She Takes The Lead

Ep 034-I'm Crushing It But Why Can't I Own It?

Send us a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2447743/open_sms] Why is it easier to say, “I’m ambitious,” than “I’ve achieved”?  In this episode, I break down why so many high-achieving women (myself included!) struggle to own their success. From redefining what achievement even is, to a conversation between my 6-year-old daughter and her bestie that stopped me in my tracks, this episode is full of truth bombs, real-talk, and one heck of a reminder: you’ve done more than you’re giving yourself credit for. 🎯 We unpack: * The emotional weight behind “ambitious” vs “achieving” * How midlife shifts your ability to own your wins * A heart-melting self-love lesson from two 6-year-olds * Simple ways to friend yourself first—yes, actually 🎧 Hit play. Then send it to your bestie!  Want more? Click follow, subscribe, leave a review and 5 stars always helps! Sign up for The TRIBE newsletter [https://carolepodell.com/contact]for real-time updates, freebies, and favorite finds at www.carolepodell.com [https://carolepodell.com/] Watch like and subscribe to She Takes The Lead podcast on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@SheTakesTheLeadPodcast]. Say hi to Carole, @carolepodell on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/carolepodell/], LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolepodell/], or Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/CarolePodell/]. Like free stuff? Get it here! [https://carolepodell.com/links] Disclaimer [https://carolepodell.com/disclaimer]

Ep 033: You're Not Failing, You're Balancing: What Artists, Dreamers, and Doers Need to Know

Send us a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2447743/open_sms] In this deeply personal solo episode, I unpack what it really means to live a creative life while juggling the realities of adulthood, ambition, and mental health. I share a story about a fellow artist at a crossroads—struggling financially but convinced they were “born for this.” Sound familiar? I’ve been there. In fact, I’m still there… sometimes mid-pivot, sometimes standing still, sometimes flying forward. This isn’t about glamorizing the hustle. It’s about telling the truth: you can have more than one dream. You’re allowed to pause one without abandoning it. Stability and ambition don’t have to be enemies. And if you’ve ever wondered if it’s okay to pivot or reroute—this one’s for you. In This Episode, I Talk About: * Why "burn the boats" advice doesn’t work for everyone * What it really looks like to balance your dreams with your bills * The myth of confidence in creative industries * What high-achieving, neurodiverse minds misunderstand about procrastination * The unsexy but essential role of baseline stability * Why having more than one dream isn’t scattered—it’s strategic * What filling “all the pots” in your life might look like Key Quote:  "A decision isn’t a decision until it’s put into action. But that doesn’t mean all your actions need to go in one direction." Listen if you’re: * A multi-passionate creator trying to “make it” * Balancing caregiving, bills, and bold dreams * Questioning your path, your pace, or your plan * Someone who hyper-focuses… until you don’t * Ready to feel a little more whole—on your own terms Stuck in the burnout–procrastination loop?  Grab Carole Podell's MAKE DECISIONS FROM DESIRE, Not DEFAULT FREE 5-day challenge and start making bold, aligned decisions—without waiting for the "perfect" time. Grab it at https://carolepodell.com/desiredownload [https://carolepodell.com/desiredownload] You got this!  Want more? Click follow, subscribe, leave a review and 5 stars always helps! Sign up for The TRIBE newsletter [https://carolepodell.com/contact]for real-time updates, freebies, and favorite finds at www.carolepodell.com [https://carolepodell.com/] Watch like and subscribe to She Takes The Lead podcast on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@SheTakesTheLeadPodcast]. Say hi to Carole, @carolepodell on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/carolepodell/], LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolepodell/], or Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/CarolePodell/]. Like free stuff? Get it here! [https://carolepodell.com/links] Disclaimer [https://carolepodell.com/disclaimer]

Ep 030: Why Even Top Leaders Fear Public Speaking—and What Devin Sarno Teaches to Fix It

Send us a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2447743/open_sms] What do a teenage debate champion, a C-suite executive, and a karaoke-dodging jazz singer all have in common? Yep—public speaking anxiety. In this episode of She Takes The Lead, I sit down with the fantastic and fun Devin Sarno—founder of Parlay Communicators [https://www.parlaycommunicators.com], keynote speaker, and public speaking coach—to unpack why so many of us freeze up when it’s time to speak in front of others... even if we’re literally pros. Devin shares how her theater background and coaching competitive speech and debate for teens shaped her unique, empathy-first approach to helping people use their voice without fear (or fake pep talks). From awkward boardroom requests to "just sing something" conference room horror stories, we talk about why even the most seasoned professionals can feel like total frauds with a mic in hand. You’ll learn: * Why imposter syndrome and stage fright are basically evil twins * How to build trust when you only have 60 seconds and a shaky voice * The key to sounding like a leader—even when you’re internally screaming * What to do when a performance becomes about proving people wrong (hint: don’t do it) * How introverts can connect authentically without oversharing or trauma-dumping (yep, we said it) Whether you’re pitching, presenting, or just trying to talk to another parent at the school bake sale without breaking into a flop sweat—this one’s for you. Listen now and learn how to stop white-knuckling your way through every conversation. Your voice deserves to be heard—without the panic. Stuck in the burnout–procrastination loop?  Grab Carole Podell's MAKE DECISIONS FROM DESIRE, Not DEFAULT FREE 5-day challenge and start making bold, aligned decisions—without waiting for the "perfect" time. Grab it at https://carolepodell.com/desiredownload [https://carolepodell.com/desiredownload] You got this!  Want more? Click follow, subscribe, leave a review and 5 stars always helps! Sign up for The TRIBE newsletter [https://carolepodell.com/contact]for real-time updates, freebies, and favorite finds at www.carolepodell.com [https://carolepodell.com/] Watch like and subscribe to She Takes The Lead podcast on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@SheTakesTheLeadPodcast]. Say hi to Carole, @carolepodell on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/carolepodell/], LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolepodell/], or Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/CarolePodell/]. Like free stuff? Get it here! [https://carolepodell.com/links] Disclaimer [https://carolepodell.com/disclaimer]

Ep 031: How to Get Money to Love You Back: Ella Rivkin’s Wealth Wisdom for Women

Send us a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2447743/open_sms] In this powerhouse episode of She Takes the Lead, Carole sits down with Ella Rivkin—financial strategist, immigrant powerhouse, and co-author of Cracking the Code to Success with Brian Tracy. From a near-tragic accident that changed her life to building financial freedom from $100 in her pocket, Ella shares how she rewrote her money story—and how you can too. This isn't just about spreadsheets or investment portfolios. It's about falling in love with your finances, ditching the fear, and creating a life that doesn’t just include money... but one where money actively works for you. 💸✨ What You’ll Learn: * The Money Mantra: “I love money, and money loves me”—and why you need to say it like you mean it. * How a bike accident became Ella’s financial and personal rebirth. * The “Wheel of Life” method: how to check in on every area of your life, daily. * The Value Creation Formula: calculate your freedom number and unlock passive income like a boss. * Why your financial freedom goal is different than everyone else’s—and how to stop apologizing for it. * Why 80% of wealth building is mindset, not math. * How Carole set up a custodial Roth IRA for her daughter—and why it’s the ultimate power move for moms. Ella Rivkin's Website [https://ellarivkin.com/] Stuck in the burnout–procrastination loop?  Grab Carole Podell's MAKE DECISIONS FROM DESIRE, Not DEFAULT FREE 5-day challenge and start making bold, aligned decisions—without waiting for the "perfect" time. Grab it at https://carolepodell.com/desiredownload [https://carolepodell.com/desiredownload] You got this!  Want more? Click follow, subscribe, leave a review and 5 stars always helps! Sign up for The TRIBE newsletter [https://carolepodell.com/contact]for real-time updates, freebies, and favorite finds at www.carolepodell.com [https://carolepodell.com/] Watch like and subscribe to She Takes The Lead podcast on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@SheTakesTheLeadPodcast]. Say hi to Carole, @carolepodell on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/carolepodell/], LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolepodell/], or Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/CarolePodell/]. Like free stuff? Get it here! [https://carolepodell.com/links] Disclaimer [https://carolepodell.com/disclaimer]

Ep 032: Marriage, Trauma & Tools Nobody Gives You — Except Danielle Sebastian

Send us a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2447743/open_sms] In this raw and heart-opening episode of She Takes the Lead, I sit down with Danielle Sebastian—a pharmacist turned trauma-partner support coach—to dive into the unspoken world of being married to someone with unresolved trauma. If you’ve ever felt like you’re walking on eggshells in your relationship, or you’re trying to hold your household together while your partner heals, this one is for you. What We Talk About: * Understanding trauma responses and what’s really going on in your partner’s brain *  How Danielle went from pharmacist to author and wife-care coach *  The moment her marriage hit rock bottom—and how they clawed their way back *  Why setting boundaries isn’t betrayal—it’s survival *  How to decide if healing together is possible…or if it’s time to walk away *  Parenting while managing triggers (yours and theirs) *  Real scripts for starting that tough convo when you feel alone in your relationship Key Takeaways: * Trauma responses aren't personal—they're protective. * Love is not about being a savior. It's about being a partner. * You don’t need a traumatic childhood to have trauma responses. * If you're constantly trying to prevent the next meltdown, you’re not thriving—you’re surviving. * Empathy is a tool, not a personality trait. Use it wisely and with boundaries. Resources Mentioned: * DanielleSebastian.com [https://www.daniellesebastian.com] for free calls and her book * Find her on Instagram: @danielle_sebastian_wifecare Stuck in the burnout–procrastination loop?  Grab Carole Podell's MAKE DECISIONS FROM DESIRE, Not DEFAULT FREE 5-day challenge and start making bold, aligned decisions—without waiting for the "perfect" time. Grab it at https://carolepodell.com/desiredownload [https://carolepodell.com/desiredownload] You got this!  Want more? Click follow, subscribe, leave a review and 5 stars always helps! Sign up for The TRIBE newsletter [https://carolepodell.com/contact]for real-time updates, freebies, and favorite finds at www.carolepodell.com [https://carolepodell.com/] Watch like and subscribe to She Takes The Lead podcast on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@SheTakesTheLeadPodcast]. Say hi to Carole, @carolepodell on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/carolepodell/], LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolepodell/], or Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/CarolePodell/]. Like free stuff? Get it here! [https://carolepodell.com/links] Disclaimer [https://carolepodell.com/disclaimer]