In this week’s podcast, we delve into the inspiring journey of Emma Louise Parkes, CEO of the Ambitious Introvert, from introverted air traffic controller to thriving entrepreneur. Discover how Emma navigated her identity shift from full-time employment to business owner, built a business based on her values, and leveraged her background to excel in coaching. This episode is a masterclass for entrepreneurs in trusting themselves, overcoming the noise around them, and navigating the complexities of a career transition. I hope you enjoy it!04:08 - Emma Louise explains her decision to focus on introverts: deep thinkers who wished to share their work without seeking the spotlight.08:07 - We explore how Emma Louise built a marketing strategy that aligned with her energy, by focusing on consistently writing a weekly newsletter.12:38 - She shares how her passion from mentoring and teaching in her career as an air traffic controller, led to her further exploring psychology and coaching.15:16 - Discover how Emma Louise recognized the transferability of her skills, including strategic thinking and communication, facilitating her transition into coaching.18:12 - Emma Louise shares her insights on adapting offerings and programs as her business evolved.25:12 - On how her podcast has served as a great marketing tool and platform for valuable conversations, and her transition from interviews only to a mix of interviews and solo episodes.30:31 - Emma Louise discusses the importance of energy management in her business, and how to build sustainable strategies to avoid burnout.38:04 - We end the episode with Emma Louise sharing her advice for being unapologetically visible.You can find Emma Louise on her website, Instagram, and LinkedInIf you loved this episode, please rate and review on iTunes!If you want support with your visibility head to www.thebeauvoirgroup.com or book a chat with me here I love to hear from you! Let's connect:www.linkedin.com/in/bibigi-haile Instagram @bibigihaileunleashed@speakeasy.work

Quick heads up, this episode contains mentions of sexual assault, death by suicide, and trauma.This week, I have the pleasure of interviewing Katie Ploss, the podcast host of "Bitch, You Need to Hear This!" - a podcast celebrating the resiliency stories of everyday women. She shares heartbreak, trauma, and mental health struggles to inspire women facing similar challenges.Katie has worked as a school psychologist for five years and as a therapist for four years in a private psychology practice outside of Detroit. In 2022, Katie founded BU, a women's wellness community. Join us as she discusses her journey of healing through visibility and how taking the risk of becoming more visible is worth - even when the rewards are unknown.05:17 - Katie shares her motivation for starting her podcast and creating a safe space for women to share unfiltered stories.08:46 - How naming her podcast, “Bitch, You Need to Hear this” caused some challenges, and how she embarked on a personal journey to redefine and repurpose the word”bitch”.11:47 - Katie delves into her three-part series, "My Heartbreak Story," and why she decided to start the podcast with this unique format.17:52 - Katie explains her decision to share her healing journey from sexual assault and trauma openly instead of being shamed into silence.23:05 - We explore the concept of being a "projector" and how it drives her desire to be seen and live authentically, despite the risk of rejection.29:22 - Katie shares how she lost her job in a new school district due to her podcast's title and her journey to pivot and explore new career avenues.34:29 - She gives us insights into her pursuit of a doctorate degree and the establishment of the BU community.40:15 - Reflecting on the impact of her podcast, Katie shares how embracing authenticity and vulnerability has led to personal growth and transformation in real time.43:52 - Katie gives her three-minute advice for women wanting to be unapologetically visible, emphasizing the importance of charting one's own path and overcoming the fear of rejection.You can find Katie on Instagram, and on her website. Her podcast is also available on all platforms.If you loved this episode, please rate and review on iTunes!If you want support with your visibility head to www.thebeauvoirgroup.com or book a chat with me here I love to hear from you! Let's connect:www.linkedin.com/in/bibigi-haile Instagram @bibigihaileunleashed@speakeasy.work

In this week’s episode, I have the pleasure of speaking with Anniedi Essien, the Chief Swagger Officer at Idem Spark. We delve into her remarkable journey from ascending the healthcare corporate ladder to embarking on her entrepreneurial venture. We discuss vital themes such as identity exploration, overcoming burnout, and personal reinvention, while emphasizing the importance of playfulness and crafting a personal brand that resonates deeply with clarity, impact, and soul. Join us as we explore how to navigate through the challenges of identity, burnout, and rebirth, and learn to dance to the rhythm of your own drum. This is a great episode for anyone considering entrepreneurship or seeking to create a new narrative in their life. I hope you enjoy it!03:10 - Anniedi explains how she chose her title “Chief Swagger Officer” after reflecting her on a career peak that felt unfulfilling and deciding to reclaim her true identity after a layoff and burnout.08:33 - On the shift that had to happen between being driven by her mother’s legacy, humanizing the U.S. health system, to creating her own legacy by diving into entrepreneurship12:33 - Anniedi shares her transition from corporate to entrepreneurship, initially hesitant about corporate clients but later recognizing the potential impact. She reimagined her business model to focus on serving C-suite executives and women leaders, aiming to create positive change throughout organizations worldwide.15:36 - I ask her what her biggest fear, and Anniedi answers that it was sharing her personal story and navigating the shift from working behind the scenes in corporate roles to being visible and authentic publicly.19:11 - On how she embarked on a recovery journey by identifying the nine essentials of total health including physical, mental, and spiritual well-being, career satisfaction, financial stability, social connections, meaningful purpose, and playful living.26:17 - Anniedi reflects on how the process of building her personal brand started from childhood, pitching B2B businesses with her family, highlighting the importance of introspection and leveraging lived experiences to create authentic connections.31:25 - We discuss how to embrace entrepreneurship by diversifying income streams, clarifying our message and leveraging personal platforms like LinkedIn to establish authority, and open doors to corporate opportunities.34:49 - On how taking the first step involves being willing to show up for yourself, even in the absence of an audience, believing that the planted seeds will reap results.40:23 - Anniedi talks about how her Nigerian heritage influences how she presents herself in the world.42:00- Her advice for women who want to be unapologetically visible: prioritize sustainability and authenticity, tailoring your approach to align with your energy and strengths, rather than conforming to traditional extroverted norms.You can find Anniedi Essien on LinkedIn and on her website, SwaggerSchool for a complimentary training on how to take your B2B deals to the next level.If you loved this episode, please rate and review on iTunes!If you want support with your visibility head to www.thebeauvoirgroup.com or book a chat with me here I love to hear from you! Let's connect:www.linkedin.com/in/bibigi-haile Instagram @bibigihaileunleashed@speakeasy.work

I have a secret to tell you. You can't run away from you. This month I travelled miles away from Montreal for a Women's retreat in Ghana. This episode is an unfiltered, unscripted (yes, yes unscripted) description of my first days there. First days which were a meeting between expectations and reality. It is an exploration into the desire for change and the incremental reality of change. It is a peeling away of yet unknown layers of visibility that I had to go miles away to discover. Enjoy the episodeIf you loved this episode, please rate and review on iTunes!If you want support with your visibility head to www.thebeauvoirgroup.com or book a chat with me here I love to hear from you! Let's connect:www.linkedin.com/in/bibigi-haile Instagram @bibigihaileunleashed@speakeasy.work

In this week’s episode, I had the pleasure of interviewing Billy Lahr, the podcast host of the Mindful Midlife Crisis. After binging through his episodes, Billy and I connected through Instagram (can you believe it?) and here we are! Billy shares with us his inspiring journey leaving his 20-year teaching career to travel the world and teach mindfulness. I hope you enjoy this conversation where we explored the complexities and possibilities of life’s second half.05:16 - Billy discusses his midlife pivot, the catalyst behind it, and how he's adapting to navigate uncertainty while reinventing himself.14:35 - Reframing the concept of passion as a byproduct of following one's strengths and curiosities, Billy shares how this perspective aided him during his transition.21:18 - Using the metaphor of stretching pizza dough, Billy illustrates a new perspective on comfort zones, advocating for expansion from within rather than simply stepping out of it.24:25 - Billy introduces the idea of "10 roles" we hold in life and explains how this concept humanizes podcast guests and reveals more facets of their identities.32:09 - We discuss the importance of maintaining fluid roles and seeking inspiration from others to broaden our life’s roles.38:13 - Billy defines mindfulness and provides insights into how it can be practiced in all life moments, extending beyond meditation.42:41 - We explore how mindfulness enables the creation of space between a trigger and a response by observing emotions and reactions.48:21 - Billy highlights the transformative potential of harnessing the power of the 10 roles, enabling us to break free and embark on a journey of personal development.Discover Billy’s courses and his podcast on his website.If you loved this episode, please rate and review on iTunes!If you want support with your visibility head to www.thebeauvoirgroup.com or book a chat with me here I love to hear from you! Let's connect:www.linkedin.com/in/bibigi-haile Instagram @bibigihaileunleashed@speakeasy.work

Welcome to this special episode featuring Rachelle Houde Simard, who is returning to our podcast. She was here at the beginning of the podcast, and she appears on Episode 3. This time around, we discuss her journey becoming an author and her new book Sociable (FR).03:37 - Rachelle shares the inspiration behind her book, drawing from her extensive experience as a community manager to address building a robust organizational culture whether hybrid, remote, or in person.06:59 - We explore Rachelle's journey into authorship, starting with blog posts and culminating in a pitch from an editor.11:02 - Rachelle opens up about facing a hypomanic state while preparing her first table of contents and how transparency with her editor led to a second chance.13:32 - How Rachelle manages life with bipolar disorder type 2 and the importance of recognizing its symptoms and learning self-management.17:38 - Rachelle provides insights into the book-writing process, comparing it to the journey of conceiving and birthing a child, from a messy first draft to the final reviewed version.24:52 - We explore the significant shift in Rachelle's identity, moving from a strategist in marketing and communications to an author, blending creative and strategic skills while navigating self-promotion and personal branding.30:41 - We delve into the challenges and risks tied to visibility and the pivotal role of a supportive community in helping individuals feel safer and more resilient.38:12 - Rachelle's final advice for women aspiring to become unapologetically visible authors emphasizes the power of embracing personal stories and experiences as integral elements of their message.You can find Rachelle on LinkedIn and get her book here.Are you thinking about joining Voices and Visibility? You can listen to Rohene’s testimonial hereIf you loved this episode, please rate and review on iTunes!If you want support with your visibility head to www.thebeauvoirgroup.com or book a chat with me here I love to hear from you! Let's connect:www.linkedin.com/in/bibigi-haile Instagram @bibigihaileunleashed@speakeasy.work

In this episode of the podcast, we dive into the topic of anger, specifically focusing on the encounter experienced by Spanish reporter Isa Balado during a live broadcast.We explore the complex emotions and thoughts that may have been running through her mind as she grappled with the incident.We discuss the societal expectations and stereotypes that surround women's anger and how they can limit its expression.Drawing from Soraya Chemali's book "Rage Becomes Her," we examine the social and cultural factors that shape the reception and perception of women's anger.We also explore the concept of anger as a force for visibility and empowerment, contrasting it with feelings of shame and the need to appease threats.Finally, we introduce the idea of transforming anger into "hanger," a combination of anger and hunger, as a means of harnessing this powerful emotion for positive change.Join us as we delve into the complexities of gendered anger and its potential for transformation.If you loved this episode, please rate and review on iTunes!If you want support with your visibility head to www.thebeauvoirgroup.com or book a chat with me here I love to hear from you! Let's connect:www.linkedin.com/in/bibigi-haile Instagram @bibigihaileunleashed@speakeasy.work

In this episode, I discuss why humility is not a good thing for women and should not be a value you hold dear. Being "humble" and not wanting to "talk about myself" is something I hear from the vast majority of my clients and the women I interact with. Often it is code for something else and it does not have the positive impact we think it does. In today's episode we will explore what the real problem behind this belief is, the impact it has and last but not least we will talk about some ideas to reframe and change. This is Deepa Narayan's TED talk I mention in the episodeIf you loved this episode, please rate and review on iTunes!If you want support with your visibility head to www.thebeauvoirgroup.com or book a chat with me here I love to hear from you! Let's connect:www.linkedin.com/in/bibigi-haile Instagram @bibigihaileunleashed@speakeasy.work

This week, I had the pleasure of interviewing Dorie Clark, a renowned speaker, writer, consultant, and executive coach. Dorie has been honored as one of the top 50 business thinkers globally by Thinkers 50 and shares her expertise with institutions like Columbia Business School and Harvard Business Review. Dorie played a pivotal role in shaping my perspective on visibility work, and in this episode, I'll share the story of how I successfully invited her on the podcast. Join us as we dive into the realm of personal branding, reinvention, and embracing the "long game."01:22 - I kick off the episode by recounting my journey to secure Dorie Clark as a guest on the podcast. It began with a less-than-ideal request but ultimately led to success through a heartfelt apology email.08:05 -Dorie shares her insights into how individuals react to the concept of reinvention: some embrace it as an exciting opportunity, while others view it as a daunting necessity.09:50 - We delve into Dorie's personal journey of reinvention, marked by a trial-and-error approach. She reflects on her initial resistance to the idea and the moment she realized reinvention was not just a choice but a necessity due to broader industry challenges.12:15 - Dorie emphasizes the importance of recognizing opportunities for reinvention before they become urgent necessities. She shares a personal anecdote about almost missing out on a significant career opportunity.16:22 - Our discussion shifts to how people seek solutions. Dorie highlights that individuals often seek guidance for specific, narrow problems rather than abstract longings.19:56 - I ask Dorie about her approach to choosing her areas of focus. She underlines the significance of aligning one's efforts with personal enjoyment, playing to one's strengths, and maintaining consistency to build and sustain an audience over time.22:06 - Dorie shares her decision to prioritize her latest book, "The Long Game," and give it the attention and time it deserves in the marketplace.23:28 - Our conversation shifts to the impact of age on one's perspective regarding long-term goals. Dorie shares a poignant story illustrating how self-limiting beliefs can hinder personal growth and why it's essential to challenge them.28:24 -In her three-minute of advice to women, Dorie encourages them not to compare themselves to the most exceptional figures in their field but to those already in the marketplace, fostering self-confidence and a sense of purpose.You can find Dorie, her work, and her books on her websiteIf you loved this episode, please rate and review on iTunes!If you want support with your visibility head to www.thebeauvoirgroup.com or book a chat with me here I love to hear from you! Let's connect:www.linkedin.com/in/bibigi-haile Instagram @bibigihaileunleashed@speakeasy.work

Today’s episode of Speaking with Women is with Rohene Bouajram who was a participant in the summer session of Voices & Visibility. Until very recently, I never asked my clients to do case studies like this and in fact I did not even ask for testimonials!!! I thought it was me being discreet, respectful or even (ugh) humble. But truly, it was another rung in my own visibility ladder that I was not ready to climb. Rohene came to the program with 20 years of experience in higher education. She wanted to figure out her next steps, and I can’t wait for you to hear from her how the program has helped bring clarity and fuelled her next steps into her journey.04:38 - Rohene begins the interview with a land acknowledgment, explaining its significance to her and why it might be a potential challenge for many people.09:11 - She delves into her impressive 20-year career in higher education, highlighting her growth, diverse experiences, leadership roles, and her exceptional ability to connect with people.12:38 - I ask Rohene about her career transition journey, exploring the pivotal moment when she realized it was time for a change and what fueled that desire.17:36 - Rohene shares the value that she received from the 5-hour strategy session that we had together, before the beginning of the program.19:10 - Rohene elaborates on how working with Voices and Visibility, enabled her to structure her ideas into a clear framework that she plans to use to create various products such as workshops, presentations, and keynote speeches.29:26 - Highlights of Rohene's positive journey with the Voices & Visibility group, emphasizing the immense value of collective learning among women and how shared perspectives have deepened her understanding.35:50 - Rohene shares her vision for Unspeakable Leadership, rooted in the influence of strong matriarchal figures from her upbringing. She discusses her mission to recognize and support the leadership of women of color.44:22 - On how Rohene overcame her initial reservations about LinkedIn by viewing it as a systematic platform aligned with her background in enhancing systems for effectiveness.50:04 - Rohene opens up about two key challenges in her journey: the balance between self-discipline and seeking external validation, and how a straightforward time management tip propelled her forward.53:14 - We discuss the importance of not being the sole source of answers but rather empowering women to take the time to find their own path and what works for them.58:28 - Rohene concludes the episode by unveiling her goal of launching a podcast in the fall of 2023. She also shares a concise three-minute piece of advice for women aspiring to embrace unapologetic visibility.If you loved this episode, please rate and review on iTunes!If you want support with your visibility head to www.thebeauvoirgroup.com or book a chat with me here I love to hear from you! Let's connect:www.linkedin.com/in/bibigi-haile Instagram @bibigihaileunleashed@speakeasy.work

This week I have the pleasure of speaking with Lindsay Lashell, a marketing activist and founder of Open Lines Marketing. Lindsay's story is a testament to the power of resilience, the value of iteration, and the importance of clear communication. Join me this week as we explore her unique insights on delegation, empowerment, and the changing landscape of social media marketing. I had so much fun on this episode, and I hope you leave the episode feeling empowered to trust your instincts and unapologetically embrace your path to success!06:12 - Lindsay defines herself as a marketing activist, and explains how she uses marketing to promote justice and equity, focusing on underserved individuals and organizations.09:00 - She discusses her journey from being a teacher to entering the marketing world, emphasizing her tendency to follow the "next right thing."17:10 - Lindsay shares her framework and how her business evolved over time, from a marketing agency to a consulting model.20:56 - I ask her about her Intellectual Property (IP), and she explains how it began through a collaboration with another agency, and how that provided the groundwork for a restructuring.24:52 - Lindsay emphasizes the importance of not waiting for perfection and the significance of starting something to create momentum.31:43 - We discuss the importance of delegation in the context of women navigating the balance between likability and effectiveness.35:18 - Lindsay introduces her delegation script that prioritizes clarity in roles and expectations, whether one is the “asker” or the “doer”, highlighting its versatility in various interactions.39:26 - She challenges the notion that everyone must be on social media, advocating for efficiency and audience-centric strategies.43:47 - Lindsay shares her three-minute advice for women who want to be unapologetically visible: trust your gut, embrace your authenticity, and stop conforming to others' expectations.You can find Lindsay on LinkedIn, and on her website Open Lines.Here’s her $10 Social Media content course on how to walk away without sacrificing opportunity.If you loved this episode, please rate and review on iTunes!If you want support with your visibility head to www.thebeauvoirgroup.com or book a chat with me here I love to hear from you! Let's connect:www.linkedin.com/in/bibigi-haile Instagram @bibigihaileunleashed@speakeasy.work

This week I have the pleasure of speaking with Michelle Osbourne, also known as Uncomfortable Bliss. Michelle is a passionate communications professional, educator, and change agent dedicated to empowering marginalized communities and building socially conscious brands. From discussing her journey of self-discovery to managing trolls on social media, Michelle shares valuable insights on embracing authenticity and becoming unapologetically visible.05:11 - Michelle delves into the space between her public persona on social media and her private, everyday life, explaining how she launched her platform as a response to the George Floyd incident, seeking to create positive change and empowerment.09:18 - She reveals how the end of her marriage served as a transformative catalyst, motivating her to live authentically as she approached her 40s.11:55 - Michelle likens life before 40 as a dress rehearsal, and emphasizes the incredible opportunities that emerge with age.14:25 - I ask Michelle to take us back to the beginning of her career, and to explain how she first started her career in finance and accounting, and the pivot to community work and marketing.20:30 - Michelle explains how she tapped into her authenticity by embracing a “zero fucks” mindset, facing her past traumas and removing unnecessary clutter and people from her life.27:26 - On how Michelle discovered her authenticity through action, trying out 40 things before her 40th birthday, and embracing what worked while leaving behind what didn't.30:49 - Michelle addresses the sense of disconnect that can arise as we evolve through life, and offers guidance on how to manage that transition.33:10 - She shares strategies on how to remain centred while active on social media, and how to manage trolls and negative comments.38:50 - Michelle imparts her empowering three-minute advice for women aspiring to become unapologetically visible: face your traumas, declutter your life, and set boundaries43:07 - We finish the interview with Michelle sharing the three words that describe her, and why she does the work that she does.You can find Michelle on her website and InstagramMentionned in this episode: Episode 31 - Reclaiming your timeIf you loved this episode, please rate and review on iTunes!If you want support with your visibility head to www.thebeauvoirgroup.com or book a chat with me here I love to hear from you! Let's connect:www.linkedin.com/in/bibigi-haile Instagram @bibigihaileunleashed@speakeasy.work

Today's episode is kind of a celebration episode. I finally shut my consulting computer for good and now I am 100% in this visibility game. I have learned so much from consulting. The experience has been good, bad and ugly. And there are things I learned that have so much relevance for this visibility work....so I wanted to bring that to you. Enjoy! P.S: registration for September 2023 Visibility is in progress. If you are building your own consulting practice, this might be the opportunity to benefit from both my consulting knowledge and my visibility obsession. If you loved this episode, please rate and review on iTunes!If you want support with your visibility head to www.thebeauvoirgroup.com or book a chat with me here I love to hear from you! Let's connect:www.linkedin.com/in/bibigi-haile Instagram @bibigihaileunleashed@speakeasy.work

In this week’s episode of Speaking with Women, I have the honour of speaking with Carrie Severson. Carrie is the author of Unapologetically Enough, a self-love & burnout recovery expert and speaker. As you might have heard on previous episodes, I had my own experience with burnout and depression, and so this episode with Carrie is close to my heart. She shares her story, how this led to a 8-year journey writing a book, and the lessons learned that she now shares with women to help them avoid burnout. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did, and that it makes you think about how to create breathing room in your life!06:14 - Carrie shares her burnout story, reflecting on the pivotal moment that urged her to take a much-needed break10:06 - We discuss the surprising connection between success and burnout and how to establish non-negotiable boundaries for a healthier lifestyle12:59 - Carrie opens up about the physical symptoms and signs of burnout and the transformation she underwent to align her organization with her newfound approach to life (17:26 - Carrie shares her origin story overcoming bullying, and how it led to the creation of her impactful nonprofit, Severson Sisters21:28 - We explore the link between women's incessant need for external validation and its correlation with burnout30:21 - Get valuable strategies for creating breathing room in life, regardless of whether you're an entrepreneur or have a 9-to-5 job35:13 - How Carrie's incredible eight-year journey writing Unapologetically Enough fueled her to establish a publishing house for women to share their stories40:23 - We finish the interview with Carrie’s exciting future projects and her advice for women to be Unapologetically VisibleLink to Huberman Lab episode on Cold ShowersYou can find Carrie on LinkedIn and her publishing company, The Unapologetic Voice HouseIf you loved this episode, please rate and review on iTunes!If you want support with your visibility head to www.thebeauvoirgroup.com or book a chat with me here I love to hear from you! Let's connect:www.linkedin.com/in/bibigi-haile Instagram @bibigihaileunleashed@speakeasy.work

On this week’s episode, I have the pleasure of interviewing Stacy Mayer, an executive coach and promotions strategist. As Chief Corporate Badass, Stacy helps executives reposition themselves to advance their careers, build confidence in their problem-solving abilities, and communicate more strategically so their ideas can truly be heard. She is also a best-selling author, and the podcast host of Women Changing Leadership. I really enjoyed this conversation where Stacy shared how to approach promotions in the corporate workplace, gain actionable insights, and leverage your expertise to create opportunities for yourself.04:52 - Stacy explains how she became a promotions strategist, and the connection between energy and action, highlighting the importance of believing in oneself.10:32 - She shares an example of guiding a client through a conversation to get a promotion, emphasizing the combination of energetic confidence and specific action steps that lead to success.15:12 - Stacy describes her three-step process on getting a promotion from VP to the C-Suite: how to become strategic in your current role, 3X your vision, and 15 min ally meetings.31:26 - I ask Stacy about her book Promotions Made Easy, and she how she overcame her writing fears by collecting her book.35:30 -On mastering the art of asking good questions by being curious about yourself, the person you're conversing with, the company, and the industry.41:16 - We discuss how women can leverage their thought leadership now, create assets with their expertise, and unlock opportunities both internally and externally.44:13 - Stacy shares her advice for women who want to be unapologetically visible: embrace that you are a corporate badass, recognize your potential, and build on your strengths.Here are the 20 good questions from Stacy Mayer that were mentioned in the interview.You can also find Stacy on LinkedIn, and on her websiteHere is the link to register for the content webinar If you loved this episode, please rate and review on iTunes!If you want support with your visibility head to www.thebeauvoirgroup.com or book a chat with me here I love to hear from you! Let's connect:www.linkedin.com/in/bibigi-haile Instagram @bibigihaileunleashed@speakeasy.work

In this episode, I have the pleasure of speaking with Lesley Antoun, an accomplished executive, leadership coach, consultant, and speaker. This conversation takes us in an interesting direction with visibility. We look at how to get on a corporate board.I think all women should start thinking about whether they want to get on a corporate board at some point in their career and start crafting a strategy to do that. So I am really excited to have Lesley on the podcast to talk about all things board. We go from the very strategic to the very tactical and I am sure you will learn so much from my conversation with Lesley.With over 25 years of experience in strategic planning, program management, and stakeholder engagement, Lesley has worked with a wide range of organizations, including multinationals, private corporations, governments, First Nations groups, and non-profits. She's also an active board director and external advisor, alongside running her boutique consulting and coaching practice.04:43 - Lesley starts us off by doing a land acknowledgment and explaining why this is important to her09:30 - We then discuss her personal evolution from starting her career as a mechanical engineer and eventually leading her own consulting practice.13:30 - We dive into her transition into board positions, and the importance of conducting research to understand the available options.16:23 - Lesley highlights the contrasting dynamics between for-profit and non-profit boards, exploring the unique responsibilities that board directors hold in each setting.21:56 - She shares how women can prepare for board positions by understanding their specific skillsets, and the skills matrix that the corporate boards need.30:39 - Lesleys explains the difference between a board CV and a regular resume, and how it can help showcase your qualifications.32:01 - Lesley gives us an insight into how boardroom conversations unfold and how directors diligently prepare for these crucial discussions.39:03 - We discuss the drawbacks of pre-wiring within boards and how to foster healthy communication and collaborations.44:28 - Lesley leaves us with some advice on how to become unapologetically visible by: investing in yourself, embracing opportunities, and persistently pursuing board positions.For reference:In this interview, I referenced my episode with Helene Blanchette on Strategic and Creative VisibilityThe State of Ambition for Black Women - the conversation that I will be moderating on Thurs, June 29, 2023 | 3 PM – 4:30 PM CSTHere are some links that Lesley generously shared with us:Spencer Stuart report on Becoming a Non-executive (board) DirectorGovernor in Council Board member Openingswww.icd.ca Job boardIf you loved this episode, please rate and review on iTunes!If you want support with your visibility head to www.thebeauvoirgroup.com or book a chat with me here I love to hear from you! Let's connect:www.linkedin.com/in/bibigi-haile Instagram @bibigihaileunleashed@speakeasy.work

In this week’s episode, I have the pleasure of speaking with Helene Blanchette, a global senior executive with a diverse and rich career that spanned around the world.She is a sought-after coach-guide for women ascending in senior leadership positions, a consultant and an entrepreneur in partnership with medical professionals. We discuss the importance of being a corporate athlete and how to demonstrate the unique value proposition that you bring to the table. This episode is filled with actionable gems, and it was a coaching moment for me as well - I hope you enjoy it!07:43 - Helene shares her background and the reason behind referring to her clients as "corporate athletes."09:08 - She walks us through her career journey, emphasizing the need for rest and resetting every five years to strategically progress.19:26 - Helene shares her experience of moving to Asia despite health challenges and how she rebuilt her reputation by studying the market needs and applying a strategic approach.20:27 - I ask Helene about strategies women can use to showcase the value they bring to their work and how to craft a compelling story that highlights their abilities.23:21 - We deep dive on the significance of developing a clear and memorable message to describe the unique contributions women bring to the table.24:55 - Helene discusses how fear can be reframed by shifting the focus to the value women bring within the broader organizational context.26:51 - Helene describes her perspective on being strategic, which involves cultivating curiosity, thinking like a leader, and leading with clear intention and solutions.35:10 - We delve into the coaching process and the importance of recognizing where individuals are at and meeting them there to facilitate growth.39:28 - Helene shares an example of a client who used a strategy called "kitchen visibility" to capture the attention of her leadership, highlighting the lessons we can learn from it.45:00 - We conclude the episode with Helene sharing her three minutes of advice on how to be unapologetically visible: bubbling strengths, aligning them with the right people, and showcasing expertise.To learn more about Helene, you can find her on LinkedInIf you loved this episode, please rate and review on iTunes!If you want support with your visibility head to www.thebeauvoirgroup.com or book a chat with me here I love to hear from you! Let's connect:www.linkedin.com/in/bibigi-haile Instagram @bibigihaileunleashed@speakeasy.work

Welcome to this week’s episode! I had the privilege of interviewing Kristin Carver Smith, the brilliant mind behind The New Fashioned Co, a leading public relations (PR) firm. Over the past decade, Kristin has assisted clients from diverse industries in developing successful business strategies, communication plans, and publicity campaigns. Her clients have partnered with globally recognized brands, appeared at prestigious conferences, and been featured in major media outlets such as ABC's Good Morning America, NBC's TODAY,and The Washington Post. Trust me, this conversation left me speechless at times, and I have a feeling you'll find it just as enjoyable and enlightening.08:05 - Kristin defines what PR is for her, and shares her vision for a sustainable PR industry that empowers professionals and talents without compromising well-being.11:12 - We discuss how in the search of balance, Kristin discovered how PR and marketing seamlessly blend together, leading to the creation of her agency.15:14 - We explore the key ingredients for building deep and meaningful relationships in all areas of our lives.21:49 - Kristin explains her zone of genius and walks us through a client's PR strategy as a practical example.26:01 - We delve into the circumstances that prompted Kristin to host a live session on Facebook, where she openly discussed industry challenges30:39 - Kristin shares insights on incorporating life into our exposure timelines, emphasizing the need to create room for processing and experiencing real-life events33:25 - Witness the powerful moment when Kristin pivoted from her prepared speech, creating a profound connection.37:43 - The moment where I’m too stunned to speak, and the role of community in overcoming fear and embracing authenticity.42:39 - We conclude with Kristin’s three valuable pieces of advice for women seeking to embrace visibility.To learn more about Kristin, you can find her on The New Fashioned Co.If you loved this episode, please rate and review on iTunes!If you want support with your visibility head to www.thebeauvoirgroup.com or book a chat with me here I love to hear from you! Let's connect:www.linkedin.com/in/bibigi-haile Instagram @bibigihaileunleashed@speakeasy.work

In this week’s episode I have the pleasure of speaking with Shonda Moralis. Shonda is a psychotherapist coach, and an award-winning author who is on a mission to help busy moms create sustainable life balance. She's written two books that have amazing names: “Breathe Mama Breathe” and “Don't forget to breathe”. Shonda and I have a beautiful chat about the importance of mindfulness breaks and self-care, particularly for mothers, and discuss strategies in finding moments of calm and balance amidst busy lives.06:51 - I welcome Shonda and she explains the work that she does as a psychotherapist and life coach for busy moms07:56 - Shonda talks about “Don’t forget to breathe” and the three types of mindful breaks that we need: breathe breaks, becoming breaks, and balance breaks12:00 - We discuss the focus on women in our work, and the specific societal pressures that women and especially mothers face in the workplace14:35 - I ask Shonda to define what mindfulness means to her, and she shares how we can practice it with kindness and compassion18:48 - Shonda explains the triangle of awareness and explains how thoughts, body sensations, and emotions interconnect and influence each other26:36 - We talk about the need to acknowledge and counteract negative emotions with self-compassion and kind self-talk29:57 - Shonda shares an example of a bathroom break as a way to engage in self-check-ins on the go, and emphasizes the importance of intentional pauses33:55 - Advice on how to start mindfulness with small shifts and actions, having patience, and giving ourselves self-support38:17 - We end the episode with Shonda sharing her three minutes of advice for women: grounding oneself in values, embracing discomfort, and empowering others through sharing experiencesTo learn more about Shonda, you can find her on her website, LinkedIn, and InstagramIf you loved this episode, please rate and review on iTunes!If you want support with your visibility head to www.thebeauvoirgroup.com or book a chat with me here I love to hear from you! Let's connect:www.linkedin.com/in/bibigi-haile Instagram @bibigihaileunleashed@speakeasy.work

Join me this week for an insightful conversation with Kimberley John-Morgan, a Black workforce advocate and equity writer. With 20 years of experience as a career counselor in community in higher education settings, Kimberly is well versed in challenging the rhetoric of organizations that fail to move past their longstanding performative practices, offering a distinct blend of truth, salt, and humor. In this episode, we explore how Kimberley fearlessly addresses sensitive subjects that others may consider risky, and the importance of setting authentic boundaries despite the challenges. I hope you enjoy our conversation!04:06 - Kimberley introduces herself and her work as a Diversity, Equity, Inclusion (DEI) content writer. She shares how she started both Salt Box and the Lunch Counter06: 07 - She explains her focus on helping Black people and people of the global majority first as a DEI advocate, and her point of view on the challenges of being a visible person of color in the mainstream.10:24 - We discuss the possibility of safety for people of color in the mainstream, and dive deeper into Kimberley's writing through Salt Box14:11 - Kimberley reflects on her beginnings as a career counselor helping newcomers to Canada adjust, and how it has evolved into a greater equity conversation16:52 - We talk about Kimberley's experience with ghostwriting, and the pivot that she made once she realized that allies were not ready to speak out20:06 - Kimberley shares how the Lunch Counter was created as a safe space for Black people to discuss their experiences with racism and micro-aggressions in the workplace22:55 - We explore Kimberley's two public sides: her tender side for people facing discrimination and her boundary-full side for people with privilege25:33 - The concept of boundaries is discussed, along with the ongoing process of establishing them and how this can cause shifts in relationships30:15 - Kimberley shares her advice on becoming unapologetically visible, emphasizing the importance of self-knowledge and clarity on the message one wants to share34:22 - We end the episode with a discussion on finding rest in our days, and the importance of allowing our audience to sip our content slowlyYou can find Kimberley on LinkedIn, her work at Junxure Consulting and more of her writing on Salt BoxIf you loved this episode, please rate and review on iTunes!If you want support with your visibility head to www.thebeauvoirgroup.com or book a chat with me here I love to hear from you! Let's connect:www.linkedin.com/in/bibigi-haile Instagram @bibigihaileunleashed@speakeasy.work