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. Using Setbacks as Stepping Stones for Growth with Athena Brownson

    6D AGO

    Using Setbacks as Stepping Stones for Growth with Athena Brownson

    To get started today, I would like to share a personal story about my daughter, Olivia. Olivia’s story relates to our theme of setbacks and using them as stepping stones. You may not know this, but Olivia was born was a hair condition that limits hair growth. Olivia is gorgeous exactly as God made her, but as she is getting older, she asked me for a hair piece so she can have longer hair. Olivia’s request scared me, and I wondered if this was too soon (she’s 7) and we needed to wait.  Yet, Olivia persisted. She asked me for a hairpiece for months and months. I finally said ok and took her to get the partial wig. When she wore the hairpiece to school the first day, it was really challenging and scary. It was so scary that Olivia decided to take off the wig. This represents her setback.  But this isn’t the end of the story. Olivia faced her fear and setback and did something with it. She took a few hours to gather her strength and then put the wig on herself. In front of her friends and peers. When I asked her what made her put the wig on, she said her heart told her so.  I share that because that’s what we’re talking about. You can use a setback as a springboard for growth. My guest, Athena Brownson, knows all about this in her own life. During our discussion, Athena and I chatted about: How she kept going after extensive skiing injuriesHer diagnosis with Lyme DiseaseThe modalities she used to support her healingWhat resilience means to Athena and how she used her setback as a springboard for growthHer advice for women who are experiencing their own personal challenges and setbacksHere is more about Athena: Athena Brownson is a living testament to the power of resilience and reinvention. A former professional skier who endured nine knee surgeries and two neck operations, Athena’s greatest challenge came when she was diagnosed with chronic Lyme disease—a debilitating condition that left her bedridden for months. Yet, instead of letting these setbacks define her, Athena used them to fuel her purpose, transforming pain into strength and obstacles into opportunities. Now a thriving entrepreneur and advocate for resilience, Athena empowers audiences to navigate life’s challenges with grit, authenticity, and purpose. She teaches how to embrace change, build balance, and align your career and life with your values. Drawing from her journey, Athena inspires others to redefine success, build their "why," and cultivate the mindset needed to overcome adversity and achieve meaningful growth. 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! Don’t forgot about the freebies on bravewomenatwork.com. There are 10 Tips to Win Your Next Negotiation, 24 Career and Leadership Tips, and 5 Ways to Manage Your Imposter Syndrome.

    48 min
  2. From Survivor to Advocate: How Military Assault Led Her to Become a Lawyer with Ashley Tuburan

    FEB 5

    From Survivor to Advocate: How Military Assault Led Her to Become a Lawyer with Ashley Tuburan

    My guest, Ashley Tuburan, and I met at a women’s leadership conference I was speaking at last May. Ashley’s story and her spirit touched me, so I asked her to be on the podcast. I would like to warn our listeners that this podcast deals with sensitive topics such as sexual assault and mental illness, so if either of these issues trigger you or others, do what is right for you.  During our discussion, Ashley and I chatted about: Her tough childhood and decision to enlist in the militaryHer experience with sexual assault while on active duty and the aftermath of that traumaAshley’s decision to get into law enforcement to protect othersHow Ashley took it a step farther by pursuing a law degreeHow Ashley deals with her mental health and mental health setbacksHere is more about Ashley: Ashley Tuburan is a U.S. Navy veteran, police officer, and trauma-informed coach dedicated to mental health advocacy and survivor-centered leadership. As a military sexual assault survivor, Ashley brings both lived experience and professional insight to her work, helping organizations and individuals better understand resilience, accountability, and healing within high-stress environments. Drawing from her background in military service, law enforcement, and coaching, Ashley speaks on topics including trauma awareness, survivor advocacy, mental wellness, and building healthier cultures in institutions traditionally shaped by toughness and silence. Her approach is grounded, compassionate, and practical—focused on empowering people to lead with empathy while maintaining strength and professionalism. Outside of her professional work, Ashley is a proud mom to an energetic 8-year-old son, a devoted animal lover (maine coon cat mom), and a self-proclaimed donut enthusiast—because balance matters. She believes healing and leadership can coexist, and that authenticity is a powerful catalyst for change. 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! Don’t forgot about the freebies on bravewomenatwork.com. There are 10 Tips to Win Your Next Negotiation, 24 Career and Leadership Tips, and 5 Ways to Manage Your Imposter Syndrome. And, last but not least, 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!

    53 min
  3. Your Reinvention Roadmap Series: Brave Women at Work + Flourish Careers Talk About Practical Steps to Reinvent Your Career

    JAN 29

    Your Reinvention Roadmap Series: Brave Women at Work + Flourish Careers Talk About Practical Steps to Reinvent Your Career

    Welcome to final show in the Reinvention Roadmap mini-series with my friend and colleague, Jenn Smith, of Flourish Careers. I have heard such great feedback on this series from listeners. If you would like to have more series like this, please email me at hello@bravewomenatwork.com. This week, Jenn and I share practical steps you can take today to start reinventing your career. It’s one thing to talk about it in theory. It’s another to start taking bold and brave action towards making your next career chapter a reality! Here are some of the items we cover: Tiny actions to move through reinventionBuilding new habits + ritualsHow to experiment your way into clarityNetworking in an aligned, human wayCreating space for the next version of your life Again, these shows are shorter than my typical normal length – 30 minutes, but they are power-packed.  If you have a deep desire for career change in 2026, listen in! Here is more about Jenn: Jennifer Smith Jenn believes career success doesn’t have to be at the expense of living a radiantly happy + healthy lifestyle. Before she became a career coach and HR consultant for heart-based professionals, her roots were deeply grounded in corporate America, including 15 years in HR departments at Fortune 200 organizations. Now as a career coach and consultant, she has had the honor of supporting thousands of professionals around the world by assisting them with discovering and pursuing career intentions better aligned with their hearts and spirits while prioritizing well-being—and she believes we're all the better for it. It's time to stop applying to all those jobs that...don’t exactly get you excited anyway. Using a proven, HEART-based approach, Jenn will help you cultivate a better path, confidently pursue new opportunities, and find the place where you belong. 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! And don’t forgot about the freebies on bravewomenatwork.com. There are 10 Tips to Win Your Next Negotiation, 24 Career and Leadership Tips, and 5 Ways to Manage Your Imposter Syndrome. Alright, let’s welcome Jenn to the show!

    33 min
  4. Your Reinvention Roadmap Series: Brave Women at Work + Flourish Careers Talk About How to Redefine Success + the Power of Community

    JAN 22

    Your Reinvention Roadmap Series: Brave Women at Work + Flourish Careers Talk About How to Redefine Success + the Power of Community

    Welcome to part two of the Reinvention Roadmap mini-series with my friend and colleague, Jenn Smith, of Flourish Careers. If you missed the first show in the series on signs you need to either leave corporate or pursue a career transformation, you’re not too late. That show aired on January 8th, so it’s still pretty hot off the press.  This week, Jenn and I talk about the importance of reviewing and redefining success in a more heart-centered way, and the power of tapping int our community for support, especially during times of change. If you like this series, the last one will air next week, January 29th and give you practical steps to reinvent your career.  Again, these shows are shorter than my typical normal length – 30 minutes, but they are power-packed.  If you have a deep desire for change in 2026, listen in and take notes! Here is more about Jenn: Jennifer Smith Jenn believes career success doesn’t have to be at the expense of living a radiantly happy + healthy lifestyle. Before she became a career coach and HR consultant for heart-based professionals, her roots were deeply grounded in corporate America, including 15 years in HR departments at Fortune 200 organizations. Now as a career coach and consultant, she has had the honor of supporting thousands of professionals around the world by assisting them with discovering and pursuing career intentions better aligned with their hearts and spirits while prioritizing well-being—and she believes we're all the better for it. It's time to stop applying to all those jobs that...don’t exactly get you excited anyway. Using a proven, HEART-based approach, Jenn will help you cultivate a better path, confidently pursue new opportunities, and find the place where you belong. 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! And don’t forgot about the freebies on bravewomenatwork.com. There are 10 Tips to Win Your Next Negotiation, 24 Career and Leadership Tips, and 5 Ways to Manage Your Imposter Syndrome.

    23 min
  5. JAN 15

    Your Reinvention Roadmap Series: Brave Women at Work + Flourish Careers Talk About When It’s Time for a Change

    Welcome to the Reinvention Roadmap mini-series during the month of January with Brave Women at Work and Jenn Smith, my friend and colleague of Flourish Careers. This series will run on January 15th, January 22nd and January 29th. Jenn and I were chatting the Thrive in ’25 Women’s Conference last summer, and podcast ideas just started pouring out of us! I told her that I was in this weird middle ground with my work clothes, for example. She told me that this was a sign I was in the middle of a deep career reinvention and that I had to pay attention! So, I guess my desire to burn my suits on my front lawn like the old move Waiting to Exhale was telling me something? In this three-part series, Jenn and I dive into the following: Signs You Need to Leave Corporate or Make a Big Change – that’s what we cover in today’s showHow to Redefine Success & the Power of Community in TransformationAnd the final show touches on Practical Steps to Reinvent Your CareerThese shows are shorter than my typical normal length – 30 minutes, but they are power-packed.  If you have a deep desire for change in 2026, listen in and take notes! Here is more about Jenn: Jennifer Smith Jenn believes career success doesn’t have to be at the expense of living a radiantly happy + healthy lifestyle. Before she became a career coach and HR consultant for heart-based professionals, her roots were deeply grounded in corporate America, including 15 years in HR departments at Fortune 200 organizations. Now as a career coach and consultant, she has had the honor of supporting thousands of professionals around the world by assisting them with discovering and pursuing career intentions better aligned with their hearts and spirits while prioritizing well-being—and she believes we're all the better for it. It's time to stop applying to all those jobs that...don’t exactly get you excited anyway. Using a proven, HEART-based approach, Jenn will help you cultivate a better path, confidently pursue new opportunities, and find the place where you belong.

    28 min
  6. Stand in Quiet Power: You Do Not Need to Fight to Know Your Worth

    JAN 8

    Stand in Quiet Power: You Do Not Need to Fight to Know Your Worth

    Well, as we get cooking with gas in 2026, I wanted to share some exciting news! I am going to start doing more solo shows. Why? Well, because I want to. I want to share more of my first-hand experience with you. This does not mean that I will not be doing interviews. Not at all! It just means that we will have more one-on-one time together. Also, if you would like me to cover a specific topic in one of these solo shows, please email me at hello@bravewomenatwork.com.  Also, 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! Alright, let’s jump into today’s topic: standing in your quiet power. Let’s start with what quiet power is. To me, quiet power is standing in your worthiness without having to fight, prove, or convince. Let me repeat. Quiet power is standing in your worthiness without having to fight, prove, or convince. AI’s definition of quiet power is: Quiet power means having a strong, influential presence through calm, thoughtful action, deep thinking, and self-trust, rather than loudness or dominance, often seen in introverted individuals who lead with empathy, resilience, and focus, making significant impacts without needing attention. It's about inner certainty, allowing one to inspire others and navigate challenges with grounded confidence, aligning personal values with impactful, deliberate choices. I have been thinking about quiet power a lot lately, so I wanted to share more about the topic with you. Why you ask? Well, in 2025, I did not stand in quiet power. I used loud, brash power, and it was exhausting.

    44 min
  7. JAN 1

    Best of Brave Women at Work: Inhale Faith, Exhale Fear to Embrace a New Way of Life and Work with Dr. Shawnte Elbert

    Happy New Year and officially welcome to 2026! Fresh start in the New Year! For my second show in the Best of Brave Women at Work Series, I was excited to re-share my show with Dr. Shawnte Elbert.  Dr. Shawnte Elbert has faced her fair share of career struggles, but unlike my traditional position of overdriving when I face challenges, Shawnte introduced me to a concept that I love and have referenced since our initial conversation: inhale faith, exhale fear. In today’s Best of podcast, Shawnte gives me a beautiful masterclass in letting go of the need to control and leaning on something much greater: our faith.  Here is my hope for you: I hope that you can lean into your faith to overcome any fears that you face in 2026. Before we get started, let me share more about Shawnte: Dr. Shawnté Elbert, EdD, MCHES, CWHC, is the founder and CEO of Elbert Innovative Dr. Shawnté Elbert is a nationally recognized leader in public health, health equity, and mental healthcare innovation. She is the Founder & Principal Consultant of Elbert Innovative Solutions (EIS), advising organizations on equity-driven leadership, workforce development, and systems change. Dr. Elbert is also the Regional Director and Director of Training and Development at Growth & Empowerment Mental Healthcare Services, LLC (G&E). She oversees comprehensive training for clinical and non-clinical staff and ensures that mental healthcare services are effective, culturally responsive, and equity-centered.  She is also a co-founder of Sister WELLS Counseling, Coaching & Consulting, PLLC, alongside Dr. Charla Blumell and Dr. Sherrá Watkins. Sister WELLS is a collective of experienced wellness and leadership professionals dedicated to leadership development, holistic wellness, and guiding individuals toward authentic transformation. Rooted in their shared sisterhood and passion for equity-driven change, the practice brings a unique and deeply personal approach to leadership and well-being. Dr. Elbert has worked across healthcare, higher education, and community health sectors to champion policies and practices centered on justice, access, and well-being. She is a sought-after speaker and consultant known for her engaging and transformative approach to tackling complex health and equity issues.

    55 min
  8. 12/25/2025

    Best of Brave Women at Work: Avoid Overthinking to Get Embodied with Jay Fields

    For the last 2-3 years, I have highlighted by top 2 favorite podcasts of the year in my year-end Best of Series. This week, I am highlighting my coach, friend, and colleague Jay Fields. I would like to thank Jay for her guidance and instruction this year on inner child and parts work because it has made a huge difference in life. If you are not familiar with parts work, I am going to do a solo show on it soon, so stay tuned! If you missed this show, you want to go back and listen. I promise; it’s a good one! Even if you did listen to this one, it doesn’t hurt to listen in again because Jay has wisdom galore.  During the podcast, Jay and I chatted about: What is the purpose of the nervous system and why is training it to serve us important.Why is it easier to remain in our heads vs. listen to our bodies’ signals?What does it mean to be embodied?What is Jay’s Overthinking Quiz and why should you take it?The meaning behind Jay’s popular phrase and podcast, “Hey Wait.”How we can leverage these learnings to protect our energy.Here is more about Jay: Jay Moon Fields, M.A. is a leading educator, coach and author. Nearly a million people have taken her courses featured on LinkedIn Learning, and her book Teaching People Not Poses is used by yoga teacher training programs globally. Her Hey, wait framework teaches people how to honor their emotional experiences and share them authentically, helping them to break free from the cycles of overthinking, people-pleasing, and self-doubt. For over twenty years, Jay has taught the principles and practices of embodied social and emotional intelligence to individuals and groups from Patagonia, Wieden + Kennedy, Apple, the UN, and Baker Tilly. She has been a guest on over 30 podcasts and was named one of the top 50 health and wellness bloggers making a difference in the world by Greatist.com. Jay has been a featured speaker at the GoPro Women’s Summit, The Fifteen Seconds Festival and the Omega Institute. She received her BA in Psychosocial Health and Human Movement from the College of William and Mary and her masters in Integral Transformative Education from Prescott College. 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 1m
5
out of 5
70 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/.