In this episode, Mary Sullivan, co-founder of Sweet but Fearless, talks with Lisa DeFrank-Cole, an award-winning author and esteemed professor, to delve into women, leadership, and the barriers of gender bias. Lisa sheds light on why women’s career paths often take a non-linear route, shaped by caregiving roles, societal expectations, and entrenched biases, while men typically follow a more predictable career climb from education to promotion. She also introduces the Kaleidoscope Career Path, a fresh perspective on how career choices adapt to life’s changing values and circumstances. Whether it's balancing work-life priorities, caring for loved ones, or seeking personal fulfillment, Lisa explains how this flexible model reflects the evolving decisions women face throughout their professional journeys. Lisa DeFrank-Cole is Director and F. Duke Perry Endowed Professor of Leadership Studies at West Virginia University, widely known for her academic and practical expertise in women’s leadership.  If you found this episode inspiring, please subscribe, like, and leave a comment.   MORE ABOUT LISA DeFRANK-COLE Website: Lisa DeFrank-Cole LinkedIn: Lisa DeFrank-Cole Book: Women and Leadership: Journey Toward Equity ABOUT SWEET BUT FEARLESS: Website - Sweet but Fearless LinkedIn - Sweet but Fearless

In this episode, Mary Sullivan, co-founder of Sweet but Fearless talks with Laura Beauparlant, founder of Lab Creative, author of Brand Chemistry and creator of Brand Camp about her entrepreneurial journey and how it led to the creation of Lab Creative and Brand Camp. Recognizing that personal branding extends beyond a job title or employer, she understood that carefully selecting the stories you share is crucial for enhancing your brand, while oversharing can potentially damage it. Laura offers invaluable insights on how to strike the right balance, using storytelling to enhance your brand while protecting the reputation you’ve established. Laura is an internationally acclaimed speaker and entrepreneur with over 18 years of experience. She utilizes her creativity and unique methodologies to aid growth-oriented entrepreneurs in recognizing and harnessing their unique abilities. Her approach ensures that brands not only stand out but also attract the right clientele and achieve remarkable success. If you found this episode inspiring, please subscribe, like, and leave a comment.   MORE ABOUT LAURA BEAUPARLANT Website: Lab Creative LinkedIn: Laura Beauparlant Podcast: Live with Laura Blog Post: “7 Lessons From an Entrepreneur” Book: “Brand Chemistry : How to Attract the Right Clients and Keep Them” ABOUT SWEET BUT FEARLESS: Website - Sweet but Fearless LinkedIn - Sweet but Fearless

In this episode, Mary Sullivan, co-founder of Sweet but Fearless, talks with Abbe F. Large, Managing Director at Lenox Advisors, about the need for open conversations about money. She offers valuable advice on teaching children the importance of money, helping them develop healthy financial habits early on, including budgeting, saving, and responsible spending. Abbe also encourages women to actively participate in family financial decisions, particularly during the "sandwich years," when managing the financial responsibilities of both children and aging parents becomes increasingly important.  Abbe is a passionate advocate for families and individuals dealing with difficult financial realities. She personally navigated these same financial complexities when caring for her father through his battle with pancreatic cancer. Abbe faced the same challenges she regularly helps others overcome and gained a unique appreciation for the importance of being supported through these challenging times with grace and dignity. She believes that when money is removed from the equation, people can focus on what truly matters: love and family. Abbe was named on Forbes's Top Financial Security Professionals in both 2022 and 2023.  If you found this episode inspiring, please subscribe, like, and leave a comment. MORE ABOUT ABBE F. LARGE Website: Lenox Advisors LinkedIn: Abbe F. Large ABOUT SWEET BUT FEARLESS: Website - Sweet but Fearless LinkedIn - Sweet but Fearless

In this episode, Mary Sullivan, co-founder of Sweet but Fearless, talks with Mahara Wayman, Chief Gratitude Officer & CEO, Mindfulness with Mahara about the importance of being honest with yourself and letting go of self-limiting beliefs.  Mahara Wayman is dedicated to empowerment, mindfulness, and a dash of badassery. With a diverse and vibrant portfolio, her journey is a testament to her unwavering dedication to helping individuals and entrepreneurs thrive personally and professionally. As the Chief Gratitude Officer and CEO of "Mindfulness With Mahara," she guides women from the mundane to the extraordinary, tapping into their innate strength. Through Mahara’s unique methodologies, she empowers clients to embrace their inner badass potential, injecting life with renewed enthusiasm. Her debut book, “Essential Insights To Living Your Best Life,” is available on Amazon. If you found this episode inspiring, please subscribe, like, and leave a comment.   MORE ABOUT MAHARA WAYMAN Website: Mindfulness With Mahara LinkedIn: Mahara Wayman Podcast: The Art of Badassery Book: “Essential Insights to Living Your Best Life”   ABOUT SWEET BUT FEARLESS: Website - Sweet but Fearless LinkedIn - Sweet but Fearless

In this episode, Mary Sullivan, co-founder of Sweet but Fearless, talks with Christy Pretzinger, CEO of WG Content, about the importance of creating a "cultural balance sheet" at work. By fostering a culture that enhances both human connections and business success it creates an environment where employees thrive and feel valued.  WG Content’s core values—empowered, curious, kind, and fun—are not just words on a wall; they are ingrained in the company’s daily operations and celebrated in monthly meetings. Christy explains that her company’s success is rooted in fostering a culture that values each person's unique contributions and feels their absence when they are not present. Christy is a popular podcast speaker and is co-author of the upcoming book “Your Cultural Balance Sheet: Keys to Creating an Environment Where People Can Thrive.” She’s also a long-time member of Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO), a global nonprofit comprising business leaders from 65 countries. If you found this episode inspiring, please subscribe, like, and leave a comment. MORE ABOUT CHRISTY PRETZINGER Website: WG Content Strategy and CreationLinkedIn:  Christy Pretzinger   ABOUT SWEET BUT FEARLESS: Website - Sweet but Fearless LinkedIn - Sweet but Fearless

In this episode, Mary Sullivan, co-founder of Sweet but Fearless, talks with Jacqueline Green, CEO and Founder Behind the Design, Speaker, and Coach discusses her journey from the corporate world to entrepreneurship. She shares her valuable insights on building a profitable business and stresses the importance of treating your venture not as a hobby but as a serious business and brand. Drawing from her experience, Jacqueline offers practical advice on managing resources effectively to create a sustainable and successful business. Jacqueline Green is the founder, CEO, and Chief Strategist of Behind the Design, a training and education company that provides interior designers and other creative business owners with the tools needed to build profitable businesses. With a solid background in business and marketing, Jacqueline realized she had a unique skill set that could help businesses overcome these pain points and fulfill their deep desire to make a difference and assist others. If you found this episode inspiring, please subscribe, like, and leave a comment.   MORE ABOUT JACQUELINE GREEN Website: Behind the Design Co LinkedIn: Jacqueline Green   ABOUT SWEET BUT FEARLESS: Website - Sweet but Fearless LinkedIn - Sweet but Fearless

In this episode, Mary Sullivan, co-founder of Sweet but Fearless, talks with Michele Phillips, Founder of Key Performance and author of “Happiness is a Habit: Simple Daily Rituals,” about the science of emotions, highlighting how daily happiness habits can transform your life and business. Michele discusses how successful people channel their energy into things they can control, emphasizing that the positive energy you create in the morning sets the tone for the rest of the day. In positive psychology, she explains, the key difference between optimists and pessimists lies in how they process and interpret life events.  As the president of Key Performance Michele has been on a lifelong quest to help others create positive habits that build confidence, increase vitality, and help people move in the direction of their goals and dreams. Michele's professional experience spans over 20 years facilitating engaging workshops, seminars, and coaching programs. An authority in the field of peak performance, Michele inspires others to action and helps individuals create lives filled with energy, joy, and positive habits. If you found this episode inspiring, please subscribe, like, and leave a comment. MORE ABOUT MICHELE PHILLIPS Website: Key 2 Unlock/Key Performance LinkedIn: Michele Phillips  Book: “Happiness is a Habit: Simple Daily Rituals That Increase Energy, Improve Well-Being, and Add Joy to Every Day”   ABOUT SWEET BUT FEARLESS: Website - Sweet but Fearless LinkedIn - Sweet but Fearless

In this episode, Mary Sullivan, co-founder of Sweet but Fearless, talks with Kami Guildner, Entrepreneur, Business Coach, and best-selling Author regarding how the narratives you share about yourself shape both you and your brand. As a business coach for high vibe women entrepreneurs, she helps them build businesses they love with more time and wealth prosperity. Kami weaves soulful inspiration into mindful business strategies, and utilizing her Soul+Strategy™ approach to business, she helps her clients succeed in business. Kami is the founder of the Extraordinary Women Ignite Conference, Extraordinary Women Connect events, and host of the award-winning Extraordinary Women Radio™ – a podcast igniting a new paradigm of entrepreneurship with Soul+Strategy at its heart. If you found this episode inspiring, please subscribe, like, and leave a comment.   MORE ABOUT KAMI GUILDNER Website: Kami Guildner LinkedIn: Kami Guildner Podcast: Extraordinary Women Radio Oct Event: Extraordinary Women Ignite Book: “Firedancer: Your Spiral Journey to a Life of Passion and Purpose.” ABOUT SWEET BUT FEARLESS: Website - Sweet but Fearless LinkedIn - Sweet but Fearless

In this episode, Mary Sullivan, co-founder of Sweet but Fearless, talks with Dr. L. Carol Scott, author of "Just Be Your S.E.L.F.," about a personal-growth framework for adults that draws on early development research. She explains how your upbringing influences your potential and how this framework can enhance self-awareness in work and life relationships, forming a solid foundation for success. Dr. L. Carol Scott is a #1 International Bestselling author, TEDx speaker, and keynote speaker​. As a trauma-informed developmental psychologist, she brings your birthright of SASS—Self-Aware Success Strategies to help you get along better on the adult playgrounds where you play today. If you found this episode inspiring, please subscribe, like, and leave a comment.   MORE ABOUT Dr. L. CAROL SCOTT Website: L. Carol Scott  LinkedIn: L. Carol Scott  Youtube: L. Carol Scott  Facebook: L. Carol Scott  Instagram: L. Carol Scott  Book: Just be Your S.E.L.F.    ABOUT SWEET BUT FEARLESS: Website - Sweet but Fearless LinkedIn - Sweet but Fearless

In this episode, Mary Sullivan, co-founder of Sweet but Fearless, talks with Carolyn Boldt, VP of Design at CrossFields and a holistic health and wellness advocate. Carolyn knows how our work and living environments significantly impact our mental health. So, when designing your space, design it so it resonates with you and helps keep your mental well-being with a positive outlook. Carolyn's passion for interior design began in her teens, collaborating with her NASA engineer father on the early preliminary design of US Space Station, and she now boasts over 40 years of industry expertise. In 2004, she and her husband co-founded CrossFields as a design-build firm in Atlanta, and in 2011 they changed their focus to improving the public’s perception of alternative medicine and highlighting the power of holistic healthcare. If you found this episode inspiring, please subscribe, like, and leave a comment.   MORE ABOUT CAROLYN BOLDT: Website: Crossfields Design   LinkedIn: Carolyn Boldt  ABOUT SWEET BUT FEARLESS: Website - Sweet but Fearless LinkedIn - Sweet but Fearless

We are celebrating our 200th episode and we are so thankful to our Sweet but Fearless nation and all our listeners. Your support and engagement inspire us to continue empowering women leaders and building a supportive community. We especially thank all the magnificent guests who have shared their successes, failures, insights, and personal journeys so that we all can be inspired. In this episode, Cooper Alexander and Mary Sullivan, co-founders of Sweet but Fearless, talk about managing your energy, not your time. What’s the difference? Essentially, time management involves using your resources to maximize the finite time available. Energy management, on the other hand, is about cultivating your internal resources to bring your best self to every engagement, including meeting deadlines and managing time effectively.  Cooper and Mary offer tips on how to bolster your energy management! If you found this episode inspiring, please subscribe, like, and leave a comment. ABOUT SWEET BUT FEARLESS: Website - Sweet but Fearless LinkedIn - Sweet but Fearless

In this episode, Cooper Alexander and Mary Sullivan, co-founders of Sweet but Fearless, discuss when and how to say ‘no’ to taking on more work. For most of us, saying no doesn't come naturally. We want to be seen as 'yes people'—the 'go-to' team players. However, agreeing to take on too many assignments and projects can leave you overextended and stressed. So when should you say ‘no’? Cooper and Mary outline why it makes sense to decline additional work and provide tips on how to do so without negatively affecting your career. If you found this episode inspiring, please subscribe, like, and leave a comment. MORE ABOUT ABOUT SWEET BUT FEARLESS: Website - Sweet but Fearless LinkedIn - Sweet but Fearless

In this episode, Cooper Alexander and Mary Sullivan, co-founders of Sweet but Fearless explore the distinction between a career and a job, offering guidance to help you determine which path aligns best with your current life stage. Many people use these terms interchangeably, but understanding their differences can significantly impact your professional journey and personal fulfillment. We'll look at how a job is often a short-term pursuit for earning income, while a career is a long-term path driven by passion, growth, and purpose. Each playing a pivotal role in our professional life. Join us as we share insights, personal experiences, and advice to help you navigate your way from having a job to building a meaningful and rewarding career. If you found this episode inspiring, please subscribe, like, and leave a comment. ABOUT SWEET BUT FEARLESS: Website - Sweet but Fearless LinkedIn - Sweet but Fearless

In this episode, Mary Sullivan, co-founder of Sweet but Fearless is joined by Dena Jansen, author, speaker, coach, and podcaster. Dena’s journey when she realized that the career she once desired did not fulfill her true passions. It's crucial to ask yourself, "Is this really what I want?" Knowing what you want is as important as knowing what you don't. Ask question and embrace your curiosity.  Her first book, Road to Hope, discusses how we aren't taught to grow and evolve, leaving us unprepared for moments of unfulfillment. She offers insights and personal experiences on making choices and considering life pivots. If you're in a rut, she provides valuable perspectives on evaluating your decisions and finding a way forward. Dena is co-founder of the podcast, You Just Don’t Know It Yet, the women’s conference, RON 2.0 (Ready or Not) and author of two books, Road to Hope and Soul Farmer: Sowing Seeds of Change to Reap an Inspired Life. If you found this episode inspiring, please subscribe, like, and leave a comment.   MORE ABOUT DENA JANSEN LinkedIn: Dena Jansen Website: You Just Don’t Know It Yet Podcast: You Just Don’t Know It Yet Women's Conference: RON 2.0 Books:Soul Farmer: Sowing Seeds of Change to Reap an Inspired Life Road to Hope ABOUT SWEET BUT FEARLESS: Website - Sweet but Fearless LinkedIn - Sweet but Fearless

In this episode, Mary Sullivan, co-founder of Sweet but Fearless is joined by Amy Smith, Business and LinkedIn Strategist and Speaker as they talk about the thrilling journey, and challenges, of being an entrepreneur. As a LinkedIn expert, Amy gives insight in proven business strategies to gain recognition as an expert and organically grow your LinkedIn network. She is featured in CEO Global Magazine and focuses on helping coaches, consultants, and facilitators grow their LinkedIn network. Amy is noted for her real, practical focus on strategies that work for both her and her clients. Download her FREE Ultimate LinkedIn Blueprint! If you found this episode inspiring, please subscribe, like, and leave a comment.   MORE ABOUT AMY SMITH LinkedIn: Amy Smith Website: Amy L. Smith YouTube: LinkedIn for Leaders FREE Download: Ultimate LinkedIn Blueprint  ABOUT SWEET BUT FEARLESS: Website - Sweet but Fearless LinkedIn - Sweet but Fearless

In this episode, Mary Sullivan, co-founder of Sweet but Fearless is joined by Jennifer K. Hill, CEO & Co-Founder of OptiMatch and Keynote Speaker. Having cracked the code of human connection, Jennifer reflects on the science behind what makes people click and understand the motivating factors of individuals to create greater coherence in teams. Utilizing the Golden Triangle of connection, Jennifer provides insight into how we can foster the ability to understand what motivates ourselves and others. If you found this episode inspiring, please subscribe, like, and leave a comment.   MORE ABOUT JENNIFER K. HILL LinkedIn: Jennifer K. Hill Website: Jennifer K. Hill - OptiMatch Instagram: Jennifer K. Hill Facebook: Jennifer K. Hill  YouTube: Jennifer K. Hill  ABOUT SWEET BUT FEARLESS: Website - Sweet but Fearless LinkedIn - Sweet but Fearless

In this episode, Mary Sullivan, co-founder of Sweet but Fearless is joined by Belinda Clemmensen, author and CEO & Founder of Women’s Leadership Intensive. They discuss the power of women’s voices and the challenges we face as leaders. Having a strong support system can help you navigate these challenges and empower you to advocate for yourself and other women leaders. Tune in as Belinda shares several practical steps you can start applying immediately to enhance your leadership skills. Belinda founded the Women’s Leadership Intensive with the mission to inspire, empower, support, and equip women to lead the change the world needs. She loves her work and feels honored to coach and mentor amazing women who make a difference daily through their leadership. Her book, “Women, Leadership, and Saving the World: Why Everything Gets Better When Women Lead,” reflects on how women in leadership positions can greatly enhance business performance. If you found this episode inspiring, please subscribe, like, and leave a comment.   MORE ABOUT BELINDA CLEMMENSEN LinkedIn: Belinda Clemmensen Website: Women’s Leadership Intensive Book: Women, Leadership, and Saving the World: Why Everything Gets Better When Women Lead ABOUT SWEET BUT FEARLESS: Website - Sweet but Fearless LinkedIn - Sweet but Fearless

In this episode, Mary Sullivan, co-founder of Sweet but Fearless is joined by Julie Broad, Founder of Book Launchers and best-selling author. Julie's journey from real estate investor to best-selling author to founder of her publishing company equipped her with the skills needed to succeed in each new endeavor. As a real estate investor, she aimed to help others understand the challenges and share tips for success, which led to her first book, "More Than Cashflow." However, the path to publishing her book wasn't smooth. After experiencing the pitfalls and challenges of working with a traditional publisher, she decided to assist thought leaders and entrepreneurs overcome these obstacles and understand the business side of being an author. She founded Book Launchers to do just that. Julie Broad, founder of self-publishing services firm Book Launchers and Amazon Overall #1 Best Selling Author, knows what it takes to successfully self-publish a book. Her popular YouTube channel, BookLaunchers.TV, embodies the hashtag of #noboringbooks helping nonfiction authors write and market books people want to read. If you found this episode inspiring, please subscribe, like, and leave a comment.   MORE ABOUT JULIE BROAD LinkedIn: Julie BroadWebsite: Julie Broad Website: Book Launchers YouTube: Book Launchers Books: More Than CashflowThe New Brand YouSelf-Publish and Succeed: The ‘No Boring Books’ Way to Write a Non-Fiction Book that Sales ABOUT SWEET BUT FEARLESS: Website - Sweet but Fearless LinkedIn - Sweet but Fearless

In this episode, Mary Sullivan, co-founder of Sweet but Fearless is joined by change leadership and confidence expert Lata Hamilton, Founder & CEO of Passion Pioneers and the creator of the “Leading Successful Change” program. Lata talks about Passion Pioneers and her mission in supporting women leaders in forging their unique career paths with confidence and authenticity. Recognizing that career success doesn’t always mean following the traditional, linear journey, Lata and Mary talk about alternative pathing and the impact of change management. Lata believes when faced with a crossroad decision, you need to be clear about who you are, what you want, the value you bring, and what you're worth.  Join in on the conversation and take away actionable insights. If you found this episode inspiring, please subscribe, like, and leave a comment.   MORE ABOUT LATA HAMILTON LinkedIn: Lata Hamilton Website: Lata Hamilton Change Advisor Bootcamp – Free www.latahamilton.com/cab Podcast: Lata Hamilton ABOUT SWEET BUT FEARLESS: Website - Sweet but Fearless LinkedIn - Sweet but Fearless

In this episode, Mary Sullivan, co-founder of Sweet but Fearless, talks with Livia Jenvey, founder of Empowered Star Boss, business consultant, and best-selling author about the importance of female entrepreneurs reconnecting with their inner guide to navigate past self-doubt and make confident decisions. She discovered that external influences and self-doubt often lead entrepreneurs astray, underscoring the need to stay connected to one’s inner compass. Author of “Daily Productivity Hacks: Everyday Activity Hacks For Making Massive Strides In Your Business and Life,” Livia advocates for ending each day with a ritual to close out the day and write down your next day's to-do priorities.  Listen as Livia provides an exercise from her book “Soul Compass,” to help you write your story. Livia has spent the last decade coaching entrepreneurs, small business owners, and corporate professionals in empowering their businesses and lives. She specializes in coaching business leaders in how to develop effective leadership skills to increase productivity and performance. Don't forget to follow the Sweet but Fearless podcast if you'd like to hear more from inspiring women leaders.   MORE ABOUT LIVIA JENVEY LinkedIn: Livia Jenvey Website: Empowered Star Boss  Books: Soul Compass: A Female Entrepreneur’s Guide to Navigating Past Self-Doubt and Fear Daily Productivity Hacks: Everyday Activity Hacks For Making Massive Strides In Your Business and Life ABOUT SWEET BUT FEARLESS: Website - Sweet but Fearless LinkedIn - Sweet but Fearless