Leading Lady Podcast | Coaching and Accountability for Ambitious Women Entrepreneurs

Are you on the lookout for a biz bestie, or maybe just want to improve your relationship with a coworker or friend? This episode is for you!   Joining me today is Aubrey Edwards, the person I’ve worked with the closest every day of my life since we started working together over 20 years ago! Aubrey was there when I founded Bright Beginning Children’s Learning Center and also helps behind the scenes with Leading Lady and the Annapolis Collective. Needless to say, we know each other very well by now!    In today’s episode, we share eight key factors that have helped us develop and maintain a close relationship in our 20 years of working together.   Aubrey Edwards is the CEO of Bright Beginning Children’s Learning Center. She is consistently completing professional development hours and is currently taking online courses at Anne Arundel Community College to further her education. Aubrey has earned her Teacher Certification, Positive Education Certification, Coaching & Mentoring Certification, and Directors of Operations Certification.    She started with BBCLC when they first opened their doors in September of 2004 and has a total of 24 years of experience working in Early Education. Aubrey has always been passionate about working with children and making a difference in every child’s life that walks through BBCLC’s doors. Her mission has always been to create a safe, nurturing and fun environment for all children to learn and grow.    Aubrey currently resides in Glen Burnie, Maryland, with her two boys, Cruz (age 9) and Enzo (age 3). They love trying new experiences, spending as much time outside, and going out to eat.   Topics covered in this episode include: How Aubrey and I started working together over 20 years ago The key to creating effective communication Building respect in new or developing relationships   If you want successful long-term relationships, be sure to tune in!   Show notes available at www.leadinglady-coaching.com/podcast   Resources Mentioned:  Book a call with me: https://leadinglady-coaching.com/work-with-me/ For more information on Bright Beginning Children’s Learning Center, check out their links: Website: https://bright-beginning.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bright.beginning867 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bbclc Contact Aubrey: a.edwards@bright-beginning.com   Have you joined the Leading Ladies Facebook Group yet?! I would love to see you in there! Head to https://www.facebook.com/groups/LeadingLadiesAAL to join! Let’s connect on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aalcoaching Let’s connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leading.lady.coach/

Sooner or later, you're bound to have a difficult conversation either in your personal or professional relationships. How can you handle it like a real Leading Lady? How can you stay on goal and avoid letting your emotions to overtake the discussion?   In this Fan Favorite Replay episode, we’re talking about creating a healthy mindset that brings positivity around difficult conversations and five crucial steps we can take to empower open communication.    In Today’s Episode We Discuss:  Why you can’t and shouldn’t avoid difficult conversations The correct mindset around confrontations How difficult conversations lead to building relationships   Show notes available at www.leadinglady-coaching.com/podcast   Resources Mentioned:  Have you joined the Leading Ladies Facebook Group yet?! I would love to see you in there! Head to https://www.facebook.com/groups/LeadingLadiesAAL to join! Let’s connect on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aalcoaching Let’s connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leading.lady.coach/

Do you need to spend more time resting, but keep telling yourself now is not a good time? This episode will inspire you to listen more closely to what your body is telling you!   My good friend  Julie Blamphin is helping us reimagine self-care by sharing the importance of listening to the body. She discusses why rest and stillness are so important and offers ideas on how to give your body the attention she needs.   Julie Blamphin is a yoga pro, speaker, retreat leader, and founder of Stretch Your Spirit. Her career path began in 1980 in her mother’s school of gymnastics, teaching stretches and strength poses to young Special Olympians. Currently, she’s using her positive vibe and racy authenticity to speak to women all over the world on taboo topics, helping them feel more joyful, stable, and sexy.   Topics covered in this episode include: Why women put off taking care of themselves (and how to avoid doing this yourself!) Simple exercises to relax and ground your body and mind Practicing rest, retreating, strength, and more during real life   If the idea of spending time and money on yourself makes you feel guilty, but you know you need a break, this is for you.   Show notes available at www.leadinglady-coaching.com/podcast   Resources Mentioned:  Get Julie’s Freebie: https://www.stretchyourspirit.com/top3tips?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR2pLUeSZISSUrn5Y-ddWOR_wSClXdnMrmBwJdVGzUkRSEhcKHVPIjMyqhc_aem_ARV7gX59yxFLmR2lS0A7RCivAQDrCwHdJNcekj0nJUQHRo1ImhXgrZfoq3F14g-4bPxrZkcUyNsHslBlU-Beb6t7 Visit Julie’s Website: https://www.stretchyourspirit.com/ Join Julie’s Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/stretchyourspirit/ Follow @stretchyourspirit on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stretchyourspirit/  Connect with Julie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-blamphin-b60397204/    Have you joined the Leading Ladies Facebook Group yet?! I would love to see you in there! Head to https://www.facebook.com/groups/LeadingLadiesAAL to join! Let’s connect on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aalcoaching Let’s connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leading.lady.coach/  

Are you in survival mode right now? Do you feel like you’re barely hanging on?   In this Fan Favorite Replay episode of the Leading Lady podcast, I’m talking about the difference between surviving and thriving in your leadership role and what it takes to move from surviving to thriving. When you’re in a season of survival, it can seem impossible to find a way out, but I promise there is one.    I’m teaching you exactly what to do when you don’t know how to get out of survival mode without your business dying, and it’s probably easier than you think. You can follow simple steps to strengthen your business and team and get back to doing what you do best.   Topics covered in this episode include:   Why you can’t survive and thrive at the same time What to do when you’re in survival mode How to get back to basics with your whole team   If you’ve been in survival mode for a while and you're struggling to find a way out, you’re not alone. Start listening to find out how to go from surviving to thriving.    Show notes available at www.leadinglady-coaching.com/podcast   Resources Mentioned:  Book a Coaching Call: https://leadinglady-coaching.com/private-coaching/    Have you joined the Leading Ladies Facebook Group yet?! I would love to see you in there! Head to https://www.facebook.com/groups/LeadingLadiesAAL to join! Let’s connect on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aalcoaching Let’s connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leading.lady.coach/

How well do you know your worth?   In this fan favorite replay episode, I want to tell you a story.    I recently had an exchange that left me with a better understanding of what it means to know your worth and what you bring to the table. As you’ll hear in the episode, it left me pretty stunned for a moment, but I’m really proud of how I handled it, and I want to share that with you.    Want to know how I handled it so well? Because I know my own worth and I’m confident in what I bring to the table. That’s what I want for you too!   If this is something you struggle with (trust me, we’ve all been there), I hope this episode helps!  Show notes available at www.leadinglady-coaching.com/podcast

Do you volunteer often? Are you interested in learning more about how it could benefit your personal life, business and community?   If you answered yes to either question then this episode is for you!   In this fan-favorite replay episode, my dear friend Judy Buddensick and I discuss the importance of partnering with your clients and supporting your community.   Judy is extremely passionate about helping small businesses grow. She opened the Frances Marketing Group in February 2017 which is a full-service media and marketing agency that provides solutions and ideas tailored to each client’s specific needs and goals.    Judy is also extremely passionate about volunteerism and community service. She has sponsored over 100 Midshipmen from the Naval Academy, is on the Board of Directors of the Downtown Annapolis Partnership and produces the annual Midnight Madness holiday events. She also serves on the Board of the Annapolis Police Foundation and The Annapolis Police Scholarship Fund. In response to the pandemic, she was part of the team that became known as the Annapolis Backpack Collaborative. They raised $40,000 to buy desperately needed school supplies for 2500 students in the City of Annapolis!   I hope this episode with Judy inspires you to stay deeply connected to your community whether the business owners in it are your clients or not. Show notes available at www.leadinglady-coaching.com/podcast Have you joined the Leading Ladies Facebook Group yet?! I would love to see you in there!   Let’s connect on Facebook and Instagram!

The last thing any business owner wants is a bad review. Sometimes they help us to grow and improve our client experience. But what if someone is just being mean?   In this episode, I’m talking about how to handle an unwarranted negative review based on a recent personal experience.   As business owners, we can’t always share our side of the story. So when we come across a negative review that isn’t exactly deserved, it can leave us feeling emotional and hurt.    I’m sharing how to approach this situation with a mindset that keeps you thriving and helps you focus on improving your business.    In Today’s Episode We Discuss:  How to approach a negative review with a positive mindset Why responding to reviews builds credibility Approaching negative reviews in a way that can help your business   By the end of this episode, you’ll know what to do with those reviews that come out of malice. There’s no reason to feel defeated!    In the spirit of leaving reviews, I invite you to leave a review for the Leading Lady Podcast so we can reach and empower more women leaders like you!    Show notes available at www.leadinglady-coaching.com/podcast   Resources Mentioned:  Leave a review for the Leading Lady Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leading-lady-podcast/id1500954725   Have you joined the Leading Ladies Facebook Group yet?! I would love to see you in there! Head to https://www.facebook.com/groups/LeadingLadiesAAL to join! Let’s connect on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aalcoaching Let’s connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leading.lady.coach/

Want to have a smooth and successful business collaboration?   In this episode, I’m sharing ten tips to ensure your next business-to-business collaboration is a success.   When done correctly, collaborations are a powerful thing for your business. But when they're not done right, it can lead to exhaustion, frustration, and disappointment.   I’m here to take away any fears you may have and prepare you with everything you need to find and work with your next collaboration partner.    In Today’s Episode We Discuss:  How to choose the right partner to collaborate with What communication should look like with your collab partner Factors to keep in mind when tracking success   If you have any questions or need help with any of these steps, I invite you to book a call with me so we can fine-tune your plans!    Show notes available at www.leadinglady-coaching.com/podcast   Resources Mentioned:  Book a Discovery Call   Have you joined the Leading Ladies Facebook Group yet?! I would love to see you in there! Head to https://www.facebook.com/groups/LeadingLadiesAAL to join! Let’s connect on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aalcoaching Let’s connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leading.lady.coach/

Let’s talk about publishing.    For any book, there is so much that goes on behind the scenes to put those books in the hands of the readers. I got a firsthand look at it while I was working on publishing my book, Take the Lead.    In this replay episode of Leading Lady, I sat down with Hannah Kates, the CEO and chief editor at Lofthouse Publishing. She is my editor and dear friend and the whole reason that my book, Take The Lead, even made it out into the world.    Hannah is passionate about empowering others with publishing in an ethical way. There’s a huge need for better publishing and she is doing what she can to improve it as much as possible.    There’s an impact that needs to be made with publishing. We need to stop looking at books as the product. The product is so much more than that. At Lofthouse Publishing, they strive to publish books that you don’t just read and then put down. They publish books that take you on a journey and change you forever.     Everyone has a story, and your story is valid. Tune in to learn more about Lofthouse Publishing and what you need to know if you are thinking about publishing your book.    Show notes available at www.leadinglady-coaching.com/podcast   Resources Mentioned:  Visit the Lofthouse Publishing website: https://www.authorhannahkates.com/services/publishing/    Have you joined the Leading Ladies Facebook Group yet?! I would love to see you in there! Head to https://www.facebook.com/groups/LeadingLadiesAAL to join! Let’s connect on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aalcoaching Let’s connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leading.lady.coach

In this episode of Leading Lady, I want to share my experience with my daughter who went through sorority recruitment, or rush, as a freshman in college.   People feel pretty passionately about sororities. Some feel it’s archaic and toxic, some think it’s a wonderful experience and really appreciate the community and the opportunities that being in a sorority presents.    My experience with this whole process was a bit of a culture shock, to be honest. However, it’s important to remember that everyone’s experience is unique to them. There is no right or wrong blanket statement when it comes to sororities.    My daughter and I both learned a lot from this experience. One of the biggest takeaways from this is that no one likes rejection, but it is a very real part of life.    As much as rejection hurts, we have to recognize that it’s not our place to determine if we are the right fit for someone else. We should instead focus on looking for situations where we are wanted, celebrated, and accepted.    Tune in to learn more about our experience with the sorority recruitment process and what we learned from rejection.    Show notes available at www.leadinglady-coaching.com/podcast   Resources Mentioned: Have you joined the Leading Ladies Facebook Group yet?! I would love to see you in there! Head to https://www.facebook.com/groups/LeadingLadiesAAL to join! Let’s connect on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aalcoaching Let’s connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leading.lady.coach

Are you feeling disconnected from your original business vision?    In this episode, I pose this crucial question and share my personal journey of realigning my business vision and values after 20 years as an entrepreneur.   I walk you through a powerful exercise I recently completed, which helped me rediscover the core values that drive my early childhood education business. I explore how to identify, define, and assess your top five business values, and offer insights on how to ensure your organization is truly living up to these principles.   By the end of this episode, you’ll have practical tips on conducting a values audit, identifying areas for improvement, and creating an action plan to bring your business back into alignment with your original vision. This episode is a must-listen for entrepreneurs and business leaders looking to reignite their passion and ensure their organization stays true to its foundational principles.   Topics covered in this episode include: How to create an action plan to realign your business with its original vision The impact of operating from a place of fear versus values-based leadership Strategies for communicating your business values to your team (and the hidden benefits of doing so!)   Show notes available at www.leadinglady-coaching.com/podcast   Resources Mentioned:  Book a Discovery Call: https://aalcoachschedule.as.me/?appointmentType=2262142   Have you joined the Leading Ladies Facebook Group yet?! I would love to see you in there! Head to https://www.facebook.com/groups/LeadingLadiesAAL to join! Let’s connect on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aalcoaching Let’s connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leading.lady.coach/  

Have you been looking for a way to connect with like-minded women in leadership?   From the outside looking in, you might not realize just how many benefits there are to being in a networking group. Yes, you grow your network, but you also get so much more than that. In this episode of the Leading Lady podcast, I’m sharing six of the most powerful benefits, both personal and professional, of being part of a networking group.    Topics covered in this episode include: My secret to getting more work done in less time  How to guarantee a good return on investment from your education  The surprising benefits of being in a networking group   If you’re looking to make an investment to grow your business and improve your life, a networking group could be the answer for you! Tune in to learn more.    Show notes available at www.leadinglady-coaching.com/podcast   Resources Mentioned:  Learn More About The Collective: https://leadinglady-coaching.com/the-collective/   Have you joined the Leading Ladies Facebook Group yet?! I would love to see you in there! Head to https://www.facebook.com/groups/LeadingLadiesAAL to join! Let’s connect on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aalcoaching Let’s connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leading.lady.coach/

Are you beating yourself up because you haven’t accomplished everything you wanted to in 2024?   Guess what? The year isn’t over yet! You might feel like the year is winding down and maybe the summer killed your motivation a little, but in reality, you still have so much time to crush your goals before the end of the year.    Join me in this episode of the Leading Lady podcast for a discussion about how to regain your momentum and hit your goals in the second half of the year! I’m sharing eight things you can do right now to finish the year strong.    Topics covered in this episode include: An easy way to review your year so far  A quick tip to reignite your motivation for the rest of the year How to use your numbers to hit your goals    Don’t miss out on this opportunity to take back your year!    Show notes available at www.leadinglady-coaching.com/podcast   Resources Mentioned:  Get the Free Strategic Planning Wheel: https://leading-lady.mykajabi.com/wheel   Have you joined the Leading Ladies Facebook Group yet?! I would love to see you in there! Head to https://www.facebook.com/groups/LeadingLadiesAAL to join! Let’s connect on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aalcoaching Let’s connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leading.lady.coach/

What if you could move forward in your business with the confidence that you are enough and your business is needed?   A scarcity mindset will convince you of the opposite. That little voice in your mind will tell you that you’re not good enough, there’s too much competition, and it’s too hard. Erin Harrigan is here on the Leading Lady podcast to teach you the secret to overcoming that voice so that you can be the leader you were born to be.   Erin is a Christian speaker, author, and biblical business coach for high-achieving Christian women in business and in the boardroom.    Topics covered in this episode include: The harmful effects of a scarcity mindset on your self-esteem  Actions you can take right now to overcome a scarcity mindset  Two words that change everything    Tune in to learn the lies your scarcity mindset is telling you and how to overcome them.    Show notes available at www.leadinglady-coaching.com/podcast   Resources Mentioned:  Visit Erin’s Website: https://erinharrigan.com Get Erin’s Free Audio Devotional: erinharrigan.com/devotional  Follow @erindharrigan on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/erindharrigan Listen to Erin’s podcast episode on Stewardship > Scarcity: https://erinharrigan.com/stewardship-over-scarcity-your-money-focus-ep-248/   Have you joined the Leading Ladies Facebook Group yet?! I would love to see you in there! Head to https://www.facebook.com/groups/LeadingLadiesAAL to join! Let’s connect on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aalcoaching Let’s connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leading.lady.coach/

What is a margin and what does it mean to high-achievers, entrepreneurs, and leaders?   In this episode of the Leading Lady podcast, we’re exploring how to build margins within your business and life to create space for you to operate at your best. Why are we always trying to operate at maximum capacity? Through my own experience of running myself ragged, I know that it’s not sustainable, so I want to teach you a better way.    Topics covered in this episode include: How to plan margins in your life  A common piece of time-management advice I don’t subscribe to The harmful consequences of living in a reactive state    Tune in to learn how the most successful entrepreneurs use margins to build sustainable, efficient, and lucrative businesses.    Show notes available at www.leadinglady-coaching.com/podcast   Resources Mentioned:  Get the Free Strategic Planning Wheel: https://leading-lady.mykajabi.com/wheel Have you joined the Leading Ladies Facebook Group yet?! I would love to see you in there! Head to https://www.facebook.com/groups/LeadingLadiesAAL to join! Let’s connect on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aalcoaching Let’s connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leading.lady.coach/