131 episodes

Women in the Arena is the celebration of everyday women living extraordinary lives in plain sight. We seek to inspire, encourage and challenge you to reach for the great heights you're made for.

Women in the Arena Audra Agen

    • Society & Culture

Women in the Arena is the celebration of everyday women living extraordinary lives in plain sight. We seek to inspire, encourage and challenge you to reach for the great heights you're made for.

    Designing a Magical Life with Michele Phillips

    Designing a Magical Life with Michele Phillips

    Let's be friends!
    Ever wonder how to transform self-doubt into self-love? Join me as Michele Phillips, the transformative voice behind Key Performance, uncovers the secret pathways to personal empowerment. Our conversation is a deep dive into the role of 'wise selfishness' and why prioritizing your wellbeing isn't just beneficial—it's essential. Michele's best-selling insights come alive as we explore the therapeutic effects of journaling, a practice that serves as a mirror reflecting our innermost victories and aspirations.

    As we wade through the emotional currents, Michele guides us on how to harness our doubts and transform them into powerful catalysts for growth. Discover the unique ways in which journaling can serve as a creative and relaxing outlet, while also being a strategic tool to reframe our brain's instinct for survival into a blueprint for happiness. This episode is packed with strategies to manage emotions and leverage the doubts that hold us back, turning them into the very energy that propels us forward.

    Our journey doesn't stop at self-improvement; it sweeps into the broader realms of positivity and the magic of everyday interactions. We discuss how a simple smile can set off a cascade of joy and emphasize the importance of reshaping core beliefs to cultivate a fulfilling life. Embrace the insights from the final chapters, where we discuss the transformative power of gratitude and maintaining positive habits, not just for ourselves but within the fabric of corporate cultures. Together with Michele, we pave the way to a 'magic carpet life', brimming with happiness and gratitude.

    https://key2unlock.com/
    Go check out all of our episodes on our website: https://womeninthearena.net/


    If you are ready to tell your story or want to refer someone, please email me at audra@womeninthearena.net

    ***Last thing- I'd love to interview the following women:
    Joan Jett Dolly Parton Viola Davis Ina Garten Maybe you can help me get there****


    Thank you all for supporting this show and all of the Women in the Arena!!

    • 43 min
    You Can Overcome Trauma's Silent Grip with ART Specialist Laurel Wiers

    You Can Overcome Trauma's Silent Grip with ART Specialist Laurel Wiers

    Let's be friends!
    Have you ever sensed an invisible weight anchoring you to a hidden past? My guest, trauma and triggers expert Laurel Wiers, and I traverse the landscape of trauma's pervasive grip on our lives, shedding light on its insidious origins and the revolutionary therapies offering hope. From the overlooked incidents of childhood to the more apparent traumas of adulthood, we discuss how these experiences can entrench themselves deep within, dictating our behaviors and interactions, often without our conscious realization.

    Take a journey with us as we uncover the stories of individuals transformed by Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), an evolution of EMDR that promises rapid healing. The compelling tale of a man haunted by his time as a janitor, whose life was reshaped by ART, is just one example of the profound changes this therapy can invoke. By utilizing techniques like bilateral stimulation, ART assists in reprocessing traumatic memories, converting crippling memories into neutral recollections, thereby freeing individuals to navigate life without the shadow of their past.

    Ending on a note of resilience and personal evolution, we reflect on how vulnerability and the embrace of hope can catalyze a metamorphosis within those tethered by their traumas. Laurel shares the stories of those who have emerged from the darkness into a renewed sense of self, and the joy of witnessing such a journey. This episode isn't just a conversation; it's an opportunity for anyone listening to recognize the potential for change within themselves and to feel the ripple effect of a single, life-altering realization. Join us for a powerful exploration of the resilience that lies within the human spirit.
    Go check out all of our episodes on our website: https://womeninthearena.net/


    If you are ready to tell your story or want to refer someone, please email me at audra@womeninthearena.net

    ***Last thing- I'd love to interview the following women:
    Joan Jett Dolly Parton Viola Davis Ina Garten Maybe you can help me get there****


    Thank you all for supporting this show and all of the Women in the Arena!!

    • 47 min
    Safe Spaces, Sound Futures: Raquel Borras' Raq the Boat is Amplifying the Voices of Our Youth

    Safe Spaces, Sound Futures: Raquel Borras' Raq the Boat is Amplifying the Voices of Our Youth

    Let's be friends!
    Discover the inspiring story of Raquel Borras, founder of Raq the Boat, on this week's episode of the Women in the Arena Podcast. Raquel shares her journey from a childhood overshadowed by the urge to please, to emerging as a beacon of hope, empowering youth through her transformative platform. In this episode, she reveals how Raq the Boat is providing safe spaces for kids to express themselves authentically and helping them navigate life with resilience and confidence.
    🎯 3 Reasons You Should Listen:
    Safe Spaces for Kids: Learn how Raquel Borras is fostering environments where children can freely express themselves without fear of judgment.Empowerment Through Dialogue: Hear how Raq the Boat’s candid chats with kids on YouTube are transforming youth empowerment by amplifying their voices.Innovative Leadership: Discover Raquel’s dynamic leadership style and her unwavering commitment to building resilience and self-assurance in at-risk youth.🔑 Key Takeaways:
    The importance of creating safe spaces for kids to be kids.The power of unscripted dialogues in nurturing self-esteem and identity.How Raquel's energy healing session realigned her life purpose, fueling her mission to reshape how we listen to and empower our children.Tune in to this vibrant conversation to gain insights into creating a brighter future for the next generation. Whether you're a parent, educator, or advocate for youth empowerment, this episode offers practical advice and inspiration to make a difference.


    https://www.youtube.com/c/raqtheboat
    Go check out all of our episodes on our website: https://womeninthearena.net/


    If you are ready to tell your story or want to refer someone, please email me at audra@womeninthearena.net

    ***Last thing- I'd love to interview the following women:
    Joan Jett Dolly Parton Viola Davis Ina Garten Maybe you can help me get there****


    Thank you all for supporting this show and all of the Women in the Arena!!

    • 47 min
    Igniting Corporate Evolution: Inside April Whitson's Blueprint for Building Inclusive, Dynamic, and Employee-Centric Work Environments

    Igniting Corporate Evolution: Inside April Whitson's Blueprint for Building Inclusive, Dynamic, and Employee-Centric Work Environments

    Let's be friends!
    Have you ever wondered what it takes to turn a lackluster office into a hub of excitement for the workweek ahead? Join us as corporate culture visionary April Whitson, formerly of Amazon and other industry giants, shares her inspiring journey and invaluable insights into building a workplace that buzzes with inclusivity and fulfillment. As April candidly discusses her transition from HR fatigue to a beacon for corporate culture transformation, the episode illuminates the symbiosis between individual values and organizational ethos, and the profound impact of leadership that prioritizes the welfare of its people.

    Navigating the evolving landscape of work, we delve into the untapped potential of experienced employees who are redefining traditional career trajectories. April and I dissect the generational shift towards continuous experiences and growth, stressing the pivotal role of mentorship and knowledge transfer in leveraging the wisdom of long-standing team members. Furthermore, we confront the complexities of remote work, emphasizing the need for leaders to adapt their strategies to preserve productivity and morale in the face of these changes.

    As the conversation shifts toward personal growth, we unveil the essence of impactful leadership in today's employee-focused enterprise. We share pragmatic tools and attitudes that can transform anyone into a leader who not only listens but also acts to foster a vibrant and loyal team. The episode culminates with a look at the revolutionary concept of "stay interviews" from her book, "The Stay Challenge", and encourages employees to step up and shape their workplace culture. For those ready to incite positive change and eager for more resources, we invite you to discover how at the link below.


    https://www.aprilwhitson.com/home-page59116733


    Go check out all of our episodes on our website: https://womeninthearena.net/


    If you are ready to tell your story or want to refer someone, please email me at audra@womeninthearena.net

    ***Last thing- I'd love to interview the following women:
    Joan Jett Dolly Parton Viola Davis Ina Garten Maybe you can help me get there****


    Thank you all for supporting this show and all of the Women in the Arena!!

    • 55 min
    The Ripple Effect of Kind Leadership: Lessons from KFC's First Female COO in North America, Monica Rothgery

    The Ripple Effect of Kind Leadership: Lessons from KFC's First Female COO in North America, Monica Rothgery

    Let's be friends!
    From the bustling lines of a Taco Bell to the strategic helm of KFC, Monica Rothgery's  story is as flavorful as the meals her teams have served up. On our latest podcast, we sit down with this luminary of the fast-food world, who shares her ascent to becoming KFC's first woman COO and Yum Brands' inaugural LGBTQ C-suite leader. Her tale is a masterclass in leadership, resilience, and the transformative power of mentorship, weaving through her military background, her frontline fast-food experiences, and her upcoming book, "Lessons from the Drive-Thru."

    Candid moments from Monica's career reveal the profound influence of kindness and guidance, as we recount the journey of Khalil, whose career flourished from an act of mentorship, and Caitlin, whose contagious care within her restaurant team left a lasting impression. Their stories illuminate the often-overlooked ripple effect of positive leadership, resonating with anyone who's ever been inspired by a great boss or has sought to create a nurturing work environment themselves.

    But it's not just tales of past triumphs; this episode is a rally cry for action. Monica challenges us to recognize and elevate the frontline leaders who shape our everyday experiences, particularly in service-oriented industries. Join us as we explore the crucial role these leaders play, the barriers they face, and how we, as a collective, can foster a culture that emboldens women and budding managers to reach for the stars in their careers. It’s an engaging session filled with insights that promise not just to inspire but to ignite a spark for change in how we support the leaders among us.

    https://www.monicarothgery.com/
    Go check out all of our episodes on our website: https://womeninthearena.net/


    If you are ready to tell your story or want to refer someone, please email me at audra@womeninthearena.net

    ***Last thing- I'd love to interview the following women:
    Joan Jett Dolly Parton Viola Davis Ina Garten Maybe you can help me get there****


    Thank you all for supporting this show and all of the Women in the Arena!!

    • 41 min
    Advancing Corporate Equality with Dr. Adia Harvey Wingfield

    Advancing Corporate Equality with Dr. Adia Harvey Wingfield

    Let's be friends!
    Discover the untapped potential of an inclusive economy as Dr. Adia Harvey Wingfield, a leading voice on workplace equality, joins us to explore the deep-seated issues of racial and gender disparities in professional environments. Despite the influx of billions into diversity programs, the climb up the corporate ladder remains steep for black professionals. Dr. Wingfield shines a spotlight on the elusive "gray areas" of office culture—those implicit biases and unwritten rules that dictate more than our job descriptions ever could. We confront the hard truths about traditional diversity training, pondering its effectiveness and pondering if there's a more potent recipe for change.

    As we discuss with Dr. Wingfield, the importance of diversity and inclusion extends far beyond a moral imperative; it's a catalyst for economic growth, with the potential to inject a staggering $2 trillion into the U.S. market. Learn how the historical conflation of race and labor continues to shape our modern-day workspaces and what we can all do to level the playing field. Through an examination of hiring practices and the nuances of organizational culture, we offer insights to become not just participants, but leaders in forging equitable workplaces. Tune in for practical advice on using your network to foster an environment where diversity is not an aspiration but an accomplished reality.


    https://www.harpercollins.com/products/gray-areas-adia-harvey-wingfield?variant=41006208876578

    https://sociology.wustl.edu/people/adia-harvey-wingfield


    Go check out all of our episodes on our website: https://womeninthearena.net/


    If you are ready to tell your story or want to refer someone, please email me at audra@womeninthearena.net

    ***Last thing- I'd love to interview the following women:
    Joan Jett Dolly Parton Viola Davis Ina Garten Maybe you can help me get there****


    Thank you all for supporting this show and all of the Women in the Arena!!

    • 23 min

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