331: How to Work Towards Career Advancement-Making the Right Choices for Your Career Growth
The Elegant Warrior with Heather Hansen
Release Date: 08/21/2025
The Elegant Warrior with Heather Hansen
Heather Hansen takes us back to her two decades as a trial attorney and reveals the surprising ways courtroom wisdom can shape your life and career. From the first day she stepped into court, Heather realized it wasn’t just a place of law; it was a classroom of leadership, persuasion, influence, and resilience. In this episode, Heather shares five powerful lessons from the courtroom that apply far beyond the legal world. Whether you’re navigating career growth, relationships, or leadership challenges, these insights will help you see “the jury” in your life more clearly and make...
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No one likes the feeling of being misunderstood. It can create frustration, conflict, and even missed opportunities, whether in the courtroom, the boardroom, or at home. In this episode, Heather Hansen shares three powerful steps to move from feeling unseen and unheard to becoming the “queen of your kingdom.” Drawing from her decades as a trial attorney, her consulting work, and personal lessons, Heather shows why misunderstanding doesn’t have to hold you back. Instead, it can be the very spark that strengthens your clarity, influence, and power. If you’ve ever felt dismissed,...
info_outlineThe Elegant Warrior with Heather Hansen
Heather Hansen takes on a question from listener Molly, who asked about two challenges many professionals face: How to think big-picture and work toward career advancement without getting bogged down in day-to-day responsibilities. How to stay in the know across a large organization and use that knowledge to broaden personal and team perspectives. Heather combines these into one powerful conversation about choice. With stories from her days as a trial attorney, lessons from her consulting work, and wisdom borrowed from her own mentors, she shows why every career move comes down to the...
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In today’s episode, Heather speaks with Anna Crowe, founder and CEO of Crowe PR, about the real meaning of authenticity in leadership and life. Anna’s journey from auditor at a Big Four accounting firm to leading a bi-coastal PR agency gives her a unique perspective on building trust, showing up genuinely, and leading with transparency. Together, they unpack why authenticity is more than just a buzzword—and how you can cultivate it in your own life. In this episode, you’ll learn: The Foundation of Authenticity – Why trust starts with being real with yourself before you can be real...
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In this fiery and insightful episode, Heather Hansen takes a bold stand against one-size-fits-all communication advice — especially the kind coming from male experts that simply doesn't work for women. With decades of experience in advocacy, law, and coaching, Heather breaks down why advice from well-meaning male voices like Jefferson Fisher and Vin Gang may actually backfire for women in real-life situations, especially when it comes to being interrupted, advocating for yourself, or commanding authority. She offers a powerful alternative: learn how to advocate the way that actually works...
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In this powerful episode, Heather responds to a heartfelt question from listener Natalie, who is navigating life with a chronic illness that others often misunderstand. Natalie asks how to advocate for herself without sounding like she’s complaining — a question that resonates with so many living with invisible pain. Through personal stories, insights from neuroscience and psychology, and actionable steps, Heather teaches how to communicate your needs clearly, choose the right audience for your vulnerability, and advocate for yourself with both strength and grace. Whether you're facing...
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In this engaging conversation, Heather Hansen speaks with Dr. John Antonakis, a leading expert on the science of charisma. They explore the definition of charisma, its importance in leadership and influence, and how it can be learned. Dr. Antonakis shares insights from his research, including studies on the impact of charisma on performance and the role of cognitive empathy in effective communication. The discussion also touches on the potential influence of AI on charisma and the importance of genuine human connection in leadership. In this research-packed episode, you'll learn: ...
info_outlineThe Elegant Warrior with Heather Hansen
In this episode, Heather answers a heartfelt question from a listener named Z about people-pleasing Heather breaks down the root of resentment that often comes from saying “yes” too often — and receiving “no” in return. Through relatable stories and actionable guidance, she empowers listeners to advocate for themselves with confidence and grace. In this empowering episode, you’ll learn: The Resentment Cycle of People Pleasers - Z’s question echoes a common struggle: always saying yes, only to feel hurt when others don’t return the favor. Heather explores how this...
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In this episode, Heather introduces "Credible Charisma™" as a key to becoming irreplaceable in a world where many feel replaceable due to the rise of AI and other technological advancements. She shares personal experiences and introduces a framework to help listeners cultivate this essential quality. In this insightful episode, you'll learn: The Fear of Being Replaceable: The speaker addresses the widespread anxiety of feeling replaceable, whether due to artificial intelligence, aging, or other life circumstances, and asserts that everyone is inherently irreplaceable. Credible...
info_outlineThe Elegant Warrior with Heather Hansen
In this episode, Heather introduces a previously recorded conversation with Judge Rosemary Aquilina from December 30, 2019. This re-release serves as an introduction to Judge Aquilina before she and Heather launch their new podcast, "Undeniable," in August. The episode highlights Judge Aquilina's impactful role in the Larry Nassar case and her unique approach to justice, emphasizing listening and healing. In this insightful episode, you'll learn: Introduction to Judge Aquilina: Heather sets the stage for the conversation, explaining why she's replaying this particular episode and...
info_outlineHeather Hansen takes on a question from listener Molly, who asked about two challenges many professionals face:
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How to think big-picture and work toward career advancement without getting bogged down in day-to-day responsibilities.
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How to stay in the know across a large organization and use that knowledge to broaden personal and team perspectives.
Heather combines these into one powerful conversation about choice. With stories from her days as a trial attorney, lessons from her consulting work, and wisdom borrowed from her own mentors, she shows why every career move comes down to the decisions you make — and the evidence you create for yourself and others.
If you’ve ever struggled with balancing responsibilities and growth, this episode will inspire you to be deliberate, intentional, and bold in choosing your future.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
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Why recognizing that you are always choosing is key to career growth
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How focusing only on daily tasks limits your long-term opportunities
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The tough-love truth: growth sometimes requires trade-offs in personal time
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Micro-strategies to stay informed — like using podcasts as a personal curriculum
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How to transform learning into leadership through “lunch and learns”
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Why creating evidence of your initiative gets you noticed by decision-makers
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The difference between collecting evidence and becoming the evidence of what’s possible
Resources & Mentions:
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📚 The Elegant Warrior by Heather Hansen
🌐 Heather’s work with trial and communication consulting
Episode Timestamps:
[00:00] Heather introduces Molly’s question about delegation and staying informed
[01:25] The overlap between focusing on tasks and thinking big-picture
[03:00] Lessons from Heather’s early career as a trial attorney
[06:15] Saying “yes” to opportunities that aren’t billable but expand your growth
[08:40] Choosing reading and podcasts over distractions like Instagram
[10:55] Rudy’s advice: lead something for the team (like a lunch and learn)
[13:15] The power of creating evidence of your leadership and vision
[15:35] The truth about making tough choices with delight
✨ Quote of the Episode:
"You are always choosing. If you don’t recognize your choices, you risk missing the opportunities that could change your career." – Heather Hansen
Connect with Heather:
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Heather’s TikTok
The Elegant Warrior Podcast and content posted by Heather Hansen is presented solely for general informational, educational, and entertainment purposes. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast or website is at the user’s own risk. It is not intended as a substitute for the advice of a physician, professional coach, psychotherapist, or other qualified professional, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical or mental health condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals for any such conditions.