Brave Women at Work

Jen Pestikas

Leadership positions in corporations are overwhelmingly held by men. Women who want to advance their careers and have equal representation at the table face enormous obstacles in today's society. They are frequently viewed through the lens of stereotypes, making it difficult for them to demonstrate their worth. In response, it's only natural that they keep their heads down and wallow in their insecurities. Don't you wish there was a guidebook for women to use as they enter the workforce? With this, they could have a much easier time navigating the complex environment. Since there isn't anything like it out there, Jen Pestikas created a podcast called Brave Women at Work to fill the void. This show encourages women to believe in themselves and take charge of their professional lives so that they can progress to the next level. Each episode is devoted to a different set of issues that prevent professional women from reaching their full potential and obtaining the leadership positions they seek. Burnout and imposter syndrome are two common causes of self-sabotage. Learn to break free of the victim mentality and the distractions that prevent you from speaking up, and you will have taken the first step toward removing those obstacles. Get out of your comfort zone and into the path to achieving much larger objectives. Use the information you gain from this show to help you realize your full potential, then stand firm against the unjust demands of the business world. Listen in on discussions that teach you how to advocate for yourself and let others recognize the value you bring to the workplace. Don't let the long hours you spend at work make you feel bored or unappreciated. Find out when it's appropriate to negotiate your salary, your hours, and your position to get the most out of your job. One should not put their professional success in the hands of others. Take advantage of your unique abilities to make significant strides in your career. For over twenty years, Jen has worked as a Certified Career and Leadership Coach in the business world, and now she's bringing that knowledge to the podcast audience. She'll show you how to succeed professionally without sacrificing your personal life or putting on a false front. Gain self-assurance and knock down roadblocks to success with the help of Jen's insightful advice. In addition to her extensive expertise, Jen shares uplifting takeaways from her own corporate experience. Both burnout and the "imposter syndrome" have affected her. She struggled with many self-limiting beliefs and experienced her share of professional dissatisfaction. After spending many years in the predominantly male investment services industry, Jen learned what it takes to stand out as a strong, career-focused woman. She overcame adversity and is now the Senior Vice President of Business Development at a thriving financial institution. She is a shining proof of how far one can go in their careers by playing to their strengths and removing any self-doubt that may have been holding them back. On the podcast, Jen not only discusses her own life but also features interviews with other remarkable women. Find out how they overcame the obstacles they encountered in the business world and how they turned their setbacks into opportunities. These outstanding individuals were once in your shoes, and now you can benefit from their experiences and insights as you propel your own career to new heights. As long as men dominate the corporate world, it will be difficult for women to advance. Don't let the gender gap stop you from pursuing your professional goals. Acquire the resources you need to fully realize your potential by following Jen's guidance and the examples of her amazing guests. Luck will not make you a good leader. Instead, make people listen to what you have to say, become your own advocate, and take bolder action in everything you do. Listen to Brave Women at Work at https://bravewomenatwork.com/.

  1. 3D AGO

    Unlimited: Ashley Kletke on Purpose, Strengths, and Flow

    I call on you this week to reach out to another woman in your life. A woman that needs a good word, a in-person or virtual hug, motivation, or support. You have no idea the ripple effect it will have. Today on the show, Ashley and I dive into something so important and foundational – purpose.  During today’s show, Ashley and I chatted about: The meaning behind unlimited to Ashley, especially since her company’s name is You Unlimited.Why is purpose so important, and how do you we go about finding our own purpose?How does Ashley leverage CliftonStrengths in her work with teams?What is the intersection between purpose and CliftonStrengths?What is flow state coaching?When was the last time that Ashley was in a flow state?Here is more about Ashley: Ashley Kletke is the founder of You Unlimited Coaching and Workshops. You Unlimited helps organizations uncover their purpose, elevate their strengths, and engineer their cultures.  As an engineer turned performance coach and facilitator, Ashley has a unique ability to bridge the analytical and the human — helping individuals, teams, and businesses move forward with clarity and purpose. Ashley's work is rooted in the belief that when people understand their unlimited purpose and leverage their individual strengths, that's when they truly become unlimited. She uses CliftonStrengths as one of her core tools in her work with teams, helping them move beyond simply agreeing that collaboration matters to actually knowing how to do it. She also weaves wellbeing and flow state coaching into her practice, with a firm belief that wellbeing is fuel for performance — not a nice-to-have, but a necessity. Based in Mattawan, Michigan, Ashley works with people and organizations ready to get clear on the purpose behind their goals and build the tools to be their best selves — at work and in life. If the Brave Women at Work Podcast has helped you personally or professionally, please share it with a friend, colleague, or family member. And your ratings and reviews help the show continue to gain traction and grow. Thank you again! If you have a story to share and a deep desire to become an author, please contact me at hello@bravewomenatwork.com. I am happy to share the details on the project.   Alright, let’s welcome Ashley to the show! Questions (Segment 2):  Can you tell us more about your background story? How have you gotten to where you are today?What does You Unlimited mean to you? And as a follow-up, what is unlimited purpose and why is it important to you?Once you understand your unlimited purpose, what changes for you personally and professionally? (We can also talk about the quote on your site – “Your real job in life is to figure out what it is you are called to do.” – Oprah Winfrey)I have had guests on the show talk about CliftonStrengths and discovering your individual strengths. How do you use it with your work with teams? How does your purpose work and CliftonStrengths intersect?Why is wellbeing fuel for performance in teams and organizations as a whole? What is your perspective on the state of wellbeing at work today?What is flow state coaching? How do you advise your clients to get in a flow state?When was the last time you were in a flow state?What are 1-2 ways women at be braver at work?How can women connect with you and your work online?

    1h 1m
  2. APR 30

    Unlearn to Lead: Confidence, Heart, and the New Rules of Leadership with Selena Rezvani

    Today on the show, I am so pleased to share that I chatted about the new rules of leadership with Selena Rezvani. Selena just gets it, and she has digestible leadership content and books that anyone can apply to their lives and careers. Selena is also widely followed on all the social platforms, so go check her out! During today’s show, Selena and I talked about: Her book, Quick Leadership: Build Trust, Navigate Change, and Cultivate Unstoppable TeamsWhy managing with heart is critical to build trust and loyalty and is a strength, not a weaknessHer book, Quick Confidence: Be Authentic, Boost Connections, and Make Bold Bets on YourselfHer TEDx talk and how it still holds the test of time, How we can move past overdoing, overthinking, and overexplaining to free up our time and energyHere is more about Selena: Selena Rezvani is an internationally known leadership speaker and author, TEDx-er, and an award-winning journalist. Forbes recently named her the premier expert on advocating for yourself at work. She trains some of the brightest minds on leadership development at places like The World Bank, Microsoft, Under Armour, Pfizer, and Nestlé—helping emerging leaders enhance their presence, self-confidence, and build trust. Selena’s advice has been featured in Harvard Business Review, Oprah.com, Today, The LA Times, and ABC and NBC television. Selena’s latest book, Quick Confidence, a Wall Street Journal bestseller, is the culmination of a viral newsletter she started on LinkedIn, where she shares bite-sized tips on boosting confidence. Her forthcoming book, Quick Leadership, comes out on November 10, 2025. Selena creates daily video content on leadership that reaches a wide audience across social media. Having amassed a following of over 500k followers across platforms, she was honored as a Fast Company Top Content Creator. In addition to coaching and consulting emerging leaders, Selena offers workshops to teams and conferences including her sought-after “How to be a Fierce Self-Advocate” and “Quick Confidence: Own Your Power” workshops. Today, she writes a column for MSNBC’s Know Your Value on the most pressing leadership and career issues. Selena has MSW and BS degrees from NYU and an MBA from Johns Hopkins University. To learn more about Selena and to book her for your next event, visit SelenaRezvani.com. If the Brave Women at Work Podcast has helped you personally or professionally, please share it with a friend, colleague, or family member. And your ratings and reviews help the show continue to gain traction and grow. Thank you again!

    1h 7m
  3. Unprocessed Grief, Burnout, and the Path Back to Yourself with Harper A. Bailey

    APR 23

    Unprocessed Grief, Burnout, and the Path Back to Yourself with Harper A. Bailey

    I’m so excited to have another Chicago gal in the house today with me, Harper A. Bailey. Harper and I discovered we had SO much in common with our stories, perspectives, etc. that I hope to meet up with her IRL (in real life) sometime soon! During today’s show, Harper and I talked about: What it felt like for her to be the first Black woman to lead a prominent national women’s healthcare nonprofit.Her burnout story and the grief of transition between who she was and who she became after the experience.The story behind her name Harper A. Bailey and what her real name is and why she decided to use it (grab a tissue).Her book, It Was Her: A Memoir.The differences between macro and micro grief.The moments of grief in corporate that no one talks about. I even share an example I have processed recently.If you are willing to dig a bit deeper on how grief touches us in unexpected ways and is related to burnout and our healing, listen to today’s conversation. Here is more about Harper: Harper A. Bailey is the pen name of Tiosha Bailey, a Chicago native, public health leader, and powerful storyteller who challenges the status quo. She was the first Black woman to lead a prominent national women's healthcare nonprofit, where she prioritized health equity and amplified the voices of underserved communities. Her first book, It Was Her: A Memoir—featuring a foreword by renowned motivational speaker Lisa Nichols—invites readers into a deeply personal story shaped by loss, resilience, and transformation. Through honest and compelling storytelling, Harper explores identity, healing, and the courage it takes to reclaim your narrative. As a speaker, Harper brings clarity, depth, and humor to conversations about leadership, purpose, and the lived experiences of Black women. She connects with audiences through truth-telling and a passion for creating spaces where people feel seen, heard, and empowered. If the Brave Women at Work Podcast has helped you personally or professionally, please share it with a friend, colleague, or family member. And your ratings and reviews help the show continue to gain traction and grow. Thank you again! I’m so pumped to let you know that the E-Book for Brave Women at Work: Lessons in Authenticity is now available on Amazon! If you have a story to share and a deep desire to become an author, please contact me at hello@bravewomenatwork.com. I am happy to share the details on the project.

    1h 4m
  4. APR 16

    Rooted in Bravery: Growing a Multimillion-Dollar Business from Seed to Success with Jacqueline Basulto

    Have you ever wanted to build a business? What about a huge business? While many of our listeners are corporate warriors, I wanted to share the brave story of my guest, Jacqueline Basulto, Founder and CEO of SeedX, a multi-million-dollar data and digital business. Most, if not all, of the takeaways from this podcast apply to all of us.  During our discussion, Jacqueline and I chatted about: The story of how she built her company, SeedX.What challenges Jacqueline has faced as she grew her organizationHow she has managed balancing her personal and professional life as an entrepreneurAdvice for any women who would like to build a business or even start a side hustleAnd the role female leaders play in developing strong company culturesIf you have a dream you want to pursue, this show is for you! Here is more about Jacqueline: Jacqueline Basulto is an award-winning, self-made Latina entrepreneur, and the visionary founder, CEO, and Director of New Business at SeedX, Inc. SeedX is a results-driven data and digital growth agency, dedicated to helping clients reach their business objectives through data-driven online strategies and innovative solutions. With over eight years of industry experience, Jacqueline has built a remarkable reputation for delivering tangible outcomes and creating lasting value for clients across diverse sectors and markets. In 2021, Jacqueline was named to Forbes 30 Under 30, recognized as one of the leading figures in the marketing and advertising industries. Her company has also garnered multiple accolades from Clutch, earning recognition as the #1 Woman-Owned Digital Agency and the #1 B2B Agency in the United States. A passionate advocate for empowering businesses, Jacqueline is committed to equipping companies with the tools and strategies needed to thrive in the digital age. She is a sought-after speaker and content creator, covering topics such as business growth, grassroots online political strategy, community engagement, sales training, and leadership. A proud native of New York, Jacqueline is a devoted mother to a two-year-old daughter and shares her life with her husband, daughter, and three beloved dogs. If the Brave Women at Work Podcast has helped you personally or professionally, please share it with a friend, colleague, or family member. And your ratings and reviews help the show continue to gain traction and grow. Thank you again! I’m excited to share that Brave Women at Work: Lessons in Authenticity is coming out soon in E-Book! Be on the lookout for a purchase link for the $0.99 E-Book in April 2026! And, finally, I am already receiving interest in Brave Women at Work: Lessons in Abundance! This will be the sixth book in the women’s anthology series! This project will begin later this year in August 2026!  If you have a story to share and a deep desire to become an author, please contact me at hello@bravewomenatwork.com. I am happy to share the details on the project.   Alright, let’s welcome Jacqueline to the show!

    47 min
  5. Stop Managing Imposter Syndrome — Make It Your Superpower with Jen Coken

    APR 9

    Stop Managing Imposter Syndrome — Make It Your Superpower with Jen Coken

    I thought that Imposter Syndrome was something to be managed. Not eradicated, but managed. Jen has an entirely different view on Imposter Syndrome. She thinks we can make it our superpower. I was curious and completely open-minded to Jen’s perspective because there’s always more to learn. During our discussion, Jen and I chatted about: How she got into the STEM sector and continues to work with people in STEM and other industries today.Why she believes Imposter Syndrome is our superpower and not something to get rid of.How Imposter Syndrome shows up for Jen and other leadersWhat is Jen’s Leadership DecoderWhy people call Jen the velvet sledgehammerHere is more about Jen: Featured on ABC, MSNBC, and TEDx, Jen Coken is an internationally recognized executive leadership coach, speaker, and best-selling author with more than twenty-five years of experience helping leaders break barriers and lead with authority. She’s guided nearly 10,000 leaders worldwide—from Fortune 1000 executives to emerging women in STEM—to transform self-doubt into confidence, and confusion into clarity. Jen’s trademark blend of neuroscience, soul, and stand-up makes her unlike any other coach in the leadership space. She uses humor to reach people where logic can’t—because when there’s laughter, there’s listening, and when there’s listening, there’s learning. Her book, Make Imposter Syndrome Your Superpower, offers a practical roadmap for leaders to own their brilliance and lead with influence, impact, and unapologetic authenticity. Whether she’s on a stage, in the trenches with your team, or coaching one-on-one, Jen’s mission is constant: to help brilliant minds show up as their boldest, most powerful selves—without compromise. If the Brave Women at Work Podcast has helped you personally or professionally, please share it with a friend, colleague, or family member. And your ratings and reviews help the show continue to gain traction and grow. Thank you again! I’m excited to share that Brave Women at Work: Lessons in Authenticity is coming out soon in E-Book! Be on the lookout for a purchase link for the $0.99 E-Book in April 2026! And, finally, I am already receiving interest in Brave Women at Work: Lessons in Abundance! This will be the sixth book in the women’s anthology series! This project will begin later this year in August 2026!  If you have a story to share and a deep desire to become an author, please contact me at hello@bravewomenatwork.com. I am happy to share the details on the project.   Alright, let’s welcome Jen to the show!

    1h 1m
  6. She's Not Difficult — She's Confident with Dr. Kasi Lacey

    MAR 26

    She's Not Difficult — She's Confident with Dr. Kasi Lacey

    Well friends and podcast listeners, I have met another sister from another mister in my guest today, Dr. Kasi Lacey! I met Dr. Kasi at the Thrive in ’25 Conference last summer, and I was like, Dr. Kasi is my person! When we chatted, I really resonated with what she was saying and so much of our corporate war stories were similar, even though Dr. Kasi and I come from different industries. It simply goes to show you that it doesn’t really matter the industry. What matters is that we share our stories so that women do not feel alone. When I met Dr. Kasi, I know I felt seen.  Like my work with Brave Women at Work, Dr. Kasi focuses a big portion of her work on lifting women up so they can build confidence and advocate for themselves. Once I found that out, I knew she had to be on the show. During our discussion, Dr. Kasi and I chatted about: Confidence is a skill we can build; it’s not something we have or don’t have.How resilience, grit, and clarity have key roles in building confidence in any area of your life.How boundaries go hand in hand with confidence buildingWe chatted about how Dr. Kasi loves being on stage, and it wasn’t something she set out to do.Her upcoming book, The Confidence Comeback: The Psychology of Reclaiming Your Power, Voice, and LeadershipAnd we also touched on her course: Break Free from Self-Doubt Here is more about Dr. Kasi: Dr. Lacey is a nationally recognized psychologist, author, keynote speaker, and confidence coach who empowers women and workplaces to lead with confidence. She blends the science of psychology with actionable leadership strategies to deliver high-impact, transformative keynotes and training that leave audiences inspired and equipped to take action. With 15+ years of experience as a C-suite executive in higher education and a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology, Dr. Lacey is known for her relatable, energizing speaking style and her deep understanding of what it truly takes to cultivate confidence in leadership - especially for women navigating high-pressure roles. Whether she’s on stage, on camera, or in a boardroom, Dr. Lacey's mission is clear: help women lead unapologetically and help organizations build thriving, inclusive, and psychologically safe environments. If the Brave Women at Work Podcast has helped you personally or professionally, please share it with a friend, colleague, or family member. And your ratings and reviews help the show continue to gain traction and grow. Thank you again! I’m excited to share that Brave Women at Work: Lessons in Authenticity is coming out soon in E-Book! Be on the lookout for a purchase link for the $0.99 E-Book in April 2026! And, finally, I am already receiving interest in Brave Women at Work: Lessons in Abundance! This will be the sixth book in the women’s anthology series! This project will begin later this year in August 2026!  If you have a story to share and a deep desire to become an author, please contact me at hello@bravewomenatwork.com. I am happy to share the details on the project.   Alright, let’s welcome Dr. Kasi to the show!

    1h 1m
  7. The Brave Pivot: A Physician's Journey into Fine Art with Dr. Vasu Tolia

    MAR 19

    The Brave Pivot: A Physician's Journey into Fine Art with Dr. Vasu Tolia

    Do you have someone in your life that has made a brave pivot? For example, maybe a friend, family member or colleague that has made a big leap into a new career, left their career to be a mom or caregiver full-time, left a relationship that was draining them. Whenever I hear stories like this, I’m both awed and triggered at the same time. Why? Well, friends, I have always struggled with big changes. Every time I have left a job, I’ve cried and grieved. I’ve agonized over these big changes, made pros and cons lists, asked everyone I know until I wind myself up to a tight ball of anxiety.  Some people release the control of the known and bravely pivot into the unknown. My guest, Dr. Vasu Tolia, has done this with her monstrous move from medicine to art. Talk about different sides of the brain! I met Dr. Vasu through a coaching inquiry, but realized coaching was not the right fit for her. Inviting her to be part of the larger community of powerhouse women I’m part of was. So, I am so pleased to have the opportunity to chat with her today on the show! During our discussion, Dr. Vasu and I chatted about: What led Dr. Vasu to get into medicine?How she knew it was time to move from medicine into the world of art?What the response was from others in her community when she decided to make that pivotHow picking up a paintbrush has made her find something deeper within herselfThe intersection between science, art, and healing and where Dr. Vasu’s work is headedWhat a personal mandala is and how it is a healing exercise it itselfHere is more about Dr. Vasu: Dr. Vasu Tolia is a physician turned healing artist and Emeritus Professor of Pediatrics. After spending over 40 years in academic medicine—establishing Michigan's first pediatric endoscopy unit and publishing 150+ research papers—she embarked on a second career creating healing-focused art grounded in neuroaesthetics. Her work has been featured by The Washington Post, appeared on CDC journal covers, and been included in ArtTreasury's 2026 Collector's Annual. Through her unique charitable giving model, art collectors can direct proceeds to organizations supporting mental health, autism research, and vulnerable populations. Vasu's Bold Statement of Claim is "Healing never retires. It just picks up a different path." Learn more at www.vasutolia.art. If the Brave Women at Work Podcast has helped you personally or professionally, please share it with a friend, colleague, or family member. And your ratings and reviews help the show continue to gain traction and grow. Thank you again!

    47 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Leadership positions in corporations are overwhelmingly held by men. Women who want to advance their careers and have equal representation at the table face enormous obstacles in today's society. They are frequently viewed through the lens of stereotypes, making it difficult for them to demonstrate their worth. In response, it's only natural that they keep their heads down and wallow in their insecurities. Don't you wish there was a guidebook for women to use as they enter the workforce? With this, they could have a much easier time navigating the complex environment. Since there isn't anything like it out there, Jen Pestikas created a podcast called Brave Women at Work to fill the void. This show encourages women to believe in themselves and take charge of their professional lives so that they can progress to the next level. Each episode is devoted to a different set of issues that prevent professional women from reaching their full potential and obtaining the leadership positions they seek. Burnout and imposter syndrome are two common causes of self-sabotage. Learn to break free of the victim mentality and the distractions that prevent you from speaking up, and you will have taken the first step toward removing those obstacles. Get out of your comfort zone and into the path to achieving much larger objectives. Use the information you gain from this show to help you realize your full potential, then stand firm against the unjust demands of the business world. Listen in on discussions that teach you how to advocate for yourself and let others recognize the value you bring to the workplace. Don't let the long hours you spend at work make you feel bored or unappreciated. Find out when it's appropriate to negotiate your salary, your hours, and your position to get the most out of your job. One should not put their professional success in the hands of others. Take advantage of your unique abilities to make significant strides in your career. For over twenty years, Jen has worked as a Certified Career and Leadership Coach in the business world, and now she's bringing that knowledge to the podcast audience. She'll show you how to succeed professionally without sacrificing your personal life or putting on a false front. Gain self-assurance and knock down roadblocks to success with the help of Jen's insightful advice. In addition to her extensive expertise, Jen shares uplifting takeaways from her own corporate experience. Both burnout and the "imposter syndrome" have affected her. She struggled with many self-limiting beliefs and experienced her share of professional dissatisfaction. After spending many years in the predominantly male investment services industry, Jen learned what it takes to stand out as a strong, career-focused woman. She overcame adversity and is now the Senior Vice President of Business Development at a thriving financial institution. She is a shining proof of how far one can go in their careers by playing to their strengths and removing any self-doubt that may have been holding them back. On the podcast, Jen not only discusses her own life but also features interviews with other remarkable women. Find out how they overcame the obstacles they encountered in the business world and how they turned their setbacks into opportunities. These outstanding individuals were once in your shoes, and now you can benefit from their experiences and insights as you propel your own career to new heights. As long as men dominate the corporate world, it will be difficult for women to advance. Don't let the gender gap stop you from pursuing your professional goals. Acquire the resources you need to fully realize your potential by following Jen's guidance and the examples of her amazing guests. Luck will not make you a good leader. Instead, make people listen to what you have to say, become your own advocate, and take bolder action in everything you do. Listen to Brave Women at Work at https://bravewomenatwork.com/.

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