Lead with Spark | Leadership for Women, Work - Life Balance, Career Confidence

Lynsey Mulder
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Welcome to the Lead with Spark Podcast, Authentic Leadership for Women Who Want More. What does it truly mean to lead not just in the boardroom or a team meeting, but in your actual life? I’m Lynsey Mulder, leadership coach, speaker, and former Fortune 100 Senior Vice President turned full-time champion for purpose-driven women. On the Lead with Spark podcast, we explore what it really means to lead with authenticity, confidence, and alignment - at work and at home. Decades ago, I earned my first coaching certification, long before leadership coaching became mainstream. Since then, I’ve climbed the corporate ladder, managed teams through chaos, and checked every “success” box, until burnout forced me to ask: Is this it? Spoiler alert: It wasn’t. Today, I coach high-performing women and executives who are ready to lead from the inside out, with clarity, energy, and purpose. This podcast is for ambitious women leaders, executives, and entrepreneurs ready to level up their leadership, reclaim their spark, and ditch burnout hustle. We talk executive presence, leadership communication, values-driven decision-making, setting boundaries, and how to balance it all without losing yourself. Whether you’re leading a team, a company, or just trying to lead your life more intentionally, you’ll find real conversations, actionable strategies, and empowering insight here. Because leadership isn’t just about what you do, it’s about who you are. Ready to lead with more purpose, presence, and power? Hit subscribe and join the movement. Keep showing up. Keep leading with spark. You’ve got this - and I’ve got you. www.LynseyMulder.com

  1. 1D AGO

    E36 The People-Pleasing Tax: How to Stop People Pleasing and Set Boundaries Without Guilt

    If you have ever said "No problem" while your brain whispered "This is a problem," you are not alone. In this episode, Lynsey breaks down the People-Pleasing Tax - the hidden cost of always being the reliable one - and shares a simple, real-life way to set boundaries without guilt. You will learn how to stop people pleasing (especially people pleasing at work), how to say no without over-explaining, and how to protect your time and energy without losing your warmth or your leadership voice. Together we will talk about Why people pleasing at work looks like professionalism - and why it quietly leads to emotional exhaustion The difference between kindness and overfunctioning (and how to tell which one you are doing) How to set boundaries at work without sounding rude, cold, or "difficult" A simple 3-step refund plan you can use the moment someone asks for "one more thing" Scripts to help you say no professionally, protect your calendar, and build executive presence A quick challenge to practice one boundary this week (without turning into a new person overnight) One line to take with you Clear is kind. A clean no today is kinder than a resentful yes tomorrow. Resources Download the People-Pleasing Tax Refund Worksheet to spot your auto-yes moments, choose a boundary sentence, and protect your energy. If you want support applying this to your real-life situations, book a free coaching session using the link in the show notes. Connect with Lynsey: Website: LynseyMulder.com Facebook: @LynseySMulder LinkedIn: @Lynsey-Mulder Instagram: @LynseyMulder

    19 min
  2. E35 Bold Goals, Busy Life: Rituals to Turn Off Work Brain and Show Up in Life with Danielle McGeough

    FEB 11

    E35 Bold Goals, Busy Life: Rituals to Turn Off Work Brain and Show Up in Life with Danielle McGeough

    We’re so lucky to have Danielle McGeough with us today! Honestly… when I grow up, I want to be Danielle. She’s a mom, professor at the University of Northern Iowa, certified Women-Centered Coach, and the host of one of the nation’s top podcasts, Plan Goal Plan. Danielle helps high achievers become as ambitious about their personal lives as they’ve been about their work—one bold goal at a time. In this episode, Danielle and I get real about what happens when you’re crushing it on paper… but still feel hollow, scattered, or stuck. We unpack the difference between habits (autopilot) and rituals (meaning + presence), and why rituals can be the missing link for leaders who want big results without losing themselves. You’ll hear practical, relatable examples—like how to shut off “work brain” when you walk in the door, why copying other people’s routines can quietly build resentment, and how to create micro-rituals that actually fit your life and your season. We also dive into goal-setting that doesn’t crush your soul: bold goals, “impossible goals,” and how sharing your goals (with the right people—or even just with yourself) helps your brain stay focused when life gets… banana pants. Together we will talk about: The real difference between habits vs. rituals (and why both matter) Simple transition rituals to move from work mode → home mode Why “doing more” won’t fix autopilot living Bold goals vs. impossible goals (and how they unlock new pathways) Danielle’s Balance Brief weekly ritual using her PACE framework: Protect, Anchor, Connect, Execute The surprising truth about sharing goals—and who to share them with One line to take with you: It’s so much easier to say no when you’ve already decided what you’re saying yes to.   Connect with Danielle: Website: Plangoalplan.com Stuck Self Leadership Assessment Plan Goal Plan Podcast LinkedIn Connect with Lynsey: Website: com Facebook: @LynseySMulder LinkedIn: @Lynsey-Mulder Instagram: @LynseyMulder

    42 min

  3. FEB 4

    E34 Leading Mixed-Personality Teams: How to Channel Energy Without Creating Chaos

    Every team has it: the steady one… and the energetic one. The calm processor… and the loud processor. The rule-follower… and the “let’s reinvent everything by Tuesday” person. In this episode of Lead with Spark, Lynsey shares two laugh-out-loud dog stories that turn into a surprisingly accurate leadership metaphor: how to lead mixed-energy teams without leaving “stuffing on the floor.” This isn’t a step-by-step episode. It’s a real conversation about what mixed energy actually means, what leaders often mislabel as “a problem,” and how great leadership channels energy instead of crushing it. You’ll hear anonymous client moments (the high performer carrying too much, the steady one becoming the container for everyone), plus Lynsey’s take on how this dynamic often shows up inside you during seasons of growth and reinvention. If you’re leading people in a fast-moving world—and you want to build trust, protect culture, and get the best from every style—this one’s for you. Together we will talk about: Why every workplace has “old dog / new chaos” energy (and why it’s normal) Mixed energy ages: same team, different nervous systems When “chaos” is actually an unmet need—not a bad attitude The shadow side of the steady, experienced teammate (and how innovation quietly dies) How great leaders channel energy instead of shaming it (and why culture matters) How this dynamic can show up inside YOU during growth and reinvention seasons One line to take with you: Channel the energy. Don’t shame it. Honor the steady. Don’t overuse it. Share this episode with: the “older dog” leader who needs to loosen their grip a little the “younger dog” leader who needs guardrails (not shame) the woman carrying the team… while quietly outgrowing her own chapter Connect with Lynsey: Website: LynseyMulder.com Facebook: @LynseySMulder LinkedIn: @Lynsey-Mulder Instagram: @LynseyMulder

    18 min

  4. JAN 28

    E33 Outgrowing Your Life? The Reinvention Conversation Every Woman Leader Needs

    Have you ever had a moment where you are doing the thing you are supposed to be doing... and a quiet thought shows up: Wait, is this it? In this episode of Lead with Spark, Lynsey normalizes reinvention and reframes it as a modern life skill. Not a crisis. Not a failure. Often, it is simply evolution. You will hear real stories from Lynsey’s own reinventions (from motherhood to leaving corporate) plus client moments that prove this is more common - and more courageous - than we admit. As our world moves faster, reinvention is happening more often in a lifetime. Even employers expect rapid skill shifts in the coming years. So if you feel the pull toward a new chapter, you are not late... you are paying attention. Together we will talk about: Why reinvention is normal (and increasingly necessary) in today’s fast-moving world Anchor Point 1: The Before - the nudge, the restlessness, and the quiet ‘there’s more’ Anchor Point 2: The Bridge - the messy middle where clarity becomes courage Anchor Point 3: The Becoming - coming home to yourself and trusting your voice again Real client examples: checking the boxes but not feeling alive, and finding confidence through truth + boundaries The truth women need to hear: you do not need a breakdown to justify a breakthrough One line to take with you: Reinvention is not starting over - it is starting from experience. Mentioned in the episode: World Economic Forum: many workers will need reskilling/upskilling by 2030 and core skills are expected to shift significantly Coaching invitation: If you are in a reinvention season (career, confidence, identity, what’s next), Lynsey coaches women through clarity and brave movement without needing certainty first Your next Action: Feeling the pull toward a new chapter? You do not have to figure it out alone. Connect with Lynsey to explore what reinvention could look like in your life and career.  Connect with Lynsey: Website: LynseyMulder.com Facebook: @LynseySMulder LinkedIn: @Lynsey-Mulder Instagram: @LynseyMulder

    18 min

  5. JAN 21

    E32: Boundaries Without Guilt: How to Say No Without Feeling Mean

    If you’ve ever said “yes” out of habit… then immediately felt annoyed, overwhelmed, or resentful — this episode is for you. In today’s episode of Lead with Spark, we’re talking about how to set boundaries without guilt, without over-explaining, and without feeling like you’re being “difficult.” Because here’s the truth: boundaries aren’t rude — they’re leadership. And if you don’t create boundaries, burnout will eventually create them for you… with way more drama. You’ll learn the simple framework I teach ambitious women and high-achieving leaders to protect their time, energy, and peace: ✅ Kind + Clear + Consistent We’ll break down why guilt shows up when you set boundaries, how to stop people-pleasing without turning into a robot, and what to say when someone pushes back. You’ll also get real-life scripts you can use at work and at home — including how to handle capacity limits, last-minute requests, meeting boundaries, and emotional energy drains. By the end of this episode, you’ll have: A boundary mindset shift that changes everything Scripts you can borrow word-for-word (no improvising required) A simple weekly boundary plan you can actually stick to 🎁 Grab the free Boundaries Without Guilt Worksheet (scripts + planner) so you can choose one boundary to practice this week and hold it with confidence. Because your time is valuable. Your goals matter. And your life is not a community donation. Next step: Choose ONE boundary and use ONE script this week — then celebrate the win (even if your voice shakes). Connect with Lynsey: Website: LynseyMulder.com Facebook: @LynseySMulder LinkedIn: @Lynsey-Mulder Instagram: @LynseyMulder

    21 min

  6. JAN 14

    E31 Impossibullshit, The Messy Middle, And Not Disappointing Yourself with Saphira Howell

    What if the story you have been telling yourself about your limits is complete nonsense? In this episode of Lead With Spark, Lynsey sits down with Saphira Howell, author of Impossibullshit: Break the Lies that Keep You Small and Do What You Believed You Couldn’t. Saphira went from early YouTube creator with tens of millions of views to Head of Marketing at a fast growing startup, self taught stock investor, jiu jitsu blue belt, ballroom dancer, and harp student. In other words, she is living proof of what happens when you stop believing the labels and start listening to the nudge. Together we talk about: Why the things you tell yourself you are “not ready” for are often the exact things you want most How to recognize the “nudge” and take the first tiny step instead of waiting to feel confident The “messy middle” of growth, also known as “the suck”, and why most of your real growth happens there Giving yourself permission to quit, pivot, or change dreams without making it mean you failed How Saphira turned big failures, including losing half her savings in the stock market, into a strategy that now outperforms the S&P 500 Leading when you have never done it before and building teams that feel safe to take risks and admit mistakes Why the most important person you cannot afford to disappoint is yourself If you have ever stood on the edge of something you really want and talked yourself out of it, this conversation will feel like a loving push forward. One line to take with you “Parts of you exist that you haven’t even met yet. Stop believing your limits and go say hi.” Saphira Howell Connect with Saphira: Grab Saphira’s book Impossibullshit on audiobook on audible, ebook or in print LinkedIn: @ Saphira Howell Instagram: @ SaphiraHowell Connect with Lynsey: Website: LynseyMulder.com Facebook: @LynseySMulder LinkedIn: @Lynsey-Mulder Instagram: @LynseyMulder If this episode nudged you, share it with a friend who needs a reminder that they are allowed to start, to grow, and even to change their mind. And as always, keep leading with Spark.

    32 min

  7. JAN 7

    E30 Stop Downplaying Yourself: Use Your Strengths to Boost Confidence and Reduce Burnout

    If you’ve started identifying your strengths but still hesitate to use them at work, this episode is for you. We’re diving into the real questions women professionals ask about unleashing their superpowers: how to talk about your strengths without feeling like you’re bragging, how to use strengths that don’t feel “work-related,” and how to bring your strengths to your leader in a way that actually changes your day-to-day work. Together we will talk about How to own your strengths without sounding arrogant or self-promotional The mindset shift that changes everything: strengths are tools to serve, not trophies to show off How to identify your superpowers when you feel unsure (and how to translate them into workplace language) What to say to your manager so you can use your strengths more intentionally at work How to prevent your strengths from turning into overload (boundaries that protect your gifts) Why strengths can backfire under stress and how to use the “dimmer switch” approach One line to take with you Downplaying your strengths does not make you humble. It just makes your gifts harder for others to benefit from. Try this today Pick one superpower and use it in service of someone else (one moment, one day). Use contribution language: “Here’s where I can add the most value…” Start a smile file: save feedback, thank-yous, and wins so your confidence has receipts. Connect with Lynsey: Website: LynseyMulder.com Facebook: @LynseySMulder LinkedIn: @Lynsey-Mulder Instagram: @LynseyMulder Sources referenced  Women in the Workplace 2025 (McKinsey and LeanIn.Org) State of the Global Workplace 2025 (Gallup)

    25 min

  8. 12/31/2025

    E29 New Year’s Eve Reflection for Women Leaders: Wins, Dreams, and Your Word for 2026

    New Year’s Eve can be exciting, but it can also create pressure to have your goals, your word of the year, and your entire plan for 2026 figured out by midnight. In this Lead With Spark episode, Lynsey gives you permission to pause. Planning is powerful, but rushing can turn hope into heaviness. Instead of a step-by-step framework, Lynsey shares real examples from her own end-of-year prep, including wins, memorable moments, big dreams, and the messy middle of figuring it out. You will hear how she reflects using her calendar and camera roll, how she dreams without getting stuck in the “how,” and why she is still waiting for her word of the year to rise to the surface. If you want to start 2026 with intention, clarity, and joy, this episode is your reminder that you are not behind. You just need a direction. Together We Will Talk About Why New Year’s Eve pressure can make intentional planning feel heavy How to reflect on wins and memorable moments without needing a perfect year Real examples of 2025 wins: travel, health progress, client results, and big career moments How to dream big without shrinking your vision into a “how” problem Why it helps to focus on who you want to BE and what you want to HAVE before what you need to DO The word-of-the-year practice, and what to do when your word is not clear yet How affirmations support identity-based growth and long-term momentum An invitation to start 2026 with spark, not stress One Line to Take With You You do not need to have it all planned. You just need to choose a direction. Connect with Lynsey Website: LynseyMulder.com Facebook: @LynseySMulder LinkedIn: @Lynsey-Mulder Instagram: @LynseyMulder Share this episode with a friend who is putting too much pressure on January 1. Then comment or email Lynsey with one dream you are carrying into 2026.

    22 min
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About

Welcome to the Lead with Spark Podcast, Authentic Leadership for Women Who Want More. What does it truly mean to lead not just in the boardroom or a team meeting, but in your actual life? I’m Lynsey Mulder, leadership coach, speaker, and former Fortune 100 Senior Vice President turned full-time champion for purpose-driven women. On the Lead with Spark podcast, we explore what it really means to lead with authenticity, confidence, and alignment - at work and at home. Decades ago, I earned my first coaching certification, long before leadership coaching became mainstream. Since then, I’ve climbed the corporate ladder, managed teams through chaos, and checked every “success” box, until burnout forced me to ask: Is this it? Spoiler alert: It wasn’t. Today, I coach high-performing women and executives who are ready to lead from the inside out, with clarity, energy, and purpose. This podcast is for ambitious women leaders, executives, and entrepreneurs ready to level up their leadership, reclaim their spark, and ditch burnout hustle. We talk executive presence, leadership communication, values-driven decision-making, setting boundaries, and how to balance it all without losing yourself. Whether you’re leading a team, a company, or just trying to lead your life more intentionally, you’ll find real conversations, actionable strategies, and empowering insight here. Because leadership isn’t just about what you do, it’s about who you are. Ready to lead with more purpose, presence, and power? Hit subscribe and join the movement. Keep showing up. Keep leading with spark. You’ve got this - and I’ve got you. www.LynseyMulder.com

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