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Step into the world of the Sweet but Fearless podcast, your go-to weekly destination for exploring the challenges confronted by women leaders on the frontlines. With a blend of engaging interviews featuring accomplished women leaders, entrepreneurs, and industry experts along with solo episodes, you'll gain insight and actionable advice to guide you on your fearless career journey.
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In this episode, Mary and Cooper, co-founders of Sweet but Fearless, dig into what really drives a team - performance, morale, and the connections that hold everything together. The #1 reason employees leave their jobs? It's not salary—it's feeling unappreciated or disconnected. We'll help you recognize when a team is starting to struggle, whether it's missed deadlines, low energy, or lack of collaboration. From small shifts in leadership style to everyday check-ins that actually matter, we're sharing practical tips to create a healthier, more motivated work environment. Whether you're leading a team or part of one, this episode is packed with insights to help you build stronger relationships, boost morale, and keep people engaged. Because when people feel supported and seen, they stick around—and they do their best work. Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe, hit like, and leave a comment—we'd love to hear your thoughts! ABOUT SWEET BUT FEARLESS: Website - Sweet but Fearless LinkedIn - Sweet but Fearless
In this episode Mary Sullivan, co-founder of Sweet but Fearless, talks with Tameka Bazile, content creator, entrepreneur, and a powerful voice on LinkedIn, where she shares raw, honest truths about social media as both a profession and a culture. Tameka challenges the idea that your identity stops at your 9–5 and reminds us that personal branding isn't just for influencers, it's essential for professionals navigating evolving careers. They talk about the importance of being open about what you actually want in your career, asking for opportunities instead of waiting to be discovered, and allowing yourself to grow beyond the version of you that first entered the workforce. Tameka also makes one thing clear: learning matters but learning without action keeps you stuck. This conversation is a reminder to stay curious, apply what you learn, and commit to lifelong growth because your career is allowed to evolve as much as you do. Tameka is a Brooklyn-born creative entrepreneur, social strategist, and business influencer who is shaping the conversation around work, identity, and brand power in the digital age. With a career spanning over eight years, Tameka has built a reputation as a sharp, creative industry leader who blends strategic thinking with real-world relatability. She previously served as Social Strategy Manager at TIME, where she oversaw social programming for legacy media bringing the century-old brand into a social-first future ABOUT TAMEKA BAZILE: LinkedIn: Tameka Bazile Website: Tameka B Instagram: The Tameka Bazile ABOUT SWEET BUT FEARLESS: Website - Sweet but Fearless LinkedIn - Sweet but Fearless
In this episode Mary Sullivan, co-founder of Sweet but Fearless, talks with Michele Kehrer, author and founder of Shift to Success, for a thoughtful conversation about overcoming adversity and the personal challenges we all face. Drawing from her book Brave Shift, Michele explores how mindset shapes the way our days unfold, how the thoughts we start with can either fuel overwhelm or create space for calm. Together, they talk about the importance of beginning each morning by identifying the one thing that truly matters that day. With never-ending to-do lists pulling at our attention, this conversation is a reminder that we have to learn when to set the list aside and choose to take action for ourselves. ABOUT MICHELE KEHRER: LinkedIn: Michele Kehrer Website: Michele Kehrer BOOK: Brave Shift:30 Mindset Changes to Transfer Your Life Available January 27, 2026 FREE: Shift to Success Starter Kit ABOUT SWEET BUT FEARLESS: Website - Sweet but Fearless LinkedIn - Sweet but Fearless
In this episode with Cooper Alexander and Mary Sullivan, co-founders of Sweet but Fearless, celebrate the start of a new year and creating a Rebuild Plan for the new year, one you can build in just 15 minutes and actually stick to. Cooper and Mary will take you through planning your January the RX3 way: Reflect → Research → Rebuild. No "new year, new me" pressure. No trying to change everything at once. Just a calmer, clearer way to move forward. Because most January plans don't fail from lack of motivation, they fail from overload. Too many goals. Too much change. Not enough structure. Instead, you'll focus on one powerful question: What's the ONE thing that, if strengthened, would make everything else easier? That's your catalyst goal. One steady anchor. One place to start. Grab your coffee, open your notebook, and rebuild January with clarity, not chaos! ABOUT SWEET BUT FEARLESS: Website - Sweet but Fearless LinkedIn - Sweet but Fearless
In this episode, Mary Sullivan, co-founder of Sweet but Fearless, talks with Julie Kay Roberts, President of JK Roberts and Founder of Emergency Management Association, about risk, self-advocacy, and knowing your worth. Julie shares the risks she took along the way and what it really looks like to stand up for yourself, ask for what you want, and speak with clarity even when it feels uncomfortable. The conversation also explores how leaders should think about AI in today's workforce: not as a crutch, but as a tool, one that supports your work without replacing your voice or judgment. Drawing on her deep expertise, Julie offers a clear, accessible overview of how emergency communication works, why collaboration matters in high-stakes moments, and how effective leaders show up to solve problems together. At the heart of it all is a powerful reminder: leadership isn't about having all the answers, it's about using your voice, trusting your value, and working side-by-side to find the solution. Julie is the President of JK Roberts, LLC, a consulting firm specializing in crisis communication, strategic planning, emergency management, media relations, and continuity planning. ABOUT JULIE KAY ROBERTS: Website: JK Roberts, LLC LinkedIn: Julie Kay Roberts ABOUT SWEET BUT FEARLESS: Website - Sweet but Fearless LinkedIn - Sweet but Fearless
As the year comes to a close, Cooper Alexander and Mary Sullivan, co-founders of Sweet but Fearless, invite you to pause and reflect on what this past year really asked of you. What one pattern repeated itself and quietly ran the year. The one that drained your energy levels, delayed decisions, or kept things heavier than they needed to be. You're not to judge yourself or the pattern but just recognize and understand it. Patterns form to protect us, but once we recognize them, we don't have to keep living inside them. Mary and Cooper talk through patterns many women leaders see again and again - over-responsibility, minimizing your own needs, taking care of everyone else first, delaying decisions out of fear, hiding ambition, or working hard without visibility - and how one of these often becomes the core lesson of the year. You're encouraged to think about that pattern, what it taught you, and whether you want to carry it into the new year - or finally let it go. From there, the questions get simple and honest: What needs to shift? What are you refusing to repeat? And what might next year look like if this pattern stopped running the show? This podcasts goal is to help you name what shaped you this year - so you can choose what comes with you into the next one. Here's to a focused and succesful 2026! ABOUT SWEET BUT FEARLESS: Website - Sweet but Fearless LinkedIn - Sweet but Fearless
In this podcast, Mary Sullivan, co-founder of Sweet but Fearless, talks with pioneering OB-GYN, Dr. Marcia Harris, Medical Director of Wellness Restoration Center, who shares her journey through healthcare as the first Black woman to train in obstetrics and gynecology at Weill Cornell Medicine in New York. She reflects on pursuing many interests with a "try it and see" mindset, honoring how far she's come, and following her passion. They also discuss burnout, her shift toward wellness and restoration, and why self-care is survival, not selfishness. This conversation underscores the urgent need to prioritize women's health, personalized care, and putting women back at the center of their own lives. Dr. Marcia A Harris MD trained at the prestigious Weill-Cornell Medical Center, The New York Hospital, after completing medical school at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons. MORE ABOUT DR. MARCIA HARRIS: Website: The Wellness Restoration Center LinkedIn: Marcia A Harris ABOUT SWEET BUT FEARLESS: Website - Sweet but Fearless LinkedIn - Sweet but Fearless
In this podcast, Mary Sullivan, co-founder of Sweet but Fearless, talks with Jennifer Kaplan, Owner, Evolve Public Relations and Marketing, to explore what it really takes to follow your passion and why the journey often requires a few calculated risks along the way. Jennifer shares her unapologetic philosophy that fear is the real "F-word," the one that keeps too many of us from stepping into what we truly love. Together, Mary and Jennifer dive into protecting your most expensive commodity, your time, and embracing the power of saying no without guilt. This episode is a reminder that the world doesn't need a more polished version of you… it needs the real you. Jennifer Kaplan founded Evolve Public Relations and Marketing in 2010, driven by the goal of connecting with her clients to understand and meet their needs. She brings years of start-up experience, dating back to 2005, when she co-founded PRIME 3, LLC. MORE ABOUT JENNIFER KAPLAN: Website: Evolve Public Relations & Marketing LinkedIn: Jennifer Kaplan ABOUT SWEET BUT FEARLESS: Website - Sweet but Fearless LinkedIn - Sweet but Fearless
In this important conversation, Mary Sullivan, co-founder of Sweet but Fearless, talks with Diane Strand, CEO of JDS Studios, who has built her career on the belief that opportunities aren't found, they're created. Diane discusses her signature DREAM framework (Direction, Realization, Evaluation, Action, Momentum) and explains how clarity, consistency, and courage fuel lasting success. She encourages leaders to present themselves as the person they aspire to be, to show up even when it feels uncomfortable, and to fully embrace being seen and heard. A powerful conversation for anyone ready to make an impact. Diane is the CEO of JDS Studios, a multi–award-winning video production company, the Executive Producer of Spirit of Innovation, the Festival Director of DigiFest Temecula, and a bestselling author. While she firmly believes there's no such thing as overnight success, Diane has spent more than 30 years creating, developing, and boldly carving out her place as a producer, educator, and visionary in the visual, performing, digital arts, and entertainment industries. MORE ABOUT DIANE STRAND: Website: JDS Studios LinkedIn: Diane Strand DigiFest Temecula TedTalk Temecula Book: Show Business: Breaking into the Industry as an Actor ABOUT SWEET BUT FEARLESS: Website - Sweet but Fearless LinkedIn - Sweet but Fearless
In this important conversation, Mary Sullivan, co-founder of Sweet but Fearless, talks with Lisa Levy, Founder & Disruption and Innovation Catalyst, Lcubed Consulting, about the challenges we all face throughout our careers — the speed bumps, pivots, and unexpected twists that shape who we become as leaders. Together, they explore how growth happens when we commit to reading, continual learning, and doing the things that make us uncomfortable. It's all about stretching ourselves so we can step into the leaders we're meant to be. Lisa Levy is the Founder and CEO of Lcubed Consulting, a business that helps enterprise to medium level organizations elevate through strategic goal achievement. A frequent guest expert on multiple media outlets including NBC, ABC, CBS and FOX, Lisa is also a frequent speaker at business executive conferences. MORE ABOUT LISA LEVY: Website: Lcubed Consulting LinkedIn: Lisa Levy Book: Future Proofing Cubed: The Definitive Guide to Improving Productivity, Refining Processes, and Bolstering Profitability ABOUT SWEET BUT FEARLESS: Website - Sweet but Fearless LinkedIn - Sweet but Fearless
In this important conversation, Mary Sullivan, co-founder of Sweet but Fearless, talks with Nancy Griffin, CEO and Founder of Women, Worth & Wellness. Nancy attributes her decades of success to personal courage, determination, and a deep sense of joy, especially when championing women's health and wellness. Since founding Women, Worth & Wellness in 1994 as a Private Client Wealth Advisor, she has dedicated her career to helping women strengthen both their net worth and self-worth. Nancy brings her signature mix of warmth, wisdom, and empowerment to this episode as she and Mary break down the truth about investing, starting with the most powerful investment you'll ever make: yourself. She shares why learning to invest is essential, why you shouldn't try to be your own investment advisor, and how to be discerning when choosing who to trust with your money, your goals, and your future. Known for inspiring and informing women about their personal health, wealth, philanthropy, and legacy, Nancy's mission is to help women feel fabulous, generous, joyful, confident, and fully in command of their lives—every single day. Tune in for a grounded, accessible, and heartfelt conversation designed to help you step into financial confidence while keeping you at the center of every decision. MORE ABOUT NANCY GRIFFIN: Website: Women, Worth & Wellness LinkedIn: Nancy Griffin ABOUT SWEET BUT FEARLESS: Website - Sweet but Fearless LinkedIn - Sweet but Fearless
In this podcase episode, Mary Sullivan, co-founder of Sweet but Fearless, talks with transformational coach and author, Martine Cohen to explore how adversity can become the catalyst for reinvention. Martine shares insights from her book No More Layers, where she uses the metaphor of "layers" to reveal how fear, conditioning, and limiting beliefs keep us from accessing our true potential. Together, they discuss why the first step in any meaningful pivot is to look inward, to lead yourself before leading others. Martine emphasizes the importance of being proactive, investing in yourself, and releasing the illusion of perfection. Leadership isn't about being a boss, it's about guiding yourself toward the life and career you truly want. If you've ever felt stuck or weighed down by expectations, this episode will inspire you to shed what no longer serves you and step confidently into your next chapter. MORE ABOUT MARTINE COHEN: Website: Martine Cohen LinkedIn: Martine Cohen Book: No More Layers: Discover Your Inner Power and Reclaim True Freedom From the Inside Out FREE: Feeling overwhelmed by your brain chatter?Join this FREE 2-day reset and discover a simple, 4-minute tool to stop the mental chaos in its tracks. ABOUT SWEET BUT FEARLESS: Website - Sweet but Fearless LinkedIn - Sweet but Fearless
In this episode, Mary Sullivan, co-founder of Sweet but Fearless, sits down with Bizzie Gold, mental health innovator, speaker, and author of Your Brain Is a Filthy Liar. Using a science-backed approach to Brain Pattern Mapping, Bizzie exposes how your mind manipulates you into believing the same comfortable lies, all while making your life harder than it needs to be. Together, they talk about why most self-sabotage begins in childhood and how labels can become convenient excuses that block real growth. Bizzie is a trailblazing innovator in emotional rewiring, blending cutting-edge technology with data-driven insights to revolutionize the mental health field. As the creator of a nationally accredited methodology, she challenges the status quo by exposing the subconscious patterns that drive behavior and offering efficient, sustainable tools for lasting change. MORE ABOUT BIZZIE GOLD: Website: Bizzie Gold LinkedIn: Bizzie Gold Instagram: Bizzie Gold Decoded Podcast with Bizzie Book: Your Brain is a Filthy Liar: How Self-Deception Controls You and the Path to Freedom ABOUT SWEET BUT FEARLESS: Website - Sweet but Fearless LinkedIn - Sweet but Fearless
In this episode, Mary Sullivan, co-founder of Sweet but Fearless, talks with Karen Bartholomew to explore her transformative Power of the Pause methodology, a step-by-step framework designed to help you redesign your next chapter with intention and courage. Karen believes our greatest superpower is curiosity, and that failure isn't a setback but a gift that reveals what truly matters. Through her Pause Methodology, she shares how to slow down, reflect, and create space for growth, clarity, and reinvention. Whether you're navigating a career pivot, a personal transition, or simply craving a reset, this conversation will inspire you to embrace the pause and rediscover the power within it. Through The Pause Method, Karen helps women and leaders break free from limiting beliefs, release old patterns, and step fully into their potential. Whether you're navigating a major life transition, seeking more meaning in your career, or simply wanting to show up more powerfully in your own life, she'll help you slow down so you can speed up in the right direction. MORE ABOUT KAREN BARTHOLOMEW: Website: Karen Bartholomew YouTube: The Power of the Pause ABOUT SWEET BUT FEARLESS: Website - Sweet but Fearless LinkedIn - Sweet but Fearless
In this episode, Mary Sullivan, co-founder of Sweet but Fearless, talks with Brooke Lively, founder and president of Cathedral Capital, about the twists, turns, and unexpected detours that shape a fulfilling career. Together, they explore how finding where you belong often means recognizing that the right company is one whose core values truly align with your own. Brooke shares how each job, whether it's a perfect fit or a painful mismatch, can teach you something valuable. Even a challenging boss can become a guidepost, showing you the kind of leader you aspire to be. As Robert Frost wrote, "I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference." This episode reminds us that success isn't about a straight line, it's about the growth, lessons, and wins you collect along the way. MORE ABOUT BROOKE LIVELY: LinkedIn: Brooke LivelyWebsite: Brooke Lively Website: CathCap YouTube: An Interview with Brooke Lively ABOUT SWEET BUT FEARLESS: Website - Sweet but Fearless LinkedIn - Sweet but Fearless
In this episode, Mary Sullivan, co-founder of Sweet but Fearless, talks with Kelli Thompson, award-winning executive coach and author, to explore where confidence truly comes from and how curiosity is its secret partner. Mary and Kelli unpack the critical difference between being a manager and being a leader, diving into how doing the work yourself can sometimes hinder your ability to think strategically and lead effectively. Together, they explore why confidence isn't about having all the answers but about being willing to ask the right questions. Tune in and discover how confidence and curiosity work hand-in-hand to shape authentic, fearless leadership. Kelli is an award-winning leadership and executive coach, keynote speaker, and the critically acclaimed author of Closing The Confidence Gap: Boost Your Peace, Your Potential & Your Paycheck. In Kelli's two-decade career leading teams, she received industry awards for her ability to build programs that cultivated the pipeline of future leaders. MORE ABOUT KELLI THOMPSON: LinkedIn: Kelli Thompson Website: Kelli Rae Thompson Book: Closing The Confidence Gap: Boost Your Peace, Your Potential & Your Paycheck. Ted Talk: How Idolizing Coworkers Can Hold You Back SIGN up for leadership and confidence tips every Tuesday FREE guides and workbooks for career clarity in leadership and confidence ABOUT SWEET BUT FEARLESS: Website - Sweet but Fearless LinkedIn - Sweet but Fearless
In this episode, Mary Sullivan, co-founder of Sweet but Fearless, talks with Gloria Chou, an award-winning PR strategist and host of the top-rated Small Business PR Podcast. Gloria is known for her untraditional yet proven approach to public relations—one that makes visibility and media access attainable for everyone, not just those with insider connections or massive followings. Together, they dive into what PR truly means for small business owners and professionals in transition. Gloria shares practical strategies for pitching yourself with confidence, using your voice to attract your ideal audience, and showing up authentically in your story. ✨ FREE MASTERCLASS Oct 7-9, 2025 MORE ABOUT GLOIA CHOU LinkedIn: Gloria Chou Website: Gloria Chou PR Podcast: Small Business PR Masterclass: Get Featured in Gift Guides, Oct 7-9, 2025 ABOUT SWEET BUT FEARLESS: Website - Sweet but Fearless LinkedIn - Sweet but Fearless
In this episode of the Sweet but Fearless podcast, co-founder, Mary Sullivan, talks with Kim Brassor, founder and Chief Visionary with One Voice Evolving, for an insightful conversation on resilience and reinvention, especially for women over 40. Together, they explore what it truly means to take up space at the table, how to speak so others will listen, and the hidden barriers that keep many women from feeling confident, comfortable, and secure in their roles. Kim shares practical strategies for finding your voice, stepping into your presence, and overcoming the doubts that hold you back. Whether you're leading in the workplace, starting something new, or simply redefining what's next, this episode will give you tools to step forward with courage and clarity. ✨ Click the link below to grab your free resource on How to Speak Up and start building your confidence today! Kim Brassor, MA-ORGL, is a speaker, author, and founder of One Voice Evolving. With a background in organizational leadership and a passion for helping women find their authentic voice, Kim specializes in guiding listeners through the art of courageous conversations. Her work blends practical communication tools with somatic awareness, making her an engaging, insightful guest for podcasts focused on personal growth, leadership, women's empowerment, and professional development. MORE ABOUT KIM BRASSOR LinkedIn: Kim Brassor Website: One Voice Evolving FREE: Speak Up Starter Kit ABOUT SWEET BUT FEARLESS: Website - Sweet but Fearless LinkedIn - Sweet but Fearless
In this episode of the Sweet but Fearless podcast, co-founder, Mary Sullivan, talks with Anastasia Ristovska, co-founder of Books at Ease and Next Generation Bookkeeping Academy, focusing on the financial foundations every business needs to thrive. Anastasia shares her journey from corporate accountant to building two successful businesses dedicated to empowering small and medium-sized companies, especially in the digital space, with financial control and clarity. She highlights why leveraging relationships is just as critical as the numbers, and why systems and processes must be in place from the start to avoid costly mistakes down the road. Anastasia also gives us a behind-the-scenes look at her work training international accounting professionals in U.S. business principles and communication skills, helping to fill a growing gap in skilled financial talent. It's an inspiring conversation about strategy, structure, and the courage to build something that lasts. MORE ABOUT ANASTASIA RISTOVSKA: LinkedIn: Anastasia R. Website: Books At Ease ABOUT SWEET BUT FEARLESS: Website - Sweet but Fearless LinkedIn - Sweet but Fearless
In this episode of the Sweet but Fearless podcast, co-founder Mary Sullivan talks with Tara Landes, Founder of Bellrock. After years of working with small businesses across North America, Tara returned to Vancouver and discovered a gap no one was filling. She didn't just step into the work she was already great at - she leaned into what she loved most. Rather than wait for the perfect role to appear, she created it, building a business around passion and purpose. Tara shares how identifying unmet needs, following what lights you up, and defining what truly matters can guide your path. She also explains why influence and persuasion are essential skills for turning ideas into reality and inspiring others along the way. If you've ever felt successful on paper but unfulfilled in practice, Tara's story is a reminder that fulfillment often comes from leaning into your natural strengths and using them to serve others. Tara Landes is the Founder of Bellrock. Based in Vancouver, BC, Tara has been working directly with the leaders and managers of North American companies to help them scale and build enterprise value since the turn of the century. MORE ABOUT TARA LANDES: LinkedIn: Tara Landes Website: Bellrock Sign up for her Newsletter ABOUT SWEET BUT FEARLESS: Website - Sweet but Fearless LinkedIn - Sweet but Fearless
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love the dynamics of the sweet but fearless team