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About This Episode

As a Chief Financial Officer, Ashley Jones Lee demystifies the world of finance, debunking some common misconceptions about the field, and providing actionable advice to best deliver a clear message. She talks about the power of storytelling and how best to understand your audience in order to communicate most effectively. Drawing parallels from her own experience, particularly as a mother, Ashley discusses the importance of understanding and checking in with yourself to best assess and allocate your energy and attention. She also describes the process of defining success for yourself, especially as this definition likely changes over time. Above all, Ashley emphasizes the significant role of intuition in being bold. From social media and online presence to the future outlook of industries affected by AI, there is an underlying need for human perception and genuine connection. Tune in to learn more about inspirational leadership and the power of intuition and storytelling.

About Ashley Jones Lee

Currently Chief Financial Officer at Uptempo, Ashley was brought in to enhance the financial sophistication and operational efficiencies of the organization. Previously, Ashley served as Chief Financial Officer and Acting Chief Technology Officer for Joyce University of Nursing & Health Sciences, where she directed a large team and oversaw accounting, finance, transformation, and technology. At SunteckTTS, Ashley served as the Director of Financial Planning & Analysis where she held P&L accountability and contributed to the company’s sales, sell-side diligence, and documentation. At Conduent (formerly Xerox Business Services), Ashley worked her way up to Finance Director, Group CFO. She led international finance teams and managed budgets, forecasting, P&L, and more. Ashley’s prior roles include serving as Senior Auditor for Liggett & Webb, P.A., Pricing Analyst for Conagra Foods, Tax Analyst for PGA of America, and Revenue Accountant for ADT Security Services, Inc. Ashley earned her Master of Accounting, with an emphasis in Forensic Accounting, from Florida Atlantic University and her Bachelor of Science in Finance and Accounting from Florida State University. 

Additional Resources

Follow Ashley on LinkedIn: @AshleyJonesLee

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About This Episode

To Sheena Yap Chan, being bold is taking action even when you’re scared, and she notes that the boldest decisions often have a ripple effect that can lead and inspire others in ways we couldn’t have imagined. Through her own personal and professional experiences, she describes the importance of advocating for yourself, recognizing that you are good enough, and being willing to take the first step in order to create new opportunities. Additionally, Sheena addresses the need for increased diverse representation and the importance of speaking up and sharing your experience, emphasizing the power of community. She also talks about the significance of mental health and describes the role of trauma in our lives, including how to identify and address what is holding us back in order to truly heal and move forward. Tune in for an insightful episode that debunks societal myths and gives you the tools to embrace and be your best self.

About Sheena Yap Chan

Sheena Yap Chan is The Wall Street Journal Bestselling author, keynote speaker, consultant and award winning podcaster on leadership and self-confidence. She is also the founder and host of the award winning podcast called The Tao of Self-Confidence where she interviews Asian women about their inner journey to self confidence. Her podcast has gotten over one million downloads to date and has interviewed over 800 women on the topic of confidence. She has interviewed celebrities, 8 figure CEO’s and more. Sheena has been featured on MindValley, FOX, ThriveGlobal, Manila Times and more. She is the TOP 10 Self Confidence/Self Love Coaches to Follow which was featured in Disrupt Magazine. She is also the co-author of the International bestselling books called Asian Women Who BossUp and International Women of Color Who BossUp. Sheena's debut book with Wiley, The Tao of Self-Confidence: A Guide to Moving Beyond Trauma and Awakening the Leader Within is also The Wall Street Journal and Publishers Weekly bestselling book.

Additional Resources

Website: https://sheenayapchan.com

Learn More About Her Latest Book

Listen to Her Podcast, The Tao of Self Confidence

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About This Episode

Fashion executive Melissa Cohen discusses her bold journey personally and professionally, from studying abroad in Italy to starting in the retail industry and moving into fashion, where she ultimately started her own consulting business. Along the way, she talks about how to be open to trying new things, recognize when something isn’t a good fit, and take the first step towards a passion. Melissa also emphasizes the importance of personal branding, especially on platforms like LinkedIn. She describes key steps to intentionally growing your network, building authentic relationships, and using your platform for good. Tune in for a great episode on following your passion, building a brand, and overcoming self-doubt.

About Melissa Cohen

Melissa Cohen is a senior fashion executive who has led teams at many well-known American brands such as Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger and Nautica, managing product development, sourcing and production. In 2020, when the pandemic upended the fashion industry, Melissa launched her own consulting business (MBC Consulting Solutions, LLC). She supports start-up and growth stage brands with product development and production execution. Melissa is the co-founder of Belle and Clover, a woman-owned bespoke digital portraiture service geared to celebrating life and love. Passionate about girls and women’s empowerment, she is a founding member of Chief (New York City chapter) and a member of the board of directors of Her Move Next.

Additional Resources

LinkedIn: @MelissaCohen

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About This Episode

As a top executive in manufacturing, Joanna Cooper is familiar with taking bold moves. In this episode, she explains how a decision to live and work internationally broadened her perspective and shaped her leadership style to always be curious and open. Joanna also discusses how to tackle big problems by breaking them down into achievable goals and building the right team. She emphasizes the power of working together and how new levels of success can be reached when we champion the perspectives of others. She also talks about the importance of reflection, taking the time to understand what you really want, and not being afraid to redefine what success looks like. Tune in for an enlightening episode on intentional relationship-building, curiosity-based problem-solving, and building self-awareness.  

About Joanna Cooper

Joanna Cooper is Daimler Truck North America's General Manager, Mount Holly. Recently named as a Women in Manufacturing board member, she continues to bridge competence and confidence to transform executive leadership and business culture to drive results. As a featured speaker in Reuters Automotive Retail and FABx at Fabtech 2023, Authority Magazine, Adam Mendler’s Leadership blog, SHRM, and other globally recognized leadership publications and podcasts, Cooper reduces the learning curve by sharing how leaders can systemize their results. Workforce development and digital transformation have never been more relevant than now as leaders seek to transition product and service portfolios to more sustainable solutions. 

Additional Resources

LinkedIn: @JoannaCooper

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About This Episode

Marci and Kyle Pruzina, the husband-and-wife duo of the Americana/Pop band, Suitcase Souls, tell their story of discovering themselves and their passions through music. With insights into the songwriting and musicmaking process, Kyle and Marci also share personal stories from making the bold decision to pursue music, how they first met, and how they ultimately formed their band. Along the way, Kyle and Marci talk about how to figure out what you’re really passionate about and pursue it with courage and conviction. They also speak to keen problem-solving and the entrepreneurial mindset it takes to start something new that you believe in, while also addressing how to not let your work define your identity, being open to trying new things, and how to overcome a creative roadblock if you get stuck. Tune in for an insightful, fun episode on discovering yourself and your inner boldness in order to pursue your true passion.

About Suitcase Souls
 Based in Nashville, Tennessee, Suitcase Souls are an Americana/Pop duo composed of husband-and-wife Kyle and Marci Pruzina. Meeting while attending college in Memphis, Tennessee, they’d started performing together in bands and as a duo since day one. Moving to Nashville in 2019, they began writing, recording, and building their band in the heart of Music City. The couple released their debut album, The Love We Found, in 2021 ranging from uptempo, driving Americana-rock songs to vibey love ballads perfect for a wedding first dance. With recent singles like "Nashville October" and "Good Life" the duo has shown a wide variety of heartfelt emotions and anthems for family and friends to enjoy & appreciate the simple moments of life. With an electrifying full-band live show paired with tight harmonies reminiscent of a "happier Civil Wars" mixed with a “slightly less-country Dan+Shay," their sound likens to the singer-songwriter styles of artists such as Ben Rector, Drew Holcomb & The Neighbors, and The Lumineers, finding inspiration from duo acts such as Johnnyswim, Watchhouse and The Civil Wars.
 

Additional Resources

Facebook: @SuitcaseSouls  

Instagram: @SuitcaseSouls 

Listen to Suitcase Souls on Spotify

Listen to Suitcase Souls on Apple Music

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 About This Episode

As a founder, wife, and mother, Kirby Wilkerson shares her story of learning how and when to ask for help. As someone who tried to do everything on her own, recognizing that she could even ask for help, let alone accept it, was a bold journey in itself. Kirby shares that story in this episode as well as the benefits of accepting help, including being more present and intentional with your life. She also talks about her learnings and advice from starting her own PR firm, The Impact Kind, which strives to lead and support its clients with heart and kindness, all while making a positive impact. From her experience and expertise as a PR strategist, Kirby also describes the power of a story. Specifically, she emphasizes how each of us has a powerful story within us, one that can inspire and empower others. Tune in to hear Kirby’s empowering story about embracing support and giving back.

About Kirby Wilkerson

Kirby Wilkerson is Founder and PR Strategist at The Impact Kind, a digital PR firm based in Michigan. With clients featured in Forbes, Fortune, Authority Magazine, Business Insider, Parents, and other globally recognized leadership publications and podcasts, Wilkerson is helping business leaders by showcasing their expertise with intentional PR campaigns. She is leveraging her international experience and digital communications education to connect her clients with powerful mediums that help them achieve results. To date her roster has helped major brands generate over $3 Billion. 
 

Additional Resources

Website: https://www.impactkind.com/

LinkedIn: @KirbyWilkerson

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About This Episode

As the CEO of AllBright, a global collective of ambitious women, Viviane Paxinos strives to create purposeful, data-driven action that leads to real change, especially regarding gender equity in the workplace. Viv shares the key pivots she made in her life, including moving to London without knowing anyone and changing industries after 15+ years. She emphasizes that failures and the learnings we get from them are a natural part of life and an essential part of being bold. Through her own experiences, Viv provides helpful information on training your own mind muscle to ensure your thoughts are supporting and empowering you, instead of holding you back. She stresses the importance of strengthening the values that unite us and considering our legacy and the story we want to tell about our life. Listen in for an insightful perspective on failure, overcoming setbacks, and moving forward with conviction, belief, and positive impact.

About Viv Paxinos

Viviane Paxinos, CEO of AllBright, leads a global collective of 500,000 ambitious women committed to creating a more equitable world for all. Based at the Mayfair headquarters of the membership club, Viv was appointed to the leadership role in October 2022 with her extensive experience in driving tangible results and business growth. Formerly Global GM of UNiDAYS, one of the world’s leading student affinity networks, Viviane successfully grew the business, connecting some of the world’s leading lifestyle brands with new audiences. Previously, Viv has held senior roles for BBC Worldwide, Comcast and Discovery Inc; Viviane has a legacy of delivering global growth for brands through strategic insights and innovative creativity. Viv passionately believes in the power of the collective and is committed to developing global teams who are empowered to achieve results; maintaining a people-first culture through nurturing and mentoring talent to create a best-in-class working environment. 

Additional Resources

Website: https://www.allbrightcollective.com/

LinkedIn: @VivianePaxinos

Instagram: @viviane_paxinos   @allbright

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About This Episode

Amani Duncan was taught boldness early on through her family, who encouraged her to try everything and be anything she wanted to be. Even with this strong support system, there were many voices in her own head that planted the seeds of doubt and fear. Amani discusses self-talk and how to silence inner negativity and change the internal narrative by checking in with yourself, recognizing that are you enough, and knowing your worth. Through personal stories of overcoming grief and the fear of disappointing others, Amani also describes her professional journey from pivoting immediately after college into the music industry, a field she had no previous experience in, to becoming a veteran marketer and brand strategist. She discusses the role of fear in being bold- how being unafraid doesn’t necessarily mean the absence of fear, but rather a willingness to try anyway and go for it. From her own experience, Amani relays important advice on betting on yourself and not allowing imposter syndrome and second guesses to prevent you from living an intentional life, one where you call the shots. Tune in for a powerful episode on overcoming your fears and self-doubt, while acknowledging your own worth and living a life by your own design.  

About Amani Duncan

Amani Duncan is a highly accomplished full-stack marketer and brand strategist with almost three decades of experience in industries such as beauty/fashion, media, advertising, music/entertainment, and manufacturing. She has a proven track record of driving brand growth and transformation through strategic partnerships and initiatives that positively impact the 3 P's: people, purpose, and profits. Her leadership and contributions have earned her recognition in the industry, including being named Ad Age A-List’s 2022 Agency Executive of the Year, Adweek's Women Trailblazer 2022, Campaign Female Frontier Award honoree, Girl Scouts of Greater New York Gold Achievement honoree, among others. Amani is also an active member of various industry organizations, including serving as a founding member of Chief and sitting on the Board of Directors of Fender Musical Instruments Corporation (FMIC) and Fyli. Additionally, she volunteers with the Girl Scouts of Greater New York. Amani continues to be heavily involved in the advertising industry, regularly speaking at events and serving as a juror and Jury President for prestigious award shows such as Cannes Lions Festival of Creativity, Ad Age’s Creativity Awards, Advertising Week’s Future is Female and Dubai Lynx awards. Despite her success, Amani shows no signs of slowing down and is dedicated to driving positive change in the industry and beyond.

Additional Resources

LinkedIn: @AmaniDuncan

Instagram: @intern_toceo

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About This Episode

Being bold to Abbi McCollum means taking chances and being willing to try. No matter the outcome, you’ll learn, grow, and have additional insight to help you moving forward. This has especially been relevant to her work in the digital space, as the Vice President of Digital and Social Media for HGTV, staying up to date on the latest social media platforms and trends, while also staying true to herself and the brands she represents. In this episode, Abbi describes her professional journey in social media and marketing, a passion she had early on, and draws from her vast experience in the field to provide tips and advice for growing your own brand and staying authentic and relevant in an ever-changing digital world. Abbi also gives us an inside scoop on some of HGTV’s exciting endeavors, from their earlier work on The Brady Bunch House to their upcoming Barbie House project this summer. Tune in for a fun episode around staying adaptive, being open to change, and following your passion. 

About Abbi McCollum

As the Vice President of Digital and Social Media for HGTV, Abbi McCollum creates a bridge between the on-air programming team, the marketing team and the digital team. As the digital lead for the brand, Abbi manages a team that creates a digital and social presence for all HGTV shows and talent and promotes to an audience of over 33 million. She helps manage partnerships, create original video content, produce live events and coordinates influencer campaigns. Abbi also oversees content for HGTV.com and creates content strategy to grow the brand across the ever-changing landscape of social media.

Additional Resources

LinkedIn: @AbbiMcCollum

Instagram: @AbbiMcCollum

Learn More About HGTV’s Latest Barbie House Project

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About This Episode

To Angela Cheng-Cimini, being bold means speaking truth to power. She talks of moments in her personal and professional life that have brought out this boldness and shares what she has learned on effectively speaking truth to power in a way that feels authentic and meaningful. With over 30 years of experience in human resources, now a CHRO at Harvard Business Publishing, Angela shares her expert opinion on what leaders should be paying particular attention to within their teams and across an organization. She shines a light on DEI initiatives and the most effective ways to support and incorporate DEI into the workplace. Additionally, Angela speaks to sponsorship and mentorship as well as being on a board and how others can also claim a board seat. Tune in for an inspirational perspective on speaking truth and leading the way for significant, positive change. 

About Angela Cheng-Cimini

Angela Cheng-Cimini joined Harvard Business Publishing as Senior Vice President, Talent & Chief Human Resources Officer in 2021. Angela brings 30 years of both generalist and specialist Human Resources experience, having worked across consumer product goods, professional services, and high-tech as well as nonprofits. Prior to joining Harvard Business Publishing, Angela was at ClearMotion, Inc. an automotive technology startup where she accelerated the evolution of the HR function from administrative to strategic. She also served as the Global Head of Human Resources for Crabtree & Evelyn, where she led an international team spanning four continents and prepared the brick-and-mortar business to go completely digital. Angela sits on the Alumni Board of Directors for Cornell University; serves as an HR Venture Adviser for SemperVirens, an early-stage venture fund that invests in technology transforming healthcare, work, and financial wellness; and is Board Director for the T. Howard Foundation, a mission-driven organization dedicated to increasing diversity in the media industry.

Additional Resources

Connect on LinkedIn: @AngelaChengCimini

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