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

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. 3d ago

    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
  2. 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
  3. 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
  4. 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
  5. 035: Perimenopause: “You’re Not Too Young. You’re Not Imagining It.” with Jessica O'Sickey

    12/16/2025

    035: Perimenopause: “You’re Not Too Young. You’re Not Imagining It.” with Jessica O'Sickey

    Welcome to Exposing the Hidden Reality, a weekly conversation for women who are ready to ask better questions, challenge the narratives we’ve been handed, and reclaim agency over our lives, our work, and our bodies. Today’s conversation is one so many women will recognize. We’re joined by Jessica O’Sickey, a nurse practitioner with over a decade of experience in cardiothoracic intensive care, and a dual-certified Macro and Functional Nutrition Coach. Jess works with women 35 and over who are navigating perimenopause, weight changes, fatigue, and the deep frustration of being told everything looks “normal” when they know something isn’t right. Jess’s own turning point came when she began experiencing extreme fatigue, heavier periods, loss of libido, brain fog, and emotional volatility. Despite her medical background, she was repeatedly dismissed. Told she was too young for perimenopause. Offered antidepressants she didn’t ask for. Advised that she was simply tired from having young children. It wasn’t until she pursued functional hormone testing on her own that she finally received validation, clarity, and a path forward. That experience reshaped not only her health, but her entire professional mission. In this conversation, we talk about what perimenopause actually looks like, why so many women are dismissed in clinical settings, how diet and lifestyle shifts can support hormonal health without restriction or extremes, and what it really means to advocate for yourself when the system isn’t listening. This is a conversation about trusting your body, asking harder questions, and refusing to accept being minimized. About Jessica O’Sickey Jessica O’Sickey is a Nurse Practitioner and dual-certified Macro & Functional Nutrition Coach who helps women 35+ navigate perimenopause, lose weight, and feel like themselves again—without restriction or overwhelm. After losing 50 pounds in her 40s, she teaches women how to support their hormones, advocate for their health, and make simple, sustainable changes that actually help them feel better. She blends medical expertise with real-life mom practicality, making perimenopause and wellness feel empowering, not confusing. Connect with Jessica: Website: https://msha.ke/jessicaosickeycoaching IG: @themacro_np To schedule your Hormones vs. Habits Audit, email Jessica O'Sickey at jessicaosickeycoaching@gmail.com 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.

    48 min
  6. 034: Building Your Own Blueprint: Claiming Space in the Trades with Claire Summers-Jones

    12/09/2025

    034: Building Your Own Blueprint: Claiming Space in the Trades with Claire Summers-Jones

    Women in the trades are often told — directly or indirectly — that they don’t belong. Yet every shop, studio, and construction site proves otherwise. In this episode, we sit down with Claire Summers-Jones, a theatrical carpenter, technical engineer, educator, and founder of Beech Tree Studio, to explore what it really takes for women to claim space in historically male-dominated industries. Claire — known affectionately as Carpenter Barbie — brings over a decade of experience in technical theatre, creative engineering, teaching, and hands-on mentorship. Her story weaves together creativity, resilience, humor, and the kind of grit that only comes from repeatedly walking into rooms where no one expects you. We explore what many creatives quietly wonder: “Can my artistic background turn into a career that’s legitimate, sustainable, and respected?” Claire shows us how — and why the trades desperately need more voices like hers. In this conversation, we dig into: • What it takes to navigate and thrive as a woman in the trades • How theatrical carpentry and creative problem-solving translate into engineering, leadership, and entrepreneurship • The myths about “legitimate” careers and why creative skills are deeply undervalued (and wildly transferable) • How Beech Tree Studio is creating a safe, empowering, community-driven space for makers of all levels This episode is for every woman who’s ever been underestimated, every creative who wondered if their skills “count,” and anyone daring to build a life without waiting for permission. About Claire Summers-Jones Claire Summers-Jones is a self-described Carpenter Barbie with more than 10 years of experience in theatrical carpentry, technical engineering, and creative education. She has taught at the NYC College of Technology and Pace University, led scenery crews at New York Shakespeare Festival’s Shakespeare in the Park, and mentored countless early-career makers, builders, and designers. Now the founder of Beech Tree Studio, Claire brings her passion for teaching, empowerment, inclusivity, and hands-on creativity into a space designed for makers of all ages and skill levels. Beech Tree is the culmination of her years spent creating, collaborating, and championing accessible pathways into the trades. Connect with Claire Website: https://www.beechtreestudios.com Instagram: @beechtree_creative TikTok: @csumjo Find Claire Summers-Jones and her latest courses at Beech Tree Studios here:  https://www.beechtreestudios.com/classes-events About the Podcast Exposing 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.

    51 min
  7. 033: From People Pleasing To Self Worth: Hypnotherapy, Labels, and Letting Go with Alyssa Zonghetti

    12/04/2025

    033: From People Pleasing To Self Worth: Hypnotherapy, Labels, and Letting Go with Alyssa Zonghetti

    Women are handed labels long before they are handed support. Wife. Widow. Single. Childfree. Caretaker. “Too much.” “Not enough.” We are praised for people pleasing, rewarded for self-sacrifice, and quietly shamed when our lives do not match the script. In this episode, we sit down with Alyssa Zonghetti, a Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist and Mindset Coach who works with women to break old patterns, release shame, and reclaim the self-worth, self-confidence, and self-love they were never taught to claim. We explore what it really takes to stop performing for everyone else, meet yourself where you are, and create change at the subconscious level instead of white-knuckling your way through habits you secretly hate. We explore: • What clinical hypnotherapy actually is and how it differs from the Hollywood or stage show version • How people pleasing, shrinking, and repeating relationship patterns are rooted in self-worth, self-confidence, and self-love • The hidden expectations around marriage, divorce, widowhood, and being single without children • How hypnotherapy complements therapy and coaching to create lasting subconscious change This conversation is for women who are tired of carrying everyone else’s expectations, who have walked through loss or difficult relationships, and who are ready to rewrite what confidence, worth, and possibility look like on their terms. About Alyssa Zonghetti Alyssa Zonghetti is a Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist and Mindset Coach dedicated to helping women break free from old habits, overcome fears, and reclaim their confidence so they can live more, love more, and earn more. After losing her estranged husband to suicide at 31, Alyssa found herself grieving, isolated, and out of sync with the life milestones of her peers. Through deep personal development work, she began unpacking patterns of narcissistic relationships, people pleasing, and low self-worth that had shaped her choices. What began as sharing her story publicly and building online communities for women has grown into a thriving hypnotherapy and coaching practice. Today, Alyssa blends subconscious reprogramming, mindset work, and emotional healing to help clients increase their self-worth and create meaningful change in business, leadership, and life. She is a member of the International Certification Board of Clinical Hypnotherapists (ICBCH) and was recognized as “Best Hypnotherapist” in Boston by Boston Business Women. Connect with Alyssa Website: https://www.atozhypnotherapy.com Rapid Clarity Session: https://www.atozhypnotherapy.com/rapidclarity Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thealyssaz LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alyssamz About the Podcast Exposing 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.

    43 min
  8. 032: Unfunk Yourself: EQ, Mindfulness, and the Power of the Pause with Emily Hampton Morash

    12/04/2025

    032: Unfunk Yourself: EQ, Mindfulness, and the Power of the Pause with Emily Hampton Morash

    We are living in a world that rewards speed, reactivity, and constant output. Women are praised for multitasking, staying “on” all the time, and keeping everyone else regulated while quietly ignoring their own nervous system. Mindfulness gets written off as a luxury. Emotions get labeled as weakness. And our bodies keep the score. In this episode, we sit down with Emily Hampton Morash, author of Unfunk Yourself, emotional intelligence educator, and mindfulness facilitator who is on a mission to help people get out of their own way. Emily brings equal parts science, humor, and tough love as she breaks down what is actually happening in our brains when we are triggered, flooded, or on edge… and what it really takes to pause instead of react. We talk about the hard stuff no one explains in leadership training: why our fear center runs the show, why “just push it down” never works, and how unprocessed emotions turn into physical symptoms, resentment, and burnout. Emily gives us practical tools to regulate in real time and reminds us that feeling our feelings is not indulgent. It is necessary for survival. We explore: Why mindfulness is not woo and not a luxury, but a strategic and emotional survival skill What your limbic system and amygdala are doing behind the scenes when you read that one-line email or text How box breathing and simple pauses can shift your nervous system and your options The cost of suppressing emotions and how they show up in the body, relationships, and leadership Why anger is rarely a “pure” emotion and what it often reveals underneath How to notice your stories, assumptions, and judgments with less shame and more curiosity The power of self-compassion, emotional awareness, and “being the llama among the goats” in chaotic environments This conversation is for women who are tired of white-knuckling their way through work and life, who want to respond instead of react, and who are ready to treat their emotional world as data and wisdom, not a problem to hide. About Emily Hampton Morash Emily Hampton Morash is an author, workshop facilitator, emotional intelligence educator, and mindfulness educator. With a background in clinical work, nonprofit leadership, and organizational development, she helps leaders and teams understand how the brain, nervous system, and emotions shape their communication, decisions, and culture. Emily is the creator of The Mindful Leader Practice, a workshop that blends neuroscience, social psychology, and practical tools to help people notice their patterns, disrupt mindless reactions, and lead from a more grounded, intentional place. Known for her humor, honesty, and “loving tough talk,” she is committed to helping people give themselves more grace, process what they actually feel, and make the internal shifts that lead to healthier workplaces and relationships. Learn more about Emily’s book, Unfunk Yourself, here: https://amzn.to/44JwPZ7 *As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Connect with Emily: Website (Book + Resources): https://unfunkyourselfbook.com Business Website: https://hamptonmorash.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emilymorash Instagram: @unfunk_yourself_book About the Podcast Exposing 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.

    59 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