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. 1d ago

    Presence Over Achievement: Nida Leard on Redefining Success Through Relationships

    When I was growing up, I didn’t see my parents have a lot of friends over at our house. We were working a lot and were a tight, insulated family unit.  Also, it didn’t help that I was a bit of a misfit and a loner. I was in the “nerd herd” in middle school and was a wallflower at dances. Remember 7th and 8th grade dances? As a side bar, does anyone remember the song Lady in Red? Look it up if you don’t. It’s all cringe.  The point of all of this is that I didn’t understand the power of community. I thought if I wanted to do things right, I did them on my own. It wasn’t until I was in my twenties and beyond that I realized how important friends would be in my life. After all, my friends are my chosen family.  My guest today, Nida Leard, founded her company IRL or In Real Life. During our conversation, Nida told me how our relationships impact how we lead in every area of our lives. During the podcast, we also chatted about: The story behind Nida’s company, IRLHow did Nida build her network as an introvert? What tips does she have to build their tribes if it isn’t natural for them?Why do high achievers struggle building relationships, and what can they do about it?How do our relationship patterns show up in all areas of our lives?How does IRL’s work translate from the boardroom to the bedroom?How does working on our personal and professional relationships help us with our leadership skills?How is relationship building the new definition of success?Here is more about Nida: Nida Leardprasopsuk is a Master Certified Coach (ICF) and systems-oriented practitioner working at the intersection of identity, relationships, leadership, and human systems. With over two decades of experience spanning business, psychology, and personal transformation, she supports high-performing individuals, leaders, and changemakers in creating alignment across career, relationships, family, leadership, and self. Grounded in the belief that human challenges are systemic—what shows up in the boardroom often mirrors what shows up in intimacy, family dynamics, boundaries, confidence, and self-worth—Nida helps clients transform at the identity and relational level so change naturally ripples into every area of life. Her background includes executive and leadership coaching, couples and family systems work, sex therapy, identity reinvention, and organizational culture, enabling her to translate insights across contexts in a way that is both deeply practical and profoundly human. She is also the license holder and organizer of TEDxThonglorWomen, where she curates conversations on identity, relationships, power, and societal change. Before we begin, please be sure to share this show with a family member, friend or colleague. As you know, your ratings and reviews help this show to gain traction and continue to grow. Thank you if you have already left a review. Also, if you haven’t downloaded one of my freebies on my site, check them out on bravewomenatwork.com. I have 5 Ways to Managing Imposter Phenomenon, 34 Leadership and Career Affirmations, and 10 tips to Win Your Next Negotiation. Download one or them or all three! If you also have a story to share and a deep desire to become an author, please contact me at hello@bravewomenatwork.com. I am happy to share the details on the project.   Alright, let’s welcome Nida to the show!

    Presence Over Achievement: Nida Leard on Redefining Success Through Relationships
  2. Oct 15

    Confidence Creates Opportunity: Jazzlyn Feliciano on Five Conversations Every Emerging Leader Needs

    Are you ready for a cup of espresso? My conversation with guest, Jazzlyn Feliciano, was like a strong cup of joe and a motivational shot in the arm. Jazzlyn was so inspiring to me because she has a “go for it” attitude, which I love. Our discussion also challenged me because I can often get lost in self-doubt and Imposter Syndrome, which I know so many of you and others can relate to. While Jazzlyn faces her own fair share of Imposter Syndrome, she has some wonderful wisdom to share of how to manage it.  During our conversation, Jazzlyn and I also chatted about: 1.What does betting on herself mean to Jazzlyn? 2.How does confidence create opportunities? If you are short on confidence, how do you cultivate it? 3.What is the strategic risk framework Jazzlyn has used personally and professionally? 4.What are five conversations that every emerging leader needs to have? 5.What is Jazzlyn’s company, Recee, and what her goal is with the fintech and app? Here is more about Jazzlyn: Jazzlyn Feliciano is an award-winning corporate leader, entrepreneur, and founder of Recee, a fintech startup reimagining how consumers understand and use their everyday purchase data. With more than a decade of experience across Wall Street and Big Four consulting, Jazzlyn has built a career at the intersection of strategy, leadership, and innovation. Beyond corporate America, she is known as “Your Corporate Big Sis,” using her platform to share the career lessons, confidence, and corporate realness she wishes she had earlier in her journey. Today, she’s bringing those same experiences into the startup world as she builds Recee from the ground up. Before we begin, please be sure to share this show with a family member, friend or colleague. As you know, your ratings and reviews help this show to gain traction and continue to grow. Thank you if you have already left a review. Also, if you haven’t downloaded one of my freebies on my site, check them out on bravewomenatwork.com. I have 5 Ways to Managing Imposter Phenomenon, 34 Leadership and Career Affirmations, and 10 tips to Win Your Next Negotiation. Download one or them or all three! If you also have a story to share and a deep desire to become an author, please contact me at hello@bravewomenatwork.com. I am happy to share the details on the project.   Alright, let’s welcome Jazzlyn to the show!

    Confidence Creates Opportunity: Jazzlyn Feliciano on Five Conversations Every Emerging Leader Needs
  3. Oct 8

    From Burnout to Breakthrough: Christina Woods on Hypnotherapy, EMDR, and Healing Your Own Way

    I have no idea what’s happening to me. I guess we will do anything for our kids.  During our conversation, we also chatted about: The situation that drove Christina to seek change and healing in her lifeWhat contributed to her autoimmune diseases and the end of her marriageHow too much responsibility contributes to toxic work patternsWhat modalities Christina used in her healing journeyWhat EMDR is and what drove Christina to get certified in hypnotherapy?Here is more about Christina: Christina L. Woods  is an internationally recognized Clinical Hypnotherapist, subconscious transformation expert, and former corporate executive who helps high-functioning, successful individuals resolve the quiet disconnect between their outer success and inner experience. With over three decades of corporate leadership experience and a global private practice, Christina works with accomplished women and high-level professionals around the world who have done the therapy, mindset work, and personal development — yet still feel an underlying sense of restlessness, misalignment, or emotional incongruence they can’t think their way out of. Through her signature Wise Woods Method and as the Founder of Wise Woods Hypnotherapy, Christina integrates clinical hypnotherapy, subconscious reprogramming, and energy-based healing to shift the deeper patterns that insight alone doesn’t change. Her work supports clients in feeling more settled, clear, and internally aligned — not by fixing what’s “wrong,” but by completing the internal upgrades their awareness has already initiated. Known for her ability to articulate what people intuitively sense but struggle to put into words, Christina brings depth, clarity, and grounded presence to conversations around identity, self-trust, subconscious conditioning, leadership, and real life. Her approach bridges science and spirituality in a way that is practical, intelligent, and deeply human. Before we begin, please be sure to share this show with a family member, friend or colleague. As you know, your ratings and reviews help this show to gain traction and continue to grow. Thank you if you have already left a review. Also, if you haven’t downloaded one of my freebies on my site, check them out on bravewomenatwork.com. I have 5 Ways to Managing Imposter Phenomenon, 34 Leadership and Career Affirmations, and 10 tips to Win Your Next Negotiation. Download one or them or all three! If you also have a story to share and a deep desire to become an author, please contact me at hello@bravewomenatwork.com. I am happy to share the details on the project.   Alright, let’s welcome Christina to the show!

  4. Oct 1

    I’m Right Here: Bet on Yourself with Kelly Hiller

    I love a good I started from one place and made my way up to the top story, and this is what I have for you today with my guest, Kelly Hiller. Kelly’s story is unique because she has been with Purdue University and Purdue Alumni Association a combined total of over 20 years! You do not hear that very often. We often hear that the employee had to leave an organization to find their next opportunity. What if you could craft it for yourself inside one organization? And better yet, what if you had the guts to let everyone know that you were the replacement and that they didn’t need to recruit to fill the role? That takes bravery and guts, and Kelly’s story inspired me deeply. During our conversation, we also chatted about: What it was like for Kelly to transition to the Chief Marketing Officer at Purdue University. How she set clear boundaries with management regarding how she was different than her predecessor, so they know what they were getting right up front.How she continually works to build relationships within her team, including having a one-on-one meeting with every person in her group once per year.How Kelly has navigated Imposter Phenomenon as she has ascended to higher roles in leadership.What perceptions Kelly and her female-leadership team have faced.And so much more.One thing among many that I love about Kelly is her refreshing honesty. It was obvious that she is authentic, and I believe that this is a sign of a true leader. Listen in for real leadership talk! Here is more about Kelly: Kelly Hiller is Chief Marketing Officer at Purdue University, where she leads the marketing strategy, brand, creative, and social teams responsible for bringing the Purdue University and Purdue Global brands to life. Overseeing a full-service in-house agency, she drives initiatives that build reputation, generate demand, and tell compelling stories across digital, social, content, and live experiences. A passionate advocate for community impact and leadership, Kelly also serves on her local school board.  Before we begin, please be sure to share this show with a family member, friend or colleague. As you know, your ratings and reviews help this show to gain traction and continue to grow. Thank you if you have already left a review. Also, if you haven’t downloaded one of my freebies on my site, check them out on bravewomenatwork.com. I have 5 Ways to Managing Imposter Phenomenon, 34 Leadership and Career Affirmations, and 10 tips to Win Your Next Negotiation. Download one or them or all three! If you also have a story to share and a deep desire to become an author, please contact me at hello@bravewomenatwork.com. I am happy to share the details on the project.   Alright, let’s welcome Kelly to the show!

    I’m Right Here: Bet on Yourself with Kelly Hiller
  5. Sep 24

    7 Kids, One World Championship, and a Company Built on Equity with Maria Colacurcio

    Superwoman alert! Or at least someone I see as a superwoman. My guest today, Maria Colacurcio, not only has 7 children (you heard that right), but she also is a top-level athlete and is the founder and leader of her own company.  Woah. Maria shares with us how she doesn’t do it all, leans on her partner, and even boldly talks about how she has learned that each of her children do not need the same level of attention. Understanding that we do not need to do it all made me feel like my whole body did a deep exhale.  During our conversation, we also chatted about: Maria’s company, Syndio, and the work they are doing with pay equityWhat tips Maria has for balancing a full professional and personal lifeThe seasons or rhythms she follows for making it happen and how her family is in the know with these seasonsWhat she things women should stop doingWhat HYROX is and how she trains her body to support her life and workHere is more about Maria: Maria Colacurcio is reshaping how enterprises govern their largest and most consequential investment: how they pay their people. As CEO of Syndio, she leads the company that defined the market for pay equity software and is now pioneering Decision Intelligence for Pay. Under her leadership, Syndio partners with global brands including Walmart, Microsoft, and Salesforce to make every pay decision compliant, optimized, and aligned with business strategy. Maria previously co-founded Smartsheet, which went public in 2018. She has built her career at the intersection of technology, policy, and purpose-driven leadership, earning recognition as one of the 100 most exceptional entrepreneurs by Goldman Sachs Builders+ Innovators Summit.  Before we begin, please be sure to share this show with a family member, friend or colleague. As you know, your ratings and reviews help this show to gain traction and continue to grow. Thank you if you have already left a review. Also, if you haven’t downloaded one of my freebies on my site, check them out on bravewomenatwork.com. I have 5 Ways to Managing Imposter Phenomenon, 34 Leadership and Career Affirmations, and 10 tips to Win Your Next Negotiation. Download one or them or all three! If you also have a story to share and a deep desire to become an author, please contact me at hello@bravewomenatwork.com. I am happy to share the details on the project.   Alright, let’s welcome Maria to the show!

    7 Kids, One World Championship, and a Company Built on Equity with Maria Colacurcio
  6. Sep 14

    It Was Never Just About the Podcast: 9 Lessons in 300 Episodes

    Honestly, when I started the podcast, I thought it was just that. A podcast. But it became so much more. The Brave Women at Work Podcast has been: A path to healing from burnoutA doorway to amazing friendships, business colleagues, and partnershipsA way to express myself creativelyA platform to build communityAnd a huge part of who I am and my purposeAs I reflected on my learnings, I have jotted down nine learnings. Some of them will sound familiar if you've been listening a while. Some might surprise you. Let’s get right into it! LESSON 1: SOMETIMES YOU JUST NEED TO GO FOR IT When I started this podcast, I didn't know how to run a podcast. I was afraid — of sounding foolish, of nobody listening, of starting something I couldn't sustain. I did it anyway. And that's the first lesson, maybe the most important one: waiting until you feel ready means you might never start. Readiness is a myth we tell ourselves to stay safe. Sometimes the only way through fear is straight through it. LESSON 2: IT TAKES DISCIPLINE — AND IT REWARDS MORE THAN JUST YOU Here's what nobody tells you about 300 episodes: inspiration will not get you there. Inspiration is unreliable. It shows up when it feels like it. Discipline is what shows up every week — whether you feel like it or not, whether the episode's easy or hard, whether you're excited or exhausted. Three hundred episodes is not a monument to motivation. It's a monument to discipline. And here's what I didn't expect: that discipline wasn't just a gift to myself. I used to think of it as a private commitment — something I owed only to my own goals. But showing up consistently became a gift to everyone who kept coming back, week after week, expecting this show to be here. Consistency isn't just self-discipline. It's a form of care for other people too. LESSON 3: YOU NEVER KNOW WHAT WILL BECOME YOUR ART I didn't set out to make this podcast my art. It started as a project, an idea, maybe even an experiment. Somewhere along the way, it became something else. It became the thing I think about, care about, pour myself into. And I think that's true more broadly — you don't always know in advance what will become the thing that defines you. Sometimes you have to commit to something before you understand what it actually is. LESSON 4: LISTENING IS THE PATH TO LEARNING Every single guest on this show has taught me something I couldn't have learned by talking. The best moments in 300 episodes weren't when I had the perfect question or the sharpest insight. They were when I got out of my own way and just listened. Listening isn't passive — it's actually the harder skill. And it's the one that taught me the most. LESSON 5: THE ROAD IS LONG AND WINDING, AND THERE WILL BE POTHOLES There was no straight line from episode 1 to episode 300. I thought there might be — a clean, upward path. That's not what happened. The road curved in directions I didn't plan for. Topics I never expected to cover. Seasons where the show changed shape entirely. And along the way — bad episodes, technical failures, weeks I wanted to quit entirely. I used to think those potholes meant I was doing something wrong. Now I know they're just part of the road, not a detour from the journey, but the journey itself. If you're doing anything long enough, you will hit potholes. The lesson isn't to avoid them. It's to keep driving. LESSON 6: MOTIVATION SHOWS UP IN THE ODDEST PLACES Not always where I expected it. A comment from a listener I'd never met. A guest's offhand remark that stuck with me for weeks. A message that arrived on exactly the day I needed it. I stopped looking for motivation in the big, obvious places. Some of the smallest, strangest moments are what kept me going. LESSON 7: HEALING COMES IN INTERESTING

    It Was Never Just About the Podcast: 9 Lessons in 300 Episodes
  7. Sep 3

    What Brave Women Taught a Brave Young Man with Logan Schultz

    It’s a special day over here at Brave Women at Work! Today marks the first show in almost 300 episodes when I have a male guest! Logan is the first! So, you may be thinking, “Why now?” First, the format of this show is not changing. Most of the guests will be female or identify as female, but I just knew in my gut that Logan had to be the first male guest because he is not only interesting and amazing at the young age of 16, but he has co-written a children’s book series, Different But the Same Game, that celebrates diversity, inclusion, and empathy, with his aunt, Mylene Barizo. Logan is a brave young man because he is smart, wise, and I love that he has amazing, strong women in his life, such as his mom, NAME, his aunt, Mylene, and also his sister Layni, who has not only beaten leukemia as a child but also has Down’s Syndrome. I have been told that Layni is a firecracker and really squeezes the juice out of life, so I hope I get to meet both Layni and Logan in-person one day. The first book in the series, Tabletop Fun, is not just a book. This book is for every child who has ever felt different, every family who has navigated tender conversations about special needs, every parent that has looked for a joyful and more natural way to teach empathy to their kids, and for every teacher that wants to celebrate diversity. Here is more about Logan: Logan Schultz was fourteen years old when he agreed to co-author a children's book celebrating his experience as the sibling to Layni, his sister with Down Syndrome.  Layni’s special needs have shaped him in many ways.  At an early age, he became very aware of how different they were.  Learning to accept and embrace their individual qualities came as he matured, a process that accelerated when he lived through Layni’s battle with cancer.  A high school student today, Logan excels in academics, competes in piano adjudications, is a sports enthusiast (go Seahawks!) and shares a love of travel and food adventures with his family.  His parents' gifts of a strong work ethic and love of music are things he will carry into college and beyond. Before we begin, please be sure to share this show with a family member, friend or colleague. As you know, your ratings and reviews help this show to gain traction and continue to grow. Thank you if you have already left a review. Also, if you haven’t downloaded one of my freebies on my site, check them out on bravewomenatwork.com. I have 5 Ways to Managing Imposter Phenomenon, 34 Leadership and Career Affirmations, and 10 tips to Win Your Next Negotiation. Download one or them or all three! If you also have a story to share and a deep desire to become an author, please contact me at hello@bravewomenatwork.com. I am happy to share the details on the project.   Alright, let’s welcome Logan to the show!

    What Brave Women Taught a Brave Young Man with Logan Schultz
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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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