia Gustafson—affectionately known as the “Headstone Lady.” With over 20 years in the monument business, Julia shares how she turned a moment of grief into a lifelong calling and is becoming a powerful voice for storytelling through artistic headstones. Julia reveals how art, empathy, and personal touches can transform grief into healing.

This conversation explores her creative process, the challenges she’s faced as a woman in a male-dominated industry, and how she’s building a legacy that empowers the next generation—starting with her daughters. Packed with powerful insights, and several hilarious but still inspiring stories (including Wonder Woman underwear!), and meaningful takeaways, this episode reminds us that every life is worth celebrating.

In this episode of Lead Like a Girl, Jamie and Coralyn return from vacation to dive into one of the most emotional and important topics families face: caring for aging parents. They share personal stories, family traditions, and the challenges that come with stepping into the caregiver role.

• Explore the emotional impact of becoming a caregiver for your parents.

• Learn why proactive communication about aging and care is crucial.

• Understand how family dynamics shift, especially after the loss of a parent.

• Discover the value of creating a caregiving plan before a crisis hits.

• Hear how one sibling often takes on the bulk of caregiving responsibilities.

• Reflect on how family recipes, traditions, and stories shape our identity.

• Get real about disagreements, navigating tough conversations, and preserving dignity.

• Learn how to engage siblings in caregiving decisions and support.

• Understand the importance of self-care for caregivers to prevent burnout.

• Hear how teaching and learning across generations can strengthen relationships.

This heartfelt conversation offers real-life insights and practical advice for anyone facing the realities of elder care—whether you’re in the thick of it or just beginning to prepare.

Keywords:
caregiving for aging parents, elder care planning, family caregiving tips, proactive aging conversations, caregiver mental health, sibling dynamics in caregiving, self-care for caregivers, family traditions and aging, lead like a girl podcast, real talk about caregiving

Nail your next job interview with these top strategies every candidate should know. This episode breaks down what it really takes to stand out—from preparation to follow-up.

• Learn how to prepare for job interviews with confidence.

• Discover why storytelling is a powerful tool to make your answers memorable.

• Get tips for navigating panel interviews and virtual formats.

• Understand how your online presence impacts your job search.

• Use AI tools to craft strong interview responses.

• Avoid rambling—engagement and clarity matter.

• Ask insightful questions that show you're serious about the role.

• Master the thank-you email and how to use buzzwords to stay top of mind.

• Know when—and how—to ask for the job directly.

• See interviews as a two-way street and assess cultural fit.

Whether you're a recent grad or a seasoned professional, this episode gives you the practical tools to show up prepared, authentic, and ready to land the job.

Keywords:
job interview tips, interview preparation, AI for job seekers, storytelling in interviews, panel interview advice, virtual interview tips, follow-up emails, how to get hired, job search strategy, cultural fit in interviews