She Takes The Lead

Carole Podell

Start leading your next chapter with boldness and intention, one episode at a time. She Takes The Lead is a personal development podcast that cuts through the noise with raw honesty and genuine empathy for anyone ready to take on life's "left turns" head on. Hosted by Carole Podell, a no-BS New Yorker with a track record of fearless reinvention, this show is where personal growth meets professional development—without the fluff. Drawing from her own successful pivots—from Emmy and Peabody Award-winning producer to executive leadership, to Fertility Warrior and proud single mom by choice—Carole brings her signature straight-talking warmth and transformational storytelling to help listeners navigate career shifts, relationships, self-discovery, and life’s curveballs. No sugar-coating, just hard-won insights delivered with clarity, humor, and kindness. Why Listen? Life transitions are messy, but they don’t have to be lonely. Whether you’re contemplating a midlife career pivot, deepening authentic relationships, or redefining success on your own terms, She Takes The Lead delivers the clarity, confidence, and kick in the ass you need to take action. Through candid conversations and practical guidance shaped by real-world experience, Carole and her guests tackle the big questions: 💡 How do we turn challenges into opportunities for growth?💡 What does it mean to create success and work-life balance our way?💡 When do we trust our intuition to guide transformative change? With refreshing authenticity and zero fluff, She Takes The Lead is your space for growth, reinvention, and breaking free from outdated rules. Expect empowering insights, tactical steps, and a whole lot of heart—because true transformation begins when we stop waiting for permission and start leading from within. Who’s It For? 👉 High achievers redefining what success means 👉 Anyone craving real conversations about career, self-worth, and personal evolution 👉 Women navigating major life transitions New episodes every Tuesday! For show notes, discount codes, and exclusive professional and personal resources, visit SheTakesTheLeadPodcast.com. Everything you need to take action is right there. And before you go, be sure to rate, review, and subscribe wherever you’re listening so you never miss a single episode! 🔥 Listen now and start leading your next chapter with boldness and intention.

  1. 06/10/2025

    Ep 034-I'm Crushing It But Why Can't I Own It?

    Send us Fan Mail Why is it easier to say, “I’m ambitious,” than “I’ve achieved”?  In this episode, I break down why so many high-achieving women (myself included!) struggle to own their success. From redefining what achievement even is, to a conversation between my 6-year-old daughter and her bestie that stopped me in my tracks, this episode is full of truth bombs, real-talk, and one heck of a reminder: you’ve done more than you’re giving yourself credit for. 🎯 We unpack: The emotional weight behind “ambitious” vs “achieving”How midlife shifts your ability to own your winsA heart-melting self-love lesson from two 6-year-oldsSimple ways to friend yourself first—yes, actually🎧 Hit play. Then send it to your bestie!  Want more?  Click follow, subscribe, leave a review and 5 stars always helps! Sign up for The TRIBE newsletter for real-time updates, freebies, and favorite finds at www.carolepodell.com Watch like and subscribe to She Takes The Lead podcast on YouTube. Say hi to Carole, @carolepodell on Instagram, LinkedIn, or Facebook. Like free stuff? Get it here! Disclaimer

    13 min

  2. 05/07/2025

    Ep 033: You're Not Failing, You're Balancing: What Artists, Dreamers, and Doers Need to Know

    Send us Fan Mail In this deeply personal solo episode, I unpack what it really means to live a creative life while juggling the realities of adulthood, ambition, and mental health. I share a story about a fellow artist at a crossroads—struggling financially but convinced they were “born for this.” Sound familiar? I’ve been there. In fact, I’m still there… sometimes mid-pivot, sometimes standing still, sometimes flying forward. This isn’t about glamorizing the hustle. It’s about telling the truth: you can have more than one dream. You’re allowed to pause one without abandoning it. Stability and ambition don’t have to be enemies. And if you’ve ever wondered if it’s okay to pivot or reroute—this one’s for you. In This Episode, I Talk About: Why "burn the boats" advice doesn’t work for everyoneWhat it really looks like to balance your dreams with your billsThe myth of confidence in creative industriesWhat high-achieving, neurodiverse minds misunderstand about procrastinationThe unsexy but essential role of baseline stabilityWhy having more than one dream isn’t scattered—it’s strategicWhat filling “all the pots” in your life might look likeKey Quote:  "A decision isn’t a decision until it’s put into action. But that doesn’t mean all your actions need to go in one direction." Listen if you’re: A multi-passionate creator trying to “make it”Balancing caregiving, bills, and bold dreamsQuestioning your path, your pace, or your planSomeone who hyper-focuses… until you don’tReady to feel a little more whole—on your own termsWant more?  Click follow, subscribe, leave a review and 5 stars always helps! Sign up for The TRIBE newsletter for real-time updates, freebies, and favorite finds at www.carolepodell.com Watch like and subscribe to She Takes The Lead podcast on YouTube. Say hi to Carole, @carolepodell on Instagram, LinkedIn, or Facebook. Like free stuff? Get it here! Disclaimer

    27 min

  3. 04/08/2025

    Ep 030: Why Even Top Leaders Fear Public Speaking—and What Devin Sarno Teaches to Fix It

    Send us Fan Mail What do a teenage debate champion, a C-suite executive, and a karaoke-dodging jazz singer all have in common? Yep—public speaking anxiety. In this episode of She Takes The Lead, I sit down with the fantastic and fun Devin Sarno—founder of Parlay Communicators, keynote speaker, and public speaking coach—to unpack why so many of us freeze up when it’s time to speak in front of others... even if we’re literally pros. Devin shares how her theater background and coaching competitive speech and debate for teens shaped her unique, empathy-first approach to helping people use their voice without fear (or fake pep talks). From awkward boardroom requests to "just sing something" conference room horror stories, we talk about why even the most seasoned professionals can feel like total frauds with a mic in hand. You’ll learn: Why imposter syndrome and stage fright are basically evil twinsHow to build trust when you only have 60 seconds and a shaky voiceThe key to sounding like a leader—even when you’re internally screamingWhat to do when a performance becomes about proving people wrong (hint: don’t do it)How introverts can connect authentically without oversharing or trauma-dumping (yep, we said it)Whether you’re pitching, presenting, or just trying to talk to another parent at the school bake sale without breaking into a flop sweat—this one’s for you. Listen now and learn how to stop white-knuckling your way through every conversation. Your voice deserves to be heard—without the panic. Want more?  Click follow, subscribe, leave a review and 5 stars always helps! Sign up for The TRIBE newsletter for real-time updates, freebies, and favorite finds at www.carolepodell.com Watch like and subscribe to She Takes The Lead podcast on YouTube. Say hi to Carole, @carolepodell on Instagram, LinkedIn, or Facebook. Like free stuff? Get it here! Disclaimer

    47 min

  4. 04/08/2025

    Ep 031: How to Get Money to Love You Back: Ella Rivkin’s Wealth Wisdom for Women

    Send us Fan Mail In this powerhouse episode of She Takes the Lead, Carole sits down with Ella Rivkin—financial strategist, immigrant powerhouse, and co-author of Cracking the Code to Success with Brian Tracy. From a near-tragic accident that changed her life to building financial freedom from $100 in her pocket, Ella shares how she rewrote her money story—and how you can too. This isn't just about spreadsheets or investment portfolios. It's about falling in love with your finances, ditching the fear, and creating a life that doesn’t just include money... but one where money actively works for you. 💸✨ What You’ll Learn: The Money Mantra: “I love money, and money loves me”—and why you need to say it like you mean it.How a bike accident became Ella’s financial and personal rebirth.The “Wheel of Life” method: how to check in on every area of your life, daily.The Value Creation Formula: calculate your freedom number and unlock passive income like a boss.Why your financial freedom goal is different than everyone else’s—and how to stop apologizing for it.Why 80% of wealth building is mindset, not math.How Carole set up a custodial Roth IRA for her daughter—and why it’s the ultimate power move for moms.Ella Rivkin's Website Want more?  Click follow, subscribe, leave a review and 5 stars always helps! Sign up for The TRIBE newsletter for real-time updates, freebies, and favorite finds at www.carolepodell.com Watch like and subscribe to She Takes The Lead podcast on YouTube. Say hi to Carole, @carolepodell on Instagram, LinkedIn, or Facebook. Like free stuff? Get it here! Disclaimer

    57 min

  5. 04/08/2025

    Ep 032: Marriage, Trauma & Tools Nobody Gives You — Except Danielle Sebastian

    Send us Fan Mail In this raw and heart-opening episode of She Takes the Lead, I sit down with Danielle Sebastian—a pharmacist turned trauma-partner support coach—to dive into the unspoken world of being married to someone with unresolved trauma. If you’ve ever felt like you’re walking on eggshells in your relationship, or you’re trying to hold your household together while your partner heals, this one is for you. What We Talk About: Understanding trauma responses and what’s really going on in your partner’s brain How Danielle went from pharmacist to author and wife-care coach The moment her marriage hit rock bottom—and how they clawed their way back Why setting boundaries isn’t betrayal—it’s survival How to decide if healing together is possible…or if it’s time to walk away Parenting while managing triggers (yours and theirs) Real scripts for starting that tough convo when you feel alone in your relationshipKey Takeaways: Trauma responses aren't personal—they're protective.Love is not about being a savior. It's about being a partner.You don’t need a traumatic childhood to have trauma responses.If you're constantly trying to prevent the next meltdown, you’re not thriving—you’re surviving.Empathy is a tool, not a personality trait. Use it wisely and with boundaries. Resources Mentioned: DanielleSebastian.com for free calls and her bookFind her on Instagram: @danielle_sebastian_wifecareWant more?  Click follow, subscribe, leave a review and 5 stars always helps! Sign up for The TRIBE newsletter for real-time updates, freebies, and favorite finds at www.carolepodell.com Watch like and subscribe to She Takes The Lead podcast on YouTube. Say hi to Carole, @carolepodell on Instagram, LinkedIn, or Facebook. Like free stuff? Get it here! Disclaimer

    43 min

  6. 03/11/2025

    Ep 029: Success by Design: Human Design Expert & Visibility Goddess, Abigail Rebecca, Helping Women to Become Iconic and Thrive

    Send us Fan Mail Women Thrive Summit 2025 Speaker Series: This week on She Takes The Lead, we’re featuring powerhouse women from the Women Thrive Summit 2025—leaders, changemakers, and trailblazers sharing their wisdom to help you step into your power. Are you playing small in your career or business? Do you ever feel like you're “too much” or worry about taking up too much space? In this powerful episode of She Takes the Lead, I sit down with Abigail Rebecca, a Human Design Visibility Mentor and expert in helping women embrace their iconic presence. Abigail shares her incredible journey from growing up in a restrictive religious cult to becoming a global leader in female empowerment. We dive into the real reasons high-achieving women hold themselves back and how to finally break free from imposter syndrome, stop apologizing for their power, and attract the right opportunities. If you’re ready to own your voice, embrace your visibility, and stop playing small, this episode is for you! 🔥 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:  ✅ How to overcome the fear of being “too much” and fully step into your power  ✅ Why visibility is the key to scaling your business and career  ✅ The role of Human Design in understanding your leadership style  ✅ How to attract the right clients and repel the wrong ones (without guilt!)  ✅ The surprising way corporate leadership is shifting and what that means for women  ✅ Why freedom and success go hand in hand for women entrepreneurs 💬 Key Quotes from Abigail Rebecca:  💡 “Many women fear being too much. But iconic women don’t hold back—they stand out.”  💡 “Stop apologizing for your power. You don’t want to attract people who don’t align with you anyway.”  💡 “The moment I stopped hustling and leaned into my Human Design, everything changed.” Connect with Abigail Rebecca: Website | Instagram (@thevisibilitygoddess) | YouTube Find Your Human Design: Get Your Free Chart Here Want more?  Click follow, subscribe, leave a review and 5 stars always helps! Sign up for The TRIBE newsletter for real-time updates, freebies, and favorite finds at www.carolepodell.com Watch like and subscribe to She Takes The Lead podcast on YouTube. Say hi to Carole, @carolepodell on Instagram, LinkedIn, or Facebook. Like free stuff? Get it here! Disclaimer

    59 min

  7. 03/10/2025

    Ep 028: Unlocking Feminine Power: Self-Seduction, Sovereignty & The Dark Feminine with Sapha Pardo Heckman

    Send us Fan Mail Women Thrive Summit 2025 Speaker Series: This week on She Takes The Lead, we’re featuring powerhouse women from the Women Thrive Summit 2025—leaders, changemakers, and trailblazers sharing their wisdom to help you step into your power. What if self-care wasn’t just about bubble baths and spa days, but a radical act of self-seduction? In this powerful conversation, I sit down with Sapha Pardo Heckman, Embodied Sovereignty Mentor & Priestess of Feminine Alchemy, to explore how women can reclaim their confidence, step into their personal power, and cultivate deep self-love—without conditions. We dive into: The Art of Self-Seduction: Why falling in love with yourself is the key to true empowerment Breaking Free from the ‘Self-Love’ Trap: Why traditional self-care advice keeps women stuckPersonal Sovereignty: How to stop living at the mercy of others and take full control of your lifeDark Feminine Energy & Embodiment: What it really means to embrace your full power—without apologyIf you’ve ever felt like you’re doing the work (therapy, books, self-help) but still feel stuck, this episode is for you. Get ready for an eye-opening, paradigm-shifting conversation that will change how you see yourself forever. Guest Info:  Sapha Pardo Heckman | Embodied Sovereignty Mentor & Priestess of Feminine Alchemy, Your Soulful Goddess, LLC Follow her on Instagram: @YourSoulfulGoddess Listen to her podcast: Mindfully Sovereign Work with her: info@yoursoulfulgoddess.com Resources & Mentions: 📖 The Red Tent – A book that changed Sapha’s perspective on feminine power 💡 Mindful Self-Seduction – Learn more about how to cultivate deep intimacy with yourself Want more?  Click follow, subscribe, leave a review and 5 stars always helps! Sign up for The TRIBE newsletter for real-time updates, freebies, and favorite finds at www.carolepodell.com Watch like and subscribe to She Takes The Lead podcast on YouTube. Say hi to Carole, @carolepodell on Instagram, LinkedIn, or Facebook. Like free stuff? Get it here! Disclaimer

    1h 3m

  8. 02/20/2025

    027: Unapologetically Visible: Raimonda Jan of Women Thrive on Female Leadership & Business Growth

    Send us Fan Mail Episode Summary: In this empowering episode of She Takes The Lead, I sit down with Raimonda Jan, founder of Women Thrive Summit and Women Thrive Media, to talk about the power of visibility, breaking through self-imposed limitations, and stepping into your full potential. We dive into the fear of being seen, how to balance ambition with motherhood, and the self-liberation that comes with shedding old identities. Whether you're a high-achieving woman navigating life transitions or an entrepreneur ready to take up more space, this conversation will give you the mindset shifts you need to stop playing small and start advocating for yourself. 💡 In this episode, we cover: ✔️ Why visibility is non-negotiable for success (even when it feels scary) ✔️ The moment Raimonda realized she was holding herself back—and how she changed it ✔️ How motherhood fueled her entrepreneurial growth strategy ✔️ The surprising way she found self-liberation (hint: it involves a major hair transformation) ✔️ Why "there are no limits" should be your new mantra Quotes You’ll Love: 💬 "I knew that if I wanted to make a difference, I had to advocate for myself and what I do." 💬 "There are no limits. Don’t tell me it can’t be done—tell me how we can do it." 💬 "Even on your worst day, you are enough." Want more?  Click follow, subscribe, leave a review and 5 stars always helps! Sign up for The TRIBE newsletter for real-time updates, freebies, and favorite finds at www.carolepodell.com Watch like and subscribe to She Takes The Lead podcast on YouTube. Say hi to Carole, @carolepodell on Instagram, LinkedIn, or Facebook. Like free stuff? Get it here! Disclaimer

    46 min
See All (30)

Ratings & Reviews

4.3
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

Start leading your next chapter with boldness and intention, one episode at a time. She Takes The Lead is a personal development podcast that cuts through the noise with raw honesty and genuine empathy for anyone ready to take on life's "left turns" head on. Hosted by Carole Podell, a no-BS New Yorker with a track record of fearless reinvention, this show is where personal growth meets professional development—without the fluff. Drawing from her own successful pivots—from Emmy and Peabody Award-winning producer to executive leadership, to Fertility Warrior and proud single mom by choice—Carole brings her signature straight-talking warmth and transformational storytelling to help listeners navigate career shifts, relationships, self-discovery, and life’s curveballs. No sugar-coating, just hard-won insights delivered with clarity, humor, and kindness. Why Listen? Life transitions are messy, but they don’t have to be lonely. Whether you’re contemplating a midlife career pivot, deepening authentic relationships, or redefining success on your own terms, She Takes The Lead delivers the clarity, confidence, and kick in the ass you need to take action. Through candid conversations and practical guidance shaped by real-world experience, Carole and her guests tackle the big questions: 💡 How do we turn challenges into opportunities for growth?💡 What does it mean to create success and work-life balance our way?💡 When do we trust our intuition to guide transformative change? With refreshing authenticity and zero fluff, She Takes The Lead is your space for growth, reinvention, and breaking free from outdated rules. Expect empowering insights, tactical steps, and a whole lot of heart—because true transformation begins when we stop waiting for permission and start leading from within. Who’s It For? 👉 High achievers redefining what success means 👉 Anyone craving real conversations about career, self-worth, and personal evolution 👉 Women navigating major life transitions New episodes every Tuesday! For show notes, discount codes, and exclusive professional and personal resources, visit SheTakesTheLeadPodcast.com. Everything you need to take action is right there. And before you go, be sure to rate, review, and subscribe wherever you’re listening so you never miss a single episode! 🔥 Listen now and start leading your next chapter with boldness and intention.

Information

  • Creator
    Carole Podell
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    30
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 She Takes The Lead
  • Show Website
    She Takes The Lead