Girl, Take the Lead!

Yolanda Canny
  • 5.0 (22)
  • Management
  • Updated Weekly

Each week we explore Womanhood and Leadership with the goal to question the status quo and challenge our thinking so we celebrate every woman as a leader. Our episodes will interview leaders in the field, meet authors, explore books on the subject, hear inspiring stories, or talk with organizations leading the charge for women to lead. We’ll look at the different topics from different generational perspectives as my daughters, a Millennial and a Gen Z, will join me, a Boomer, from time to time. We hope to make you laugh and leave inspired as you hear our voices on this very important topic.

  1. 298. The Generous Heart: Boundaries, Trust, and Letting Go of Resentment with Andrea Mein DeWitt

    16h ago

    298. The Generous Heart: Boundaries, Trust, and Letting Go of Resentment with Andrea Mein DeWitt

    What happens when giving begins to feel heavy? In this thoughtful return to Girl, Take the Lead!, Professional Certified Coach and author Andrea Mein DeWitt joins Yo Canny to explore a question many caring people wrestle with: How do we remain generous without becoming resentful? Drawing from her essays, The Generous Heart and Open Hands, Andrea shares why generosity without integrity often leads to resentment, how healthy boundaries make love sustainable, and why trust becomes increasingly important as our relationships evolve. Together they discuss: • Why acknowledgment matters—and why we can't always depend on it • The connection between generosity, integrity, and resentment • Moving from reacting to responding • Trusting adult children without trying to fix their lives • How Andrea's Name, Claim & Reframe® methodology helps people navigate difficult moments Throughout the conversation, Andrea offers practical wisdom for anyone navigating family relationships, leadership challenges, life transitions, or the difficult balance between caring deeply and caring for themselves. One question sits at the center of it all: Who do I want to be in this situation? About Andrea Mein DeWitt Andrea Mein DeWitt is a Professional Certified Coach (PCC), author, and creator of the federally trademarked Name, Claim & Reframe® methodology. Her book Name, Claim & Reframe: Your Path to a Well-Lived Life was featured on NBC's TODAY Show as 2023's Best Motivational Read. The companion workbook and audiobook followed, with the audiobook released on Audible in December 2025. Andrea publishes the Beyond the Reframe newsletter and a monthly Reframing Wellness column with GetFitNow. She helps high-achieving women navigate challenging relationships and life transitions—teaching them to lead from authenticity rather than armor. Work with Andrea andreadewittadvisors.com • The Generous Heartandreadewittadvisors.com/blog/generous-heart • Open Handsandreadewittadvisors.com/blog/open-hands • Beyond the Reframe Blogandreadewittadvisors.com/blog • Leadership Quizandreadewittadvisors.com/leadership-quiz • NCR Toolkitandreadewittadvisors.com/ncr-toolkit Book:Name, Claim & Reframe®: Your Path to a Well-Lived Life Beyond the Reframe Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/beyond-the-reframe-7275538370468966400/ Previous Conversations with Andrea Mein DeWitt • Ep. 48 – A Discussion with Andrea Mein DeWitt About Her Book, Name, Claim & Reframe: Your Path to a Well-Lived Life • Ep. 72 – Andrea Mein DeWitt Returns: Using Name, Claim & Reframe® to Address Female Bullying • Ep. 153 & 154 – Be Confident. Be Resourceful. Be Graceful. Insights from the Name, Claim & Reframe Workbook • Ep. 266 – Reframing the “Good Daughter” Story with Andrea Mein DeWitt Browse all Andrea Mein DeWitt episodes here or wherever you listen to your podcasts: Connect with Girl, Take the Lead! Website:girltaketheleadpod.com Listen:Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube Music, and wherever you enjoy podcasts. Join the Conversation:Follow Girl, Take the Lead! on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube for leadership insights, guest highlights, and weekly reflections. Explore the Shop:Visit the Heartfelt Cards & Gifts collection at girltaketheleadpod.com/shop Subscribe:Never miss an episode by subscribing to Girl, Take the Lead! and sharing your favorite conversations with friends and colleagues. Reflection Question What relationship in your life might benefit from a little more generosity, integrity, or trust? What would Andrea tell her 20-something self? "Stop looking for permission. You are so much smarter than you think. You are way more resourceful than you give yourself credit for. Take the risk because it's worth it. The worst thing that can happen is that you learn something. Start claiming who you are now and trust that your people, if you live in integrity with yourself, are going to find you."

    47 min
  2. 297. SOUND BITE: The Courage Not to Fit In

    5d ago

    297. SOUND BITE: The Courage Not to Fit In

    What if the goal isn't fitting in? What if the goal is belonging? In this Sound Bite, I reflect on a question that emerged from my conversation with Teresa Gregory in Episode 296: What's the difference between fitting in and belonging? Drawing on the work of Brené Brown and Teresa's insights about "fit" in organizations, I explore how many of us spend years learning how to adapt, blend in, and gain acceptance—often at the expense of our own voice. But leadership rarely begins with conformity. It begins with the courage to bring our perspective into the room. Even when it's different. Even when we're the only one. In this reflection, I explore: ✨ The difference between fitting in and belonging ✨ Why belonging doesn't require us to change who we are ✨ The connection between diversity of thought and innovation ✨ The courage required to be the different voice in the room ✨ How leadership often begins when we're willing to stop editing ourselves Reflection Question Where in your life are you trying to fit in when you may already belong? Inspired By Episode 296:Hidden Mindsets: The Labels, Assumptions, and "Fit" with Teresa Gregory Teresa's conversation about hiring for "fit" and the value of different perspectives inspired this deeper reflection on belonging, authenticity, and leadership. Mentioned in This Episode 📖 Brené Brown's work on fitting in versus belonging 💡 Diversity of thought and innovation 💡 Leadership through authenticity Stay Connected with Girl, Take the Lead! 🎙️ Podcast Website:https://girltaketheleadpod.com 📬 Newsletter:https://girltaketheleadpod.com/newsletter 💌 Heartfelt Cards & Gifts:https://girltaketheleadpod.com/shop 🎧 YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@girltakethelead 💼 LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/yocanny/ 📸 Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/girltaketheleadpod 👥 Facebook Community:https://www.facebook.com/groups/girltakethelead Thank you for listening to Girl, Take the Lead! If this reflection resonated with you, please share it with a friend, leave a review, and subscribe so you never miss a conversation designed to help you lead with greater awareness, confidence, and intention. Until next time— Listen inward.Lead outward.And remember: You don't have to fit in to belong. 💛

    5 min
  3. 296. Hidden Mindsets: The Labels, Assumptions, and "Fit" with Teresa Gregory

    Jun 16

    296. Hidden Mindsets: The Labels, Assumptions, and "Fit" with Teresa Gregory

    What if the biggest factor influencing your leadership isn't what you know—but what you don't realize is influencing you? In this episode, Executive Leadership Strategist, Keynote Speaker, and Executive Coach Teresa Gregory joins us to explore what she calls our hidden mindsets—the labels, assumptions, and unconscious thinking patterns that shape how we lead, communicate, evaluate others, and even see ourselves. Drawing on more than 20 years of leadership development experience, Teresa shares practical examples of how hidden mindsets show up in hiring decisions, performance reviews, workplace relationships, and the stories we tell ourselves about what we're capable of achieving. In This Episode Together, we explore why "fit" can sometimes limit innovation, how labels become self-fulfilling, and what leaders can do to recognize and shift the thinking patterns that may be influencing their decisions without them even knowing it. Memorable Takeaways ✨ Why Teresa prefers the term hidden mindset over bias ✨ How our brains create shortcuts that influence decision-making ✨ The role assumptions play in hiring and leadership decisions ✨ Why "fit" can become a barrier to diversity, innovation, and growth ✨ How hidden mindsets show up in performance evaluations ✨ Why imposter syndrome is often a hidden mindset in disguise ✨ The difference between intention and impact ✨ How dialogue creates stronger relationships than discussion ✨ Practical ways to identify and challenge limiting beliefs ✨ Why every leader should have a mentor—and be a mentor 💡 "Not all bias is bad. The question is: Is it limiting your belief?" 💡 "Acknowledge it. Write it down. Then be deliberate about showing up differently." 💡 "I can teach the steps. I can't teach kindness." 💡 "The path may look different than your five-year plan—and that's okay." Resources & Links for Teresa 🌐 Website:www.squaredsuccess.com 🎁 Free Leadership Resource:www.squaredsuccess.com/podcast 📧 Connect with Teresa:teresa@squaredsuccess.com 📱 Social Media:@squaredsuccess 📖 Coming Soon:Teresa will be featured in a new compilation book releasing this fall. What Teresa Would Tell Her 20-Something Self Get a mentor—and be a mentor. Find people who will challenge your thinking, expand your perspective, and help you grow. Then do the same for someone else. Guest-Inspired Card Selection 🦋 With Brave Wings She Flies When asked to choose a card from the Girl, Take the Lead! online store, Teresa immediately connected with the Brave Butterfly card. For her, it represents the courage to take flight, embrace new opportunities, and trust yourself as you step into what's next. A fitting choice for someone who recently launched her own business, serves her community as an elected official, and continues to help leaders uncover what's possible when they challenge their hidden mindsets. Stay Connected with Girl, Take the Lead! 🎙️ Podcast Website:https://girltaketheleadpod.com 📬 Newsletter:https://girltaketheleadpod.com/newsletter 💌 Heartfelt Cards & Gifts:https://girltaketheleadpod.com/shop 🎧 YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@girltakethelead 💼 LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/yocanny/ 📸 Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/girltaketheleadpod 👥 Facebook Community:https://www.facebook.com/groups/girltakethelead Thank you for listening to Girl, Take the Lead! If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with a friend, leave a review, and subscribe so you never miss a conversation designed to help you lead with greater awareness, confidence, and intention.

    35 min
  4. 295. SOUND BITE – Hope, Trust, and the Leaders Who Are Coming

    Jun 11

    295. SOUND BITE – Hope, Trust, and the Leaders Who Are Coming

    After my conversation with Sheryl Robinson in Episode 293, I found myself sitting with an unexpected feeling: Hope. Not because everything is suddenly okay. Not because the challenges facing our communities have disappeared. And not because the future comes with guarantees. Instead, I found myself wondering: What exactly is hope? Is it optimism? Is it trust? Or is it something else entirely? In This Sound Bite In this Sound Bite, I reflect on the work of Brené Brown and psychologist C.R. Snyder, whose research suggests that hope is not simply an emotion but a way of thinking—one that involves goals, pathways, and agency. I also explore the connection between hope and trust, why it's easy to focus on what's declining as we grow older, and the question that stayed with me after talking with Sheryl: What's still growing? What if hope isn't about ignoring reality? What if hope is seeing evidence that people are still learning how to care, contribute, and lead? And what if trust is what allows us to invest in that future? Hope versus optimismThe difference between hope and trustBrené Brown's discussion of Hope TheoryWhy agency mattersWhat gives us confidence in future generationsThe leadership lessons hidden inside the Girl Scout Gold AwardWhy "The leaders are coming" became my takeaway from Episode 293 Inspired By Episode 293: 🎙️ "Hearts of Gold: How the Girl Scout Gold Award Builds Leaders for Life with Sheryl Robinson" Watch on YouTube: Episode 293 with Sheryl Robinson Or wherever you catch your podcasts. About Sheryl Robinson Sheryl Robinson is an author, podcaster, speaker, and leadership advocate who helps teens and young adults discover their gifts, talents, and abilities while creating meaningful change in their communities. She is the creator of the Hearts of Gold podcast and the Hearts of Gold book series, which share stories of Girl Scout Gold Award recipients from across the country. The series is designed to help young people develop leadership skills, identify root causes, and create lasting impact. Learn more: Sheryl Robinson Website Hearts of Gold Podcast & Resources Free Resources Available: Root Cause GuideVolunteering GuideBoth are available through the Hearts of Gold website. Stay Connected with Girl, Take the Lead! 🌟 Website: https://girltaketheleadpod.com 💌 Newsletter: https://girltaketheleadpod.com 💝 Heartfelt Cards & Gifts: https://girltaketheleadpod.com/shop Hosted by Yo Canny #GirlTakeTheLead #SoundBite #Leadership #Hope #Trust #BreneBrown #WomenInLeadership #PersonalGrowth #GirlScouts #GoldAward

    7 min
  5. 294. Girl Scout Gold Award: Building the Next Generation of Leaders

    Jun 9

    294. Girl Scout Gold Award: Building the Next Generation of Leaders

    What gives you hope for the future? In this inspiring episode, Yo Canny sits down with Sheryl Robinson—author, podcaster, speaker, and longtime Girl Scout volunteer—to explore how the Girl Scout Gold Award helps young women develop confidence, leadership skills, and the belief that they can make a difference in the world. As a troop leader for more than 20 years and a member of the Girl Scouts of Wisconsin Badgerland Council's Highest Awards Committee, Sheryl has witnessed firsthand the transformation that occurs when young women take on meaningful community challenges and lead sustainable solutions. Inspired by the remarkable Gold Award Girl Scouts she has mentored, Sheryl launched the Hearts of Gold Podcast, interviewing Gold Award recipients from around the world. She has now adapted those stories into the Hearts of Gold book series, helping middle school students discover their own gifts, talents, and ability to create positive change. Together, Yo and Sheryl discuss what the Gold Award is, why it matters, and how young women are developing the skills, confidence, and resilience needed to become the next generation of leaders. In This Episode You'll Learn: What the Girl Scout Gold Award is and why it is considered the highest achievement in Girl ScoutingHow identifying root causes leads to more meaningful and sustainable solutionsWhy leadership is developed through action, not just instructionThe importance of moving from managing to mentoringHow asking questions can be more powerful than providing answersWhy volunteering helps young people develop confidence and purposeHow one young woman's Gold Award project helped transform feelings of cultural isolation into belonging and connection Key Takeaways ✨ Leadership grows through experience. ✨ Confidence comes from tackling challenges and seeing them through. ✨ Great mentors guide with questions rather than answers. ✨ Young people thrive when given ownership, responsibility, and support. ✨ The next generation is already learning how to lead—and that gives us reason for hope. What Sheryl Would Tell Her 20-Something Self "Stay open and flexible. Life's going to take you different places than you plan. That's where the growth happens." About Sheryl Robinson Sheryl Robinson is an author, podcaster, coach, and speaker helping teens and young adults discover their unique gifts, talents, and abilities so they can create a plan to achieve their dreams. She holds a Master of Arts in Servant Leadership from Viterbo University and has been involved with Girl Scouts for more than 25 years. Her passion for supporting high school Girl Scouts pursuing their Gold Award inspired the creation of the Hearts of Gold podcast, YouTube channel, and book series showcasing young women from across the country who have earned Girl Scouting's highest award. Connect with Sheryl Website: https://sherylmrobinson.com Email: heartsofgoldpodcast@gmail.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sherylmrobinson/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sherylmrobinson/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sherylmrobinson/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/sherylmrobinson Free Resources Visit Sheryl's website for: Root Cause GuideVolunteering GuideResources for youth and adults supporting young leaders Hearts of Gold Book Series The Hearts of Gold series shares real stories and leadership lessons inspired by Girl Scout Gold Award recipients. Through themes such as Inclusion, Advocacy, STEM, Health, Community, Creative Voice, and Earth Guardians, readers learn how to identify problems, uncover root causes, and create meaningful change. Stay Connected with Girl, Take the Lead! 🌟 Website: https://girltaketheleadpod.com 💝 Cards & Gifts: https://girltaketheleadpod.com/shop Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/272025931481748 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/girltakethelead LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/girl-take-the-lead YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@girltakethelead

    22 min
  6. 293. SOUND BITES | Your Worth Was Never the Problem A Reflection Inspired by Ep 292 with Marisa Handler

    Jun 4

    293. SOUND BITES | Your Worth Was Never the Problem A Reflection Inspired by Ep 292 with Marisa Handler

    What happens when the way we've measured our importance no longer fits our lives? In this first Girl, Take the Lead! Sound Bite, I reflect on a question that surfaced after my conversation with Marisa Handler: If I am no longer defined by my title, accomplishments, or responsibilities, what makes me important? After 42 years in corporate leadership, retirement invited me into a different kind of impact—one measured less by titles and achievements and more by conversations, creativity, relationships, and contribution. Yet I found myself wrestling with an uncomfortable question: Do I still matter? In this reflection, I explore the difference between achievement and worthiness, why comparison can reveal deeper beliefs, and what it means to create a new definition of significance in this stage of life. In This Sound Bite: • Why gratitude and worthiness are not the same thing • The hidden challenge many high-achieving women face after retirement • How comparison can reveal old beliefs about success and importance • Why achievement and worthiness are often confused • The question: "Who am I when there's nothing left to prove?" • Creating a new definition of significance and contribution Reflection Questions for You: Have you ever found yourself using an old definition of success to measure your value? What might change if your worth was never tied to your accomplishments in the first place? Inspired By: Episode 292. From Shame to Worthiness: Living Your Creative Genius with Marisa Handler Watch or listen:https://youtu.be/XRSANQJ0l6k Connect with Girl, Take the Lead! Website:https://girltaketheleadpod.com Heartfelt Cards & Gifts:https://girltaketheleadpod.com/shop Join Our Facebook Community:https://www.facebook.com/groups/272025931481748 YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@girltakethelead Thank you for joining me for this first Sound Bite. These shorter reflections are designed for moments when you want insight but don't have time for a full conversation. Until next time— Listen inward.Lead outward.

    6 min
  7. 292. From Shame to Worthiness: Living Your Creative Genius with Marisa Handler

    Jun 2

    292. From Shame to Worthiness: Living Your Creative Genius with Marisa Handler

    What if the shame you've been carrying isn't evidence that you're broken—but an invitation to discover your worth? In this deeply moving conversation, award-winning author, poet, singer-songwriter, and creative coach Marisa Handler joins Girl, Take the Lead! to explore authenticity, creativity, leadership, and the journey from shame to a deeper sense of worthiness. She is the author of Loyal to the Sky (Nautilus Gold Award) and the forthcoming Sanctuary. Marisa shares her personal story of growing up in apartheid South Africa, immigrating to the United States, and navigating what she describes as a "dark night of the soul" that ultimately transformed her understanding of belonging, creativity, and self-worth. Together, we explore how fear, grief, anger, and shame can become unexpected guides on the path back to ourselves. We also discuss why creativity is essential to leadership, how women can stop performing their lives and start living them, and why our worth was never something we had to earn. Along the way, Marisa shares her beautiful poem Grace and treats us to a live excerpt from her song Seed and Star. What Marisa Would Tell Her 20-Something Self If you've ever found yourself striving to be impressive instead of being fully yourself, Marisa's wisdom offers a gentle invitation to come home—to your creativity, your voice, and your worthiness. Because perhaps the path forward isn't about becoming someone new. It's about remembering who you've been all along. In This Episode, We Discuss: • What it means to stop performing and start living authentically • Why fear is often the doorway to growth and transformation • How anger can reveal boundaries that need a voice • Grief as a pathway back to belonging • The hidden role shame plays in keeping us small • Moving from shame to a deeper sense of worthiness • Why creativity and leadership are deeply connected • Trusting your intuition and creative process • The difference between being impressive and being real • Grace, authenticity, and living from your full aliveness • A live excerpt from Marisa's song Seed and Star "Stop trying to be impressive. Start trying to be real." About Marisa Handler Marisa Handler is an award-winning author, prize-winning poet, singer-songwriter, and creative coach whose work lives at the intersection of personal transformation and collective awakening. A Fulbright Fellow and Iowa Writers' Workshop alumna, she has worked with thousands of people through her coaching practice, retreats, and teachings at Spirit Rock, Esalen, Stanford, and Gaia House, as well as through her signature program, Live Your Creative Genius. If you're ready to stop playing small and step into the fullest, most luminous version of yourself, Marisa is your guide. Connect with Marisa Handler Websitewww.marisahandler.com Creative Archetypes Quiz (Free)Discover your unique creative style and gifts:https://marisahandler.com/creative-archetypes-quiz Live Your Creative GeniusLearn more about Marisa's signature transformational coaching program:https://marisahandler.com/lycg/ Complimentary Unleash Your Creative Genius Breakthrough SessionApply for a free breakthrough session (valued at $300):https://forms.gle/sgsYXy2j6rhMEdor8 LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/marisa-handler/ Facebookhttps://www.facebook.com/marisa.handler.3 Instagram@marisasings Connect with Girl, Take the Lead! Websitehttps://girltaketheleadpod.com Listen & Subscribehttps://girltaketheleadpod.com/listen Heartfelt Cards & Gifts Shophttps://girltaketheleadpod.com/shop Join Our Facebook Communityhttps://www.facebook.com/groups/272025931481748 YouTube Channelhttps://www.youtube.com/@girltakethelead

    41 min
  8. 291. Can AI Lighten the Heaviness? with Dawn Andrews

    May 27

    291. Can AI Lighten the Heaviness? with Dawn Andrews

    What if AI wasn’t about replacing people… but helping us carry less? In this thought-provoking and surprisingly human conversation, Dawn Andrews joins Yo to explore the emotional side of AI, leadership, creativity, and the mental load so many of us carry every day. Dawn is the Founder & CEO of Free Range Thinking, a boutique business strategy consultancy helping entrepreneurs and leaders build smarter, more sustainable systems without sacrificing themselves in the process. She’s also the host of the She's That Founder podcast and creator of the Female Leadership Accelerator. Together, Yo and Dawn unpack: why AI can feel both exciting and overwhelmingthe invisible “mental load” many women carryhow AI can support creativity instead of replacing itwhy discernment and human leadership still matterthe generational differences in AI adoptionhow AI can help lighten the heaviness of work and lifethe importance of curiosity, boundaries, and staying human in a rapidly changing worldOne powerful takeaway from the episode: “AI informs. You decide.” Whether you’re AI-curious, already using tools like ChatGPT, or simply wondering how to navigate change without losing yourself in the process, this episode offers a grounded and hopeful perspective. ⏱️ Timestamps 0:00 – Welcome & Dawn’s background in leadership and strategy1:27 – Why AI feels exciting…and overwhelming4:16 – The fear of AI replacing jobs6:09 – Using AI for podcasting, creativity & discernment9:03 – How to make AI challenge your thinking13:15 – AI, mental health & emotional support17:00 – Dawn’s favorite AI tools right now20:20 – Multi-agent workflows & saving time23:09 – “What would you do with the time back?”25:29 – Boundaries, burnout & staying human28:28 – Curiosity, play & not trying to “keep up”30:20 – What Dawn would tell her 20-something self32:14 – “Drop the shame” around using AI Connect with Dawn Andrews 🌐 Website: dawnandrews.com💼 LinkedIn Community: AI for Founders📧 Email: dandrews@freerangethinking.com🎙️ Podcast: She's That Founder📱 Instagram: @freerangethinking | @shesthatfounder Connect with Yo & Girl, Take the Lead! 🌐 Website: Girl, Take the Lead!🎁 Shop Heartfelt Cards & Gifts: Girl, Take the Lead! Shop📺 YouTube: Girl, Take the Lead! on YouTube👥 Facebook Group: Girl, Take the Lead! Facebook Group

    36 min
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5
out of 5
22 Ratings

About

Each week we explore Womanhood and Leadership with the goal to question the status quo and challenge our thinking so we celebrate every woman as a leader. Our episodes will interview leaders in the field, meet authors, explore books on the subject, hear inspiring stories, or talk with organizations leading the charge for women to lead. We’ll look at the different topics from different generational perspectives as my daughters, a Millennial and a Gen Z, will join me, a Boomer, from time to time. We hope to make you laugh and leave inspired as you hear our voices on this very important topic.

Information

  • Creator
    Yolanda Canny
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    301
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Yolanda Canny
  • Show Website
    Girl, Take the Lead!

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