Women Leading Boldly Virtual Summit

Karen Gombault

30Podcast AuthorityScore out of 100 · How it is scored

19
Episodes: 2025
First episode

About Women Leading Boldly Virtual Summit

🔥 The Future of Leadership is Bold. Are You Ready? 🔥 Women’s leadership has come a long way—but what if progress isn’t permanent? At the Women Leading Boldly Virtual Summit, top leaders, change-makers, and industry experts are coming together to tackle the biggest threats to women’s advancement—and more importantly, to redefine leadership on our terms. From breaking barriers in male-dominated industries to leading without burnout, amplifying influence, and building financial power, this summit is about real talk, real strategies, and real change. Over 5 days, you'll hear powerful conversations, bold insights, and inspiring stories from women who are rewriting the leadership playbook. 📅 Are you ready to step up, lean in and shape the future? Let’s lead boldly—together.

Publisher: Karen Gombault
Category: business · society & culture
Language: en
Explicit: No
First episode: 1 Mar 2025
Latest episode: 7 Mar 2025

Apple Podcasts Website RSS feed

Latest episodes

19 episodes in the feed.

7 Mar 2025
Lead Smarter, Stress Less: The Balance Shift Every Leader Needs (Day 5)
Host Karen Gombault speaks with Viktoria Hamma, a biopsychosocial wellness practitioner and author of "The Middle Path", about the critical role of balance in leadership, decision-making, and well-being. They explore why high-achieving professionals—especially women—struggle with stress, why balance isn’t about doing less, and how simple, strategic shifts can drive both personal and professional success. Key Takeaways 1️⃣ Balance Isn’t a Destination—It’s a Scale – True balance doesn’t mean equal time for everything; it’s about making small adjustments to prevent burnout and optimize energy. 2️⃣ Stress Is the Silent Career Killer – Chronic stress impacts physical health, gut function, and cognitive performance, reducing long-term success and well-being. 3️⃣ Better Balance = Smarter Decisions – High achievers often default to reactive decision-making. Taking pauses, even short ones, improves judgment and creativity. 4️⃣ Small Shifts Create Big Change – A five-minute walk, a deep breath, or setting a clear boundary can dramatically improve stress resilience and effectiveness. 5️⃣ Leaders Must Model Balance – Organizations that integrate balance into workplace culture see higher engagement, retention, and better overall performance. Success doesn’t have to come at the cost of well-being. Leaders who embrace balance not only improve their own performance but create healthier, more productive workplaces. Ignoring balance leads to burnout, poor decision-making, and long-term health consequences. Final message from Viktoria: "Balance isn’t about perfection. It’s about small, intentional choices that add up to a sustainable, fulfilling life". Where to Find Viktoria: Viktoria@viktoriahamma.com www.linkedin.com/in/viktoriahamma www.instagram.com/vikkah Get her book here: The Middle Path: Finding Balance, Health and Happiness in a World of Extremes https://www.amazon.ca/Middle-Path-Finding-Happiness-Extremes-ebook/dp/B0DT2LW433
7 Mar 2025
Moving Through Cancer: The Power of Fitness, Mindset, and Self-Leadership (Day 5)
In this powerful BOLD SPOTLIGHT episode, Karen welcomes Carly Fauth, a fitness instructor, cancer exercise specialist, and founder of Fit Fun Carly, a virtual fitness program that helps people get fit in just 15 minutes a day. A passionate advocate for mental health through movement, Carly's journey took a profound turn when she was diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer in early 2024. Instead of stepping back, she channeled her experience into inspiring others—launching her podcast Chemo Coffee Talk from her chemo chair and continuing to coach her clients while undergoing treatment. 5 Key Takeaways 1. Movement is Medicine – Carly didn’t just talk about staying active during cancer treatment—she lived it. Discover how she kept moving every single day, even through chemo. 2. Mindset Over Circumstances – When cancer tried to take control, Carly took the reins. Learn the powerful mental shift that helped her reframe her toughest days. 3. Leading Yourself First – Carly had every reason to hit pause on her business, but she didn’t. Find out the surprising way she turned her own clients into her biggest source of accountability. 4. The Strength of Community – From virtual workouts to a viral burpee challenge, Carly rallied a movement. See how leaning on others made all the difference. 5. Turning Pain into Purpose – Instead of asking “Why me?”, Carly asked, “How can I use this?” The answer led to a podcast, a movement, and a mission that’s just getting started. "You are not going to be the author of my story—I am. I get to write the narrative, I choose how I show up, and I decide what I let in." - Carly Fauth Carly embodies strength, resilience, and self-leadership. Her journey proves that even in the darkest moments, we have the power to take control, find purpose, and inspire others. Whether through movement, mindset, or community, Carly shows us that hardship doesn’t have to define us—it can transform us. Connect with Carly: Website: https://www.fitfuncarly.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fitfuncarly/ Podcast: Chemo Coffee Talk Email: carly@fitfuncarly.com
7 Mar 2025
From Burnout to Balance: The Ripple Effect of Self-Leadership (Day 5)
What does it truly mean to lead yourself first—and why do so many leaders struggle with it? In this insightful conversation, Amber Anderson, leadership development expert and founder of Amber Anderson Coaching, breaks down why self-leadership is the foundation of sustainable leadership. She shares how leaders can shift from burnout to balance by mastering mindset, skillset, and nervous system regulation. If you’re navigating stress, self-doubt, or overwhelm, this conversation will help you reclaim your leadership with confidence and clarity. 5 Key Takeaways 1. Self-leadership comes first. You can’t lead others effectively if you aren’t managing your own energy, mindset, and well-being. 2. Burnout has a ripple effect. Your stress impacts your team, your relationships, and your decision-making—learning to regulate your nervous system is key. 3. Mindset mastery changes everything. Shifting from judgment to curiosity and recognizing fact vs. story helps leaders regain control over their thoughts and actions. 4. Small habits create big shifts. Simple adjustments—like noticing triggers and managing reactions—can prevent burnout and enhance leadership effectiveness. 5. Resentment is leadership poison. Holding onto past grievances negatively impacts relationships and workplace dynamics; self-awareness and mindset work can change everything. 💡 "If you want your ripple effect to be a positive one for everyone around you, be balanced, be calm, take care of yourself first. Because if you're not, you're going to have a negative impact on the people that you love most. And nobody wants that." – Amber Anderson Leadership starts from within. Amber’s framework of Soothset, Mindset, and Skillset equips leaders with the tools to break free from burnout and create sustainable impact. By regulating emotions, shifting thought patterns, and refining leadership skills, leaders can show up authentically and lead with greater ease and effectiveness. Where to Find Amber Anderson: Free Guide: The Confidence Catalyst – https://pages.amberandersoncoaching.com/confidence Website: https://amberandersoncoaching.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coachamberanderson/ Email: amber@amberandersoncoaching.com
6 Mar 2025
The Power of Bold Dreams: Stop Waiting and Start Taking Action (Day 4)
In this episode, I welcome the energetic and inspiring Megan Kuiper—a keynote speaker, coach, and consultant with over 21 years of leadership and culture development experience. Megan shares her journey from a successful corporate career at Target to full-time entrepreneurship, helping individuals and organizations unlock their potential. She is passionate about spreading positivity, energy, and the power of dreaming big to fuel personal and professional growth. 5 Key Takeaways 1. Your Career Shouldn’t Define Your Identity: Megan shares how her career success at Target became her entire identity, leading to stress and burnout. Her wake-up call came in the form of panic attacks, prompting her to reevaluate her priorities and redefine fulfillment. 2. Dreaming Fuels Energy and Purpose: She emphasizes the power of dreaming big—beyond short-term goals. Writing down her dream daily (“I work for me”) helped her build confidence, take small steps, and eventually transition to full-time entrepreneurship. 3. The DREAM Framework for Achieving Goals: Megan introduces her DREAM model, a structured approach to making dreams a reality: 4. Small Dreams Can Have Big Impact: Dreams don’t have to be life-changing career shifts. Megan shares a story of a high-achieving executive who simply wanted to prioritize family time over work, leading to more fulfillment and balance. 5. Sharing Your Dream Builds Support: Saying your dream out loud is an act of courage, but it helps bring others on board. Megan recalls a pivotal moment when she told her husband about her dream of leaving her corporate job—his immediate support became a turning point. "Your energy equals your impact. When you align your dreams with your purpose, you create unstoppable momentum." - Megan Kuiper Megan encourages listeners to give themselves permission to dream again, no matter how big or small. She reminds us that there’s no timeline for success, and even small steps can create profound changes. Where to Connect with Megan Kuiper: Website: www.megan-kuiper.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/megan-kuiper-44371a6/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meganmkuiper/ Megan also offers a free 10-minute coaching session to help listeners start defining their dreams and bringing their loved ones on board. https://www.megan-kuiper.com/exculsive-coaching-gift
6 Mar 2025
The Power of Resilience: Mallory Gombault on Daring, Learning, and Leading (Day 4)
In this special Bold Leader Spotlight, Karen Gombault sits down with her daughter, Mallory Gombault, a 23-year-old entrepreneur, consultant, and AI prompt engineer. Mallory shares her journey from engineering student to co-founder of Human-I, a startup leveraging AI for personalized education, and G&T, a training and consulting firm focused on generative AI. Their conversation explores the mindset, resilience, and lessons learned along the way. 5 Key Takeaways 1. Resilience is Key – Mallory’s first business lost money, but she reframed it as an investment in her learning. Persistence led to success with her third company. 2. Dare to Put Yourself Out There – Entering competitions, networking, and reaching out to high-level contacts opened doors she never expected. 3. Passion Drives Success – Shifting to AI training / consulting happened organically because of her enthusiasm for the topic, leading to a thriving business. 4. Entrepreneurship Can Be Lonely – Facing skepticism from peers, she leaned on a strong support system. 5. Believe in Yourself Relentlessly – Setting a deadline for success and maintaining unwavering belief kept her focused and motivated. “If you don’t give up, at some point, you will succeed. It’s just a matter of time.” – Mallory Gombault Mallory’s journey is a testament to the power of resilience, adaptability, and self-belief. And that is very impressive for a 23 year old entrepreneur starting her 3rd company. By continuously learning, daring to take risks, and surrounding herself with supportive people, she has built a successful career at a young age. Her story is an inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs navigating uncertainty. Where to Connect: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mallory-gombault/ mallory.gombault@gt-digital-creation.com https://ai.gt-digital-creation.com/ For a free workshop, go to the website.
6 Mar 2025
Finding Your True Voice (Day 4)
What does it truly mean to find your voice—and why do so many women struggle with it? In this powerful conversation, Radhika Lucas, a speaking, presenting, and marketing strategist, shares why owning your story is the key to unlocking confidence, visibility, and impact. She breaks down the barriers that hold women back, the systemic challenges that erode confidence over time, and how to reconnect with your deepest, most authentic voice. Whether you're a business owner or a corporate leader, this is foundational work that changes everything. 5 Key Takeaways 1. Finding your voice is a journey, not a destination. It’s about more than having an opinion—it’s about standing in your truth and aligning your voice with what you genuinely believe. 2. Fear and systemic barriers silence women. From microaggressions to societal expectations, women often lose confidence in their own voices over time, making it crucial to reclaim that power. 3. Your ‘deepest, darkest why’ fuels your impact. True confidence comes from understanding the personal experiences that drive you and aligning your work with what truly matters to you. 4. Saying no is an act of self-leadership. Many women have been conditioned to say yes to everything, but learning to set boundaries is essential for protecting your energy and amplifying your voice. 5. Visibility and voice are not the same. Just because you’re visible doesn’t mean you’re fully expressing yourself—true leadership comes from aligning your internal clarity with external communication. Your voice is your greatest asset—but only if you use it with intention. Radhika’s insights challenge us to stop trying to sound like everyone else and instead embrace the power of our own lived experiences. Whether you're stepping into leadership, launching a business, or looking to make a bigger impact, this conversation will help you reconnect with your voice and start attracting the right opportunities—without constantly chasing them. 💡 "What makes you cry is actually your why." – Radhika Lucas Where to Find Radhika Lucas Download her free guide: https://www.contenthalo.com/magnetic-visibility/ Website: https://www.contenthalo.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/radhikalucas/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/contenthalo Email: radhika@contenthalo.com
6 Mar 2025
Why Personal Branding Matters More Than Ever in the Age of AI (Day 4)
In this episode, Karen Gombault interviews Athena Todd, a cross-cultural branding expert and AI automation consultant. As the co-founder of LaunchLab Academy, Athena has over 16 years of experience in business consulting, specializing in personal branding and AI integration for coaches, consultants, and entrepreneurs. She helps clients streamline operations, enhance productivity, and attract high-quality leads—achieving up to 60% time savings. Athena shares her journey from real estate to AI, her passion for empowering women leaders, and the role of AI in strengthening personal brands. 5 Key Takeaways 1. AI Enhances Personal Branding, Not Replaces It: AI should be seen as a tool to amplify a personal brand rather than remove human elements. Athena emphasizes that AI can streamline processes while maintaining authenticity. 2. The Power of Storytelling in Branding: A strong personal brand is built on five key stories: the defining moment story, thought leadership vision, case studies/testimonials, product origin story, and market observation insights. 3. AI Can Save Time and Improve Content Creation: Many entrepreneurs struggle with creating social media content. AI tools can generate and repurpose content efficiently, reducing the workload while maintaining consistency across platforms. 4. Personal Branding is Essential in the AI Era: Statistics show that 74% of consumers trust a brand more when an executive has a strong personal brand. As AI evolves, human connection and authenticity become even more critical for businesses. 5. AI is Constantly Changing—Stay Adaptable: Athena highlights that AI tools evolve rapidly. Her approach involves regularly assessing, updating, and integrating AI solutions to ensure clients stay ahead in their industries. "You don’t have to be perfect to show up. AI enhances your brand, but your authenticity is what makes the impact." – Athena Todd Athena Todd shares an inspiring journey of overcoming cultural barriers, proving doubters wrong, and evolving from real estate to AI consulting. She emphasizes the importance of personal branding in today’s digital world and how AI can be leveraged to optimize business processes while preserving human authenticity. Her insights offer valuable takeaways for entrepreneurs looking to streamline operations and strengthen their brand presence. Connect with Athena Todd: Athena offers a free 15-minute brand audit to help entrepreneurs gain clarity on their personal branding strategy. No obligations—just an opportunity to get expert insights. findme@athenatodd.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/athenatodd/ https://www.launchlabhub.com/home
5 Mar 2025
From Stuck To thriving - How To Own Your Career Path (Day3)
In this episode, Karen Gombault welcomes Natasha Siegel, a high-performance coach, leadership strategist, and founder of The Cure for Career Limbo. Natasha helps ambitious professionals break free from career stagnation and build fulfilling, purpose-driven careers. Having navigated career transitions herself, she shares powerful frameworks for unlocking potential and leading with confidence. Karen and Natasha dive into a critical conversation about getting unstuck—a challenge that affects many professionals at different stages of their careers. 5 Key Takeaways 1. Being Stuck Is a Choice: Many people feel stuck because making a decision feels overwhelming. But remaining in limbo is, in itself, a decision. Recognizing that you have a choice is the first step to moving forward. 2. Fear Holds You Back: Fear of judgment, fear of failure, and fear of the unknown often keep people from taking action. Many assume that making a change will automatically lead to worse outcomes, when in reality, change can bring new opportunities. 3. Define What You Want—And What You Don’t: Writing down what you want (without fear of judgment) and why you want it helps clarify your next step. Sometimes, defining what you don’t want is equally valuable in eliminating options that aren’t aligned with your goals. 4. Take Action, Even If It's Small: The best way to know if something is right for you is to try it. Whether it’s applying for a new role, having a conversation, or testing a different approach, action creates clarity. Staying in indecision drains more energy than making a choice and adjusting along the way. 5. Own Your Decisions and Stop Seeking External Validation: Waiting for permission or external recognition keeps you stuck. Taking ownership of what you want—and backing yourself up—is one of the most liberating and empowering things you can do. "Whatever you think you can't do, just step back and ask yourself: what if that’s not true? What if it is possible?" — Natasha Siegel Getting unstuck isn’t about waiting for the perfect moment—it’s about recognizing your choices, addressing your fears, and taking action. Natasha emphasizes the importance of self-belief, the power of small steps, and the freedom that comes with owning your decisions. If you’re feeling stuck in your career or life, start by asking yourself: What do I really want? What if I stopped waiting for permission? What if I just took the next step? Where to Find Natasha Siegel: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natasha-siegel-cure-my-career-limbo/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talkswith.tash/ Free Resource: Download Natasha’s one-pager on getting unstuck Career Limbo 3 Secrets (https://www.curemycareerlimbo.com/3-secrets)
5 Mar 2025
Turning Setbacks into Success: How Meagan Built a $600K Business & Redefined Wealth and Leadership (Day 3)
In this BOLD Leader Spotlight, we’re featuring Meagan Norris—a retired attorney, certified life coach, and single mother of three—who turned her divorce into a launchpad for financial and personal transformation. Within three years, Meagan built a thriving coaching business from scratch, generating over $600,000 and securing her financial independence. She empowers women to become the CEO of their divorces, guiding them toward financial success and a life so good it “doesn’t make sense.” Her mission? To redefine divorce not as a setback, but as the start of something unstoppable. 5 Key Takeaways 1. Self-Leadership Unlocks Everything: Many women seek external validation or a clear path to success, but true transformation comes from leading yourself first—trusting your own instincts, making bold decisions, and not waiting for permission. 2. Conviction Creates Success: Meagan struggled to gain traction in her coaching business until she embraced her true message: helping women navigate divorce. Once she owned her perspective—without fear of making others uncomfortable—her business skyrocketed. 3. You Are Your Own Guarantee: Instead of looking for external security, Meagan encourages women to trust themselves. Whether it’s career choices, finances, or personal reinvention, believing in your own ability to figure things out is the ultimate safety net. 4. Emotions Are Not a Problem: Rather than avoiding or suppressing discomfort, Meagan teaches women to own their emotions—whether it's anger, sadness, or fear. Every feeling is valuable data that, when managed correctly, leads to clearer decisions and greater alignment. 5. Wealth Creation is a Game-Changer for Women: Meagan emphasizes that financial independence isn’t just about security—it’s about power and choice. She challenges women to step into wealth-building, whether through career advancement or entrepreneurship, because well-resourced women change the world. "What story do I want to be able to tell?" - Meagan Norris Meagan uses this question as a guiding principle for decision-making. Instead of seeking the "right" choice, she considers what kind of narrative she wants to create for her life. This shift simplifies decisions and builds self-trust. Meagan’s journey is a testament to the power of bold decision-making, self-trust, and financial independence. Her story reminds us that challenges—even life-altering ones like divorce—can become the catalyst for an extraordinary new chapter. The key is stepping into leadership, owning your emotions, and believing in your own capability. Where to Connect with Meagan: Connect on IG: https://www.instagram.com/meagannorriscoaching/ Find her here: https://www.meagannorris.com/
5 Mar 2025
The Power of Identity Work for Leaders: Align Who You Are with the Success You Want (Day 3)
In this episode of Women Leading Boldly, host Karen Gombault welcomes Mindi Huebner, a mindset and identity expert who helps high-achieving women break free from outdated identities and redefine success on their own terms. They dive deep into the power of identity, subconscious beliefs, and how shifting your mindset can unlock your fullest potential—personally and professionally. 5 Key Takeaways 1. We Cannot Outperform Our Subconscious Identity: Many high achievers unknowingly operate under an identity shaped by subconscious beliefs—such as equating worth with achievement. Recognizing and aligning with an identity that truly serves you is the key to authentic success. 2. Signs of Identity Misalignment Show Up as Self-Sabotage: Common symptoms of misalignment include overthinking, overworking, perfectionism, and self-criticism. If you find yourself saying, “I want this, but I keep going in circles,” you’re likely stuck in an outdated identity. 3. Identity is Not a Fixed Label—It Can Be Expanded: Many women define themselves by rigid labels (e.g., "I am a runner" or "I am a hot mess"), but true identity work involves expanding rather than restricting who you are. Shifting from "I am X" to "I am becoming X" allows for more growth and adaptability. 4. Taking Small Aligned Actions Builds Identity Shifts: You don’t need to wait for a mindset shift before acting—sometimes, action creates the mindset. Instead of saying, “I am a seven-figure entrepreneur,” start with, “I am building the habits of a seven-figure entrepreneur” and evolve from there. 5. Reframing Your Language Changes Your Reality: Simple shifts in language rewire the brain. Instead of saying, "I should have done this," replace it with: "From now on…" "Next time…" "In the future…" This small tweak moves you from guilt to empowerment. "You are always winning the game you're playing. If you call yourself a hot mess every day, you will keep proving yourself right. Shift the game, shift the identity, and your success will follow." – Mindi Huebner Identity work is about shedding what no longer serves you, not becoming someone you’re not. Mindi and Karen explore how shifting your mindset and subconscious beliefs can unlock confidence, ease, and joy—without the burnout. Whether you're stepping into leadership, making a career pivot, or redefining personal success, this work is essential for sustainable growth. Where to Connect with Mindi Huebner: Website: https://mindihuebner.com/ For more insights and practical tools, check out Mindy’s free private podcast “Unlock Your 24K Success” at https://pages.mindihuebner.com/unlock-your-24k-outcomes-podcast-page
5 Mar 2025
Financial Confidence is a Leadership Skill—Here’s Why It Matters (Day 3)
In this insightful conversation, Karen Gombault interviews Germaine Foley, a certified life and money coach who helps women take control of their finances and build wealth—without sacrificing their lifestyle. Germaine shares her personal journey of overcoming $200,000 in debt despite earning a good income and explains how she developed a method to build wealth while still enjoying life. 5 Key Takeaways 1. Financial Confidence is a Leadership Skill: Just like leadership, financial confidence requires decisiveness, clarity, and goal-setting. Women who succeed in their careers should align their financial success with their professional achievements. 2. Start with Values, Not Sacrifice: Instead of jumping straight to budgeting, Germaine encourages women to define what truly enhances their life. Identifying key priorities—such as travel, family time, or personal experiences—helps create a financial plan that supports those values rather than restricting them. 3. Avoid Emotional Spending: Many women use spending as a coping mechanism for stress, boredom, or frustration. However, money should not be used to alter emotions. Instead, it should be seen as a tool to enhance life and create security. 4. The ‘Do Both’ Method: Build Wealth and Enjoy Life: Germaine debunks the myth that financial success requires extreme sacrifice. Her “Do Both” method allows women to manage their money strategically while still enjoying vacations, shopping, and experiences. 5. Mindset is the Key to Financial Success: Common money beliefs, such as "I’m bad with money" or "I’ll figure it out later," create financial stagnation. Shifting to more empowering beliefs—like "I can figure this out"—helps women take proactive steps toward financial stability. "Building wealth isn’t about sacrifice. It’s about the mindset and strategy you’re willing to work on. You can do both—build wealth and enjoy life at the same time." – Germaine Foley Germaine Foley emphasizes that financial security isn’t about deprivation but about intentionality. By aligning financial habits with personal values, women can eliminate debt, build wealth, and maintain the freedom to enjoy life. Money is a tool, not a burden—when managed correctly, it can create both security and abundance. Where to Connect with Germaine: Podcast: Becoming the Wealthy You (available on all major platforms) Free Training: How to Build Wealth Without Going on a Strict Budget – https://www.germainefoley.com/wealthclass https://www.germainefoley.com/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/germainefoleycoaching/
4 Mar 2025
The Confidence Blueprint: How Female Leaders Can Step Up, Speak Up, and Stand Out
Host Karen Gombault speaks with Kirsteen Williamson-Guinn, an experienced senior leader, founder of Elevate Women, and author of Unshakable Confidence, Your Blueprint. Kirsteen specializes in helping female leaders build unshakable confidence so they can speak up, step up, and stand out in their careers. In this episode, they discuss why women in leadership often struggle with visibility, the impact of self-doubt, and how strategic mindset shifts can elevate careers—especially in male-dominated industries. 5 Key Takeaways Overworking Won’t Get You Promoted – Many women believe working harder will get them noticed, but being seen as a "safe pair of hands" rather than a strategic leader can stall career growth. Instead, prioritizing visibility and strategic impact is key. Visibility Is Non-Negotiable – Women often resist putting themselves out there due to fear of judgment, yet career advancement requires being seen and recognized by the right people. Confidence grows when you focus on the value you bring rather than how you might be perceived. Your Network Must Be Intentional – Women are often happenstance in their networking, while men tend to be more strategic. Expanding beyond internal company relationships and cultivating a powerful external network is critical for career mobility. Discomfort Is a Growth Signal – Confidence isn't about eliminating fear—it’s about taking action despite it. Learning to tolerate discomfort, whether in public speaking or stepping into new roles, accelerates leadership growth. Self-Concept Shapes Success – Women often underestimate their strengths and focus on gaps rather than assets. Tools like StrengthsFinder help identify and leverage core strengths, reinforcing confidence and strategic career decisions. Confidence isn’t about being fearless—it’s about taking action despite self-doubt. Women in leadership must prioritize visibility, build intentional networks, and shift from overworking to strategic influence. 📢 Final message from Kirsteen: “My mission is way more important than someone else’s judgment of me.” Where to Find Kirsteen Williamson-Guinn Take her 90-second confidence quiz to gain insights into your confidence levels and how to strengthen them. Connect with her to learn more about building a career with impact and confidence: Contact: kirsteen@elevate-women.co.uk Website: www.elevate-women.co.uk LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirsteen-williamson-guinn/ Link to Confidence Quiz: https://kirsteen-kldndktp.scoreapp.com/p/main-landing-page Resources referenced in the discussion: Mindset by Carol Dweck Gallup Strengthsfinder: https://www.gallup.com/cliftonstrengths/en/strengthsfinder.aspx Claire Zammit Feminine Power: https://femininepower.com/about-claire-zammit/
4 Mar 2025
The Brain Science Behind Confidence, Fear and Success
In this episode of the Women Leading Boldly Summit, Karen Gombault interviews Dr. Michelle Morkert, PHD, a Fulbright scholar, former researcher on gender and conflict, and now a leadership coach and strategist. With a background that spans from researching war widows in Guatemala to working with feminist leaders in Poland, Michelle brings a deep understanding of how women navigate and challenge systems that weren’t built for them. 5 Key Takeaways: 1. Confidence is Already Within You: Women aren’t lacking confidence—they are navigating systems that weren’t designed for them. Confidence exists in various areas of life, and the challenge is applying it to new spaces. 2. The Brain Science Behind Fear & Confidence: Fear triggers the amygdala, activating a fight-or-flight response. This is normal and can be managed by shifting focus to the prefrontal cortex, where strategic thinking and leadership skills live. 3. Your Nervous System is Not the Enemy: Physical reactions like sweating, a tightening throat, or racing thoughts are normal signs that you care deeply about what you’re doing. Recognizing and managing these responses helps avoid unnecessary self-doubt. 4. Imposter Syndrome is About the Environment, Not You: Feelings of not belonging often stem from entering spaces where you don’t see others like you. The solution isn’t to "fix yourself"—it’s to develop strategies for navigating these environments. 5. Saying No is Saying Yes to What Matters: Leadership is about prioritization. When women learn to say no to unnecessary demands, they create space for what truly aligns with their values and goals. "You don’t have a syndrome. Nothing is wrong with you. Your brain is operating exactly the way it’s supposed to. We just need strategies to manage it." – Dr. Michelle Morkert, PHD Dr. Michelle emphasizes that women are already equipped for leadership—they just need the right strategies and support. Recognizing and managing fear, understanding systemic barriers, and embracing the power of saying no are essential tools for navigating leadership spaces with confidence. Where to Connect with Dr. Michelle Morkert: Website: https://www.michellemorkert.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drmichellemorkert/ Newsletter: https://michellemorkert.com/form/ Upcoming Program: Launching soon for Women’s History Month
4 Mar 2025
Owning Your Space: Confidence & Success in Male-Dominated Industries (Da 2)
In this episode of the Women Leading Boldly Summit, Karen sits down with Samantha Kaye Harris—a dynamic speaker, consultant, and certified life coach—who is dedicated to helping women in male-dominated industries build unshakable confidence and take up space without seeking validation. With over 25 years of firsthand experience navigating these challenging environments, Samantha shares her powerful journey from being the only woman in the room to leading with authority. She equips women with the tools to trust their voices, stand firm in their expertise, and thrive on their own terms. Key Takeaways! Women often adapt to fit in—at the cost of their authenticity. Many women unconsciously change their behavior, tone down their strengths, or overcompensate in male-dominated environments to be accepted. Recognizing and reversing this pattern is essential for true confidence. External validation is a trap—real confidence comes from within. Women are often conditioned to seek approval, whether at work or in their personal lives. True self-assurance comes from being your own ally rather than relying on others to recognize your worth. Setting boundaries is an act of self-respect. Protecting your time, energy, and priorities is crucial—not only for personal well-being but also for commanding respect in professional settings. Boundaries are a statement of self-worth, not a sign of weakness. Self-leadership is key in male-dominated spaces. While allyship is valuable, women must first become their own strongest advocates. Learning to stand firm in your value and expertise ensures that others take you seriously. Confidence is a practice, not a destination. Confidence isn’t about never doubting yourself—it’s about trusting yourself enough to take action despite the doubt. Reminding yourself of your qualifications and accomplishments helps reinforce a strong, unwavering mindset. Samantha’s journey is a testament to the power of self-leadership and personal growth. She reminds us that while navigating male-dominated spaces comes with challenges, the real transformation happens when women stop seeking external validation and instead root themselves in their own confidence. "Behind every successful woman is herself." — Samantha Kaye Harris Connect with Samatha: Instagram: Samantha K Harris (@coachsamanthak) • Instagram photos and videos (https://www.instagram.com/coachsamanthak) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samantha-harris-10b648268?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app (https://www.linkedin.com/in/samantha-harris-10b648268?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app) Email: Info@samanthakayeharris.com (mailto:Info@samanthakayeharris.com) Website: www.SamanthaKayeHarris.com Podcast: Rooted in Your Confidence (Launching soon!) Take her confidence quiz: https://link.fgfunnels.com/widget/survey/ywqSxt660xCiWFWiRvya (https://link.fgfunnels.com/widget/survey/ywqSxt660xCiWFWiRvya)
4 Mar 2025
From Corporate Leader to Entrepreneur: Bold Decisions & Leadership Lessons (Day 2)
In this episode, I sit down with Ingrid Oumlouarde, founder and CEO of Sekai Business Solutions, to discuss her bold transition from corporate leader to entrepreneur. With a background in market research, commercial strategy, and team leadership, Ingrid shares her personal journey of stepping away from a structured corporate environment to build her own business. She reveals the mindset shifts, leadership lessons, and pivotal experiences that shaped her decision—and how she now helps businesses grow through sales strategy and team performance. This conversation is packed with invaluable insights for ambitious professionals considering a career evolution, stepping into entrepreneurship, or refining their leadership style. 5 Key Takeaways 1. Entrepreneurship Requires a Mindset Shift: Transitioning from corporate leadership to entrepreneurship takes time, courage, and a willingness to embrace uncertainty. Ingrid spent years considering the move before making the leap. 2. Leadership is About Finding Your Own Style: Success as a leader doesn’t come from replicating someone else’s approach. Ingrid emphasizes the importance of developing a leadership style that aligns with your strengths and values. 3. Seeking Feedback Builds Confidence: One of the most powerful tools for personal and professional growth is feedback—whether from mentors, peers, or teams. Ingrid shares how feedback shaped her leadership and business decisions. 4. Networks & Communities Matter: Being part of programs like Women in Research helped Ingrid gain the confidence to step up and lead. Surrounding yourself with like-minded professionals can accelerate career growth. 5. Self-Leadership is Key to Work-Life Integration: Balancing ambition with personal well-being requires intentionality. Ingrid shares her approach to structuring her days and making time for what truly matters. "Trust yourself. You don’t need permission to lead, to grow, or to take the next step in your career." — Ingrid Oumlouarde Final Thoughts... Ingrid’s journey is a testament to the power of bold decisions, continuous growth, and trusting yourself. Whether you’re navigating leadership in a corporate role or considering entrepreneurship, her insights remind us that success comes from stepping into our own style and seizing opportunities with confidence. Connect with Ingrid Oumlouarde LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ingrid-pilon-oumlouarde-aa97858/ Contact Ingrid to get your free Action Worksheet, to help you gain clarity, set bold goals, and move forward with confidence. Contact Ingrid.Oumlouarde@sekai-bs.com
3 Mar 2025
Leadership as a Bold Act of Culture Creation (Day 1)
In this episode, Karen Gombault sits down with Lidia Lae, PHD, principal psychologist and director of To Learn Consulting. Lidia specializes in psychological consulting, leadership development, and cross-cultural training, helping women redefine success and recognize their role as the heart of every culture. She is passionate about bold, purpose-driven action, equipping leaders to lead authentically and create meaningful impact. Together, Karen and Lidia explore the deep connection between leadership and culture, particularly how women shape workplace dynamics and societal structures. 5 Key Takeaways 1. Women Are Natural Leaders: Women are at the core of culture—whether at home, in workplaces, or in society. Many women underestimate their leadership potential, but every woman is already a leader, shaping environments through values, trust, and influence. 2. The Four Pillars of Culture Creation – LIFT Framework L – Leadership: Leaders set, shape, and manage culture. I – Integrity of Values: A clear definition of values attracts aligned individuals. F – Foundation of Purpose: Employees seek meaning beyond a paycheck—organizations must define their 'why.' T – Trust & Psychological Safety: Without trust, collaboration suffers. 3. Leaders must create safe spaces for voices to be heard- Toxic Workplace Cultures Are Subtle Yet Damaging: Many organizations claim strong values but fail to embody them. This disconnect fosters toxic environments, often unnoticed but deeply damaging. Leaders who fail to address toxicity enable it to persist. The solution? Leaders must align their actions with their values and prioritize trust and inclusivity. 4. Women Must Own Their Stories & Find Their Voices: Many women hold themselves back due to internal narratives of self-doubt. The first step to stepping into leadership is self-awareness—understanding one's values, strengths, and the story they tell themselves. By changing the internal dialogue, women can step into leadership with confidence and influence organizational culture. 5. The Workplace Is Rapidly Changing – Adaptability Is Key: The rise of remote work, entrepreneurship, and digital influence has shifted traditional career paths. Young professionals now prioritize flexibility, alignment with values, and opportunities for personal growth. Organizations that fail to adapt risk losing top talent to more agile, purpose-driven ventures. "Leadership is not a title or position—it’s a bold act of culture creation. You are already a leader. Step up, be bold, and recognize your impact." – Lidia Lae This episode redefines leadership as an act of shaping culture, not just holding a title. Lidia emphasizes that women already create culture through their actions, values, and presence. The key to stepping into leadership is owning your story, embracing boldness, and aligning with environments that nurture growth. Organizations must also adapt to changing workplace dynamics or risk becoming obsolete. Connect with Lidia Lae: Website: www.lidiallae.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/lidialae/ lidia@lidialae.com Free resource: Unlock the Secrets to Living a Joyful and Successful Life https://lidialae.com/download-guide
3 Mar 2025
Keynote: The New Threats to Women’s Advancement at Work (Day 1)
In this episode, we hear from Antoinette Benoit, a Franco-Canadian former Chief Marketing Officer and diversity advocate, about the new threats to women’s advancement in the workplace. With political and societal shifts challenging DEI efforts, she discusses why female leaders must take bold action to reset inclusive leadership now. 5 Key Takeaways 1️⃣ Progress in Diversity Is Real but Slow – Women hold only 8-10% of CEO roles globally despite years of effort. 2️⃣ Backlash Against DEI Is Rising – Toxic leadership and political shifts are fueling resistance to workplace diversity. 3️⃣ Inclusive Leadership Benefits Everyone – A more collaborative, empathetic workplace benefits both men and women. 4️⃣ Women & Men Must Work Together – Inclusion isn’t a women-only issue; male leaders must actively support progress. 5️⃣ Action Is Needed Now – Investing in early leadership training, research, and mentorship is critical for lasting change. Progress isn’t irreversible. If leaders don’t act now, hard-won gains in diversity could be lost. Political shifts, societal resistance, and corporate hesitation pose real threats to inclusive leadership. Women and men must unite to champion workplace inclusion, ensuring diversity remains a business and social priority. Companies must go beyond performative DEI efforts—investing in real structural change, leadership development, and fostering inclusive cultures that benefit all employees. 📢 Final message from Antoinette: “You only know what you’ve lost once it’s gone. If we don’t want to lose progress, we must actively protect and advance it.” Where to Find Antoinette Benoit Antoinette is available on LinkedIn and works with CMOs and marketing executives seeking strategic guidance in leadership, branding, and executive committee collaboration. Connect with her here: Antoinette Benoit | LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/antoinette-benoit-516a8018/)
3 Mar 2025
Courageous Leadership & Collective Action: Uniting Women for Change (Day 1)
Dr. Shelly Jones Holt is a speaker, author, and visionary leader dedicated to fostering equity-driven systemic change in education and business. In this powerful conversation, she dives into the complexities of DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion), the importance of courageous leadership, and how women can unify to create lasting impact. She emphasizes that women across the globe—not just in the U.S.—must stand together to challenge systemic barriers and lead unapologetically. 5 Key Takeaways: 1. Women Must Stand Together Across All Divides: Historically, the women’s movement has been fractured by race, class, and religious divides. Now more than ever, women must bridge those gaps and unite against systemic oppression. 2. Understanding History is Essential for Change: Many of the rights and protections women assumed were permanent can be easily revoked, as seen with recent legal and political shifts. Women must relearn and reclaim their historical narratives to prevent history from repeating itself. 3. Fear & Inconsistency Are the Biggest Barriers to Progress: Fear—whether of losing status, facing uncomfortable truths, or disrupting the norm—keeps women from stepping fully into leadership. Additionally, the lack of a unified message on what actionable steps to take weakens collective impact. 4. Courageous Leadership Starts with Self-Education & Relationships: Women can start by learning about cultures and histories different from their own. Building relationships across diverse communities fosters understanding and creates stronger, more inclusive spaces. 5. Change Begins with Concrete, Daily Actions: Small, intentional steps—such as engaging in open conversations, challenging biases at work, and advocating for systemic improvements—lead to meaningful change. Women should focus on one area of growth at a time to build momentum. "Courageousness means pushing past fear, and it's much easier to do together. We are more powerful when we lock arms, face the harsh truths, and build a world that works for all women—not just some." - Dr. Shelley Jones-Holt Dr. Shelly Holt delivers a passionate call to action for women to step into courageous leadership, acknowledge their collective history, and push for systemic change without fear. By learning, uniting, and leading with intention, women can create a more just and inclusive future. To Connect with Dr. Shelly Jones Holt, you can find her at: https://www.leadershiplegacyconsulting.com support@familylegacy5.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/drshelleyjonesholt/ https://www.facebook.com/LeadershipLegacyConsultingLLC
1 Mar 2025
Welcome to the Summit!
So glad you are here. Listen in to what you can expect to hear and learn from 18 amazing women I had the honor of interviewing.

Podcast Authority Score: 30 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality: 61
Social presence: 0
YouTube: 0
Engagement: 0

Host of Women Leading Boldly Virtual Summit?

Claim your podcast to manage its listing and keep your show details accurate.

Claim this podcast

Pod Engine is an independent podcast discovery and analytics service and is not affiliated with or endorsed by this podcast. Artwork and show content belong to their owners. Full legal notice.

Explore this show
Podcast research with Pod Engine

See plans

Women Leading Boldly Virtual Summit

About Women Leading Boldly Virtual Summit

Latest episodes

Lead Smarter, Stress Less: The Balance Shift Every Leader Needs (Day 5)

Moving Through Cancer: The Power of Fitness, Mindset, and Self-Leadership (Day 5)

From Burnout to Balance: The Ripple Effect of Self-Leadership (Day 5)

The Power of Bold Dreams: Stop Waiting and Start Taking Action (Day 4)

The Power of Resilience: Mallory Gombault on Daring, Learning, and Leading (Day 4)

Finding Your True Voice (Day 4)

Why Personal Branding Matters More Than Ever in the Age of AI (Day 4)

From Stuck To thriving - How To Own Your Career Path (Day3)

Turning Setbacks into Success: How Meagan Built a $600K Business & Redefined Wealth and Leadership (Day 3)

The Power of Identity Work for Leaders: Align Who You Are with the Success You Want (Day 3)

Financial Confidence is a Leadership Skill—Here’s Why It Matters (Day 3)

The Confidence Blueprint: How Female Leaders Can Step Up, Speak Up, and Stand Out

The Brain Science Behind Confidence, Fear and Success

Owning Your Space: Confidence & Success in Male-Dominated Industries (Da 2)

From Corporate Leader to Entrepreneur: Bold Decisions & Leadership Lessons (Day 2)

Leadership as a Bold Act of Culture Creation (Day 1)

Keynote: The New Threats to Women’s Advancement at Work (Day 1)

Courageous Leadership & Collective Action: Uniting Women for Change (Day 1)

Welcome to the Summit!

Podcast Authority Score: 30 / 100

Host of Women Leading Boldly Virtual Summit?