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. 7h ago

    303. Let Life Surprise You: What Happens When You Stop Controlling Everything

    What if the life you're meant to live begins when you loosen your grip on the one you've carefully planned? In this inspiring conversation, I sit down with Wani Iris Manly—TEDx and award-winning speaker, intellectual property attorney, change expert, entrepreneur, and bestselling author—whose remarkable journey from Miami to Paris transformed not only where she lived, but who she became. After building a successful legal career, Wani made an extraordinary leap of faith. She sold everything she owned and moved to Paris without knowing anyone, speaking the language, or having a backup plan. What she discovered wasn't just a new country—it was a new way of defining success, purpose, creativity, and trust. Together, we explore why change feels so uncomfortable, how our identities can keep us stuck, and why leaving room for life to surprise us may be one of the greatest acts of leadership we can practice. In this episode you'll discover: Why change often feels threatening—even when it's leading us somewhere betterWani's Change Blueprint for navigating life's biggest transitionsHow fear, identity, and uncertainty keep us holding on too tightlyWhy redefining success begins by defining it for yourselfThe connection between happiness, purpose, and living authenticallyWhy resilience doesn't require making life harder than it needs to beHow leaving room for life to surprise you can open doors you never imaginedWhether you're standing at the beginning of a new chapter, considering a career transition, or simply wondering what's next, this conversation offers encouragement to trust the journey—even when you can't yet see the destination. 🎁 Free Listener Gift Wani has generously shared her Change Blueprint Framework with the Girl, Take the Lead! community. Access the interactive version here:https://speakerhub.com/cta/2mhnZ1 Or download the PDF directly:https://drive.google.com/file/d/1CbYniD-lSdJ2D-wNNtcRfwiuTogYLUIc/view?usp=share_link Connect with Wani Iris Manly 🌐 Websitehttps://www.wanimanly.com 📖 Bestselling BookGet Out of Survival Mode and Live the Life You Really Wanthttps://www.amazon.com/SURVIVAL-MODE-Live-Life-Really/dp/1511485876 💼 LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/wani-iris-manly-esquire-44510a5a/ 📸 Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/thelovelywani/ 📘 Facebookhttps://www.facebook.com/WaniManly 📧 Speaking & Corporate Consultingwani@wanimanly.com Wani works with organizations, leaders, and entrepreneurs to navigate change, build resilience, and lead with confidence through keynote speaking, workshops, and consulting. Connect with Girl, Take the Lead! 🌐 Websitehttps://www.girltaketheleadpod.com 🎧 Listen on your favorite podcast platformhttps://www.girltaketheleadpod.com/listen ▶️ Subscribe on YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/@GirlTaketheLead 💌 Join our quarterly newsletter for leadership insights, new episodes, and reflections on Sound Bites, Aging with Intention, and At the Threshold:https://www.girltaketheleadpod.com Follow Girl, Take the Lead! on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube for weekly inspiration and conversations that help women lead with courage, authenticity, and purpose. If today's conversation resonated with you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who's standing at the edge of a change in their own life. Because sometimes the greatest transformations begin when we loosen our grip on certainty... …and leave room for life to surprise us.

    303. Let Life Surprise You: What Happens When You Stop Controlling Everything

  2. 5d ago

    302. AT THE THRESHOLD SERIES: Who Am I Now? The Hidden Gift Inside Every Transition

    Sometimes life's biggest transitions don't announce themselves. They arrive quietly. Not through one dramatic event... ...but through a collection of moments that slowly reshape us until one day we realize something inside has changed. In this personal At the Threshold reflection, Yo shares an unexpected experience of grief that surfaced seemingly out of nowhere. As she stayed with the tears instead of pushing them aside, they uncovered deeper questions about identity, presence, purpose, and what it means to live a life well. Inspired by her recent conversation with Kristine Frost, the work of Francis Weller, Susan Cain's Bittersweet, and a surprising lesson from The Sheep Detective, this episode explores why we don't simply "get through" life's transitions—we continue evolving throughout our lives. Perhaps the hidden gift isn't finding all the answers. Perhaps it's learning to ask better questions. In This Episode: Why some transitions arrive quietly rather than dramaticallyAn unexpected existential crisis—and the tears that followedThe grief that can accompany changing identitiesWhy staying with our feelings can reveal what we've been avoidingWhy achievement can't answer life's deepest questionsThe hidden gift inside every transitionWhy we are never "done" becoming Reflection Questions Is there a transition in your life that you didn't recognize at first?What feelings have been quietly asking for your attention?What question is life inviting you to ask in this season?How do you want to live the time you have?Resources Mentioned 📖 Francis Weller – Reflections on grief, identity, and life's transitions 📖 Susan Cain – Bittersweet Girl, Take the Lead! Book Discussion Part 1: Episode 23 (audio)https://girltaketheleadpod.com/episode/23-part-1-of-2-bittersweet-susan-cain-how-do-sorrow-and-longing-make-us-whole (We'll add Part 2 here as well.) 🎬 The Sheep Detective – A reminder that avoiding our feelings doesn't make them disappear. Connect With Us 🌐 Website: https://girltaketheleadpod.com 🎙 Listen on your favorite podcast platform:https://girltaketheleadpod.com/listen 💌 Subscribe to our newsletter:https://girltaketheleadpod.com/newsletter 💳 Explore the Girl, Take the Lead! Card Collection:https://girltaketheleadpod.com/shop 📺 YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@girltakethelead Coming Next Week Episode 303 Let Life Surprise You: What Happens When You Stop Controlling Everything Attorney, TEDx speaker, bestselling author, and entrepreneur Wani Iris Manly shares the extraordinary story of selling everything she owned and moving to Paris without knowing anyone, speaking the language, or having a backup plan. Together, we explore what happens when we loosen our grip on the life we've carefully planned...and leave room for life to surprise us. Thank you for walking this threshold with me.

    302. AT THE THRESHOLD SERIES: Who Am I Now? The Hidden Gift Inside Every Transition

  3. 6d ago

    301. When Our World Changes – Finding Our Way Forward

    What happens when the world around us changes—and we're left wondering how to move forward? In this thoughtful and timely conversation, I sit down with Kristine Frost—former Chief Human Resources Officer, attorney, executive advisor, and founder of Shattered Glass Advisory—to explore leadership, transition, identity, and the courage to remain true to ourselves during times of profound change. Drawing from more than 25 years leading people and culture in the automotive industry, Kristine shares her experiences navigating executive leadership as one of the few women in the C-suite, the personal impact of workplace trauma, and how stepping away from corporate life became an unexpected invitation to rediscover purpose, joy, and authenticity. Together, we explore what it means to shift from external validation to internal fulfillment—and why some of life's greatest transitions become opportunities to find our way forward. In this episode, you'll discover: Why transitions can become opportunities for transformation.How workplace experiences shape our leadership and identity.The difference between doing things right and doing the right thing.Why separating our identity from our job title matters.How journaling, meditation, and daily practices can help us navigate change.The importance of mental health in leadership and personal growth.Why moving from external validation to internal purpose changes everything.How courage allows us to choose what we will—and won't—accept moving forward. Memorable Quotes "There's a huge difference between doing things right... and doing the right thing." "Transitions can become opportunities for transformation." "I can be successful, and I can also be happy without needing something to be happy about." "I'm no longer trying to prove that I belong in those rooms. I'm deciding what I'm willing to challenge, what I'll refuse to normalize, and what the women who follow me should never have to tolerate." More About Kristine Kristine Frost is an attorney turned Chief Human Resources Officer who has spent more than 25 years leading people strategy within the demanding world of automotive manufacturing. Today, through Shattered Glass Advisory, she helps executives, boards, and emerging leaders navigate the realities of executive leadership while building organizations where people and performance thrive together. She is also a nonprofit board director, LGBTQ+ advocate, and is currently writing her first book exploring leadership, identity, transition, and the hidden costs of success. Connect with Kristine 🌐 Website: www.shatteredglassadvisory.com 💼 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/shattered-glass-advisory 📧 Email: kristine@shatteredglassadvisory.com Kristine's Card Choice Kristine selected the "Be You... The World Will Adjust" card from the Girl, Take the Lead! collection—a beautiful reminder that authenticity isn't something we earn permission for. It's something we choose. What would Kristine tell her 20-something self? "Don't sweat the small stuff... and it's all small stuff." When your world changes, what helps you find your way forward? Join the Conversation Share your thoughts—we'd love to hear your story. Enjoying Girl, Take the Lead!? Please follow the podcast, leave a review, and share this episode with someone navigating change, leadership, or a new season of life.

    301. When Our World Changes – Finding Our Way Forward

  4. Jul 1

    300. SOUND BITE: The Evidence of Hope

    Welcome to Sound Bite—a short reflection inspired by conversations on Girl, Take the Lead. This week is a special one. It's our 300th episode. As I reflected on the past four years, I found myself asking: What evidence do we have that hope is justified? We live in a world where fear often makes the headlines. But what if there is another story unfolding quietly around us? In this Sound Bite, I reflect on: ✨ Why hope comes from evidence—not blind optimism ✨ What the World Cup reminds us about belonging ✨ Lessons from nearly 300 conversations with women leaders around the world ✨ Why community may be closer than we realize ✨ Looking at the totality of the evidence—not just the headlines Thank you for listening, for sharing these conversations, and for being part of this incredible community. You are part of the evidence. Reflection question: Where have you seen evidence of hope in your own life recently? Connect with Girl, Take the Lead! 🌐 Website: https://www.girltaketheleadpod.com 💌 Join our newsletter for leadership reflections and podcast updates. 👥 Continue the conversation in the Girl, Take the Lead Facebook Group. 📱 Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, and YouTube. If this episode encouraged you, please consider following the podcast and sharing it with someone who could use a little evidence of hope today.

    300. SOUND BITE: The Evidence of Hope

  5. Jun 25

    299. SOUND BITE: Trust, Faith, and the Courage to Let Go

    A Sound Bite is a short reflection inspired by a recent Girl, Take the Lead! conversation—an opportunity to explore one idea a little more deeply. In this Sound Bite, host Yo Canny reflects on a question that emerged from her conversation with Andrea Mein DeWitt: What is the difference between trust and faith? Together, they explored generosity, boundaries, trust, and the challenge of holding life with open hands. But after the conversation ended, Yo found herself continuing to think about trust—not as a feeling, but as a practice. In this reflection, she explores: ✨ Why hope, trust, and faith are related—but different ✨ How fear and control often travel together ✨ Why courage is required whenever we release certainty ✨ What Andrea's "Open Hands" philosophy can teach us about leadership and life ✨ The question many of us face as we navigate relationships, aging, parenting, retirement, and personal growth: What do we do when we can no longer control the outcome? This Sound Bite was inspired by Episode 298: 🎧 The Generous Heart: Boundaries, Trust, and Letting Go of Resentment with Andrea Mein DeWitt Listen here:https://girltaketheleadpod.com/episode/298-the-generous-heart-boundaries-trust-and-letting-go-of-resentment-with-andrea-mein-dewitt About Andrea Mein DeWitt Andrea Mein DeWitt is a Professional Certified Coach (PCC), author, and creator of the Name, Claim & Reframe® methodology. She helps high-achieving women navigate challenging relationships and life transitions while leading from authenticity rather than armor. Learn more:https://andreadewittadvisors.com 💛 Connect with Girl, Take the Lead! Website:https://girltaketheleadpod.com Shop:https://girltaketheleadpod.com/shop Follow Girl, Take the Lead! on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube for leadership insights, guest highlights, weekly reflections, and inspiring conversations. Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts and never miss an episode. 🎙️ Coming Next Join us next week for another Sound Bite reflection as we explore belonging, community, and the moments that remind us we have more in common than we sometimes realize. Inspired by the spirit of the Fourth of July, we'll reflect on why belonging matters, what brings people together, and how connection may be one of the most powerful forms of leadership. Until then— Listen inward.Lead outward.

    299. SOUND BITE: Trust, Faith, and the Courage to Let Go

  6. Jun 23

    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."

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

  7. Jun 18

    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. 💛

    297. SOUND BITE: The Courage Not to Fit In

  8. 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.

    296. Hidden Mindsets: The Labels, Assumptions, and "Fit" with Teresa Gregory
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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
    306
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Yolanda Canny
  • Show Website
    Girl, Take the Lead!

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