Exposing the Hidden Reality

038: Why We Still Love LinkedIn: A Better Way to Network, Learn, and Grow

In this episode of Exposing the Hidden Reality, Annette Garsteck and Sandra Wint explore how LinkedIn has evolved, why it remains their favorite professional platform, and how leaders, job seekers, entrepreneurs, and professionals can use it more effectively. From profile photos and personal branding to networking strategies, thought leadership, and avoiding common LinkedIn mistakes, they share practical insights to help you build meaningful connections and create new opportunities. Whether you're looking to grow your career, expand your network, or increase your professional visibility, this conversation will help you make LinkedIn work for you. Join our newsletter at exposingthehiddenreality.com for new episodes, leadership insights, and real conversations about work, identity, and growth. Connect with Exposing the Hidden Reality: https://exposingthehiddenreality.com LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/exposingthehiddenreality Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/exposingthehiddenreality Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/exposingthehiddenreality Connect with Annette Garsteck: https://www.annettegarsteck.com LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/annettegarsteck Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/annettegarsteck YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@annettegarsteck Tiktok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@annette.garsteck Pinterest:  https://www.pinterest.com/AnnetteGarsteck Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/annettegarsteck Connect with Sandra Wint: https://www.me-her-us.com LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandrabwint LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/meherusllc Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meherusllc  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sandra.wint  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/meherusllc YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@meherusllc  Photography of Sandra Wint + Annette Garsteck taken by Katie Garlock, Portrations | Intro and Outro Music + Stock Media provided by BlueFoxMusic / Pond5.

037: Leadership Visibility Starts Here: Using LinkedIn With Intention

Annette and Sandra explore how leaders can use LinkedIn intentionally to build visibility, recognize others, strengthen workplace culture, and create meaningful professional connections without social media overwhelm. If today’s conversation reminded you that leadership visibility doesn’t have to feel overwhelming, join our email community at ExposingTheHiddenReality.com.  We share exclusive conversations, insights, and candid thoughts on work, leadership, and life for subscribers only. Connect with Exposing the Hidden Reality: https://exposingthehiddenreality.com LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/exposingthehiddenreality Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/exposingthehiddenreality Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/exposingthehiddenreality Connect with Annette Garsteck: https://www.annettegarsteck.com LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/annettegarsteck Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/annettegarsteck YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@annettegarsteck Tiktok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@annette.garsteck Pinterest:  https://www.pinterest.com/AnnetteGarsteck Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/annettegarsteck Connect with Sandra Wint: https://www.me-her-us.com LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandrabwint LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/meherusllc Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meherusllc  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sandra.wint  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/meherusllc YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@meherusllc  Photography of Sandra Wint + Annette Garsteck taken by Katie Garlock, Portrations | Intro and Outro Music + Stock Media provided by BlueFoxMusic / Pond5.

036: Bias Disguised as “Culture Fit” with London Wolfe

Why “they’re not a good fit for our culture” often means “their brain works differently than ours”—and how this mindset quietly sustains bias in hiring and promotion. This week on Exposing the Hidden Reality, we’re joined by London Wolfe, a business alignment strategist and cognitive leadership trainer, to unpack one of the most subtle and damaging forms of workplace bias: the myth of “culture fit.”London helps leaders recognize that most workplace conflict isn’t about personality—it’s about how different brains process information, communicate, and solve problems. Drawing from her background in education, organizational leadership, and her own lived experience as a neurodivergent professional, London brings a fresh, deeply human perspective to conversations about cognitive diversity. Together, we’ll explore: ✨ How “culture fit” often hides unconscious bias ✨ The difference between personality clashes and thinking pattern differences ✨ Practical ways leaders can uncover their blind spots ✨ How to recognize and leverage cognitive diversity across teams ✨ What to do when a “performance problem” is actually a wiring mismatch London’s work has transformed teams across business, education, and government sectors—helping leaders build inclusive environments where diverse thinkers can thrive. She’s offering a free Authentic Business Roadmap to help you identify where your own thinking patterns might be creating blind spots in leadership. 🔗 Download it here: https://tinyurl.com/4re5s5h9 [https://tinyurl.com/4re5s5h9] For Corporate Leaders: 🔗 Download here: https://tinyurl.com/Cognitiveleadership [https://tinyurl.com/Cognitiveleadership] 📲Connect with London Wolfe: LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/londonwolfe255 [https://linkedin.com/in/londonwolfe255] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/purpose.driven.business.hub [https://www.instagram.com/purpose.driven.business.hub] About the PodcastExposing the Hidden Reality is a weekly gathering for women who are ready to get real, ask better questions, and push back against the biases and barriers that shape our lives, work, and leadership. Here, we: ✨ Dive into bold conversations with brilliant women ✨ Spotlight untold stories and truths ✨ Challenge hidden systems and social norms ✨ Share practical insights—with a side of sass and sisterhood This isn’t just a podcast—it’s a platform for our collective voice. Have you lived through something that exposed hidden biases, reshaped how you lead, or changed the way you see yourself and the world?Women and allies who are ready to speak truth, to name what's been silenced, and to spark change through authentic conversation are always invited to join us so we can hear your story. This is a platform for our collective and individual voices; where your voice matters and your experience can light the way for others navigating similar terrain. Apply Here: https://exposingthehiddenreality.com/Apply [https://exposingthehiddenreality.com/Apply] Connect with Exposing the Hidden Reality: https://exposingthehiddenreality.com LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/exposingthehiddenreality Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/exposingthehiddenreality Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/exposingthehiddenreality Connect with Annette Garsteck: https://www.annettegarsteck.com LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/annettegarsteck Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/annettegarsteck YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@annettegarsteck Tiktok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@annette.garsteck Pinterest:  https://www.pinterest.com/AnnetteGarsteck Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/annettegarsteck Connect with Sandra Wint: https://www.me-her-us.com LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandrabwint LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/meherusllc Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meherusllc  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sandra.wint  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/meherusllc YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@meherusllc  Photography of Sandra Wint + Annette Garsteck taken by Katie Garlock, Portrations | Intro and Outro Music + Stock Media provided by BlueFoxMusic / Pond5.

035: Perimenopause: “You’re Not Too Young. You’re Not Imagining It.” with Jessica O'Sickey

Welcome to Exposing the Hidden Reality, a weekly conversation for women who are ready to ask better questions, challenge the narratives we’ve been handed, and reclaim agency over our lives, our work, and our bodies. Today’s conversation is one so many women will recognize. We’re joined by Jessica O’Sickey, a nurse practitioner with over a decade of experience in cardiothoracic intensive care, and a dual-certified Macro and Functional Nutrition Coach. Jess works with women 35 and over who are navigating perimenopause, weight changes, fatigue, and the deep frustration of being told everything looks “normal” when they know something isn’t right. Jess’s own turning point came when she began experiencing extreme fatigue, heavier periods, loss of libido, brain fog, and emotional volatility. Despite her medical background, she was repeatedly dismissed. Told she was too young for perimenopause. Offered antidepressants she didn’t ask for. Advised that she was simply tired from having young children. It wasn’t until she pursued functional hormone testing on her own that she finally received validation, clarity, and a path forward. That experience reshaped not only her health, but her entire professional mission. In this conversation, we talk about what perimenopause actually looks like, why so many women are dismissed in clinical settings, how diet and lifestyle shifts can support hormonal health without restriction or extremes, and what it really means to advocate for yourself when the system isn’t listening. This is a conversation about trusting your body, asking harder questions, and refusing to accept being minimized. About Jessica O’Sickey Jessica O’Sickey is a Nurse Practitioner and dual-certified Macro & Functional Nutrition Coach who helps women 35+ navigate perimenopause, lose weight, and feel like themselves again—without restriction or overwhelm. After losing 50 pounds in her 40s, she teaches women how to support their hormones, advocate for their health, and make simple, sustainable changes that actually help them feel better. She blends medical expertise with real-life mom practicality, making perimenopause and wellness feel empowering, not confusing. Connect with Jessica: Website: https://msha.ke/jessicaosickeycoaching [https://msha.ke/jessicaosickeycoaching] IG: @themacro_np To schedule your Hormones vs. Habits Audit, email Jessica O'Sickey at jessicaosickeycoaching@gmail.com About the PodcastExposing the Hidden Reality is a weekly gathering for women who are ready to get real, ask better questions, and push back against the biases and barriers that shape our lives, work, and leadership. Here, we: ✨ Dive into bold conversations with brilliant women ✨ Spotlight untold stories and truths ✨ Challenge hidden systems and social norms ✨ Share practical insights—with a side of sass and sisterhood This isn’t just a podcast—it’s a platform for our collective voice. Have you lived through something that exposed hidden biases, reshaped how you lead, or changed the way you see yourself and the world? Women and allies who are ready to speak truth, to name what's been silenced, and to spark change through authentic conversation are always invited to join us so we can hear your story. This is a platform for our collective and individual voices; where your voice matters and your experience can light the way for others navigating similar terrain. Apply Here: https://exposingthehiddenreality.com/Apply [https://exposingthehiddenreality.com/Apply] Connect with Exposing the Hidden Reality: https://exposingthehiddenreality.com LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/exposingthehiddenreality Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/exposingthehiddenreality Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/exposingthehiddenreality Connect with Annette Garsteck: https://www.annettegarsteck.com LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/annettegarsteck Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/annettegarsteck YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@annettegarsteck Tiktok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@annette.garsteck Pinterest:  https://www.pinterest.com/AnnetteGarsteck Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/annettegarsteck Connect with Sandra Wint: https://www.me-her-us.com LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandrabwint LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/meherusllc Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meherusllc  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sandra.wint  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/meherusllc YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@meherusllc  Photography of Sandra Wint + Annette Garsteck taken by Katie Garlock, Portrations | Intro and Outro Music + Stock Media provided by BlueFoxMusic / Pond5.

034: Building Your Own Blueprint: Claiming Space in the Trades with Claire Summers-Jones

Women in the trades are often told — directly or indirectly — that they don’t belong. Yet every shop, studio, and construction site proves otherwise. In this episode, we sit down with Claire Summers-Jones, a theatrical carpenter, technical engineer, educator, and founder of Beech Tree Studio, to explore what it really takes for women to claim space in historically male-dominated industries. Claire — known affectionately as Carpenter Barbie — brings over a decade of experience in technical theatre, creative engineering, teaching, and hands-on mentorship. Her story weaves together creativity, resilience, humor, and the kind of grit that only comes from repeatedly walking into rooms where no one expects you. We explore what many creatives quietly wonder: “Can my artistic background turn into a career that’s legitimate, sustainable, and respected?” Claire shows us how — and why the trades desperately need more voices like hers. In this conversation, we dig into: • What it takes to navigate and thrive as a woman in the trades • How theatrical carpentry and creative problem-solving translate into engineering, leadership, and entrepreneurship • The myths about “legitimate” careers and why creative skills are deeply undervalued (and wildly transferable) • How Beech Tree Studio is creating a safe, empowering, community-driven space for makers of all levels This episode is for every woman who’s ever been underestimated, every creative who wondered if their skills “count,” and anyone daring to build a life without waiting for permission. About Claire Summers-Jones Claire Summers-Jones is a self-described Carpenter Barbie with more than 10 years of experience in theatrical carpentry, technical engineering, and creative education. She has taught at the NYC College of Technology and Pace University, led scenery crews at New York Shakespeare Festival’s Shakespeare in the Park, and mentored countless early-career makers, builders, and designers. Now the founder of Beech Tree Studio, Claire brings her passion for teaching, empowerment, inclusivity, and hands-on creativity into a space designed for makers of all ages and skill levels. Beech Tree is the culmination of her years spent creating, collaborating, and championing accessible pathways into the trades. Connect with Claire Website: https://www.beechtreestudios.com Instagram: @beechtree_creative TikTok: @csumjo Find Claire Summers-Jones [https://www.linkedin.com/company/107507399/admin/page-posts/published/] and her latest courses at Beech Tree Studios here:  https://www.beechtreestudios.com/classes-events [https://www.beechtreestudios.com/classes-events] About the Podcast Exposing the Hidden Reality is a weekly gathering for women who are ready to get real, ask better questions, and push back against the biases and barriers that shape our lives, work, and leadership. Here, we:  ✨ Dive into bold conversations with brilliant women  ✨ Spotlight untold stories and truths  ✨ Challenge hidden systems and social norms  ✨ Share practical insights—with a side of sass and sisterhood This isn’t just a podcast—it’s a platform for our collective voice. Have you lived through something that exposed hidden biases, reshaped how you lead, or changed the way you see yourself and the world? Women and allies who are ready to speak truth, to name what's been silenced, and to spark change through authentic conversation are always invited to join us so we can hear your story. This is a platform for our collective and individual voices; where your voice matters and your experience can light the way for others navigating similar terrain. Apply Here: https://exposingthehiddenreality.com/Apply Connect with Exposing the Hidden Reality: https://exposingthehiddenreality.com LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/exposingthehiddenreality Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/exposingthehiddenreality Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/exposingthehiddenreality Connect with Annette Garsteck: https://www.annettegarsteck.com LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/annettegarsteck Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/annettegarsteck YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@annettegarsteck Tiktok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@annette.garsteck Pinterest:  https://www.pinterest.com/AnnetteGarsteck Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/annettegarsteck Connect with Sandra Wint: https://www.me-her-us.com LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandrabwint LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/meherusllc Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meherusllc  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sandra.wint  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/meherusllc YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@meherusllc  Photography of Sandra Wint + Annette Garsteck taken by Katie Garlock, Portrations | Intro and Outro Music + Stock Media provided by BlueFoxMusic / Pond5.