Underdog Leadership Podcast

It's every leader's worst nightmare: the moment when their best talent signs a contract with someone else. Or worse: the competition.

Why did they leave? One of two reasons: they hated their boss, or they didn't see a path forward for professional advancement.

Both of these challenges can be addressed by bringing in a solid mentorship program to your organization. If you haven't figured it out yet, let me spell it out to you. People are your organization's most valuable asset. If people don't feel like the organization has your back, they will leave. And the ironic thing is, it wouldn't have taken much to get them to stay. All they wanted was for someone to invest in them, both financially and professionally. Mentorship is a simple and dynamic way to drive staff retention in your organization. Today on the podcast, my guest and co-coach in Chavender is Sherry Schaefer. Sherry has a wealth of experience and wisdom around the subjects of mentorship and talent development. She builds mentorship programs for organizations and people across many sectors.

If you desire a culture of excellence at your organization, but don't know where to start, this podcast is a great fit for you. Mentorship and succession planning are not a "nice to have" anymore. They are a must-have. Mentorship isn't just a professional nicety; it's a vitally strategic necessity. In this episode you'll get actionable strategies and insights that will empower you to invest in the success of others. Whether you're a seasoned leader or an aspiring professional, this episode promises to inspire, inform, and elevate your journey. "If you want to build and organization that's sustainable, that's going to grow and keep excelling, you've got to have a mentorship program" - Sherry Schaefer — 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

Leadership Vacuums. It's when everyone is polite, doesn't say the hard things that need to be said, and meetings start to look like merry-go-arounds. Is this you? Are you leading from behind, afraid to step out and say what needs to be said? From personal decisions to workplace dynamics, being unclear in your leadership role can lead to a host of problems. This podcast is all about stepping up and taking charge in your life and at work. There are consequences for avoiding leadership responsibilities, believe me! It's crucial to lead with purpose. It's time to break free from the leadership vacuum, say goodbye to uncertainty and embrace the path of decisive leadership! "We have to let go of leading to be liked. We have to start getting comfortable talking about difficult things." - Jenny Mitchell — 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

Welcome to Season 4!

I am celebrating consistency today! It would have been easy to stop the Underdog Leadership Podcast after Season 1 or 2. Shiny object syndrome kicks in, or we become inconsistent with where we put our energy.

But I stuck to it. I stuck with the podcast and kept going. In every episode I got a little better with the technology, my interview skills, and my messaging. The power of sticking to something matters. Growing and learning through the process matters.

The main message of this episode is: Give yourself permission to do the BIG thing ✨ Tune in as we delve into actionable strategies and mindset shifts to help you achieve that BIG thing in your life. Whether you're starting a project, business, or embarking on a personal development journey, this episode provides insights on staying the course and reaching new heights…while having FUN along the way. "If you're not embracing every moment along the way, what's it all for?" - Jenny Mitchell — Book a discovery call: https://calendly.com/jennychavender/30min?back=1&month=2022-09

Join the Preview list to get advance notice of all things about the Embracing Ambition Book: https://chavender.activehosted.com/f/33

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

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

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

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Janet's story is about personal integrity and being a part of the system as a lawyer. It's about recognizing that there is a wide variety of people engaging in the system in different ways and it's on us to exercise moral courage in the way that we engage with the system.

Not only was Janet a lawyer, but she was also a lawyer in the military in the United States Navy. Janet's story starts with her wanting to be in this honourable profession that is all about strength and integrity of character. But, as she became a lawyer and in uniform, these little cracks started to appear. So how do you navigate the system when those cracks appear? Listen in to find out!

"All leaders face leadership challenges. We see the leadership challenge that's right in front of us and we use our talents and bring those to bear and conquer what that challenge was." - Janet Donovan

Learn More About:

• Janet Donovan

• Leadership

• Writing a book

• Collaborative Book

I LOVE hearing from listeners! Book a discovery call: https://calendly.com/jennychavender/30min?back=1&month=2022-09

Lean into Meaningful Conversation with this FREE 20 min video (use code UPLIFT): https://chavender.thinkific.com/courses/meaningful-conversations-and-the-tools-that-fuel-them

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

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

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This is not a story about the drama of what happened to Mojdeh Cox. This is a story about what she did afterwards and how she reclaimed her path and her power. This is a story all about choice. Mojdeh Coz is an award-winning consultant and convener and the founder of Cox & Co., a family-run full scale values-based consulting firm aiming to build better institutions and communities that thrive with intention, specializing in organizational effectiveness through good governance and transformational change management. After Mojdeh was walked out of the organization she was previously with, she found herself unpacking everything about the job. Mojdeh's story is powerful. Her story is about healing and recovery.

"Failing forward has been a blessing for me because i've been propelled into a new found freedom" - Mojdeh Cox

Learn More About:

• Mojdeh Cox

• Leadership

• Writing a book

• Collaborative Book

I LOVE hearing from listeners! Book a discovery call: https://calendly.com/jennychavender/30min?back=1&month=2022-09

Lean into Meaningful Conversation with this FREE 20 min video (use code UPLIFT): https://chavender.thinkific.com/courses/meaningful-conversations-and-the-tools-that-fuel-them

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

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

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Delphine Haslé wasn't always in a #1 leadership position. She worked hard to grow from a #2 supporting role into the #1 position she holds now as the Executive Director of the Perley Health Foundation.

This podcast episode is all about Delphine's transition from the #2 to #. She talks about the recruitment process as an "internal candidate," about her experience working in the healthcare sector during four long years of COVID, how she changed her mindset, all things fundraising, and her conscious choices she made about how she wanted to show up as a leader. Delphine has now been in leadership for four years. She has learned a lot and has grown and expanded into the leader she is today. Tune in to hear all about her journey.

"I don't think there is a finish line. Everyday you are learning something more. I think we are always on a journey" - Delphine Haslé

Learn More About:

• Delphine Haslé

• Leadership

• Writing a book

• Collaborative Book

I LOVE hearing from listeners! Book a discovery call: https://calendly.com/jennychavender/30min?back=1&month=2022-09

Lean into Meaningful Conversation with this FREE 20 min video (use code UPLIFT): https://chavender.thinkific.com/courses/meaningful-conversations-and-the-tools-that-fuel-them

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

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

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Embracing Ambition - that's the TITLE of the collaborative book. It now has a name!

Today's guest is Onome Ako, CEO of Action Against Hunger. In her language, Onome's name means "one who is cherished, one who is loved, and my special one." And that is the kind of love she brings every day to her work as CEO. Onome's story is about her leadership journey as a black female immigrant, a story about resilience in the face of perceptions, and a story about community and family. She often found herself kept in boxes throughout her career. Breaking out of those boxes became her signature behaviour as a leader and it helped shape who she has become today.

"Everyone has a story to tell from their unique experiences and their lived experience. We should always remain curious to listen and to learn from people's stories rather than coming into it with judgement" - Onome Ako

Learn More About:

• Onome Ako

• Leadership

• Writing a book

• Collaborative Book

I LOVE hearing from listeners! Book a discovery call: https://calendly.com/jennychavender/30min?back=1&month=2022-09

Lean into Meaningful Conversation with this FREE 20 min video (use code UPLIFT): https://chavender.thinkific.com/courses/meaningful-conversations-and-the-tools-that-fuel-them

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

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

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Heather Nelson is the Founder and President at BridgeRaise, a company that helps charities and not for profits build corporate partnerships based on mutually beneficial and long term relationships. She is a colleague, a friend and has always been a cheerleader for Chavender. As an entrepreneur who works with charities, Heather has a unique lens to view the collaborative book project. Her story is about her time when she worked for Food Banks Canada as the corporate partnership lead. She covers persistence, and patience, and how to bring people along with your big, bold vision (even when they can't quite see it…yet).

If you're an entrepreneur or working in the nonprofit sector, this one's for you!

"Each one of those dips or moments of disappointment, you acknowledge them, but they don't stop you from going forward." - Heather Nelson

Learn More About:

• Heather Nelson

• Leadership

• Writing a book

• Collaborative Book

I LOVE hearing from listeners! Book a discovery call: https://calendly.com/jennychavender/30min?back=1&month=2022-09

Lean into Meaningful Conversation with this FREE 20 min video (use code UPLIFT): https://chavender.thinkific.com/courses/meaningful-conversations-and-the-tools-that-fuel-them

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

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

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Heather Bach's day starts with slow mornings.. But once she gets to work, it's go go go and she doesn't stop. Heather is currently the Executive Director of the Medicine Hat Health Foundation but philanthropy wasn't always her journey. Believe it or not, Heather started her career in retail and transitioned to where she is today. Heather didn't always see herself as a leader: she was always doing things for someone else but was never the decision maker. Once she decided to face challenges and continue to improve and push forward, everything changed. Tune in to hear about how Heather chose to own the title of leader, and how she became the leader that she is today.

"I didn't really start seeing success until I stopped trying to be someone else" - Heather Bach

Learn More About:

• Heather Bach

• Leadership

• Writing a book

• Collaborative Book

I LOVE hearing from listeners! Access the PRIVATE Podcast on the Psychology of Money: https://chavender.com/psychology-of-money/

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

Lean into Meaningful Conversation with this FREE 20 min video (use code UPLIFT): https://chavender.thinkific.com/courses/meaningful-conversations-and-the-tools-that-fuel-them

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

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

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Carley Schelck is the owner and CEO of the Urban Element, an Ottawa based boutique culinary experiences and event management company. But, she was stopped in her tracks when Jenny called her out of the blue one day to tell her she had an idea, an idea about a Women's Leadership book. Intellectual legacy are the two words Jenny used that intrigued Carley and ultimately convinced her to come on board and be a part of an upcoming Collaborative Book. As someone who operates her own business, Carley was really curious about how this would all unfold and how she could collect and document her own intellectual legacy. We're familiar with "listing" our accomplishments or describing things that happened to us, but this story is about honing in on what those moments meant to us, how we learned from them, and how we anchor ourselves differently going forward.

When the pandemic happened, Carley and her business were affected and Carley was left thinking… Now what?

"When things happen to you, you get to choose what you DO with them. That's where the power is." - Carley Schelck

Learn More About:

• Carley Schelck

• Leadership styles

• Writing a book

• Collaborative Book

I LOVE hearing from listeners! Access the PRIVATE Podcast on the Psychology of Money: https://chavender.com/psychology-of-money/

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

Lean into Meaningful Conversation with this FREE 20 min video (use code UPLIFT): https://chavender.thinkific.com/courses/meaningful-conversations-and-the-tools-that-fuel-them

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