Brave Women at Work

Jen Pestikas

Leadership positions in corporations are overwhelmingly held by men. Women who want to advance their careers and have equal representation at the table face enormous obstacles in today's society. They are frequently viewed through the lens of stereotypes, making it difficult for them to demonstrate their worth. In response, it's only natural that they keep their heads down and wallow in their insecurities. Don't you wish there was a guidebook for women to use as they enter the workforce? With this, they could have a much easier time navigating the complex environment. Since there isn't anything like it out there, Jen Pestikas created a podcast called Brave Women at Work to fill the void. This show encourages women to believe in themselves and take charge of their professional lives so that they can progress to the next level. Each episode is devoted to a different set of issues that prevent professional women from reaching their full potential and obtaining the leadership positions they seek. Burnout and imposter syndrome are two common causes of self-sabotage. Learn to break free of the victim mentality and the distractions that prevent you from speaking up, and you will have taken the first step toward removing those obstacles. Get out of your comfort zone and into the path to achieving much larger objectives. Use the information you gain from this show to help you realize your full potential, then stand firm against the unjust demands of the business world. Listen in on discussions that teach you how to advocate for yourself and let others recognize the value you bring to the workplace. Don't let the long hours you spend at work make you feel bored or unappreciated. Find out when it's appropriate to negotiate your salary, your hours, and your position to get the most out of your job. One should not put their professional success in the hands of others. Take advantage of your unique abilities to make significant strides in your career. For over twenty years, Jen has worked as a Certified Career and Leadership Coach in the business world, and now she's bringing that knowledge to the podcast audience. She'll show you how to succeed professionally without sacrificing your personal life or putting on a false front. Gain self-assurance and knock down roadblocks to success with the help of Jen's insightful advice. In addition to her extensive expertise, Jen shares uplifting takeaways from her own corporate experience. Both burnout and the "imposter syndrome" have affected her. She struggled with many self-limiting beliefs and experienced her share of professional dissatisfaction. After spending many years in the predominantly male investment services industry, Jen learned what it takes to stand out as a strong, career-focused woman. She overcame adversity and is now the Senior Vice President of Business Development at a thriving financial institution. She is a shining proof of how far one can go in their careers by playing to their strengths and removing any self-doubt that may have been holding them back. On the podcast, Jen not only discusses her own life but also features interviews with other remarkable women. Find out how they overcame the obstacles they encountered in the business world and how they turned their setbacks into opportunities. These outstanding individuals were once in your shoes, and now you can benefit from their experiences and insights as you propel your own career to new heights. As long as men dominate the corporate world, it will be difficult for women to advance. Don't let the gender gap stop you from pursuing your professional goals. Acquire the resources you need to fully realize your potential by following Jen's guidance and the examples of her amazing guests. Luck will not make you a good leader. Instead, make people listen to what you have to say, become your own advocate, and take bolder action in everything you do. Listen to Brave Women at Work at https://bravewomenatwork.com/.

  1. OCT 30

    It's Not Burnout; It's Betrayal: Rise Up Against All Odds and Thrive with Lora Cheadle

    Have you ever been betrayed? You’re probably thinking, “Of course I have, Jen.” That can be betrayal in a professional relationship with a boss or colleague or as devastating as marriage infidelity. But have you thought of burnout as a form of self-betrayal? When I saw Lora Cheadle, my guest today, refer to burnout that way, I was like “Ouch. That is some tough love right there.” I was intrigued and wanted to learn more about Lora’s perspective on betrayal. During the show, Lora and I chatted about: Her personal betrayal storyWhat Lora thinks of burnout as a form of self-betrayalKey tips on how you can rise above betrayal and thrive personally and professionallyHer Flaunt FrameworkWe touch on Lora’s books, FLAUNT! Drop Your Cover and Reveal Your Smart, Sexy, & Spiritual Self, and It’s Not Burnout, It’s Betrayal, 5 Tools to FUEL UP & Thrive. Here is more about Lora: Lora Cheadle, JD, CHt, is a betrayal recovery coach, licensed attorney (CO & CA), somatic attachment therapist, clinical hypnotherapist, and international speaker who guides women through the soul-shattering impact of infidelity into a life reclaimed. As the creator of Life Choreography® and the FLAUNT!® Framework, she offers the complete path of healing—legal, emotional, somatic, and spiritual—so women rise whole, sovereign, and free. Author of FLAUNT! Drop Your Cover and Reveal Your Smart, Sexy, & Spiritual Self, (an International Book Awards finalist and Tattered Cover bestseller) and It’s Not Burnout, It’s Betrayal, 5 Tools to FUEL UP & Thrive, Lora blends the precision of a lawyer, the compassion of a trauma-aware coach, the depth of somatic and spiritual practice, and the channeled wisdom of The Librarians with the lived experience of surviving infidelity herself.

    58 min
  2. OCT 23

    Craft Your Unique Career Story with Gina Riley

    I am excited for today’s guest, another repeat Brave Women at Work guest from a year or so ago, Gina Riley! I look up to Gina as a coach because she is successful in the industry, has built a solid and understandable framework, and is has now launched a book, Qualified is Not Enough: Develop Your Story, Land the Interview, Win the Job.  During the show, Gina and I chatted about: What prompted her to write the book and get it out in the world.What Gina’s Career Velocity System is and how it works.What a career story is and why it’s important.How a career story is different than an elevator pitch. How do we develop our own unique career story and leverage it in our career. What the YouMap Assessment is and why you should consider taking it for yourself.Here is more about Gina: Gina has spent her career on both sides of the hiring process, giving Gina a unique perspective on what it takes to secure competitive leadership roles. As an executive search consultant, Gina has led searches, trained corporate teams on effective talent selection, and witnessed firsthand what makes candidates stand out—or miss the mark. Today, Gina guides leaders through career transitions with clarity and confidence using her proven Career Velocity™ framework—an actionable roadmap that helps her clients refine their story, market themselves strategically, and land the roles they are after. With a master’s degree in Whole Systems Design and certifications in Behavioral Interviewing, YouMap®, and Speaker Skills Academy coaching, Gina combines deep expertise with a practical approach to career strategy. Her insights have been featured in the Forbes Coaches Council, on 50+ podcasts and webinars, and in Gina’s book, Qualified Isn’t Enough: Develop Your Story. Land the Interview. Win the Job. Gina’s mission is simple: to demystify the hiring process and empower executives to own their value, take control of their careers, and create new opportunities instead of waiting for them. If the Brave Women at Work Podcast has helped you personally or professionally, please share it with a friend, colleague, or family member. And your ratings and reviews help the show continue to gain traction and grow. Thank you again! Also, I have an awesome announcement!  I have been working an awesome project with Jackie Cetera of JNC Innovations and Jennifer Johnson. Ready…. drumroll please! A Brave Women at Work Affirmation Deck! It is a 54-card deck that is a beautiful compilation of advice and hard-won wisdom from podcast guests, Brave Women at Work Podcast guests, authors in the anthology series, and community members! You can grab a copy of the deck for $19.99 plus $10 shipping. To purchase your deck, visit Brave Women at Work and click on Resources. From there, you will see the Affirmation Cards page. I hope you enjoy them!

    45 min
  3. OCT 16

    Discovery 5 Luxury Principles That Can Transform You as a Leader with Neen James

    This week, I am featuring a dear repeat guest, Neen James. Neen is a wonderful ball of energy, and I love having her on the show. This time, we chatted about her book that just launched, Exceptional Experiences: Five Luxury Levers to Elevate Every Aspect of Your Business. During the show, Neen and I chatted about: How Neen’s latest book baby came to beHow the word “luxury” can be misconstruedAn overview of the five luxury levers and how they lead to exceptional experiencesNeen’s research on luxury mindset and how you can determine which luxury mindset category you fitHow this information can be applied to leadership at any level If you’d like to listen to my chat with Neen, who feels like an old friend at this point, listen in! Here is more about Neen: Neen James, MBA, CSP, is a force to be reckoned with in the world of leadership strategy and keynote speaking. As the author of Folding Time, Attention Pays and the forthcoming Exceptional Experiences, Neen inspires leaders and organizations to create extraordinary connections and experiences that drive results and leave lasting impressions. Recently named to the board of the World Luxury Chamber of Commerce, her proprietary research into the luxury mindset —the only study of its kind—sets her apart as a leading expert in delivering world-class client and employee experiences. Named one of the top leadership speakers by Global Gurus multiple years in a row, Neen’s practical strategies and infectious "Aussie sass" make her a favorite among corporate audiences and meeting planners alike (who often call her the Energizer Bunny). From being a confidante to Fortune 500 CEOs to empowering executive leaders responsible for revenue, Neen is known for her ability to blend actionable insights with an engaging delivery style, helping leaders to achieve greater focus, communications, and influence.

    56 min
  4. OCT 9

    The Stops and Start on the Path to Feeling Well with Lauren Fields

    Truth time. It’s been a tough season for me. Things have been challenging personally and professionally. Some of the tools I put in place have been helpful, but I have had to re-anchor my roots because the gale force winds of this storm have been stronger than I anticipated.  If you have or are going through a tough season of your own, I feel you. I stand with you. All the listeners and the Brave Women at Work community stand with you.  Today’s guest, Lauren Fields, has had her own dark night of the soul and come out on the other side of it. So, it’s fitting that this show is going live today! During today’s podcast, Lauren and I discussed: Lauren’s traumatic brain injury experienceHow she literally got back on her horse within 3-months of her injuryWhat happened on the other side of realizing she had to take a step back and attempt different healing modalitiesHow Fieldswell was born as a resultHow Lauren’s healing experience can help anyone else going through a personal healing journey, whether it is traumatic brain injury or something entirely different?And moreHere is more about Lauren: Lauren Fields is the Founder and CEO of Fieldswell. Lauren’s path has taken her from the hospitality and wellness industries to earning an Masters in Psychology, speaking on the TEDx stage, and hosting a podcast with global though leaders – all fueled by a relentless pursuit of growth and an insatiable curiosity about human potential. After overcoming a traumatic brain injury, Lauren learned that life can change in an instant. Rather than resist her reality, Lauren chose to go all in on creating a life she truly loves – one built not in spite of her adversity, but because of it – and now she helps others do the same.  What began as a personal wellness journey has grown into her company, Fieldswell. Fieldswell includes Lauren’s podcast, a wellness sanctuary for coaching, healing and creativity, sold-out events that bring community and transformation to life, and coaching and brand strategy that guides her clients from inner alignment to a powerful online presence. She is here to help her clients and community to transform from the inside out – creating clarity, confidence, and an impact that lasts.  If the Brave Women at Work Podcast has helped you personally or professionally, please share it with a friend, colleague, or family member. And your ratings and reviews help the show continue to gain traction and grow. Thank you again! Also, I have an awesome announcement!  I have been working an awesome project with Jackie Cetera of JNC Innovations and Jennifer Johnson. Ready…. drumroll please! A Brave Women at Work Affirmation Deck! It is a 54-card deck that is a beautiful compilation of advice and hard-won wisdom from podcast guests, Brave Women at Work Podcast guests, authors in the anthology series, and community members! You can grab a copy of the deck for $19.99 plus $10 shipping. To purchase your deck, visit Brave Women at Work and click on Resources. From there, you will see the Affirmation Cards page. I hope you enjoy them! Alright, let’s welcome Lauren to the show!

    44 min
  5. Cultivate Audacity, Dismantle Doubt, and Drop Urgency with Anne Marie Anderson

    OCT 2

    Cultivate Audacity, Dismantle Doubt, and Drop Urgency with Anne Marie Anderson

    My guest today, Anne Marie Anderson, is what my 13-year-old, Charlotte, calls a “baddie” or “badass” for short. As you will find out, Anne Marie is a 3-time Emmy Award winner and was a sports broadcaster. Talk about a tough industry! Anne Marie is straight shooter, and you can tell she has earned some hard-won wisdom throughout her career. I also love how clear her concepts are, and I am sure you will too.  During today’s podcast, Annie Marie and I discussed: The story behind her book, Cultivating Audacity: Dismantle Doubt and Let Yourself Win.What the power of audacity is and how we can cultivate it with micro habits.The difference between the urgent and important?How do women fall for the urgency fallacy and what can we do to combat it?Why are time and money twins?How can negativity be our superpower?How can we respect our ego and check it at the same time so it doesn’t override us?How do we leverage re-evaluation loops?Here is more about Annie Marie: Anne Marie Anderson is a three-time Emmy Award–winning broadcaster, keynote speaker, and author. Her work centers on cultivating audacity—the courage to say yes when doubt says no—as a catalyst for leadership, career advancement, and thriving workplace culture. For more than three decades, Anne Marie had a front-row seat to the world’s biggest stages in sports broadcasting: six Olympic Games, heavyweight title fights, golf’s majors, the NBA and MLB playoffs, and the Super Bowl. She called more than 1,500 live events for ESPN, ABC, NBC, FOX, and TBS, becoming one of the most experienced female play-by-play announcers in the country. Along the way, Annie Marie learned powerful lessons behind the scenes from some of the greatest coaches and executives in sports—lessons about leadership, resilience, and building winning teams.

    49 min
  6. The Birthday Episode: 8 Lessons Learned as I Turn 48

    SEP 25

    The Birthday Episode: 8 Lessons Learned as I Turn 48

    I have some exciting news to share this week! First, this episode is the 250th episode of the Brave Women at Work Podcast! Yes, you heard that right! 250 episodes! If you would have told me that I would do 250 podcasts, I wouldn’t have believed you. But here we are! Also, it’s my birthday week, so I wanted to share a solo show with my key learnings as I turn 48. Yes, you also heard that right! 48! Before we get started, if the Brave Women at Work Podcast has helped you personally or professionally, please share it with a friend, colleague, or family member. And your ratings and reviews help the show continue to gain traction and grow. We are currently at 92,000 downloads and in 34 countries. WOW! Thank you again! Also, if you have not heard, I have an announcement!  I have been working an awesome project with Jackie Cetera of JNC Innovations and Jennifer Johnson. A Brave Women at Work Affirmation Deck is now available! It is a 54-card deck that is a beautiful compilation of advice and hard-won wisdom from podcast guests, Brave Women at Work Podcast guests, authors in the anthology series, and community members! You can grab a copy of the deck for $19.99 plus $10 shipping. To purchase your deck, visit Brave Women at Work and click on Resources. From there, you will see the Affirmation Cards page. I hope you enjoy them! Ok, why did I decide to do a special Birthday Show for turning 48?? Well, the age 48 has always carried meaning to me because my father passed away at 48 and then my mentor passed away at the same age. I was afraid of 48, like I was going to fall off a cliff at this age. Yet here I am. Stronger, steelier, and inching towards my crone era with pride. I am still here. I have something to give. I want to make a difference.   I want this 48th year to be one of living fully and bravely, not only for myself, but in honor of my dad and my mentor.  So, turning 48 is a celebration and the start of a new phase for me!

    40 min
  7. Summer Breaks and Spiritual Friendship with Pamela Fierst-Walsh

    SEP 18

    Summer Breaks and Spiritual Friendship with Pamela Fierst-Walsh

    I have such a fun show for you today! You are getting a sneak peek into a conversation with one of my oldest friends, Pam Fierst-Walsh. This is Pam’s second time on the show. It’s so fun to record with a friend. I even forget we were on a podcast at one point because this is just who we are and how we talk.  As you will hear, Pam and I recently went on a retreat together. During the trip, Pam impromptu asked if we could record a special summer episode, and here it is! It’s perfect timing as the leaves are changing here in Chicago and the weather is starting to change. This show is a great way to wrap up summer and to focus on a fun and deep topic – spiritual friendship.  During today’s podcast, Pam and I discussed: That we have been friends for 27 years and we haven’t aged a day!What motivated Pam to join me in Montana for the retreat.How Pam and I met in 1998 and almost bumped into one another in 1997.What the definitions of spiritual friendship and doppelganger are.The impact our friendship has had on both of us.If we can’t spend a lot of time together because we are so similar and the energetic connection is strong.And Pam’s most recent advice on the 1-2 ways women can be braver at work!Here is more about Pam: Pamela Fierst-Walsh is the Vice President of Government Affairs for North America with the DeBeers Group. Pamela is the former VP of Traceability at PVH where she worked with the Tommy Hilfiger and Calvin Klein brands on global traceability objectives. She is also the former CEO of her consultancy, PFW Advisory, where she provided advisory services for regulatory and supply chain needs, particularly with respect to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) concerns.

    51 min
5
out of 5
70 Ratings

About

Leadership positions in corporations are overwhelmingly held by men. Women who want to advance their careers and have equal representation at the table face enormous obstacles in today's society. They are frequently viewed through the lens of stereotypes, making it difficult for them to demonstrate their worth. In response, it's only natural that they keep their heads down and wallow in their insecurities. Don't you wish there was a guidebook for women to use as they enter the workforce? With this, they could have a much easier time navigating the complex environment. Since there isn't anything like it out there, Jen Pestikas created a podcast called Brave Women at Work to fill the void. This show encourages women to believe in themselves and take charge of their professional lives so that they can progress to the next level. Each episode is devoted to a different set of issues that prevent professional women from reaching their full potential and obtaining the leadership positions they seek. Burnout and imposter syndrome are two common causes of self-sabotage. Learn to break free of the victim mentality and the distractions that prevent you from speaking up, and you will have taken the first step toward removing those obstacles. Get out of your comfort zone and into the path to achieving much larger objectives. Use the information you gain from this show to help you realize your full potential, then stand firm against the unjust demands of the business world. Listen in on discussions that teach you how to advocate for yourself and let others recognize the value you bring to the workplace. Don't let the long hours you spend at work make you feel bored or unappreciated. Find out when it's appropriate to negotiate your salary, your hours, and your position to get the most out of your job. One should not put their professional success in the hands of others. Take advantage of your unique abilities to make significant strides in your career. For over twenty years, Jen has worked as a Certified Career and Leadership Coach in the business world, and now she's bringing that knowledge to the podcast audience. She'll show you how to succeed professionally without sacrificing your personal life or putting on a false front. Gain self-assurance and knock down roadblocks to success with the help of Jen's insightful advice. In addition to her extensive expertise, Jen shares uplifting takeaways from her own corporate experience. Both burnout and the "imposter syndrome" have affected her. She struggled with many self-limiting beliefs and experienced her share of professional dissatisfaction. After spending many years in the predominantly male investment services industry, Jen learned what it takes to stand out as a strong, career-focused woman. She overcame adversity and is now the Senior Vice President of Business Development at a thriving financial institution. She is a shining proof of how far one can go in their careers by playing to their strengths and removing any self-doubt that may have been holding them back. On the podcast, Jen not only discusses her own life but also features interviews with other remarkable women. Find out how they overcame the obstacles they encountered in the business world and how they turned their setbacks into opportunities. These outstanding individuals were once in your shoes, and now you can benefit from their experiences and insights as you propel your own career to new heights. As long as men dominate the corporate world, it will be difficult for women to advance. Don't let the gender gap stop you from pursuing your professional goals. Acquire the resources you need to fully realize your potential by following Jen's guidance and the examples of her amazing guests. Luck will not make you a good leader. Instead, make people listen to what you have to say, become your own advocate, and take bolder action in everything you do. Listen to Brave Women at Work at https://bravewomenatwork.com/.

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