Mama Lions & What It Takes to Build a Matriarchal Model of Leadership With Martha Shaughnessy Finding Fearless

In this episode, Madeline converses with an absolute badass, Martha Shaughnessy of the The Key PR, discussing her unconventional path to becoming a founder, her experiences navigating the tech industry as a woman, and managing work-life integration as a mom. Martha's background in cultural anthropology and sports shaped her unique perspective on team dynamics and storytelling in marketing and communications. The discussion also touches on the importance of mental and physical health, the challenges of maintaining a work-life balance in the face of societal and business pressures, and the transformative power of showing vulnerability in leadership. Both the host and Martha share insights on navigating the complexities of leading businesses in a patriarchal society, the impact of acknowledging one's limitations, and the significance of genuine connections in professional settings.



00:57 The Genesis of The Key: From Cultural Anthropology to Tech
03:37 The Power of Sports: Lessons from the Soccer Field
07:24 Navigating Parenthood and Professional Ambitions
12:25 The Role of Coaching in Founding and Running a Business
14:23 Navigating the Pandemic: Leadership and Adaptability
20:21 The Balancing Act: Tactics for Managing Work and Life
29:57 Storytelling and Creativity in Business
30:40 The Art of Storytelling in Business and Personal Life
31:35 Navigating Corporate Cultures with Anthropology
32:19 The Challenges of Communication in Tech and Personal Finance
35:08 The Journey of Entrepreneurship and Female Solidarity
35:56 Embracing Matriarchal Leadership in a Patriarchal Business World
40:48 Navigating the Complex Landscape of Modern Business
54:54 Finding Fearless: Embracing Vulnerability and Authenticity


Finding Fearless is an exploration of human-centric leadership and a celebration of ambition, releasing every other week on Wednesdays, 6AM PST. If you liked the show, please rate, review, and share! You can also visit our website to learn more about how to become a sponsor of Finding Fearless!


Finding Fearless is produced by Fearless Foundry, a creative consultancy focused on advancing ambitious humans from around the globe to amplify their impact through branding, marketing, and business development. You can contact us at hello@fearlessfoundry.com if you are interested in our services and can follow us on all social media @fearlessfoundry.



Season 4 music is by Premium Beats. All audio is recorded and owned by Fearless Foundry.