The Savvy Session

We are here to spill the tea on one of our stellar keynote speakers for the upcoming The Savvy Summit on May 23rd in Chicago.  Jess Feldt, is a certified women's leadership coach who's all about self-compassion as a superpower!

Did you know that self-compassion can unlock doors you never knew existed?  Jess has dedicated her coaching to empower women in mastering this art.  As women, we juggle roles that span galaxies - and Jess gets that.  Can't wait to dive into her insights at The Savvy Summit!

Jess emphasizes that self-compassion isn't about taking it easy; it's about giving yourself permission to succeed, to fail, and to thrive regardless.  At The Savvy Summit, expect to explore strategies to turn that inner critique into your loudest cheerleader.

Many women feel pressure to perfectly balance caring for family while also leaning into ambitious careers.  The notion that we can seamlessly "do it all" leaves many of us overwhelmed.  Jess coined a motto that resonates - "screw the shoulds".  We all sometimes make choices because we feel we "should," not because we actually want to.  Giving ourselves permission to let go of societal expectations creates space to get clear on what WE really want.

Here are some key highlights from our conversation:

• Break free from societal expectations and 'shoulds' to pursue true happiness and fulfillment.
• Embrace work-life integration and empower yourself through intentional decision-making.
• Prioritize self-compassion to shape a positive mindset and sustainable self-care routine.
• Define meaningful relationships and grow both personally and professionally.

Early bird alert!  If you're as excited as we are about learning & networking at The Savvy Summit, grab your tickets before April 22nd to snag that early bird special.  It's not just about savings; it's about securing your space for growth among remarkable leaders.

Get your tickets here: https://www.thesavvysession.com/thesavvysummit

Jess Feldt is a Certified Life and Leadership Coach who helps career-focused working parents create their own versions of success. Her clients are C-suite executives, professionals, and entrepreneurs who want to nurture both their careers and families without the guilt.

Jess believes in the freedom to live life on your own terms and empowers each of her clients to figure out what this looks like for them.

She draws on her training and experience in organizational psychology, change management, and leadership development. Jess Feldt Coaching offers one-on-one coaching, group programs, and organizational workshops, and is the co-host of The Tightrope: Balancing Career, Motherhood, and Everything In Between podcast.

Learn more about Jess' Mastermind Group Program: https://www.jessfeldtcoaching.com/mastermind

You can connect with Jess here:
Website: https://www.jessfeldtcoaching.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicajaefeldt/

What if fully realizing your leadership abilities is less about developing new skills and more about discovering who you truly are? 

Join us for an insightful conversation with Divya Ramachandran, an executive leadership coach, who shares her story of making a career pivot from technology to pursue her passion for people development.  Now as a specialist in coaching tech founders, executives and managers, she helps talented leaders unlock their greatest creativity, resilience and impact.

By starting from a place of self-awareness, you’re able to build trust, foster curiosity and approach challenges with courage—ultimately transforming how you lead during good times and bad.

Divya helps executives navigate the challenges of growth by focusing on emotional intelligence and people development.  By addressing the need for difficult conversations and actions in leadership, she supports clients in managing stress and burnout.

Here are some key highlights from our conversation:

• Importance of Emotional Intelligence: Learn how managing emotions can enhance your interactions, decision-making, and overall business strategy.
• Overcoming Challenges: Discover how to navigate difficult conversations, tackle complex problems, and build trust in the workplace.
• Embrace Change for Growth: Shift your perspective from obstacles to opportunities, unlocking your true leadership potential and fostering a culture of innovation.

You can find the 'How To Do Hard Things Guide' here:
https://content.divyalalitha.com/hardthingsguide
 
Divya Ramachandran is an executive leadership coach with a unique career trajectory from building tech products to empowering people. Raised in Salt Lake City, Utah, by hardworking South Asian immigrant parents, Divya excelled academically while cultivating a deep connection to her cultural roots through music. She began her academic career in computer engineering, but it was at the University of California, Berkeley, while pursuing a Ph.D. in Computer Science, that she found her passion: using technology to meet essential human needs in health and education. This revelation propelled her through a successful decade in Silicon Valley's tech startup scene, focusing on user experience and product design.

A transformative experience with an executive coach prompted Divya's pivotal shift to leadership coaching. Realizing her calling on the first day of coach training, she has since dedicated herself to guiding tech startup leaders. Divya believes in fostering trust and connection, offering her expertise as a coach, facilitator, and speaker to a broad spectrum of leaders across various departments. Her approach integrates energy awareness, cognitive behavioral coaching, and emotional intelligence, enabling leaders and teams to overcome challenges such as clear communication, conflict resolution, productivity, and team empowerment for better product outcomes.”

You can connect with Divya here:
Website: https://www.divyalalitha.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/diramachandran/

Are you ready to take your presentation skills to the next level and captivate your audience like never before?

As a presenter, speaker, or facilitator, nailing the opening of your presentation is crucial.  A standard "Hi, my name is..." might be safe, but it's often forgettable. Your introduction sets the stage – make it count!

Join us for an insightful conversation with Marianna Swallow, a renowned presentation skills expert and coach, dedicated to transforming individuals into confident leaders on stage, at conferences, and in meetings.

Here are some key highlights from our conversation:

• Embrace nervousness as a sign of caring and improve your public speaking with proven mental tricks and body-based relaxation techniques.
• Learn the art of crafting a strong opening that hooks your audience using videos, stories, interactivity, and startling statistics.
• Discover how to adapt your public speaking skills to virtual platforms by focusing on preparation, interactivity, and engaging your audience effectively.
• Uncover the secrets for creating impactful speeches with Mariana's top 3 speech cheat sheet for last-minute speeches.

Whether you're just starting or are a seasoned pro, infusing the magic of a good story can set you apart.  It's about connecting, inspiring, and leading with authenticity.  So if you're crafting your next presentation or speech, remember, your story has power.

Marianna Swallow is The Speak Easy Coach. Her mission is to make presentations easy and enjoyable for everyone – one speech at a time. Her expertise lies in helping clients share their story in a way that creates audience connection. She works with individuals, executives, and teams to help them develop and deliver clear and confident presentations, all while making the process fun. 

 A lifelong performer, she’s a graduate of the Second City Conservatory. She currently performs stand-up and storytelling in Chicago. She holds a BA from Northern Illinois University, and an MFA from Goucher College.

You can connect with Marianna here:
Website: https://www.mariannaswallow.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariannas/

Have you ever thought about making a pivot in your business?

Running a business as a solopreneur comes with many rewards - the ability to be your own boss, work on projects you feel passionate about, and set your own schedule. 

However, it also comes with challenges.  As the sole person steering the ship, pivoting your business can feel risky and stressful.

Join us for an insightful conversation with Kerstin Martin, an expert solopreneur herself, as she discusses her lessons learned from her 3 successful business pivots made over her entrepreneurship journey.

Here are some key highlights from our conversation for anyone considering a business transition:

1.  Trust Your Intuition

When facing big changes, self-doubt and fear creep in.  However, beneath those surface emotions, your intuition knows the right path.  Kerstin advises tuning into that inner wisdom during pivots, rather than ignoring it.

2.  Create a Financial Safety Net

One strategy that enabled Kerstin to pivot with more peace of mind was building a safety net - both financial and emotional.  Before transitioning her business, she made sure she had at least 6 months of living expenses saved up.  Knowing the basics are covered allows you to focus fully on your new endeavor, versus worrying about paying the bills at the same time.

3.  Connect to Your 'Why'

When things feel challenging, it's easy to lose sight of why you started down this path.  Kerstin recommends journaling or writing a short mission statement to crystallize your motivations and vision.  Revisiting this reminds you what called you to this work, and what awaits on the other side of the discomfort that naturally arises during change.  It reconnects you to the joy and purpose that initially launched your solopreneur journey.

Navigating business pivots poses unique challenges for solopreneurs.  However, by tapping into personal strengths like intuition, patience, and clarity of purpose, you can shepherd your company through seasons of change.  What matters most is learning, listening, and taking the next right step from a place of courage and care - for both your business and yourself.

Kerstin Martin is an experienced Calm Business educator and late-bloomer solopreneur who built a successful internet business with only a small audience and no ads.  As a neurodivergent HSP, she is passionate about teaching overwhelmed solopreneurs how to build, grow, and scale calm and profitable businesses without the hustle.

Her online courses and educational products focus on leveraging simplified systems, gentle marketing, and organic growth.  Kerstin believes in acting from a place of integrity and kindness to build a business that fuels a joyful, rich, and grounded life.

You can connect with Kerstin here:
Website: https://mycalmbusiness.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kerstinmartin/

Have you ever noticed yourself falling into the same patterns of thinking or behavior and felt frustrated that you keep repeating those cycles?  Or perhaps you have certain emotional reactions or triggers that seem disproportionate to the situation at hand?

Join us for an insightful conversation with Starla Sholl, a renowned clinical social worker, as we talk about how our unconscious core beliefs—often originating in childhood—can unintentionally direct our choices and relationships in adulthood.  Starla explains why insight into these patterns is the first step toward rewriting old narratives that may be holding us back.

Join us as we explore: what key experiences may have laid the foundations for the stories we subconsciously tell ourselves, how to identify repetitive thought loops before they spiral, and tools to shift engrained neural pathways with compassion and consciousness.

Here are the key takeaways from our conversation:

1. Gain clarity on unconscious beliefs and patterns that limit you
2. Release stuck emotions and trauma to clear inner blocks
3. Develop self-compassion and dissolve feelings of shame
4. Discover your authentic self and reclaim personal power
5. Create meaning and purpose aligned with your soul

Starla meets you where you're at with no judgment, only compassion.  Her devotion is to help you remember the wholeness already inside you.  Past clients often return to her years later for that unique caring presence as they navigate new chapters of life.

Starla Sholl, LCSW is a clinical social worker in private practice.  Her approach integrates a foundation of psychodynamic psychotherapy with alternative and experiential healing modalities, including Heart-Centered Hypnotherapy, somatic work, subtle energy work, and breathwork.   Her style of therapy also is influenced by her study of indigenous and shamanic healing.

Her 35+ years of experience, plus her training and experience with alternative healing methods, give her clients the opportunity to experience growth and healing in a very different way than with other therapists.

You can connect with Starla here:
Website: https://www.yourwellnessoptions.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/starlasholl/

Let's talk about a superpower we often overlook: Negotiation.  Yes, it's not just for the office & boardrooms.  Effective negotiation skills are essential in EVERY aspect of life – from parenting to boardroom dealings.  Every day presents opportunities for us to practice and hone this skill.  Negotiation is an art, and each of us has a unique voice to create win-win situations.

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Alice Shikina, an expert mediator and negotiation coach, who is the founder of Shikina Mediation and Arbitration.  Alice shares key strategies for effective negotiation in various settings - from negotiating salaries and work projects to everyday interactions.  Listeners  will learn the art of effective negotiation that will boost your confidence & unleash your negotiation potential.

Here are the key takeaways from our conversation:

• Always Ask - You miss 100% of the opportunities you don't take. Don't negotiate against yourself before you even start the conversation. Boldly pursue what you want.
• Everything Is Negotiable - From APR rates on your credit card to your company's software acquisitions - it's all up for discussion. Embrace this mindset and watch opportunities unfold.
• Know Their Goals - When negotiating internally, like pitching new projects or seeking approvals, align your proposal with your company's objectives. Show how your request can boost revenues or cut costs, and you're more likely to succeed.
• Make Offers, Not Just Asks - Pair your requests with valuable offers. Demonstrate what you can contribute in return for what you're asking. It's a give-and-take that often yields positive results.

Alice Shikina is a mediator and negotiation coach.  She mediates workplace conflicts, divorces and family conflicts.  Alice has a theatre background and she uses those skills to navigate interpersonal conflicts between parties.  She also offers online negotiation and communication courses for entrepreneurs wanting to cultivate stronger skills to negotiate deals.  Alice is in Oakland, CA and lives with her two teenage boys.  In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, movies and spending time with her kids. 

You can connect with Alice here:
Website: https://shikinanegotiationacademy.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aliceshikina/

Have you ever looked back at your younger self and wish you had better guidance and support?  We sure have, and I bet many of you can relate!

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Brenna Potter, the founder of Coaching to Confidence.  Brenna specializes in empowering and supporting young women in their personal and professional lives, helping them navigate through the challenges they face.  Our conversation touched on topics such as building confidence, finding one's path, and the importance of aligning personal values with career choices.

Brenna emphasizes the importance of guiding clients to find their own unique paths, whether through college, trades, or alternative routes. Success can be found in various fields, and traditional education is not the only pathway to fulfillment.

It takes courage to pursue what aligns with your personal values, even when it goes against societal expectations.  Brenna encourages her clients to give themselves permission to change paths or make decisions, no matter their age. It's never too late to make a pivot and pursue what truly brings fulfillment.

Here are the key takeaways from our conversation:

• Reflect on your values
• Employ courage in your decisions
• Be flexible in your educational and career path
• Allow yourself the freedom to pivot
• Grant yourself permission to thrive on your own terms

Let's make 2024 a year of growth and empowerment!

Certified Life Coach, Brenna Potter is passionate about guiding young women through a transformative journey of self-discovery. With a focus on personal growth and topics such as self-love and self-compassion, she specializes in empowering her clients to become the best version of themselves while creating a life they love. As the proud owner of Coaching to Confidence, LLC, Brenna is dedicated to empowering young women as they navigate life's challenges and embrace personal growth, all while gaining confidence in the process. Her compassionate and empowering approach enables young women to discover their authentic selves, set their goals, and take action to create and live a life they love.

You can connect with Brenna here:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coachingtoconfidence23/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brenna-potter-563116150/

As we wrap up Season 2, we wanted to give a special thanks to all of our guests & listeners for making this an amazing 2nd season.  We appreciate your support & look forward to bringing you more inspiring content & guests in 2024!

We would love to get your feedback.  If there is any topic or guest you would like to recommend for us to have on next season, please go to www.thesavvysession.com for more details.

We wish you a very happy holiday & happy new year!  We look forward to seeing you next year.  Cheers!

Are you considering taking a leap into franchise ownership?

Join us for this inspiring episode as we talk with Kristine Givens, an experienced franchisee & business strategist.  In our conversation, Kristine delves deep into the challenges, triumphs, and valuable insights gained from her experiences in the franchise industry.  Ultimately, success in franchise ownership requires thorough research, a trust in one's instincts, and a commitment to learning and growth.

By leveraging resources like Kristine's course and podcast, prospective and existing franchisees can gain the knowledge and confidence necessary to embark on their own franchise journeys.

Here are the key takeaways from our conversation:

1.  Uncover the realities of franchise ownership and the skills required for success.
2.  Learn the importance of thorough research and assessing potential franchises.
3.  Financial requirements and options for funding a franchise purchase
4.  The pros, cons, and unexpected realities of becoming a franchisee
5.  Tools to determine if franchise ownership is the right fit for you

Kristine boasts over three decades of experience in the financial world, initially
launching her career at Ernst & Whinney, where her clients included both
individuals and businesses in variety of industries, setting a strong foundation for
her future endeavors.

Driven by an entrepreneurial spirit, Kristine founded a boutique accounting firm
catering to single-family offices, ultra-affluent families, and privately held
businesses. Her commitment to excellence and client satisfaction led to the firm's
acquisition by a global financial institution in 2009, marking a significant
milestone in her career trajectory.

Recognizing the potential of franchise ownership, Kristine made a pivotal move in
2015 by investing in a national franchise. This career path transformed her into
an entrepreneur and franchisee, exposing her to the multifaceted landscape of
business ownership.

Kristine's dedication to sharing her wealth of knowledge was a catalyst to her
launching a podcast titled "Demystifying Franchise Ownership," where she covers
topics relating to the franchise industry. Kristine is also creating a digital course
titled "Evaluating Franchise Ownership: the Good, the Bad, and the Unexpected”
which will be available in 2024.

You can connect with Kristine here:
Website: https://www.kristinegivens.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristinemartzgivens

Are you an aspiring entrepreneur looking to make the leap from the corporate world to entrepreneurship?

Join us in this insightful episode as we sit down with Brittany Levesque, founder of The Cultivators, as she shares her personal journey of transitioning from a corporate job to entrepreneurship in the web design industry.

Discover the strategies she followed, including setting financial goals, building her business, and the importance of accountability.  Whether you're a woman founder, aspiring entrepreneur, or interested in web design and branding, Brittany's advice and experiences will surely inspire and empower you.

Here are the key takeaways from our conversation:

1. Setting Financial Goals: Learn how Brittany set secure finances before taking the plunge into entrepreneurship, giving her the confidence to pursue her dreams.

2. Marketing Yourself Effectively: Discover Brittany's tactics for establishing a strong online presence and attracting potential clients to grow your customer base.

3. Ironclad Contracts and Boundaries: Gain insights into why having a solid contract and establishing clear boundaries with clients is crucial for success in the web design industry.

4. Consistent Branding: Understand the importance of consistent branding across all platforms and how it can attract potential clients to your business.

5. Trusting Your Intuition: Learn how intuition plays a significant role in the design process and building productive client relationships.

Brittany specializes in strategic and intuitive website design, logo design and brand development.  Your online presence and branding plays a crucial role in attracting clients, establishing credibility, and growing your business.  Let The Cultivators take your website & brand to new heights!

You can connect with Brittany here:
Website: https://thecultivators.ca/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecultivators.ca
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/brittany-levesque