Sweet but Fearless Podcast

Mary Sullivan, Cooper Alexander, Gale Northrop
  • 5.0 (112)
  • CAREERS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Step into the world of the Sweet but Fearless podcast, your go-to weekly destination for exploring the challenges confronted by women leaders on the frontlines. With a blend of engaging interviews featuring accomplished women leaders, entrepreneurs, and industry experts along with solo episodes, you'll gain insight and actionable advice to guide you on your fearless career journey.

  1. 4D AGO

    The Stress–Fertility Connection with Dr. Aumatma Simmons (S10:Epi 275)

    What happens when the journey to conception collides with burnout? In this episode, Mary Sullivan, co-founder of Sweet but Fearless, is joined by Dr. Aumatma Simmons, a renowned holistic fertility expert who's changing the conversation around natural, whole-person fertility care. Dr. Aumatma explores the key areas that truly support clients on their path to conception and how chronic stress and burnout can quietly impact fertility. She also debunks common myths, especially those around advanced maternal age, and shares her personal journey into fertility work and the unique model of care she's built. This is a thoughtful, empowering conversation for anyone navigating fertility, supporting others, or curious about the deeper connection between stress, health, and reproduction. Dr. Aumatma is a double board-certified Naturopathic Endocrinologist, in practice for close to 20 years. She founded the Holistic Fertility Institute to support badass power couples (C-Suite execs, Entrepreneurs, and multi-passionate people) to create the family of their dreams. ABOUT DR. AUMATMA SIMMONS: Website – Holistic Fertility Institute LinkedIn – Aumatma Simmons BOOK: Fertility Secrets: What Your Doctor Didn't Tell You About Baby-Making   ABOUT SWEET BUT FEARLESS: Website - Sweet but Fearless LinkedIn - Sweet but Fearless

    32 min

  2. FEB 9

    Built, Not Born: The Innovative Growth Mindset with professor and author Caroline Levander (S10:Epi 274)

    In this episode Mary Sullivan, co-founder of Sweet but Fearless, talks with professor and author Caroline Levander about what it really means to build and nurture a growth mindset in a world that demands innovation. They dive into why an innovative growth mindset isn't something you're born with, it's something you build by learning through doing, experimenting, and being willing to get it wrong before you get it right. Caroline shares insights from her book Invent Ed, a much-needed contribution to the ecosystem of innovation, creativity, and higher education in America. This conversation is a powerful reminder that progress comes from curiosity, courage, and the willingness to try. If you're a frontline woman leader looking to stretch your thinking, expand what's possible, and lead with creativity, this episode is for you.   ABOUT CAROLINE LEVANDER: Website – Caroline Levander LinkedIn – Caroline Levander BOOK: Invent Ed: How an American Tradition of Innovation Can Transform College Today Rice University - Caroline Levander   ABOUT SWEET BUT FEARLESS: Website - Sweet but Fearless LinkedIn - Sweet but Fearless

    27 min

  3. JAN 27

    Respond With Intention: Emotional Intelligence in Times of Change with Caroline Stokes (S10:Epi 273)

    In this episode Mary Sullivan, co-founder of Sweet but Fearless, talks with Caroline Stokes, leadership strategist, Fifth Industrial Revolution, for a grounded conversation about intentional learning, emotional intelligence, and navigating change at work with clarity. They explore how emotional intelligence can quietly influence your career, both positively and negatively, especially during moments of uncertainty or transition. Caroline introduces the four common responses to workplace shifts: flight, freeze, fight, and fawn, and explains why understanding your default reaction is key to moving forward with intention instead of operating on autopilot. Once you know where you are, you can begin to choose a mindset that supports growth rather than stress or stagnation. The conversation also dives into thinking ahead in your career, learning with purpose, and handling disruption without losing momentum. Drawing from her books Elephants Before Unicorns and Aftershock, Caroline shares practical insights for leaders who want to respond thoughtfully to change instead of reacting out of fear. This episode is for anyone facing shifts at work and looking to lead themselves, and their careers, with greater awareness and intention. A Sony alum who contributed to the launch of PlayStation, and a PCC-level, EQ 2.0–certified coach, Caroline has evolved from executive headhunter to one of the few global authorities on psychological and strategic leadership reinvention.   ABOUT CAROLINE STOKES, CEC: Website - The Forward Co LinkedIn - Caroline Stokes, CEC Books: Elephants Before Unicorns: Emotionally Intellignet HR Strategies to Save Your Company Aftershock to 2030: A CEO's Guide to Reinvention in the Age of AI, Climate, and Societal Collapse   ABOUT SWEET BUT FEARLESS: Website - Sweet but Fearless LinkedIn - Sweet but Fearless

    31 min

  4. JAN 18

    More Than Your Job Title: Personal Branding, LinkedIn Truths, and Career Evolution with Tameka Bazile(S10:Epi 272)

    In this episode Mary Sullivan, co-founder of Sweet but Fearless, talks with Tameka Bazile, content creator, entrepreneur, and a powerful voice on LinkedIn, where she shares raw, honest truths about social media as both a profession and a culture. Tameka challenges the idea that your identity stops at your 9–5 and reminds us that personal branding isn't just for influencers, it's essential for professionals navigating evolving careers. They talk about the importance of being open about what you actually want in your career, asking for opportunities instead of waiting to be discovered, and allowing yourself to grow beyond the version of you that first entered the workforce. Tameka also makes one thing clear: learning matters but learning without action keeps you stuck. This conversation is a reminder to stay curious, apply what you learn, and commit to lifelong growth because your career is allowed to evolve as much as you do. Tameka is a Brooklyn-born creative entrepreneur, social strategist, and business influencer who is shaping the conversation around work, identity, and brand power in the digital age. With a career spanning over eight years, Tameka has built a reputation as a sharp, creative industry leader who blends strategic thinking with real-world relatability. She previously served as Social Strategy Manager at TIME, where she oversaw social programming for legacy media bringing the century-old brand into a social-first future   ABOUT TAMEKA BAZILE: LinkedIn: Tameka Bazile Website: Tameka B Instagram: The Tameka Bazile ABOUT SWEET BUT FEARLESS: Website - Sweet but Fearless LinkedIn - Sweet but Fearless

    29 min

  5. JAN 12

    The Brave Shift: How Mindset Shapes Your Day with Michele Kehrer, Author and Business Coach (S10:Epi 271)

    In this episode Mary Sullivan, co-founder of Sweet but Fearless, talks with Michele Kehrer, author and founder of Shift to Success, for a thoughtful conversation about overcoming adversity and the personal challenges we all face. Drawing from her book Brave Shift, Michele explores how mindset shapes the way our days unfold, how the thoughts we start with can either fuel overwhelm or create space for calm. Together, they talk about the importance of beginning each morning by identifying the one thing that truly matters that day. With never-ending to-do lists pulling at our attention, this conversation is a reminder that we have to learn when to set the list aside and choose to take action for ourselves.   ABOUT MICHELE KEHRER: LinkedIn: Michele Kehrer Website: Michele Kehrer BOOK: Brave Shift:30 Mindset Changes to Transfer Your Life Available January 27, 2026 FREE: Shift to Success Starter Kit   ABOUT SWEET BUT FEARLESS: Website - Sweet but Fearless LinkedIn - Sweet but Fearless

    26 min

  6. JAN 5

    The One Question That Can Change Your Entire January (S10:Epi 270)

    In this episode with Cooper Alexander and Mary Sullivan, co-founders of Sweet but Fearless, celebrate the start of a new year and creating a Rebuild Plan for the new year, one you can build in just 15 minutes and actually stick to. Cooper and Mary will take you through planning your January the RX3 way: Reflect → Research → Rebuild. No "new year, new me" pressure. No trying to change everything at once. Just a calmer, clearer way to move forward. Because most January plans don't fail from lack of motivation, they fail from overload. Too many goals. Too much change. Not enough structure. Instead, you'll focus on one powerful question: What's the ONE thing that, if strengthened, would make everything else easier? That's your catalyst goal. One steady anchor. One place to start. Grab your coffee, open your notebook, and rebuild January with clarity, not chaos!   ABOUT SWEET BUT FEARLESS: Website - Sweet but Fearless LinkedIn - Sweet but Fearless

    14 min

  7. 12/28/2025

    Leadership Under Pressure with Julie Kay Roberts, President of JK Roberts (S9:Epi 269)

    In this episode, Mary Sullivan, co-founder of Sweet but Fearless, talks with Julie Kay Roberts, President of JK Roberts and Founder of Emergency Management Association, about risk, self-advocacy, and knowing your worth. Julie shares the risks she took along the way and what it really looks like to stand up for yourself, ask for what you want, and speak with clarity even when it feels uncomfortable. The conversation also explores how leaders should think about AI in today's workforce: not as a crutch, but as a tool, one that supports your work without replacing your voice or judgment. Drawing on her deep expertise, Julie offers a clear, accessible overview of how emergency communication works, why collaboration matters in high-stakes moments, and how effective leaders show up to solve problems together. At the heart of it all is a powerful reminder: leadership isn't about having all the answers, it's about using your voice, trusting your value, and working side-by-side to find the solution. Julie is the President of JK Roberts, LLC, a consulting firm specializing in crisis communication, strategic planning, emergency management, media relations, and continuity planning.     ABOUT JULIE KAY ROBERTS: Website: JK Roberts, LLC LinkedIn: Julie Kay Roberts ABOUT SWEET BUT FEARLESS: Website - Sweet but Fearless LinkedIn - Sweet but Fearless

    33 min

  8. 12/21/2025

    What Did Your 2025 Teach You? (S9:Epi 268)

    As the year comes to a close, Cooper Alexander and Mary Sullivan, co-founders of Sweet but Fearless, invite you to pause and reflect on what this past year really asked of you. What one pattern repeated itself and quietly ran the year. The one that drained your energy levels, delayed decisions, or kept things heavier than they needed to be. You're not to judge yourself or the pattern but just recognize and understand it. Patterns form to protect us, but once we recognize them, we don't have to keep living inside them. Mary and Cooper talk through patterns many women leaders see again and again - over-responsibility, minimizing your own needs, taking care of everyone else first, delaying decisions out of fear, hiding ambition, or working hard without visibility - and how one of these often becomes the core lesson of the year. You're encouraged to think about that pattern, what it taught you, and whether you want to carry it into the new year - or finally let it go. From there, the questions get simple and honest: What needs to shift? What are you refusing to repeat? And what might next year look like if this pattern stopped running the show? This podcasts goal is to help you name what shaped you this year - so you can choose what comes with you into the next one. Here's to a focused and succesful 2026! ABOUT SWEET BUT FEARLESS: Website - Sweet but Fearless LinkedIn - Sweet but Fearless

    12 min
See All (100)

5
out of 5
112 Ratings

About

Step into the world of the Sweet but Fearless podcast, your go-to weekly destination for exploring the challenges confronted by women leaders on the frontlines. With a blend of engaging interviews featuring accomplished women leaders, entrepreneurs, and industry experts along with solo episodes, you'll gain insight and actionable advice to guide you on your fearless career journey.

Information

  • Creator
    Mary Sullivan, Cooper Alexander, Gale Northrop
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    100
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2021 Sweet but Fearless Podcast
  • Show Website
    Sweet but Fearless Podcast