Wickedly Smart Women

Anjel B Hartwell & The Creative Age Consulting Group
  • 5.0 (215)
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Updated Weekly

Wickedly Smart Women® is a multi-award-winning, internationally ranked podcast featuring conversations with women who have left high-level corporate roles or exited businesses and are now discerning what comes next. Each episode explores leadership, visibility, value creation, and the transition from corporate identity to independently owned impact. Guests share candid stories, hard-earned wisdom, and real-world insight drawn from lived experience. This show is for women who know they are in - or approaching - their final corporate chapter and are beginning to explore how their expertise, leadership, and discernment can be structured into a high-value consultancy, advisory path, or independent body of work that reflects who they are becoming. Wickedly Smart Women® supports thoughtful transitions - from structure to sovereignty, from credentials to contribution, and from success as defined by others to success defined from within. Listeners come for grounded conversations, practical perspective, and clarity about what's possible after corporate - and stay for the intelligence, integrity, and depth that define the Wickedly Smart Women® ecosystem.

  1. Build a Thriving Business After Corporate with Marjie Hadad – Ep.382

    2d ago

    Build a Thriving Business After Corporate with Marjie Hadad – Ep.382

    What does it take to leave a successful corporate career, build a thriving business, and create a life that aligns with your values? In this episode of Wickedly Smart Women, host Anjel B. Hartwell welcomes Marjie Hadad, Founder of  Marjie Hadad Communications, crisis and leadership communications expert, and author of The Confident Kid Playbook.   The conversation explores the importance of visibility, public relations, work-life integration, crisis communication, and how leaders can use their professional skills to empower the next generation.   Whether you're considering leaving corporate, growing a consultancy, or looking to become a more confident communicator, this episode delivers practical wisdom you can apply immediately. What You Will Learn: Why leaving corporate doesn't have to mean sacrificing financial security. How focusing on your first client can create long-term business growth. The mindset required to move forward without looking back. Why visibility is essential for business growth and revenue generation. How public relations helps amplify your message and impact. The importance of honoring commitments through effective calendar management. How to create a healthy balance between work, family, and personal priorities. The role communication plays in crisis prevention and leadership. Why bringing your professional strengths into parenting creates confident and resilient children. How strategic communication can empower individuals, families, and organizations. Connect with Marjie Hadad Website https://marjiehadad.com/  Connect with Wickedly Smart Women® Wickedly Smart Women Wickedly Smart Women on X Wickedly Smart Women on Instagram Wickedly Smart Women Facebook Community Wickedly Smart Women Store on TeePublic [5X Award-Winning Book] Wickedly Smart Women: Trusting Intuition, Taking Action, Transforming Worlds Email: listeners@wickedlysmartwomen.com

    30 min
  2. Million-Dollar Mission with Merry Korn – Ep.381

    Jun 17

    Million-Dollar Mission with Merry Korn – Ep.381

    What if getting fired was actually the catalyst for building the life you were meant to live? In this episode of Wickedly Smart Women, host Anjel B. Hartwell welcomes Merry Korn, entrepreneur, author, and social enterprise pioneer.  After losing a job she desperately wanted to keep, Merry found herself facing uncertainty, fear, and the responsibility of supporting her family. What followed was an extraordinary journey that led her to build Pearl Interactive Network, a company that grew to employ more than 1,300 people and specialized in hiring individuals often overlooked by traditional employers, including people with disabilities, veterans, military spouses, and those living in economically challenged communities. This conversation is a powerful reminder that career setbacks can become the doorway to your greatest work and that purpose often reveals itself when you're willing to listen.   What You Will Learn: How getting fired can become a catalyst for discovering your true purpose. Why many high-achieving women stay too long in careers that no longer align. The role informational interviews can play in career transitions and business growth. How Merry built a social enterprise focused on hiring overlooked talent. Why vision is essential when creating a business with long-term impact. How hiring people with disabilities became a competitive advantage and mission. The importance of recognizing opportunities disguised as setbacks. Why listening to intuition can be a valuable business strategy. How government contracts helped scale a purpose-driven organization. The difference between building a business to operate and building one to sell. Why your mission and purpose can evolve throughout different stages of life. How meaning becomes a greater motivator than money for many entrepreneurs. Connect with Merry Korn Fired to Inspired https://firedtoinspired.com/  Connect with Wickedly Smart Women® Wickedly Smart Women Wickedly Smart Women on X Wickedly Smart Women on Instagram Wickedly Smart Women Facebook Community Wickedly Smart Women Store on TeePublic [5X Award-Winning Book] Wickedly Smart Women: Trusting Intuition, Taking Action, Transforming Worlds Email: listeners@wickedlysmartwomen.com

    30 min
  3. Turning Creativity Into Multiple Thriving Businesses with Arielle Tayar – Ep.380

    Jun 10

    Turning Creativity Into Multiple Thriving Businesses with Arielle Tayar – Ep.380

    What happens when a successful entrepreneur leaves her own thriving business to get a "real job" only to discover she already knew more than she gave herself credit for? In this episode of Wickedly Smart Women, host Anjel B. Hartwell welcomes Arielle Tayar, founder of Whip Creative Studio and Whip Productions.  Arielle shares her journey from growing up in an immigrant family to becoming a serial entrepreneur, her surprising experience in the corporate world, and the lessons she learned about confidence, creativity, leadership, and trusting her own vision. This conversation is an inspiring reminder that confidence grows through action, creativity requires space, and there is no single "right way" to build a meaningful and profitable business.   What You Will Learn: How small opportunities and "little yeses" can grow into thriving businesses. Why imposter syndrome often persists even when you're already successful. What Arielle learned after leaving entrepreneurship for a corporate leadership role. How creative leaders can balance structure without stifling innovation. Why nobody truly has all the answers and why that's good news. The importance of creating space for creativity and inspiration to emerge. How confidence becomes a powerful business asset for women entrepreneurs. What it takes to build seven-figure businesses without outside investment. Why networking and relationships remain essential for business growth. How to navigate the natural seasons of creativity, visibility, and revenue generation. The role intuition and trust play in entrepreneurial success. How experiential marketing creates deeper brand connections and memorable customer experiences. Connect with Arielle Tayar Whip Creative Studio https://www.whipcreativestudio.com/about Whip Productions https://www.whipproductions.com/ Connect with Wickedly Smart Women® Wickedly Smart Women Wickedly Smart Women on X Wickedly Smart Women on Instagram Wickedly Smart Women Facebook Community Wickedly Smart Women Store on TeePublic [5X Award-Winning Book] Wickedly Smart Women: Trusting Intuition, Taking Action, Transforming Worlds Email: listeners@wickedlysmartwomen.com

    29 min
  4. Leading from Wholeness, Not Depletion with Bela Shah – Ep.379

    Jun 3

    Leading from Wholeness, Not Depletion with Bela Shah – Ep.379

    What happens when the career you've worked so hard to build no longer energizes you? In this episode of Wickedly Smart Women, host Anjel B. Hartwell welcomes Bela Shah, a former attorney and ICF-certified coach. Bela shares how feelings of disconnection, burnout, and a lack of alignment ultimately led her to leave a successful legal career and step into coaching. Drawing on her experiences as a first-generation South Asian immigrant, meditation practitioner, and leadership mentor, Bela offers a powerful perspective on self-trust, purpose, and navigating major life transitions.  This conversation is a reminder that leadership begins within and that sometimes the greatest act of courage is trusting yourself enough to create a new path.   What You Will Learn: How to recognize when your work is no longer energizing you. Why self-trust is the foundation of authentic leadership. The signs that may indicate it's time to leave a career that no longer aligns with your values. How small and big leaps of faith contribute to meaningful life transitions. Why rest, reflection, and pauses are essential for making aligned decisions. How meditation and mindfulness can support personal and professional growth. The connection between perfectionism, self-doubt, and the feeling of "not enough." Why community and support systems are critical during periods of change. How coaching helps individuals uncover their own wisdom and insights. The importance of moving from self-sacrifice to self-trust in leadership.   Connect with Bela Shah Wisdom Leadership https://www.wisdomleadership.com/ Connect with Wickedly Smart Women® Wickedly Smart Women Wickedly Smart Women on X Wickedly Smart Women on Instagram Wickedly Smart Women Facebook Community Wickedly Smart Women Store on TeePublic [5X Award-Winning Book] Wickedly Smart Women: Trusting Intuition, Taking Action, Transforming Worlds Email: listeners@wickedlysmartwomen.com

    30 min
  5. Why Accomplished Women Must Stop Drifting Dr. Cynthia Bentzen-Mercer – Ep.378

    May 27

    Why Accomplished Women Must Stop Drifting Dr. Cynthia Bentzen-Mercer – Ep.378

    What happens when the career you worked decades to build no longer aligns with who you've become? In this episode of Wickedly Smart Women, host Anjel B. Hartwell welcomes Dr. Cynthia Bentzen-Mercer, organizational development strategist, executive coach, international keynote speaker, and creator of Stop Drifting: The Discipline of Direction™.  After more than 30 years in executive leadership roles across multiple industries, Dr. Cynthia shares the realities of being one of the only women in the room, navigating leadership expectations, surviving personal challenges, and ultimately transitioning out of corporate life into entrepreneurship and thought leadership. This conversation is an honest and deeply insightful look at leadership, reinvention, money, purpose, identity, and the courage it takes to intentionally build what comes next. What You Will Learn: Why so many accomplished women drift through their careers unintentionally. The difference between being "bossy" and being an effective leader. How women are often conditioned to ignore intuition and personal alignment. The hidden emotional and physical costs of staying in misaligned environments. Why corporate success does not always equal security. How to recognize the signals that it may be time for a career pivot. The power of making small intentional decisions toward your future. What entrepreneurship really looks like behind the scenes. Why writing a book often becomes the gateway to thought leadership and business ownership. How prosperity includes more than just money and titles. Why purpose and fulfillment matter as much as financial success. Practical ways to begin building momentum toward your next chapter today. Connect with Dr. Cynthia Bentzen-Mercer Website https://www.dr-cynthia.com/ Connect with Wickedly Smart Women® Wickedly Smart Women Wickedly Smart Women on X Wickedly Smart Women on Instagram Wickedly Smart Women Facebook Community Wickedly Smart Women Store on TeePublic [5X Award-Winning Book] Wickedly Smart Women: Trusting Intuition, Taking Action, Transforming Worlds Email: listeners@wickedlysmartwomen.com

    30 min
  6. How Women Can Lead and Thrive in Male-Dominated Industries with Hannah Hurckes – Ep.377

    May 20

    How Women Can Lead and Thrive in Male-Dominated Industries with Hannah Hurckes – Ep.377

    What happens when a woman walks away from corporate stability, navigates financial uncertainty, and builds a thriving business in a male-dominated industry? In this episode of Wickedly Smart Women, host Anjel B. Hartwell welcomes Hannah Hurckes, author, entrepreneur, and high-impact speaker known for saying what others won't. Hannah shares her journey from construction and trucking to launching Boss Lady Logistics after years of trial and error, failed businesses, and financial hardship. She opens up about being a stay-at-home mom on WIC assistance, overcoming fear, learning how to trust her abilities, and creating a company culture rooted in collaboration, leadership development, and employee empowerment. This conversation is packed with practical insights for women considering leaving corporate, stepping into entrepreneurship, or learning how to lead with confidence in spaces where they feel underestimated.    What You Will Learn: How to navigate leadership challenges in male-dominated industries with confidence and authenticity. Why finding supportive allies and collaborative relationships can accelerate career growth and business success. How motherhood and burnout can become catalysts for creating a more aligned career path. Why fear keeps many women stuck in corporate environments longer than they want to stay. How failed business ideas can become stepping stones toward discovering the right entrepreneurial path. Why mindset and gratitude practices can directly impact confidence, leadership, and financial success. How building the right team can dramatically improve business growth and scalability. Why investing in coaching, leadership development, and personal growth creates long-term business success. How to shift from fear-based decision-making to purpose-driven entrepreneurship. Why authentic leadership and employee collaboration create stronger company cultures and better outcomes. Connect with Hannah Hurckes: Boss Lady Logisitics https://www.bossladylogistics.com/?utm_source=chatgpt.com Connect with Wickedly Smart Women® Wickedly Smart Women Wickedly Smart Women on X Wickedly Smart Women on Instagram Wickedly Smart Women Facebook Community Wickedly Smart Women Store on TeePublic [5X Award-Winning Book] Wickedly Smart Women: Trusting Intuition, Taking Action, Transforming Worlds Email: listeners@wickedlysmartwomen.com

    30 min
  7. Reinventing Health and Longevity with Janet McConnell – Ep.376

    May 13

    Reinventing Health and Longevity with Janet McConnell – Ep.376

    What if the biggest wake-up call of your life became the reason you completely reinvented your future? In this episode of Wickedly Smart Women, host Anjel B. Hartwell welcomes Janet McConnell, a Senior National Champion Bodybuilder who began competing in her late 40s, Janet brings decades of experience in strength training and lifestyle habits that support cognitive health, resilience, and vitality. As the author of Elements of Aging Well, she blends science-backed insight with real-world strategies to help women age with confidence, strength, and purpose.  Janet shares how a shocking health diagnosis at age 46 forced her to confront the reality of burnout, unhealthy habits, and the long-term impact of putting herself last. Instead of accepting prescriptions as her future, she made a bold decision to change her life through one consistent habit: resistance training. If you've ever wondered whether you've waited too long to prioritize yourself, this episode will challenge everything you believe about aging and personal transformation.   What You Will Learn: How one consistent habit can create massive health transformation over time. Why resistance training is one of the most powerful tools for healthy aging and cognitive health. How high-achieving women often disconnect from their health while building successful careers. Why mindset shifts must happen before lasting behavior change can occur. How Janet reversed alarming health markers without extreme dieting. What happens physically and mentally when strength training becomes part of a long-term lifestyle. Why aging does not automatically mean decline or loss of vitality. How identity and purpose evolve when transitioning out of corporate life. Why women over 45 should rethink the way they approach fitness and longevity. How healthy habits become votes for the person you want to become. Connect with Janet McConnell LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/janet-mcconnell-65703a1b2/ YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@AgingStrongforLife    Connect with Wickedly Smart Women® Wickedly Smart Women Wickedly Smart Women on X Wickedly Smart Women on Instagram Wickedly Smart Women Facebook Community Wickedly Smart Women Store on TeePublic [5X Award-Winning Book] Wickedly Smart Women: Trusting Intuition, Taking Action, Transforming Worlds Email: listeners@wickedlysmartwomen.com

    31 min
  8. Human-First Leadership That Drives Real Business Results with Kathy Eastwood – Ep.375

    May 6

    Human-First Leadership That Drives Real Business Results with Kathy Eastwood – Ep.375

    What if the reason your team isn't performing has nothing to do with strategy and everything to do with leadership? In this episode of Wickedly Smart Women, host Anjel B. Hartwell welcomes Kathy Eastwood, CEO and creator of the human-first E3 Leadership Code and a leadership strategist with over thirty years of executive experience across EY, Hewlett-Packard, high-growth startups, and private equity-backed companies. This conversation dives into the real reason most teams struggle, why emotional intelligence is the missing link in leadership. If you've ever questioned your leadership environment, your next career move, or how to build a business that aligns with your values, this episode will challenge how you think about success and performance. What You Will Learn: How misaligned leadership directly impacts culture, performance, and team engagement. What signals indicate it may be time to leave a corporate role and explore something new. How emotional intelligence influences leadership effectiveness and team results. What the E3 Leadership Code is and how it creates sustainable high performance. Why fear-based leadership fails and what to do instead to motivate teams. How to navigate the financial uncertainty of leaving corporate and starting a business. What it really takes to build a people-first organization that drives profit and retention.   Connect with Kathy Eastwood E Equals Why https://marketing.eequalswhy.com/e3-leadership-code   Connect with Wickedly Smart Women® Wickedly Smart Women Wickedly Smart Women on X Wickedly Smart Women on Instagram Wickedly Smart Women Facebook Community Wickedly Smart Women Store on TeePublic [5X Award-Winning Book] Wickedly Smart Women: Trusting Intuition, Taking Action, Transforming Worlds Email: listeners@wickedlysmartwomen.com

    29 min
See All (300)

5
out of 5
215 Ratings

About

Wickedly Smart Women® is a multi-award-winning, internationally ranked podcast featuring conversations with women who have left high-level corporate roles or exited businesses and are now discerning what comes next. Each episode explores leadership, visibility, value creation, and the transition from corporate identity to independently owned impact. Guests share candid stories, hard-earned wisdom, and real-world insight drawn from lived experience. This show is for women who know they are in - or approaching - their final corporate chapter and are beginning to explore how their expertise, leadership, and discernment can be structured into a high-value consultancy, advisory path, or independent body of work that reflects who they are becoming. Wickedly Smart Women® supports thoughtful transitions - from structure to sovereignty, from credentials to contribution, and from success as defined by others to success defined from within. Listeners come for grounded conversations, practical perspective, and clarity about what's possible after corporate - and stay for the intelligence, integrity, and depth that define the Wickedly Smart Women® ecosystem.

Information

  • Creator
    Anjel B Hartwell & The Creative Age Consulting Group
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    300
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2019 and beyond Empowered Messenger Enterprises, LLC
  • Show Website
    Wickedly Smart Women

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