Brave Feminine Leadership

Melissa Hamilton
  • 5.0 (3)
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Brave Feminine Leadership

Sharing stories from amazing leaders just like you and me. Breaking down myths of leadership, imposter syndrome & helping us all be braver. Step by step.

  1. 5D AGO

    #214 Inviting Others In: Nichelle Maynard-Elliott on Making Diversity a Movement, Not a Moment

    In this compelling episode of the Board Director Series, we meet Nichelle Maynard-Elliott, founder of Dunamis Transaction Advisors and board director of Xerox and Lucid Group, who understands that breaking barriers means nothing if you don't help others follow. In a time when diversity progress feels uncertain, Nichelle poses a critical question: Will this be a movement that creates lasting change, or just a moment that passes? With over 25 years of M&A expertise as former head of M&A Americas and Asia Pacific for Praxair (now Linde), Nichelle now dedicates significant time to helping women navigate board opportunities through mentoring, coaching, and strategic guidance. Inspired by board director Ira Hall, who actively sponsored diverse talent throughout his career, Nichelle is determined to ensure that the women who break through don't just leave doors open—they actively invite others through and equip them for success. From being called a "shrinking violet" early in her career to finding her powerful voice in corporate boardrooms, Nichelle shares how authentic leadership means bringing your whole self to work. A woman of faith married for 30 years with two adult children, she refuses to compartmentalise her life, believing that vulnerability and authenticity create stronger connections and better business outcomes. This is a conversation about the courage to show up as yourself, the strategy of packaging your superpowers for board opportunities, and why ensuring this diversity moment becomes a lasting movement is both a personal mission and business imperative. ----------------------   Inside My CEO Calendar: How I Led A Team of 5k+ Without Getting Pulled Back Into the Weeds A behind-the-scenes private podcast for senior female leaders and CEOs who don’t need fluff—just sharper thinking, smarter moves, and more time for what matters. You don’t have time for another 60-minute webinar. But you do have 15 minutes while you’re driving into the office or grabbing your mid-day coffee. Listen here: https://www.bravefeminineleadership.com/BFL-Private-Podcast   ----------------------- Craving inspiration? I send an email each Sunday about leadership reflection, top tips to build an intentional & sustainable life and other things that have captured my attention and are too good not to share! Sign up here: https://www.bravefeminineleadership.com/leadershipinspiration   Loving the podcast? Leave us a short review. It takes less than 60 seconds & will inspire like-minded leaders to join the conversation!   Access Your Free Clarity Tool Between the endless to-do lists, competing priorities, and decisions piling up, it’s easy to lose sight of what matters most. But here’s the truth: you can’t give more if you’re running on empty. That’s why we created Balance Your Brave—a free 15-minute diagnostic tool to help you regain control and clarity. In just 15 minutes, you will: ✅ Pinpoint energy drains holding you back. ✅ Identify where to focus for the biggest impact. ✅ Walk away feeling calmer and more confident in your next steps. Think of it as your personal roadmap to balance and alignment. ⬇️ Click here to access your free Balance Your Brave diagnostic tool. https://www.bravefeminineleadership.com/Balance-Your-Brave   Are we friends? Connect with Us. YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@bravefeminineleadership Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bravefeminineleadership LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/brave-feminine-leadership

    41 min

  2. JUL 3

    #213 Getting Runs on the Board: Kathy Grigg on Building Board-Ready Judgment

    Welcome to the third interview in our six-part Board Director Series, where we explore the pathways and wisdom of some of our most respected leaders. Kathy Grigg brings a refreshingly practical perspective to board leadership—one grounded in the belief that operational experience is the foundation of sound governance judgment. From managing wool trading operations across multiple countries to serving as CFO of international companies, Kathy's journey to boards spanning GrainCorp, Agricultural Innovation Australia, and a distinguished 12-year tenure at Deakin University demonstrates how deep operational experience translates into board excellence. Kathy shares her philosophy of "getting runs on the board" through operational roles first, why she believes judgment can only come from experience, and her non-negotiable rule about never being financially dependent on any board role. She opens up about developing "antenna" for feedback that's never explicitly given, the importance of being able to walk away from any position, and how confidence grows through calculated risks in your "uncomfortable zone." This is a conversation about building board careers on substantial operational foundations, the value of understanding what you don't know, and how deep experience in challenging roles creates the judgment essential for effective governance. -----------------------   Inside My CEO Calendar: How I Led A Team of 5k+ Without Getting Pulled Back Into the Weeds A behind-the-scenes private podcast for senior female leaders and CEOs who don’t need fluff—just sharper thinking, smarter moves, and more time for what matters. You don’t have time for another 60-minute webinar. But you do have 15 minutes while you’re driving into the office or grabbing your mid-day coffee. Listen here: https://www.bravefeminineleadership.com/BFL-Private-Podcast   ----------------------- Craving inspiration? I send an email each Sunday about leadership reflection, top tips to build an intentional & sustainable life and other things that have captured my attention and are too good not to share! Sign up here: https://www.bravefeminineleadership.com/leadershipinspiration   Loving the podcast? Leave us a short review. It takes less than 60 seconds & will inspire like-minded leaders to join the conversation!   Access Your Free Clarity Tool Between the endless to-do lists, competing priorities, and decisions piling up, it’s easy to lose sight of what matters most. But here’s the truth: you can’t give more if you’re running on empty. That’s why we created Balance Your Brave—a free 15-minute diagnostic tool to help you regain control and clarity. In just 15 minutes, you will: ✅ Pinpoint energy drains holding you back. ✅ Identify where to focus for the biggest impact. ✅ Walk away feeling calmer and more confident in your next steps. Think of it as your personal roadmap to balance and alignment. ⬇️ Click here to access your free Balance Your Brave diagnostic tool. https://www.bravefeminineleadership.com/Balance-Your-Brave   Are we friends? Connect with Us. YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@bravefeminineleadership Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bravefeminineleadership Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/brave-feminine-leadership

    42 min

  3. JUN 26

    #212 Don't Opt Out: Leanne Caret on Building Courage and Taking the Jobs That Scare You

    Welcome to the second interview in our six-part Board Director Series, where we explore the mindset and pathways of the world's most accomplished leaders. Leanne Caret made history as the first woman to lead Boeing Defense, Space and Security, overseeing 30,000 employees and $30 billion in revenue, but her path there was built on one core principle: never opting out of opportunities because of what might happen someday. From being told she "laughed too much" to be management material to developing her four G's framework (grit, gumption, grace, and gratitude), Leanne shares the strategic career moves that transformed her from an entry-level hire into a Fortune 500 CEO and now board director for Deere Company and RTX. This is a conversation about taking the jobs that make you want to "throw up," building authentic relationships across all levels, and why the hardest assignments are often your best teachers. Leanne proves that you don't have to choose between being effective and being human, and shows exactly how to build a career on genuine courage rather than perfect preparation. -----------------------   Inside My CEO Calendar: How I Led A Team of 5k+ Without Getting Pulled Back Into the Weeds A behind-the-scenes private podcast for senior female leaders and CEOs who don’t need fluff—just sharper thinking, smarter moves, and more time for what matters. You don’t have time for another 60-minute webinar. But you do have 15 minutes while you’re driving into the office or grabbing your mid-day coffee. Listen here: https://www.bravefeminineleadership.com/BFL-Private-Podcast   ----------------------- Craving inspiration? I send an email each Sunday about leadership reflection, top tips to build an intentional & sustainable life and other things that have captured my attention and are too good not to share! Sign up here: https://www.bravefeminineleadership.com/leadershipinspiration   Loving the podcast? Leave us a short review. It takes less than 60 seconds & will inspire like-minded leaders to join the conversation!   Access Your Free Clarity Tool Between the endless to-do lists, competing priorities, and decisions piling up, it’s easy to lose sight of what matters most. But here’s the truth: you can’t give more if you’re running on empty. That’s why we created Balance Your Brave—a free 15-minute diagnostic tool to help you regain control and clarity. In just 15 minutes, you will: ✅ Pinpoint energy drains holding you back. ✅ Identify where to focus for the biggest impact. ✅ Walk away feeling calmer and more confident in your next steps. Think of it as your personal roadmap to balance and alignment. ⬇️ Click here to access your free Balance Your Brave diagnostic tool. https://www.bravefeminineleadership.com/Balance-Your-Brave   Are we friends? Connect with Us. YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@bravefeminineleadership Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bravefeminineleadership Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/brave-feminine-leadership

    46 min

  4. JUN 19

    #211 The Strategic Move: How Kate Spargo Built a Diverse Board Portfolio Across Industries

    Welcome to the first interview in our six-part Board Director Series, where we explore the mindset and pathways of Australia's most respected board directors. Kate Spargo made one of the most calculated career moves of her life when she left Adelaide for Melbourne in 2000, a decision that transformed her from a practising lawyer into one of Australia's most sought-after board directors. With board roles spanning healthcare (Sonic Healthcare), infrastructure (CIMIC), automotive retail (Bapcor), and sport (Geelong Football Club), Kate shares the strategic thinking behind building a diverse portfolio and the courage it took to relocate for career growth. She offers powerful insights into the commercial value of culture, the art of reading unspoken feedback, and why her core life tenet is simply "to be useful." This is a conversation about curiosity, calm judgment under pressure, and the courage to keep showing up even when nobody speaks to you at networking events. Essential listening for anyone interested in governance, risk assessment, or building a career on authentic expertise. -----------------------   Inside My CEO Calendar: How I Led A Team of 5k+ Without Getting Pulled Back Into the Weeds A behind-the-scenes private podcast for senior female leaders and CEOs who don’t need fluff—just sharper thinking, smarter moves, and more time for what matters. You don’t have time for another 60-minute webinar. But you do have 15 minutes while you’re driving into the office or grabbing your mid-day coffee. Listen here: https://www.bravefeminineleadership.com/BFL-Private-Podcast   ----------------------- Craving inspiration? I send an email each Sunday about leadership reflection, top tips to build an intentional & sustainable life and other things that have captured my attention and are too good not to share! Sign up here: https://www.bravefeminineleadership.com/leadershipinspiration   Loving the podcast? Leave us a short review. It takes less than 60 seconds & will inspire like-minded leaders to join the conversation!   Access Your Free Clarity Tool Between the endless to-do lists, competing priorities, and decisions piling up, it’s easy to lose sight of what matters most. But here’s the truth: you can’t give more if you’re running on empty. That’s why we created Balance Your Brave—a free 15-minute diagnostic tool to help you regain control and clarity. In just 15 minutes, you will: ✅ Pinpoint energy drains holding you back. ✅ Identify where to focus for the biggest impact. ✅ Walk away feeling calmer and more confident in your next steps. Think of it as your personal roadmap to balance and alignment. ⬇️ Click here to access your free Balance Your Brave diagnostic tool. https://www.bravefeminineleadership.com/Balance-Your-Brave   Are we friends? Connect with Us. YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@bravefeminineleadership Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bravefeminineleadership Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/brave-feminine-leadership

    50 min

  5. JUN 12

    #210 Melissa Hamilton - Why Leaders Need to Stop Filling Every Pause

    Just back from facilitating two leadership sessions in Sydney, I witnessed something profound that changed how I think about high-performance thinking. When we hit the edge of familiar territory and the room went uncomfortably quiet, every instinct screamed to fill that silence. But what happened when we didn't might surprise you. In this episode, I share what I learned about the difference between comfortable silence and growing silence, why we're all addicted to "cognitive busyness," and how my own frantic post-CEO transition taught me that the pause I was avoiding wasn't empty time—it was essential navigation time. You'll discover: The hidden cost of filling every moment with activity, How to distinguish between restoration silence and growth silence, What spaciousness actually looks like in leadership practice. -----------------------   Inside My CEO Calendar: How I Led A Team of 5k+ Without Getting Pulled Back Into the Weeds A behind-the-scenes private podcast for senior female leaders and CEOs who don’t need fluff—just sharper thinking, smarter moves, and more time for what matters. You don’t have time for another 60-minute webinar. But you do have 15 minutes while you’re driving into the office or grabbing your mid-day coffee. Listen here: https://www.bravefeminineleadership.com/BFL-Private-Podcast   ----------------------- Craving inspiration? I send an email each Sunday about leadership reflection, top tips to build an intentional & sustainable life and other things that have captured my attention and are too good not to share! Sign up here: https://www.bravefeminineleadership.com/leadershipinspiration   Loving the podcast? Leave us a short review. It takes less than 60 seconds & will inspire like-minded leaders to join the conversation!   Access Your Free Clarity Tool Between the endless to-do lists, competing priorities, and decisions piling up, it’s easy to lose sight of what matters most. But here’s the truth: you can’t give more if you’re running on empty. That’s why we created Balance Your Brave—a free 15-minute diagnostic tool to help you regain control and clarity. In just 15 minutes, you will: ✅ Pinpoint energy drains holding you back. ✅ Identify where to focus for the biggest impact. ✅ Walk away feeling calmer and more confident in your next steps. Think of it as your personal roadmap to balance and alignment. ⬇️ Click here to access your free Balance Your Brave diagnostic tool. https://www.bravefeminineleadership.com/Balance-Your-Brave   Are we friends? Connect with Us. YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@bravefeminineleadership Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bravefeminineleadership Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/brave-feminine-leadership

    20 min

  6. JUN 5

    #209 Terry Tateossian - Busy, Burnt Out, and Done: Terry Tateossian’s Wake-Up Call

    Terry Tateossian had it all on paper—founder of a successful tech agency, two beautiful kids, and a reputation for being the one who always delivered. But behind the scenes? She was running on caffeine, chaos, and the belief that being "on" 24/7 was just the price of success. Then came the hospital visits. Not once, but twice. In this episode, Terry shares the raw truth about how she broke the cycle—ditching the sugar, the wine, the self-neglect—and lost over 80 pounds in her 40s. But this isn’t a story about weight loss. It’s about regaining agency, learning how to eat (really eat), and lifting more than just dumbbells—lifting herself out of survival mode. 💡 Why listen? If you’re a high-achieving woman who keeps telling yourself “I’ll deal with it later,” this is your wake-up call. Terry’s journey will make you rethink what you’re tolerating in your own life—and how to finally put yourself on the to-do list. -----------------------   Inside My CEO Calendar: How I Led A Team of 5k+ Without Getting Pulled Back Into the Weeds A behind-the-scenes private podcast for senior female leaders and CEOs who don’t need fluff—just sharper thinking, smarter moves, and more time for what matters. You don’t have time for another 60-minute webinar. But you do have 15 minutes while you’re driving into the office or grabbing your mid-day coffee. Listen here: https://www.bravefeminineleadership.com/BFL-Private-Podcast   ----------------------- Craving inspiration? I send an email each Sunday about leadership reflection, top tips to build an intentional & sustainable life and other things that have captured my attention and are too good not to share! Sign up here: https://www.bravefeminineleadership.com/leadershipinspiration   Loving the podcast? Leave us a short review. It takes less than 60 seconds & will inspire like-minded leaders to join the conversation!   Access Your Free Clarity Tool Between the endless to-do lists, competing priorities, and decisions piling up, it’s easy to lose sight of what matters most. But here’s the truth: you can’t give more if you’re running on empty. That’s why we created Balance Your Brave—a free 15-minute diagnostic tool to help you regain control and clarity. In just 15 minutes, you will: ✅ Pinpoint energy drains holding you back. ✅ Identify where to focus for the biggest impact. ✅ Walk away feeling calmer and more confident in your next steps. Think of it as your personal roadmap to balance and alignment. ⬇️ Click here to access your free Balance Your Brave diagnostic tool. https://www.bravefeminineleadership.com/Balance-Your-Brave   Are we friends? Connect with Us. YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@bravefeminineleadership Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bravefeminineleadership Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/brave-feminine-leadership

    45 min

  7. MAY 29

    #208 The Real Reason Your Strategy Isn’t Landing: Rose Fass on the leadership skill that changes everything

    If your strategy isn’t landing, it’s probably not the strategy. It’s the conversation. In this episode, I’m joined by Rose Fass — the person Fortune 500 CEOs call when things go sideways. Founder of fassforward and author of The Chocolate Conversation, Rose helps leaders get clear, aligned, and heard. We talk: What’s really being heard when you speak Why poor communication costs more than poor strategy How to shift conversations without triggering resistance This is a masterclass in CEO-level clarity — and the power of saying the one thing that moves everything forward. 🎧 Tune in. Let Rose shift the way you lead. -----------------------   Inside My CEO Calendar: How I Led A Team of 5k+ Without Getting Pulled Back Into the Weeds A behind-the-scenes private podcast for senior female leaders and CEOs who don’t need fluff—just sharper thinking, smarter moves, and more time for what matters. You don’t have time for another 60-minute webinar. But you do have 15 minutes while you’re driving into the office or grabbing your mid-day coffee. Listen here: https://www.bravefeminineleadership.com/BFL-Private-Podcast   ----------------------- Craving inspiration? I send an email each Sunday about leadership reflection, top tips to build an intentional & sustainable life and other things that have captured my attention and are too good not to share! Sign up here: https://www.bravefeminineleadership.com/leadershipinspiration   Loving the podcast? Leave us a short review. It takes less than 60 seconds & will inspire like-minded leaders to join the conversation!   Access Your Free Clarity Tool Between the endless to-do lists, competing priorities, and decisions piling up, it’s easy to lose sight of what matters most. But here’s the truth: you can’t give more if you’re running on empty. That’s why we created Balance Your Brave—a free 15-minute diagnostic tool to help you regain control and clarity. In just 15 minutes, you will: ✅ Pinpoint energy drains holding you back. ✅ Identify where to focus for the biggest impact. ✅ Walk away feeling calmer and more confident in your next steps. Think of it as your personal roadmap to balance and alignment. ⬇️ Click here to access your free Balance Your Brave diagnostic tool. https://www.bravefeminineleadership.com/Balance-Your-Brave   Are we friends? Connect with Us. YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@bravefeminineleadership Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bravefeminineleadership Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/brave-feminine-leadership

    1h 8m

  8. MAY 22

    #207 Meg Gluth - From Sobriety to CEO

    Meg Gluth didn’t plan to become a CEO but her path through sobriety taught her the discipline, clarity, and self-awareness that leadership demands. Now running a $100M chemical distribution business, Meg shares what she’s learned about showing up with calm under pressure, asking the right questions, and building a business (and life) with intention. We talk about the turning points that shaped her, getting kicked out of college, starting over, choosing sobriety, and eventually buying the company she once worked for. This is a refreshingly honest conversation about focus, growth, and letting go of the need to do it all perfectly. -----------------------   Inside My CEO Calendar: How I Led A Team of 5k+ Without Getting Pulled Back Into the Weeds A behind-the-scenes private podcast for senior female leaders and CEOs who don’t need fluff—just sharper thinking, smarter moves, and more time for what matters. You don’t have time for another 60-minute webinar. But you do have 15 minutes while you’re driving into the office or grabbing your mid-day coffee. Listen here: https://www.bravefeminineleadership.com/BFL-Private-Podcast   ----------------------- Craving inspiration? I send an email each Sunday about leadership reflection, top tips to build an intentional & sustainable life and other things that have captured my attention and are too good not to share! Sign up here: https://www.bravefeminineleadership.com/leadershipinspiration   Loving the podcast? Leave us a short review. It takes less than 60 seconds & will inspire like-minded leaders to join the conversation!   Access Your Free Clarity Tool Between the endless to-do lists, competing priorities, and decisions piling up, it’s easy to lose sight of what matters most. But here’s the truth: you can’t give more if you’re running on empty. That’s why we created Balance Your Brave—a free 15-minute diagnostic tool to help you regain control and clarity. In just 15 minutes, you will: ✅ Pinpoint energy drains holding you back. ✅ Identify where to focus for the biggest impact. ✅ Walk away feeling calmer and more confident in your next steps. Think of it as your personal roadmap to balance and alignment. ⬇️ Click here to access your free Balance Your Brave diagnostic tool. https://www.bravefeminineleadership.com/Balance-Your-Brave   Are we friends? Connect with Us. YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@bravefeminineleadership Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bravefeminineleadership Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/brave-feminine-leadership

    43 min
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5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Sharing stories from amazing leaders just like you and me. Breaking down myths of leadership, imposter syndrome & helping us all be braver. Step by step.

Information

  • Creator
    Melissa Hamilton
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2025
  • Episodes
    214
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2022 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Brave Feminine Leadership

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