LEAD LIKE A GIRL

Jessica Smith, Coralyn Musser and Jamie Knebel
  • 5.0 (7)
  • MANAGEMENT
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

We are empowering everyday women through our stories – the good, the bad, and the funny. Join hosts Jessica, Jamie, and Coralyn as they dive into unfiltered stories, big lessons, and real conversations. They met in their 20s as ambitious sales pros, quickly rising to the top. Careers shifted, industries changed, and life threw curveballs—but their drive never wavered. Now, they’re sharing the highs, lows, and hilarious moments of balancing career, family, faith, and friendship. If you’re ready to lead, laugh, and level up, you’re in the right place!

  1. 2D AGO

    The Unexpected Change That Forced Me to Rethink Everything, E93

    Plot twist: the life you planned isn’t the life you’re living — now what? In this raw and empowering episode of Lead Like a Girl, we dive headfirst into unexpected changes, personal growth, resilience, and adaptability — and how life’s detours often become our biggest breakthroughs. From travel mishaps and cultural quirks to career pivots, faith shifts, and identity reinvention, we unpack the messy middle of life transitions. Because let’s be honest — there are “too many rules,” and sometimes you realize… you can’t drink in that state. 😅 Whether you’re navigating a career pivot, redefining success beyond relationships, adjusting to motherhood, or simply trying to make sense of a season that looks nothing like you expected — this conversation will remind you that change isn’t the enemy. Stagnation is. We explore the emotional side of unexpected change, the myth of the master plan, and how journaling, faith, and flexible thinking can help you build true resilience. If you’re a woman in leadership, a working mom, or someone standing in the middle of a life transition — this episode is your permission slip to scrap the plan and start again. Because here’s the truth: Change is going to happen. The question is — will you grow with it? – Why unexpected changes often spark the greatest personal growth – The myth of the “master plan” and redefining success on your terms – How resilience and adaptability build stronger women leaders – The power of journaling for emotional well-being and self-discovery – Why your identity is fluid — and that’s a strength, not a flaw – Coping strategies for life transitions (career, motherhood, relationships, faith) – The importance of asking for help during uncertain seasons – How creativity often emerges through chaos – Hidden strengths you only uncover when plans fall apart – Why courage over comfort is the real leadership move 🔑 In This Episode, We Cover:

    46 min

  2. FEB 18

    Stop Saying “I Can’t” — Master Self-Control Without Burning Out, E92

    Self-control isn’t about being stronger — it’s about being smarter with your energy. In this episode of Lead Like a Girl, we unpack the real reason self-control feels so hard: decision fatigue, stress management overload, and emotional regulation burnout. For women in leadership, working moms, and ambitious professionals, the pressure to “hold it together” can quietly drain our mental health and motivation. We explore how your environment, language, habits, and accountability systems directly impact your ability to follow through — without burning out. If you’re navigating personal growth, leadership responsibility, or just trying to survive your week without stress spiraling, this conversation will give you practical tools to master self-control in a way that’s sustainable. Because real empowerment isn’t about perfection. It’s about alignment. Why decision fatigue destroys self-control The connection between stress management and habits How your language shapes your identity and accountability The “pleasure-pain seesaw” and motivation science Why environment design matters more than willpower Emotional regulation tools for overwhelmed women leaders How to build routines that reduce mental load Why grace is essential in personal growth 🎙 Perfect for women in business, working moms, leaders, and anyone committed to empowerment and mental health growth. In This Episode We Cover:

    41 min

  3. FEB 11

    The Truth About Job Loss No One Talks About — Grief, Identity & Why You’re Still Enough - Ep

    You didn’t lose your worth — you lost a job. And those are not the same thing. Job loss is rarely talked about as grief — but it should be. In this powerful and deeply human episode of Lead Like a Girl, we unpack the emotional, psychological, and identity-shaking reality of losing work, especially for women whose leadership, purpose, and confidence are often tied to what they do. Joined by Mara Rosenberg, founder of Liminal Living, we explore how job loss impacts identity, creates decision fatigue, and why community support is essential for real healing — not just “bouncing back.” This conversation is for anyone navigating transition, uncertainty, or the messy middle — and needs to hear this truth: job loss is not a personal failure; it’s a structural reality. Why job loss is a form of grief — and why ignoring it slows healing How identity gets tangled up in work (and what to do when it’s gone) The emotional toll of decision fatigue during a job search Why community and emotional support matter more than hustle How self-kindness becomes a leadership skill in hard seasons Redefining success beyond traditional corporate paths Honoring grief so you can rebuild with clarity and confidence “We all have our seasonalities.” “I needed to be kinder to myself.” “You haven’t lost your worth.”

    41 min

  4. FEB 4

    89 - The Good Life Isn’t the Goal: Inside a Woman-Owned Wellness Business That’s Redefining Self-Care

    The good life might actually be standing in the way of a great one. In this episode of Lead Like a Girl, Jamie is joined by co-hosts Coralyn and Jessica for an honest, grounded conversation with Rachel—a massage therapist turned wellness business owner who built her practice after realizing the traditional healthcare system wasn’t designed for proactive healing. What starts as light banter about friendship and everyday life quickly turns into a powerful discussion about women in business, burnout, and why intentional self-care isn’t indulgent—it’s necessary. Rachel shares how her desire to truly help people led her to open a wellness space focused on connection, education, and personalized care. We unpack what actually works when it comes to modern wellness practices, including red light therapy, cupping, and massage, and why you don’t need to “do all the things” to take care of your body and mental health. This episode is equal parts science, story, and practical wisdom—especially for women navigating busy lives, leadership, and long-term health. If you’ve ever wondered how to approach wellness without extremes—or how women are quietly building businesses that change lives—this conversation is for you. Why the “good life” can keep us from pursuing a great one Rachel’s journey from massage therapist to wellness entrepreneur What red light therapy actually does and who it’s for How cupping and massage support recovery and mental health Why self-care works best when it’s simple and consistent How to find trustworthy wellness providers in your community The role of friendship, environment, and safety in healing spaces health and wellness, women owned business, massage therapy, red light therapy benefits, cupping therapy, self care for women, mental health and wellness, holistic health, women entrepreneurs, wellness spa, recovery and healing, proactive health Good life is the biggest barrier to a great life. I wanted to help people. You don’t need to do it all the time. 00:00 Introduction and banter02:48 Rachel’s story and background11:14 From healthcare burnout to entrepreneurship17:00 Building a wellness business with intention18:51 How physical and mental health are connected21:32 Red light therapy explained26:32 Personalized care in massage and recovery35:35 How to find the right wellness space In this episode, we talk about:KeywordsNotable QuotesChapters

    43 min

  5. JAN 28

    89 - Best Friends Forever!? Or, not. Outgrowing Friendships Without Guilt.

    Some friendships are for a season — and that doesn’t make you a bad person. In this powerful and honest episode of Lead Like a Girl, we unpack the evolving definition of friendship and what it really means to build intentional, healthy relationships as you grow personally and professionally. From navigating shifting dynamics to recognizing emotional dependency, we’re diving into the uncomfortable (but freeing) truth: not every relationship is meant to grow with you — and that’s okay. Whether you’re re-evaluating long-time friendships, navigating professional relationships, or craving deeper mutual development, this conversation will help you reflect, reset, and reconnect with intention. Why friendship should be rooted in mutual growth, not obligation How personal growth naturally changes relationships — and why that’s healthy The role of self-reflection in evaluating friendships Balancing personal and professional relationships without guilt Recognizing the difference between supportive connection vs. emotional dependency Why letting go of certain friendships can be an act of self-care, not failure Friendship should support mutual development, not emotional drain Evaluating relationships leads to healthier, more aligned connections Intentional conversations create clarity and respect Outgrowing friendships doesn’t mean you failed — it means you grew Investing in the right relationships fuels confidence, leadership, and success Healthy relationships require responsibility, not dependency Life seasons change — and friendships can too Surrounding yourself with aligned people is essential for growth Reflecting on past relationships offers powerful lessons for the future 🎙️ If you’ve ever felt guilty for changing, this episode is your permission slip. Hit subscribe, share with a friend who needs this reminder, and keep leading — intentionally, courageously, and without apology. 💥 What We Cover:✨ Key Takeaways:

    40 min

  6. JAN 21

    88 - Why Fitness Resolutions Fail Every Year. Clue: Finally Figure out Motivation vs Discipline

    What if the reason fitness resolutions fail every year isn’t a lack of motivation—but the fact that we keep trying harder instead of choosing better systems? New year, same pressure to “get it right” with fitness and health—and yet most resolutions don’t survive February. In this episode of Lead Like a Girl, Coralyn and Jamie sit down with professional trainer Stacey Jackson to talk honestly about why fitness goals fall apart and how to build habits that actually last. We ditch the all-or-nothing mindset and break down what really matters: discipline over motivation, simple routines over extreme plans, and support systems that keep you going when life gets busy. Stacey shares practical advice on nutrition, meal prep, breaking plateaus, and how she trained for an Ironman while balancing real life. No shame. No perfection. Just sustainable, doable health. If you’re tired of starting over every January, this conversation will change how you approach fitness—for good. What You’ll Hear in This Episode Why most New Year fitness resolutions fail (and it’s not a willpower problem) The difference between motivation and discipline—and why discipline wins Why choosing one achievable goal beats doing everything at once How nutrition impacts results more than most workouts Simple meal-prep strategies that save time and decision fatigue How to break through fitness plateaus without burning out Why support systems matter more than self-control Giving yourself grace and getting back on track after missed workouts Lessons from Ironman training that apply to everyday health Key Takeaways People try to change too much at once—and that’s why they quit One realistic goal builds momentum faster than extreme plans Discipline carries you when motivation fades Nutrition matters just as much as your workouts Missing a workout doesn’t mean failure—quitting does Health has to become a priority before burnout hits Consistency over time creates real habits Asking for help is a strength, not a weakness

    45 min

  7. JAN 14

    87 - Our Top Five Anti-Resolution Tools for a More Intentional Year

    If setting New Year’s resolutions feels more exhausting than motivating, this episode is your permission to try something different. In this episode of Lead Like a Girl, Jamie, Coralyn, and Jessica explore a more grounded, sustainable approach to growth—one that focuses on personal mantras, intentional themes, habit stacking, and seasonal check-ins instead of rigid resolutions. We talk honestly about why traditional goal-setting often falls apart and what actually supports real change in busy, real-life seasons. This conversation is for anyone who wants to grow without burning out and believes progress can be thoughtful, flexible, and deeply personal. Key TakeawaysMantras create clarity and focus without pressureGrowth doesn’t have to start on January 1 and can begin anytimeHabit stacking helps new behaviors stick by building on what already existsSeasonal goals allow for reflection, flexibility, and recalibrationThere is a difference between what you’re paid to do and what you’re made to doChoosing a word or theme for the year can guide daily decisionsAccountability strengthens follow-through without shameBehavior-based goals lead to more sustainable changeReflection is a critical part of meaningful growthSmall, consistent shifts create long-term impact Chapters00:00 Introduction and Busy Lives01:16 New Year, New Goals03:48 Personal Mantras and Intentions06:42 Goals vs. Resolutions09:21 Alternative Goal-Setting Styles12:09 Theme-Based Goals and Reflection17:36 Choosing a Word or Theme for the Year26:58 Habit Stacking for Real Life32:04 Seasonal Goals and Accountability33:57 Personal Themes for Growth

    37 min

  8. JAN 7

    Diary of a Job Loss: The Grief No One Talks About

    Losing a job can feel like losing your identity—but it doesn’t get to define your worth.In this honest and deeply relatable episode of Lead Like a Girl, we talk about the kind of grief no one prepares you for: job loss, career disruption, and the emotional fallout that follows. We share personal stories, early career lessons, and what it really looks like to rebuild confidence, community, and purpose when life doesn’t go according to plan. This conversation is raw, real, and validating—for any woman navigating career transitions, professional rejection, or the in-between season that feels uncomfortable but isn’t wasted. Episode Summary In this episode, we open with real-life chaos (because that’s life) and move straight into a powerful conversation about grief tied to job loss. We reflect on first jobs, career setbacks, and how losing a role can feel personal—even when it’s not. We unpack the emotional weight of professional grief, including feelings of betrayal, disappointment, and self-doubt, while also highlighting the importance of community, honest conversations, and maintaining relationships during transitions. This episode explores resilience, gratitude, slowing down, and learning to regain control when everything feels uncertain. If you’ve ever questioned your worth after a job loss or wondered what’s next, this episode is for you.

    56 min
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5
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

We are empowering everyday women through our stories – the good, the bad, and the funny. Join hosts Jessica, Jamie, and Coralyn as they dive into unfiltered stories, big lessons, and real conversations. They met in their 20s as ambitious sales pros, quickly rising to the top. Careers shifted, industries changed, and life threw curveballs—but their drive never wavered. Now, they’re sharing the highs, lows, and hilarious moments of balancing career, family, faith, and friendship. If you’re ready to lead, laugh, and level up, you’re in the right place!

Information

  • Creator
    Jessica Smith, Coralyn Musser and Jamie Knebel
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    131
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Jessica Smith, Coralyn Musser and Jamie Knebel
  • Show Website
    LEAD LIKE A GIRL