Sweet but Fearless Podcast

Mary Sullivan, Cooper Alexander, Gale Northrop
  • 5.0 (113)
  • Careers
  • Weekly

Step into the world of the Sweet but Fearless podcast, your go-to weekly destination for exploring the challenges confronted by women leaders on the frontlines. With a blend of engaging interviews featuring accomplished women leaders, entrepreneurs, and industry experts along with solo episodes, you'll gain insight and actionable advice to guide you on your fearless career journey.

  1. 3d ago

    Dream Bigger, Start Before You're Ready: The Female Mavericks Approach to Entrepreneurship with Beth Mazza (S11: Epi 311)

    In this episode, Mary Sullivan, co-founder of Sweet but Fearless, talks with Beth Mazza, co-founder of Female Mavericks, about the long and winding road to building a thriving business. Recognizing that the traditional entrepreneurship playbook wasn't written for moms, Beth and her co-founder decided to write their own. Beth shares why it's important to dream a little bigger, challenge the conventional rules of entrepreneurship, and take that first step, even when you don't feel ready. Key takeaways from this episode: ·       Start before you're ready. You don't need to have everything figured out, but you do need to take action. ·       Do your homework. Research your business idea and understand your competitors before taking the leap. ·       Know your non-negotiables. Define your personal and financial boundaries so you can build a business that works for your life. The biggest power move? Give yourself permission to dream bigger, do the work, and start building the business you envision, without waiting for the perfect moment. ABOUT BETH MAZZA: LinkedIn – Beth Mazza Website – Female Mavericks Book – Entrepreneur Like a Mother: Build a Company That Buys You Freedom   ABOUT SWEET BUT FEARLESS: Website - Sweet but Fearless LinkedIn - Sweet but Fearless

  2. Nov 1

    Find Your Superpower: Build Your Brand and Grow Your Business with Nani Israel, founder of AirAssistant.io (S11: Epi 310)

    What if the key to building a successful business starts with identifying the problem in society that makes you angry enough to change it? In this episode, Mary Sullivan, co-founder of Sweet but Fearless, talks with Nani Israel, founder of AirAssistant.io, about turning your passion into purpose, identifying your unique superpower, and building a brand that attracts and converts clients. Nani shares her philosophy of starting with the end game and reverse-engineering your path to success. From finding the right mentors to taking intentional daily action, she challenges entrepreneurs to believe in their expertise and build businesses while living lives that don't demand sacrifices on our mental health. Through AirAssistant.io, Nani helps experts strengthen their brand visibility, create cohesive messaging, and uncover revenue opportunities they may be missing. Her mission is to help experts reach the top 10% of earners while building sustainable businesses without sacrificing their mental health. In this episode, discover: ·       Find your superpower: Identify the intersection of what you're great at and what you love doing. ·       Start with the end game: Reverse-engineer your goals and determine the mentors and daily actions needed to get there. ·       Make your brand work for you: Align your messaging, social media presence, and visibility to attract and convert clients. ·       Stop the money leaks: Recognize where your marketing and social media strategies may be costing you opportunities. ·       Build your authority: Why you don't need a massive social media following to become a recognized expert. ·       Scale without sacrificing yourself: Create a successful business that supports your lifestyle and well-being.   Exclusive FREE Gifts for Sweet but Fearless Listeners! Nani is offering two special opportunities to help you take your business to the next level. 1. FREE Scaling CEO Assessment + Money Strategy Vault Text PODCAST to 217-745-6987 to receive a link to schedule your complimentary Scaling CEO Assessment, valued at nearly $4,000. Discover where your business may be losing money and walk away with an actionable growth plan. You'll also receive access to the Money Strategy Vault. 2. FREE Seat in the Scaling CEO Society Get access to Nani's thought leadership, her Authority Engine strategies, and the secrets behind building a business with greater visibility and revenue potential. And here's a hint: You don't need thousands of followers to succeed! Your expertise is your superpower. It's time to own it, share it, and build the business you envision.   ABOUT NANI ISRAEL: LinkedIn – Nani Israel Website – AirAssistant.io Podcast – Your Brand Amplified – Escaping the Founder Bottleneck   ABOUT SWEET BUT FEARLESS: Website - Sweet but Fearless LinkedIn - Sweet but Fearless

  3. Oct 26

    Claim Your Voice: The Power of Storytelling, Communication, and Courage with Jacquelyn Fletcher Johnson, author, speaker, and leadership expert (S11: Epi 309)

    In this episode, Mary Sullivan, co-founder of Sweet but Fearless, talks with Jacquelyn Fletcher Johnson, CEO & Chief Communications Officer with Heartwood Leadership Institute, whose fascinating career has been anything but linear. From helping launch the Creative Writing at the Bedside program at Mayo Clinic to designing leadership programs focused on communication and resilience, Jacquelyn has built a career around the power of storytelling and helping others find their voice. As the author of 14 books, Jacquelyn understands that your story is one of your most powerful communication tools. She encourages us to embrace curiosity, recognize where fear holds us back, and find the courage to share our ideas with the world. In this inspiring conversation, discover: Why storytelling is an essential leadership and communication skill. How to claim your voice and spark curiosity in your audience. Why understanding your fears can help you move beyond them. How a nonlinear career can lead to unexpected opportunities and meaningful impact. Jacquelyn also shares her exciting Gateway Gathering & Pitch Fest, an experience designed to help aspiring thought leaders strengthen their messages, gain visibility, and pitch their ideas to industry decision-makers. Your voice matters. Your story matters. Don't let fear keep either one from being heard. Learn more about Jacquelyn and upcoming Gateway Gathering & Pitch Fest opportunities at www.gateway-project.com.   ABOUT JACQUELYN FLETCHER JOHNSON: LinkedIn – Jacquelyn Fletcher Johnson Website – Jacquelyn Fletcher Johnson Substack – Jacquelyn Fletcher Johnson Podcast – Ideas Love Community The Gateway Gathering and Pitch Fest Virtual: February 2027 In Person: October 2027   ABOUT SWEET BUT FEARLESS: Website - Sweet but Fearless LinkedIn - Sweet but Fearless

  4. Oct 19

    From Classroom to Entrepreneurship: Finding Your Voice and Owning Your Space with Claire Olinik, founder of Good Harbor Works (S11: Epi 308)

    What happens when an unexpected career change reveals strengths you never knew you had? In this episode Mary Sullivan, co-founder of Sweet but Fearless, talks with Claire Olinik, founder of Good Harbor Works, about her journey from music teacher to entrepreneur. What started as a temporary role in her husband's web business turned into a decade-long career, where Claire discovered that her teaching and communication skills were invaluable in helping clients navigate the often-confusing world of technology and marketing. Claire shares insights on: ·       Career Pivots: How transferable skills can open doors to unexpected opportunities. ·       Authentic Branding: Why your online presence should reflect who you are, not a cookie-cutter template. ·       Finding Your Voice: What do you want people to know about you, and what problems do you solve? The takeaway? You don't have to reinvent yourself to succeed. Sometimes, the skills you already have are exactly what you need to take your next big step. Own the spot you're in! ABOUT CLAIRE OLINIK: LinkedIn – Claire Olinik Website – Good Harbor Works ABOUT SWEET BUT FEARLESS: Website - Sweet but Fearless LinkedIn - Sweet but Fearless

  5. Oct 12

    AI and the Human Touch: Why Frontline Employees Are Your Greatest Competitive Advantage with AI Strategist Jane Dalesandro (S11: Epi 307)

    In this episode of Sweet but Fearless, Mary Sullivan, co-founder, sits down with Jane Dalesandro, AI Operations Strategist, to explore the critical role frontline employees play in shaping the customer experience and building a company's reputation. As businesses rush to embrace AI and automation, Jane challenges leaders to think carefully about what they're automating. The goal shouldn't be to replace the human connection that makes a customer experience memorable. Instead, automate what happens behind the desk, not the customer experience itself. When used thoughtfully, AI can reduce employee burnout, streamline operations, and give teams more time to deliver the unique value customers can't get from technology alone. Jane also shares insights from her upcoming book, The Floor You Carry: How I Built a Career in the Job Nobody Takes Seriously, releasing November 1. She reminds us that some of the best leaders begin their careers in customer service, where they develop essential leadership skills: emotional control, accountability, communication, empathy, and the ability to make decisions under pressure. It's a conversation about recognizing the leadership potential of frontline employees, using AI with intention, and remembering that your greatest competitive advantage may be the people who interact with your customers every day. ABOUT JANE DALESANDRO: LinkedIn – Jane Dalesandro Book – "The Floor You Carry: How I Built a Career in the Job Nobody Takes Seriously"   ABOUT SWEET BUT FEARLESS: Website - Sweet but Fearless LinkedIn - Sweet but Fearless

  6. Sep 28

    How to Use AI to Strengthen Your Leadership and Decision-Making with Sharitta Marshall, founder of Visionary Development Consulting (S11: Epi 306)

    Mary Sullivan, co-founder of Sweet but Fearless, talks with Sharitta Marshall, founder of Visionary Development Consulting, about how leaders can use AI as a tool to strengthen, not replace, their skills, judgment, and experience. AI may be powerful, but it isn't smarter than you. The real opportunity comes from understanding how AI is changing your industry, influencing your everyday life, and where it can best support your decision-making process. Sharitta encourages leaders to think of AI like a vehicle: it can help move you forward, but where you end up depends on where you're going, what you're trying to accomplish, and how intentionally you use it. This conversation is a practical reminder that effective leadership in an AI-driven world isn't about having all the answers, it's about asking better questions and knowing when technology can help you make smarter, more informed decisions.   ABOUT SHARITTA MARSHALL: LinkedIn – Sharitta Marshall Website – Visionary Development Consulting Book – "The Unwritten Rules Are Meant to Be Broken: Breaking Barriers, Thriving in Corporate Spaces, and Redefining Success as a Black Leader" ABOUT SWEET BUT FEARLESS: Website - Sweet but Fearless LinkedIn - Sweet but Fearless

  7. Sep 21

    Self-Care Without the Guilt with Self-Care Coach, Christina Russell (S11: Epi 305)

    What if creating a more fulfilling life didn't mean changing everything at once? Mary Sullivan, co-founder of Sweet but Fearless, talks with self-care coach and entrepreneur Christina Russell about what it really means to put yourself back on your own priority list. Christina shares why putting yourself first isn't about ignoring your work, family, or responsibilities. It's about making sure you don't disappear in the middle of all of them. Mary and Christina talk about finding what brings you joy and creating space for it in your everyday life. If you're feeling stuck or burned out, the answer doesn't have to be a major life overhaul. Christina encourages starting small and looking at your situation from a different perspective. Those simple shifts can help you gain clarity and better understand what you truly want. One of the most powerful reminders from the conversation is that the answers are often already within you. When we continually sacrifice our own joy, the cost can be higher than we realize. If you've been feeling like something is missing, this episode is a thoughtful reminder that it may be time to listen to yourself again.   ABOUT CHRISTINA RUSSELL: LinkedIn – Christina Russell Website – Christina Russell 3 Steps to Break Free from Self-Doubt 3 Day Accountability Challenge   ABOUT SWEET BUT FEARLESS: Website - Sweet but Fearless LinkedIn - Sweet but Fearless

  8. Sep 14

    Finding Your Voice and Creating the Life You Really Want with Jennifer White, Founder of Clearing for Launch Coaching (S11: Epi 304)

    What happens when you quiet the outside noise long enough to hear what you really want? Mary Sullivan, co-founder of Sweet but Fearless, talks with Jennifer White, founder of Clearing for Launch Coaching, about making life decisions with greater clarity and confidence. As a coach, Jennifer helps her clients reconnect with their own voice, uncover the wants and passions they may have pushed aside, and take action toward the life they've been putting off for years. She shares how to move through the hurdles, fears, and uncertainty that can keep us stuck and why the answers we're searching for often begin with getting clear about what we truly want. It's a conversation about trusting yourself, navigating change, and giving yourself permission to move toward what's next. ABOUT JENNIFER WHITE : LinkedIn – Jennifer White Website – Clearing For Launch Facebook – Clearing For Launch   ABOUT SWEET BUT FEARLESS: Website - Sweet but Fearless LinkedIn - Sweet but Fearless

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5
out of 5
113 Ratings

About

Step into the world of the Sweet but Fearless podcast, your go-to weekly destination for exploring the challenges confronted by women leaders on the frontlines. With a blend of engaging interviews featuring accomplished women leaders, entrepreneurs, and industry experts along with solo episodes, you'll gain insight and actionable advice to guide you on your fearless career journey.

Information

  • Creator
    Mary Sullivan, Cooper Alexander, Gale Northrop
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    100
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2021 Sweet but Fearless Podcast
  • Show Website
    Sweet but Fearless Podcast