Career Identity + Growth Conversations for Professional Women: Exposing the Hidden Reality

Annette Garsteck, Master Professional Career Coach + Sandra Wint, Trauma-Informed Leadership Coach

Bias, burnout, self-worth, and breaking barriers are not just buzzwords — they are the lived reality of women navigating leadership, workplace dynamics, and workplace culture every single day. Women's experiences take center stage here, exploring intersectionality, identity, and the invisible forces shaping professional visibility, belonging, and psychological safety at work.  Annette Garsteck, MBA, MPCC, is the author of Own Your Career: Take Control + Accelerate Your Professional Growth, a Certified Senior Professional Résumé Writer, and a former Fortune 50 hiring leader. She guides women to take ownership of their careers, increase their visibility, expand their influence, navigate workplace dynamics with confidence, and accelerate their growth while staying true to their values. Sandra Wint, GPCC, Human Design practitioner + Gestalt-certified coach integrating shadow work, mother wound healing, nervous system regulation, emotional safety, astrology, and frameworks like the Karpman Drama Triangle to support deep personal transformation and self-awareness. Delivering these in Women’s Circles + leadership retreats, she helps women better understand themselves, their relationships, and the systems they navigate. Each episode goes deep into trauma-informed leadership, the unspoken rules of power for women, and the influence women already hold but are rarely given permission to use. If you are a woman in leadership, or becoming one, who is done shrinking and ready to claim her space, this is your community.  On Exposing the Hidden Reality, we cover topics such as: Why do high-performing women stay in abusive relationships?  Why do women burn out faster than men at work? How does gender bias show up as "culture fit" in the workplace? How can women overcome imposter syndrome and people pleasing at work? What are the hidden barriers women face in leadership roles? How do working women balance personal and professional identity? Connect with Exposing the Hidden Reality: https://exposingthehiddenreality.com/ LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/exposingthehiddenreality Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/exposingthehiddenreality Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/exposingthehiddenreality 

  1. 043: What Stories Are Hurting Your Career? Human Design, Identity, and Self-Awareness

    2d ago

    043: What Stories Are Hurting Your Career? Human Design, Identity, and Self-Awareness

    What if the story you've been carrying about yourself was never yours to begin with? Sandra and Annette explore how the labels, expectations, and stories we inherit shape our careers, relationships, leadership styles, and sense of self. Sandra shares how Human Design helped her better understand patterns she had struggled with for years. Together, they discuss how self-awareness can help us separate who we truly are from who we've been told to be, creating more self-compassion and a deeper understanding of how we naturally work, communicate, and lead. The conversation also explores a powerful question: What happens when the real challenge isn't you, but the system you're trying to fit into? If you've ever felt misunderstood, out of place, or like you're working against yourself, this episode offers a new perspective on identity, growth, and finding environments where you can thrive. Join our newsletter at ExposingTheHiddenReality.com for episode updates, exclusive insights, and behind-the-scenes conversations. Connect with Exposing the Hidden Reality: https://exposingthehiddenreality.com LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/exposingthehiddenreality Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/exposingthehiddenreality Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/exposingthehiddenreality Connect with Annette Garsteck: https://www.annettegarsteck.com LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/annettegarsteck Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/annettegarsteck YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@annettegarsteck Tiktok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@annette.garsteck Pinterest:  https://www.pinterest.com/AnnetteGarsteck Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/annettegarsteck Connect with Sandra Wint: https://www.me-her-us.com LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandrabwint LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/meherusllc Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meherusllc  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sandra.wint  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/meherusllc YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@meherusllc  Photography of Sandra Wint + Annette Garsteck taken by Katie Garlock, Portrations | Intro and Outro Music + Stock Media provided by BlueFoxMusic / Pond5.

    40 min
  2. 042: Hidden Career Cost of Believing the Wrong Story

    Jun 18

    042: Hidden Career Cost of Believing the Wrong Story

    The stories we believe about ourselves often become the stories that shape our careers. In this episode, Sandra and Annette explore how labels like bossy, selfish, and too much can influence confidence, leadership, workplace relationships, and professional growth. They discuss why feedback should be examined thoughtfully, how reputation can become a burden to manage, and why awareness is the first step toward rewriting the narratives that no longer serve us. Because the story holding you back may have been written by someone else. And the moment you ask, "Is that really true?" everything can begin to change.  Join us for this honest conversation about identity, leadership, and the stories we carry. Then join our newsletter community at ExposingTheHiddenReality.com and continue the conversation. Connect with Exposing the Hidden Reality: https://exposingthehiddenreality.com LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/exposingthehiddenreality Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/exposingthehiddenreality Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/exposingthehiddenreality Connect with Annette Garsteck: https://www.annettegarsteck.com LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/annettegarsteck Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/annettegarsteck YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@annettegarsteck Tiktok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@annette.garsteck Pinterest:  https://www.pinterest.com/AnnetteGarsteck Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/annettegarsteck Connect with Sandra Wint: https://www.me-her-us.com LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandrabwint LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/meherusllc Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meherusllc  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sandra.wint  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/meherusllc YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@meherusllc  Photography of Sandra Wint + Annette Garsteck taken by Katie Garlock, Portrations | Intro and Outro Music + Stock Media provided by BlueFoxMusic / Pond5.

    34 min
  3. 041: AI Is Making Information Free. Expertise Is Becoming Priceless.

    Jun 11

    041: AI Is Making Information Free. Expertise Is Becoming Priceless.

    Artificial intelligence is making information, content creation, and problem-solving more accessible than ever before. But what happens when everyone has access to the same tools? During Part 2 of their conversation with Jenn Prochaska of The Write Difference, Annette Garsteck and Sandra Wint explore how AI is changing marketing, entrepreneurship, coaching, and the future of work. As the discussion unfolds, a surprising theme emerges. While AI can accelerate learning, automate tasks, and remove barriers, it cannot replace lived experience, judgment, creativity, or human connection. From marketing frameworks and business strategy to cooking family recipes and developing mastery, the conversation highlights the difference between having information and knowing what to do with it. If you're wondering how AI will impact your career, business, or industry, this conversation offers a refreshing perspective on what remains uniquely human. Join our community at https://www.exposingthehiddenreality.com for episode updates, exclusive resources, behind-the-scenes content, and insights we share only with our email subscribers. 00:00 Part Two Introduction  01:02 Human Art Still Matters 03:24 Rising to the AI Challenge 04:29 Copywriters Adapting Fast 07:34 Sharing AI Expertise with Clients  11:40 Authenticity Beats Automation 13:26 IP Fears 5:55 Experience Over Information 18:03 Community Over Going Alone 19:10 Wrap Up and Next Steps Connect with Exposing the Hidden Reality: https://exposingthehiddenreality.com LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/exposingthehiddenreality Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/exposingthehiddenreality Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/exposingthehiddenreality Connect with Annette Garsteck: https://www.annettegarsteck.com LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/annettegarsteck Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/annettegarsteck YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@annettegarsteck Tiktok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@annette.garsteck Pinterest:  https://www.pinterest.com/AnnetteGarsteck Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/annettegarsteck Connect with Sandra Wint: https://www.me-her-us.com LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandrabwint LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/meherusllc Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meherusllc  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sandra.wint  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/meherusllc YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@meherusllc  Photography of Sandra Wint + Annette Garsteck taken by Katie Garlock, Portrations | Intro and Outro Music + Stock Media provided by BlueFoxMusic / Pond5.

    20 min
  4. 040: The Human Advantage: What AI Still Can’t Do

    Jun 5

    040: The Human Advantage: What AI Still Can’t Do

    Artificial intelligence is changing the way we work, market, hire, and build businesses, but what happens when everyone has access to the same tools? During this conversation, Annette Garsteck and Sandra Wint sit down with message strategist and copywriter Jenn Prochaska, of The Write Difference, to explore the opportunities, challenges, and unintended consequences of AI in today's workplace. From website copy and content creation to hiring, résumés, automation, and entrepreneurship, the conversation examines where AI shines, where it falls short, and why authenticity, relationships, and human expertise not only matter, but are a required point of differentiation. Jenn shares her firsthand perspective as a copywriter navigating an industry being transformed by AI, while Annette and Sandra discuss what they're seeing in career development, leadership, and business. If you are curious about the future of work, this conversation will challenge you to think differently about the role AI should play in your life and career. Join our community at https://www.exposingthehiddenreality.com for exclusive resources, episode updates, and the LinkedIn checklist with AI prompts referenced in this conversation. Connect with Exposing the Hidden Reality: https://exposingthehiddenreality.com LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/exposingthehiddenreality Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/exposingthehiddenreality Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/exposingthehiddenreality Connect with Annette Garsteck: https://www.annettegarsteck.com LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/annettegarsteck Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/annettegarsteck YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@annettegarsteck Tiktok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@annette.garsteck Pinterest:  https://www.pinterest.com/AnnetteGarsteck Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/annettegarsteck Connect with Sandra Wint: https://www.me-her-us.com LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandrabwint LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/meherusllc Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meherusllc  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sandra.wint  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/meherusllc YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@meherusllc  Photography of Sandra Wint + Annette Garsteck taken by Katie Garlock, Portrations | Intro and Outro Music + Stock Media provided by BlueFoxMusic / Pond5.

    32 min
  5. 039: Why Professional Visibility Feels Unsafe for So Many Women

    May 28

    039: Why Professional Visibility Feels Unsafe for So Many Women

    In this episode, Annette Garsteck and Sandra Wint explore the emotional side of professional visibility and why showing up online can feel deeply uncomfortable for many women. From LinkedIn profiles and leadership presence to workplace experiences, self-doubt, and trauma-informed perspectives, this conversation unpacks the hidden fears that often influence how women present themselves professionally. If you’ve ever hesitated to post, speak up, network, or fully own your accomplishments, this conversation will likely feel very familiar. Join our email list at exposingthehiddenreality.com to stay connected between episodes and continue conversations that go deeper than surface-level career advice. Connect with Exposing the Hidden Reality: https://exposingthehiddenreality.com LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/exposingthehiddenreality Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/exposingthehiddenreality Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/exposingthehiddenreality Connect with Annette Garsteck: https://www.annettegarsteck.com LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/annettegarsteck Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/annettegarsteck YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@annettegarsteck Tiktok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@annette.garsteck Pinterest:  https://www.pinterest.com/AnnetteGarsteck Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/annettegarsteck Connect with Sandra Wint: https://www.me-her-us.com LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandrabwint LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/meherusllc Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meherusllc  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sandra.wint  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/meherusllc YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@meherusllc  Photography of Sandra Wint + Annette Garsteck taken by Katie Garlock, Portrations | Intro and Outro Music + Stock Media provided by BlueFoxMusic / Pond5.

    30 min
  6. 038: Why We Still Love LinkedIn: A Better Way to Network, Learn, and Grow

    May 24

    038: Why We Still Love LinkedIn: A Better Way to Network, Learn, and Grow

    In this episode of Exposing the Hidden Reality, Annette Garsteck and Sandra Wint explore how LinkedIn has evolved, why it remains their favorite professional platform, and how leaders, job seekers, entrepreneurs, and professionals can use it more effectively. From profile photos and personal branding to networking strategies, thought leadership, and avoiding common LinkedIn mistakes, they share practical insights to help you build meaningful connections and create new opportunities. Whether you're looking to grow your career, expand your network, or increase your professional visibility, this conversation will help you make LinkedIn work for you. Join our newsletter at exposingthehiddenreality.com for new episodes, leadership insights, and real conversations about work, identity, and growth. Connect with Exposing the Hidden Reality: https://exposingthehiddenreality.com LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/exposingthehiddenreality Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/exposingthehiddenreality Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/exposingthehiddenreality Connect with Annette Garsteck: https://www.annettegarsteck.com LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/annettegarsteck Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/annettegarsteck YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@annettegarsteck Tiktok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@annette.garsteck Pinterest:  https://www.pinterest.com/AnnetteGarsteck Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/annettegarsteck Connect with Sandra Wint: https://www.me-her-us.com LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandrabwint LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/meherusllc Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meherusllc  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sandra.wint  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/meherusllc YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@meherusllc  Photography of Sandra Wint + Annette Garsteck taken by Katie Garlock, Portrations | Intro and Outro Music + Stock Media provided by BlueFoxMusic / Pond5.

    39 min
  7. 037: Leadership Visibility Starts Here: Using LinkedIn With Intention

    May 14

    037: Leadership Visibility Starts Here: Using LinkedIn With Intention

    Annette and Sandra explore how leaders can use LinkedIn intentionally to build visibility, recognize others, strengthen workplace culture, and create meaningful professional connections without social media overwhelm. If today’s conversation reminded you that leadership visibility doesn’t have to feel overwhelming, join our email community at ExposingTheHiddenReality.com.  We share exclusive conversations, insights, and candid thoughts on work, leadership, and life for subscribers only. Connect with Exposing the Hidden Reality: https://exposingthehiddenreality.com LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/exposingthehiddenreality Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/exposingthehiddenreality Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/exposingthehiddenreality Connect with Annette Garsteck: https://www.annettegarsteck.com LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/annettegarsteck Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/annettegarsteck YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@annettegarsteck Tiktok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@annette.garsteck Pinterest:  https://www.pinterest.com/AnnetteGarsteck Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/annettegarsteck Connect with Sandra Wint: https://www.me-her-us.com LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandrabwint LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/meherusllc Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meherusllc  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sandra.wint  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/meherusllc YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@meherusllc  Photography of Sandra Wint + Annette Garsteck taken by Katie Garlock, Portrations | Intro and Outro Music + Stock Media provided by BlueFoxMusic / Pond5.

    26 min
  8. 036: Bias Disguised as “Culture Fit” with London Wolfe

    12/26/2025

    036: Bias Disguised as “Culture Fit” with London Wolfe

    Why “they’re not a good fit for our culture” often means “their brain works differently than ours”—and how this mindset quietly sustains bias in hiring and promotion. This week on Exposing the Hidden Reality, we’re joined by London Wolfe, a business alignment strategist and cognitive leadership trainer, to unpack one of the most subtle and damaging forms of workplace bias: the myth of “culture fit.”London helps leaders recognize that most workplace conflict isn’t about personality—it’s about how different brains process information, communicate, and solve problems. Drawing from her background in education, organizational leadership, and her own lived experience as a neurodivergent professional, London brings a fresh, deeply human perspective to conversations about cognitive diversity. Together, we’ll explore: ✨ How “culture fit” often hides unconscious bias ✨ The difference between personality clashes and thinking pattern differences ✨ Practical ways leaders can uncover their blind spots ✨ How to recognize and leverage cognitive diversity across teams ✨ What to do when a “performance problem” is actually a wiring mismatch London’s work has transformed teams across business, education, and government sectors—helping leaders build inclusive environments where diverse thinkers can thrive. She’s offering a free Authentic Business Roadmap to help you identify where your own thinking patterns might be creating blind spots in leadership. 🔗 Download it here: https://tinyurl.com/4re5s5h9 For Corporate Leaders: 🔗 Download here: https://tinyurl.com/Cognitiveleadership 📲Connect with London Wolfe: LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/londonwolfe255 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/purpose.driven.business.hub About the PodcastExposing the Hidden Reality is a weekly gathering for women who are ready to get real, ask better questions, and push back against the biases and barriers that shape our lives, work, and leadership. Here, we: ✨ Dive into bold conversations with brilliant women ✨ Spotlight untold stories and truths ✨ Challenge hidden systems and social norms ✨ Share practical insights—with a side of sass and sisterhood This isn’t just a podcast—it’s a platform for our collective voice. Have you lived through something that exposed hidden biases, reshaped how you lead, or changed the way you see yourself and the world?Women and allies who are ready to speak truth, to name what's been silenced, and to spark change through authentic conversation are always invited to join us so we can hear your story. This is a platform for our collective and individual voices; where your voice matters and your experience can light the way for others navigating similar terrain. Apply Here: https://exposingthehiddenreality.com/Apply Connect with Exposing the Hidden Reality: https://exposingthehiddenreality.com LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/exposingthehiddenreality Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/exposingthehiddenreality Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/exposingthehiddenreality Connect with Annette Garsteck: https://www.annettegarsteck.com LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/annettegarsteck Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/annettegarsteck YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@annettegarsteck Tiktok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@annette.garsteck Pinterest:  https://www.pinterest.com/AnnetteGarsteck Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/annettegarsteck Connect with Sandra Wint: https://www.me-her-us.com LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandrabwint LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/meherusllc Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meherusllc  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sandra.wint  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/meherusllc YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@meherusllc  Photography of Sandra Wint + Annette Garsteck taken by Katie Garlock, Portrations | Intro and Outro Music + Stock Media provided by BlueFoxMusic / Pond5.

    42 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Bias, burnout, self-worth, and breaking barriers are not just buzzwords — they are the lived reality of women navigating leadership, workplace dynamics, and workplace culture every single day. Women's experiences take center stage here, exploring intersectionality, identity, and the invisible forces shaping professional visibility, belonging, and psychological safety at work.  Annette Garsteck, MBA, MPCC, is the author of Own Your Career: Take Control + Accelerate Your Professional Growth, a Certified Senior Professional Résumé Writer, and a former Fortune 50 hiring leader. She guides women to take ownership of their careers, increase their visibility, expand their influence, navigate workplace dynamics with confidence, and accelerate their growth while staying true to their values. Sandra Wint, GPCC, Human Design practitioner + Gestalt-certified coach integrating shadow work, mother wound healing, nervous system regulation, emotional safety, astrology, and frameworks like the Karpman Drama Triangle to support deep personal transformation and self-awareness. Delivering these in Women’s Circles + leadership retreats, she helps women better understand themselves, their relationships, and the systems they navigate. Each episode goes deep into trauma-informed leadership, the unspoken rules of power for women, and the influence women already hold but are rarely given permission to use. If you are a woman in leadership, or becoming one, who is done shrinking and ready to claim her space, this is your community.  On Exposing the Hidden Reality, we cover topics such as: Why do high-performing women stay in abusive relationships?  Why do women burn out faster than men at work? How does gender bias show up as "culture fit" in the workplace? How can women overcome imposter syndrome and people pleasing at work? What are the hidden barriers women face in leadership roles? How do working women balance personal and professional identity? Connect with Exposing the Hidden Reality: https://exposingthehiddenreality.com/ LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/exposingthehiddenreality Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/exposingthehiddenreality Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/exposingthehiddenreality 

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