The Women's Advocate

In this week's episode of The Women's Advocate, Sarah Nichols sits down with Karen Fleshman, founder of the Interracial Sisterhood Coalition. Karen, an attorney and seasoned expert in anti-sexual harassment training and DEI workshops with over 20 years of experience leading diverse teams, shares insights into her career journey. Together, they explore the challenges of promoting diversity and inclusion in the tech industry while stressing the critical importance of creating safe workplaces. Karen also discusses the business advantages of diversity, offers strategies to safeguard Black women, and addresses intergenerational trauma. Throughout their discussion, they highlight the transformative impact of storytelling in fostering empathy and increasing awareness.

How do you push forward when people tell you it can't be done? In this week's episode of The Women's Advocate, Sarah Nichols sits down with Gretchen Carlson, renowned journalist, author, and tireless advocate for workplace fairness. As the co-founder of Lift Our Voices, Gretchen has been at the forefront of the fight against workplace misconduct, successfully championing changes in laws related to forced arbitration and non-disclosure agreements. Listen in as Gretchen shares her inspiring journey from being a trailblazing journalist to becoming a powerful voice for the voiceless, discusses her most memorable interviews, and reveals the personal experiences that drive her relentless advocacy. Sarah and Gretchen delve deep into the impact of non-disclosure agreements on mental health, the strategy behind successful legislative changes, and the importance of cultural transformation in supporting those who speak out.

In this week's episode of The Women's Advocate, Sarah sits down with former DA turned criminal defense attorney and the owner of her own practice, Sharon Henry, to discuss her journey from prosecuting cases to establishing her own law firm dedicated to advocating for fairness and justice. Sharon shares personal anecdotes about her upbringing, the challenges she faced as a young, Black female attorney, and her strategies for overcoming obstacles in a conservative environment. The conversation delves into the rewarding aspects of law, the importance of self-advocacy and work-life balance, and the significance of supportive relationships.

In this week's episode of The Women's Advocate, Sarah sits down with mama attorney and founding member of the Chamber of Mothers, Daphne Delvaux. Together, they explore the evolving landscape of women's rights and the unique challenges of entrepreneurship while championing the rights of women and mothers. The discussion covers crucial subjects like maternity leave, employee rights, the influence of social media, and the importance of sustainable work practices. The two also share personal insights into integrating motherhood into their professional lives, discussing the delicate balance of running their own businesses while simultaneously being mothers.

In this week's episode Sarah sits down with Sandra Possing, a multifaceted life coach, inspirational speaker, accomplished entrepreneur, and the charismatic host of the Oh, Hi Self! Podcast. Together, they dive deep into Sandra's captivating life, where she gracefully balanced between two distinct cultures, embarked on thrilling adventures in her youth, and eventually found her calling in the world of coaching. Sandra's narrative beautifully exemplifies the profound concept that one's business can organically mirror their authentic self.

In this week's episode, Sarah sits down with Dr. Kim Nalley, a renowned Jazz singer and CSU East Bay Professor. The two explore Dr. Nalley’s journey from challenging beginnings to her emergence as a prominent figure in the Jazz scene. The discussion delves into Dr. Nalley’s unique fusion of history and music, using song to bridge past and present, solidifying her role as both a Jazz Ambassador and a dedicated advocate.

In this week’s episode of The Women’s Advocate, Sarah sits down with Fahti Khosrowshahi, the founder and CEO of Ceek Women’s Health, a medical device company focused on creating innovative products for more comfortable gynecological exams and procedures. Fahti discusses how the lack of innovation in the medical field helped drive her mission to make gynecological experiences more comfortable through modern products. She encourages women to take smart risks, advocate for themselves, and embrace the power of financial independence. The two also delve into the lessons learned from fundraising and dealing with rejection.

In this week’s episode of The Women's Advocate, Sarah sits down with mama of three, media and tech executive, and the founder and CEO of Traction Advisory, Diana Lyman to discuss how the universe brought them together while Diana was navigating the birth of her third child and a very difficult situation at work. The two also discuss the importance of being your greatest advocate, and what the journey to health, healing and happiness looks like after going through a traumatic experience at work and, subsequently, while fighting for her rights.

In this week's episode, Sarah sits down with S. Lucia Kanter St. Amour, the VP for UN women USA, practicing attorney, and former law professor turned everyday negotiation superhero to discuss Lucia’s latest book For the Forces of Good: The Superpower of Everyday Negotiation, and how to break down the intimidation surrounding negotiation one step at a time. Join us this week as these two negotiation advocates discuss everything from negotiating with bullies to getting your toddler to eat their peas, to even the power of good ol’ chocolate.

In this week's episode, Sarah sits down with fellow Aussie and the founder of A Balanced Glass, a company that provides education and resources to wine industry colleagues to help maintain health and wellbeing, Rebecca Hopkins, to discuss the toll that working in the alcohol industry can take on people’s physical and mental health. The two also discuss how Rebecca dared to create something different in the wine space that has served as a lifeline for many people navigating their life journey while staying true to who they are.

In this week's episode, Sarah sits down with Krystal LoPilato, a Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense volunteer leader, lawyer and gun violence prevention advocate to discuss how the work people like Krystal are doing helps people sleep better at night. Sarah and Krystal also discuss the ever evolving gun violence prevention policies, how listeners can get involved and why women should allow themselves space to find and develop their passion. As Sarah says, awesome moms are those that fulfill their passions and set that example for their children to do the same. Krystal and Sarah also touch on the importance of women working in advocacy and politics and how their skillsets bring forth and promote change. *Content Warning: This episode contains depictions of gun violence that could trigger certain audiences.*

In this week’s episode, Sarah sits down with San Francisco native, Akeisha Johnson, founder and business leadership coach at An Inspired Coaching to discuss everything from Akeisha’s inspirational career, and how she uses her skills to help women acknowledge their accomplishments to the importance of cultivating discussion and conversation around diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace. Akeisha also shares her advice for women dealing with multiple identities and oppression, plus how to notice and address the physical effects of being “triggered.”

In this week’s episode, Sarah sits down with fellow Aussie and co-founder of Circle In, Jodi Geddes, to learn how Jodi started a successful business all while on maternity leave. The two also discuss everything from running a business as working mothers, to the progression of parental leave policies, and the importance of empathetic leaders supporting their employees in the office and at home. Plus, the “taboo” topic of menopause in the workplace, and how managers can support women going through it. Jodi also emphasizes the importance of having a mentor and developing the hardest soft skill – overcoming fear.

In this week’s episode, Sarah sits down with the new and dynamic CEO of the Crypto Council for Innovation, Sheila Warren, to discuss everything from authentic leadership as a working mother, to the importance of diverse teams and positive company culture. Plus, Sheila shares why we could all benefit from reading more fiction and the benefits of a creative mindset.

In this week's episode, Sarah sits down with the Founder & CEO of ChairmanMe, Sarah Lacy, to discuss how women can speak up, the likability conundrum, tearing down the patriarchy, Dolly Parton and just how freaking inspiring our kids truly are.

In this week's episode, Sarah sits down with Partners Felicia Medina and Shauna Madison of Medina Orthwein, LLP - a Bay Area firm specializing in discrimination law - to discuss their intersectional approach to law practice and those that are most affected by workplace/pay disparities.

In this week’s episode, host Sarah Nichols sits down with Equal Rights Advocates’ Senior Counsel for Workplace Justice & Public Policy, Jessica Stender. Join us as the two cover topics from the current gender wage gap to employment law and worker protections. Jessica also discusses the process behind passing a bill in California and her current advocacy work.

If women are good leaders, they risk being branded “too bossy” or “too tough.” If they set boundaries, or ask for what they need to succeed, they’re “too demanding.” If they are passionate about their work, they’re “too emotional.” Every day women across the world face a barrage of double standards that men are not subjected to. As Podge Thomas says, the system wasn’t built for us or by us, so it’s up to us to continue to build a better one. In this week’s episode, host Sarah Nichols sits down with Talent Management Specialist & Business Consultant, Podge Thomas to discuss the importance of women taking risks, speaking up, and asking for what they need. They also discuss what it means to be “neurodiverse” as well as the benefits of leveraging peoples’ differences.

It’s never too late to reinvent yourself, whether it be professionally or personally. Many of us have gone through different lifechanging experiences - marriage, divorce, parenthood, changing careers. Through it all, you learn to pivot (albeit not always gracefully) and to make the most of new opportunities. In this week’s episode, host Sarah Nichols sits down with Visionary Sales & Marketing Executive, Irina Kapetanakis who discusses how her career has evolved through her own various life changes. They also discuss how COVID-19 has impacted the ongoing battle for women’s voices to be heard equally in the workforce. Irina also shares the importance behind working with purpose and feeling empowered and motivated at work.

Joanna Lovering is the Founder of Copper + Rise, an executive coaching firm dedicated to helping you raise your presence and claim the room as your stage. She is also an organizational psychologist and fashion stylist who teaches women to show up and stand out. Joanna's spirited approach to coaching has left her clients filled with confidence and equipped with the skills needed to take charge of any presentation. In this episode… Joanna Lovering, Founder of Copper + Rise, knows the importance of conquering and channeling your presence into transformative energy that can sway any discussion in your favor. Her approachable method to get you talking and looking the part of a leader is one of the core principles for her executive coaching approach. In this week's episode, host Sarah Nichols sits down with executive presence coach and Founder of Copper + Rise, Joanna Lovering. They discuss what it means to have an executive presence, Mirror Image Bias, and what it means to be a leader. Joanna shares her superpower and how she uses it to help others lead with passion—and take charge of their lives. She also offers tips for women on how to claim who they are and flex their persona in every situation.