Smart, Driven, Women

Dr. Alicia Newsome, a renowned executive advisor and three-time best-selling author, shares how to navigate the delicate balance between success and personal well-being. Including sharing her own story, she encourages us to reflect on our identities and the habits we cultivate, ensuring they resonate with who we truly are. Her journey is a testament to the power of aligning one's professional pursuits with personal fulfillment. 

If you're looking to redefine your leadership approach and explore the intersection of well-being and success, tune into the full episode for more insights from Dr. Newsome.

Purchase “Worth of Rest”:

  - https://books2read.com/u/mdrXzW

Urvashi Bhatnagar, General Partner of The Good Science Fund, examines how social and environmental change can create a lasting impact on planetary health. Drawing from her background in physical therapy, health care, and business transformation, she shares the story of how she became interested in creating innovations that leave a lasting impact on population health.

If you’re looking to dissect motivation, discipline, and finding your why, listen in as she she shares how these elements have impacted her both personally and professionally.

This is a great episode to listen in on what you are personally passionate about and reignite your why!

Courtney Matson, Managing Partner of Broad Branch Advisors, shares her extensive experience in international development, global health, and strategy consulting. She provides insights about her career journey from nonprofit work to running her own consulting firm, all while balancing her professional ambitions with family life.

If you are ready to embrace the internal investigation of your own leadership journey or would love to hear more about the consulting framework, then listen now!

Connect with Courtney Matson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/courtney-matson/

Caroline Woods, executive director of Girls on the Run of Northern Virginia, discusses her nonlinear career path and growth into leadership. She emphasizes building confidence over time, embracing detours, and learning from failure rather than fearing it. She also reflects on balancing motherhood and career, highlighting that success comes from flexible priorities rather than perfect balance.

If you are ready to become self assured in your unique career path then this episode is for you!

Connect with Caroline: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caroline-woods-a759189/

Lisa Angulo Reid, Co-Founder and CEO of Dear Flor, shares her journey from a driven college student to a marketing leader and entrepreneur. She emphasizes the importance of breaking big goals into manageable steps, staying curious, and pursuing work that aligns with both passion and values. She advocates for aspiring founders to know their non-negotiables and confidently take up space.

If you are ready to take the reins of your work/life and leadership journey, then this episode is for you!

Connect with Lisa: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-angulo-reid-38aa9025/

Mayor Aliyah Gaskins, the first African American woman elected mayor of Alexandria, Virginia discusses how curiosity shaped her career path, how systems helped her solve complex community challenges, and why authentic leadership matters now more than ever. She opens up about the realities of running for office, while navigating criticism and balancing family life.

If you want to be inspired towards authentic purpose-driven leadership and bold resilience then this episode is for you!

Connect with Mayor Gaskins: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alyia-gaskins-62a45749/

Audrey Bansil, Vice President of NBCUniversal, discusses challenges such as imposter syndrome, ADHD, and burnout. She emphasizes the importance of nervous system regulation, capacity building, and redefining success. These tools helped shift her mindset from goal oriented to impact oriented. 

If you are currently overwhelmed with attempting to achieve your goals, then this episode is for you!

Connect with Audrey: https://www.linkedin.com/in/audreybansil/

Marie Clarke, a former lawyer turned C-suite executive, talks about navigating career pivots, trusting your instincts, and redefining success on your own terms. She explores how clarity, systems, and self-trust play a critical role in long-term leadership when stepping into bigger decisions with broader influence. 

This conversation is for women who are questioning their next move, feeling boxed in by expectations, or ready to build a career that aligns with who they are now—not who they were told to be.

Connect with Marie Clarke: linkedin.com/in/marie-clarke-governmentaffairs

Head of Stock Administration at Asana–Christine Zwerling, CEO of Candor–Niya Dragova, and Head of Business Development–Samantha Adams all join the SDW podcast to unpack how candid feedback, operational rigor, and emotional regulation translate into growth.

They also discuss finding (and keeping) the right allies so your network actually works, and navigating emotional regulation under pressure.

If you are ready to hear from a panel of well accomplished women then this episode is for you. 

To connect with Christine: www.linkedin.com/in/zwerling

To connect with Niya: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stefaniyadragova

To connect with Sam: www.linkedin.com/in/samantha-adams-cep-10a579a

We encourage you to support the Certified Equity Professional Institute: https://www.linkedin.com/school/cepinstitute/

Visit www.candor.co to learn more how Candor can partner with you and your equity compensation goals. 

Tamar Draper Mahru, Senior Director of Workplace Experience at Grammarly, shares how her inner drive, human-centered leadership, and early career experiences in workplace design helped her navigate a purpose-driven path, while building environments where others can thrive too. 

More importantly, she emphasizes on how intentional connections shape career momentum, team creativity, and personal fulfillment.

For professionals who seek to lead with purpose and build more connected, human-centered teams, this episode is for you!

Connect with Tamar: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tdmrew/