Working Your Way

Mallory Seisser is the owner of The Gilded Lily salon in Chicago's Logan Square neighborhood. She also teaches other salon owners nationwide how to better run their businesses as a professor at PIP University. In this past year, she's made the transition from behind the chair as a stylist to running her salon and teaching full-time. 

In this episode, we talk about the bold moves she's made in her career to step up in her leadership and grow her impact – and how those moves haven't always been easy, but they’ve always been worth it. We also discuss how Mallory is navigating making the shift from being a fixer and helper to empowering her people, as she takes on new roles in her career.

Resources:

• Check out Mallory’s salon at gildedlilychicago.com
• Follow Mallory on Instagram: @professor.mal
• Read Difficult Conversations: How to Discuss What Matters Most by Douglas Stone, Bruce Patton, and Sheila Heen
• Disrupt HR Talk: “Stop Taking Work Personally”

Connect with me:

• Instagram
• LinkedIn
• YouTube
• selfatwork.com

Produced by NOVA Media

In today’s episode, I’m incredibly honored to have Ekow Sanni-Thomas, the visionary founder of Inside Voices. This unique online platform offers a space where people of color can candidly review companies and discuss the real extent of their inclusivity.

We're delving into Ekow's personal journey—the struggles, the victories, and everything in between. He opens up about his experiences with discrimination in the corporate world, his courageous decision to leave it behind, and the exciting, yet challenging path of entrepreneurship.

Ekow is a powerful example of authenticity. He's not just a figurehead; he's a person evolving, learning, and growing every day. And today, he shares his story with us. His insights are not just inspiring; they're a call to action for anyone looking to be a changemaker in their career. 

Resources:

• Learn more at Inside Voices & Kanarys
• Connect with Ekow on LinkedIn
• TedX: The gift and power of emotional courage by Susan David 
• Book: Emotional Agility by Susan David
• Book: Why We Sleep by Matthew Walker

Connect with me:

• Instagram
• LinkedIn
• YouTube
• selfatwork.com

Produced by NOVA Media

Natasha Oliveras-Figueroa is not just any guest; she's a remarkable creative director at a major ad agency, a fiercely proud Puerto Rican, an amazing mother, and a dear friend who holds a special place in my heart.

In our chat, we dive deep into the struggle of being silenced versus speaking up as Natasha shares insights from her own career. She tells the story of when she first got the impression that being herself at work wasn’t safe, the fear of what would happen if she spoke her mind, and the journey of how she stepped back into her authenticity to show up true to herself at work. We also explore what empathetic leadership truly means in today's world, peeling back the layers of this crucial aspect of the workplace and how Natasha strives to provide the kind of workplace she wished she had.

Resources:

• Connect with Natasha on LinkedIn
• HBR Women At Work Podcast: Leading With Authenticity 
• The Challenge Of Authentic Leadership - How Organizations Can Support Diverse Leaders (The Intersection): Spotify | Apple
• Learn more: Ending hair discrimination through The CROWN Act

Connect with me:

• Instagram
• LinkedIn
• YouTube
• selfatwork.com

Produced by NOVA Media

We're diving into the multifaceted world of Tekisha Harvey, a dear friend and a true embodiment of what it means to have a 'portfolio career.' Tekisha doesn't just fit into one box – she gracefully juggles various roles, blending organizational responsibilities with her entrepreneurial spirit.

In this episode, you'll get an intimate look into Tekisha's unique journey as the 'only' in her workplace—in this case, the only woman of color. We'll explore how she balances multiple roles in her non-linear career path, painting a vivid picture of what a portfolio career truly looks like. Our conversation also delves into the importance and impact of practicing radical self-love, providing practical insights on how this powerful concept can enhance authenticity in our careers.

Resources:

• Check out Tekisha’s magazine: CannaCurious Magazine
• Follow Tekisha on Instagram: @tekishaharvey
• Connect with Tekisha on LinkedIn
• Brené with Emily and Amelia Nagoski on Burnout and How to Complete the Stress Cycle
• What is Self-Compassion
• Listen: Self-Compassion Break

Connect with me:

• Instagram
• LinkedIn
• YouTube
• selfatwork.com

Produced by NOVA Media

Welcome to the first episode of Working Your Way! This podcast is all about finding ways to be your authentic self at work – to show up as who you really are and thrive in the workplace because of it.

Being you should feel natural, but when it comes to being yourself at work there’s a lot more complexity. In my own career journey, I found myself moving further away from who I truly was, leading to massive burnout and inspiring me to start a new business – and this podcast.

In this episode, you’re going to hear about my personal journey, why I started this podcast, and what you can expect in the future. Get ready to unlock your authenticity as you start working your way!

Resources:

• My Story: The Pursuit Of Belonging
• Stop Telling Women They Have Imposter Syndrome

Connect with me:

• Instagram
• LinkedIn
• YouTube
• selfatwork.com

Produced by NOVA Media

Today's workplace demands a lot from us, but our identities and well-being shouldn’t be up for negotiation. The truth is, embracing your individuality can actually be the key to building a successful career where you can thrive. On Working Your Way, you’ll dive into intimate conversations with leaders who have chosen to challenge the outdated standards and “shoulds” - from those who have shifted perspectives on what leadership really looks like, to those who have carved their own unique career paths. After each episode, host Sandhya Sudhakar – founder of Self At Work, reformed corporate ladder climber, and lifelong student of self-discovery – and her guests will leave you with a renewed sense of inspiration and practical tools you can implement in your own life and career. Whether you want to advance your career in corporate or build something brand new, let's embark on a journey to discover how you can show up authentically in your career—by working your way.