Ambition Out Loud

Women's empowerment might be all the rage, but what does empowerment really mean?  In this episode, I sit down with Mayor Michelle Davis-Younger to discuss some of the ways she's leading by empowering others.  Her ideas may just inspire you to go out and empower someone! Michelle Davis-Younger is the current Mayor of the City of Manassas, Virginia. A native of Manassas, she is the first person of color, first female, and first Democrat to hold the highest office in the city. Her collaborative approach and innovative initiatives aim to enhance the quality of life for all residents while fostering a thriving environment for businesses and organizations alike.  Mentioned in this episode Prince William Chamber of Commerce Women's Empowerment Conference: https://princewilliamchamberofcommerce.growthzoneapp.com/eventcalendar/Details/women-s-empowerment-conference-933773?sourceTypeId=Website Robert Sweeney, Prince William Chamber of Commerce President & CEO: https://pwchamber.org/board-of-directors/ Sheila

What if mindset could be your superpower?  So much of our ability to lead is constrained by our mindset.  Narrow thinking can hamper decision-making, stifle team performance, and drive us to burn out.  In this episode Tina shares how the Energy Leadership® Framework, the same transformative and emerging leadership approach utilized at companies like IKEA, Boeing, and the U.S. Coast Guard, can help us unlock new possibilities for ourselves and our teams.  Tina Unrue is an ICF-certified coach with nearly three decades of experience spanning the federal government, private sector, and entrepreneurship. She’s held many positions throughout her career, most notably varied leadership roles within an elite law enforcement agency. Tina noticed a significant change in herself and her team dynamics after she became a life coach. She’s now committed to helping other women learn how to lead from the inside out, both at home and in the workplace. Despite numerous achievements throughout her career, her roles as mother, g

Gaming is often dismissed as being purely recreational, but it’s actually an highly effective tool for learning and team development.  Today, Alex Suchman joins me to dive into a topic that leaders often overlook. Alex is the CEO and Co-founder of Barometer XP, a Games-as-a-Service company committed to creating positive impact through play. Its holistic, human-focused approach leverages fun and creative challenges to help teams build healthy relationships, elevate diverse perspectives, foster change, and catalyze innovation. Alex is a woman on a mission to transform workplaces from the inside out.  I hope today’s episode inspires you to leverage the creative power of play. Mentioned in this episode: - PMP: https://www.pmi.org/certifications/project-management-pmp - Association for Talent Development conference (ATD23): https://atdconference.td.org/ - DISC Assessment: https://institutesuccess.com/assessment/disc/ - Myers-Briggs Personality Type: https://www.themyersbriggs.com/ - Clifton StrengthsFinder Ass

Women account for over half of all management positions in the U.S., but progress remains slow when it comes to breaking glass ceilings.  As of 2022, women held only 8.8% of Fortune 500 CEO roles.  The black box nature of executive search is certainly not helping. Somer Hackley is here to change that.  Somer is the Founder and CEO of Distinguished Search, a retained executive search firm. She has been in recruiting for 20 years and placed executives in companies from Fortune 100 to startups.  She is also the author of "Search in Plain Sight: Demystifying Executive Search". Today, Somer joins us as we pull back the curtains on executive search. Mentioned in this episode: Ambition Unboxed Book Club:  www.ambitionunboxed.com India Aire - "Back to the Middle": https://open.spotify.com/track/0ZM6QtLJAF81PBHlsn5872?si=33ca76a5c36b4cac LeanIn.Org and McKinsey & Company - 2022 Women in the Workplace Report: https://leanin.org/women-in-the-workplace SeekOut - https://www.seekout.com/ US Bureau of Labor S

What if, instead of viewing your emotions as a weakness, you saw them as a source of strength? Ashley Bernardi, Literary Titan Book Award Winner and Author of "Authentic Power: Give Yourself Permission to Feel" learned how to step into her strength when she finally took the time to process her emotions. In healing from Lyme disease and the traumatic passing of her father, Ashley unlocked healing she didn't know she needed and stepped into a power that was waiting within herself. By healing herself, Ashley also leveled up as a leader which led to explosive growth in her business, Nardi Media. Ashley and I sit down to talk about her new book and what leading from authentic power looks like. Mentioned in this episode: SCORE - Small Business Mentor Network: https://www.score.org/ InsightTimer - Free app for sleep, anxiety, and stress: https://insighttimer.com/ Lifehack Method - Productivity tactics: https://lifehackmethod.com/  Connect with Ashley: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bookerbernardi/  Li

By now we are all well aware that many women felt trapped between a rock and a hard place as the coronavirus spread and dependent care responsibilities increased. In the face of these unsustainable challenges, many women felt that they had no other choice than to leave the workplace. If this sounds like you and you're now ready to re-enter the workforce, then we’re here to help.  This episode officially kicks off our Get Hired Challenge.  The challenge is designed to support your job search efforts with actionable information, tools, and access to community so that you don't have to go it alone. Mentioned in this episode: Request Access to the Get Hired Challenge Hub and Resources at: www.gethiredchallenge.com "The Arts And Humanities Deliver Untapped Value For the Future Of Work" by Benjamin Wolff: https://bit.ly/2WTboFv   Topic Timestamps: Overcoming Imposter w/ April Frazier - 10:49 Resume Rescue w/ Jennifer Hocutt - 17:00 Spice Up Your LinkedIn w/ Rebecca Gunter - 23:18 Tech Careers for Humanities

When's the last time you flexed your financial power?  Did you read that and think, "Nicole, you are talking to the wrong person.  Where is this "financial power" of which you speak?"  (It might be small, but I assure you it's there.)   Rebecca Borton and I sit down to discuss the financial power hiding in your wallet so that you can harness it and reap the rewards of intentional financial living.  Rebecca is a financial catalyst for change makers.  As a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional, with Concentric Private Wealth, she helps growth-oriented and ambitious people change their behavior and their experience of their wealth, so they can live a life they love today and in the future.     Mentioned in this episode: Want to learn more about the current economic climate?  Check out the Marketplace podcast: https://www.marketplace.org/.    Connect with Rebecca: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQLqZTovkdXvw5QoWXlhSXw/videos LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/rebeccaborton  Facebook: https://www.f

Phylicia L. Woods comes from a long line of bold and empowered women.  She is a Director of Federal Relations at the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network and currently serves as Vice Chair on the Fairfax County Commission for Women were she represents the Providence District.  She previously served as Counsel to Former U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill on the U.S. Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee and as Health Counsel on the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging.  In this episode, Phylicia shares her multi-generational secrets so that you can learn how to empower yourself.   Mentioned in this episode: Executive Order on Combating Race and Sex Stereotyping: https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/executive-order-combating-race-sex-stereotyping/ Agencies, Contractors Suspend Diversity Training to Avoid Violating Trump Order by Melissa Block (NPR): https://www.npr.org/2020/10/30/929165869/agencies-contractors-suspend-diversity-training-to-avoid-violating-trump-order Vo

Pausing time to share your tributes for our recently passed and dearly beloved Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.  Community:  Looking to connect with other ambitious women?  Our community's online hang is the Ambition Unboxed FB Group at: www.facebook.com/groups/ambitionunboxed.   Sponsors: Nardi Media Black Lives Matter Book Club: https://nardimedia.com/bookclub/ BLM Book Club Companion Box by Ambition Unboxed: https://bit.ly/2CYLBBv Her Hideaways - use code AMBITIONOUTLOUD for $25 OFF any order: https://www.herhideaways.com/ 

Mentioned in this episode: Submit your RBG tribute at www.ambitionoutloud.com by EOD on September 23, 2020 Connector Conference - September 25, 2020: https://www.connectorconference.com/  Use my speaker code for a discount (limited availability): Maaguo25  Books & Bubbles Author Discussion with Mel McSherry on October 28, 2020: https://www.facebook.com/events/827878344640230 Honest Convos with Carin and Marcia Podcast: https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/carin-kilby-clark/honest-conversations-with-carin-and-marciatm  Ambition Unboxed on Instagram: @ambition_unboxed   Community:  Looking to connect with other ambitious women?  Our community's online hang is the Ambition Unboxed FB Group at: www.facebook.com/groups/ambitionunboxed.   Sponsors: Nardi Media Black Lives Matter Book Club: https://nardimedia.com/bookclub/ BLM Book Club Companion Box by Ambition Unboxed: https://bit.ly/2CYLBBv Her Hideaways - use code AMBITIONOUTLOUD for $25 OFF any order: https://www.herhideaways.com/ 

What happens when ambition and ageism intersect? The outlook can feel bleak.  Fortunately, there are ways you can take control of your career at any age.  Elise Stevens, an experienced project delivery professional and author of the best-selling book Age Defying Careers, joins us to discuss how those of us 40 and over can regain career control so that our next 40 years are the best yet.     Mentioned in this episode: What You May Not Know About the Gender Pay Gap by AAUW: https://www.aauw.org/resources/article/what-you-may-not-know-about-the-gender-pay-gap/   Connect with Elise: Website: https://elisestevens.co/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elisestevens.co/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elisestevens/ Age Defying Careers Podcast: https://elisestevens.co/podcasts/ Age Defying Careers Book: https://elisestevens.co/product/age-defying-careers-for-women-at-40/    Community:  Looking to connect with other ambitious women?  Our community's online hang out is the Ambition Unboxed FB Group at:

Consider this episode your intro course in diversity and inclusion training.  I know you've got questions and Dr. Traci Baxley has the answers.  Dr. Baxley is a belonging and inclusion advocate supporting organizations in developing inclusive workplace practices through her consultancy, Traci Baxley Consulting.  She is also the creator of Social Justice Parenting™, a parenting philosophy that moves families from fear-based parenting to parenting from a place of radical love, through compassion and social engagement.      Mentioned in this episode: Black is King, a film by Beyoncé: https://bit.ly/3gevfCC Deloitte Diversity and Inclusion Revolution: Eight Powerful Truths by Juliet Bourke and Bernadette Dillon: https://bit.ly/2FHaYcn The Danger of a Single Story by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie: https://bit.ly/2E87bEs Brown Ambition Podcast: https://brownambitionpodcast.com/   Connect with Traci: Website: https://tracibaxley.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/socialjusticeparenting/ LinkedIn: https://

Roya Mattis is a lot of things: self-made millionaire, motivational speaker, National Sales Director, and now movement builder.  While highly accomplished, one of the most noticeable things about her is that she radiates confidence.  In fact, confidence is one of her superpowers but it wasn't always.  Roya shares her journey from eating alone to inspiring thousands and the steps she took to get there.   Mentioned in this episode: The Dream Giver by Bruce Wilkinson: https://www.audiobooks.com/audiobook/dream-giver/234294?refId=38712&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIspemudWF6wIV9wiICR2WhQZBEAAYASAAEgJlT_D_BwE  Red Shoes by Dolly Parton: https://youtu.be/eSpwjKkIfWs Come Back to the Middle by India Airie: https://youtu.be/P49JR-hsCqM   Connect with Roya: Website: https://she-ness.com/ Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/SHEnessOfficial/ Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/SHEnessTribe/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shenesstribe/   Looking to connect with other ambitious women?  Our commun

No pushy salesperson, Kim Fredrich is a sales for non-salespeople expert, speaker and trainer. She helps businesses increase profit and individuals find their sales confidence so everyone be more successful.  In this episode we untangle our faulty assumptions about selling and discuss why women need to be more intentional about developing sales skills.   Mentioned in this episode: Books & Bubbles Author Discussion w/ Kim Fredrich - July 28th: https://bit.ly/2E5MMzn   Connect with Kim: Website: kimfredrich.com Facebook page: fb.me/kimfredrichllc LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kim-fredrich/ Kim's Book: https://amzn.to/2ZTb20d    Looking to connect with other ambitious women?  Our community's online hang out is the Ambition Unboxed FB Group at: www.facebook.com/groups/ambitionunboxed.   Sponsors: Nardi Media Black Lives Matter Book Club: https://nardimedia.com/bookclub/ BLM Book Club Companion Box by Ambition Unboxed: https://bit.ly/2CYLBBv Update:  * In listening to the completed episode t

Marcia Sheehan is a serial-entrepreneur on a mission to help women prioritize self-care, but she wasn't always so ambitious.  In this episode we'll explore her unlikely path to business owner, why embracing her ambition has made all the difference, and introduce you to the idea of self-care staycations!  Marcia's businesses include Her Hideaways, The Connector Conference, and Charmed Cardinals.   Mentioned in this Episode: Her Hideaways: https://www.herhideaways.com/ The Connector Conference: https://www.connectorconference.com/ Use my presenter code (Maaguo25) to support this podcast and get $25 off your ticket.  The number of discounts available is limited so don't delay!  Connect with Marcia: Connector Conference on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/connectorconference/ Connector Conference on Twitter: https://twitter.com/connectorconfer Her Hideaways on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/herhideaways/ Her Hideaways on Twitter: https://twitter.com/herhideaways1 Charmed Cardinals on Facebook:

Happy New Year!  This quick bonus episode will walk you through some changes we are making in 2020 and let you in on a few of the exciting things we have planned. Join our new Facebook Group at www.facebook.com/groups/ambitionunboxed.

Everyone hates looking for a job. If only great jobs came to you...  That would be awesome! (In the same way that unicorns are awesome - right?)     Karlie Shields is a digital marketing expert who leveraged her on-the-job skills to become a recruiter magnet and land multiple job offers.  She's sharing her secrets so that you can magnetize your next job search.  Then again, if landing offers can be this easy, why wait?   Mentioned in this episode: "Zero to One" by Peter Thiel: https://amzn.to/2okV5Q4 CBS News Article, 'Taylor Swift: "There's a different vocabulary for men and women in the music industry": https://cbsn.ws/2omLpER   Connect with Karlie: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karlieshields/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karlieshields/ Loved It? If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to help me understand the state of corporate leadership training for women.  It only takes 3 minutes to share your experience at: http://bit.ly/2GvCcjQ.     Sponsors: Ambition Unboxed: www

Mentioned in this episode: Kolbe Assessment: http://www.kolbe.com/assessments/ Investment News Article, "MeToo: Even in the financial advice industry, sexual harassment is a serious problem": http://bit.ly/2THhcfh   Connect with Katherine: Website: https://concentricpw.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katherineliola/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/KatherineLiola & https://twitter.com/ConcentricPW Help! If you enjoyed this episode, please me understand the state of corporate leadership training for women.  Take 3 minutes to share your experience at: http://bit.ly/2GvCcjQ.     Sponsors:  Ambition Unboxed: www.ambitionunboxed.com Freshbooks: freshbooks.ambitionoutloud.com

Mentioned in this episode: Zero Weeks: America's Family Leave Crisis And The Cost Of Doing Nothing: http://www.zeroweeks.com/ Campaign for a Family Friendly Economy - Virginia: https://www.familyfriendlyeconomyva.org/ Buzzfeed's Follow This on Netflix - Part 1 episode titled "Intersex": https://www.netflix.com/title/80217889  "How Millenials Became the Burnout Generation" by Anne Helen Petersen: https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/annehelenpetersen/millennials-burnout-generation-debt-work Cal Newport: "Follow Your Passion" Is Bad Advice: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IIMu1PGbG-0 Emerge America: https://emergeamerica.org/ Connect with Sarah & Beth: Website: www.Ithinkyourewrongbutimlistening.com  Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/pantsuitpolitics/overview Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pantsuitpolitics/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/PantsuitPolitic 

In this episode we dive into surprising details about the state of the gender pay gap in the United States and discuss 7 mindset shifts you can make to leave less money on the table. Mentioned in this episode: Wage Gap Demographics by Equal Pay Today The Simple Truth about the Gender Pay Gap by the American Association of University Women Here's How Long It'll Take to Close the Gender Wage Gap in Each State by Jillian Berman (HuffPost) Watch Your (Gender) Tone by Tim Halloran (Textio) Simple Ways to Take Gender Bias out of Your Jobs by Carmen Nobel (Harvard Business Review) Are You More or Less Likely to Get a Raise than Your Coworkers? by PayScale What Women Want in 2019 A HuffPost/Yahoo!/CARE Survey by Langer Research Associates Free Online Salary Negotiation Class by the American Association of University Women 'The History of "Because You're Worth It"' by L'Oreal Paris USA