Sweet but Fearless Podcast
We’ve all seen male-driven misogyny, condescending remarks, unequal pay, and the ever-present glass ceiling. But what about the subtler, more unexpected form that comes from within our own ranks? In this episode, Mary Sullivan and Cooper Alexander, co-founders of Sweet But Fearless, talk about when women, knowingly or not, uphold the very systems and stereotypes that hold other women back. From competitive gatekeeping to subtle undermining, we’ll explore how female misogyny plays out in the workplace, why it happens, and what we can do to break the cycle. It’s time to have the...
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Have you ever wondered how an unexpected challenge can reveal a new path? In this episode, Mary Sullivan, co-founder of Sweet but Fearless, talks with Kelsey Cook, a former teacher turned entrepreneur, about how she recognized the uncertainty parents faced when schools shut down during the pandemic. To help her students and their parents, she began creating hands-on, engaging educational packets for preschoolers. What started as a simple way to support families during the pandemic evolved into Learning with Kelsey, an educational subscription box that has grown from a home-based idea...
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Are you being passed over for promotions despite being the go-to person everyone counts on? In this episode, we dive into the surprising downside of being too reliable at work. While dependability is a strength, it can sometimes box you into a support role instead of positioning you as a strategic leader. We explore why being the "fixer" or “hidden gem” might actually be holding you back - and what to do about it. You'll learn how to shift from doing to leading, speak about your work in terms of impact, and advocate for your future role, not just your current one. If you've ever felt...
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In this episode, Mary Sullivan, co-founder of Sweet but Fearless, talks with Dr. Julie Wilson, CEO and founder of Terra Nova Medical Clinics. A visionary family physician and healthcare entrepreneur, Dr. Wilson shares how she reimagined primary care by prioritizing workplace culture, physician autonomy, and compassionate leadership. She talks about the importance of investing in people, earning trust through action, and creating a culture grounded in respect. Today, she leads the largest integrated clinic network in British Columbia, with a mission to ensure every resident has access to a...
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In this episode, Mary Sullivan, co-founder of Sweet but Fearless, talks with Susannah Robinson, CEO & Founder of Partnership for Talent, about what it truly means to lead with impact through service leadership. Susannah emphasizes the importance of defining your leadership vision and leading from it with clarity and purpose. Drawing from years of guiding leaders, she reminds us that perfection isn’t the goal—authenticity is. When leaders show up as their real selves, it creates space for teams to do the same, building trust and fostering a culture of accountability. Susannah is also...
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In this episode, Mary Sullivan, co-founder of Sweet but Fearless, talks with Valarie Sandjivy, founder of EllipsUS. As a seasoned leadership mentor and business coach with over 20 years of experience guiding leaders through growth and change, she empowers today’s leaders to lead themselves and others with empathy, agility, and fresh thinking. Valarie believes that true leadership starts within - because you can't lead others until you know how to lead yourself. Somewhere along the way, we were taught that focusing on ourselves is selfish, but the opposite is true. Self-awareness is...
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In this episode, Mary Sullivan, co-founder of Sweet but Fearless, talks with Melissa Franks, founder of On Call COO, a fractional COO company. Melissa talks about her journey from corporate executive to entrepreneur and how aligning business goals with personal vision is key to sustainable success. She suggests that when looking to make a career pivot, you should ask yourself: 1) What does my life need to look like right now? 2) What does the next year need to look like? 3) What will my life look like once my goals are achieved. Melissa doesn’t believe in waiting for the right...
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In this episode, Mary Sullivan, co-founder of Sweet but Fearless, talks with Jensen Savage, founder of Savage Growth Partners, for an honest conversation about what it really takes to start your own business. From embracing fear to finding your niche, Jensen shares her journey and the lessons she’s learned along the way. They talk about the entrepreneurial spirit, the power of carving your own path, and why waiting until you're "ready" might hold you back. Jensen’s advice? Do it scared—because clarity often comes from action, not perfection. As the founder of Savage Growth Partners,...
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In this episode, Mary Sullivan, co-founder of Sweet but Fearless, talks with Dr. Tiffany Watson, Owner of Dr. Tiff’s Fuel. Sweat. Science, about the often-overlooked connection between health, ambition, and sustainable success. Dr. Watson shares practical tips for finding balance in a world that glorifies hustle, and reminds us that if we're not careful, career growth can come at the cost of our well-being. From fueling your body with the right nutrition to making sleep a non-negotiable, this conversation is your reminder that peak performance starts with taking care of yourself - mind,...
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In this episode, Mary Sullivan, co-founder of Sweet but Fearless, talks with Sara Fay Egan, President and CEO of Beale Street Blues, about the power of pivots, both in life and in career. Life doesn’t always go according to plan, actually, it rarely does. From surprise career twists to family emergencies and all the curveballs in between, it can sometimes feel like happiness is just out of reach. But what if you could find joy, even in the chaos? Mary and Sara explore how to recognize the seasons of life, trust your timing, and know when it’s time to shift direction. This honest...
info_outlineAre you being passed over for promotions despite being the go-to person everyone counts on? In this episode, we dive into the surprising downside of being too reliable at work.
While dependability is a strength, it can sometimes box you into a support role instead of positioning you as a strategic leader. We explore why being the "fixer" or “hidden gem” might actually be holding you back - and what to do about it. You'll learn how to shift from doing to leading, speak about your work in terms of impact, and advocate for your future role, not just your current one. If you've ever felt stuck in a role because you're "too good to lose," this episode is your playbook for breaking out of the reliable-but-overlooked cycle and stepping into the spotlight where your leadership belongs.
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