The Women's Advocate

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.

Allison Davis is a Sales Trainer, Coach, and Consultant with 15 years of experience in the publishing industry and nearly 20 in sales. Allison focuses her vast experience in digital marketing, strategic partnerships, and event sponsorship on helping others gain more sales and expand their reach. She has worked with National Geography, Goldman Sachs, and many more, allowing them to fine-tune their sales channel. Allison's drive for crushing expectations, and showing her Imposter Syndrome, Patricia, who's boss, continues to propel her forward and create opportunities for her clients to land more deals. In this episode… Michael Jackson's critically-acclaimed song “Man in the Mirror”knows a thing or two about understanding yourself before trying to understand the world. Allison Davis, Sales Trainer, Coach, and Consultant, might not be the King of Pop—but she does know that you must be willing to take a more in-depth look at yourself to overcome your Imposter Syndrome. Tune in to this week's episode to find out how Lady Boss, Sales Trainer, Coach, and Consultant Allison Davis is helping small businesses and women entrepreneurs take their sales channel to the next level. Allison and host Sarah Nichols discuss the benefits of naming your imposter syndrome and the best time to learn a new sales skill. Allison shares her advice for building your sales funnel, what young women entering the workforce should know, and rethinking our networks. Keep listening!

Asha Saxena is a CEO Coach with CEO Coaching International and the Founder and CEO of Women Leaders In Data and AI (WLDA). She also serves on the Board of Directors for several for-profit companies, including Future Technologies, an international data management solutions firm, and Shindigz. Asha's drive to innovate has allowed her to build her own e-commerce company and serve as CEO of Future Technologies for the past 20 years. With a passion to pass on her expertise, Asha is also an Adjunct Professor at Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health, where she teaches graduate students about big data and healthcare management. Asha is also the host of the Data Dives podcast, a columnist at Entrepreneur Magazine, and a keynote speaker. In this episode… If you hide your light to dim your brightness, then you have done the world—and yourself—a disservice. Unfortunately, many women, especially in data science, lower their voices because they are afraid. Asha Saxena, CEO Coach at CEO Coaching International, wants women and CEOs to know that their light is necessary not just in the world, but for the future of data science. Tune in to this week's episode of Women's Advocate with host Sarah Nichols and Asha Saxena, Data Queen, CEO Coach, and Founder and CEO of Women Leaders in Data and AI. Asha shares the importance of data and finding good mentors early in your career. Asha also talks about how her first entrepreneurial experience shaped her life, how data has changed the world, and her tips for women looking to conquer the workplace.

Michelle Markwart Deveaux is the Founder and Owner of FaithCultureKiss, a voice and business coach who takes your voice and business to the next level. She is an award-winning actor and vocalist and has hosted workshops and masterclasses on business ownership, entrepreneurship, voice work, and acting. For the past 20 years, Michelle has worked with countless entrepreneurs and business owners to realign their goals and raise their voices. Michelle holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music from Patten University and a Master of Arts degree in Worship, Theology, and the Arts from Fuller Theological Seminary. In this episode... Your voice starts from your toes and climbs through your diaphragm, building power and purpose before you even speak a word. It resonates in open spaces, creating a scale of understanding and reasoning—and it’s powerful. Whether you use your voice as a performer or a business owner, Michelle Markwart Deveaux, the Founder of FaithCultureKiss and the SpeakEasy Cooperative, believes that when we decide to cultivate our voices, we lean into our superpower and our true self shines through. In this episode of The Women’s Advocate, Sarah sits down with Michelle to discuss what it means to own your voice as a female business leader. Michelle also shares how COVID-19 has impacted the arts and entertainment industry, the importance of artists during this pivotal time and how solopreneurs create their space.

Susan Freeman is a Stevie Award-winning CEO as well as the Founder of Freeman Means Business and Co-Founder of The Conscious Inclusion Company. Armed with her expertise in communication, she’s dedicated herself to helping people achieve workplace equity in professional environments. Susan is also a speaker, coach, author, and host of the podcast, Wonder Women in Business. In this episode… In today’s episode of The Women’s Advocate, Sarah sits down with Susan Freeman, public speaker, CEO, and Founder of Freeman Means Business and The Conscious Inclusion Company. Susan has made effective communication the thread that connects each step of her career. Susan helps clients understand their authentic selves and the beauty of clear and consistent communication and she has plenty of wise words to share about creative ways to tackle and talk about unconscious bias.

Kathryn O'Connor Gardner is the co-founder of Park Bench Capital, a financial services firm that focuses on diverse founding teams that always include at least one female leader. Prior to this, she worked as a senior vice president and corporate credit research analyst within AllianceBernstein’s high-yield research group, focusing on the energy sector. She oversaw all energy-related investments for traditional high yield portfolios with roughly 35 billion in assets under management. Kathryn is also a founding board member of the Haas Center for Gender, Equity, and Leadership, which seeks to build the economic case for supporting workplace diversity, and is a member of the Haas Dean’s Advisory Circle. She has more than 20 years of experience serving as an advisor for startups on strategy, financial analyst, and capital market transactions In this episode… Throughout her illustrious career, Kathryn O'Connor Gardner has gained valuable tips and insights on how to bring your A-game in everything that you do. From being an investment banking analyst to market researcher, being a startup consultant, and a women's advocate, Kathryn is an inspiring example of a Lady Boss that truly does it all. In this week’s episode of #TheWomensAdvocate, Sarah sits down with Park Bench Capital Co-founder, Kathryn O’Connor Gardner, to discuss how women can take charge of their career and support one another in male-dominated fields. They’ll also discuss the challenges of parenting in the time of Covid-19, adapting to change, the role of women in times of crisis, and how to assert your value in the workplace.

Nancie McDonnell Ruder is the President of Noetic Consultants, working with brands to define their markets, clarify their strategies, and build agency-client relationships. Before working with Noetic Consultants for the last 18 years, she started her career at the renowned Leo Burnett USA as a director before moving on to Noetic Consultants. Her past and current clients include AKQA, AT&T, Wells Fargo, Discovery Channel, General Motors, Inc CEO Project, Whirlpool, Leo Burnett Global, Nike, and many more. In this episode… While many companies have switched to remote work, staying connected with the right people has never been more critical. Nancie McDonnell Ruder, President of Noetic Consultants, works with brands to redefine their strategy, analyze their target audience, and revitalize their marketing campaigns. Sarah Nichols and Nancie McDonnell Ruder, President of Noetic Consultants, sit down to discuss personal branding and addressing social justice issues in the workplace. Nancie uses a section from Brené Brown's book Dare to Lead to reassess personal and client goals and shares how she found her voice.

Cynthia Pong is a lawyer-turned-career coach, feminist career strategist, speaker, and the Founder of Embrace Change, an organization that provides mid-career women of color professionals with tailored coaching and training. Cynthia is also the author of Don't Stay in Your Lane: The Career Change Guide for Women of Color. After studying law at NYU and practicing as a public defender for 6 years, Cynthia decided to change course. Now, she’s on a mission to empower women of color to get the money, power, and respect they deserve. Cynthia has been featured far and wide on Refinery29, HuffPost, Fast Company, and more. She is also a LinkedIn Top Voice for job search and career. When it comes to career strategies, she breaks it down easily and always keeps it real. In this episode… What does your career path look like in the next 6-months, year, or the next five years? No clue? No worries; there's a book for that. Cynthia Pong, career coach, ex-lawyer, and author of Don't Stay in Your Lane, is here to talk to you about the importance of addressing race, gender, and gaslighting in the workplace. She highlights the issues that women and men of color face in professional environments and when trying to climb the corporate ladder—and how to breakthrough. Host Sarah Nichols sits down with Cynthia Pong, career coach, Founder of Embrace Change, and author, to discuss her life’s mission to empower women of color in the workplace. Cynthia recalls her transition from working as a lawyer to operating in a field that helps women make space for themselves in their organization. She also talks about the steps you need to better communicate with your coworkers and unpacking racial mental trauma.

Cynthia Cleveland is a 5-time CEO and an expert in developing, translating, and monetizing intellectual property rights into major global consumer brands and new businesses across diverse industries. She has led companies that have generated over $4 billion in worldwide sales across consumer products, entertainment and retail and have helped countless companies build their brand and capitalize on the market to create new sales funnel and successful marketing campaigns. Cynthia is currently a Partner at CEO Coaching International, a leading coaching firm for growth-focused CEOs and entrepreneurs. In this episode… How do you foster resilience in your life? What mantras do you speak to yourself to keep going when times get tough? Maybe you don't think about your resilient nature, but it is one of the defining qualities of highly successful people. Cynthia Cleveland, Partner at CEO Coaching International and 5-time CEO/President, can attest to the power of resilience and its ability to help leaders find opportunity in the midst of a crisis. In this episode of Women's Advocate, Sarah Nichols sits down with Partner at CEO Coaching International, Cynthia Cleveland. They discuss how companies can pivot in the midst of the pandemic, the power of women in leadership roles, and what inspires Cynthia to keep going in times of uncertainty. Cynthia also shares her journey from teacher to CEO while pregnant with her first child and the value of finding support within your closest circles. Stay tuned.