UnCeiling You: Career Growth for Women Ready to Rise Without Burning Out

Natalie Luke, PhD
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UnCeiling You is a movement for high-functioning, high-potential leaders who are ready to rise — not by running faster, but by leading with calm, clarity, and conviction. Each episode breaks through invisible barriers — the self-doubt, over-responsibility, and urgency loops that keep capable people from feeling their own impact. Through real stories and practical strategies, Natalie helps you do what most leaders never learn: Reset the Pace™ — replacing urgency with intention and intensity with focus. Because when you lead from calm and clarity, the ripple effect expands — transforming your work, your relationships, and your world. 🎧 New episodes weekly. Subscribe and start your ripple today.

  1. NOV 25

    When Women’s Professions Are Reclassified: Leadership & Clarity Under Fire

    This week, right before Thanksgiving — a time when so many women already carry the emotional, logistical, and relational load for their families — a major federal rule was announced reclassifying several women-dominated professions as “non-professional.” Nursing, teaching, social work, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, and physician assistant programs will lose access to Graduate PLUS loans beginning July 1, 2026. This change affects workforce pipelines, access to care, financial risk, and the emotional landscape for the women who lead in these fields. In this episode, we break down: What the new rule actually changesWhy the impacted professions are overwhelmingly women-ledThe real-world consequences for care, education, and community servicesWhy your nervous system may have reacted to this newsHow to stay grounded, clear, and steady when external ceilings riseHow to take action without urgency or burnoutThis is not a political episode — it is a leadership episode. It’s about staying steady when the world undervalues the work women carry, and leading with clarity under fire. 🦃 Wishing You a Beautiful ThanksgivingAs you move through this week — a week filled with expectations, planning, hosting, details, and emotional holding — I want to honor the truth: Your leadership is not optional.  Your clarity is not small.  Your presence is not “non-professional.” May your Thanksgiving include moments of peace, grounding, and gratitude for all that you bring to your family, your work, and your community. I’m grateful for you. ⭐ RESOURCES: Raise Your Voice (If You Choose To)If you feel called to take action, here are the links you can use.  You don’t need urgency — just steady leadership and clarity. 1. Contact Your Congressional Representative Find your representative here:  https://www.house.gov/representatives/find-your-representative Find your Senators here:  https://www.senate.gov/senators/senators-contact.htm 2. Submit a Public Comment to the Department of Education New rules are posted here for public comment:  https://www.regulations.gov 3. Join or Follow Advocacy Groups Working on This Issue American Nurses AssociationAmerican Speech-Language-Hearing AssociationAmerican Physical Therapy AssociationAmerican Occupational Therapy AssociationNational Association of Social WorkersAmerican Federation of TeachersPhysician Assistant Education AssociationEach of these organizations is preparing statements, analyses, and advocacy paths. ⭐ RESET & RECHARGE GUIDE — FOR CALM CLARITY UNDER PRESSUREIf this episode stirred something in your system, the Reset & Recharge Guide is designed to help you settle your nervous system, regain your clarity, and lead from steadiness — not urgency. Download it free here: Click Here! Send us a text Support the show Learn More at https://unceilingzone.com/

    14 min
  2. The Boldest Career Move You Can Make: Saying No with Confidence

    NOV 17

    The Boldest Career Move You Can Make: Saying No with Confidence

    What if the boldest career move you can make isn’t a yes — but a no? In this powerful episode of UnCeiling You, Natalie sits down with Stacie Shifflett, a woman who has rewritten what leadership looks like in rooms where she was never “supposed” to hold power. From turning down multiple offers from Booz Allen…  to negotiating work on her own terms…  to helping lead a $50 million acquisition without a college degree… to walking away from lucrative roles that didn’t align with her values… Stacie’s career is a masterclass in self-trust, boundaries, and courageous reinvention. This episode will challenge the myth that success is built through sacrifice and saying yes.  Instead, you’ll learn how the right boundaries create clarity, authority, and sustainable leadership. Resources https://modernconsciousness.com/ https://unceilingzone.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/natalielukephdbcmas/ Send us a text UnCeiling Your Career: At Any Age Book📘 UnCeiling Your Career — At Any Age helps you battle self-doubt, build strategic plans, and keep a UnCeiling ZoneThe UnCeiling Zone is a members-only community designed to help you break past self-doubt and ceilinDisclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show Learn More at https://unceilingzone.com/

    39 min
  3. From Reacting to Responding: Calm Leadership for Career Advancement

    NOV 10

    From Reacting to Responding: Calm Leadership for Career Advancement

    Career advancement and leadership development don’t come from pushing harder — they come from learning how to lead with calm clarity. In this episode, we explore what it takes to shift from reacting under pressure to responding with confidence at work so you can grow sustainably without burning out. This conversation with The Dutch Mentor goes straight to the heart of what overwhelmed high performers face: the invisible pace that drives urgency, overworking, and emotional exhaustion. Together we talk about how women in leadership — and anyone navigating high-pressure environments — can embrace calm leadership as a strategic advantage. You’ll learn why burnout recovery isn’t just about slowing down; it’s about resetting your internal pace so you can lead with intentional career growth, stronger leadership boundaries, and authentic authority. Walter shares powerful frameworks, including E + R = O (Event + Response = Outcome), and shows how small shifts in awareness can create self-assured leadership rooted in presence rather than pressure. We discuss the valley of despair that often happens when you transition from doing to leading — and how to navigate that moment with grace. We talk about delegation, trust, team empowerment, and the practical mindset shifts required for sustainable leadership. Resources:  https://www.thedutchmentor.com/ Come check out Walter's services and book a FREE strategy call to discuss your journey and identify ways you might be able to collaborate! The UnCeiling Zone: https://unceilingzone.com/ Send us a text UnCeiling Your Career: At Any Age Book📘 UnCeiling Your Career — At Any Age helps you battle self-doubt, build strategic plans, and keep a UnCeiling ZoneThe UnCeiling Zone is a members-only community designed to help you break past self-doubt and ceilinDisclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show Learn More at https://unceilingzone.com/

    39 min
  4. Doing Everything Right — and Still Unseen? Career Confidence for Women Leaders

    NOV 3

    Doing Everything Right — and Still Unseen? Career Confidence for Women Leaders

    You hit every target — but somehow, it still feels like no one sees you. In this episode of UnCeiling You, host Dr. Natalie Luke sits down with Sharon Ehrlich — executive coach, public speaker, and former IT executive — to unpack why high-performing women can feel invisible even when excelling. Together, they explore the mindset and strategies behind true visibility, confidence at work, and career advancement that doesn’t come at the cost of your peace. You’ll learn: Why effort ≠ recognition (and what actually gets you noticed)The difference between mentorship and sponsorship in leadership developmentHow to reframe networking as generosity, not self-promotionThe subtle habits that build visibility without burnoutHow calm confidence leads to authentic influence and opportunityIf you’ve ever felt like your hard work speaks quietly while others seem to shout their way ahead, this conversation will help you change that — strategically, not loudly. Resources:  https://livingwhileleading.com/work-with-sharon/ Follow Sharon on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharonehrlich1/ Send us a text UnCeiling Your Career: At Any Age Book📘 UnCeiling Your Career — At Any Age helps you battle self-doubt, build strategic plans, and keep a UnCeiling ZoneThe UnCeiling Zone is a members-only community designed to help you break past self-doubt and ceilinDisclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show Learn More at https://unceilingzone.com/

    38 min
  5. Finding Purpose Under Pressure: Leadership Alignment & Career Growth

    OCT 29

    Finding Purpose Under Pressure: Leadership Alignment & Career Growth

    What happens when life looks perfect on the outside—but inside, something feels misaligned? In this episode of UnCeiling You, Dr. Natalie Luke talks with Betsy Pepine, award-winning entrepreneur and author of Breaking Boxes, about staying aligned with your values under pressure. Together, they explore how authenticity, awareness, and courage fuel leadership development and career advancement for women who refuse to compromise their integrity for success. You’ll learn how women in leadership can build trust through alignment, recognize when it’s time for necessary endings, and lead with confidence at work even when pressure mounts. 🎧 Listen now to discover why impact—not image—is the real measure of leadership. 🌱 Resources & Links Guest: Betsy Pepine – betsypepine.comBook: Breaking Boxes: Dismantling the Metaphorical Boxes that Bind UsFollow Betsy: @betsypepineHost: Dr. Natalie LukeFree Guide: Staying Calm During the Storm – How to Stay Centered When Pressure Pushes → Click Here! 🧭 About UnCeiling You UnCeiling You helps ambitious professionals break through inner and outer ceilings—one conversation at a time.  Hosted by Dr. Natalie Luke, each episode explores the power of imagination, ambition, and alignment to create meaningful success and authentic leadership. Season 3 dives into networking that feels natural—where purpose, clarity, and connection replace hustle, self-doubt, and performance. Send us a text UnCeiling Your Career: At Any Age Book📘 UnCeiling Your Career — At Any Age helps you battle self-doubt, build strategic plans, and keep a UnCeiling ZoneThe UnCeiling Zone is a members-only community designed to help you break past self-doubt and ceilinDisclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show Learn More at https://unceilingzone.com/

    31 min
  6. Negotiation Isn’t Confrontation: Career Advancement Through Alignment

    OCT 27

    Negotiation Isn’t Confrontation: Career Advancement Through Alignment

    Negotiation isn’t confrontation — it’s alignment. In this empowering episode of UnCeiling You, Dr. Natalie Luke talks with Khiara Cureton, Executive, Career, and Wealth Coach, about redefining negotiation as a tool for leadership development and career advancement — especially for ambitious women balancing work and motherhood. You’ll learn how to ask for more without guilt, lead from alignment instead of exhaustion, and cultivate confidence at work rooted in self-trust, not people-pleasing. Together, they explore how women in leadership can transform negotiation into connection — creating opportunities for impact, not conflict. 🎧 Listen now to discover why your worth isn’t up for debate — it’s waiting to be claimed. Resources  http://www.ancherco.com Ready to break through the middle-management ceiling and build wealth without burnout? Let’s talk! Connect with me at www.ancherco.com or DM me "EXECUTIVE" on Instagram @theancherco! 🌱 Take It Deeper What if you could turn moments of self-doubt into clarity? The Leadership Reset™ program helps professionals rebuild calm confidence and self-trust to lead from alignment, not exhaustion. Join the waitlist at Click Here! Send us a text UnCeiling Your Career: At Any Age Book📘 UnCeiling Your Career — At Any Age helps you battle self-doubt, build strategic plans, and keep a UnCeiling ZoneThe UnCeiling Zone is a members-only community designed to help you break past self-doubt and ceilinDisclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show Learn More at https://unceilingzone.com/

    28 min
  7. The 3-Second Window That Breaks Self-Sabotage & Builds Leadership Confidence

    OCT 22

    The 3-Second Window That Breaks Self-Sabotage & Builds Leadership Confidence

    Why do we pull back when opportunity knocks instead of stepping forward? In this episode of UnCeiling You, Dr. Natalie Luke talks with Dr. Albert Bramante, talent agent, psychologist, and author of Rise Above the Script, about the hidden psychology of self-sabotage and how to transform fear into clarity and confidence at work. You’ll learn how to spot the split-second moment when fear disguises itself as logic—and how to use it to your advantage for authentic leadership development and career advancement. 🎧 Listen now to learn how women in leadership and high achievers can stop self-sabotage, calm the nervous system, and lead with courage, focus, and inner alignment. 💫 About Today’s Guest Dr. Albert Bramante is a seasoned talent agent with over two decades in the entertainment industry. He holds a Ph.D. in Psychology from Walden University and is a certified Hypnotist and NLP Practitioner. His mission: to help people overcome self-sabotage, align identity with performance, and unlock their highest potential. He’s the author of Rise Above the Script. Tools: www.albertbramante.com Book: https://a.co/d/axZ5Rgc 🌱 Take It Deeper What if you could turn moments of self-doubt into clarity? The Leadership Reset™ program helps professionals rebuild calm confidence and self-trust to lead from alignment, not exhaustion. Join the waitlist at Click Here! 🎧 Listen if you are: A high-performing professional who feels stuck or stretched thin.A leader who’s ready to replace overdrive with aligned drive.A creative or an entrepreneur learning to lead themselves before leading others.Send us a text UnCeiling Your Career: At Any Age Book📘 UnCeiling Your Career — At Any Age helps you battle self-doubt, build strategic plans, and keep a UnCeiling ZoneThe UnCeiling Zone is a members-only community designed to help you break past self-doubt and ceilinDisclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show Learn More at https://unceilingzone.com/

    34 min
  8. Stop Acting Like a Leader: Authentic Leadership & Confidence at Work

    OCT 20

    Stop Acting Like a Leader: Authentic Leadership & Confidence at Work

    Most professionals know how to act like leaders — confident voice, polished presence, solid résumé. But what happens when your energy doesn’t match your words? In this episode of UnCeiling You, Dr. Natalie Luke sits down with Katherine Lazaruk, leadership and presence coach, to explore how authentic leadership development begins from the inside out. Katherine shares practical strategies to stop performing confidence and start embodying calm authority — building real confidence at work that inspires trust. Together, they reveal how alignment between your inner truth and outer presence unlocks genuine career advancement and sustainable influence. 🎧 Listen now to learn how women in leadership can lead from congruence — not control. 🧠 Try This Exercise Before your next meeting or presentation, take 10 seconds to pause. Rub your hands together gently, inhale slowly, and exhale longer than you inhale. Ask yourself: “What part of me am I protecting right now?” That question alone can shift you from performing confidence to embodying calm authority.🌊 Connect & Go Deeper Join the UnCeiling Community — a space for leaders ready to lead with calm confidence, inner clarity, and authentic power. 💻 https://unceilingzone.com/ Coming soon → The Leadership Reset A guided program to move from overdrive to aligned drive. Rebuild self-trust, clarity, and resilience so leadership feels sustainable — not draining. Join the Waitlist Here! Want to connect with Katherine? Click here!  https://lzrkconsulting.com Send us a text UnCeiling Your Career: At Any Age Book📘 UnCeiling Your Career — At Any Age helps you battle self-doubt, build strategic plans, and keep a UnCeiling ZoneThe UnCeiling Zone is a members-only community designed to help you break past self-doubt and ceilinDisclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show Learn More at https://unceilingzone.com/

    39 min
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About

UnCeiling You is a movement for high-functioning, high-potential leaders who are ready to rise — not by running faster, but by leading with calm, clarity, and conviction. Each episode breaks through invisible barriers — the self-doubt, over-responsibility, and urgency loops that keep capable people from feeling their own impact. Through real stories and practical strategies, Natalie helps you do what most leaders never learn: Reset the Pace™ — replacing urgency with intention and intensity with focus. Because when you lead from calm and clarity, the ripple effect expands — transforming your work, your relationships, and your world. 🎧 New episodes weekly. Subscribe and start your ripple today.

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