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In this episode, we sit down with the remarkable Ukeme Awakessien Jeter, an engineer-turned-lawyer and history-making leader, to explore her unique definition of boldness: giving voice to others. As the first person of color and immigrant to be elected to her city's council, and later serving as council president and mayor, Ukeme's story is one of courage, determination, and the transformative power of advocacy. Join us as we delve into the essential qualities that define impactful leadership as well as the intricate dynamics faced by immigrants, a topic covered in her book, IMMIGRIT: How Immigrant Leadership Drives Business Success. Ukeme shares how recognizing the need for action and stepping out of one's comfort zone are vital for driving change, especially for women and minorities. This episode isn't just about leadership; it’s about inspiring listeners to take bold steps, engage in transformative conversations, and champion the voices of those around them. 

About Ukeme Awakessien Jeter

Ukeme Awakessien Jeter is an engineer turned lawyer, keynote speaker, and history-maker on a mission to transform leadership. She is the author of IMMIGRIT: How Immigrant Leadership Drives Business Success. For over two decades, she has held positions within Fortune 500 companies, national law firms, universities, local governments, and specialized agencies of the United Nations. Having lived and worked in eight cities across four countries, Ukeme has a profound understanding of diverse cultures. A trailblazer, Columbus CEO Magazine named her one of its Future 50 Leaders in 2021. Ukeme works as an intellectual property attorney for a national law firm. She has made history twice, first by becoming the first person of color and immigrant elected to City Council in her 103-year-old community. Then, just two years later, she became the first immigrant and person of color elected Council President and Mayor of her city. Ukeme resides in Upper Arlington, Ohio, with her two children and dog.

Additional Resources

Website: www.ukemeforua.com

Learn More About Her Book, Immigrit: immigritbook.com

Instagram: @ukstopia

LinkedIn: @UkemeAwakessienJeter

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About This Episode

How often do you find yourself lost in the hustle, trying to meet others' expectations at the expense of your own well-being? In this episode, we are joined by Megan Miller, a TEDx speaker and founder of the Intentional Living Method, who shares her bold journey from a high-powered career to a life of intention. Megan emphasizes the importance of creating space to truly understand yourself and acting on your own needs, a necessary step towards authentic living. Tune in to learn about the power of micro-decisions, setting clear intentions, and adopting mindful living practices that enhance mental clarity and emotional well-being. From keeping phones away from the bedside to incorporating reflective practices into daily routines, Megan offers tangible tips to foster stronger relationships and a more fulfilled life. Join us and be inspired by Megan's journey towards prioritizing well-being and embracing your authentic self.

About Megan Miller

Megan Miller is a TEDx & Global Speaker, Founder: The Intentional Living Method, International Bestselling Author, and the Host of Apple’s Top-Rated Podcast, Attention to Intention. Through the Intentional Living Method, which she founded in 2021 with a 98% approval rating, Megan has inspired thousands including top leaders at Google, Hilton & Cigna to live a life built on connection, community and real-life conversations, mask down, screen free & human first. She is on a mission to deliver the tangible tools that she needed for so long in her journey. Exhaustion is not a status symbol & striving does not need to come from a place of validation. Megan shares science backed microtools to guide audiences on how to reconnect to the person that can get lost in the busyness of life: you.  

Additional Resources

Website: megan-miller.com

Instagram: @megan.b.miller

LinkedIn: @MeganMiller 

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Navigating self-doubt and external skepticism is a common hurdle for entrepreneurs, and Kara Goldin shares how to overcome these barriers. As the founder and CEO of Hint, Inc., best known for its award-winning Hint water, she discusses the powerful role of mindset as an entrepreneur. Kara's transition from corporate executive to health advocate reveals a deeply personal motivation. Concerned about the questionable ingredients in her children’s food and beverages, Kara embarked on a mission to create a healthier alternative. Tune in for Kara’s compelling bold story, an inspiration for those ready to go to the next level.

About Kara Goldin

Kara Goldin is the Founder and Former CEO of Hint, Inc., best known for its award-winning Hint water, the leading unsweetened flavored water. She has received numerous accolades, including being named EY Entrepreneur of the Year 2017 Northern California and one ofInStyle’s 2019 Badass 50. Previously, Kara was VP of Shopping Partnerships at America Online. She hosts the podcast The Kara Goldin Show and her first book, Undaunted: Overcoming Doubts and Doubters, was released October 2020 and is now a WSJ and Amazon Best Seller. Kara lives in the Bay Area with her family and 3 labradors.

Additional Resources

Website: www.drinkhint.com  www.karagoldin.com

Instagram: @karagoldin

LinkedIn: @KaraGoldin

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About This Episode

How can you stand out in a world full of noise? Discover the art of bold communication with our special guest, Jessica Chen, an Emmy-Award winner, keynote speaker, and CEO of Soulcast Media. Her story exemplifies the power of taking risks and making bold moves to set yourself apart in any industry. Jessica's journey from broadcast journalism to founding Soulcast Media provides a compelling foundation for discussing effective workplace communication. In our conversation, she shares invaluable insights from her book, Smart, Not Loud: How to Get Noticed at Work for All the Right Reasons. From tactical advice on engaging in meetings to mastering the nuances of tone and active listening, Jessica breaks down her 4A sequence: Active listening, Acknowledging, Anchoring, and Answering. These strategies are designed to empower you to communicate confidently, even in the most challenging scenarios. Whether you’re working remotely or in person, her tips on utilizing the five elements of voice will transform your communication effectiveness and visibility. Tune in to equip yourself with tools to make bold, impactful strides in your career.

About Jessica Chen

Jessica Chen is an Emmy-Award winner, top virtual keynote speaker, and CEO of Soulcast Media, a global business communication training agency. Her client list includes Google, LinkedIn, the CDC, Medtronic, Mattel, HP, DraftKings, and many more. Prior to starting Soulcast Media, Jessica was a broadcast television journalist. She is also an internationally recognized top LinkedIn Learning Instructor where her communication courses have been watched by over 2 million learners and featured in Forbes, Fortune, and Entrepreneur. She lives in Los Angeles.

Additional Resources

Website: jessicachenpage.com   soulcastmedia.com

Learn More About Her New Book, Smart Not Loud: smartnotloudbook.com

Twitter/X: @jessicachenpage

Instagram: @jessicachenpage

LinkedIn: @JessicaChen

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About This Episode

CEO and founder Michelle Bufano joins us to share her extraordinary journey from seasoned litigator to empowering consultant for female entrepreneurs. Michelle’s story is a powerful testament to the courage it takes to step outside of one’s comfort zone and live authentically. She begins with the transformative bold moment in 2021 when she chose to stop conforming to external expectations in a male-dominated industry and chose to be true to herself. She unpacks the importance of aligning your career with your core values and the strength you gain from this alignment. In this entrepreneurial deep dive, Michelle highlights the learnings from her own journey and provides strategies for fair pricing, managing back-office tasks, and recognizing one’s limitations when necessary. She also discusses her writing journey, including her upcoming book, Views from the Midpoint, a guide to understanding your values and navigating life decisions, emphasizing that knowing oneself is the key to making bold, authentic choices. Join us for an inspiring episode packed with practical advice and heartfelt reflections that could transform your own bold path forward.

About Michelle Bufano

After 27 years of defending large corporations in commercial and products liability cases, Michelle Bufano decided to leave life as a litigator behind. Currently, Michelle is the founder and CEO of Michelle Bufano Business Consulting LLC, where she leverages her legal background to help female entrepreneurs navigate risk and thrive in business. Her personal and professional vision statement is: “A world where all women thrive.” Michelle is also the founding partner of the Law Offices of Michelle M. Bufano LLC, a small practice dedicated to providing legal services to female founders. In addition to assisting women in fulfilling their entrepreneurial dreams, Michelle is the founder of and primary contributor to The Midpoint Blog, as well as a coach, author, keynote speaker, and discussion facilitator through her company, MMB Media LLC d/b/a as HerPoint. Her first book, Views from the Midpoint, is expected to be released in early 2025.

Additional Resources

Website: www.michellebufano.com

Instagram: @michellebufanoconsulting

LinkedIn: @MichelleBufano

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About This Episode

Join us as we welcome Susan McPherson, a serial connector, angel investor, and corporate responsibility expert, who shares her unique take on boldness. In this episode, she examines the courage and confidence needed to uplift others and how building genuine connections has changed over time, especially through the explosion of social media and the changing approaches to networking. Susan discusses her motivation for writing her book, The Lost Art of Connecting. Amid our digital distractions, she emphasizes the necessity of authentic, face-to-face interactions and the powerful outcomes these connections can bring, especially for women seeking to build lasting communities. She also describes her Gather, Ask, Do methodology- a strategy for meaningful communication and community building. We also delve into the challenges faced by introverts at social events and offer strategies for true engagement. Learn how to use social media wisely to amplify others' successes and foster genuine relationships. Tune in for an inspiring conversation on maintaining meaningful connections and building a supportive community.

About Susan McPherson

Susan McPherson is a serial connector, angel investor, and corporate responsibility expert. She is the founder and CEO of McPherson Strategies, a communications consultancy focused on the intersection of brands and social impact. She is the author of The Lost Art of Connecting (McGraw-Hill). Susan has 30+ years of experience in marketing, public relations, and sustainability communications, speaking regularly at industry events including Massachusetts Conference for Women, BSR, DLD, Worth Women and Techonomy, and contributing to the Harvard Business Review, Fast Company, and Forbes. She has appeared on NPR, CNN, USA Today, The New Yorker, New York Magazine and the Los Angeles Times. Susan is the recipient of Forbes magazine’s 50 over 50—Impact 2021 award and Worth Media’s Worthy100 award. Currently, Susan invests in and advises women-led start-ups, including: iFundWomen,Inc., The Meteor, Our Place, Spicewell, The June Group, Hint Water, The Helm, Apolitical, The Muse and has recently begun investing in women-led Broadway productions including Like Water for Elephants and SUFFS. She is on the advisory boards of the Apolitical Foundation, Lebec Consulting and Just Capital. Additionally, she is a member of the MIT Solve Women and Technology Leadership Group and serves as an adviser to several nonprofits including She’s The First and The OpEd Project. Susan is a Vital Voices global corporate ambassador and a member of the New York Women’s Forum and Extraordinary Women on Boards. She resides in Brooklyn.

Additional Resources

Website: www.mcpstrategies.com

Instagram: @susanmcp1

LinkedIn: @SusanMcPherson

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 About This Episode

Tune in to an incredible episode with Dr. Marie-Hélène Pelletier, or MH, who brings a wealth of business and psychological insight to our conversation. With over 20 years of experience as a practicing psychologist and a senior leader in corporate, insurance, governance and health care, her journey offers a profound look at how boldness can evolve over time, shaped by experiences and the courage to seize opportunities. MH also redefines resilience, shifting the focus from sheer persistence to strategic adaptation. Our discussion highlights the critical link between resilience and burnout, emphasizing the need for a customized resilience plan to stave off exhaustion, cynicism, and reduced performance. MH's insights will help you rethink the way you approach resilience in your own life, which is the focus of her latest book, The Resilience Plan: A Strategic Approach to Optimizing Your Work Performance and Mental Health. She shares actionable steps in this episode for creating your own resilience plan, including aligning your personal values with your actions and proactively managing your supply and demand. Listen in for a transformative discussion that promises to leave you feeling grounded and empowered.

About Marie-Hélène Pelletier

Throughout her career in business management and psychology, Dr. Marie-Hélène Pelletier has spearheaded the dialogue on the crucial issues of leadership resilience and work performance. Drawing on her extensive background in corporate, insurance, governance and public sectors, she brings an international perspective and unique expertise on leadership. She is a practicing leadership psychologist and executive coach with over 20 years of experience and holds a Ph.D. and an MBA from the University of British Columbia. Marie-Hélène is a Member of the Global Clinical Practice Network of the World Health Organization, and past Director on the boards of the Canadian Psychological Association and the International Association of Applied Psychology. She has presented and authored and co-authored a number of industry and academic publications and has won numerous academic and industry awards. In 2024, Dr. Pelletier published her award-winning book, The Resilience Plan: A Strategic Approach to Optimizing Your Work Performance and Mental Health.

Additional Resources

Website: www.drmarie-helene.com

Access Free Resources from MH: https://drmarie-helene.com/free-resources-sign-up/

Instagram: @drmhpelletier

LinkedIn: @DrMHPelletier

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About This Episode

In this episode, we sit down with Captain Sandy Yawn, known for her exemplary leadership on Bravo's Below Deck Mediterranean. Captain Sandy shares her incredible journey from surviving life-threatening incidents to commanding a super yacht with grace and resilience. Sandy's stories illuminate the power of standing up for oneself, asserting with kindness, and how even the smallest acts of boldness can lead to significant personal and professional growth. Drawing lessons from her book Be the Calm or Be the Storm: Leadership Lessons from a Woman at the Helm, she emphasizes the importance of treating people with respect and embodying leadership through actions. Personal growth and change are never easy, but Captain Sandy's journey through self-leadership and humility provides insight for us all. Tune in for a compelling episode filled with actionable insights and inspiring stories of bold leadership and personal development.

About Captain Sandy Yawn

Captain Sandy Yawn is a world-renowned captain in the yachting industry with over 30 years of experience.  Yawn’s love for the ocean propelled her to achieve the highest status as a mega yacht captain in a male dominated industry. Yawn, always the professional, earned a United States Coastguard Masters of Oceans 1600T/3000T and the United States Coast Guard and Maritime Coast Guard Agency Class IV CEC. The undeniable resilience Yawn possesses has not only pushed her to the top of the yachting industry but also allowed her to focus on philanthropic collaboration, ocean advocacy, and children’s education. She continually uses her experience and life’s trials and tribulations to educate and help others. Yawn survived a life-threatening motorcycle accident, threat of pirates, and even cancer. She appeared on the Emmy Award winning talk show The Doctors in hopes of sharing her personal experiences to educate others about cancer and health. Yawn is currently the captain on Bravo TV’s reality show Below Deck Mediterranean. Her unique leadership style of embracing teachable moments to train and educate her staff have earned her fan favorite accolades. Yawn is a hands-on type of Captain who leads by example and is not afraid to do whatever it takes to get the job done.  

Additional Resources

Website: www.captainsandyyawn.com

LinkedIn: @CaptainSandyYawn

Instagram: @captainsandrayawn

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About This Episode

Join us for a captivating conversation with Josh Linkner, a serial entrepreneur, bestselling author, venture capital investor, and professional jazz musician, as he shares his incredible journey of living boldly. Josh illustrates how taking thoughtful risks and adapting dynamically can lead to extraordinary outcomes. In this episode, we explore the power of mindset in achieving greatness. Josh articulates how true belief isn't about unwavering certainty but having the confidence to adapt and the willingness to make mistakes. He offers insights on how to overcome negative self-talk, societal pressures, and the illusion of perfection, sharing practical steps to fostering creativity and innovation. Josh also delves into his Find A Way method and its five crucial steps to success. He emphasizes the importance of starting before you're ready and how to fall in love with the problem, not the solution. Tune in to learn how to live boldly, enjoy the present, and make meaningful steps towards your goals.

About Josh Linkner

Josh Linkner— a New York Times bestselling author — is a rare blend of business, art, and science. On the business front, he’s been the founder and CEO of five tech companies, which created over 10,000 jobs and sold for a combined value of over $200 million. He’s the co-founder and Managing Partner of Muditā (moo-DEE-tah) Venture Partners - an early-stage venture capital firm investing in groundbreaking technologies. Over the last 30 years, he’s helped over 100 startups launch and scale, creating over $1 billion in investor returns. He’s twice been named the EY Entrepreneur of The Year and is the recipient of the United States Presidential Champion of Change Award. While proud of his business success, his roots are in the dangerous world of jazz music. He’s been playing guitar in smoky jazz clubs for 40 years, studied at the prestigious Berklee College of Music, and has performed over 1000 concerts around the world. His experiences in both business and music led him to become one of the world’s foremost experts on innovation. Josh is the co-founder and Chairman of Platypus Labs, a global research, training, and consulting firm. Today, he’s on a mission to help leaders Find A Way™ through creative problem-solving, inventive thinking, and ingenuity.

Additional Resources

Website: www.joshlinkner.com

Instagram: @JoshLinkner

LinkedIn: @JoshLinkner

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About This Episode

Ever wondered how bold actions can steer you towards a more authentic, fulfilling life? Stephanie Harrison, the author and visionary behind The New Happy, joins us to unravel this powerful connection. Through her own daring leap- quitting her job without a backup plan- Stephanie exemplifies how to align with your true self. Her story is a testament to the transformative power of embracing change to foster happiness and help others do the same. Stephanie emphasizes recognizing and valuing your true self, including your emotions, talents, and struggles, in order to achieve genuine happiness. She also tackles the misconception that happiness comes from external success, revealing that true joy stems from helping others and living a life of purpose. Dive into the science and stories behind happiness, and discover how vulnerability and authenticity can transform your life and the lives of those around you. Join us for an episode that promises to inspire and redefine your pursuit of happiness.

About Stephanie Harrison

Stephanie Harrison is the creator of the New Happy philosophy. Her work has been featured in publications such as CNBC, Fast Company, Forbes, and Harvard Business Review. She is the founder of The New Happy, a company helping individuals, companies, and communities apply this philosophy in their lives. The New Happy's art, newsletter, podcast, and programs reach millions of people around the world every month. She has a Masters Degree in positive psychology from the University of Pennsylvania. Previously, she was the Director of Learning at Thrive Global.

Additional Resources

Website: https://www.thenewhappy.com/

Buy Her Book, The New Happy

Instagram: @stephaniehson   @newhappyco

LinkedIn: @StephanieHarrison

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