Wickedly Smart Women

14X Award Winning show featuring the world’s most impressive emerging and established Wickedly Smart Women, this is the show where we interview women who have left high power corporate jobs or exited their companies because they felt a stronger calling. We love to share the journey of transformation and elevate, celebrate & spotlight the Wickedly Smart Women who are making a massive difference in the world! Listeners who are Wickedly Smart Women "in the making" tune IN to be well fed with dynamic wisdom, legendary modeling and immediately actionable steps to be smarter, spunkier & more successful in their impact & leadership, careers, health, relationships, creativity and sexuality so that they can be more empowered & enthusiastic in every area of their life! Wickedly Smart Women is where we strive to support women to deeply connect to their capacity to create conscious change, care deeply and have the courage to take action and wholeheartedly contribute to what matters most - A thriving earth, thriving relationships, work that is playful and pleasurable as well as profitable and making the changes they were born to manifest while leading a legendary legacy life that feels both luscious & luxurious.

Educating for a Free Society with Marsha Familaro Enright - Ep.341 09/09/2025

Visual Storytelling that Drives Decisions with Oreet Kaufman - Ep.340 09/03/2025

Breaking Barriers in Logistics and Leadership with Dianna Fioravanti-Ashikwe - Ep.339 08/27/2025

Building Brands with Vision and Courage with Bashak Ilhan - Ep.338 08/20/2025

Building Brands with Vision and Courage with Bashak Ilhan - Ep.338 What does it really take to leave the corporate world behind and build a thriving business from scratch? In this episode of Wickedly Smart Women, host Anjel B. Hartwell welcomes Bashak Ilhan, who has founded five startups, achieved two successful exits, and now leads a global consultancy. From selling childhood toys to landing a $3 million investment over coffee, this episode reveals the mindset, strategies, and resilience needed to bring bold visions to life. Listeners will discover why sales are at the heart of any business, how to immerse themselves fully in their dreams, and why knowing when to delegate is essential for both success and wellbeing. This is a must-listen for women ready to step into entrepreneurship with confidence, clarity, and courage. What You Will Learn: Why early entrepreneurial experiences often shape lifelong business instincts. How transitioning from corporate life to entrepreneurship requires courage and vision. The importance of selling skills and vision casting in building a business. Why doing deep research and immersion before launching a venture can create a strong foundation. The value of building for the audience rather than personal taste. How to navigate challenges that arise in scaling and sustaining a startup. Why timing matters in choosing to exit a business. The role of branding, positioning, and strategy in securing investment and growth. How to innovate during crises and adapt to market needs. Why receiving too much funding early on can be more dangerous than not having enough. How financial constraints can fuel creativity and build stronger foundations. The importance of self-awareness and knowing when to seek a co-founder or partner. Why delegating effectively is critical to long-term success and personal well-being. How to redefine success away from busyness and toward balance and impact. Connect with Bashak Ilhan Connect with Anjel B. Hartwell Listener Line (540) 402-0043 Ext. 4343 Email /episode/index/show/wickedlysmartwomen/id/37877235

Project Managing Your Manifestations with Tiffany Antoine - Ep.337 08/13/2025

Transforming Workplace Communication with Linda Carlisle - Ep.336 08/06/2025

Transforming Workplace Communication with Linda Carlisle - Ep.336 What happens when a brand strategist discovers her true calling isn’t external marketing, but transforming company culture from within? In this episode of Wickedly Smart Women, host Anjel B. Hartwell welcomes Linda Carlisle, a fractional corporate communications partner who helps mid-market companies navigate high-impact change with clarity, compassion, and culture-forward leadership. From mergers and acquisitions to organizational restructuring, Linda shares how her internal comms expertise supports psychological safety and lasting performance. What You Will Learn: Internal communications is a form of marketing that influences how employees experience and engage with company culture. A strong internal culture directly shapes customer experience and brand perception. Leaders can intentionally design company culture through communication, behavior modeling, and what they choose to reward. During mergers or major transitions, thoughtful communication helps employees feel informed, supported, and psychologically safe. Fractional leadership allows experienced professionals to support multiple companies without full-time commitments. Financial planning and runway preparation are critical for women stepping into entrepreneurship. Having internal alignment around values and purpose is essential to maintaining team cohesion during growth or restructuring. Giving employees opportunities to volunteer together can deepen workplace relationships and improve retention. The success of a culture transformation often depends on whether leaders are open to embedding new behaviors, not just new messages. Working capital can come from many sources, but entrepreneurs need a plan for navigating income fluctuations. Being part of a leadership team as a fractional partner enables more informed and integrated communication strategies. Disruption doesn’t have to equal chaos; done well, it can lead to growth, clarity, and stronger organizational identity. Connect with Linda Carlisle Connect with Anjel B. Hartwell Listener Line (540) 402-0043 Ext. 4343 Email /episode/index/show/wickedlysmartwomen/id/37674695

Shifting Habits for Lasting Change with Hilda Fainsod - Ep.335 07/30/2025

Shifting Habits for Lasting Change with Hilda Fainsod - Ep.335 What if the secret to transformation wasn’t speed but consistency? In this episode of Wickedly Smart Women, host Anjel B. Hartwell welcomes Hilda Fainsod, executive coach, podcaster, and author Hilda Fiallos, a transformation catalyst who’s helped leaders build sustainable growth and long-term impact. Hilda shares how true transformation starts by shifting everyday habits and tuning into what we practice not just what we say. With 10+ certifications and 20 years in coaching, Hilda breaks down why short-term gains won’t lead to long-term success, and how even a 2-minute gratitude routine can shift your entire day. Whether you’re building a business, changing careers, or rethinking your leadership style, this conversation will help you reset your mindset and commit to practices that last. What You Will Learn: Why transformation takes time and can’t be rushed. How fast-paced habits and urgency culture block true change. The difference between surface-level goals and deep transformation. How to identify automatic routines that shape your life. Why small, consistent actions are more powerful than big, unsustainable ones. How to create simple habits that align with long-term goals. What it means to coach yourself through change using micro-promises. Why support systems like mentors and coaches accelerate transformation. How to shift identity during a career or life transition. The importance of investing time or money in your personal growth. How a two-minute daily gratitude practice can anchor your mindset. How to build new routines by starting with what already works. Why defining who you want to become is the first step in transformation. How self-awareness helps you replace habits that no longer serve you. Why true transformation is more about what you practice than what you say. Connect with Hilda Fainsod Connect with Anjel B. Hartwell Listener Line (540) 402-0043 Ext. 4343 Email /episode/index/show/wickedlysmartwomen/id/37587750

Breaking Free from Self-Doubt and Finding Your Voice with Amy L. Bernstein - Ep.334 07/23/2025

Your Worth Is Not Up for Debate with Karen Sigalas - Ep.333 07/16/2025

Your Worth Is Not Up for Debate with Karen Sigalas - Ep.333 What if the story holding you back isn't theirs, it’s yours? In this episode of Wickedly Smart Women, host Anjel B. Hartwell welcomes Karen Sigalas, whose mission is to help ambitious women become respected, heard, and paid what they're worth. Karen blends science-backed mindset work with practical career strategies to help her clients own their voice, shift internal narratives, and rise confidently into leadership. Through personal stories of overcoming bias in male-dominated industries and being underestimated due to her appearance, Karen reveals how our internal self-talk often does more damage than external critics. What You Will Learn: Why your internal dialogue often holds more power than external criticism. How to recognize and shift limiting stories you tell yourself. The difference between external validation and internal self-worth. How to rewire your brain through gratitude and positive affirmations. How neuroscience supports mindset work, especially the Reticular Activating System (RAS). Practical ways to start your day with mindset rituals that boost confidence. How to stop tying your value to your job title, income, or other people's opinions. Why self-doubt is normal, and how to respond powerfully when it arises. Tools to stop internalized oppression from dimming your voice. How to transform microaggressions and subtle put-downs into moments of clarity and growth. How to hold confident, non-defensive conversations in response to biased comments. The importance of being seen, heard, and valued, especially for women of color. How to lead without waiting for permission, titles, or external authority. Why fighting harder isn’t the solution, and how reframing your energy can lead to peace and progress. How gratitude and celebration can fuel forward momentum without burnout. The long-term career impact of mindset traps and how to avoid them. How to use personal leadership practices even if you’re not in a formal leadership role. The power of storytelling to reclaim agency over your professional and personal narrative. The connection between mindset, visibility, and earning power. Why celebrating how far you’ve come matters more than obsessing over what’s next. Connect with Karen Sigalas Connect with Anjel B. Hartwell Listener Line (540) 402-0043 Ext. 4343 Email /episode/index/show/wickedlysmartwomen/id/37407970

Finding the Joy in Career Reinvention with Michelle Schafer - Ep.332 07/09/2025

Rewriting the Rules of Management with Joanne Merrick - Ep.331 07/02/2025

Transforming Trauma Into Triumph with Carrie KC West - Ep.330 06/25/2025

From Corporate Layoff to Podcast Success with Tracy Beavers - Ep.329 06/18/2025

Building a Better Future for Malawi’s Children with Alaina Baker - Ep.328 06/11/2025

Building a Better Future for Malawi’s Children with Alaina Baker - Ep.328 Have you ever felt a quiet pull inside, a persistent tug toward something bigger than yourself? Something that keeps showing up, even when you try to take the “safe” path? In this episode of Wickedly Smart Women, host Anjel B. Hartwell interviews Alaina Baker, Executive Director of Uplift Malawi, to explore what happens when you finally answer that calling. From a Midwest childhood to leading a global nonprofit, Alaina shares how a career in corporate marketing couldn’t silence the voice inside telling her to make a deeper impact. What began as a side passion became her life’s mission, empowering children in Malawi through sustainable education, community development, and health access. Alaina doesn't just talk about building schools, she reveals how Uplift Malawi creates entire ecosystems of support that meet students’ basic needs and set them up for long-term success. You’ll hear how they overcame corrupt contractors, how they use data to track impact, and how they’re tackling the HIV/AIDS epidemic with education and dignity. This episode is more than inspiring, it’s a call to action for anyone who’s ever wondered if following their heart could change the world. What You Will Learn: The importance of building sustainable, community-rooted education models in places like Malawi. How Uplift Malawi supports both students and teachers with housing, nutrition, and mental well-being. What a 100% donation model is and how it builds trust with supporters. How life skills programs like sewing, agriculture, and sanitation education help break the cycle of poverty. Why menstrual education and gender-specific support are vital to keeping girls in school. How access to clean water and solar energy transforms a school into a thriving community hub. The ripple effect of educating one child and how it impacts entire families and villages. What makes Malawi unique as a peaceful but underserved nation in need of educational support. Why it takes long-term commitment, not quick fixes, to create global educational equity. How to align your career with your deeper purpose by listening to your inner call for impact. Connect with Alaina Baker Connect with Anjel B. Hartwell Listener Line (540) 402-0043 Ext. 4343 Email /episode/index/show/wickedlysmartwomen/id/36910420

Redefining Success on Your Own Terms with Luisa Molano - Ep.327 06/04/2025

Redefining Success on Your Own Terms with Luisa Molano - Ep.327 What happens when you realize you've climbed to the top of the wrong mountain? In this episode of Wickedly Smart Women, host Anjel B. Hartwell interviews Luisa Molano, executive coach and global community founder, to unpack the journey from burnout to alignment. Luisa shares what it was like to rise through the ranks of Fortune 500 companies only to find herself emotionally exhausted, misaligned and handed a seven-page performance improvement plan (PIP) after years of over-delivering. This conversation is for every woman who’s ever felt the Sunday Scaries, every leader who’s questioned the cost of her ambition, and every visionary who’s ready to build success that feels good on the inside too. What You Will Learn: How childhood experiences and cultural expectations shape beliefs about success and worth. The long-term impact of growing up in a high pressure, achievement focused environment. How traditional corporate success can create burnout, even when everything looks great on paper. What the “Sunday Scaries” really reveal about career misalignment. How constantly saying yes and overperforming leads to emotional exhaustion and resentment. The reality of receiving a performance improvement plan after years of dedication and what it means emotionally. Why giving yourself permission to fully feel your emotions is a powerful step toward healing and clarity. What it looks like to leave a corporate career with intention, dignity, and a strategy for transition. How to build a business that blends ambition with rest and strategy with sustainability. What it means to grow revenue without sacrificing personal wellbeing or burning out. How redefining success around energy, values, and joy can lead to breakthrough results in life and business. Connect with Luisa Molano Connect with Anjel B. Hartwell Listener Line (540) 402-0043 Ext. 4343 Email /episode/index/show/wickedlysmartwomen/id/36825995

Reclaiming Confidence Through Movement and Healing with Amy Schadt - Ep.326 05/28/2025

Reclaiming Confidence Through Movement and Healing with Amy Schadt - Ep.326 What if your body held the key to the confidence, clarity, and creative power you've been chasing in your mind? In a culture that rewards logic, productivity, and stillness, so many women have been shamed into silence, not just verbally, but physically. In this episode of Wickedly Smart Women, host Anjel B. Hartwell interviews Amy Schadt, certified life coach and embodiment expert, to explore what it means to reclaim movement. Amy shares her journey from being a shy, voiceless child to a dynamic force for healing through her Radical Embodiment Method. From her early years as a dancer to the profound loss of her fiancé and the grief that followed, Amy opens up about how embodiment has been both her refuge and revolution. Whether you're a creative aching for space to breathe, a woman recovering from trauma, or a leader craving more alignment in your entrepreneurial journey, this episode is your map. Because when you come back to your body, you come back to your power. What You Will Learn: Movement can be a powerful and valid form of communication, especially for those who struggle to express themselves verbally. Early childhood movement, like dance or physical play, is a natural way of processing emotion. Embodiment is not just a trendy concept, it’s a deeply personal journey of reclaiming presence, sensation, and self-expression. Personal loss, such as the death of a loved one, can become a catalyst for transformation and rebirth through embodied healing. Entrepreneurship can be an empowering path for creatives who want to earn income in alignment with their values and passions. Many creatives struggle with subconscious beliefs that money is harmful or will rob them of authenticity. Embodied practices can help entrepreneurs navigate fear, burnout, and identity shifts as they step into leadership. Physical movement can support emotional regulation and self-soothing. Healing the body-mind disconnect can unlock access to deeper self-awareness, personal power, and creative flow. Shame around moving “too much” or “being too much” is often rooted in outdated expectations and can be released through embodiment work. Connect with Amy Schadt Connect with Anjel B. Hartwell Listener Line (540) 402-0043 Ext. 4343 Email /episode/index/show/wickedlysmartwomen/id/36717835

Healing the Inner Child for True Transformation with Anat Peri - Ep.325 05/21/2025

Healing the Inner Child for True Transformation with Anat Peri - Ep.325 How many times have you convinced yourself you were healing—reading the books, attending the workshops, repeating affirmations—only to find yourself stuck in the same cycles? In this episode of Wickedly Smart Women, host Anjel B. Hartwell interviews Anat Peri, inner child expert. Anat dismantles the illusion of surface-level self-development and invites us into a deeper, more embodied path to transformation. Anat’s story is a masterclass in surrender, resilience, and leadership. She pulls back the curtain on why mindset alone isn’t enough and how emotional resiliency is the true foundation of freedom. If you’ve ever felt like you're “doing the work” but not actually changing, this episode might just be the wake-up call you need. What You Will Learn: How growing up with a “just think positive” mindset can unintentionally lead to emotional suppression and anxiety. Even a seemingly trauma-free childhood can create hidden wounds that shape adult behavior and relationships. The impact of emotionally unavailable parenting on future romantic patterns and the development of codependency. How traditional healing methods like mindset work and NLP often fall short without addressing the body and nervous system. What it means to live in your head versus being fully embodied. The difference between awareness and actual healing. What it’s like to rebuild your life guided by intuition instead of external validation or cultural expectations. How working at the Chopra Center supported Anat’s reconnection with herself through meditation and holistic practices. Why transformation can feel like walking through fire and why it’s worth every uncomfortable step. The origin story of Training Camp for the Soul and how Anat turned her healing into a powerful business. Emotional resilience and nervous system capacity are important in being an effective coach or healer. How Anat’s Mastery Certification Program equips coaches with more than tools. Why you can’t just coach from your own healing story and what makes a sustainable coaching method. Connect with Anat Peri Connect with Anjel B. Hartwell Listener Line (540) 402-0043 Ext. 4343 Email /episode/index/show/wickedlysmartwomen/id/36630770

Leadership, Legacy & Letting Go with Betsy Pepine - Ep.324 05/14/2025

Navigating Burnout, Pivoting with Purpose & Getting Paid What You're Worth with Dana Cox - Ep.323 05/07/2025

Navigating Burnout, Pivoting with Purpose & Getting Paid What You're Worth with Dana Cox - Ep.323 Could your deepest challenges hold the key to unlocking your ultimate purpose and securing the recognition you deserve? In this episode of Wickedly Smart Women, host Anjel B. Hartwell interviews Dana Cox, who has been bringing pieces together and providing level-headed, calm solutions her entire life. Imagine transforming unexpected career shifts into powerful springboards, leveraging decades of hard-won experience not just for personal growth, but to command your true market value and help others rise. This isn't just about overcoming obstacles; it's about redefining success on your terms, understanding the profound importance of self-investment, and recognizing that the power you need to achieve your vision is already within you. Prepare to be inspired by a journey from global executive to empowering coach, revealing that the best bet you can ever make is boldly choosing to invest in and champion yourself, leading to returns far richer than just financial gain. What You Will Learn: How an unexpected corporate exit can serve as a catalyst for pursuing a long-held aspiration. The importance of identifying and stepping into the parts of your corporate work you loved most. Encouragement for those facing unexpected career changes. Why betting on yourself is considered the best investment. If you expect others to invest in you, you must be willing to invest in yourself first. Understanding that entrepreneurs are also susceptible to burnout and how recognizing the signs early can help prevent a full tailspin. Why financial literacy is critically important to understand your financial situation, manage resources, and make informed decisions for entrepreneurial success. Dana's focus on women's empowerment and working with organizations to create thriving cultures. Validation that women are often underpaid in the marketplace and tend to undercharge as entrepreneurs. Connect with Dana Cox: Connect with Anjel B. Hartwell Listener Line (540) 402-0043 Ext. 4343 Email /episode/index/show/wickedlysmartwomen/id/36446910

Alchemizing Pain and Finding Your Inner Power with Kerri Hummingbird - Ep.322 04/30/2025

Cultivating Shameless Authenticity and Divine Intervention with Stina Leigh - Ep.321 04/23/2025

Exploring Energy Medicine and Intuitive Gifts with Dr. Mary Sanders - Ep.320 04/16/2025

Exploring Energy Medicine and Intuitive Gifts with Dr. Mary Sanders - Ep.320 Is the unseen realm of energy and intuition silently shaping your health, happiness, and purpose? Imagine a world where your hands could unlock hidden stories, your body could feel the emotions of others, and the subtle vibrations around you held profound wisdom. In this episode of Wickedly Smart Women, host Anjel B. Hartwell interviews Dr. Mary Sanders, a medical intuitive and chiropractor whose innate gifts, initially suppressed to fit in, blossomed into a powerful practice of energy medicine. From a childhood awareness of physical touch and an unexpected ability to manipulate energy even in church, Dr. Mary navigated a path through chiropractic and intuition medicine to become a guide for women seeking to enhance their well-being on all levels. Explore the concepts of cytometry, the ability to receive information through touch, and clairsentience, the gift of perceiving emotional and physical information, and discover how these often-unacknowledged senses can hold the key to understanding your own energetic landscape. What You Will Learn: The definition and evolution of energy medicine and medical intuition. Dr. Mary Sanders' personal journey into becoming a medical intuitive and chiropractor, including her early awareness of intuitive abilities from childhood, her conscious decision to desensitize these gifts to fit in, and her eventual re-emergence and formal training in intuition medicine. The significance of grounding (earthing) for physiological well-being, including its benefits for sleep, digestion, and energy metabolism. The principles and process of remote energy medicine, which operates on the understanding that humans are electromagnetic beings capable of harmonizing frequencies. Resources: Dr. Mary Sanders: Connect with Anjel B. Hartwell Listener Line (540) 402-0043 Ext. 4343 Email /episode/index/show/wickedlysmartwomen/id/36117555

Understanding Your Whole Pelvic Floor with Dr. Mary Grimberg - Ep.319 04/09/2025

Understanding Your Whole Pelvic Floor with Dr. Mary Grimberg - Ep.319 Unlock the secrets your body has been holding onto – the aches, the pains, the discomforts you’ve perhaps dismissed or felt too ashamed to discuss. Have you ever considered that the tension in your lower back, that persistent hip pain, or even challenges in your intimate life could be intricately linked to a part of your anatomy you might not fully understand: your pelvic floor? In this episode of Wickedly Smart Women, host Anjel B. Hartwell interviews Dr. Mary Grimberg, an orthopedic and pelvic floor physical therapist who masterfully integrates Eastern and Western medicine to treat the whole person. Dr. Mary, a trailblazer in addressing taboo topics, shares her personal journey of overcoming cancer and her profound realization that health extends far beyond diet and exercise, discussing the crucial roles of shame, community support, and understanding your body's unspoken messages. Prepare to have your perceptions challenged as Dr. Mary illuminates the often-misunderstood world of the pelvic floor, revealing its intricate connection to our physical, emotional, and even spiritual well-being. What You Will Learn: Dr. Mary's holistic approach to health, which goes beyond diet and exercise to include the impact of shame and the need for a supportive community. The importance of listening to the body's messages. Dr. Mary's personal inspiration for entering physical therapy due to her brothers' muscular dystrophy and her later specialization in pelvic floor therapy as a "missing piece" in traditional orthopedics. The significance of the pelvic floor for overall bodily function extending beyond just reproductive health. The significant amount of shame that surrounds sexual organs and pelvic health, preventing people from seeking necessary help. Strategies for overcoming nervousness about seeking pelvic floor therapy.. The importance of a holistic "mind, body, spirit" approach in treating chronic pelvic pain. How unprocessed emotions and trauma can be stored in the pelvis. The influence of lifestyle factors like bowel habits on pelvic comfort and sexual function. The lack of comprehensive sex education and its negative impact. The empowering nature of self-education about one's own body and its natural functions. Resources: Dr. Mary Grimberg: TMI Talk with Dr. Mary: Connect with Anjel B. Hartwell Listener Line (540) 402-0043 Ext. 4343 Email /episode/index/show/wickedlysmartwomen/id/36050855

Thriving Beyond the 9-to-5 with Kiri Mohan - Ep.318 04/02/2025

Thriving Beyond the 9-to-5 with Kiri Mohan - Ep.318 Are you a wickedly smart woman feeling the pull to break free from the confines of the corporate world, yearning for a career that offers both financial success and the precious gift of time? Imagine transforming your valuable corporate experience into a thriving freelance business that not only replaces your previous income but potentially surpasses it while reclaiming your schedule and living life on your own terms. In this episode of Wickedly Smart Women, host Anjel B. Hartwell interviews Kiri Mohan, an expert who empowers women freelancers to move beyond mere survival to truly flourish. Kiri shares her own inspiring journey, from a surprising first corporate job at 15 to navigating the low-paying world of broadcast meteorology before ultimately discovering the power and flexibility of freelancing. She opens up about the pivotal moments of trusting her intuition, making the courageous leap from a stable corporate position, and the organic evolution into coaching other women to achieve the same freedom and financial security. Discover actionable steps to identify your unique value, confidently price your services, and build a sustainable freelance business that aligns with your expertise and desires. Prepare to be inspired and equipped with immediately implementable strategies to design a life and career where you are in control, making an impact, and getting paid what you truly deserve. What You Will Learn: The significance of listening to and trusting your intuition in making crucial career decisions and navigating challenging situations. Practical insights into the process of transitioning from corporate employment to freelancing, including the internal experiences and external factors that might signal it's time for a change. Strategies for building a bridge while transitioning, such as working part-time in freelancing while still employed full-time. The importance of understanding your financial situation and carefully planning the financial aspects of leaving corporate to pursue freelancing. That the move from successful freelancing to coaching other freelancers often happens organically as people seek guidance based on your demonstrated success. The importance of shifting your money mindset when moving from corporate to freelancing and recognizing the value of your existing experience to command higher rates. Effective strategies for articulating your value to clients beyond just listing skills or tracking hours. The potential for earning significantly more as a freelancer by charging based on value and experience rather than underpricing services. The value of investing in coaching and the importance of finding a coach whose approach aligns with your needs and learning style. Resources: Kiri Mohan: Connect with Anjel B. Hartwell Listener Line (540) 402-0043 Ext. 4343 Email /episode/index/show/wickedlysmartwomen/id/35928055

From Orchestra Pit to Boardroom Brilliance with Roit Feldenkreis - Ep.317 03/26/2025

From Orchestra Pit to Boardroom Brilliance with Roit Feldenkreis - Ep.317 Can the subtle power of the conductor's baton unlock your leadership potential? Imagine standing before a hundred skilled musicians, not dictating, but inspiring them to create a harmonious masterpiece. In this episode of Wickedly Smart Women, host Anjel B. Hartwell interviews Roit Feldenkreis, internationally acclaimed conductor and performance coach. Roit is bringing those very principles of orchestral leadership to the corporate arena, transforming how executives communicate, build team cohesion, and perform under immense pressure through her groundbreaking Maestro Method. Did a childhood role as a "go-between" subtly shape her path to becoming a leader who bridges worlds – from the stage to the boardroom? Discover the pivotal moment when a teacher recognized her musical talent, setting her on a journey that would include performing on every continent and sharing the stage with legendary conductors. Witness her courageous decision to pursue her passion despite societal expectations and the financial uncertainties of a life in music. For women grappling with the choice between their calling and financial security, Roit offers candid advice rooted in her own experiences navigating a male-dominated industry. Learn how a decade of conducting organically blossomed into a thriving consulting business, driven by the demand for her unique insights on performance strategy and mindset. Explore the nuances of her Symphonic Leadership framework and the revenue-driven Maestro Method, designed to tackle critical executive challenges like communication breakdowns and high-stakes decision-making. Understand how the seemingly small, yet profoundly impactful, gestures of a conductor translate into powerful leadership techniques. This isn't just about music; it's a masterclass in leadership, resilience, and the art of orchestrating success in any field. Prepare to be inspired to conduct your own life and career with newfound clarity and impact. What You Will Learn: Roit's experiences performing globally with a famous children's choir and her early aspirations of becoming an opera singer before shifting her focus to conducting. The reality of the classical music industry as a challenging profession requiring immense resilience and the ability to cope with frequent rejection. The diverse and non-linear career paths prevalent in the contemporary classical music world, emphasizing the need for flexibility and resilience. The parallels Roit identified between conducting an orchestra and leading in the corporate world, which became the foundation for her lectures and consulting work with various firms. The concept of Symphonic Leadership and its practical application through the revenue-driven Maestro Method, designed to improve communication, presence, and decision-making under pressure. Roit's experience as a woman in the historically male-dominated field of orchestral conducting, including facing biased assumptions and limited opportunities. How seemingly small gestures and movements in conducting can translate into powerful and impactful leadership techniques. The importance of building a supportive network of knowledgeable people and experts when starting a business. Resources: Roit Feldenkreis: Connect with Anjel B. Hartwell Listener Line (540) 402-0043 Ext. 4343 Email /episode/index/show/wickedlysmartwomen/id/35828525

Journey to Spiritual Awakening and Purpose with Malaysia Harrell - Ep.316 03/19/2025

Journey to Spiritual Awakening and Purpose with Malaysia Harrell - Ep.316 Do you believe that life-altering experiences can be the catalyst for discovering your true purpose? Imagine a journey that takes you from the front lines of a global pandemic to the brink of death and back, only to ignite a powerful calling to guide others towards healing and fulfillment. In this episode of Wickedly Smart Women, host Anjel B. Hartwell interviews Malaysia Harrell, a spiritual transformation coach, veteran, keynote speaker, and author with a profound story of resilience and transformation. From early childhood spiritual gifts honed amidst adversity to a near-death experience during her deployment with the United States Public Health Service, Malaysia's path is a testament to the power of inner wisdom and the courage to embrace a higher calling. As a licensed psychotherapist and board-certified clinical social worker, Malaysia uniquely blends clinical expertise with spiritual and intuitive guidance, helping women overcome trauma and define their life's vision. Hear how a seemingly successful military career paved the way for a deeper, more authentic path of service, guiding women to break free from limiting beliefs and step into lives of authenticity, purpose, and bliss. Discover the pivotal moments that led Malaysia to recognize her spiritual gifts and how a brush with mortality became the ultimate awakening. Learn about the resources that supported her transition into entrepreneurship and gain insights into the financial realities and spiritual rewards of aligning with your true calling. Prepare to be inspired by a powerful conversation filled with wisdom, actionable steps, and the unwavering belief that even in the darkest of times, a radiant new beginning awaits. Are you ready to unlock your own potential for profound transformation? What You Will Learn: Malaysia's early spiritual experiences. The evolution of Malaysia’s spiritual gifts. The impact of Malaysia’s near-death experience. Insights into overcoming limiting beliefs and finding purpose. Resources for veterans starting a business. Navigating the financial aspects of starting a business. The importance of self-investment and the need to invest in oneself, not just financially (through coaching and masterminds) but also through practices that may not involve significant monetary costs. Resources: Malaysia Harrell: /episode/index/show/wickedlysmartwomen/id/35709775

Piecing Together Your Passions for Profit with Amy Siegfried - Ep.315 03/12/2025

Piecing Together Your Passions for Profit with Amy Siegfried - Ep.315 Ever wondered how a self-proclaimed "terrible" athlete could leverage a childhood spent observing sports into a thriving entrepreneurial career? Imagine the power of turning unexpected advantages, like casual sports knowledge, into a business that empowers others. In this episode of Wickedly Smart Women, host Anjel B. Hartwell interviews Amy Siegfried, a third-generation entrepreneur, who did just that. From her early days learning the nuances of sports alongside her brother to her time in Major League Baseball where she witnessed the game's unifying power, Amy’s journey is a testament to spotting opportunities in unexpected places. Discover how this master of small talk and handwritten notes transformed her insights into Last Night's Game, a platform helping even the most sports-averse join the conversation. Witness her transition from the corporate world, navigating the challenges of a male-dominated industry with grace and determination, to becoming a successful founder who now champions others through her venture, Cultivate a Network of Champions. Uncover the secrets behind her decision to bet on her entrepreneurial vision, the financial realities of leaving a stable salary, and the pivotal role of mentorship and support in her remarkable success. Prepare to be inspired by a wickedly smart woman who not only carved her own path but now illuminates the way for others to connect, communicate, and conquer. This is the episode that will redefine how you see your own hidden advantages. What You Will Learn: How a passion for connecting with people and bridging knowledge gaps can lead to entrepreneurial opportunities. The realities of starting a business after leaving a stable corporate salary. The evolution of a business idea, from its initial conception to its eventual launch, and the factors that influence that timeline. The importance of recognizing and leveraging one's natural talents. Practical insights into networking, including the idea that it's more about conversation and connection than simply exchanging business cards. Strategies for managing multiple ventures and avoiding burnout, including the importance of setting priorities, blocking time, and seeking support. The significant value of investing in business and accountability coaches to gain perspective, stay on track, and accelerate growth. The concept of a "journey woman" as someone who pieces together various opportunities and passions to create a fulfilling and progressive career. The significance of strong female leadership and mentorship, particularly in navigating male-dominated industries. Connect with Amy Siegfried: Podcast: /episode/index/show/wickedlysmartwomen/id/35599200

From Wallflower to Tech Pioneer with Elizabeth Bieniek - Ep.314 03/05/2025

From Wallflower to Tech Pioneer with Elizabeth Bieniek - Ep.314 Are you ready to embrace disruption and unlock your leadership potential? In this episode of Wickedly Smart Women, host Anjel B. Hartwell interviews Elizabeth Bieniek, named one of the 10 most influential female pioneers in tech by Toptal, shares her unconventional journey and blueprint for modern leaders in this episode. From a dutiful, obedient child to a disruptor later in life, Elizabeth's path took a scenic route through various industries before she found her niche in technology and innovation. Discover how a "beautifully dangerous" sabbatical led her to question her purpose and ultimately leave corporate to start her own thing. Elizabeth discusses the importance of taking ownership, creating supportive environments, and viewing money as a tool for enabling a new life. Whether you're a corporate leader or an aspiring entrepreneur, this episode will inspire you to reflect, reassess, and unlock your own potential for innovation and impact. What You Will Learn: The importance of observation and learning to understand the realities of the business world. The value of taking ownership and feeling responsible for the outcomes of projects. Strategies for creating supportive environments where team members feel valued and invested. How to innovate constantly, both within teams and individually. The significance of learning from failures and sharing experiences to help others. The importance of finding joy in the journey and investing in oneself. Methods for unlocking potential in others by helping them realize their own capabilities. A new perspective of viewing money as a tool for enabling new life experiences. The need to embrace change and remain open to unexpected opportunities. The power of reflection and reassessment in shaping one's path and purpose, especially after significant life events like a sabbatical. Connect with Elizabeth Bieniek: Elizabeth Bieniek: /episode/index/show/wickedlysmartwomen/id/35500895

From Cult Survivor to Erotic Filmmaker with Inka Winter - Ep.313 02/26/2025

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