What if the life you thought would make you happy is actually the thing disconnecting you from yourself? In this episode of Wickedly Smart Women, host Anjel B. Hartwell welcomes Desislava Dimitrova, a meditation teacher, bestselling author, podcast speaker, and transformational guide. Desislava shares how her early vision of corporate success quickly began to unravel when the reality of long hours, competition, and an environment that didn't align with her values began affecting her physical and emotional well-being. Her first yoga class became an unexpected doorway into a deeper spiritual awakening and a reconnection with herself. This episode explores what happens when the version of success you've been pursuing no longer fits, how physical and emotional signals can reveal deeper misalignment, and why creating space to reconnect with yourself can open the door to a completely different way of living and working.   What You Will Learn: How physical and emotional symptoms can signal that your current environment is no longer aligned with who you are. Why the definition of success you inherited may not actually create happiness or fulfillment. How yoga and meditation can become gateways to greater self-awareness and spiritual awakening. Why reconnecting with your authentic self can change the direction of your career and life. How motherhood influenced the decision to prioritize flexibility, presence, and purpose. How a personal health crisis can become a catalyst for deeper healing and transformation. What a personalized primordial sound mantra is and how it can be incorporated into a meditation practice. How consistent meditation can help quiet the mind, release emotions, and create greater peace. Why spiritual practices work differently for each person and each moment. How creating space for stillness can help you become more present to what you need right now.   Connect with Desislava Dimitrova Website https://www.desi-divine.com/ Connect with Wickedly Smart Women® Wickedly Smart Women Wickedly Smart Women on X Wickedly Smart Women on Instagram Wickedly Smart Women Facebook Community Wickedly Smart Women Store on TeePublic [5X Award-Winning Book] Wickedly Smart Women: Trusting Intuition, Taking Action, Transforming Worlds Email: listeners@wickedlysmartwomen.com

What happens when you've achieved financial success by following the traditional playbook, only to realize it has left you burned out, disconnected, and unfulfilled? In this episode of Wickedly Smart Women, host Anjel B. Hartwell welcomes Debbie Dobbins, speaker, author, and transformational mentor, helping women and conscious entrepreneurs rewrite their relationship with money, success, and self-worth. After building successful businesses and earning millions, Debbie's life took an unexpected turn when she faced cancer, financial collapse, and the challenge of rebuilding from scratch. Rather than allowing those experiences to define her, she discovered a deeper understanding of abundance rooted in self-worth, feminine leadership, intuition, and courage.  This episode explores how women can release outdated beliefs around money, stop living by the masculine hustle model, and create lasting prosperity by becoming fully aligned with who they truly are.   What You Will Learn: Why your money story influences every financial decision you make. How burnout often signals a disconnect from your authentic self. The hidden cost of following the masculine success playbook. Why feminine energy is essential for sustainable leadership and abundance. How micro acts of courage build confidence and expand your capacity for success. The role gratitude and breathwork play in shifting your relationship with money. Why true wealth begins with believing you are already worthy. How entrepreneurs can avoid recreating corporate burnout in their own businesses. Why intuition is becoming one of today's most valuable leadership skills. How releasing limiting beliefs opens the door to greater abundance and impact.   Connect with Debbie Dobbins Website https://thedebbiedobbins.com/  Connect with Wickedly Smart Women® Wickedly Smart Women Wickedly Smart Women on X Wickedly Smart Women on Instagram Wickedly Smart Women Facebook Community Wickedly Smart Women Store on TeePublic [5X Award-Winning Book] Wickedly Smart Women: Trusting Intuition, Taking Action, Transforming Worlds Email: listeners@wickedlysmartwomen.com  

What if the key to growing your business isn't finding more leads but building better relationships? In this episode of Wickedly Smart Women, host Anjel B. Hartwell welcomes Sarah Hubbard, founder of The Intentional Network and author of The Intentional Networker.  Today, 85% of her multi-million-dollar business comes from referral partnerships, and she's helped hundreds of entrepreneurs generate millions in referral revenue using her proven MAPP Framework. Sarah shares how listening to your deeper calling, creating intentional relationships, and refining your message can transform both your business and your life. Whether you're preparing to leave corporate, growing a consultancy, or simply tired of chasing clients, this conversation will show you how connection truly creates capital.   What You Will Learn: Why authentic relationships outperform traditional networking strategies. How listening to repeated signs can reveal your next calling. The importance of building a business that aligns with your strengths and values. What the MAPP Framework is and how it creates referral-based growth. Why mindset and intentionality are the foundation of successful networking. How authentic presence builds trust faster than scripted conversations. Ways to craft clear, memorable messaging that generates referrals. Why specificity makes it easier for others to introduce ideal clients. How purposeful follow-through strengthens long-term business relationships. The difference between operating as a technician versus a business owner. How AI can simplify content creation and business preparation. Why honoring your natural personality leads to more sustainable success.   Connect with Sarah Hubbard Website https://sarah-hubbard.com/  Connect with Wickedly Smart Women® Wickedly Smart Women Wickedly Smart Women on X Wickedly Smart Women on Instagram Wickedly Smart Women Facebook Community Wickedly Smart Women Store on TeePublic [5X Award-Winning Book] Wickedly Smart Women: Trusting Intuition, Taking Action, Transforming Worlds Email: listeners@wickedlysmartwomen.com  

Why do so many successful women thrive in business but struggle to find lasting love? In this episode of Wickedly Smart Women, host Anjel B. Hartwell welcomes Chaya Garcia, The Epic Love Expert, a relationship expert and founder of the growing #LoveLighter movement. Chaya shares how her own journey through toxic relationships, codependency, and self-discovery inspired her mission to help women attract emotionally healthy, lasting partnerships. Whether you're navigating dating, marriage, or simply learning to trust yourself again, this conversation offers powerful wisdom for choosing yourself first.   What You Will Learn: Why high-achieving women often struggle with healthy romantic relationships. The difference between chemistry and emotional safety. How to recognize relationship red flags from the very beginning. Why hope can sometimes keep women stuck in unhealthy situations. The importance of aligning words with actions. How self-love influences every relationship you create. Why emotional sobriety matters as much as physical sobriety. The connection between toxic relationships and unhealthy work environments. How asking better questions leads to better relationship choices. Why letting go can create space for the love you truly deserve.   Connect with Chaya Garcia Website https://connectwithchaya.com/  Connect with Wickedly Smart Women® Wickedly Smart Women Wickedly Smart Women on X Wickedly Smart Women on Instagram Wickedly Smart Women Facebook Community Wickedly Smart Women Store on TeePublic [5X Award-Winning Book] Wickedly Smart Women: Trusting Intuition, Taking Action, Transforming Worlds Email: listeners@wickedlysmartwomen.com  

What if your career hiatus wasn't a gap, but the foundation for your most impactful work? In this episode of Wickedly Smart Women, host Anjel B. Hartwell welcomes Raina Gandhi, a powerhouse advocate for women in leadership and the founder and CEO of Rising Tide Consulting. After an 11-year hiatus to raise her daughters, Raina returned to the professional world with a Wharton MBA and an investment banking background, only to find a corporate landscape that often felt misaligned with her values. Her journey through burnout, the challenges of re-entry, and navigating workplace barriers led her to discover her true calling: activating other women to navigate these same hurdles and step confidently into leadership roles. Through coaching, workshops, and research-backed strategies, Raina now equips women with the tools to tackle self-advocacy, negotiation, and gender equity. This conversation is an inspiring look at how to lead on your own terms and ensure that when women stay in the workforce, they don't just survive—they thrive. What You Will Learn: Why an 11-year career hiatus can be a catalyst for professional reinvention and purpose. How to recognize the symptoms of burnout in high-stakes roles like investment banking. Why "life deciding for you" can be a powerful redirection toward your true calling. The critical importance of visibility and representation for women of color in leadership. How to navigate workplace barriers such as information gatekeeping and bullying. Why the skills that get you to a director level aren't the same ones needed for the C-suite. The importance of shifting from male-centric negotiation tactics to authentic self-advocacy. How to manage the transition from being an individual contributor to leading and scaling a business. Why having a "blueprint" and a partner is essential for entrepreneurial success. How to scale your impact by shifting focus toward speaking and group leadership programs. Connect with Raina Gandhi Rising Tide Consulting http://risingtideconsultingllc.com  Connect with Wickedly Smart Women® Wickedly Smart Women Wickedly Smart Women on X Wickedly Smart Women on Instagram Wickedly Smart Women Facebook Community Wickedly Smart Women Store on TeePublic [5X Award-Winning Book] Wickedly Smart Women: Trusting Intuition, Taking Action, Transforming Worlds Email: listeners@wickedlysmartwomen.com

What if the biggest obstacle to building the life and business you want isn't your circumstances, but your willingness to take the first step? In this episode of Wickedly Smart Women, host Anjel B. Hartwell welcomes Jennifer Johnson, founder of True Fashionistas, Florida's largest lifestyle resale store, entrepreneur, business coach, best-selling author, and host of the Confident Entrepreneur podcast. Jennifer shares the setbacks, betrayals, pivots, and powerful mindset shifts that shaped her entrepreneurial journey. She also explains why building a personal brand before exiting your business creates lasting freedom and opportunity. If you've been wondering whether it's too late to reinvent yourself, this inspiring conversation will encourage you to stop waiting, trust yourself, and begin creating your own destiny. What You Will Learn: Why it's never too late to reinvent yourself or pursue a new calling. How starting a side business can reduce the risk of becoming an entrepreneur. Why unlimited income potential comes from creating your own opportunities. How setbacks and betrayal can become catalysts for greater success. Why hiring based on core values builds stronger, more resilient teams. The importance of asking for help and working with coaches or consultants. How shifting from "Why is this happening to me?" to "What is this teaching me?" transforms adversity into growth. Why every entrepreneur should intentionally build a personal brand before exiting their business. How stepping out of daily operations empowers both your business and your leadership. Why lasting success is built one intentional step at a time. Connect with Jennifer Johnson Website https://jenniferannjohnson.com/ Connect with Wickedly Smart Women® Wickedly Smart Women Wickedly Smart Women on X Wickedly Smart Women on Instagram Wickedly Smart Women Facebook Community Wickedly Smart Women Store on TeePublic [5X Award-Winning Book] Wickedly Smart Women: Trusting Intuition, Taking Action, Transforming Worlds Email: listeners@wickedlysmartwomen.com  

What happens when the business you've worked so hard to build no longer feels aligned with who you've become? In this episode of Wickedly Smart Women, host Anjel B. Hartwell welcomes Allison Maslan, CEO of Pinnacle Global Network, Wall Street Journal Best Selling Author of, Scale or Fail, which is endorsed by Daymond John and Barbara Corcoran of Shark Tank.  From nearly losing her life after pushing herself beyond her limits to becoming a homeopathic physician and ultimately founding Pinnacle Global Network, Allison's journey is a powerful reminder that every experience prepares you for your next evolution. If you've been feeling disconnected from the work you've built or wondering if it's time for your next chapter, this conversation will give you both the permission and the practical wisdom to move forward with confidence. What You Will Learn: How to recognize the early signs that it's time to pivot before burnout takes over. Why success without alignment eventually leads to dissatisfaction. The importance of trusting your intuition alongside business strategy. How every business experience prepares you for your future purpose. Why following your passion can become your greatest competitive advantage. The mindset shift that allows entrepreneurs to let go of old identities. How scaling requires releasing perfectionism and learning to delegate. What trapeze has taught Alison about fear, trust, resilience, and leadership. Why learning how to fail is essential for long-term success. How to build a legacy business that reflects who you've become. Connect with Allison Maslan Pinnacle Global Network https://pinnacleglobalnetwork.com/  Connect with Wickedly Smart Women® Wickedly Smart Women Wickedly Smart Women on X Wickedly Smart Women on Instagram Wickedly Smart Women Facebook Community Wickedly Smart Women Store on TeePublic [5X Award-Winning Book] Wickedly Smart Women: Trusting Intuition, Taking Action, Transforming Worlds Email: listeners@wickedlysmartwomen.com

What does it take to leave a successful corporate career, build a thriving business, and create a life that aligns with your values? In this episode of Wickedly Smart Women, host Anjel B. Hartwell welcomes Marjie Hadad, Founder of  Marjie Hadad Communications, crisis and leadership communications expert, and author of The Confident Kid Playbook.   The conversation explores the importance of visibility, public relations, work-life integration, crisis communication, and how leaders can use their professional skills to empower the next generation.   Whether you're considering leaving corporate, growing a consultancy, or looking to become a more confident communicator, this episode delivers practical wisdom you can apply immediately. What You Will Learn: Why leaving corporate doesn't have to mean sacrificing financial security. How focusing on your first client can create long-term business growth. The mindset required to move forward without looking back. Why visibility is essential for business growth and revenue generation. How public relations helps amplify your message and impact. The importance of honoring commitments through effective calendar management. How to create a healthy balance between work, family, and personal priorities. The role communication plays in crisis prevention and leadership. Why bringing your professional strengths into parenting creates confident and resilient children. How strategic communication can empower individuals, families, and organizations. Connect with Marjie Hadad Website https://marjiehadad.com/  Connect with Wickedly Smart Women® Wickedly Smart Women Wickedly Smart Women on X Wickedly Smart Women on Instagram Wickedly Smart Women Facebook Community Wickedly Smart Women Store on TeePublic [5X Award-Winning Book] Wickedly Smart Women: Trusting Intuition, Taking Action, Transforming Worlds Email: listeners@wickedlysmartwomen.com  

What if getting fired was actually the catalyst for building the life you were meant to live? In this episode of Wickedly Smart Women, host Anjel B. Hartwell welcomes Merry Korn, entrepreneur, author, and social enterprise pioneer.  After losing a job she desperately wanted to keep, Merry found herself facing uncertainty, fear, and the responsibility of supporting her family. What followed was an extraordinary journey that led her to build Pearl Interactive Network, a company that grew to employ more than 1,300 people and specialized in hiring individuals often overlooked by traditional employers, including people with disabilities, veterans, military spouses, and those living in economically challenged communities. This conversation is a powerful reminder that career setbacks can become the doorway to your greatest work and that purpose often reveals itself when you're willing to listen.   What You Will Learn: How getting fired can become a catalyst for discovering your true purpose. Why many high-achieving women stay too long in careers that no longer align. The role informational interviews can play in career transitions and business growth. How Merry built a social enterprise focused on hiring overlooked talent. Why vision is essential when creating a business with long-term impact. How hiring people with disabilities became a competitive advantage and mission. The importance of recognizing opportunities disguised as setbacks. Why listening to intuition can be a valuable business strategy. How government contracts helped scale a purpose-driven organization. The difference between building a business to operate and building one to sell. Why your mission and purpose can evolve throughout different stages of life. How meaning becomes a greater motivator than money for many entrepreneurs. Connect with Merry Korn Fired to Inspired https://firedtoinspired.com/  Connect with Wickedly Smart Women® Wickedly Smart Women Wickedly Smart Women on X Wickedly Smart Women on Instagram Wickedly Smart Women Facebook Community Wickedly Smart Women Store on TeePublic [5X Award-Winning Book] Wickedly Smart Women: Trusting Intuition, Taking Action, Transforming Worlds Email: listeners@wickedlysmartwomen.com    

What happens when a successful entrepreneur leaves her own thriving business to get a "real job" only to discover she already knew more than she gave herself credit for? In this episode of Wickedly Smart Women, host Anjel B. Hartwell welcomes Arielle Tayar, founder of Whip Creative Studio and Whip Productions.  Arielle shares her journey from growing up in an immigrant family to becoming a serial entrepreneur, her surprising experience in the corporate world, and the lessons she learned about confidence, creativity, leadership, and trusting her own vision. This conversation is an inspiring reminder that confidence grows through action, creativity requires space, and there is no single "right way" to build a meaningful and profitable business.   What You Will Learn: How small opportunities and "little yeses" can grow into thriving businesses. Why imposter syndrome often persists even when you're already successful. What Arielle learned after leaving entrepreneurship for a corporate leadership role. How creative leaders can balance structure without stifling innovation. Why nobody truly has all the answers and why that's good news. The importance of creating space for creativity and inspiration to emerge. How confidence becomes a powerful business asset for women entrepreneurs. What it takes to build seven-figure businesses without outside investment. Why networking and relationships remain essential for business growth. How to navigate the natural seasons of creativity, visibility, and revenue generation. The role intuition and trust play in entrepreneurial success. How experiential marketing creates deeper brand connections and memorable customer experiences. Connect with Arielle Tayar Whip Creative Studio https://www.whipcreativestudio.com/about Whip Productions https://www.whipproductions.com/ Connect with Wickedly Smart Women® Wickedly Smart Women Wickedly Smart Women on X Wickedly Smart Women on Instagram Wickedly Smart Women Facebook Community Wickedly Smart Women Store on TeePublic [5X Award-Winning Book] Wickedly Smart Women: Trusting Intuition, Taking Action, Transforming Worlds Email: listeners@wickedlysmartwomen.com  

What happens when the career you've worked so hard to build no longer energizes you? In this episode of Wickedly Smart Women, host Anjel B. Hartwell welcomes Bela Shah, a former attorney and ICF-certified coach. Bela shares how feelings of disconnection, burnout, and a lack of alignment ultimately led her to leave a successful legal career and step into coaching. Drawing on her experiences as a first-generation South Asian immigrant, meditation practitioner, and leadership mentor, Bela offers a powerful perspective on self-trust, purpose, and navigating major life transitions.  This conversation is a reminder that leadership begins within and that sometimes the greatest act of courage is trusting yourself enough to create a new path.   What You Will Learn: How to recognize when your work is no longer energizing you. Why self-trust is the foundation of authentic leadership. The signs that may indicate it's time to leave a career that no longer aligns with your values. How small and big leaps of faith contribute to meaningful life transitions. Why rest, reflection, and pauses are essential for making aligned decisions. How meditation and mindfulness can support personal and professional growth. The connection between perfectionism, self-doubt, and the feeling of "not enough." Why community and support systems are critical during periods of change. How coaching helps individuals uncover their own wisdom and insights. The importance of moving from self-sacrifice to self-trust in leadership.   Connect with Bela Shah Wisdom Leadership https://www.wisdomleadership.com/ Connect with Wickedly Smart Women® Wickedly Smart Women Wickedly Smart Women on X Wickedly Smart Women on Instagram Wickedly Smart Women Facebook Community Wickedly Smart Women Store on TeePublic [5X Award-Winning Book] Wickedly Smart Women: Trusting Intuition, Taking Action, Transforming Worlds Email: listeners@wickedlysmartwomen.com  

What happens when the career you worked decades to build no longer aligns with who you've become? In this episode of Wickedly Smart Women, host Anjel B. Hartwell welcomes Dr. Cynthia Bentzen-Mercer, organizational development strategist, executive coach, international keynote speaker, and creator of Stop Drifting: The Discipline of Direction™.  After more than 30 years in executive leadership roles across multiple industries, Dr. Cynthia shares the realities of being one of the only women in the room, navigating leadership expectations, surviving personal challenges, and ultimately transitioning out of corporate life into entrepreneurship and thought leadership. This conversation is an honest and deeply insightful look at leadership, reinvention, money, purpose, identity, and the courage it takes to intentionally build what comes next. What You Will Learn: Why so many accomplished women drift through their careers unintentionally. The difference between being "bossy" and being an effective leader. How women are often conditioned to ignore intuition and personal alignment. The hidden emotional and physical costs of staying in misaligned environments. Why corporate success does not always equal security. How to recognize the signals that it may be time for a career pivot. The power of making small intentional decisions toward your future. What entrepreneurship really looks like behind the scenes. Why writing a book often becomes the gateway to thought leadership and business ownership. How prosperity includes more than just money and titles. Why purpose and fulfillment matter as much as financial success. Practical ways to begin building momentum toward your next chapter today. Connect with Dr. Cynthia Bentzen-Mercer Website https://www.dr-cynthia.com/ Connect with Wickedly Smart Women® Wickedly Smart Women Wickedly Smart Women on X Wickedly Smart Women on Instagram Wickedly Smart Women Facebook Community Wickedly Smart Women Store on TeePublic [5X Award-Winning Book] Wickedly Smart Women: Trusting Intuition, Taking Action, Transforming Worlds Email: listeners@wickedlysmartwomen.com

What happens when a woman walks away from corporate stability, navigates financial uncertainty, and builds a thriving business in a male-dominated industry? In this episode of Wickedly Smart Women, host Anjel B. Hartwell welcomes Hannah Hurckes, author, entrepreneur, and high-impact speaker known for saying what others won't. Hannah shares her journey from construction and trucking to launching Boss Lady Logistics after years of trial and error, failed businesses, and financial hardship. She opens up about being a stay-at-home mom on WIC assistance, overcoming fear, learning how to trust her abilities, and creating a company culture rooted in collaboration, leadership development, and employee empowerment. This conversation is packed with practical insights for women considering leaving corporate, stepping into entrepreneurship, or learning how to lead with confidence in spaces where they feel underestimated.    What You Will Learn: How to navigate leadership challenges in male-dominated industries with confidence and authenticity. Why finding supportive allies and collaborative relationships can accelerate career growth and business success. How motherhood and burnout can become catalysts for creating a more aligned career path. Why fear keeps many women stuck in corporate environments longer than they want to stay. How failed business ideas can become stepping stones toward discovering the right entrepreneurial path. Why mindset and gratitude practices can directly impact confidence, leadership, and financial success. How building the right team can dramatically improve business growth and scalability. Why investing in coaching, leadership development, and personal growth creates long-term business success. How to shift from fear-based decision-making to purpose-driven entrepreneurship. Why authentic leadership and employee collaboration create stronger company cultures and better outcomes. Connect with Hannah Hurckes: Boss Lady Logisitics https://www.bossladylogistics.com/?utm_source=chatgpt.com  

What if the biggest wake-up call of your life became the reason you completely reinvented your future? In this episode of Wickedly Smart Women, host Anjel B. Hartwell welcomes Janet McConnell, a Senior National Champion Bodybuilder who began competing in her late 40s, Janet brings decades of experience in strength training and lifestyle habits that support cognitive health, resilience, and vitality. As the author of Elements of Aging Well, she blends science-backed insight with real-world strategies to help women age with confidence, strength, and purpose.  Janet shares how a shocking health diagnosis at age 46 forced her to confront the reality of burnout, unhealthy habits, and the long-term impact of putting herself last. Instead of accepting prescriptions as her future, she made a bold decision to change her life through one consistent habit: resistance training. If you've ever wondered whether you've waited too long to prioritize yourself, this episode will challenge everything you believe about aging and personal transformation.   What You Will Learn: How one consistent habit can create massive health transformation over time. Why resistance training is one of the most powerful tools for healthy aging and cognitive health. How high-achieving women often disconnect from their health while building successful careers. Why mindset shifts must happen before lasting behavior change can occur. How Janet reversed alarming health markers without extreme dieting. What happens physically and mentally when strength training becomes part of a long-term lifestyle. Why aging does not automatically mean decline or loss of vitality. How identity and purpose evolve when transitioning out of corporate life. Why women over 45 should rethink the way they approach fitness and longevity. How healthy habits become votes for the person you want to become. Connect with Janet McConnell LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/janet-mcconnell-65703a1b2/ YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@AgingStrongforLife    Connect with Wickedly Smart Women® Wickedly Smart Women Wickedly Smart Women on X Wickedly Smart Women on Instagram Wickedly Smart Women Facebook Community Wickedly Smart Women Store on TeePublic [5X Award-Winning Book] Wickedly Smart Women: Trusting Intuition, Taking Action, Transforming Worlds Email: listeners@wickedlysmartwomen.com      

What if the reason your team isn't performing has nothing to do with strategy and everything to do with leadership? In this episode of Wickedly Smart Women, host Anjel B. Hartwell welcomes Kathy Eastwood, CEO and creator of the human-first E3 Leadership Code and a leadership strategist with over thirty years of executive experience across EY, Hewlett-Packard, high-growth startups, and private equity-backed companies. This conversation dives into the real reason most teams struggle, why emotional intelligence is the missing link in leadership. If you've ever questioned your leadership environment, your next career move, or how to build a business that aligns with your values, this episode will challenge how you think about success and performance. What You Will Learn: How misaligned leadership directly impacts culture, performance, and team engagement. What signals indicate it may be time to leave a corporate role and explore something new. How emotional intelligence influences leadership effectiveness and team results. What the E3 Leadership Code is and how it creates sustainable high performance. Why fear-based leadership fails and what to do instead to motivate teams. How to navigate the financial uncertainty of leaving corporate and starting a business. What it really takes to build a people-first organization that drives profit and retention.   Connect with Kathy Eastwood E Equals Why https://marketing.eequalswhy.com/e3-leadership-code   Connect with Wickedly Smart Women® Wickedly Smart Women Wickedly Smart Women on X Wickedly Smart Women on Instagram Wickedly Smart Women Facebook Community Wickedly Smart Women Store on TeePublic [5X Award-Winning Book] Wickedly Smart Women: Trusting Intuition, Taking Action, Transforming Worlds Email: listeners@wickedlysmartwomen.com  

What happens when you wake up one day and realize the career you built no longer fits your life? In this episode of Wickedly Smart Women, host Anjel B. Hartwell welcomes Megan Applegate, Career Strategist, Certified Personal Consultant, and the founder of Career Blueprint Solutions.  Megan shares her powerful journey from a 20-year corporate career in hospitality to building her own business in recruiting and career strategy. What started as a feeling of disconnection and burnout turned into a bold leap into entrepreneurship, without a clear roadmap. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone feeling stuck, questioning their career direction, or ready to make a change but unsure where to start.   What You Will Learn: How to recognize the signs that a career is no longer aligned and what to do next. What it means to shift from being a job seeker to someone who attracts opportunities. How to identify and articulate transferable skills when changing industries. Why proficiency in a role does not always equal passion or fulfillment. How to build confidence by understanding your true market value. What it takes to become "market ready" before making a career move. How to navigate career transitions without waiting for a breaking point. Connect with Megan Applegate Career Blueprint Solutions https://www.careerblueprintsolutions.com/   Connect with Wickedly Smart Women® Wickedly Smart Women Wickedly Smart Women on X Wickedly Smart Women on Instagram Wickedly Smart Women Facebook Community Wickedly Smart Women Store on TeePublic [5X Award-Winning Book] Wickedly Smart Women: Trusting Intuition, Taking Action, Transforming Worlds Email: listeners@wickedlysmartwomen.com

What if the decision that changes everything isn't about leaving your job but about how you think? In this episode of Wickedly Smart Women, host Anjel B. Hartwell welcomes Dr. Crystal Gifford, CEO of EdgeTech Global, a pioneering force in educational leadership, curriculum development, and EdTech integration. This conversation goes deeper than "just leap." It explores the internal and external variables that shape major life decisions, the importance of trusting yourself, and how to build a business that aligns with your values instead of burning you out. If you've been questioning whether it's time to pivot, evolve, or step into something bigger, this episode will help you think more clearly, decide more confidently, and move forward with intention. What You Will Learn: How to recognize the signs that it may be time to make a career or business transition. What factors to consider before deciding to leave a corporate or structured role. How to break down complex decisions into clear, manageable parts. What role self-trust plays in making confident and aligned choices. How personal values influence business and leadership decisions. What it takes to move from employee mindset into entrepreneurial thinking. How decision-making impacts long-term success in business and life. Connect with Dr. Crystal Gifford Edgetech Global https://edgetechglobal.com/  Connect with Wickedly Smart Women® Wickedly Smart Women Wickedly Smart Women on X Wickedly Smart Women on Instagram Wickedly Smart Women Facebook Community Wickedly Smart Women Store on TeePublic [5X Award-Winning Book] Wickedly Smart Women: Trusting Intuition, Taking Action, Transforming Worlds Email: listeners@wickedlysmartwomen.com

What if the key to higher profits isn't better marketing or more sales tactics but how you treat your people? In this episode of Wickedly Smart Women, host Anjel B. Hartwell welcomes Sandra Coker, CEO of Human Power Solutions and author of People Profit. Sandra shares her powerful journey from corporate leadership to entrepreneurship, sparked by life-changing personal experiences that forced her to rethink everything. Sandra breaks down how investing in employee development directly impacts customer experience, retention, and long-term profitability. This episode is a must-listen for leaders, entrepreneurs, and women navigating what's next, offering both inspiration and actionable strategies to build stronger teams and more sustainable businesses.   What You Will Learn: How early life challenges can shape leadership style and drive independence. Why investing in employee development leads directly to increased profitability. The connection between internal team experience and external customer satisfaction. How to transition from corporate life into entrepreneurship with intention. What it takes to grow and scale a seven-figure consulting business. Why asking for help and leveraging mentors accelerates success. How to identify and fix internal organizational gaps that impact performance. Connect with Sandra Coker HP Solutions Book: People Profit: How to Improve Your Bottom Line by Investing in Those Connect with Wickedly Smart Women® Wickedly Smart Women Wickedly Smart Women on X Wickedly Smart Women on Instagram Wickedly Smart Women Facebook Community Wickedly Smart Women Store on TeePublic [5X Award-Winning Book] Wickedly Smart Women: Trusting Intuition, Taking Action, Transforming Worlds Email: listeners@wickedlysmartwomen.com  

Burnout is not a personal failure. It is a systems problem, and today's episode breaks down exactly why. In this episode of Wickedly Smart Women, host Anjel B. Hartwell welcomes Dr. Trisha Vinatieri, a clinical psychologist and organizational development psychologist who has spent nearly two decades treating PTSD and holding various leadership roles within healthcare systems. From her own experience navigating burnout during COVID to stepping into a leadership role focused on wellbeing, Dr. Vinatieri explains why so many high-achieving professionals feel stuck, exhausted, and disconnected from work that once gave them purpose. If you've ever felt like your job is draining you, or you're leading a team that's struggling, this conversation will shift how you think about burnout and what to do next.   What You Will Learn: Burnout is driven by systems and environments, not just individual effort. Why healthcare and helping professions experience burnout at higher rates. How workplace culture directly impacts engagement, retention, and wellbeing. The role leaders play in either driving or reducing burnout within teams. How small operational changes can significantly improve daily work experiences. Why connection at work is a critical factor in long-term job satisfaction. How to identify and eliminate unnecessary processes that frustrate teams. The importance of involving frontline staff in problem-solving and decision-making. How to transition from burnout into purpose-driven work that feels aligned. Connect with Dr. Trisha Vinatieri Clinical Care Consulting https://www.linkedin.com/company/clinical-care-consulting/ Connect with Wickedly Smart Women® Wickedly Smart Women Wickedly Smart Women on X Wickedly Smart Women on Instagram Wickedly Smart Women Facebook Community Wickedly Smart Women Store on TeePublic [5X Award-Winning Book] Wickedly Smart Women: Trusting Intuition, Taking Action, Transforming Worlds Email: listeners@wickedlysmartwomen.com

What happens when your body starts telling you it's time to walk away, even before your mind is ready to admit it? In this episode of Wickedly Smart Women, host Anjel B. Hartwell welcomes Stacey Bailey, a leadership coach, strategist, and facilitator who helps entrepreneurs and creative leaders grow businesses with heart. A certified System and Soul™ Implementor and Dare to Lead™ Certified professional, she brings more than 15 years of experience in leadership and operations within the creative services industry. Stacey shares her evolution from accidental leader to COO, and ultimately to entrepreneur, revealing the internal struggles, physical burnout signals, and emotional transitions that led her to make a bold exit.  If you've been questioning whether it's time to leave your current role, or wondering how to transition into entrepreneurship without burning out, this episode offers clarity, validation, and a practical path forward. What You Will Learn: Leadership is not about having all the answers but about guiding others to find their own. Burnout often shows up physically before you consciously recognize it. Leaving corporate requires both emotional readiness and strategic financial planning. True leadership balances empathy for people with the realities of business decisions. Entrepreneurship demands self-trust without the constant validation of a team. Creating space to rest and reset is essential before building what comes next. Connect with Stacey Bailey The Intention Collective Connect with Anjel B. Hartwell Wickedly Smart Women Wickedly Smart Women on X Wickedly Smart Women on Instagram Wickedly Smart Women Facebook Community Wickedly Smart Women Store on TeePublic Wickedly Smart Women: Trusting Intuition, Taking Action, Transforming Worlds by Anjel B. Hartwell Listener Line (540) 402-0043 Ext. 4343  Email listeners@wickedlysmartwomen.com