LEAD LIKE A GIRL

Jessica Smith, Coralyn Musser and Jamie Knebel

We are empowering everyday women through our stories – the good, the bad, and the funny. Join hosts Jessica, Jamie, and Coralyn as they dive into unfiltered stories, big lessons, and real conversations. They met in their 20s as ambitious sales pros, quickly rising to the top. Careers shifted, industries changed, and life threw curveballs—but their drive never wavered. Now, they’re sharing the highs, lows, and hilarious moments of balancing career, family, faith, and friendship. If you’re ready to lead, laugh, and level up, you’re in the right place!

  1. 23h ago

    Are You Quitting in the Boring Middle? Why Commitment Matters More Than Motivation; E109

    Motivation got you started… but commitment is what gets you across the finish line. In this episode of Lead Like a Girl, we dive into the often-overlooked phase of personal growth and success: the boring middle. It’s the part no one talks about—the weeks, months, and sometimes years between setting a goal and seeing the results. We share real-life stories about staying committed when motivation fades, why discipline matters more than inspiration, and how accountability can help you push through setbacks. Whether you're building a business, pursuing a fitness goal, advancing your career, or simply trying to keep promises to yourself, this conversation will help you stay focused when the excitement wears off. Why the “boring middle” is where most people quit How commitment differs from motivation The role accountability plays in long-term success Practical ways to build discipline into your daily routine How to plan for obstacles before they happen Why small wins create massive momentum over time The importance of saying no to protect your goals Strategies for staying engaged when progress feels slow “Plan for what can go wrong.” “Start small, celebrate wins.” “Plan your routine to avoid boredom.” 00:00 – Introduction and Personal Reflections 03:25 – Post-Wedding Life and Commitments 06:14 – The Challenge of Commitment 09:03 – Understanding Accountability and Discipline 11:44 – The Boring Middle of Commitment 14:41 – Fear and Its Impact on Commitment 18:40 – Commitment and Accountability 21:51 – Setting Realistic Goals 28:00 – Navigating the Boring Middle 33:33 – The Importance of Saying No women leadership, empowerment, goal setting, discipline, accountability, motivation, habits, consistency, personal development, self-improvement, working moms, leadership growth, success mindset If you've ever felt stuck between starting and succeeding, this episode is your reminder that progress isn't always exciting—but it is worth it. Subscribe, share with a friend, and join us as we learn to Lead Like a Girl—fiercely, fearlessly, and full of heart.

    39 min
  2. Jun 10

    50 and Fabulous: Getting Married Again—Here's the Truth; E108

    Who says the best chapters of life happen before 40? In this heartfelt and inspiring episode of Lead Like a Girl, Jamie shares her personal journey of finding love, embracing vulnerability, and preparing to get married at 50. From navigating heartbreak and learning from past relationships to discovering the power of healing, self-awareness, and courage, this conversation is a reminder that life doesn't come with an expiration date on happiness. We dive into the realities of second chances, wedding planning stress, blended families, and the lessons that only come with experience. Whether you're rebuilding after disappointment, chasing a new dream, or wondering if it's too late to start over, this episode will encourage you to trust your journey and embrace what's next. Because sometimes the most beautiful love stories begin when you least expect them. Why courage is required to pursue happiness at every ageThe lessons Jamie learned from past relationships and engagementsHow healing and self-awareness create healthier relationshipsRed flags, relationship wisdom, and trusting your instinctsWedding planning expectations versus realityManaging stress and staying focused on what truly mattersNavigating blended families and communication challengesLetting go of other people's opinions and living authenticallyWhy it's never too late for love, growth, or new beginnings"Pay attention to red flags.""Healing is a work in progress.""It's never too late for love."00:00 – Introduction and Guest Credibility 01:02 – Courage, Happiness, and Second Chances 02:00 – Wedding Excitement and Personal Growth 03:03 – Red Flags and Relationship Warning Labels 05:09 – Refusing to Stress Over Wedding Details 10:55 – Jamie's Love Journey and Past Engagements 12:40 – Meeting the Right Person at 50 14:17 – Self-Discovery, Healing, and Growth 19:21 – Letting Go of Others' Opinions 21:04 – How Past Relationships Shape Us 22:57 – Healing Timelines and Moving Forward 26:02 – Wedding Planning Stress and Resilience 27:31 – Funny Wedding Disagreements and Unexpected Costs 30:10 – Wedding Day Nerves and Excitement 31:48 – Celebrating Love and New Beginnings 34:01 – Jamie's Mother's Inspiring Wedding Story 36:12 – Communication and Blended Family Lessons 37:43 – Final Encouragement and Closing Thoughts Subscribe to Lead Like a Girl for weekly conversations about women leadership, empowerment, personal growth, working moms, entrepreneurship, and the real stories behind success. Watch more episodes on Lead Like a Girl Lab: https://www.youtube.com/@LeadLikeaGirlLab women leadership, empowerment, second chances, marriage at 50, love after 50, personal growth, healing journey, relationship advice, life lessons, authentic living, happiness, self-awareness, women supporting women, blended families, real stories In This Episode We Discuss:Memorable QuotesChaptersConnect With UsKeywords

    40 min
  3. May 27

    Your Purpose Is Bigger Than Your Job Title: Finding Your Why; E106

    Are you building a life with purpose… or just staying busy checking boxes? In this powerful and honest conversation, Jessica, Jamie, and Coralyn dive into one of life’s biggest questions: Why am I here? From discovering your unique gifts to understanding how serving others can unlock meaning, this episode explores what it looks like to live intentionally instead of running on autopilot. If you've ever found yourself thinking “There has to be more than this,” this conversation is for you. Through personal stories, practical takeaways, and real-life reflections, we unpack how purpose often isn't found in giant life moments — it's revealed through everyday interactions, courageous steps, and serving one person at a time. – Why discovering your "why" matters more than chasing achievement– How everyday interactions reveal your unique gifts and strengths– The connection between purpose, service, and fulfillment– What distractions are stealing your attention and focus– Practical steps for self-discovery and intentional living– How women in leadership and working moms can create impact through ordinary moments– Ways to stop surviving and start living with greater meaning "Are we just busy living?" "There has to be more than this." "Serve one person at a time." 00:00 – Discovering Your Why03:16 – Unpacking Personal Gifts and Purpose11:59 – The Importance of Serving Others20:09 – Finding Meaning in Everyday Life25:07 – Practical Steps to Make a Difference – Lead Like A Girl Website– StrengthsFinder by Gallup– Giant Worldwide Core Beliefs Assessment – Jessica on LinkedIn– Jamie on Twitter– Coralyn on Instagram In this episode, we cover:Quotable MomentsChaptersResources MentionedConnect with the Hosts

    35 min
  4. May 20

    Am I Too Old for This? Confidence, Growth & Reinvention at Any Age; E105

    Who decided life has an expiration date on dreams, reinvention, or joy?In this heartfelt and hilariously honest episode of Lead Like a Girl, Jamie, Jessica, and Coralyn dive into the pressure women feel around aging, timelines, and “having it all figured out.” From career pivots and relationships to confidence, fashion, and personal growth — this conversation is your reminder that life doesn’t stop at a certain age… it actually gets better when you stop asking for permission. If you’ve ever caught yourself thinking “Am I too old for this?” — this episode is for you. Together, the hosts unpack societal expectations around women and aging, the emotional weight of missed milestones, and the freedom that comes from embracing your journey exactly as it is. Through laughter, vulnerability, and real-life stories, they explore how confidence and self-acceptance evolve over time — and why celebrating your wins matters no matter when they happen. Why women feel pressured by society’s timelinesThe truth about aging and self-confidenceNavigating career pivots later in lifeRelationships, dating, and finding love againFashion, identity, and owning your personal styleEmotional growth and celebrating unexpected milestonesHow friendship and community help us embrace changeWhy it’s never too late to reinvent yourself“Every day is priceless, make the most of it.” “You’re never too old for anything.” “Celebrate your wins, no matter the timing.” Aging, women leadership, self-acceptance, confidence, life transitions, empowerment, personal growth, working moms, friendship, motivation, career pivots, embracing change, real stories 🎧 Lead Like a Girl is the unapologetically real podcast empowering women through honest conversations about leadership, growth, motherhood, ambition, and the messy middle of life. Subscribe and join the movement to lead boldly, fearlessly, and fully yourself.

    40 min
  5. May 13

    Do Hard Things: The Mindset Shift That Changes Everything; E104

    Comfort is quietly limiting your growth.In this powerful and honest episode of Lead Like a Girl, Jessica, Jamie, and Coralyn dive deep into why doing hard things is the key to confidence, resilience, leadership, and personal growth. From starting over and facing fear to embracing discomfort and learning through adversity, this conversation is packed with real stories, practical mindset shifts, and empowering reminders that growth rarely happens inside your comfort zone. If you’ve been feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or afraid to take the next step — this episode will challenge and encourage you to move anyway. ✨ Because small brave wins lead to life-changing transformation. Why hard things build confidence and characterThe connection between discomfort and growthReal stories of overcoming fear and adversityHow resilience is built one small win at a timePractical ways to expand your capacity and mindsetWhy women leadership often requires courage before confidence“Comfort is quietly limiting us from growth.”“Embrace the hardness, it makes you stronger.”“Small brave wins lead to big transformations.”00:00 Introduction and Setup01:02 The Importance of Hard Things01:32 Personal Experiences with Hardships04:27 Lessons from Hardships07:26 The Role of Support in Overcoming Challenges10:22 Conclusion and Reflections12:58 Embracing Achievements and Pride13:45 The Courage to Start Over14:02 Comfort vs. Growth16:57 Creating Change Through Small Actions19:35 Building Confidence Through Hardship22:11 The Power of Small Brave Wins24:27 Facing the Unknown with Courage27:42 The Instinct to Act in Crisis32:07 Takeaways: Embracing Hardships Toastmasters InternationalGrit by Angela DuckworthInstagram – CoralynTwitter – JessicaLinkedIn – Jamie#womenleadership #personalgrowth #confidence #resilience #empowerment #workingmoms #leadershippodcast #growthmindset #womeninbusiness #hardthings #selfdevelopment #motivation In This Episode:Sound Bites:Chapters:Resources Mentioned:Connect With Us:

    36 min
  6. May 6

    How to Overcome Fear & Keep Climbing | Jennifer Harkness; E103

    Could you keep climbing when everything in your body tells you to quit? Jennifer Harkness joins Lead Like a Girl to share her unforgettable experience attempting to summit Mount Kilimanjaro — and the life-changing lessons she learned along the way. From intense physical preparation to unexpected panic attacks at high altitude, Jennifer gets real about the mental toughness required to face fear, push through discomfort, and redefine success. This episode is for every woman navigating big goals, self-doubt, leadership challenges, motherhood, business ownership, or simply trying to survive life’s hard seasons with courage intact. Whether you’re climbing literal mountains or personal ones, this conversation is packed with inspiration, resilience, and practical wisdom. Women leadership and resilienceMental toughness and perseveranceOvercoming fear and self-doubtAdventure travel and personal growthGoal setting and mindsetWorking through setbacksBuilding confidence through challengeLiving a purpose-driven life00:00 — Introduction and Banter 02:29 — Preparing for Goals: Successes and Failures 07:24 — The Journey to Climbing Kilimanjaro 11:05 — Training and Mental Preparation 16:43 — The Climb Begins: Overcoming Challenges 22:05 — Facing Fears and Finding Strength 27:51 — The Final Push to the Summit 29:40 — Mental Struggles: Pressure and Self-Doubt on the Climb 31:43 — Turning Back: The Decision to Descend 32:46 — Reflections on Failure: Learning from the Experience 33:54 — The Call to Adventure: Planning for Another Attempt 35:44 — Embracing the Journey: Finding Pride in the Experience 39:26 — Life Lessons from the Mountain: Overcoming Challenges 42:58 — The Importance of Community: Support on the Journey Jennifer Harkness on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jenniferharknessMount Kilimanjaro: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_KilimanjaroWomen High on Adventure: https://womenhighonadventure.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/jenniferharknessTopics CoveredChaptersResources & LinksConnect with Jennifer

    47 min
  7. Apr 28

    Stop Scrolling, Start Posting: How LinkedIn Can Transform Your Career in 2026; E102

    If you’ve been treating LinkedIn like a digital resume, you’re leaving serious opportunity on the table. In this episode of Lead Like a Girl, Jessica, Jamie, and Coralyn break down how LinkedIn has evolved into one of the most powerful platforms for personal branding, career growth, and women’s leadership visibility. This is your wake-up call to stop overthinking, stop lurking, and start showing up with confidence. Because the truth? Visibility creates opportunity. Whether you're a working mom, entrepreneur, or professional ready to grow your influence, this episode gives you the mindset and strategy to build a brand that actually opens doors. Why LinkedIn is the #1 platform for organic reach and professional growthHow to build confidence and show up authentically onlineProven LinkedIn content strategies to increase visibility and engagementThe power of storytelling in personal branding for womenHow small actions (comments, posts, shares) lead to big opportunitiesLinkedIn is no longer optional — it’s essential for career growth and visibilityConfidence is built through action, not perfectionEngagement drives reach — don’t just post, participateYour story builds connection, credibility, and influenceAuthenticity will outperform curated perfection every time“Your voice is not random.”“Stop consuming, start creating.”“Visibility creates opportunity.”Post one story from your personal or professional journey this weekComment on 5 posts with intention and valueShow up before you feel ready — that’s where growth happens00:00 Introduction and Setting the Stage03:03 The Power of LinkedIn as a Content Platform05:53 Overcoming Fear and Building Confidence08:49 LinkedIn: From Resume to Personal Brand Tool11:18 How Visibility Impacts Career Opportunities14:14 LinkedIn Engagement Strategies That Work17:08 Building a Personal Brand Through Storytelling19:47 Why Authentic Content Wins22:44 Sharing Vulnerability and Growth Moments25:05 Your LinkedIn Challenge27:56 Final Thoughts and Encouragement Lead Like a Girl on LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/leadlikeagirllab/⁠Website: ⁠https://leadlikeagirllab.com⁠

    38 min
5
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

We are empowering everyday women through our stories – the good, the bad, and the funny. Join hosts Jessica, Jamie, and Coralyn as they dive into unfiltered stories, big lessons, and real conversations. They met in their 20s as ambitious sales pros, quickly rising to the top. Careers shifted, industries changed, and life threw curveballs—but their drive never wavered. Now, they’re sharing the highs, lows, and hilarious moments of balancing career, family, faith, and friendship. If you’re ready to lead, laugh, and level up, you’re in the right place!

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