What if leadership isn’t something you wait to be given—but something you choose to step into?

This week on Spark Me, Liz and Michele sit down with Dr. Jamie Leddin, professor of practice at Vanderbilt University, leadership expert, executive coach, and negotiation specialist, for a conversation about the everyday moments that shape how we lead. From speaking up in a meeting to asking for flexibility, more support, or better boundaries, Jamie reminds us that leadership is not reserved for people with titles—it starts with ownership.

Together, they unpack the challenges women often face around visibility, confidence, imposter syndrome, and navigating systems that weren’t necessarily built with them in mind. Jamie shares why confidence alone is not enough, why character and competence matter deeply, and how authentic leadership is less about fitting a mold and more about living and leading in alignment with your values.

The conversation also dives into negotiation—not as a high-stakes boardroom skill, but as something we do every single day. Jamie explains how women can approach difficult conversations more strategically by preparing well, understanding the other person’s interests, and focusing on creating true win-win outcomes. Whether you’re negotiating salary, flexibility, time, support, or your next chapter, this episode offers practical wisdom you can use immediately.

And because no Spark Me conversation is complete without heart, Jamie also shares powerful reflections on gratitude, trust, vulnerability, and the relationships that sustain us. This episode is a thoughtful reminder that better conversations really can lead to better leadership—and a better life.

In This Episode You’ll Learn:

• Why leadership is a choice, not a title
• How women can stop waiting to feel fully ready before stepping up
• The difference between confidence, character, and competence
• Why authenticity in leadership is about alignment, not being unfiltered
• How to prepare for difficult conversations without letting emotions take over
• A practical negotiation lens for asking for what you need at work
• Why understanding the other side’s interests changes everything
• How negotiations evolve across life stages and career seasons
• What gratitude does to workplace culture and leadership effectiveness
• Why trust and vulnerability are foundational to stronger relationships and better outcomes

Resources From This Episode:

• Dr. Jamie Leddin on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamieleddin/
• Never Split the Difference by Chris Voss - https://www.amazon.com/Never-Split-Difference-Negotiating-Depended/dp/0062407805

• Getting to Yes by Roger Fisher, William Ury, and Bruce Patton - https://www.amazon.com/Getting-Yes-Negotiating-Agreement-Without/dp/0143118757

• The Speed of Trust by Stephen M. R. Covey - https://www.amazon.com/SPEED-TRUST-Thing-Changes-Everything/dp/1416549005

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