Title: The Career Advice I Wish Someone Told Me Earlier

Description: Everyone tells you to work hard.

Few people teach you how to build a career.

In this solo episode of Michelle's Seat at the Table, Michelle Radney shares the personal story behind launching her podcast, overcoming perfectionism, and introducing the OWN Framework—a practical leadership framework designed to help professionals, entrepreneurs, and leaders create meaningful career momentum.

Michelle explains why hard work alone isn't enough and why your career is shaped by your story, your visibility, and the relationships that advocate for you when you're not in the room.

Whether you're building your career, leading a team, starting a business, or preparing for your next opportunity, this episode will challenge you to stop waiting and start owning your seat at the table.

• Why "Done is Better Than Perfect" became Michelle's leadership philosophy

• The story behind Michelle's Coffee Chat

• Launching a podcast despite fear and perfectionism

• Why hard work alone isn't enough

• The OWN Framework explained

• Own Your Narrative

• Win Your Visibility

• Navigate Your Network

• Building confidence and using your voice

• Why sponsorship matters more than you think

• Leadership lessons from nearly 30 years in corporate America

• How to stop waiting and start taking action

O — Own Your Narrative

Author your story before someone else does.

W — Win Your Visibility

Your work doesn't speak for itself.

N — Navigate Your Network

Build relationships that carry your name into rooms you're not in.

📸 Instagram

https://instagram.com/michelles_seatatthetable

🎧 Apple Podcasts

https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/michelles-seat-at-the-table/id1872161528

🎵 Spotify

🎵 Amazon Music

https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/cfb2dcf6-f295-4ae7-9645-427a5aa5409e/michelles-seat-at-the-table

💼 LinkedIn

https://linkedin.com/in/michelleradney

Subscribe to Michelle's Seat at the Table for conversations about leadership, executive leadership, career growth, women in leadership, entrepreneurship, confidence, executive presence, mentorship, sponsorship, networking, personal branding, workplace success, communication, and building a meaningful career.

The most important conversations don't always happen in the boardroom. They happen right here at the table.

— Michelle Radney

In this solo episode of Michelle's Seat at the Table, I introduce the OWN Framework—a practical leadership and career development framework designed to help professionals take ownership of their careers, increase their visibility, and build the relationships that create lasting opportunities.

For years, many of us were taught that if we worked hard, kept our heads down, and delivered great results, success would naturally follow. While hard work matters, it isn't enough.

After more than 25 years in corporate leadership, I've learned that career growth is built on far more than performance. It's about owning your story, making your impact visible, and cultivating the relationships that advocate for you when you're not in the room.

Whether you're building your career in corporate America, leading a business, growing as an entrepreneur, or serving your community, the OWN Framework will help you become more intentional about how you lead and how you're seen.

If you've ever felt overlooked, struggled with executive presence, wondered how to build sponsorship, or questioned how to position yourself for your next opportunity, this episode is for you.
IN THIS EPISODE, WE TALK ABOUT:

• Why hard work alone doesn't guarantee career success

• The OWN Framework for career growth and leadership

• How to own your professional narrative

• Building clarity around your career goals

• Communicating your value with confidence

• Why visibility is essential for leadership
CONNECT WITH MICHELLE'S SEAT AT THE TABLE

Instagram:
https://instagram.com/michelles_seatatthetable

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61582151176440

Apple Podcasts:
https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/michelles-seat-at-the-table/id1872161528

Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/show/5bIHgm7wc33ca27HC7zIK1

Amazon Music:
https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/cfb2dcf6-f295-4ae7-9645-427a5aa5409e/michelles-seat-at-the-table

LinkedIn:
https://linkedin.com/in/michelleradney

Subscribe to Michelle's Seat at the Table for conversations about leadership, executive presence, career growth, personal branding, mentorship, sponsorship, women in leadership, entrepreneurship, executive leadership, confidence, networking, and authentic leadership.

The most important conversations don't always happen in the boardroom. They happen right here at the table.

— Michelle Radney

In this episode of Michelle's Seat at the Table, I sit down with Dametra Johnson Marletti—former Microsoft Corporate Vice President, entrepreneur, board member, and community leader.

After spending more than 24 years at Microsoft, rising from an individual contributor to Corporate Vice President of Digital Gaming, Dametra is embracing a new season of leadership through entrepreneurship, mentorship, and community impact.

Our conversation explores what it takes to build confidence, find your voice, navigate corporate leadership, and create opportunities for others. Dametra shares the lessons she learned from professional basketball, corporate America, executive leadership, and why believing you belong in the room can completely change the trajectory of your career.

Today, she's redefining success by building businesses that serve people, investing in underserved communities, mentoring the next generation of leaders, and proving that leadership isn't about a title—it's about impact.

If you've ever struggled with confidence, questioned whether you belong at the table, wanted to grow into leadership, or wondered what's possible after corporate success, this conversation is for you.

• Rising from entry-level employee to Corporate Vice President at Microsoft

• Why you already deserve a seat at the table

• The difference between mentorship and sponsorship

• Transitioning from corporate executive to entrepreneur

• Building a business that serves the community

• Representation, legacy, and creating lasting impact

• Reinventing your career after corporate success

Dametra Johnson Marletti

Former Corporate Vice President, Microsoft

Entrepreneur | Board Director | Executive Leader | Mentor

Connect with Dametra on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/demetrajohnsonmarletti

Instagram:
https://instagram.com/michelles_seatatthetable

Apple Podcasts:
https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/michelles-seat-at-the-table/id1872161528

Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/show/5bIHgm7wc33ca27HC7zIK1

Amazon Music:
https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/cfb2dcf6-f295-4ae7-9645-427a5aa5409e/michelles-seat-at-the-table

LinkedIn:
https://linkedin.com/in/michelleradney

Subscribe to Michelle's Seat at the Table for more conversations about leadership, executive leadership, career growth, women in leadership, entrepreneurship, mentorship, sponsorship, corporate success, reinvention, confidence, community, and purpose.

The most important conversations don't always happen in the boardroom. They happen right here at the table.

— Michelle Radney

In this episode of Michelle's Seat at the Table, I sit down with Antoinette Gangi—home cook, content creator, cookbook author, and Food Network's 100 Cooks competitor.

For more than 35 years, Antoinette built an extraordinary career as one of New Jersey's top Real Estate professionals at 73 years old, she made a courageous decision to follow the passion she'd carried since childhood: bringing authentic Italian cooking, family traditions, and the joy of gathering around the table to the world.

Antoinette shares how a few simple cooking videos unexpectedly launched a new chapter of her life, growing her audience to more than 15 million monthly views and leading her to compete on Food Network's biggest home cooking competition ever. More importantly, she reminds us that it's never too late to reinvent yourself, pursue your purpose, and believe in the gift you've been given. 

This conversation is for anyone who has ever wondered if it's too late to start over, chase a dream, build something meaningful, or turn a lifelong passion into a new purpose.

• Leaving a successful 35-year real estate career
• Why authenticity became the foundation of her success
• Building a community through food and family traditions
• How four videos changed her life forever
• Competing on Food Network's 100 Cooks
• The importance of courage, confidence, and believing in yourself
• Why it's never too late to reinvent your life
• Creating lasting family traditions around the table
• Leadership lessons from entrepreneurship and content creation
• Following your passion at any age

Antoinette Gangi

Home Cook | Content Creator | Cookbook Author

📖 Antoinette's Authentic Italian Cookbook

🌐 Website: https://antoinettesitaliankitchen.com

📸 Instagram, YouTube & TikTok:
@antoinettesitaliankitchen

Instagram:
https://instagram.com/michelles_seatatthetable

Apple Podcasts:
https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/michelles-seat-at-the-table/id1872161528

Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/show/5bIHgm7wc33ca27HC7zIK1

Amazon Music:
https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/cfb2dcf6-f295-4ae7-9645-427a5aa5409e/michelles-seat-at-the-table

LinkedIn:
https://linkedin.com/in/michelleradney

Subscribe to Michelle's Seat at the Table for more honest conversations about leadership, career transitions, entrepreneurship, purpose, reinvention, authenticity, women in leadership, community, and the moments that shape who we become.

The most important conversations don't always happen in the boardroom. They happen right here at the table.

— Michelle Radney

In this episode of Michelle’s Seat at the Table, I sit down with Dr. Charlotte Jones-Burton—physician-scientist, healthcare executive, venture capital partner, and Founder & President of OneWeReach, a global organization empowering diverse leaders to transform the future of life sciences.

Charlotte and I talk about leadership, belonging, authenticity, and the courage to use your voice. She shares how growing up with humble beginnings and a mother’s unwavering belief shaped her purpose, why she spent years sitting on the perimeter instead of taking her seat at the table, and the life-changing realization that your difference is not a deficiency—it is your value.

We also discuss navigating corporate America, executive leadership, mentorship, building confidence, creating opportunities for others, and why finding your voice is one of the most important leadership skills you can develop. Charlotte shares her transition from pharmaceutical executive to venture capital, why representation matters in healthcare, and how OneWeReach is creating lasting impact across the life sciences industry.

This conversation is for anyone who wants to grow as a leader, find their voice, build confidence, navigate the workplace with authenticity, create belonging, and make a meaningful impact in their career and community.

• Why your difference is your greatest strength
• Finding your voice in leadership
• Belonging at the table
• Navigating corporate America with authenticity
• Building confidence and executive presence
• Moving from people-pleasing to purpose-driven leadership
• Mentorship, coaching, and career growth
• OneWeReach’s mission to empower diverse leaders
• Leadership lessons from biotech, pharma, and venture capital
• What having a seat at the table means today

Dr. Charlotte Jones-Burton

Founder & President, OneWeReach
Partner, 2FLO Ventures
Physician • Pharmaceutical Executive • Venture Capital Leader

Instagram
@cjbinspires

Website
https://onewereach.org

Instagram
https://instagram.com/michelles_seatatthetable

Apple Podcasts
https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/michelles-seat-at-the-table/id1872161528

Spotify
https://open.spotify.com/show/5bIHgm7wc33ca27HC7zIK1

Amazon Music
https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/cfb2dcf6-f295-4ae7-9645-427a5aa5409e/michelles-seat-at-the-table

LinkedIn
https://linkedin.com/in/michelleradney

Subscribe to Michelle’s Seat at the Table for more conversations about leadership, women in leadership, executive presence, career growth, workplace culture, mentorship, belonging, healthcare innovation, life sciences, authenticity, confidence, and purpose.

The most important conversations don’t always happen in the boardroom. They happen right here at the table.

— Michelle Radney

In this episode of Michelle’s Seat at the Table, I sit down with Azure Antoinette — commissioned poet, TED Speaker, entrepreneur, actress, technology founder, and CEO of SymbAIo.

Azure and I talk about purpose, leadership, resilience, and the courage to leave behind a successful corporate career to pursue the work she knew she was called to do. She shares the powerful story of how one spoken word performance changed the trajectory of her life, why she walked away from corporate America without a plan, and how that leap of faith led her to become an internationally recognized speaker, artist, and technology entrepreneur.

We also explore the future of Artificial Intelligence, why AI should enhance human potential instead of replacing it, and how Azure transformed her own health challenges into an opportunity to build a groundbreaking behavioral intelligence platform designed to help people better understand themselves and reclaim their time.

This conversation is for anyone navigating change, building a business, embracing innovation, searching for purpose, overcoming adversity, or looking for the courage to take the next bold step.

In this episode, we talk about:

• Why Azure walked away from corporate America to pursue her purpose
• The spoken word poem that changed her life forever
• Leadership lessons from the rooms and tables she’s been invited into
• Why women have a responsibility to create more seats at the table
• Living with Multiple Sclerosis and becoming a patient advocate
• How AI helped Azure build a groundbreaking technology startup
• The future of Artificial Intelligence and human-centered innovation
• Turning adversity into purpose, innovation, and impact

Guest: Azure Antoinette

Website: https://symbaio.com

Instagram: @azureantoinette

LinkedIn: Azure Antoinette

TED: Azure Antoinette

Instagram: https://instagram.com/michelles_seatatthetable

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/michelles-seat-at-the-table/id1872161528

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5bIHgm7wc33ca27HC7zIK1?si=c8f17ab64e1e4770&nd=1&dlsi=939c4a22f3b34365

Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/cfb2dcf6-f295-4ae7-9645-427a5aa5409e/michelle’s-seat-at-the-table

LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/michelleradney

Subscribe to Michelle’s Seat at the Table for more conversations about leadership, entrepreneurship, Artificial Intelligence, innovation, women’s empowerment, resilience, purpose, technology, career growth, and the moments that shape who we become.

The most important conversations don’t always happen in the boardroom. They happen right here at the table.

— Michelle Radney

In this episode of Michelle’s Seat at the Table, I sit down with Helene Lerner — entrepreneur, Emmy Award-winning executive producer, speaker, workplace consultant, author, and founder of the WomenWorking brand.

Helene and I talk about confidence, courage, and what it truly means to live richly beyond financial success. She shares the remarkable story of leaving a successful corporate career to follow her passion for empowering women, trusting her intuition, and building a nationally recognized multimedia platform dedicated to helping women thrive personally and professionally.

We also discuss why fearlessness is a myth, the power of taking action with “shaky knees,” and how developing a Prosperity Mindset can help us navigate uncertainty, build resilience, and create lives filled with purpose, meaning, and authentic connection.

This conversation is for anyone who wants to build confidence, pursue a dream, navigate career transitions, strengthen their mindset, overcome fear, lead with purpose, and create a richer and more fulfilling life.

In this episode, we talk about:

• The life-changing decision that led Helene to leave her corporate career
• Building a business and brand that empowers women
• How WomenWorking.com became a movement for women worldwide
• Why fearlessness is a myth
• The power of taking action with “shaky knees”
• The Prosperity Mindset and living richly beyond money
• Why women need to think bigger about their dreams and goals
• What it means to have a seat at the table today

Guest: Helene Lerner

Book: Smart Women Live Richly, No Matter What’s in Their Wallet!: Six Keys to Unlocking True Wealth and Prosperity

Website: www.womenworking.com

X: @WomenWorking

LinkedIn: Helene Lerner

Facebook Group: WomenWorking.com

TikTok: WomenWorking

YouTube: Helene Lerner

Connect with Michelle’s Seat at the Table:

Instagram: http://instagram.com/michelles_seatatthetable

Apple Podcasts: http://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/michelles-seat-at-the-table/id1872161528

Spotify: http://open.spotify.com/show/5bIHgm7wc33ca27HC7zIK1?si=c8f17ab64e1e4770&nd=1&dlsi=939c4a22f3b34365

Amazon Music: http://music.amazon.com/podcasts/cfb2dcf6-f295-4ae7-9645-427a5aa5409e/michelle’s-seat-at-the-table

LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/michelleradney

Subscribe to Michelle’s Seat at the Table for more honest conversations about leadership, personal growth, entrepreneurship, women’s empowerment, confidence, resilience, purpose, and the moments that shape us.

The most important conversations don’t always happen in the boardroom. They happen right here at the table.

— Michelle Radney

Season 2 of Michelle’s Seat at the Table is here.

This season is all about honest conversations around leadership, growth, community, and the moments that shape us.

I’m returning with powerful stories and meaningful conversations about what it really means to lead — not just from a title or position, but from the heart.

Throughout Season 2, my guests and I explore the realities of stepping into new opportunities, finding your voice, showing up authentically, building confidence, creating access for others, and understanding the value you bring to every room you enter.

From conversations about readiness and authenticity to stories of action, allyship, access, sponsorship, and self-advocacy, this season invites you to reflect on your own leadership journey and the people you bring along with you.

Because leadership is not just about having a seat.

It is about making room for others, pulling up a chair, and knowing there is a seat here for you.

Join me, Michelle Radney, for Season 2 of Michelle’s Seat at the Table.

Watch on YouTube and listen on your favorite podcast platform.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCm6HwyIcb9egPtoIf5wY3Ww

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/michelles-seat-at-the-table/id1872161528

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5bIHgm7wc33ca27HC7zIK1?si=a392e5d069184b40

In this episode of Michelle’s Seat at the Table, I sit down with Julie Dinkins, MBA — a healthcare leader, leadership strategist, mentor, and author of The Company Compass: Workplace Truths and Realities You’re Never Told.

Julie and I talk about the unspoken rules of the workplace, the importance of career visibility, and why performance alone is not always enough. She shares how being a proud military brat shaped her ability to adapt, stay agile, and lead in complex environments.

We also discuss the pivotal career moment that changed the trajectory of her professional life, her journey to becoming an author, and why mentorship, advocacy, networking, and having a personal board of directors are so important for professional growth.

This conversation is for anyone who wants to grow as a leader, build confidence, strengthen their network, protect themselves professionally, and learn how to move through the workplace with wisdom, integrity, and purpose.

In this episode, we talk about:

• The unspoken rules of the workplace
• The power of agility and adaptability in leadership
• Julie’s career turning point in market access and healthcare
• Why performance is only the cost of entry
• How to build visibility and advocacy at work
• The importance of having a personal board of directors
• How to navigate workplace sabotage professionally
• Why your network is your net worth
• Julie’s journey to writing The Company Compass
• What it means to have a seat at the table today

Guest: Julie Dinkins, MBA
Book: The Company Compass: Workplace Truths and Realities You’re Never Told
Company Website: www.thecompanycompass.com
TikTok: @julie_thecompanycompass
Instagram: @julie_thecompanycompass
YouTube: @julie_thecompanycompass
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jmdinkins3136634

Connect with Michelle’s Seat at the Table:

Instagram: instagram.com/michelles_seatatthetable
Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/michelles-seat-at-the-table/id1872161528
Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/5bIHgm7wc33ca27HC7zIK1?si=c8f17ab64e1e4770&nd=1&dlsi=939c4a22f3b34365
Amazon Music: music.amazon.com/podcasts/cfb2dcf6-f295-4ae7-9645-427a5aa5409e/michelle’s-seat-at-the-table
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/michelleradney

Subscribe to Michelle’s Seat at the Table for more honest conversations about leadership, career growth, professional development, mentorship, community, purpose, and the moments that shape us.

The most important conversations don’t always happen in the boardroom. They happen right here at the table.

— Michelle Radney

EP 10 - Season One Finale and Recap, Lessons on Belonging and Leadership

Get ready for a powerful recap of season one of Michelle Radney’s podcast, where she shares pivotal insights about readiness, authenticity, courage, and the power of community at the table. Whether you've listened to all episodes or are just catching up, this summary distills key lessons to elevate your leadership journey.

Key Takeaways:

• Readiness is a decision, not a feeling - make the leap.
• Authenticity fuels real connection and leadership.
• Courage manifests in small, consistent actions, especially when pursuing what you love.
• Mindfulness is strategic, influencing leadership effectiveness.
• Removing titles allows for authentic identity and potential.
• Sponsorship, often overlooked, is essential for advancement—everyone should seek or offer it.
• Negotiation skills can be developed, and everyone deserves to assert their value confidently.

Season 1 Guests: Chef Angie Shaghaghi; Michael O'Brien; Suezette Yasim Robotham; Kimberly Hairston-Kicks; Marsha Speed

Resources & Links:

• Michelle Radney on LinkedIn
• Michelle's Season One Podcast 

Connect with Michelle:

• Instagram
• Email: [email protected]