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. 6d ago

    Leading in a System That Wasn't Built for You with Nicole Pulliam

    I have been schooled in the best way. I learned something so valuable during my conversation with my guest, Nicole Pulliam.  You know how everyone (including me) has referenced Imposter Syndrome as well, a syndrome? What if the original researchers on the topic never intended for it to be called that? What if it was really called Imposter Phenomenon. We could do a whole podcast on why it was changed from phenomenon to syndrome, but the gist is that with a syndrome, we can tend to blame ourselves and think we are inherently wrong or bad. With imposter phenomenon, we take the imposter outside of ourselves and into the environment. What in the environment triggered us to feel like an imposter? And what can we do about it? During our podcast, Nicole and I chatted about: The backstory behind her work with her company, Real and WorthyWhat imposter phenomenon is, and how it is different than Imposter SyndromeWhat does it mean to lead in a system that wasn’t built for you? And how is this especially difficult for women of color?What is the Worthy Leadership Framework?The “I am worthy of” promptIf you have beat yourself up regarding Imposter Syndrome, flip your brain inside out in the best way possible with today’s show. Here is more about Nicole: Nicole Pulliam is a first-generation trailblazer, a tenured professor, and a Woman of Color who has spent over 20 years inside the very systems she now helps others navigate. She has led organizations, built programs from the ground up, and sat in rooms where she had to fight, quietly or loudly, to be taken seriously. As a tenured professor, Nicole works inside the academy every day. When she coaches faculty, Nicole is not speaking from the outside. She is speaking from experience. As Nicole knows, the rules are different when you’re a woman. The game often feels different when you’re a Woman of Color.  Through executive coaching, leadership development, speaking, and consulting, Nicole partners with women, especially Women of Color, who are doing meaningful work in environments that don't always make space for them. She also partners with higher education institutions ready to invest in their people. Her approach is identity-affirming, strength-based, and unapologetically human. Nicole holds a Ph.D. in Counselor Education, an M.A. in Counseling, and a B.A. in Psychology, along with professional certifications in coaching and intercultural development. But more than credentials, Nicole brings lived experience and a genuine commitment to each of her client’s growth. Whether you're a leader navigating your next chapter, a faculty member in the thick of academic life, or an organization ready to do the real work, Nicole’s goal is the same: to help you lead with clarity, courage, and a deeper sense of who you actually are.  Before we begin, please be sure to share this show with a family member, friend or colleague. As you know, your ratings and reviews help this show to gain traction and continue to grow. Thank you if you have already left a review. Also, if you haven’t downloaded one of my freebies on my site, check them out on bravewomenatwork.com. I have 5 Ways to Managing Imposter Phenomenon, 34 Leadership and Career Affirmations, and 10 tips to Win Your Next Negotiation. Download one or them or all three! If you also 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 Nicole to the show!

    Leading in a System That Wasn't Built for You with Nicole Pulliam
  2. Aug 6

    Age Beastfully: Reclaiming Your Power at Any Age with Anne Marie Chaker

    Have you ever seen an absolutely powerhouse woman in the gym? By this, I mean a woman who isn’t afraid to lift heavy and has muscle – like real muscle? When I have seen a woman like this in the gym before, I must be honest – I am partially I awe and terrified at the same time.  But here’s the thing. As I get deeper in mid-life, I’m inspired and challenged by the idea of lifting. I know that it is the key to my longevity and doing the things I want to do as I get older. And sure, it’s still a bit scary, but I may just become one of these women yet.  Anne Marie Chaker, my guest today, had her own strong woman moment in a hotel. It changed the trajectory of her life, and maybe this conversation will change yours.  During our podcast, Anne Marie and I chatted about: The fateful moment where Anne Marie said I want to be like her; I want to be strong.How getting strong has changed Anne Marie’s life for the better.The story behind her book, Lift: How Women Can Reclaim Their Physical Power and Transform Their Lives.Anne Marie’s thoughts on GLP-1’s and diet culture vs. getting strongWhat does it mean to age beastfully vs. gracefully?If someone wants to get started lifting, where should they start? Here is more about Anne Marie: Anne Marie Chaker is a veteran journalist and professional bodybuilder. During her two-decade career at The Wall Street Journal, she held reporting jobs all over the paper, from the Journal’s regional editions to the Spot News Desk during the September 11 attack. She has covered everything from politics to news events, consumer trends, education, the workplace, and the major sociological shifts of our time. Her article “I Never Thought I’d Write This: I Am a Female Bodybuilder” generated more than 500k views since it was published in 2020. She is also the author of LIFT: How Women Can Reclaim Their Physical Power and Transform Their Lives, which hit the shelves in 2025.  Chaker lives in the Washington, D.C., area with her partner, Rick; daughters Juliette and Sylvie; and their overeager pup, Ninja. Before we begin, please be sure to share this show with a family member, friend or colleague. As you know, your ratings and reviews help this show to gain traction and continue to grow. Thank you if you have already left a review. Also, if you haven’t downloaded one of my freebies on my site, check them out on bravewomenatwork.com. I have 5 Ways to Managing Your Imposter Syndrome, 34 Leadership and Career Affirmations, and 10 tips to Win Your Next Negotiation. Download one or them or all three! If you also 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 Anne Marie to the show!

  3. Jul 23

    Everyone is Creative: Busting the Biggest Myth at Work with Melissa Dinwiddie

    When was the last time you had fun and experienced joy while doing it? I know. I had a coach many years ago ask me the question, “When do you play?” I was dumbfounded. I worked. I took care of my family. I tried to take care of myself in the middle of all of that. And repeat. I immediately thought there wasn’t time for fun. Let alone creative pursuits like I used to have.  Like many times in my life, I was wrong and had to learn that fun, joy, and creativity have a place in our lives. This is imperative for our self-care, for our healing, and for living a full life. And yes, we can be creative at work too.  During today’s conversation with my guest Melissa Dinwiddie, we and I chatted about: Her first book, The Creative Sandbox Way.Why everyone is creative, and why believing the opposite is a lie.The steps we can take today to bust out of a creative rut and start experiencing the joy of creative play todayHer latest book, Innovation at Work, and how The Creative Sandbox Way and Innovation at Work play off one another.How you can start one way, like Melissa did at Julliard, move to an entirely different career as a jazz singer, and land in a new place (aka – your career doesn’t have to have a straight line)If you lean towards the work, work, work camp like me, listen into this show with an open mind. And be prepared to debunk the myth that you are no creative because that is simply not true.  Here is more about Melissa: Melissa Dinwiddie is an innovation strategist and keynote speaker who helps leaders at mid-to-large tech and SaaS companies turn an innovation mandate into an innovation practice. Her Create the ImpossibleTM framework — Play Hard, Make Crap, Learn Fast — was designed specifically for the analytical, skeptical teams who are convinced they’re not creative. Because that’s exactly who needs it most. Melissa’s keynotes are immersive, interactive experiences that blend storytelling, science, and hands-on activities. Audiences don’t just listen — they participate, surprise themselves, and leave with tools they can use on Tuesday morning. The numbers back this up: 94% of attendees find her talks valuable, and 96% say they’d see her speak again. Her background includes work with teams at Meta, Google, Salesforce, and Uber, and she has delivered sessions for SHRM, PMI, AMA, and Stanford. She studied dance at Juilliard, spent 15 years as a professional artist in Silicon Valley, performed as a jazz singer/songwriter and musical improviser, and is the author of Innovation at Work: 52 Micro-Experiments for Brave Leaders (Pluralite Press, 2026). Before we begin, please be sure to share this show with a family member, friend or colleague. As you know, your ratings and reviews help this show to gain traction and continue to grow. Thank you if you have already left a review. Also, if you haven’t downloaded one of my freebies on my site, check them out on bravewomenatwork.com. I have 5 Ways to Managing Your Imposter Syndrome, 34 Leadership and Career Affirmations, and 10 tips to Win Your Next Negotiation. Download one or them or all three! If you also 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 Melissa to the show!

    Everyone is Creative: Busting the Biggest Myth at Work with Melissa Dinwiddie
  4. Jul 9

    Rewrite Your Soundtrack: Authentic Leadership from the Inside Out with Jennifer Lentner

    Recently, the latest Brave Women at Work book launched, Brave Women at Work: Lessons in Authenticity. And I am so excited to share that one of the authors, Jennifer Lentner, is on the podcast today! I really love Jennifer’s chapter in the book because her chapter is all about lived experience. What is it like to truly be an authentic leader? And what does it mean to truly learn from experiences so we can step into our authenticity even further? As someone who stepped into my own authenticity and vulnerability gingerly throughout my career, I can relate. For the longest time, I was more concerned about the output and “getting the job done” than sharing pieces of myself with my team. I learned that by doing so in appropriate ways, I build trust, loyalty, and respect with them in ways I couldn’t even imagine.  During today’s conversation, Jennifer and I chatted about: Why she decided to join the latest author cohort for Brave Women at Work: Lessons in AuthenticityWhat does authentic leadership mean beyond the buzzword?How can we lead authentically even in tricky situations?What Jennifer wants readers to take away from her chapter?Her business, Soundtrack Consulting, and how she works with her corporate clients?What a soundtrack is, and how it ties into her work so deeply?Here is more about Jennifer: Jennifer Lentner is the founder of Soundtrack Consulting, where she helps leaders communicate clearly and confidently through change. Drawing on more than fifteen years of experience leading internal communication for a growing division of a Fortune 500 company, Jennifer partners with CEOs and executive teams to navigate periods of growth, transition, and transformation. Her work is rooted in the belief that communication isn’t just about information—it’s about connection. Whether guiding leaders through an acquisition, a leadership change, or a period of rapid growth, she helps them find the right rhythm and voice to keep employees aligned and engaged. Before launching Soundtrack Consulting, Jennifer built a communication function from the ground up inside a global medical device company that tripled in size, acquired more than a dozen companies, and experienced multiple enterprise-wide changes. Her engineering and operations background gives her a rare ability to translate complex business issues into messages people can understand and believe in. Jennifer is passionate about helping leaders see what’s possible when communication is purposeful, strategic, and human. She lives in Michigan with her husband and daughter, where you can often find her running, reading, or cheering at her daughter’s basketball games. Before we begin, please be sure to share this show with a family member, friend or colleague. As you know, your ratings and reviews help this show to gain traction and continue to grow. Thank you if you have already left a review. Also, if you haven’t downloaded one of my freebies on my site, check them out on bravewomenatwork.com. I have 5 Ways to Managing Your Imposter Syndrome, 34 Leadership and Career Affirmations, and 10 tips to Win Your Next Negotiation. Download one or them or all three! If you also 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 Jennifer to the show!

    Rewrite Your Soundtrack: Authentic Leadership from the Inside Out with Jennifer Lentner
  5. Jul 2

    The Promotion Gap: What No One Teaches You About Moving from Doer to Leader with Femi Corazon

    We all start our careers as doers, or individual contributors. This means we make the widgets; we do the grunt work; we execute the strategy of management. Then, at one point, we may get very good at being a doer and are tapped for management. The issue is that there is no class for leadership. So many people that move from doer default into manager.  And as you may have seen in the memes online, there is a distinct difference between a manager and a leader. Here are some differences: A manager is more concerned with: Output over peopleStays focused on the task at hand and less on managing to the total personDoesn’t have the full respect or trust of their teamsHolds back or is unwilling to be authentic or vulnerableOn the contrary, a leader is more concerned with: People firstLegacyBeing authentic and vulnerableDuring today’s conversation, Femi and I chatted about: The chase for output, and how great leaders design conditions for great work.The promotion gap and how no one teaches us how to move from doer to leader.Advice on someone who is primed for a promotion.How we can be powerful leaders during the explosion of AI.What the most important characteristics are for leaders today.If you are a doer or a manager and want to transition more fully to leader, this show is for you. Here is more about Femi: Femi is EVP, Executive Creative Director at Rescue, The Behavior Change Agency. She is a creative leader by trade and a brand builder and storyteller by obsession, with deep experience where creativity, culture, and innovation drive real-world impact and growth. At Rescue, Femi leads award-winning, large-scale behavior change initiatives for public health organizations across the United States, leveraging branded marketing approaches to deliver integrated, multi-channel campaigns powered by insight-led storytelling and culturally resonant creative.  Prior to Rescue, Femi served as VP, Brand Creative at NBCUniversal, where she played a key role in the global rebrand for Universal Destinations & Experiences, associated brand campaigns, and upfront planning for the launch of EPIC Universe. Earlier in her career, she was Head of Creative at Little Dot Studios Americas, shaping modern, short-form storytelling and brand engagement for brands including Google, Disney, and Expedia. Her broader experience spans technology, entertainment, and retail, with work for Snyders of Hanover, NBC Television, ABC, AT&T, Intel, Lenovo, T-Mobile, and Michelob.  Across her career, Femi has led and mentored resilient, high-performing teams while delivering work grounded in clarity, craft, and emotional truth. A certified global Gallup Strengths Coach, she is deeply committed to compassionate leadership, craft excellence, and building cultures where people and ideas can thrive.  She holds an MBA in Design Strategy from California College of the Arts and is based in Los Angeles, where she lives with her dog, Zooey.  Before we begin, please be sure to share this show with a family member, friend or colleague. As you know, your ratings and reviews help this show to gain traction and continue to grow. Thank you if you have already left a review. Also, if you haven’t downloaded one of my freebies on my site, check them out on bravewomenatwork.com. I have 5 Ways to Managing Your Imposter Syndrome, 34 Leadership and Career Affirmations, and 10 tips to Win Your Next Negotiation. Download one or them or all three! If you also 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 Femi to the show!

    The Promotion Gap: What No One Teaches You About Moving from Doer to Leader with Femi Corazon
  6. Jun 25

    Unmasking: How to Step Off the Achievement Treadmill with Alicia Zielinski Straub

    Let’s start with two quotes today. Honestly, I couldn’t decide between the two, so you get both. Carl Jung: "The privilege of a lifetime is to become who you truly are." Brené Brown: "Vulnerability is not winning or losing; it's having the courage to show up and be seen when we have no control over the outcome." Often, we don’t let ourselves be seen as Brene Brown says. We put on masks of perfectionism, performance, people pleasing, and more. I know about these masks because I’ve done that very thing. Today, I talked with Alicia Zielinski Straub, a repeat guest about the masks that we wear and what it costs us. If you still feel like you are not fully letting your guard down and showing up as your authentic self, please listen in to this show. I think it will have something special for you. During today’s conversation, Alicia and I chatted about: Her transition from New Jersey to the Carolinas and the beautiful synchronicities all the way.Why we wear the masks we doWhat the term unmasking means to Alicia, and why she decided to offer her retreat of the same nameWhy she selected the Imiloa Institute in Costa Rica when she could have selected anywhere in the worldWhy drives us to favor old, negative patterns, even when we have the tools to unmask and heal?Here is more about Alicia: Alicia Zielinski Straub, MS, LPC, NBCC, RYT, is a licensed professional counselor, mindfulness practitioner, and somatics facilitator. Her work bridges clinical mental health with mind-body strategies. Alicia helps individuals understand and regulate stress, trauma, and overstimulation in modern life. She draws from neuroscience, translating complex concepts into accessible, experiential tools that foster balance, resilience, and emotional regulation. Alicia conducts counseling services, personalized somatic sessions, workshops, retreats, and integrative practices that support nervous system health, self-awareness, and sustainable well-being. If you haven’t downloaded one of my freebies on my site, check them out on bravewomenatwork.com. I have 5 Ways to Managing Your Imposter Syndrome, 34 Leadership and Career Affirmations, and 10 tips to Win Your Next Negotiation. Download one or them or all three! If you also 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 Alicia to the show!

    Unmasking: How to Step Off the Achievement Treadmill with Alicia Zielinski Straub
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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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