523: Worthy: From Cornfields to the Corner Office of Microsoft with Jane Boulware
Release Date: 12/10/2024
538: How to Lead in High-Stakes Environments with Jeffrey Sanow
Leaders Of Transformation
How do you lead under pressure—when the stakes are higher than ever? Join host Nicole Jansen as she welcomes Jeffrey Sanow—a highly decorated former senior CIA intelligence officer and social skills instructor—for a rare, behind-the-scenes exploration of negotiating, leading, and communicating in the world’s most demanding environments. Drawing on decades of experience from covert missions to boardrooms, Jeffrey shares hard-earned lessons in the art of human intelligence (HUMINT), the nuances of managing high achievers, and the subtle balance between respecting authority and staying...
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537: Cultivating Servant Leadership in Sales with Max Cates
Leaders Of Transformation
What if sales could be transformed from a high-pressure, toxic grind into an uplifting, collaborative, and deeply rewarding experience? In this insightful episode of Leaders of Transformation, host Nicole Jansen welcomes Max Cates—award-winning author, nationally recognized sales leader, and founder of Servant Leaders in Sales—for a powerful conversation on revolutionizing the world of sales through the principles and practices of servant leadership. Drawing from 37 years of proven sales management success, Max reveals how empathy, sacrifice, teamwork, and accountability can supercharge...
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536: Navigating Leadership Shock with Pete Steinberg
Leaders Of Transformation
What if the key to thriving in leadership isn’t doing more—but leading with greater intention and authenticity? In this compelling episode, Nicole Jansen sits down with executive coach and former USA Women’s Rugby head coach Pete Steinberg, author of Leadership Shock: Using Authenticity to Navigate the Hidden Dangers of Career Success. Drawing on decades of elite coaching and executive leadership, Pete introduces the concept of “leadership shock”—those jarring moments when once-successful strategies suddenly fail you. Pete unpacks the turning points he’s witnessed and lived...
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535: Unbreakable Spirit: The Inspiring Journey of Martial Arts Grandmaster Lawrence Stone
Leaders Of Transformation
What could you achieve if you let go of all excuses and limiting beliefs? In this deeply motivational episode, Nicole Jansen welcomes Lawrence “Stoney” Stone—a remarkable martial arts grandmaster, published author, stunt coordinator, rock band singer, and cancer survivor whose life story is anything but ordinary. Born with congenital hip problem, later with CMT (Charcot-Marie-Tooth Neuropathy) a degenerative nerve disease, Stoney has faced significant physical challenges since birth, yet has refused to let them define or limit him. From building future champions in his dojo to serving as...
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534: Anchored Leadership in a Shifting World with Rusty Rueff
Leaders Of Transformation
What if lasting success isn’t about what you achieve—but who you become? In this powerful episode, host Nicole Jansen sits down with Rusty Rueff—renowned tech executive, startup advisor, philanthropist, and co-author of Faith Code—to explore how inner purpose and spiritual identity provide the only truly unshakable foundation for life and leadership. Drawing from two decades of reflection, Rusty shares a compelling metaphor: Are you building your life on a solid platform (faith, values, purpose), or just stacking up flashy but fragile apps (titles, possessions, roles)? In this...
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533: Distributing Hope to Over a Million Children Every Year with Lynn Margherio
Leaders Of Transformation
What if unlocking a child’s full potential began with something as simple as a clean, well-fitting set of clothes? In this inspiring episode, host Nicole Jansen sits down with Lynn Margherio, the visionary founder of . Each year, Lynn’s organization provides over a million packages of essentials—clothing, shoes, diapers, school supplies—to children living in poverty or crisis, completely free of charge. But this isn’t just about meeting material needs; it’s about addressing the often-ignored crisis of clothing insecurity, which impacts over 20 million children across the U.S. Join...
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532: From Invisible To Unstoppable: Shaping the Next Generation of Leaders with Dr. Abraham George
Leaders Of Transformation
What does it take to break the cycle of social discrimination in India? In this inspiring episode, host Nicole Jansen is joined by the visionary philanthropist and social entrepreneur, Dr. Abraham George. As the founder of the in India, Dr. George has dedicated his life to empowering children of the most marginalized communities by providing opportunities through education. Over the past 27 years, the school has changed the lives of over 15,000 children. 98% of its students are college graduates, with many making it to Ivy League institutes like Stanford, Dartmouth, and Princeton. Discover...
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531: Leveraging the 3 Mega Forces in Business Today with John Rossman
Leaders Of Transformation
How Can Leaders Prepare for the Next Era of Business Transformation? In this high-powered episode, host Nicole Jansen dives into the dynamic forces shaping American business with distinguished guest John Rossman. As a former Amazon executive and author of the acclaimed "Amazon Way" series, John Rossman brings a wealth of knowledge on innovation, leadership, and digital transformation. With a focus on his latest book, , John shares valuable insights, drawing on his extensive experience at Amazon to discuss the top three mega forces impacting businesses today. Key takeaways include the critical...
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530: How to Land Your Next Perfect Job with Stephanie Brown
Leaders Of Transformation
What if losing your job is the key to unlocking your next perfect role? In this encouraging episode, Nicole Jansen sits down with Stephanie Brown, the dynamic founder of Creative Career Level Up. As a former senior marketing executive at Nike and Apple, Stephanie’s journey is a testament to resilience, transformation, and finding purpose. She provides invaluable insights on how getting fired became the catalyst for discovering her true calling and empowering others to secure their next perfect role with increased confidence, promotion, and salary. Join us as Stephanie unfolds her personal...
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529: Ending the Cycle of Poverty with Safe Water, Sanitation and Hygiene with Shilpa Alva
Leaders Of Transformation
What can we do to help end the cycle of poverty in the world? In this compelling episode, host Nicole Jansen sits down with Shilpa Alva, founder and executive director of Surge For Water. Committed to breaking the cycle of poverty, Shilpa shares how her organization delivers safe water, sanitation, hygiene, and menstrual health solutions to communities worldwide. Through her inspiring journey from management consulting to non-profit leadership, Shilpa demonstrates the significant impact of investing in fundamental human needs and championing women's voices. Discover how prioritizing clean...
info_outlineWhere Does Your Self-Worth and Resilience Come From?
This week, we had the privilege of speaking with Jane Boulware - a global business leader, former Microsoft VP, and now an inspiring author of the new book WORTHY.
From her humble beginnings in the cornfields of Iowa, Jane defied expectations to lead billion-dollar businesses and rise to the top ranks of Microsoft leadership. By the age of 52, she had launched three major ventures, navigated the largest corporate merger in U.S. history, and helped shape the careers of countless leaders along the way.
Driven by a deep passion for helping others recognize their inherent worth, Jane now dedicates her time to mentoring, serving on boards, and enjoying nature with her family. What’s more, all proceeds from her book WORTHY are being donated to the Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s Youth of the Year scholarships, making her work a beacon of hope for the next generation.
In this episode, Jane opens up about her remarkable journey, sharing personal stories and professional lessons that emphasize the power of family support, self-acceptance, and the courage to ask for help. From navigating high-stakes corporate roles to overcoming personal struggles, her insights are invaluable for anyone seeking to grow as both a leader and an individual.
Together with host Nicole Jansen, Jane explores thought-provoking topics like turning differences into strengths, fostering positive self-dialogue, and embracing diversity as a critical element of leadership. Whether you’re building resilience, nurturing self-worth, or stepping into a new leadership role, this episode is packed with actionable strategies and encouragement to help you thrive.
Don't miss this empowering conversation with a leader who proves that no matter where you start, you are worthy of success and fulfillment.
What We Discuss in This Episode
- Turning setbacks into opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Exploring how women and men often perceive and estimate their capabilities differently—and what we can learn from it.
- The invaluable role of family support in achieving balance between career aspirations and personal life.
- An unexpected lesson: how selling used carpet in university became a turning point in Jane's journey to success.
- Building self-worth and resilience through personal growth, embracing challenges, and learning from experiences.
- The transformation of Jane's leadership style over the course of her career and the lessons she’s learned along the way.
- Simple yet powerful daily habits Jane relies on to nurture and reinforce her sense of self-worth.
- Why diversity in leadership isn’t just a moral imperative—it’s a critical factor for business success.
- Practical strategies for overcoming imposter syndrome and stepping into leadership with confidence.
Podcast Highlights
0:00 – Imposter syndrome: A universal challenge across all experience levels.
5:30 – Why women often underestimate their performance and how to overcome it.
7:13 – The power of stepping into discomfort to unlock career growth.
9:57 – From selling homemade rugs to fund tuition: Lessons in grit and resourcefulness.
13:35 – Embracing risks and leading with courage in overseas roles.
18:02 – The importance of vulnerability in leadership and empowering others’ unique strengths.
19:46 – Building self-worth through collaboration and teamwork.
24:40 – Rewriting your internal dialogue to foster self-acceptance and resilience.
32:01 – Using self-reflection as a tool to boost confidence and recognize your worth.
33:18 – True transformation begins within: Renewing your mind for lasting change.
Favorite Quotes
On Self-Worth: "Self-worth comes from collaboration and accepting one's limitations rather than constantly proving oneself."
On Leadership: "Acknowledging and leveraging the strengths of your team is the real essence of effective leadership."
On Personal Growth: "Stepping out of your comfort zone and saying 'yes' to intimidating opportunities is crucial for personal and professional growth."
Episode Show Notes: https://leadersoftransformation.com/podcast/mindset/523-worthy-from-cornfields-to-the-corner-office-of-microsoft-with-jane-boulware
Check out our complete library of episodes and other leadership resources here: https://leadersoftransformation.com
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