Women are leaders - Whether leading a company, a community, a campaign, a household, or all of the above, women are navigating things nobody's no one is talking about. Smart Women Talking is where these conversations happen out loud. This is your invitation to the table.
The second-guessing. The decisions that keep you up at night. The rules you never agreed to but somehow keep following anyway.
We’re done with surface-level. Smart Women Talking brings you the topics women are genuinely wrestling with and guests who speak to them honestly, directly, and without the performance. Every episode is a real conversation with a real perspective and at least one idea you can take and run with.
No fluff. No performance. Just smart women talking about what actually matters.
The Real Challenges Women Face in Politics - and How Relationships and Timing Make All the Difference
In this episode, we dive into the inspiring journey of Senator Julia Coleman, the youngest woman ever elected to the Minnesota State Senate.
Julia shares how she navigated pregnancy, motherhood, and ambitious leadership with authenticity, resilience, and unwavering faith in herself. Her story is a powerful reminder that motherhood does not disqualify you from leading - it fuels your fire to make an impact.
Key insights include:
Building confidence through small wins and proving your capabilities over time
Turning high-pressure campaigns and challenging remarks into fuel for success
Practical strategies for relationship-building while managing young children in demanding careers
The significance of allies and mentors who break traditional rules to support women in politics
The critical need for systemic changes, such as inclusive workplace policies for mothers and dedicated childcare spaces
Julia’s perspective on stepping into new rooms that challenge her growth and bravery
Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction to Julia Coleman’s trailblazing journey02:10 - Campaigns and resilience built through pregnancy and motherhood03:58 - Developing confidence as a muscle through incremental wins04:26 - Decision to run for office amid imperfect timing05:22 - Motivation behind running for state senate amidst personal challenges06:25 - Dynamics and culture in the Senate when Julia first arrived07:34 - Responding to criticism and demonstrating resilience in public service08:32 - Turning negative remarks into moments of wit and confidence09:57 - Mentorship and support from women who paved the way11:39 - Gaining respect and perceived authority through consistent presence and leadership12:38 - Leading with purpose during long debates and remote voting during COVID13:21 - Unwritten rules and relationship-building as essential elements of leadership14:11 - Strategies for balancing motherhood and career, scheduling relationship time intentionally16:09 - Importance of making space for working mothers in legislative environments17:55 - Role of fun in networking and leadership for Julia18:53 - Influence of trailblazing women in her career20:16 - Changes in legislative culture supporting women and young mothers21:21 - Overcoming the challenge of being seen as a leader and a mother simultaneously22:48 - Lessons on setting boundaries and prioritizing self-care23:52 - Message motherhood sends about leadership and representation25:20 - Julia’s influence on future generations of women in politics26:43 - Systemic reforms still needed, like childcare and breaks during long debates29:22 - Advice for women hesitating to step into influential rooms30:55 - Next challenge: what’s beyond the current room, and the courage to grow34:10 - Julia’s ongoing journey of bravery, growth, and expanding her influence
Resources & Links:
Julia Coleman - Minnesota State Senator
Brene Brown - The Power of Vulnerability
Brendon Burchard - High Performance Habits
Connect with Julia Coleman:
LinkedIn
Twitter
This conversation is a testament to the transformative power of authentic leadership, resilience, and breaking barriers with grace. Share this episode with someone who needs to see what's possible when you lead with heart and purpose.
10 Jun 2026
The Confidence Gap Is A Lie
Unlock the secret behind the confidence divide that’s holding countless women back - not from a lack of ability, but from years of silent messaging planted early in life.
What if confidence isn’t about faking it or mustering endless bravado? What if it’s actually about recognizing and rewiring the conditioning that makes us second-guess ourselves every step of the way?
In this episode of Smart Women Talking, Polly Meyer and Barbara Zuleger cut through the noise to reveal a radical truth: the confidence gap is less about personality and more about deeply ingrained messages we’ve absorbed - messages that tell us to take up less space, play small, and hide our brilliance.
Discover how this conditioning shapes women’s leadership, decision-making, and the way they show up in every room, whether in meetings or boardrooms. You’ll learn:
Why telling women to "just be more confident" is the worst advice - and what to do instead
The subtle signs of self-doubt that high-performing women often hide, and how to recognize them in yourself and others
How societal messages from childhood and modeling other women reinforce limiting beliefs - and how to break free from them
The difference between genuine humility and shrinking, and why standing in your worth elevates everyone around you
Practical frameworks like the Evidence Collection method that turn vague self-doubt into clear, solvable questions
The power of small, intentional moves - like changing a wardrobe item or asking better questions - to rewire your confidence muscle
This episode is a call to action for women ready to reclaim their space, their voice, and their leadership. If you’ve ever felt like your doubts are holding you hostage, or wondered how some women seem effortlessly confident - this is your roadmap to rewriting that story.
Because when women step into their full power, they don’t just transform themselves - they ignite a ripple effect of possibility for everyone around them.
Whether you're leading a team, growing a business, or stepping into a new role, understanding and addressing the confidence gap is the key to unlocking your next level.
Confidence isn’t about never doubting, it’s about learning how to trust yourself enough to keep moving forward, one small step at a time.
Are you ready to speak differently, lead boldly, and take up space unapologetically? Then hit play - this conversation might just shift everything.
4 Jun 2026
S2 E2 | The Hidden Likability Tax
The Hidden Likability Tax
Most women are conditioned to be likable at all costs - but what if that pressure is secretly costing you respect, authority, and your personal power? Dr. Kyra Messick-O'Quinn reveals the hidden toll of the "likability tax" and how it sabotages your influence and confidence in the workplace - and in life. This isn't about sacrificing kindness; it's about reclaiming your strength and authenticity without fear of pushback.
In this eye-opening conversation, you'll discover how striving to be universally liked leads to emotional over-calibration, over-explaining, and self-doubt - all behaviors that drain your energy and diminish your impact. Dr. Kyra shares powerful frameworks like the river metaphor for personal power and practical strategies to identify and shift subconscious behaviors - including over-apologizing, excessive self-editing, and avoiding conflict - that keep you from showing up fully.
We break down how high-performing women unintentionally pay the likability tax, what it costs in trust and opportunity, and how small shifts can unlock a new level of authority. Whether you're navigating leadership, striving for influence, or simply tired of playing small, this episode will give you clear tools to speak with more confidence, set boundaries, and lead with presence - without losing your kindness.
If you’re ready to step into your power and stop sacrificing respect for approval, this episode is essential listening. The transformation begins when you see these invisible patterns - and decide to change them. Perfect for women who want to lead authentically and influence deeply - without the hidden costs of trying to be everyone’s favorite.
Dr. Kyra Messick-O'Quinn is a clinical psychologist and holistic health expert dedicated to helping sensitive, high-achieving women reclaim their strength. Her work blends ancient wisdom with modern psychology, empowering women to lead with courage and clarity.
Get ready to transform your mindset, your communication, and your life. Your authority is waiting.
27 May 2026
Designing Your Success
Most driven women master the pursuit of success - but many overlook the vital step of truly owning and experiencing it. This episode uncovers the surprising gap between chasing achievement and genuinely savoring it, revealing why success often feels fleeting and unfulfilling. If you’ve ever reached a milestone only to wonder, “Is this it?” you’re not alone - and you’re about to learn how to change that.
22 Mar 2025
Powerful Growth Through Reflection
Dive into how to take stock of the past year’s efforts and achievements. This episode guides listeners through a reflective process to identify and celebrate their successes, understand their setbacks, and gather valuable lessons to propel them forward.
9 Oct 2024
S1 E6 EMBRACING YOUR CONFIDENT FUTURE SELF: A TRANSFORMATIONAL JOURNEY
Description:
Join us in this inspiring episode of "Smart Women Talking," as our special guest, Teresa Thomas, dives deep into the empowering concept of embodying your future self.
In today's discussion, we unravel the critical role of networking tailored to future ambitions rather than past experiences. We confront the familiar challenges that often hold us back from fully stepping into our potential, discussing strategies to transcend past limitations and the usual traps of our comfort zones.
Teresa brings invaluable insights on how to sustain commitment on your growth journey and strategies to dismantle the nagging doubts of imposter syndrome. We explore how playful exploration can significantly enhance personal and professional growth, and why maintaining a robust network of supportive relationships is crucial for our development.
Most importantly, we discuss the power of self-awareness and the mind-body connection in shaping our perceptions and actions. Teresa shares transformative feedback from her "future self" sessions, providing us with practical takeaways that encourage us to always align our current actions with the future we aspire to create.
Key Takeaways:
Embrace Your Future Self: Acting as your future self can dramatically impact your personal growth.
Network with Intent: Focus your networking on where you want to go, not where you've been.
Break Free from Comfort: Challenge your comfort zones to expand your horizons.
Cultivate Playfulness: Use playfulness as a tool to discover more about yourself and foster growth.
Overcome Imposter Syndrome: Remember your past successes as evidence against your doubts.
Seek Support: Surround yourself with people who uplift and encourage you.
Tune in to discover how you can harness these insights to nurture your development and sculpt a future that truly reflects who you want to become. Don't just dream about your future self—start living as her today!
Link to Teresa Thomas
Win/Win Networking: Your Guidebook for Confident and Effective Connections and 50 Fun Things: Enjoy the Small Things
Win Win Connects
8 Aug 2024
S1 E4 Future Self Series Part 1 : Building Your Vision MP3
Join us as we dive into the transformative journey of becoming your future self, in the first installment of our three-part series. We start by unpacking the art of excavating who you want to become, pinpointing core values that guide your path forward.
8 Aug 2024
S1 E5 Future Self Series Part 2: Evolving from Present to Future Self MP3
Join us in the second episode of our series on ”Becoming Your Future Self” on ”Smart Women Talking,” where we delve deeper into the transformative journey of becoming the person you aspire to be. In this insightful discussion, we uncover the profound impact of monitoring your thoughts and understanding how they shape your destiny.
9 Jul 2024
S1 E3: Mastering the Balancing Act: Work, Family, and You
In this episode we dive into the exciting topic of ”Becoming the Future You.” We explore not just envisioning our future selves, but actively stepping into the life and identity that we aspire to. You won’t want to miss it!
2 Jul 2024
S1 E2: Finding Joy and Why Its So Important
Today’s Smart Women Talking conversation explores the importance of joy and happiness in our lives and how to intentionally cultivate more of it.
25 Jun 2024
S1, E1: The Premiere of Smart Women Talking
Tune in for unfiltered conversations with women —each bringing a trunk full of rich, multi-generational wisdom. We’re talking the nitty-gritty of professional life, the chaos and charm of family, the often overlooked joys that buzz beneath our breakneck days, and yes, even those secret sauces that make women so darn effective at what they do.
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