Underdog Leadership Podcast

In this new UNCUT episode, Jenny Mitchell gets raw about a term that was casually dropped by last week's guest—sacrificial living—and how it shows up in our everyday work lives, especially for entrepreneurs and corporate folks.

She shares: - What sacrificial living looks and feels like - The turning point that made her say, "No more." - Simple, empowering shifts to reclaim your time and energy - Why it's time to stop letting your work bucket overflow and start filling your life bucket with intention

This is the kind of real talk you didn't know you needed today—full of honesty, insight, and the gentle nudge to build a life you don't need to recover from.

🎧 Listen now on your favourite podcast platform

Listener Reflection: Where in your day are you just "trying to make it through"—and what small shift could you make to stop sacrificing yourself in the process?

Listen to Episode 6.3 here: https://chavender.com/underdog-leadership-podcast/personal-leadership-that-delivers-utter-fulfilment/ — ✨Buy the Embracing Ambition Book: https://chavender.com/embracing-ambition-the-book/

Book a discovery call: https://calendly.com/jennychavender/30min?back=1&month=2022-09

Lean into Meaningful Conversations with this complimentary 20 minute video all about the tools and techniques for moving conversations forward: https://youtu.be/zv1N_ZsDEAs

Don't miss an episode by joining my Podcast VIP Email List: https://chavender.activehosted.com/f/27

Catch me on email: [email protected]

Check out my website: chavender.com

Hop on over to Instagram: @jennychavender

Let's connect on LinkedIn: Jenny Mitchell, CFRE, CEC, DMA

"See" me on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0Q97-c98aPUmfhzlpswfsw

Jen Szpigiel, founder of Becoming Iconic, sits down with Jenny to explore what it truly means to lead with courage, make empowered decisions, and step into your future self—before you are ready.

We discuss: ✨ Taking bold leaps, even when the path ahead is uncertain ✨ Making decisions as your future self instead of being held back by past doubts ✨ The role of belief and mindset in success—especially when fear and imposter syndrome creep in ✨ Betting on yourself as the ultimate investment, no matter the risks ✨ How Jen's journey in entrepreneurship shaped her approach to leadership, resilience, and supporting others

Jen shares personal stories about navigating uncertainty, making high-stakes investments, and keeping your vision, even in the midst of fear. She also reveals an exciting milestone—treating her entire family to a dream vacation as a way to celebrate the results of her courage and persistence.

This episode will inspire you to trust yourself and go for it.

Key Takeaways:

1. A new leadership paradigm embraces femininity, collaboration, and community-driven success.

2. Personal belief and curiosity empower leaders to navigate challenges.

3. Women can excel in both motherhood and business by being intentional and present.

4. Understanding motivations, valuing quality over quantity, and fostering collaboration create thriving teams.

5. Embracing fear and uncertainty opens doors to greater possibilities.

Chapters:

00:00 The New Paradigm of Leadership

02:12 Reinventing Business in 2020

03:14 The Quest for Fulfillment

06:34 Balancing Life and Work

07:01 Feminine Leadership and Creativity

10:31 Building a Collaborative Team

12:24 Effective Communication Strategies

16:32 The Importance of Mentorship

20:10 Embracing Fear and Uncertainty

24:41 Looking Ahead to 2025

If you loved this episode, you'll also enjoy:

Compassionate Accountability Podcast with Nate Regier: https://open.spotify.com/show/1CpWMEjHNu2h64wIX94QvD?si=d2cd395713254879

Ep 5.4: Beware of Mothering Your Teams to Incompetence: https://open.spotify.com/episode/76ARiIZhy0Eceb2EELfV4w?si=TmPFN52QQAydNU3RpIV0AA

—

✨Buy the Embracing Ambition Book: https://chavender.com/embracing-ambition-the-book/

Book a discovery call: https://calendly.com/jennychavender/30min?back=1&month=2022-09

Lean into Meaningful Conversations with this complimentary 20 minute video all about the tools and techniques for moving conversations forward: https://youtu.be/zv1N_ZsDEAs

Don't miss an episode by joining my Podcast VIP Email List: https://chavender.activehosted.com/f/27

Catch me on email: [email protected]

Check out my website: chavender.com

Hop on over to Instagram: @jennychavender

Let's connect on LinkedIn: Jenny Mitchell, CFRE, CEC, DMA

"See" me on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0Q97-c98aPUmfhzlpswfsw

Connect with Jen:

🌐 Website: becomingIconic.co

🎧 Becoming Iconic Podcast

📖 Becoming Iconic Magazine – Now a quarterly print & digital edition!

Instagram: @becomingiconic @iconicmagazine_

"Fake it till you make it." Jenny explores how the stories we tell about ourselves shape our confidence, actions, and success.

Career specialist Michelle Schaefer joined Jenny last episode and described herself as a career storyteller. Jenny reflected on her own journey: early on, she described Chavender as a small consulting firm—until she realized the word "small" was limiting her mindset. Defining yourself as just a VP or just a small business owner will impact your growth.

She shares a striking analogy from Chavender Club: imagine a shooting target. Some shots scatter randomly, others cluster toward the bullseye. The way we interpret our progress—failure or improvement—affects our next steps. The question is, how are you telling your own story?

Listener Reflection: What narratives are shaping your leadership and career path? Are they serving you, or are they holding you back?

Listen to Episode 6.2 here: https://chavender.com/underdog-leadership-podcast/how-to-make-career-development-a-365-day-a-year-project/

—

✨Buy the Embracing Ambition Book: https://chavender.com/embracing-ambition-the-book/

Book a discovery call: https://calendly.com/jennychavender/30min?back=1&month=2022-09

Lean into Meaningful Conversations with this complimentary 20 minute video all about the tools and techniques for moving conversations forward: https://youtu.be/zv1N_ZsDEAs

Don't miss an episode by joining my Podcast VIP Email List: https://chavender.activehosted.com/f/27

Catch me on email: [email protected]

Check out my website: chavender.com

Hop on over to Instagram: @jennychavender

Let's connect on LinkedIn: Jenny Mitchell, CFRE, CEC, DMA

"See" me on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0Q97-c98aPUmfhzlpswfsw

What if losing your job was the best thing that ever happened to you? That's exactly what career coach Michelle Schafer discovered when an unexpected job loss led her to her true calling.

In this episode, Michelle shares her personal journey—jumping across industries from banking to government to nonprofits—before finally finding her passion in coaching. She reveals how discomfort and uncertainty aren't just challenges but catalysts for reinvention.

We'll also dive into insights from her book, Cultivating Career Growth: Navigating Transitions with Purpose, and explore why career planning should be ongoing, not just a reaction to change. Whether you're navigating a transition, mentoring others, or rethinking your next career move, this conversation is filled with wisdom, strategy, and the mindset shifts that lead to real growth.

Tune in for an inspiring take on career pivots, leadership, and the power of embracing change.

Key Takeaways:

1. Career growth requires courage, consistency, and self-belief.

2. Leaders and employees must prioritize career conversations year-round.

3. Networking and open-ended questions unlock new opportunities.

4. Small, intentional steps drive meaningful career progress.

5. Everyone is responsible for shaping their own career path.

Chapters:

00:00 Navigating Career Transitions

06:16 The Importance of Year-Round Career Development

12:24 Empowering Leaders to Foster Growth

18:31 Taking Ownership of Your Career

24:49 The Role of Planning in Career Success

If you loved this episode, you'll also enjoy:

Ep 5.7: Jenny's Journey: Career Transitions and How to Navigate Them https://open.spotify.com/episode/0aerfLW3l6EGYP69HFFTz1?si=hFZGSJVkQByjGQm-ceoNpw

Ep 4.5: How to Bring Magic to Your Work with Amy Lynn Durham https://open.spotify.com/episode/4FkRG9slX7WYwmeVoKyR5J?si=MLvzGiixRRmzZYPR5z8Q0Q

Ep 2.8: Unusual Career Paths with Mary Cote https://open.spotify.com/episode/5a6v2ZkE4hVXwz9f9jlnXV?si=tvZA0_dySO-X4yfXRSVntw

—

✨Buy the Embracing Ambition Book: https://chavender.com/embracing-ambition-the-book/

Book a discovery call: https://calendly.com/jennychavender/30min?back=1&month=2022-09

Lean into Meaningful Conversations with this complimentary 20 minute video all about the tools and techniques for moving conversations forward: https://youtu.be/zv1N_ZsDEAs

Don't miss an episode by joining my Podcast VIP Email List: https://chavender.activehosted.com/f/27

Catch me on email: [email protected]

Check out my website: chavender.com

Hop on over to Instagram: @jennychavender

Let's connect on LinkedIn: Jenny Mitchell, CFRE, CEC, DMA

"See" me on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0Q97-c98aPUmfhzlpswfsw

Connect with Michelle:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelleschafercoaching/

Website: https://mschafercoaching.ca/

Free offer: A free chapter from my book - sign up here: https://mschafercoaching.ca/cultivatingcareergrowth/

Order my book Cultivating Career Growth: Navigating Transitions with Purpose: https://www.amazon.ca/Cultivating-Career-Growth-Navigate-Transitions/dp/1998393194/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0

Email me here: [email protected]

Book a complimentary 30 min discovery call with me here: https://calendly.com/coaching-with-michelle-schafer

Following last week's episode on workaholism, this week's UNCUT is all about taking stock of your time—before burnout hits. Jenny shares one of her go-to strategies: a time audit.

When life feels overwhelming and the balance between work and personal life starts tipping, Jenny takes a step back and examines where her time is truly going. She walks you through her method of reviewing past weeks, tracking how much time she spends coaching, in meetings, volunteering, or at home. The numbers don't lie, and this simple practice provides clarity, awareness, and the power to recalibrate before exhaustion sets in.

This episode connects back to Episode 6.1, where Jenny explored her decision to create both a huge life bucket and a huge work bucket—and how planning for both ensures neither is neglected. Want to take control of your time and energy? Start with a time audit and see what you uncover.

Challenge for you: Review last week's schedule. Where did your time go? Are you in balance, or is it time for a shift?

🎧 Tune in now and let us know what you discover!

Listen to Episode 6.1 here: https://chavender.com/underdog-leadership-podcast/work-life-integration-lessons-learned-from-a-workaholic-woman/ — ✨Buy the Embracing Ambition Book: https://chavender.com/embracing-ambition-the-book/

Book a discovery call: https://calendly.com/jennychavender/30min?back=1&month=2022-09

Lean into Meaningful Conversations with this complimentary 20 minute video all about the tools and techniques for moving conversations forward: https://youtu.be/zv1N_ZsDEAs

Don't miss an episode by joining my Podcast VIP Email List: https://chavender.activehosted.com/f/27

Catch me on email: [email protected]

Check out my website: chavender.com

Hop on over to Instagram: @jennychavender

Let's connect on LinkedIn: Jenny Mitchell, CFRE, CEC, DMA

"See" me on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0Q97-c98aPUmfhzlpswfsw

The Underdog Leadership Podcast is BACK for Season 6. In this episode, Jenny Mitchell explores the concept of workaholism and how it has evolved over time. Once worn as a badge of honor, being a "workaholic" is now a term many professionals are actively trying to shed. Jenny shares her journey from an overachiever to a high performer, highlighting the importance of work-life integration rather than balance. Through personal stories, coaching insights, and practical strategies, she provides guidance on shifting your relationship with work, managing energy levels, and creating a sustainable approach to success. Tune in and discover how you can move from workaholic tendencies to a more sustainable and fulfilling work-life integration!

Key Takeaways:

1. Work-life integration is about flow, not balance.

2. Your relationship with work can evolve.

3. Energy management is crucial.

4. Personal leadership is about prioritization.

5. Accountability in personal life matters.

6. Recognizing anxiety triggers is key.

7. Joy in work is possible.

Chapters:

00:00 Unpacking the Workaholic Identity

06:01 High Performance vs. Overachievement

12:11 The Importance of Personal Leadership

17:51 Looking Ahead: Future Conversations

Keywords:

Workaholic, Work-life integration, Personal leadership, Energy management, Overachiever vs. high performer, Prioritization, Mindfulness at work, Anxiety and productivity, High-value tasks, Sustainable success

If you loved this episode, you'll also enjoy:

Ep 5.4: Beware of Mothering your Teams to Incompetence https://open.spotify.com/episode/76ARiIZhy0Eceb2EELfV4w?si=df9ddb8ff85744be

Ep 5.3: Seven Ways to Stop Sabotaging Yourself https://open.spotify.com/episode/5HrAB8iQhQ2NS6p9toTgME?si=852b58c30b444cc3

Ep 4.4: How to Get (More) Comfortable Doing New Things https://open.spotify.com/episode/0Z0fLQ0ciclFjUzQbnuuZY?si=bbb4eca51431449d

—

✨Buy the Embracing Ambition Book: https://chavender.com/embracing-ambition-the-book/

Book a discovery call: https://calendly.com/jennychavender/30min?back=1&month=2022-09

Lean into Meaningful Conversations with this complimentary 20 minute video all about the tools and techniques for moving conversations forward: https://youtu.be/zv1N_ZsDEAs

Don't miss an episode by joining my Podcast VIP Email List: https://chavender.activehosted.com/f/27

Catch me on email: [email protected]

Check out my website: chavender.com

Hop on over to Instagram: @jennychavender

Let's connect on LinkedIn: Jenny Mitchell, CFRE, CEC, DMA

"See" me on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0Q97-c98aPUmfhzlpswfsw

What does it take to lead with impact in the nonprofit world while staying true to your personal growth? In this episode, Jenny Mitchell and Kristi Rivait, co-founder of Scale Collaborative, dive into the relationship between personal leadership and organizational development. Kristi shares her journey from growing up in a small-town to becoming a leader in social enterprise innovation. Together, they explore how nonprofit leaders can embrace ambition, overcome imposter syndrome, and adopt an abundance mindset to navigate the challenges of traditional nonprofit structures.

This candid conversation highlights the transformative power of self-investment and mentorship, emphasizing how personal growth directly fuels thriving teams and organizations. With a fresh perspective on leadership, this episode reimagines what's possible for women in the nonprofit sector. It's a must-listen for anyone ready to challenge the status quo, empower their teams, and embrace a collaborative, forward-thinking approach to leadership. Ready to align your personal growth with organizational impact? This conversation will leave you motivated to lead with clarity and confidence! — ✨Buy the Embracing Ambition Book: https://chavender.com/embracing-ambition-the-book/

Book a discovery call: https://calendly.com/jennychavender/30min?back=1&month=2022-09

Lean into Meaningful Conversations with this complimentary 20 minute video all about the tools and techniques for moving conversations forward: https://youtu.be/zv1N_ZsDEAs

Don't miss an episode by joining my Podcast VIP Email List: https://chavender.activehosted.com/f/27

Catch me on email: [email protected]

Check out my website: chavender.com

Hop on over to Instagram: @jennychavender

Let's connect on LinkedIn: Jenny Mitchell, CFRE, CEC, DMA

"See" me on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0Q97-c98aPUmfhzlpswfsw

In this empowering episode of the Underdog Leadership Podcast, Jenny Mitchell is joined by Allison Fuller to tackle a tough topic: how women sabotage themselves during the job application and interview process. Together, they discuss the common pitfalls women fall into, from discounting their strengths to struggling with imposter syndrome. Alison offers practical advice to help listeners break these habits. Topics on this episode include crafting tailored resumes, navigating ageism, and how body language is crucial for first impressions. Jenny and Alison tackle the difference (and the importance!) of sponsorship over mentorship and why it's essential for women to embrace their achievements and ask for help when needed.

If you've ever held back from applying for a job or second-guessed yourself in an interview, this episode is for you. Jenny and Allison give you the tools to stop self-sabotage in its tracks and show up as the confident, capable leader you truly are. — ✨Buy the Embracing Ambition Book: https://chavender.com/embracing-ambition-the-book/

Book a discovery call: https://calendly.com/jennychavender/30min?back=1&month=2022-09

Lean into Meaningful Conversations with this complimentary 20 minute video all about the tools and techniques for moving conversations forward: https://youtu.be/zv1N_ZsDEAs

Don't miss an episode by joining my Podcast VIP Email List: https://chavender.activehosted.com/f/27

Catch me on email: [email protected]

Check out my website: chavender.com

Hop on over to Instagram: @jennychavender

Let's connect on LinkedIn: Jenny Mitchell, CFRE, CEC, DMA

"See" me on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0Q97-c98aPUmfhzlpswfsw

This episode was inspired by a coaching client. She said "Jenny, I'd love to learn more about your career journey and how you navigated your transitions in your professional life." In this episode, Jenny Mitchell opens up about her personal journey of growth and leadership, diving into how our personal narratives shape who we are, influence our professional lives, and guide us through key milestones. Of course she talks about the challenges of balancing motherhood with ambition, some of her early life lessons,and her commitment to education in many different forms. Owning your achievements, being curious, and the power of community are three big themes in this episode curated for women leaders.

When you embrace your own personal leadership story, and own your milestones along the way, your story changes. And when the story changes, you allow yourself to shift and grow into the leader you were always meant to be. — ✨Buy the Embracing Ambition Book: https://chavender.com/embracing-ambition-the-book/

Book a discovery call: https://calendly.com/jennychavender/30min?back=1&month=2022-09

Lean into Meaningful Conversations with this complimentary 20 minute video all about the tools and techniques for moving conversations forward: https://youtu.be/zv1N_ZsDEAs

Don't miss an episode by joining my Podcast VIP Email List: https://chavender.activehosted.com/f/27

Catch me on email: [email protected]

Check out my website: chavender.com

Hop on over to Instagram: @jennychavender

Let's connect on LinkedIn: Jenny Mitchell, CFRE, CEC, DMA

"See" me on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0Q97-c98aPUmfhzlpswfsw

What if better leadership starts with simply liking yourself more? In this episode of The Underdog Leadership Podcast, Jenny Mitchell chats with Alan Questel, a Feldenkrais practitioner, about the transformative power of self-acceptance and kindness. Alan shares how focusing on liking ourselves, rather than striving for self-love, can lead to profound personal growth. Through the Feldenkrais method, which emphasizes the mind-body connection, he reveals how small shifts in awareness can ripple out into how we lead and connect with others.

This episode isn't just for leaders - it's for anyone ready to embrace kindness, starting with themselves. Alan and Jenny explore how small, daily acts of self-compassion can build a healthier mindset and stronger connections. Tune in to learn how liking yourself more can unlock your leadership potential and enrich your life. — ✨Buy the Embracing Ambition Book: https://chavender.com/embracing-ambition-the-book/

Book a discovery call: https://calendly.com/jennychavender/30min?back=1&month=2022-09

Lean into Meaningful Conversations with this complimentary 20 minute video all about the tools and techniques for moving conversations forward: https://youtu.be/zv1N_ZsDEAs

Don't miss an episode by joining my Podcast VIP Email List: https://chavender.activehosted.com/f/27

Catch me on email: [email protected]

Check out my website: chavender.com

Hop on over to Instagram: @jennychavender

Let's connect on LinkedIn: Jenny Mitchell, CFRE, CEC, DMA

"See" me on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0Q97-c98aPUmfhzlpswfsw