Sweet but Fearless Podcast

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 Chanda Coston, Personal PMP and Success Strategist, about how women over 40 can build businesses by leveraging the experiences they've gathered over time. With a background that spans the U.S. Navy and corporate America, Chanda explains how every role, challenge, and lesson becomes part of what she calls a "shoebox of experiences" that can be used to create new opportunities. In this conversation, Chanda challenges the pressure of hustle culture and encourages women to be smarter about how they spend their time. Instead of trying to do everything at once, she suggests breaking life into seasons and designing your schedule around the goals that matter most in the season you're in. Chanda also emphasizes the importance of making the outcome non-negotiable. By building a practical action plan and approaching goals with intention and strategy, women can move their businesses forward in a way that is proactive, focused, and sustainable. This episode is a reminder that experience is powerful, time is valuable, and the next chapter of business can be built with purpose.   ABOUT CHANDA COSTON: LinkedIn – Chanda Coston Website – Chanda Co. E-book – Reclaiming Your Dreams with Confidence & Clarity ABOUT SWEET BUT FEARLESS: Website - Sweet but Fearless LinkedIn - Sweet but Fearless

In this inspiring episode, Mary Sullivan, co-founder of Sweet but Fearless, talks with leadership coach and educator Colleen Souza, author of Living by the Mantras, as she shares how small, intentional words can create powerful shifts. She invites us to live with greater purpose, one mantra at a time. A nationally recognized educator turned real estate leader, speaker, author, and podcaster, Colleen has spent decades guiding others with honesty, clarity, and practical insight. Her advice is grounded and refreshingly real, the kind that comes from experience, resilience, and a conscious choice to lead with joy. In her book, Living by the Mantras, Colleen shares the powerful phrases that have shaped her life, along with the lessons behind them, for readers ready to live with more intention and more heart. Her hope is to empower others to live from their values with positivity, heart, and humor.   ABOUT COLLEEN SOUZA: LinkedIn – Colleen Souza Website – Living by the Mantras Podcast – Living by the Mantras BOOK: Living by the Mantras   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 Sheronda Rochelle about career reinvention, bold pivots, and redefining yourself in your 50s and beyond. Sheronda shares her career journey and why she's passionate about helping women over 50 reimagine what's next. They explore the power of support systems, friendships, and why you don't have to reinvent your life alone. Sheronda also introduces her newest endeavor, Revelre, (Relatable, Evolve, Elevate, Rediscovery) a membership community that brings businesswomen together through meaningful, dinner-based networking experiences. If you're navigating a pivot, craving connection, or ready for your next chapter, this episode is for you. Outside of her professional work, Sheronda enjoys writing, cooking, and traveling. She credits much of her success to strong mentors and a supportive community and to embracing a nontraditional path. Looking ahead, she hopes to publish her first novel, write a cookbook, and continue advancing her career.   ABOUT SHERONDA ROCHELLE JD, MFA: LinkedIn – Sheronda Rochelle Website – Revelre ABOUT SWEET BUT FEARLESS: Website - Sweet but Fearless LinkedIn - Sweet but Fearless

What happens when the journey to conception collides with burnout? In this episode, Mary Sullivan, co-founder of Sweet but Fearless, is joined by Dr. Aumatma Simmons, a renowned holistic fertility expert who's changing the conversation around natural, whole-person fertility care. Dr. Aumatma explores the key areas that truly support clients on their path to conception and how chronic stress and burnout can quietly impact fertility. She also debunks common myths, especially those around advanced maternal age, and shares her personal journey into fertility work and the unique model of care she's built. This is a thoughtful, empowering conversation for anyone navigating fertility, supporting others, or curious about the deeper connection between stress, health, and reproduction. Dr. Aumatma is a double board-certified Naturopathic Endocrinologist, in practice for close to 20 years. She founded the Holistic Fertility Institute to support badass power couples (C-Suite execs, Entrepreneurs, and multi-passionate people) to create the family of their dreams. ABOUT DR. AUMATMA SIMMONS: Website – Holistic Fertility Institute LinkedIn – Aumatma Simmons BOOK: Fertility Secrets: What Your Doctor Didn't Tell You About Baby-Making   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 professor and author Caroline Levander about what it really means to build and nurture a growth mindset in a world that demands innovation. They dive into why an innovative growth mindset isn't something you're born with, it's something you build by learning through doing, experimenting, and being willing to get it wrong before you get it right. Caroline shares insights from her book Invent Ed, a much-needed contribution to the ecosystem of innovation, creativity, and higher education in America. This conversation is a powerful reminder that progress comes from curiosity, courage, and the willingness to try. If you're a frontline woman leader looking to stretch your thinking, expand what's possible, and lead with creativity, this episode is for you.   ABOUT CAROLINE LEVANDER: Website – Caroline Levander LinkedIn – Caroline Levander BOOK: Invent Ed: How an American Tradition of Innovation Can Transform College Today Rice University - Caroline Levander   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 Caroline Stokes, leadership strategist, Fifth Industrial Revolution, for a grounded conversation about intentional learning, emotional intelligence, and navigating change at work with clarity. They explore how emotional intelligence can quietly influence your career, both positively and negatively, especially during moments of uncertainty or transition. Caroline introduces the four common responses to workplace shifts: flight, freeze, fight, and fawn, and explains why understanding your default reaction is key to moving forward with intention instead of operating on autopilot. Once you know where you are, you can begin to choose a mindset that supports growth rather than stress or stagnation. The conversation also dives into thinking ahead in your career, learning with purpose, and handling disruption without losing momentum. Drawing from her books Elephants Before Unicorns and Aftershock, Caroline shares practical insights for leaders who want to respond thoughtfully to change instead of reacting out of fear. This episode is for anyone facing shifts at work and looking to lead themselves, and their careers, with greater awareness and intention. A Sony alum who contributed to the launch of PlayStation, and a PCC-level, EQ 2.0–certified coach, Caroline has evolved from executive headhunter to one of the few global authorities on psychological and strategic leadership reinvention.   ABOUT CAROLINE STOKES, CEC: Website - The Forward Co LinkedIn - Caroline Stokes, CEC Books:Elephants Before Unicorns: Emotionally Intellignet HR Strategies to Save Your Company Aftershock to 2030: A CEO's Guide to Reinvention in the Age of AI, Climate, and Societal Collapse   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