Lead with Spark | Leadership for Women, Work - Life Balance, Career Confidence

When women lead, the room shifts. In this conversation with Dr. Ebony Stone—author, speaker, and coach— we unpack what it really takes to thrive as a woman in leadership today: grace over guilt, perspective over comparison, and “do it scared” over perfect timing. Ebony shares her PAUSE framework (Pause/Pray, Analyze, Understand, Strategize, Execute) and how it applies to real life—boardrooms, busy homes, and those messy in-between moments. We talk superpowers, why your presence is a competitive advantage, and how to reframe nerves as excitement so you can step onto any stage (or into any meeting) with intention. “You don’t have to be fearless. You just have to do it scared—until scared starts to look like excitement.” You’ll learn: How to give yourself grace without lowering your standards The PAUSE framework you can use for a meeting, a project, or a life pivot Why “do it scared” is the fastest path to confidence How to stop comparing and start leading with your unique superpowers A practical way to separate facts from limiting beliefs (at home and at work) Resources & Links: Ebony Stone LinkedIn @DrEbonyStone Facebook @DrEbonyStone Her book: The Power of Pause — use code $Spark2025$ at https://www.drebonystone.com/ for a listener discount Connect with Lynsey: Website: LynseyMulder.com Facebook: @LynseySMulder LinkedIn: @Lynsey-Mulder Instagram: @LynseyMulder 🗣 Bring SparkLife to your team or event — speaking & workshops

If your updates get lost, decisions stall, or you leave meetings exhausted from carrying the room, the problem isn’t just strategy. It’s how you show up. In this story-driven episode, Lynsey unpacks executive presence using three unforgettable rideshare moments from her latest trip to Destin, Florida: the disengaged “Mr. Earbuds,” the resigned “Miss Chaos,” and the intentional hostess with the mostess who changed the entire experience without changing the road. You’ll learn how to open strong (set purpose in the first 90 seconds), right the ride when things go sideways (steady agency over excuses), and close with care (clear next steps + visible credit). Same goals, same road, very different ride. What you’ll learn The simple, repeatable presence sequence: Open → Right the Ride → Close with Care How to set the temperature of a room in your first sentence (without theatrics) Practical ways to show steadiness under constraint: name reality, then create a pocket of agency Why follow-through is your leadership “aftertaste” (and how to make it memorable) How presence makes your values, superpowers, and non-negotiables visible so trust compounds Women-in-leadership insight: confident kindness that beats the “too cold / too soft” double bind Episode highlights The Destin rideshare test: same route, three experiences → presence by design “Earbuds energy” vs. “host energy,” what your team feels before you speak The 90-second open: purpose, outcome, next step. Mercy, not bossiness Righting the ride: constraints are real; agency is yours Closing with care: decisions, owners, dates and a grace note that sticks One line to take with you “Executive presence is the temperature you set. Calm the chaos, and the work moves faster.” Work with Lynsey Want a partner to accelerate this? Lynsey offers 1:1 coaching for women leaders and business coaching for founders and business owners. Practical, momentum-focused, and tailored to you. Start here: com Connect with Lynsey: Website: LynseyMulder.com Facebook: @LynseySMulder LinkedIn: @Lynsey-Mulder Instagram: @LynseyMulder

What if the third most important day of your life is the day you start living your why, on purpose? In this episode, Lynsey breaks down intentional living as a series of tiny, faithful micro-movements (not cliff jumps) that add up to a life that feels like you. Drawing on John Maxwell’s take, “decide in advance who you will be and what you will give,”she connects it to the SparkLife formula: Values (your compass), Non-Negotiables (your guardrails), Superpowers (your natural edge), and Passion (purpose with traction). You’ll challenge three big myths (I should already know my purpose…it’s too late…I need perfect timing), learn why purpose is discovered in motion, and get practical prompts—a simple joy audit and a few starter micro-moves to begin this week inside your real life, job, and calendar. If you’re a woman leader craving authenticity, clarity, confidence, and better work-life alignment, this conversation will help you name the “tug,” shrink the fears, and take the next brave half-inch turn toward a life you’re proud of. In this episode, you’ll learn: How to uncover purpose when you’re not sure what your “why” is The role of values, boundaries, strengths, and passion in daily decisions Why waiting for “perfect timing” is an expensive delay Micro-moves to start living your purpose this week Ideal for: women in leadership, emerging leaders, entrepreneurs, purpose-driven professionals, and anyone ready to live intentionally—one micro-movement at a time. Connect with Lynsey: Website: LynseyMulder.com Facebook: @LynseySMulder LinkedIn: @Lynsey-Mulder Instagram: @LynseyMulder

Moving from “I’ll just do it myself” to true leadership is a skill, and delegation is the lever. In this episode of Lead with Spark, Lynsey shares a simple four-step handoff loop - Select, Scope, Support, Spotlight - that turns tasks into growth without letting anyone down. You’ll learn how to use the Eisenhower model (urgent vs. important) to decide what to delegate, how to give a clear, kind overview that sets people up to win, and how to coach without micromanaging so quality stays high. Lynsey gets real about the shift from individual contributor to leader, that awkward phase where yesterday’s peers are today’s team and why delegating isn’t “bossing people around,” it’s building people up. You’ll hear practical examples from work and home (hello, Kitchen CEO) and guidance for individual contributors who want to share work through pairing, internships, and strength-based task swaps. We’ll also name the common barriers like perfectionism, fear of losing control, speed addiction, peer discomfort and reframe them with tools that protect excellence and your energy. Finally, Lynsey ties delegation to Spark (values, superpowers, non-negotiables) so you lead intentionally, free up time for the highest-priority work only you can do, and strengthen executive presence through calm clarity and visible development. Perfect for women in leadership, managers, and high-performing ICs who want momentum without burnout and a team that grows because you do. Connect with Lynsey: Website: LynseyMulder.com Facebook: @LynseySMulder LinkedIn: @Lynsey-Mulder Instagram: @LynseyMulder

If you’ve ever wondered why “be more relatable” sounds obvious but feels impossible in real life, this conversation with author and keynote speaker Rachel DeAlto will be your masterclass. We dig into what relatable leadership actually looks like day-to-day—clear communication, active listening, and honest transparency—and why respect is the trait teams are craving most. You’ll learn Rachel’s simple Who–How–Why framework for sharper messages, how to bridge generational gaps without turning into the “back in my day” boss, and practical ways to re-energize remote/hybrid teams with better 1:1s, intentional touchpoints, and smart in-person moments. You’ll walk away with: A usable definition of relatable (it’s not oversharing - hallelujah). Micro-habits that signal respect and build trust fast. A plug-and-play cadence for effective 1:1s in remote/hybrid settings. A quick-start idea to survey your team and choose one behavior to improve now. Connect with Rachel & grab the book: Instagram: @racheldealto LinkedIn: @RachelDeAlto Book: The Relatable Leader: Create a Culture of Connection - Buy on Amazon Hit play, pick one skill, and start today. Future-you (and your team) will thank you. Connect with Lynsey: Website: LynseyMulder.com Facebook: @LynseySMulder LinkedIn: @Lynsey-Mulder Instagram: @LynseyMulder

Women in leadership are carrying too much invisible work; note-taking, scheduling, conflict smoothing, onboarding support, and the quiet “glue work” that keeps projects alive but rarely shows up on a dashboard. That hidden load stalls recognition, performance reviews, and promotion. In this episode of Lead with Spark, Lynsey shares a practical visibility playbook to end the invisible work tax without sounding salesy or braggy, and to do it in a way that strengthens executive presence, delegation, and prioritization. You’ll learn how to run a fast S-O-S scan (Stop, Optimize, Share) to cut or streamline low-value tasks and fairly rotate office housework. Then you’ll reframe activity into outcomes and impact so your real contribution is obvious: outputs → outcomes → business impact. Lynsey walks through the two-minute 3-3-1 Friday update, a simple cadence that makes work visible every week, plus a visibility ladder and a one-page, promotion-ready proof pack you can bring to managing-up conversations and performance reviews. You’ll also get kind, copy-ready scripts to rotate note-taking, close meetings with results, defend deep-work time, and say no with context. Developing habits that create psychological safety while keeping your energy focused on what matters. If you want momentum without burnout, and you’re ready to make your wins impossible to miss, this episode is your playbook to end the invisible work tax and advance your career with clear, credible evidence. Connect with Lynsey: Website: LynseyMulder.com Facebook: @LynseySMulder LinkedIn: @Lynsey-Mulder Instagram: @LynseyMulder

From the Grand Concourse to the boardroom, this leadership podcast episode turns the Iowa State Fair into a practical playbook for women in leadership. Lynsey Mulder weaves three generations of family tradition - Grandma’s one-section-a-day map, Grandpa’s steady hours in the livestock barns, and a new stop at Cowboy Bootcamp with her grandson - into ten blue-ribbon leadership lessons you can apply this week. You’ll learn how to set context before you move, ship a preview version to learn faster, define success upfront so your team has psychological safety, show up with stronger executive presence, protect deep-work priorities, delegate ownership (not chores), make smarter project tradeoffs, ask sharper problem/proof/first-move questions, run a weekly “Sky Glider” review to regain strategic altitude, and make work visible so wins actually get rewarded. If you lead a team, or just your calendar, you’ll leave with practical tools and language you can use immediately. The episode includes a quick “Fair Pass” exercise to choose your top three priorities, set two clear nos, and plan one visibility touchpoint. Perfect for women leaders, managers, and high-performing professionals who want less burnout and more momentum. Topics include executive presence tips, delegation strategies, project prioritization, boundaries at work, weekly review rituals, managing up, and values-based leadership. Listen in, grab your worksheet, and give your next week a blue ribbon. Connect with Lynsey: Website: LynseyMulder.com Facebook: @LynseySMulder LinkedIn: @Lynsey-Mulder Instagram: @LynseyMulder

What does it take to lead with both curiosity and compassion? In this episode, I sit down with Malinda Shultice, professor at Iowa State University and Barcelona Executive Business School, licensed nursing home administrator, and founder of a consulting company dedicated to tackling high turnover in healthcare.   Malinda shares her bold career pivot from senior living to academia and entrepreneurship, and the lessons she’s learned about curiosity, compassion, and communication along the way. We dive into the challenges of leadership, the power of truly listening, and how to reignite curiosity when it feels like it’s burned out.   Whether you’re leading a team, navigating a career shift, or simply looking to connect more deeply with those around you, this conversation will spark new ideas and inspire you to lead with authenticity.   👉 Connect with Malinda on LinkedIn: Malinda Shultice   Connect with Lynsey: Website: LynseyMulder.com Facebook: @LynseySMulder LinkedIn: @Lynsey-Mulder Instagram: @LynseyMulder

In today’s episode, we tackle something that many women professionals struggle with. Saying no. Constantly overcommitting to work, family, and social obligations can lead to burnout and a loss of focus on what truly matters. In this empowering episode, I dive deep into the importance of setting non-negotiables in your life. Learn how to align your boundaries with your core values and priorities, and discover actionable strategies to reclaim your time and energy. We’ll explore how saying no is actually saying yes to your goals, and why setting non-negotiables is essential for leadership and personal fulfillment. You’ll hear practical tips, like: How to turn your non-negotiables into powerful affirmations that keep you focused. Using tools like the Non-Negotiables Alignment Pillars to evaluate where you need boundaries most. Download here. The mindset shift you need to make every time you say yes to something (because it’s really saying no to something else). Whether you’re struggling to balance work-life demands, lead effectively, or honor your personal priorities, this episode is packed with tips to help you regain control and lead with intention. Connect with Lynsey: Website: LynseyMulder.com Facebook: @LynseySMulder LinkedIn: @Lynsey-Mulder Instagram: @LynseyMulder

In today’s fast-paced, tech-driven world, the idea of “work-life balance” feels outdated and out of reach. In this episode of Lead With Spark, we explore the evolution from work-life balance to work-life alignment, a dynamic approach that helps you integrate your career, family, and personal goals in a way that fuels your well-being and success. Join Lynsey as she shares her personal strategies for setting boundaries, using technology to your advantage, and finding the harmony that works for you. Learn how to shift your mindset, prioritize what matters, and create space for what brings you joy, without feeling overwhelmed. Whether you're juggling family, career, or personal aspirations, this episode is packed with practical tips to help you achieve true alignment and keep your spark alive. Tune in now and discover how to align your life, reclaim your time, and thrive in both your personal and professional worlds. Connect with Lynsey: Website: LynseyMulder.com Facebook: @LynseySMulder LinkedIn: @Lynsey-Mulder Instagram: @LynseyMulder

Unleashing Your Superpowers: The Spark You’ve Been Missing What if the secret to more confidence, less burnout, and a life you actually love was already inside you? In this episode of Lead with Spark, Lynsey takes you step-by-step through the process of identifying and unleashing your unique superpowers, the strengths that make you brilliant, bold, and impactful. You’ll hear a heartwarming story about her grandson’s superhero costumes, learn the shocking stats about how few people actually use their strengths every day, and discover two powerful ways to uncover what’s been hiding in plain sight. Plus, you’ll see how using your superpowers daily can skyrocket your confidence, boost your mental health, improve motivation, and even increase team engagement by 600%. Whether you’re a leader, business owner, or simply ready to show up as your best self, this episode will inspire you to put your cape back on, and never take it off. Download your free SparkLife Superpower Playbook and start unleashing your brilliance today. Connect with Lynsey: Website: LynseyMulder.com Facebook: @LynseySMulder LinkedIn: @Lynsey-Mulder Instagram: @LynseyMulder

Are you leading, or just performing? In this powerful episode, Lynsey dives into what it really means to live and lead with authenticity, especially as a woman in leadership. If you’ve ever looked around your life and thought, “I’m doing everything I’m supposed to do, so why do I feel like I’ve lost myself?” This one’s for you. You’ll learn: Why ambitious women unknowingly drift out of alignment What it feels like to lead authentically (and how to know when you’re not) The five places to check when you feel off or burnt out How to stop performing and start leading from your values and strengths You’ll also hear a story from one of Lynsey’s coaching clients who went from overwhelmed and disconnected to confident and energized just by returning to her authentic self. Whether you're leading a team, a business, or your family, this episode will help you reclaim your spark and lead with confidence, without burning out. 🎧 Plus: Download the free “Authenticity Self-Check”  📝 Want more? Visit the blog for bonus reflections and stories from the episode. 💥 Apply for a free coaching session or book Lynsey for a keynote by visiting lynseymulder.com   Connect with Lynsey: Website: LynseyMulder.com Facebook: @LynseySMulder LinkedIn: @Lynsey-Mulder Instagram: @LynseyMulder

Today’s episode is all about unexpected inspiration, and it comes with wings. Join me on my front porch, chai latte in hand, as I unpack five powerful leadership lessons inspired by the fierce, focused, and surprisingly wise hummingbird. From building momentum with tiny actions to learning the strength of stepping back, we’ll explore how this little bird can teach us about energy, boundaries, curiosity, and rest. If you’re ready to lead with intention and spark, this conversation is for you. Whether you’re leading a team, a family, or just trying to lead yourself through a busy season, these tiny truths will help you fly with more clarity, courage, and power. 📝 Want more? Visit the blog for bonus reflections and stories from the episode. Connect with Lynsey: Website: LynseyMulder.com Facebook: @LynseySMulder LinkedIn: @Lynsey-Mulder Instagram: @LynseyMulder

Miscommunication is costing professionals more than they think, especially in leadership roles. In this episode of Lead With Spark, we explore two powerful strategies to help women leaders improve communication and elevate their executive presence. You’ll learn how to mentally prepare for high-stakes conversations, avoid common language traps (like “I know” and “actually”), and use a listener blueprint to match different communication styles. Whether you're leading meetings, presenting ideas, or building relationships at work, this episode will help you be heard and understood with impact. 🔗 Prefer reading or want to share this with your team? Read the full blogs, part 1 and part 2, of this episode here. Connect with Lynsey: Website: LynseyMulder.com Facebook: @LynseySMulder LinkedIn: @Lynsey-Mulder Instagram: @LynseyMulder

Confidence isn’t something you’re born with; it’s something you build. In this episode of Lead With Spark, Lynsey shares 3 practical strategies to grow your confidence, reframe your mindset, and use your strengths to take bold action. Whether you’re leading a team, presenting to leadership, or simply stepping into something new, this is your guide to creating confidence that sticks. 🔗 Prefer reading or want to share this with your team? Read the full blog version of this episode here. Connect with Lynsey: Website: LynseyMulder.com Facebook: @LynseySMulder LinkedIn: @Lynsey-Mulder Instagram: @LynseyMulder

Are you secretly waiting for someone to find out you're not as capable as they think you are? You're not alone - in fact, studies show that 70% of people experience imposter syndrome at some point in their careers, and the number jumps even higher for high-achieving women in leadership. In this empowering episode of Lead with Spark, Lynsey breaks down what imposter syndrome really is, why it shows up (especially for ambitious women), and how to reframe it so it no longer holds you back. Through personal stories, relatable moments, and three practical, research-backed strategies, you’ll learn how to: Recognize the signs of imposter syndrome Quiet the inner critic and perfectionist pressure Replace self-doubt with truth, clarity, and confidence Celebrate your strengths and own your achievements unapologetically If you're tired of downplaying your success and ready to lead with authenticity and belief in yourself, this episode will meet you right where you are. Connect with Lynsey: Website: LynseyMulder.com Facebook: @LynseySMulder LinkedIn: @Lynsey-Mulder Instagram: @LynseyMulder

Are you living a version of success that doesn’t actually feel like your own? In this episode of Lead with Spark, Lynsey walks you through the very first step in the Discover Your Leadership Spark framework: identifying your core values. You'll learn why values misalignment can lead to burnout, stress, and disconnection and how clarifying what truly matters can help you lead with authenticity, restore your energy, and realign your work and life.   Download the Core Values Playbook and take the first intentional step toward living with purpose and spark.   Connect with Lynsey: Website: LynseyMulder.com Facebook: @LynseySMulder LinkedIn: @Lynsey-Mulder Instagram: @LynseyMulder

Welcome to the Lead with Spark Podcast — Authentic Leadership for Women Who Want More What does it truly mean to lead, not just in the boardroom or a team meeting, but in your actual life? I’m Lynsey Mulder, leadership coach, speaker, and former Fortune 100 Senior Vice President turned full-time champion for purpose-driven women. On the Lead with Spark podcast, we explore what it really means to lead with authenticity, confidence, and alignment, at work and at home. Decades ago, I earned my first coaching certification, long before leadership coaching became mainstream. Since then, I’ve climbed the corporate ladder, managed teams through chaos, and checked every “success” box until burnout forced me to ask: Is this it? Spoiler alert: It wasn’t. Today, I coach high-performing women and executives who are ready to lead from the inside out with clarity, energy, and purpose. This podcast is for ambitious women leaders, executives, and entrepreneurs ready to level up their leadership, reclaim their spark, and ditch burnout hustle. We talk executive presence, leadership communication, values-driven decision-making, setting boundaries, and how to balance it all without losing yourself. Whether you're leading a team, a company, or just trying to lead your life more intentionally, you’ll find real conversations, actionable strategies, and empowering insight here. Because leadership isn’t just about what you do, it’s about who you are. Ready to lead with more purpose, presence, and power? Hit subscribe and join the movement. Keep showing up. Keep leading with spark. You’ve got this, and I’ve got you. Connect with Lynsey: Website: LynseyMulder.com Facebook: @LynseySMulder LinkedIn: @Lynsey-Mulder Instagram: @LynseyMulder