Shedding the Corporate Bitch

Hold on tights, as this episode is all about thriving as your authentic self during transformative times, and our guest, Tracy Nolan, Senior Vice President with Humana, is sharing her journey from growing up with prim and proper roots in upstate New York to leading through historic transformations, including the Sprint T Mobile merger during COVID and spearheading hurricane relief in Puerto Rico.

In this episode, Tracy shares:

• The critical leadership skills needed to navigate large-scale crises and transformations.
• Why women don’t have to choose between compassion and strength—and how embracing both makes you a more effective leader.
• How to build a strong, actionable culture that drives results far beyond PowerPoints and posters.
• And the power of taking risks, leaning into change, and believing in yourself to grow your career and your team.

If you’ve ever wondered how to lead authentically while driving transformation, Tracy’s insights will inspire and challenge you to embrace bold opportunities.

Key Discussion Points:

1. Authentic Leadership
2. Navigating Challenges
3. Mentors and Sponsors
4. Building a Culture Beyond Posters
5. Taking Risks

Connect with Tracy Nolan:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracyenolan/
• Instagram: @10Benarski

For further insights, strategies, and guidance on becoming a powerhouse leader, don't forget to follow the show at ballafirecoaching.com/podcast.

Join us in this riveting conversation to learn how you can embrace bold opportunities and transform your leadership path by thriving as your most authentic self.

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Are you intentional about who sits at your table of career success?
In this thought-provoking episode, host Bernadette Boas dives deep into the essential relationships you need to fuel your career growth and personal transformation. She unpacks why creating a circle of influence—your own “Personal Board of Directors”—isn’t just a nice-to-have, but a critical strategy for anyone determined to thrive at any stage of their journey.

Challenges Professionals Face:

• Navigating corporate life or entrepreneurship without the right support system
• Confusing the roles of coaches, mentors, advocates, and sponsors
• Failing to seek or cultivate key relationships that impact advancement and opportunities
• Struggling to showcase your achievements or take the initiative for your own growth

Key Talking Points:

• Why Relationships Matter: Relationships are central to career and personal success. Bernadette illustrates how they influence opportunities, insights, and your overall trajectory.
• Roles Defined:
  • Coaches: Focused on performance, accountability, and short-term goal setting. May be internal, external, formal, or informal.
  • Mentors: Offer guidance based on their own experience, helping you navigate processes, people, and decision-making. Typically less structured and ad hoc.
  • Advocates: People within your organization who actively support and promote your accomplishments behind the scenes.
  • Sponsors: Influential leaders invested in your advancement, leveraging their own power to champion your high-visibility projects and opportunities.
  • Board of Directors: A carefully curated mix of all of the above, including those outside your professional sphere (friends, family, community leaders) for holistic advice.
• Debunking Myths: Coaching isn’t just for “troubled” employees—it’s a growth catalyst!
• Cultivating Relationships: Why building, maintaining, and giving back to your network provides career insurance at every level.

Bernadette encourages listeners to “shed the bitches”—ditch self-doubt, fear, and hesitancy—to become the powerhouse leader you’re meant to be. Whether you’re 30 or 65, it’s never too late (or early) to build the structures that will skyrocket your career and life.

Connect with Bernadette:

• LinkedIn: @BernadetteBoas
• Instagram: @balloffirebernadette
• Podcast updates: Shedding the Corporate Bitch Podcast

SHARE, LIKE, and FOLLOW the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.

Tune in, take notes, and step up—your Power Circle awaits!

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When was the last time someone stole your idea or explained something to you that you were the expert on? It happens more often than one thinks.

Welcome to another transformative episode of the Shedding the Corporate Bitch Podcast with Bernadette Boas. In this powerful conversation, executive coach Kelly Meerbott joins us to unpack the nuanced, often contentious issue of mansplaining and its impact on workplace dynamics and leadership credibility.

Episode Highlights:

• Understanding Mansplaining: Discover what mansplaining truly entails and its subtle mechanisms aimed at undermining confidence, particularly in women leaders.
• Real-Life Scenarios: Kelly shares insightful stories that illustrate how mansplaining shows up in professional settings and how women can unintentionally find themselves silenced or their ideas overshadowed.
• Strategies to Reclaim Ownership: Learn actionable strategies to elevate your confidence and leadership presence. From aligning with female colleagues for mutual support to mastering communication techniques like alpha tonality, gain insights on how to effectively reclaim your voice and ideas.
• The Role of Men in the Dialogue: Delve into the important role men play in dismantling patriarchal practices. Hear about the significance of allies and how both genders can collaboratively foster an inclusive environment.
• Inter-generational Advocacy: Explore the challenges and opportunities in bridging generational divides among women in corporate settings. Understand the importance of support networks and mentorship for elevating emerging female leaders.
• Practical Takeaways: Whether you're combating imposter syndrome or seeking to bolster your leadership style, Kelly offers profound advice on building enduring confidence, aligning with core values, and navigating corporate power dynamics with authenticity and strength.

Connect with Kelly Meerbott:

• Website: kellymeerbott.com
• LinkedIn: Find Kelly Meerbott on LinkedIn for insights and updates.

Join us as we tackle the intricacies of gender dynamics in the workplace, empowering you with the tools to lead with resilience and authenticity. Whether a victim of mansplaining or as someone striving to create a more inclusive work environment, this episode offers something valuable for everyone aiming to unleash their powerhouse potential.

Don't miss out—tune in now to accelerate your journey towards transformative leadership!

SUBSCRIBE, FOLLOW, and LIKE the show whereever you get your podcasts and on ShedtheBitchTV on YouTube.

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When was the last time you got up to get into the day and realized you are just not in the mood, or you just don't care to do anything?

We all have those days. Sometimes, there are days and even weeks of it. If you're not careful, it can really sabotage your success.

In this episode of the "Shedding the Corporate Bitch Podcast," host Bernadette Boas dives deep into the real-world struggles of managing low-energy days and facing times when you're just not in the mood to tackle your responsibilities. "When You're Just Not In The Mood" explores the critical impact of these days on your personal and professional life, highlighting essential strategies for recognizing burnout and transforming your energy so you can show up for your team, the business, and you!

While at the same time, giving yourself grace that you just may need to take a break.

Bernadette shares personal anecdotes, powerful tips for self-assessment, and practical hacks to shift from feeling empty to energized. 

This episode is a must-listen for leaders looking to maintain peak performance while juggling their rigorous commitments and self-care. Learn how adjusting your routine, giving yourself permission to rest, and leveraging simple practices can help reignite your focus and empowerment in the corporate realm.

Tune in to discover how you can be the best leader for your team and yourself by embracing self-care and adaptability.

Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE, FOLLOW, and LIKE the show so you don't miss an episode.

Learn more at www.balloffirecoaching.com/podcast

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How often have you paused to ask yourself: What is my 'why,' and how can unlocking it transform the way I navigate my work and personal goals?

In this empowering episode of Shedding the Corporate Bitch, host Bernadette Boas engages in a transformative conversation with Jannette Anderson, also known as the "Why Whisperer" as she shares her unique insights and proven strategies to help you discover and articulate your "why," enabling you to stand out and achieve both personal and professional success.

Challenges Explored:

• The struggle of identifying personal and professional "why" and its significance in achieving career goals.
• Overcoming core negative beliefs and stories that hinder personal growth.
• Navigating and thriving in work environments that may not align with your personal values or purpose.

Key Talking Points:

• What makes you stand out and how to convey it compellingly.
• The intersection of healing from the past and longing for the future as the essence of your "why."
• The importance of storytelling in personal branding and professional environments.
• Utilizing personal "why" to transform not just personal life but also to impact organizational and team dynamics.
• The concept of the "Genesis Story" and why it is crucial for self-presentation.

Connect with Us:

• Learn more about Jannette Anderson and her work at Maturepreneur World and follow her on Facebook @MaturepreneurWorld.
• Visit Jannette's website for Genesis Story training: Bodacity.ca/GenesisStory
• Connect with Bernadette Boas on LinkedIn for further insights and support - www.linkedin.com/in/bernadetteboas

Whether you're looking to declutter your personal fears or rise as a powerhouse leader in your organization, this episode offers valuable perspectives to help you redefine your path with clarity and confidence. 

Don't forget to subscribe for more empowering conversations, and share your thoughts and experiences with us. If you're ready to make bold strides in your leadership journey, reach out to Bernadette at coachmebernadette.com/discoverycall for a complimentary session.

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We all have the same amount of time in a day. So, why are some managers better people leaders than others?

In this episode of the Shedding the Corporate Bitch Podcast, host Bernadette Boas delves deep into a common challenge faced by corporate and entrepreneurial leaders alike: effectively managing time to prioritize your people. Bernadette shares her insights and strategies for putting your team first, highlighting the pivotal role employees play as the number one asset in any organization.

Key Challenges Addressed:

• The conflict between existing commitments and dedicating time to employee engagement.
• Leaders’ struggle to make their people a top priority due to overloaded calendars.
• Difficulty in setting boundaries and learning to say "no" to less critical tasks.

Key Talking Points:

1. The Priority of People: Bernadette challenges leaders to question if they’re truly making their people their number one asset. Through global client experiences, she reveals the disconnect many employees feel despite leadership’s intentions.
2. Time Management and Prioritization: The episode dives into practical methods for time management, urging leaders to re-evaluate their schedules. Bernadette emphasizes the importance of creating ‘white space’ on calendars to engage with team members.
3. Setting SMARTY Goals: Bernadette introduces her unique approach to goal-setting, integrating the idea of personal accountability (the ‘Y’ for ‘You’) and aligning leadership goals with these metrics.
4. The Four Ds Strategy: Delegation, Delay, Deletion, and Doing – learn how harnessing these can streamline tasks and safeguard time for people-focused activities.
5. Time Blocking as a Tool: Discover how strategic time-blocking has transformed productivity and well-being for leaders and can create a balance between professional obligations and personal life.

For leaders eager to elevate their approach, this episode is a valuable resource for understanding and overcoming time management barriers. Tune in now to uncover ways to truly put your people first!

Subscribe and Review: Don’t miss our weekly episodes! Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you enjoy your podcasts. Be sure to check out our visual content on the Shedding the Bitch YouTube channel.

Call To Action: If this episode resonates with you, consider booking a discovery call with Bernadette Boas to discuss transforming your leadership and team engagement strategies.

Keep shedding, keep growing, and keep thriving as a leader.

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Have you ever stopped to wonder if your difficult boss or colleague is just a challenging personality, or could it be that you yourself are unknowingly contributing to the toxic dynamic?

In our latest episode of the Shedding the Corporate Bitch Podcast, host Bernadette Boas sits down with award-winning author Vicky Oliver to explore the complex world of workplace dynamics. With her book "Bad Bosses, Crazy Co-Workers, and Other Office Idiots" as a guide, Vicky shares her wealth of knowledge on how to effectively combat bullying, confront challenging colleagues, and maintain a learning mindset amidst workplace chaos.

Key Talking Points:

1. The Prevalence of Dysfunctional Workplace Personalities: 
   • Revealing at least 17 distinct dysfunctional work styles.
   • From bully bosses to credit snatchers, understanding these categories is crucial for navigating workplace relationships.
2. Dealing with Bully Bosses: 
   •  Importance of documenting incidents and addressing the aggression calmly and strategically to earn respect.
   • How to handle an outburst, stressing the power of pausing and assessing the situation.
3. Self-Reflection and Personal Development: 
   • The need for self-reflection and personal growth to understand one's role in workplace dynamics.
   • Evaluate whether they might unconsciously be contributing to their own challenges.
4. Strategies for HR and Leadership: 
   • The responsibility of HR and company leadership in training and creating an environment where bully behaviors are not tolerated.
5. Power of Self-Awareness: 
   • Listeners are reminded of the potential decision point of whether to remain in a toxic environment or move on, but with the caution that similar personalities exist elsewhere.

Connect with Vicki Oliver:

• LinkedIn: @VickyOliver
• Facebook: @VickyOliver
• Website: VickyOliver.com

Join us in exploring these rich insights and empowering transformations, ensuring that your journey through the corporate world is one of growth and leadership. SUBSCRIBE, FOLLOW, LIKE, and REVIEW this episode on your favorite podcast platform.

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Are you truly aware of the cost your organization pays for ignoring mental health, not just in lost productivity, but in the unseen toll on your employees’ lives?"

Join host Bernadette Boas as she delves into the critical topic of mental health and well-being in the corporate world. This episode stresses the urgent necessity for businesses to treat mental health as a core business imperative rather than a mere afterthought. 

Bernadette shares personal stories and statistics to underscore the profound impact mental health has on productivity, innovation, retention, and the overall success of a business.

Key Challenges Discussed:

• Acknowledging Underlying Issues
• The Cost of Ignoring Mental Health
• Internal Triggers Overlooked:

Key Talking Points:

• The Importance of Safe Spaces
• The Role of Leadership
• Investment in Well-Being Programs

Connect with Us:

Stay engaged with future episodes and dive deeper into valuable leadership and cultural insights by visiting ballafirecoaching.com/podcast. Follow us on YouTube at Shedding the Corporate Bitch TV for more content and perspectives.

Join us next time on Shedding the Corporate Bitch for more empowering conversations and leadership guidance.

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Are you truly being 100% honest and open with your team—or even yourself? What walls might you be building and what fake personas might you need to shed to become the powerhouse leader you're meant to be?

Are you ready to transform your leadership style by embracing real connections and genuine communication? Join us on the "Shedding the Corporate Bitch" podcast as we dive into a transformative discussion with Grace Gavin, co-founder and author of Know Honesty. In our latest episode, we explore the undeniable power of open and honest communication in the workplace.

Discover how honesty and openness can lead to significant financial gains, enhanced leadership collaboration, and stronger team relationships. Grace shares her expertise, offering actionable insights and six pivotal practices for transforming your team interactions.

Highlights include:

• Understanding the three essentials of honesty
• Identifying and overcoming the great divide in workplace communication
• Practical steps to eliminate fake interactions and break down walls
• How empathetic leadership can turn you into a powerhouse leader

Ready to ditch the corporate fasade and foster a culture of trust and transformative communication? Tune into this episode to unlock your potential and that of your team!

Download Your Free Lead Magnet: "The Open & Honest Leader's Toolkit"

Stay Connected: Follow Bernadette Boas and the Shedding the Corporate Bitch Podcast on social media to join the conversation and receive updates on future episodes:

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Don’t forget to revisit this episode for a refresher or share it with colleagues to foster a collective journey in becoming powerful leaders. 

For personalized guidance, reach out to Bernadette at coachmebernadette.com/discoverycall for a free 30-minute strategy coaching call.

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Do you dread giving or receiving performance reviews? If so, what causes that anxiety, stress, or avoidance?

In this episode of the Shedding the Corporate Bitch Podcast, host Bernadette Bowes dives deep into the world of performance reviews—those annual or semi-annual evaluations that often spark anxiety and uncertainty among employees and managers alike. Bernadette explores how mastering both giving and receiving feedback can unlock your career potential and transform performance reviews into a year-round strategy for growth.

Key Challenges Discussed:

• The common anxieties and misconceptions surrounding performance reviews.
• Balancing honesty with encouragement in feedback to avoid demotivating employees.
• The inadvertent biases that can skew a manager’s assessment and feedback.
• Creating a performance review culture that prevents surprise negative feedback.
• How a lack of detailed, specific, and constructive feedback can leave employees confused and disheartened.

Key Talking Points:

• The significance of viewing feedback as a gift that can reveal your strengths, weaknesses, and blind spots.
• The necessity for managers to build trust and open communication channels, fostering a collaborative feedback environment.
• Implementing a notebook strategy for managers to document employee progress throughout the year.
• The challenges faced by employees in receiving feedback, including preparing mentally and emotionally to embrace performance evaluations.
• Strategies for both managers and employees to turn feedback into actionable plans for professional and personal development.

Social Media Handles:

• Subscribe and follow the Shedding the Corporate Bitch Podcast on all major podcast streaming services - https://pod.link/shedthecorporatebitch  and on YouTube for more insights on becoming a powerhouse leader - @ShedtheCorpBitchTV

Remember, performance reviews should not be a dreaded formality but an opportunity for growth, trust-building, and career development. Whether you're giving or receiving feedback, embrace the opportunity to learn and improve. For more tips and to schedule a coaching session, reach out to Bernadette Bowes for personalized strategies. Share this episode with colleagues to foster an environment of constructive feedback and professional growth.

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