Queens Lead

Queens Who Rise: Turning Pain into Power After Domestic Violence

In this powerful episode of Queens Lead, Amy Singleton sits down with Nicole Heese, a returning guest, entrepreneur, and now author of A Shadow Called Sunshine. Nicole dives into the deeply personal story that inspired her debut fiction novel—a journey through domestic violence, self-sabotage, and radical self-worth. Together, Amy and Nicole challenge the traditional victim and survivor narratives, shifting the conversation towards personal responsibility, healing, and self-sovereignty. Nicole also reveals how her experiences shaped her approach to ethical sales and marketing, redefining client attraction by focusing on empowerment rather than manipulation. If you've ever felt trapped by past experiences or limiting beliefs, this episode will give you the perspective shift you need to reclaim your power. Plus, get an inside look at how Nicole built a million-dollar business using her Catalyst Marketing method. Tune in and learn how to stop living in the past and start creating the life you truly deserve. 📖 A Shadow Called Sunshine launches on June 3rd—don’t miss it!

Owning Your Mental Health Journey as a Queen’s Greatest Asset

In this episode of Queens Lead, Amy sits down with creative powerhouse and fellow Okie, Crystal Oakes—founder of Oakes Creative House. From discovering her love for design in high school to running a successful boutique agency, Crystal opens up about the challenges of entrepreneurship, mental health, chronic pain, and navigating life as a high-achieving, type-A mom. She shares how her perfectionism and OCD tendencies shaped her leadership style—and how they nearly led to burnout before she learned how to transform them into superpowers. Amy and Crystal dive into identity, intuition, the pressure of perfection, and how reconnecting with your inner child might be the breakthrough your business and body need. You’ll also hear about Crystal’s free marketing masterclass built specifically for small business owners and the importance of understanding foundational strategy before spending a dime on ads. This one is real, refreshing, and rooted in honesty. Don’t miss it. 📝 Show Notes: In this raw and insightful episode, Amy Singleton interviews Crystal Oakes of Oakes Creative House about: 👩‍🎨 Her early love for order and creativity—and how it shaped her design career 💥 Mental health, chronic migraines, and turning OCD into her entrepreneurial advantage 🧠 Somatic massage, nervous system regulation, and the power of self-advocacy 💻 Why foundational marketing strategy beats shiny-object tactics every time 🧰 Crystal’s FREE Marketing Masterclass for small business owners 👶 Balancing business, motherhood, and mental health without burning out Whether you're building a brand, battling burnout, or searching for the next step in your personal growth—this episode is for you. 🌐 Connect with Crystal Oakes: Website: oakescreativehouse.com Facebook: facebook.com/oakescreativehouse Instagram: instagram.com/oakescreativehouse LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/oakescreativehouse Pinterest: pinterest.com/oakescreativehouse Free Masterclass: Available via the website or follow Crystal on social for live event access

What the Heck is Going on at Work?! A Queens Lead Chat with Katie O’Malley

What the heck is going on at work?! On this episode of Queens Lead, Amy Singleton gets real with certified leadership and career coach Katie O'Malley, founder of (en)Courage Coaching. From childhood loss to a corporate identity crisis that sparked a total career pivot, Katie shares how breakdowns can lead to breakthroughs. They talk about how middle managers are not okay, why pizza parties don’t fix burnout, and how women can start reclaiming control of their careers—on their own terms. You’ll also hear about Katie’s upcoming TEDx talk, her mission to transform workplace mental health, and what she really thinks about “work-life balance.” If you’ve ever felt like your job was draining your soul, this episode might be the spark you need to rise, reign, and reclaim your crown. 💬 In this episode: How Katie pivoted from breakdown to boldness. What’s really driving the “WTF is going on at work?” vibes. Why leadership coaching isn’t just for execs. The hidden cost of neglecting middle management. Shifting from burnout culture to people-first performance. Real talk on “work-life balance” vs. integration. Katie’s TEDx prep, and her insights on reclaiming clarity, courage, and control. 🌐 Connect with Katie O'Malley: Website: encouragecoaching.org LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kateomalley Instagram: instagram.com/encouragecoachchicago 🌟 Rate & Review: Enjoyed this episode? Please leave us a rating and review on your favorite podcast platform. 📢 Connect with Amy: To learn more about Amy, hire her to speak at your event, or work with her team on your marketing, visit www.amysingleton.net.

Breaking Cycles & Building Resilient Teams with Marisol Solarte-Erlacher

In this powerful episode of Queens Lead, host Amy Singleton sits down with Marisol Solarte-Erlacher, a renowned trauma therapist, leadership coach, and expert in building resilient teams. Marisol shares her incredible journey—from growing up with teenage parents to becoming a sought-after speaker and consultant. She dives deep into how past trauma shapes our professional and personal lives, how leaders can create supportive workplace cultures, and why resilience is the key to navigating challenges. Marisol also opens up about her transition from private therapy to coaching organizations, her experiences with burnout, and the lessons she’s learned in redefining her identity beyond her career. If you're ready to embrace change, build resilience, and lead with authenticity, this episode is for you! 🚀 Plus, Marisol has a free resource to help leaders assess their teams’ well-being—don’t miss it!

Designing a Life You Love: Financial Freedom & Well-Being with Jeanette Lowry

On this episode of Queens Lead, Amy Singleton sits down with transformational coach Jeanette Lowry to discuss the power of breaking limiting beliefs, rewriting old paradigms, and designing a life of financial and personal freedom. Jeanette shares her journey from unexpected entrepreneurship to empowering women with the tools they need to build residual wealth, take control of their well-being, and escape the cycle of hustle culture. Tune in to learn how to pivot your mindset, break through generational money patterns, and create a thriving business that aligns with your values. Whether you're a business owner, a woman seeking financial independence, or someone looking to break free from outdated beliefs, this episode is packed with actionable insights. Don’t miss this empowering conversation about stepping into your full potential and leading a life you truly love! 📝 Show Notes: 👑 From Retired to Reignited Jeanette Lowry shares her journey from building a business that sustained her for 20+ years to coming out of retirement to help women gain financial freedom and reclaim their time. 💡 Pivoting Mindsets & Breaking Paradigms Jeanette explains the importance of rewriting childhood paradigms around money, success, and health. She shares how many women are unknowingly trapped in limiting beliefs passed down through generations. 💪 The Power of Health & Nutrition Jeanette talks about how changing her diet and focusing on well-being transformed her life. She emphasizes the importance of eliminating processed foods, detoxing, and nourishing the body for optimal performance. 🚀 Leveraged Income vs. Hustle Culture Why trading time for money keeps many women stuck—and how learning to create leveraged, residual income can be the key to financial freedom and flexibility. 🧠 Interrupting Negative Thought Patterns Jeanette walks through how to recognize and disrupt negative self-talk, including using physical techniques like snapping a rubber band or verbal pattern interruptions to shift into a new mindset. 🔥 Creating a Life You Love Jeanette's mission is to help women design a life they love—where they can thrive financially, physically, and emotionally. She shares how she helps women find confidence and break free from traditional employment structures. 📌 Jeanette’s Free Resources & Coaching Programs Jeanette offers free masterclasses, coaching programs, and a paradigm-shifting workbook to help women transform their mindset and financial future. 🌐 Connect with Jeanette Lowry: 🔗 Website: www.JeanetteLowry.com 📌 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/JeanetteLowry 📌 Facebook: facebook.com/jeanettebaacklowry 📌 Instagram: instagram.com/JeanetteLowry11 📌 YouTube: youtube.com/channel/JeanetteLowry 🎁 Free Resources: 📌 Rewriting Money & Health Paradigms: jeanettelowry.com/paradigm-opt-in 📌 Transform Your Pantry for Better Nutrition: jeanettelowry.com/lead-magnet-pantry