Lead Like a Woman

Michelle Tillis Lederman is the Founder and CEO of Executive Essentials, a training company that provides communication and leadership programs and executive coaching services. She is an accomplished speaker, trainer, coach, and the author of four books, including The Connector's Advantage.

As a former NYU professor, financial executive, and recovering CPA, Forbes named Michelle as one of the top 25 Professional Networking Professionals. She inspires individuals and organizations in the government, academia, Fortune 500, and nonprofit spaces to build relationships and get results.

Connecting and networking are crucial for personal and professional development. Anyone can be a connected leader. So how can you scale your influence and impact?

Versatile leader and networking professional Michelle Tillis Lederman has identified the core mindsets you must adopt to become an actionable leader. One approach involves cultivating a generous spirit by identifying ways to help others and maintaining curiosity about their situations. Connectors also prioritize relationships in each interaction and possess a keen sense of self-awareness. By being likable through authenticity, positive energy, and a confident self-image, you can empower those around you.

In this episode of The Lead Like a Woman Show, Andrea Heuston invites Michelle Tillis Lederman, the Founder and CEO of Executive Essentials, to speak about becoming a powerful connector. Michelle explains the qualities of a connector, her impetus to write her books, and how to join the Connected Leader Club.

Carolyn Ward, MD is the Director of Clinical Strategy and Head of Product Marketing at Particle Health. With over eight years of experience in the health sector and a background as chief resident at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, she leads the charge in shaping clinical product roadmaps and represents the voice of providers and patients in the development process. At Particle Health, Carolyn's mission is to revolutionize healthcare access and patient outcomes through innovative, data-driven solutions, transforming how patient information is shared across the medical landscape.

Have you ever been frustrated filling out endless forms at a doctor's office, wondering why your current healthcare provider can't access your medical history? Isn't it ironic that despite how advanced medical treatments have become, patient data management seems stuck in the past? What if there's a way to change that?

Carolyn Ward, MD, a dedicated physician and health tech innovator, introduces us to the revolutionary world of medical data integration. She discusses her path from the halls of Rutgers, delving into medicine, and eventually finding her true passion in the dynamic field of health tech. Particle Health stands as her current platform, where she strives to dismantle the fragmented healthcare system by promoting the unification of patient data for personalized care. Carolyn emphasizes the potential of AI in understanding and predicting individual health outcomes, and how innovation is key in reshaping the relationship between patients and providers.

In this episode of the Lead Like a Woman Show, host Andrea Heuston sits down with Carolyn Ward, MD, the Director of Clinical Strategy and Head of Product Marketing at Particle Health, to talk about leveraging data to transform patient care. Carolyn showcases the power of unified data, the possibilities of AI, and the importance of innovation in the medical field, exploring a future where technology and human touch seamlessly enhance patient outcomes.

Sherry Shannon-Vanstone is the Founder of Profound Impact Corporation, aiming to connect individuals for great causes and improve data, AI, and analytics solutions. A mathematician, cryptographer, philanthropist, and serial entrepreneur with successful startups in Silicon Valley and the Toronto-Waterloo Corridor, she has a rich background in system security and technological innovation. Sherry champions women in STEM and strives to influence a culture of inclusivity and empowerment.

As a business leader and advocate for female entrepreneurship, she co-founded Women Funding Women to amplify women-led ventures. Sherry holds both a Master of Science degree in Mathematics and an honorary doctorate for her work promoting girls and women to study and pursue a career in STEM.

Have you questioned whether taking risks and stepping into the unknown would bring you to where you wanted to be? Is it possible to bridge the gap between fulfilling one's potential and overcoming societal expectations?

Sherry Shannon-Vanstone, a crusader for female empowerment, tackles these issues head-on. With an illustrious background in cryptology and a fearless leap into entrepreneurship, Sherry's story is nothing short of inspiration, as she highlights the challenges and triumphs of being a woman in male-dominated fields such as tech and government, as well as the journey to fostering a culture of inclusivity and achieving successful startup ventures.

Listen to this episode of the Lead Like a Woman Show, as host Andrea Heuston sits down with Sherry Shannon-Vanstone, the Founder of Profound Impact Corporation and Co-Founder of Women Funding Women, Inc., to talk about leveling the playing field for women in tech and entrepreneurship. They delve into Sherry's commitment to supporting women-led ventures and how she carved a significant path for herself and future generations of women leaders in STEM.

Chrissy McGarry is the Chief Operating Officer at Second Front, a company that streamlines software delivery. With over 12 years of experience amplifying brands such as Red Bull and Salesforce, Chrissy thrives on challenges, leveraging her expertise to navigate the unknown with confidence. Her journey underscores the belief that anyone, regardless of their background, can carve out a prosperous path in their chosen industry—provided they possess the courage to challenge conventions, expand their networks, and remain lifelong learners. Driven by an unwavering commitment to understanding the 'why,' Chrissy empowers individuals, particularly women and 'working moms,' to embrace their ambitions fearlessly.

Leveraging your strengths as a woman in the workplace is about embracing your unique perspective and skillset. These strengths can translate into powerful assets, fostering collaboration, clear communication, and a results-oriented approach. But how can you best translate these strengths into action in your specific role?

Mentor and sales expert Chrissy McGarry uses her non-military background for success in the defense industry. She has a diverse background in beverage sales and fitness instruction, in addition to her undergraduate degree in pastoral ministry and gender studies, which she leverages for her success. Highlighting the value of diverse thinking, she promotes the use of humor and confidence to navigate the male-dominated field. To manage remote teams, Chrissy recommends using virtual tools to help foster connections. She also emphasizes the value of self-reflection and routine to manage a busy schedule.

In this episode of the Lead Like a Woman Show, Andrea Heuston hosts Chrissy McGarry, the Chief Operating Officer of Second Front, to talk about using your strength as a woman in your industry and workplace. Chrissy discusses how she got into defense tech, creating value in the corporate world, and fostering inclusivity in a male-dominated field.

Tina Chamoun is the Owner and Operator of Terranean Herbs & Spices, a thriving food manufacturing business specializing in traditional Lebanese flavors. Tina is a dynamic Lebanese American businesswoman, attorney, former marketing director, blogger, and devoted mother of three. Through her company, she imports authentic Lebanese za'atar to Ohio, crafting and distributing premium products to American specialty and major retail stores. Beyond business, Tina is dedicated to giving back to her community through volunteer efforts and mentorship, particularly focusing on supporting and empowering the Arab American community.

Starting, developing, and expanding a business is akin to navigating uncharted waters in pursuit of untapped potential. It requires a blend of strategic planning, resilience, and adaptability to overcome challenges and seize opportunities along the way. How can you leverage your unique strengths and resources to chart a course toward sustainable growth and success in your entrepreneurial endeavors?

Lebanese American businesswoman Tina Chamoun emphasizes the importance of identifying gaps in the market and taking proactive steps to address them. This echoes the advice she received that propelled her journey: "If you're complaining about a problem, fix it." Tina's approach involves meticulous planning, setting clear goals, and breaking them down into actionable steps. She encourages aspiring entrepreneurs, especially women, to outline their vision, prioritize tasks, and develop strategies to bring their ideas to fruition. To create meaningful change in the business landscape, embrace challenges as opportunities for innovation.

In this episode of the Lead Like a Woman Show, Andrea Heuston hosts Tina Chamoun, Owner and Operator of Terranean Herbs & Spices to talk about bringing your culture and heritage to the North American marketplace. Tina discusses establishing her business, expanding her product line, and the value of mentorship in business.

Laura Xiao is the Founder and CEO of Henné Organics, a company that creates quality beauty products from organic ingredients. Since founding Henné Organics in 2015, Laura's mission has been to infuse modern minimalism into the beauty industry. Her Scandinavian-inspired approach revolutionizes standard lip and skin care products, offering something truly extraordinary. Prior to establishing Henné Organics, Laura co-founded Stockholm Hardcore, a web development firm renowned for its emphasis on customization.

Work-life balance is essential for maintaining overall well-being and productivity. For instance, juggling family responsibilities while pursuing career ambitions often requires careful prioritization and boundary-setting. How can we strike a healthy balance between our professional and personal lives for long-term fulfillment and success?

Two-time founder, Laura Xiao explores the intersection of work-life balance, overcoming 'mom guilt,' and entrepreneurial success. Prioritizing self-care and setting clear boundaries can help us to better harmonize our professional and personal obligations. Similarly, embracing a methodical approach to entrepreneurship can foster resilience and strategic growth. Laura also stresses the importance of being open to reinventing ourselves along the way in our pursuit of happiness and success. Remember, success isn't just about achieving goals; it's also about maintaining our well-being along the way.

In this episode of the Lead Like a Woman Show, Andrea Heuston hosts Laura Xiao, the Founder and CEO of Henné Organics, to explore her journey to become a successful entrepreneur. Laura discusses the value of work-life balance, her strategic approach to establishing her business, and her top tips for handling stress.

Kathy Svetina is the Founder of Newcastle Finance, a company that offers fractional CFO services to women-owned businesses. Kathy helps small businesses with $3 million and above in annual revenue maintain financial health and sustainability. With extensive experience in senior-level financial planning and analysis for Fortune 500 companies, she has firsthand knowledge of how big corporations use financial information to drive their businesses forward. Now, Kathy dedicates herself to showing small businesses how they can leverage similar strategies to create thriving companies. Additionally, she has hosted the Help! My Business is Growing podcast for nearly 14 years.

Financial planning is essential for the success and sustainability of small businesses, providing a roadmap for achieving their financial goals. Through meticulous budgeting and forecasting, small businesses can anticipate challenges and seize opportunities with confidence. But how can they ensure their financial strategies adapt to the ever-changing business landscape?

Fractional CFO Kathy Svetina explores how women-owned small businesses can achieve financial sustainability. She highlights a common pitfall among small businesses, particularly those led by women, where they only focus on minimizing taxes rather than holistic financial planning. Kathy emphasizes the significance of embracing a broader perspective on finance beyond mere tax planning. This entails prioritizing future financial planning and analysis (FP&A), which is crucial for the long-term success and sustainable growth of SMEs.

In this episode of the Lead Like a Woman Show, Andrea Heuston hosts Kathy Svetina, Fractional CFO and Founder of Newcastle Finance, to talk about scrappy financial practices. Kathy discusses how she started New Castle Finance, why she focuses on women-owned businesses, and how to maximize your ROI with FP&A.

Carla Fowler, MD PhD is the Founder and Managing Director of THAXA Executive Coaching, Inc., a boutique executive coaching firm that leverages the best ideas from performance science to help global leaders. Graduating magna cum laude from Brown University and holding both an MD and a PhD from the University of Washington, Carla's journey showcases her multidisciplinary expertise and unwavering commitment to excellence. As an angel investor with a focus on med tech and biotech, she has built a diverse portfolio of over a dozen investments. Additionally, Carla engages in social impact initiatives with organizations such as Social Venture Partners, Seattle Rotary Club, Washington Women's Foundation, Alliance of Angels, and the Keiretsu Forum.

Performance science shows us how combining different skills can lead to amazing results. Whether in sports, business, or everyday life, we can achieve incredible results when we combine skills like creativity, strategy, and communication. How can you tap into the diversity of talents around you and within you to open doors to fresh opportunities and transformative breakthroughs?

Executive coach Carla Fowler believes that embracing diverse interests and skills, coupled with strategic focus and resilience, can lead to transformative career opportunities and personal growth. She emphasizes principles like brutal focus, relishing uncertainty, self-awareness, adaptability, and confidence in navigating career transitions as keys to personal power. To find what truly makes you happy in life, you must deviate sometimes from traditional career trajectories and empower yourself to pursue your passions.

In this episode of the Lead Like a Woman Show, Andrea Heuston sits down with Carla Fowler, MD PhD, the Founder and Managing Director of THAXA Executive Coaching, Inc., to talk about performance science and how it can help us in our daily lives. Carla discusses repurposing your skills and capabilities, her top three performance science principles, and how to harness personal power in our lives.

Julie Fry is the CEO and Founder of Your Expert Guest, a podcast booking agency specializing in connecting service providers and impact-driven leaders with top-ranked podcast shows. Before Your Expert Guest, Julie was the CEO of Business Among Moms (BAM), where she provided visibility and education for mom-owned small businesses. Prior to BAM, she spent 11 years as the National Account Manager for canine hardware company Chuckit. Passionate about the power of meaningful conversations, Julie aims to help experts and business owners leverage podcast guesting as a tool for increasing visibility, brand awareness, and lead generation.

Feeling stuck in your career despite having a clear vision for your future? You might be yearning to break free from the confines of corporate life and pursue your entrepreneurial dreams. But how do you navigate this transition while ensuring you gain the exposure needed to thrive in your new venture?

Podcast matchmaker Julie Fry shares her remarkable journey from corporate America to entrepreneurship. With over 2300 interviews booked for clients and a keen focus on tracking business growth through podcast appearances, Julie unveils the power of podcasting as a tool for thought leadership and audience engagement. To be an effective podcast guest, you must showcase your expertise and connect with the audience by understanding your audience and building a relationship with the host.

In this episode of the Lead Like a Woman Show, Andrea Heuston sits down with Julie Fry, the CEO and Founder of Your Expert Guest, to discuss how to ensure your message matters as a podcast guest. Julie talks about how she created Your Expert Guest, who should consider being a podcast guest, and tracking the ROI of your podcast appearances.

Mikelann Valterra is a money coach, writer, speaker and leader in the personal finance space. Over the past 20 years, she's worked with individuals to manage their cash flow more effectively. Mikelann has been quoted in numerous publications, appeared on dozens of radio shows, appeared on television spots, and written for Forbes and Credit.com. She is also an accredited financial counselor (AFC®).

Many people remain stressed about money even if they make a good income. If that sounds like you, then it might mean that you're in a "money fog". So how can you develop a good relationship with money?

Financial coach Mikelann Valterra explores how to effectively manage your money by improving your relationship with money. A lot of us grow up with no idea of how to handle money because it's not openly discussed in many families. As a result, we may develop unhealthy, paranoid money personalities. However, Mikelann asserts that talking to your kids about money can help them to develop healthy financial habits that will pay off in their futures.

In this episode of the Lead Like a Woman Show, Andrea Heuston hosts money coach Mikelann Valterra to discuss how to rise above the "money fog". She talks about her new book and the meaning of "money fog", how men and women differ in financial stress management, and three key questions to keep you out of a "money fog".