Women Leaders on the Move - HerCsuite® Radio Natalie Benamou, Host and HerCsuite® Founder, C-suite leader

Unexpected traumatic events can alter the course of our future. It's up to us to make decisions on the path that we're about to take and move forward. On today's episode, I am sharing my personal personal story about seizing the moment, understanding that unexpected things happen, and it's what we do next as leaders that matters most.

In 2008, I suffered a traumatic brain injury. My life was forever changed and I have come to appreciate the smallest acts of kindness. It is why I believe we need to make every moment count. 

Key Takeaways:
As leaders, we have a choice. When faced with a challenge we can rise above it or let it consume us.  I hope that you will feel inspired to know that rising above is within your reach.

Finding Purpose:I found that when we are at the lowest point from an unexpected circumstance there is only upward momentum.  Volunteer, find a cause that lights you up and take on experiential leadership roles. 

The Power of a Strong Community: I discovered through my leadership journey with the Healthcare Businesswomen’s Association how vital surrounding ourselves with the right people, who level us up to be our best selves matters.  

Stepping into Leadership: “Do something that scares you every day”- Eleanor Roosevelt. Joining the HBA board and becoming President was a big leap forward. I learned by doing, and found lifelong friends.  The journey is hard enough, don’t go it alone. Find leaders you admire and connect with them.  You will be surprised and delighted by the outcome.

Lessons from the Journey
When life throws unexpected challenges our way, we can find the strength to pivot and embrace change. I would not have been able to rise to leadership, succeed in my career without having the right people around me. There is power in external advisors and sponsors. Surrounding yourself with supportive people can make all the difference. In my rise to leadership, the secret to real success is it takes hard work.  You have to tap into your brave, embrace resilience, be persistent and find the courage to take on new roles, even when you're not sure you're ready.

"Only you can summon the courage to take a step forward to leadership. It is your courage that will empower you to persist when you are faced with a challenge.”-Natalie Benamou, Founder, HerCsuite®

"When you are faced with a choice, listen to the messages your heart is telling you, open yourself up to the possibilities, and embrace all that you are meant to be.”-Natalie Benamou, Founder, HerCsuite®

“The key to taking a new leadership role is to roll up your sleeves and put in the work. If you've been waiting for the right moment, I'm here to tell you there is no perfect moment- just do it." -Natalie Benamou, Founder, HerCsuite®

"One of the most important things we can do as a leader is to express gratitude. Be thankful to friends and colleagues and your team. Let them know they matter." -Natalie Benamou, Founder, HerCsuite®

A Message of Hope
This personal story proves that even in the face of adversity, we can shape our future. By embracing unexpected change and staying resilient, we can overcome obstacles and make a difference. 

Feeling inspired? Share this episode with a friend or colleague and don’t forget to rate and review the show. It helps other listeners find us! And remember, just as I discovered, anything is possible if you believe in yourself and stay open to possibilities. When doors close, windows open. It is us to us to fly through.

Join us April 30th and make Brave Women at Work: Lessons in Leadership a #1 Bestseller. Follow HerCsuite® on LinkedIn. Connect me Natalie Benamou on LinkedIn. Visit HerCsuite® to follow the book. Find the book on Amazon and click to buy for only $.99 the Kindle version of the book.

Keep Shining Your Light Bright. The World Needs You.

Elevate Your Visibility and Share Your Strengths with Dr. Alessandra Wall, CEO, Noteworthy

When hard work isn't enough, how do we ensure our efforts are acknowledged and celebrated? Dr. Alessandra Wall joins host Natalie Benamou this week to unravel this dilemma, especially for women looking to advance in their careers. Dr. Wall guides us how to gain visibility and feel empowered to share our strength.

The journey to fulfillment in one's career is rarely a straight line. From child clinical psychologist to executive coaching, Dr. Wall experienced burnout and embraced failure, transforming these experiences into powerful lessons for personal and organizational success. In this episode, we discover how aligning our work with joy and fulfillment can offer a rich, multifaceted definition of success that transcends conventional metrics.

Dr. Wall empowers us to confidently articulate our unique contributions, ensuring they resonate in every scenario.

Key Takeaways:
Overcoming the Belief that Work Speaks for Itself: Simply working hard is insufficient for career advancement. Instead, it's essential for women to actively make their achievements visible to those in positions of influence.

Educating vs. Bragging: The conversation addresses the common hesitation among women to speak up about their achievements. Dr. Wall clarifies that sharing accomplishments is not bragging but a necessary strategy for educating others about one's capabilities.

Strategic Visibility: Find out why it’s important to build visibility within an organization and how it relates to securing sponsorship, which is crucial for climbing the corporate ladder.

Practical Steps for Building Confidence and Visibility: Discover specific strategies for women to articulate their value effectively, including the use of storytelling and tailoring communication to the audience's interests to engage them more deeply.

Favorite Quotes:

1. "It becomes our responsibility as human beings, and especially as women, to make sure that we educate people about what it is we excel at." - Dr. Alessandra Wall 

2. "Happiness isn't about always being in a state of joy, but rather finding meaning in what you do and being content with striving to do your best." - Dr. Alessandra Wall

3. "When you truly fail and you realize you can come back from it, then failure is not frightening anymore." - Dr. Alessandra Wall

Throughout the episode, the emphasis is placed on actionable steps that women can immediately implement to enhance their professional visibility and impact. The discussion is both motivational and practical, offering insights into the systemic changes needed to support women in leadership roles fully.

Thank you Dr. Wall for being a featured guest today.

Always remember: Keep shining your light bright. The world needs you.

About Dr. Alessandra Wall, CEO, Noteworthy
Psychologist turned elite executive coach Dr. Alessandra Wall has a big problem to solve.  Worldwide, smart, ambitious executive women work three times as hard for a fraction of the recognition they deserve.
She founded Noteworthy, an exclusive coaching and consulting firm, to advance these women and support companies that seek to retain, elevate, and attract them.
Website: noteworthyinc.co
Dr. Alessandra Wall on LinkedIn

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Get ready to be inspired by Jennifer McCollum, President and CEO of Catalyst, as she reveals the blueprint for women's ascent to leadership roles. In this conversation with host Natalie Benamou, Jennifer talks about her book "In Her Own Voice: A Woman's Rise to CEO," offering  practical advice for women aiming for the top and the organizations championing their cause.

In this conversation, Jennifer differentiates between mentorship and sponsorship and why we need male allies. 

Key Takeaways
Women must be comfortable engaging men in their networks for allyship, mentorship, or sponsorship. Organizations need to recognize and amplify women's contributions in meetings and address the 'third shift' to create more equitable workplaces. AI tools may help reduce the burden of office housework traditionally falling on women.  Sponsorship often cannot be requested but is earned, whereas mentorship can be a mutual and beneficial relationship cultivated over time. It is vital for C-suite executives, particularly men who hold the majority of leadership positions, to engage in creating a supportive environment for women leaders.
1. "Leadership is a collective journey, shaped by mentors and sponsors, crucial for turning aspirations into achievements." - Jennifer McCollum on women's support systems in leadership.

2. "Gender equality isn't just morally right; it's essential for business. Organizations flourish by utilizing their diverse talent." - Jennifer McCollum on the necessity of gender equity in business.

3. "Inclusive leadership requires intentional actions, accountability, and commitment to ensure everyone's voice is heard and everyone can succeed." - Jennifer McCollum on inclusive leadership and gender equality.

As we take in the wealth of knowledge shared by Jennifer McCollum, it becomes clear that empowering women to the top is not merely a matter of individual ambition. It requires a collective effort to transform corporate culture, to engage men as allies and sponsors, and to implement practical strategies that address the unique challenges faced by women in leadership.

Thank you Jennifer McCollum for being a featured guest today.  We especially appreciate HerCsuite® member Mylene Barizo for introducing us.  You can meet amazing leaders like Mylene inside HerCsuite® network.

This podcast is sponsored by HerCsuite® leadership memberships. Learn more at HerCsuite.com

About Jennifer McCollum, President & CEO, Catalyst

Jennifer McCollum is on a mission to create better leaders and workplaces, by advancing women and promoting inclusivity. 
 
She’s an accomplished CEO, speaker and consultant, and the author of the new book "In Her Own Voice: A Woman's Rise to CEO." This book uses data and personal stories to shed light on the unique challenges women face on their journey to leadership, providing actionable insights for aspiring leaders and organizations. 

Jennifer was the first female CEO at Linkage, a global leadership development firm dedicated to "Changing the Face of Leadership." With over 25 years of experience building teams and organizations, she has a unique talent for crafting powerful visions and inspiring teams to turn them into reality. Her expertise includes how to close the gap to gender equity; why the most effective leaders are inclusive leaders; and how to demystify inclusion for leaders and organizations. Effective April 2024, Jennifer becomes the new President & CEO of Catalyst, a global nonprofit organization focused on gender equity and workplace inclusion. 

Resources:
LinkedIn  
Website: www.jenmccollum.com 
•       Facebook: Jennifer.mccollum.58 
•       Instagram: @jennifersmccollum 
•       X: @J_McCollum1

Book: In Her Own Voice: A Woman's Rise to CEO: Overcoming Hurdles to Change the Face of Leadership
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Have you ever wondered how to lead in a way that connects with every generation under your wing? That's exactly what Amy Scott, Founder, Kaleidoscope Strategies and host Natalie Benamou explore shared insights on servant leadership's power to unify diverse teams. We're peeling back the layers of empathy, empowerment, and engagement, essential ingredients for any leader aiming to uplift their team in today's evolving workplace landscape. 

Our discussion zeroes in on the challenges and opportunities presented by Gen Z's arrival in the professional world and the transformative impact of understanding and serving your team's unique needs.

Leadership isn't just about guiding—it's about communication that resonates and offering mentorship is valuable. In this heart-to-heart, Amy and Natalie explore the subtleties of providing feedback that genuinely values employees, celebrating the small successes that fuel workplace morale. We dissect the importance of mentors who push you out of your comfort zone and the difference they make in shaping careers. Touching on tools like Gallup StrengthFinders, we highlight how aligning personal strengths with professional roles can lead to a more satisfied and productive team.

Finally, we offer a masterclass on rekindling your in-person communication and networking skills in a world that's rapidly alternating between virtual and physical spaces. Natalie shares a personal story of re-entering the networking scene with a sense of curiosity and the strategies she uses to create vital connections. 

We emphasize the importance of creating intentional spaces for enjoyment and collaboration, ensuring teams thrive in any work environment. Tune in for an episode brimming with strategies and stories to ignite your leadership journey and foster a culture of connection within your organization.

3 Favorite Quotes
1. "Empathy, empowerment, and engagement are the core principles of servant leadership that bridge generational communication gaps and enhance both career progression and business performance." - Amy Scott 

2. "One in three employees say they have not been positively recognized in seven days. It doesn't have to be a performance review; simple recognitions like acknowledging great performance in a meeting can make a big impact." - Amy Scott 

3. "Curiosity is key when networking. Asking questions and being genuinely interested in others can help bridge any awkwardness and lead to meaningful connections." - Amy Scott

Thank you Amy for sharing your insights today and for helping inspire leaders to use empathy, empowerment and engagement to bridge the generation gap.

Please help other listeners find us, rate and review this podcast on your favorite platform.

Keep Shining Your Light Bright. The World Needs You.

About Amy Scott, Founder, Kaleidoscope Strategies
Amy Scott has decades of leadership experience. She specializes in bridging generational communication gaps in the workplace.  Her mission is to foster meaningful connections between young professionals and managers, nurturing engagement and career progression through servant leadership principles.

Resources:
Amy Scott on LinkedIn
www.kaleidoscopestrategies.com
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/kaleidoscope.strategies/
Phone Number: +19498610551

This podcast is sponsored by HerCsuite® Event Planning Services
 Schedule a call and learn more.
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Discover the secrets to making an impact with featured guest Dr. Ronicka Harrison-Briscoe, a distinguished leader whose life work embodies the essence of transformative leadership and community engagement. As an interdisciplinary scholar and a beacon of change, Dr. Briscoe shares her invaluable insights on fostering a leadership mindset, balancing professional and personal life, and the power of understanding one's innate strengths. 

Join Host Natalie Benamou as she explores the layers of leadership through the lens of education, mentorship, and the relentless pursuit of empowerment for women and young girls with Dr. Briscoe.

3 Leadership Takeaways
The Leadership Mindset: Dr. Briscoe emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and recognizing one's value proposition. 
Empowering Young Women: Through her work with the Legacy Foundation for Girls, Dr. Briscoe is pioneering a movement that begins with young girls in fifth grade. The Role of Community and Mentorship in Leadership: This network is crucial for navigating challenges, seizing opportunities, and achieving success in leadership roles across various sectors.
4 C-suite Insights
1. Leaders surround themselves with other leaders: A common thread among the success stories of C-suite leaders was the presence of a diverse network of mentors, sponsors, and peers. Dr. Briscoe underscored the importance of having people from different backgrounds and with different expertise to provide support, advice, and opportunities for growth and advancement.
2. Understand and leverage your personal strengths: C-suite leaders, through their journey, learn to identify, embrace, and leverage their innate talents and strengths, which played a pivotal role in navigating their paths to leadership positions.
3. Discover how to balance work-life priorities: An interesting aspect discussed was the personal sacrifices and decisions regarding family life that many women in C-suite positions had to make. Dr. Briscoe highlighted the need for early and thoughtful planning around family life, including considering options like egg freezing for those who may want to delay starting a family due to career commitments.
4. Mental Health and Well-being: Surprisingly, despite the high-stress levels associated with their roles, very few C-suite leaders were reported to seek therapy or professional mental health support. This finding led Dr. Briscoe to stress the importance of mental well-being and the need for a shift in perception about seeking help for mental health issues, especially within the African American community.

Quotes from Dr. Ronicka Harrison-Briscoe
1. "We are born with innate talents, abilities, and strengths. If we live our lives to really develop those rather than focusing on the things we can't do and our weaknesses, then we live a more fulfilled life."
About 
Dr. Ronicka Harrison-Briscoe is a dynamic leader and interdisciplinary scholar, revered for her unwavering commitment to education and community transformation. With a career that spans nearly two decades, Dr. Briscoe's tireless dedication, expertise, and genuine passion have earned her a well-deserved reputation as a change-maker. Beyond her remarkable career in education, Dr. Briscoe is equally passionate about community transformation. Her commitment to change is exemplified through her extensive involvement in non-profit board service.
Resources:
Website URL: https://drronickabriscoe.com/
Facebook - Ronicka Harrison Briscoe 
IG - @winningontheroad
X - @winningondaroad
LinkedIn
This podcast is sponsored by HerCsuite® Private Company Hubs. Dr. Briscoe is a member of Your Whole Self, a private network hub inside HerCsuite® Membership platform and app.  Schedule a call and learn more.
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In a world where women's health issues often take a backseat, the journey to empowerment through health literacy matters. Georgie Kovacs, Founder and CEO of Fempower Health, is leading the way in transforming her personal challenge with infertility into a movement. Fempower Health educates and inspires women to take charge of their health. Listen to personal and relatable stories that Georgie Kovacs shares with host Natalie Benamou. This interview will leave you feeling empowered for your health.

Episode Highlights:
- Empowering Women's Health Through Education: An introduction to Georgie Kovacs and the mission of Fempower Health.
- Journey to Women's Health Conversations: Dive into the personal challenges and broader issues faced by women seeking health solutions.
- Advocacy in Women's Healthcare: Hear about the significance of being informed and ready to partner with or change healthcare providers.
- Future: Discover the progress and challenges in women's health advocacy, research, and the slow pace of systemic change.
- Promoting Women's Health Programs: Feel encouraged to utilize the information shared to improve healthcare experiences and explore additional resources

3 Key Takeaways:
1. Empowerment Through Education:
The mission of Fempower Health is to provide women with evidence-based insights and support, empowering them to have proactive discussions with healthcare providers. It all starts with understanding our body, recognizing health signs, and advocating for oneself effectively in clinical settings.
2. Challenges and Advocacy:
Georgie shares her personal journey through infertility, underscoring the significant learning curve she faced in understanding her body and fertility treatments. Her experience highlights the broader issue of gaps in women's health knowledge and the critical need for advocacy and perseverance in seeking appropriate care and answers.
3. Be prepared:
Know details about yourself before you go to a healthcare appointment.  By taking time to self-assess and be aware of one's symptoms it helps health providers treat the condition.

Favorite Quotes:
1. Georgie Kovacs: "The more that we understand our bodies, the more we are informed about changes that are happening with our bodies and get educated about the way our bodies should work, we can have much more proactive conversations with our clinicians and advocate much more effectively."
2. Georgie Kovacs: "One of the things I hear quite often is this is not just women's health, it's all of healthcare. Anything that's chronic and doesn't have a diagnosis, is really challenging."

This episode of "Women Leaders on the Move" not only sheds light on the significant challenges faced by women in healthcare but also provides valuable insights into how education, advocacy, and preparedness can empower women to navigate these challenges more effectively.

Thank you Georgie for being a guest on Women Leaders on the Move a HerCsuite® Radio podcast today!
About Georgie Kovacs
With over 20 years in healthcare, working for industry giants like Pfizer, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Pfizer, and Syneos, Georgie Kovacs founded Fempower Health in 2020 after personal infertility struggles. The platform offers women evidence-based insights, collaborating with experts to transform women's health narratives, ensuring access to essential knowledge and support.
https://www.fempower-health.com/
instagram.com/fempowerhealth
youtube.com/@fempowerhealth
tiktok.com/fempowerhealth
facebook.com/fempowerhealth
twitter.com/fempower_health
Podcast:  fempower-health.com/podcast-episodes
Women Leaders on the Move by HerCsuite® Radiois a weekly program where we provide inspirational stories and insights to help women in every aspect of your lives.

HerCsuite® FemTech Innovation Panel with Georgie Kovacs as a speaker.
HerCsuite® Founder Natalie Benamou is also the Founder of HER HEALTHX, a nonprofit focused on quantifying the cost of medical gaslighting.
HerCsuite® Women’s Program