What happens when the worst moment of your childhood becomes the catalyst for a lifetime of creative power, advocacy, and audacious dreams? In this episode of Wickedly Smart Women, host Anjel B. Hartwell welcomes Lolita Milena, a paraplegic actress, author, and digital creator whose journey from Siberia to the stages of America is nothing short of extraordinary. In this deeply honest conversation, Lolita opens up about transmuting trauma into purpose through dark humor, sisterhood, and relentless creativity. We dive into the hard truths about the U.S. foster care system, what actually keeps kids safe, and how she's building a sustainable creator business while staying true to her mission. Whether you're interested in disability representation in media, survivor advocacy, or simply how to build an audience that truly cares, this episode delivers proof that your darkest moments don't have to dictate your future. What You Will Learn: How to turn trauma into creative fuel without letting it consume you through dance, theater, writing, and digital storytelling. Why dark humor became Lolita's survival tool and how she uses comedy to bridge grief and agency while always punching up, never down. The real problems in the U.S. foster care system that most people never hear about, from understaffing to inadequate background checks. A smart awareness strategy for child abuse prevention that starts with people who don't know what they don't know and equips them to share. The difference between performative activism and tangible action, and why survivors need both to create real change. How to build a multi-interest audience that sticks with you by leading with story first, niche second. The meaning behind 2,4,5,9 as Lolita's sci-fi novel title and how she honors family through art and memory. A simple two-part self-soothing practice for hard days using oldies or folk music that grounds your body and soul. Why nuance and independent thinking matter more than ever when you're advocating for systems change. Connect with Lolita Milena Instagram TikTok Connect with Anjel B. Hartwell Wickedly Smart Women Wickedly Smart Women on X Wickedly Smart Women on Instagram Wickedly Smart Women Facebook Community Wickedly Smart Women Store on TeePublic Wickedly Smart Women: Trusting Intuition, Taking Action, Transforming Worlds by Anjel B. Hartwell Listener Line (540) 402-0043 Ext. 4343 Email listeners@wickedlysmartwomen.com
What if the fastest way to real freedom isn’t working harder in your business but making your money work twice? In this episode of Wickedly Smart Women, host Anjel B. Hartwell welcomes Amanda Taylor, investor and business growth strategist to share how women can move from survival mode to lasting wealth with unapologetic ownership, simple systems that scale, and values-aligned investing. If you’ve ever wondered when to stop plowing every dollar back into the company and start building real wealth, this episode is your roadmap. What You Will Learn: How childhood money stories shape adult financial behavior and how to consciously rewrite them. Why “make your money work twice” is the simplest wealth framework for entrepreneurs. The conveyor-belt method to automatically allocate incoming revenue into safety, growth, and wealth buckets. Practical ways to improve profit margins by stopping revenue leaks and pricing for profit. How to choose values-aligned asset classes by assessing liquidity, risk, and return without jargon. The difference between confidence and competence in financial decision-making. Why most small businesses don’t sell for what founders expect and how to de-risk your personal retirement plan now. How women’s intuition is a legitimate investing strategy when paired with education and structure. What the coming intergenerational wealth transfer means for women and why early preparation matters. A simple first step to start investing, even if you feel “not ready” yet. Connect with Amanda Taylor Expand Your Empire Connect with Anjel B. Hartwell Wickedly Smart Women Wickedly Smart Women on X Wickedly Smart Women on Instagram Wickedly Smart Women Facebook Community Wickedly Smart Women Store on TeePublic Wickedly Smart Women: Trusting Intuition, Taking Action, Transforming Worlds by Anjel B. Hartwell Listener Line (540) 402-0043 Ext. 4343 Email listeners@wickedlysmartwomen.com
What if “turning 60” was actually the beginning? In this episode of Wickedly Smart Women, host Anjel B. Hartwell welcomes Allison McCune Davis, author and traditional neuropath, to demystify thriving after 60. Allison shares the health wake-ups that redirected her career, the mindset shift that came with a midlife challenge, and the planning discipline that turned a three-year manuscript into a movement. You’ll learn the simple daily anchors that rebuild energy, how to identify and replace hormone disruptors at home, and a 60-day path to clarity, connection, and purpose. What You Will Learn: How a midlife “restlessness signal” can be used as data to realign your next five to ten years. Why “your future is hidden in your daily routine” and the specific levers that matter most. The core pillars of the 60-Day Dare (body work, brain work, world work) and how they translate into doable habits. Practical ways to restore energy naturally by addressing gut health, adrenals, thyroid, and immune support. How to swap endocrine-disrupting products at home for cleaner options that protect hormones and longevity. A step-by-step method to identify purpose using one question per day for 60 days. How accountability dramatically increases follow-through and results. A simple decision filter for new seasons and how to reverse-engineer it. What entrepreneurs can learn from writing a book “for your future,” not just your past. Ways to recalibrate career, caregiving, and self-care when you’ve been over-giving for decades. How to use small, compound actions to build a truly “good life.” Why midlife offers unique advantages and how to harness them now. Connect with Allison McCune Davis Website Connect with Anjel B. Hartwell Wickedly Smart Women Wickedly Smart Women on X Wickedly Smart Women on Instagram Wickedly Smart Women Facebook Community Wickedly Smart Women Store on TeePublic Wickedly Smart Women: Trusting Intuition, Taking Action, Transforming Worlds by Anjel B. Hartwell Listener Line (540) 402-0043 Ext. 4343 Email listeners@wickedlysmartwomen.com
Are you letting fear run your life? In this episode of Wickedly Smart Women, host Anjel B. Hartwell welcomes Amy Koford, Clinical hypnotist and bestselling author. Amy shares her own journey from corporate HR and full-time motherhood to becoming a sought-after hypnotist, author, and speaker who helps people release deep emotional blocks, heal past traumas, and finally feel free. If you’ve been craving change but fear keeps holding you back, this episode will show you how to rise, fearlessly and optimally. What You Will Learn: How hypnosis works with the subconscious to access buried memories and release emotional blocks. The difference between necessary fear and unnecessary fear. Why fear of failure, fear of what others think, and fear of not being enough are usually connected. How unresolved childhood experiences can silently drive adult anger, stagnation, or low self-worth. What happens when you’re subconsciously afraid to be happy or don’t feel you deserve it. How to handle visibility blocks, from posting online videos to speaking in front of live audiences. Why one-to-many transformation through seminars creates community, accountability, and faster results. How to identify when anxiety or depression may actually be signals that you’re not aligned with your true calling. Practical mindset practices that help you pivot from corporate life into business ownership with courage. Why joy, playfulness, and even laughter are critical tools for transformation and lasting success. Connect with Amy Koford Website Connect with Anjel B. Hartwell Wickedly Smart Women Wickedly Smart Women on X Wickedly Smart Women on Instagram Wickedly Smart Women Facebook Community Wickedly Smart Women Store on TeePublic Wickedly Smart Women: Trusting Intuition, Taking Action, Transforming Worlds by Anjel B. Hartwell Listener Line (540) 402-0043 Ext. 4343 Email listeners@wickedlysmartwomen.com
What does it really take to thrive in a free society, especially when the internet can feel like one giant, loud village? In this episode of Wickedly Smart Women, host Anjel B. Hartwell welcomes Marsha Familaro Enright to unpack intellectual independence, self-reliance, and why the classics still matter. They explore how to evaluate information, resist social pressure, and design learning that transforms students into confident problem-solvers at any age. What You Will Learn: The real meaning of intellectual independence and why it’s the backbone of a free society. How self-reliance translates into modern life. A clear definition of individual rights and how free speech and personal responsibility protect them. Practical ways to resist propaganda, groupthink, and social-media pressure by strengthening reasoning skills. Why the “giant online village” amplifies conformity and what to do about it. How Montessori principles scale up for teens and young adults through seminar-style learning. The power of Great Books and Socratic dialogue to sharpen writing, judgment, and collaborative thinking. Reliance College’s model: rigorous liberal arts + real-world projects + mentoring for career-ready portfolios. Entrepreneur lessons from launching schools: leading people well, learning the numbers, and asking for help. Connect with Marsha Familaro Enright Reliance College Connect with Anjel B. Hartwell Wickedly Smart Women Wickedly Smart Women on X Wickedly Smart Women on Instagram Wickedly Smart Women Facebook Community Wickedly Smart Women Store on TeePublic Wickedly Smart Women: Trusting Intuition, Taking Action, Transforming Worlds by Anjel B. Hartwell Listener Line (540) 402-0043 Ext. 4343 Email listeners@wickedlysmartwomen.com
Drowning your audience in charts, tables, and tiny text? In this episode of Wickedly Smart Women, host Anjel B. Hartwell welcomes Oreet Kaufman, who shows how to turn complex information into clear, visual stories that move people to action. Learn why most decks fail in the first five seconds, how to “word-diet” without losing substance, and simple ways to guide audience attention so your message actually lands. Whether you’re pitching, reporting, or keynoting, this episode is your shortcut to decks that look modern, feel effortless, and deliver results. What You Will Learn: Why audiences only give a slide three to five seconds and how to design for that window. How to shift from an “attention span” problem to a “decision span” solution. A practical “word-dieting” method to reduce redundancy and complexity. When to replace fractions and busy visuals with a single, instantly readable metric. How to decide what truly matters on a slide and make the eye go there first. Why “appendix” is your best friend for keeping a live deck focused. The right way to use animations as controlled reveals rather than distractions. A simple process for aligning stakeholders fast using a creative preview. How to scope slide work transparently and avoid package confusion. A start-with-the-outcome framework that back-solves your content and calls to action. Mindset shifts for leaving corporate to build a consultancy with clear pricing and boundaries. How marketing and communications teams can partner with a specialist to fill skills gaps quickly. Connect with Oreet Kaufman OCDesigns Connect with Anjel B. Hartwell Wickedly Smart Women Wickedly Smart Women on X Wickedly Smart Women on Instagram Wickedly Smart Women Facebook Community Wickedly Smart Women Store on TeePublic Wickedly Smart Women: Trusting Intuition, Taking Action, Transforming Worlds by Anjel B. Hartwell Listener Line (540) 402-0043 Ext. 4343 Email listeners@wickedlysmartwomen.com
What does it take to achieve gender parity at the executive level in one of the world’s most male-dominated industries? In this episode of Wickedly Smart Women, host Anjel B. Hartwell welcomes Dianna Fioravanti-Ashikwe, the first female president of Kuehne + Nagel Canada, to explore her journey of resilience, authenticity, and transformational leadership. From navigating male-dominated boardrooms to cultivating psychological safety and optimism in the workplace, Dianna shares how women can “flip the switch” and embrace their full potential while leading others to do the same. What You Will Learn: How early experiences shaped a passion for equity and inclusion. The challenges and opportunities of navigating male-dominated industries. Why authenticity is key to sustainable leadership success. How to reframe fear and failure as opportunities for growth. The meaning of “flip the switch” and how it transforms mindset and culture. Strategies for building psychological safety and resilience in organizations. The importance of empowering trust, persistence, and authenticity when making career shifts. Why women should apply for opportunities even when they don’t check every box. The role of optimism and growth mindset in leadership and team building. Why aligning values with your organization is essential for legacy and impact. Connect with Dianna Fioravanti-Ashikwe Kuehne +Nagel LinkedIn Connect with Anjel B. Hartwell Wickedly Smart Women Wickedly Smart Women on X Wickedly Smart Women on Instagram Wickedly Smart Women Facebook Community Wickedly Smart Women Store on TeePublic Wickedly Smart Women: Trusting Intuition, Taking Action, Transforming Worlds by Anjel B. Hartwell Listener Line (540) 402-0043 Ext. 4343 Email listeners@wickedlysmartwomen.com
What does it really take to leave the corporate world behind and build a thriving business from scratch? In this episode of Wickedly Smart Women, host Anjel B. Hartwell welcomes Bashak Ilhan, who has founded five startups, achieved two successful exits, and now leads a global consultancy. From selling childhood toys to landing a $3 million investment over coffee, this episode reveals the mindset, strategies, and resilience needed to bring bold visions to life. Listeners will discover why sales are at the heart of any business, how to immerse themselves fully in their dreams, and why knowing when to delegate is essential for both success and wellbeing. This is a must-listen for women ready to step into entrepreneurship with confidence, clarity, and courage. What You Will Learn: Why early entrepreneurial experiences often shape lifelong business instincts. How transitioning from corporate life to entrepreneurship requires courage and vision. The importance of selling skills and vision casting in building a business. Why doing deep research and immersion before launching a venture can create a strong foundation. The value of building for the audience rather than personal taste. How to navigate challenges that arise in scaling and sustaining a startup. Why timing matters in choosing to exit a business. The role of branding, positioning, and strategy in securing investment and growth. How to innovate during crises and adapt to market needs. Why receiving too much funding early on can be more dangerous than not having enough. How financial constraints can fuel creativity and build stronger foundations. The importance of self-awareness and knowing when to seek a co-founder or partner. Why delegating effectively is critical to long-term success and personal well-being. How to redefine success away from busyness and toward balance and impact. Connect with Bashak Ilhan Road Branding Connect with Anjel B. Hartwell Wickedly Smart Women Wickedly Smart Women on X Wickedly Smart Women on Instagram Wickedly Smart Women Facebook Community Wickedly Smart Women Store on TeePublic Wickedly Smart Women: Trusting Intuition, Taking Action, Transforming Worlds by Anjel B. Hartwell Listener Line (540) 402-0043 Ext. 4343 Email listeners@wickedlysmartwomen.com
What if spirituality could be as practical and structured as project management? In this episode of Wickedly Smart Women, host Anjel B. Hartwell welcomes Tiffany Antoine, founder of Meditating Human, a tech-driven platform revolutionizing spiritual wellness for busy professionals. Tiffany shares her journey from a corporate career she didn’t love to building a spiritual healing business that blends ancient wisdom, modern technology, and practical tools. Discover how she turned divine intervention into a sustainable calling, the power of personalized spiritual journeys, and why making spirituality accessible in “baby bird bites” is transforming lives. What You Will Learn: How a cultural upbringing can influence spiritual roots. Why spiritual heritage is sometimes dismissed and what can bring someone back to it. How trauma can become a catalyst for a deeper spiritual journey. The role certain books and teachings can play in opening the mind to manifestation. Why people may stay in unfulfilling careers for years despite knowing their calling. Steps to transition from corporate work to full-time spiritual or purpose-driven work. The importance of fully accepting a personal identity as a healer or guide. The inspiration and process behind creating a spiritual wellness platform. How AI technology can provide personalized spiritual plans for busy lifestyles. The value of keeping wellness tools affordable and accessible. How to translate spiritual concepts into clear, everyday language. Why manifestation is essentially goal setting with inspired action. Strategies to help skeptics embrace spiritual practices. How asking “What does this look like?” can lead to innovative breakthroughs. Connect with Tiffany Antoine Meditating Human Connect with Anjel B. Hartwell Wickedly Smart Women Wickedly Smart Women on X Wickedly Smart Women on Instagram Wickedly Smart Women Facebook Community Wickedly Smart Women Store on TeePublic Wickedly Smart Women: Trusting Intuition, Taking Action, Transforming Worlds by Anjel B. Hartwell Listener Line (540) 402-0043 Ext. 4343 Email listeners@wickedlysmartwomen.com
What happens when a brand strategist discovers her true calling isn’t external marketing, but transforming company culture from within? In this episode of Wickedly Smart Women, host Anjel B. Hartwell welcomes Linda Carlisle, a fractional corporate communications partner who helps mid-market companies navigate high-impact change with clarity, compassion, and culture-forward leadership. From mergers and acquisitions to organizational restructuring, Linda shares how her internal comms expertise supports psychological safety and lasting performance. What You Will Learn: Internal communications is a form of marketing that influences how employees experience and engage with company culture. A strong internal culture directly shapes customer experience and brand perception. Leaders can intentionally design company culture through communication, behavior modeling, and what they choose to reward. During mergers or major transitions, thoughtful communication helps employees feel informed, supported, and psychologically safe. Fractional leadership allows experienced professionals to support multiple companies without full-time commitments. Financial planning and runway preparation are critical for women stepping into entrepreneurship. Having internal alignment around values and purpose is essential to maintaining team cohesion during growth or restructuring. Giving employees opportunities to volunteer together can deepen workplace relationships and improve retention. The success of a culture transformation often depends on whether leaders are open to embedding new behaviors, not just new messages. Working capital can come from many sources, but entrepreneurs need a plan for navigating income fluctuations. Being part of a leadership team as a fractional partner enables more informed and integrated communication strategies. Disruption doesn’t have to equal chaos; done well, it can lead to growth, clarity, and stronger organizational identity. Connect with Linda Carlisle Website Connect with Anjel B. Hartwell Wickedly Smart Women Wickedly Smart Women on X Wickedly Smart Women on Instagram Wickedly Smart Women Facebook Community Wickedly Smart Women Store on TeePublic Wickedly Smart Women: Trusting Intuition, Taking Action, Transforming Worlds by Anjel B. Hartwell Listener Line (540) 402-0043 Ext. 4343 Email listeners@wickedlysmartwomen.com
What if the secret to transformation wasn’t speed but consistency? In this episode of Wickedly Smart Women, host Anjel B. Hartwell welcomes Hilda Fainsod, executive coach, podcaster, and author Hilda Fiallos, a transformation catalyst who’s helped leaders build sustainable growth and long-term impact. Hilda shares how true transformation starts by shifting everyday habits and tuning into what we practice not just what we say. With 10+ certifications and 20 years in coaching, Hilda breaks down why short-term gains won’t lead to long-term success, and how even a 2-minute gratitude routine can shift your entire day. Whether you’re building a business, changing careers, or rethinking your leadership style, this conversation will help you reset your mindset and commit to practices that last. What You Will Learn: Why transformation takes time and can’t be rushed. How fast-paced habits and urgency culture block true change. The difference between surface-level goals and deep transformation. How to identify automatic routines that shape your life. Why small, consistent actions are more powerful than big, unsustainable ones. How to create simple habits that align with long-term goals. What it means to coach yourself through change using micro-promises. Why support systems like mentors and coaches accelerate transformation. How to shift identity during a career or life transition. The importance of investing time or money in your personal growth. How a two-minute daily gratitude practice can anchor your mindset. How to build new routines by starting with what already works. Why defining who you want to become is the first step in transformation. How self-awareness helps you replace habits that no longer serve you. Why true transformation is more about what you practice than what you say. Connect with Hilda Fainsod Website Connect with Anjel B. Hartwell Wickedly Smart Women Wickedly Smart Women on X Wickedly Smart Women on Instagram Wickedly Smart Women Facebook Community Wickedly Smart Women Store on TeePublic Wickedly Smart Women: Trusting Intuition, Taking Action, Transforming Worlds by Anjel B. Hartwell Listener Line (540) 402-0043 Ext. 4343 Email listeners@wickedlysmartwomen.com
Have you ever felt like the title “writer” or “creative” belonged to someone else, someone more talented, more confident, or more “official”? In this episode of Wickedly Smart Women, host Anjel B. Hartwell welcomes Amy L. Bernstein, author of Wrangling the Doubt Monster. Amy shares her powerful journey from the “wage world” to a fully creative life, highlighting how self-doubt held her back for years and what finally helped her reclaim the writer within. If you’ve ever whispered “I’m not creative enough” or waited too long to own your identity, this episode will inspire you to give yourself permission and start taking bold, joyful steps toward your truest path. What You Will Learn: Why mindset shifts are more important than milestones when claiming your creative identity. How to identify and break free from cultural and familial conditioning that reinforces self-doubt. The power of giving yourself permission before taking action. How starting small can lead to big creative breakthroughs. Why success should be decoupled from money, especially in creative fields. The hidden risks of staying in the “safe lane” too long. Why creative pursuits are undervalued and how to reframe your relationship with creativity. How to navigate fear, including fear of failure and fear of success. What it means to discover your worth outside of a paycheck or title. The transformational impact of book coaching and supporting other writers. Connect with Amy L. Bernstein Website Connect with Anjel B. Hartwell Wickedly Smart Women Wickedly Smart Women on X Wickedly Smart Women on Instagram Wickedly Smart Women Facebook Community Wickedly Smart Women Store on TeePublic Wickedly Smart Women: Trusting Intuition, Taking Action, Transforming Worlds by Anjel B. Hartwell Listener Line (540) 402-0043 Ext. 4343 Email listeners@wickedlysmartwomen.com
What if the story holding you back isn't theirs, it’s yours? In this episode of Wickedly Smart Women, host Anjel B. Hartwell welcomes Karen Sigalas, whose mission is to help ambitious women become respected, heard, and paid what they're worth. Karen blends science-backed mindset work with practical career strategies to help her clients own their voice, shift internal narratives, and rise confidently into leadership. Through personal stories of overcoming bias in male-dominated industries and being underestimated due to her appearance, Karen reveals how our internal self-talk often does more damage than external critics. What You Will Learn: Why your internal dialogue often holds more power than external criticism. How to recognize and shift limiting stories you tell yourself. The difference between external validation and internal self-worth. How to rewire your brain through gratitude and positive affirmations. How neuroscience supports mindset work, especially the Reticular Activating System (RAS). Practical ways to start your day with mindset rituals that boost confidence. How to stop tying your value to your job title, income, or other people's opinions. Why self-doubt is normal, and how to respond powerfully when it arises. Tools to stop internalized oppression from dimming your voice. How to transform microaggressions and subtle put-downs into moments of clarity and growth. How to hold confident, non-defensive conversations in response to biased comments. The importance of being seen, heard, and valued, especially for women of color. How to lead without waiting for permission, titles, or external authority. Why fighting harder isn’t the solution, and how reframing your energy can lead to peace and progress. How gratitude and celebration can fuel forward momentum without burnout. The long-term career impact of mindset traps and how to avoid them. How to use personal leadership practices even if you’re not in a formal leadership role. The power of storytelling to reclaim agency over your professional and personal narrative. The connection between mindset, visibility, and earning power. Why celebrating how far you’ve come matters more than obsessing over what’s next. Connect with Karen Sigalas Website Connect with Anjel B. Hartwell Wickedly Smart Women Wickedly Smart Women on X Wickedly Smart Women on Instagram Wickedly Smart Women Facebook Community Wickedly Smart Women Store on TeePublic Wickedly Smart Women: Trusting Intuition, Taking Action, Transforming Worlds by Anjel B. Hartwell Listener Line (540) 402-0043 Ext. 4343 Email listeners@wickedlysmartwomen.com
Finding the Joy in Career Reinvention with Michelle Schafer - Ep.331 What if losing your job was the best thing that ever happened to you? In this episode of Wickedly Smart Women, host Anjel B. Hartwell welcomes Michelle Schafer, certified coach, author, and career transition expert. After spending 25 years in what she thought were “secure” corporate roles, Michelle was twice restructured, which ultimately led her to create a thriving coaching business. Michelle shares practical strategies for preparing for career change before crisis hits, negotiating from a place of value, and finding clarity around your next step, whether that means a new job or your own consultancy. This is a powerful conversation for anyone feeling the winds of change in their work life. What You Will Learn: How to reframe a job loss as an opportunity for growth and use it to pivot into more meaningful work. Why job security is often an illusion and how to prepare yourself now for unexpected career changes. Practical steps to stay ready for career opportunities. The connection between self-worth and income and how to clearly communicate the value you bring to a role or a client. How to explore if starting your own business is the right next step and what to expect in the beginning stages. Tips for shifting your mindset around money so it supports your success instead of creating stress. The power of surrounding yourself with mentors and community when making a major life or career change. How to trust your instincts and move forward even if the timing feels uncertain or later in life. Connect with Michelle Schafer Website Connect with Anjel B. Hartwell Wickedly Smart Women Wickedly Smart Women on X Wickedly Smart Women on Instagram Wickedly Smart Women Facebook Community Wickedly Smart Women Store on TeePublic Wickedly Smart Women: Trusting Intuition, Taking Action, Transforming Worlds by Anjel B. Hartwell Listener Line (540) 402-0043 Ext. 4343 Email listeners@wickedlysmartwomen.com
What if the promotion you've been chasing isn’t actually the right move? In this episode of Wickedly Smart Women, host Anjel B. Hartwell welcomes Joanne Merrick, founder of The Leadership Recipe and author to explore the deeper layers of leadership, self-liberation, and what it really means to be a manager in today's world. Whether you’re considering stepping into management or you're already there and wondering if it’s aligned, this conversation will give you the clarity, courage, and actionable insight to define success on your own terms. What You Will Learn: Why stepping into management is a transformation, not just a promotion. The long-term impact of early emotional conditioning on leadership development. How neuroscience and emotional intelligence can revolutionize your leadership style. Why many people are promoted to management for the wrong reasons. The real-life challenges of leaving corporate world to start a consultancy. What organizations often get wrong about promoting individual contributors. How to determine if you're truly ready to be a manager. Practical tools for current managers who feel misaligned or underprepared. The difference between influence within corporate roles and true impact as a founder. Connect with Joanne Merrick The Leadership Recipe joanne@theleadershiprecipe.com Connect with Anjel B. Hartwell Wickedly Smart Women Wickedly Smart Women on X Wickedly Smart Women on Instagram Wickedly Smart Women Facebook Community Wickedly Smart Women Store on TeePublic Wickedly Smart Women: Trusting Intuition, Taking Action, Transforming Worlds by Anjel B. Hartwell Listener Line (540) 402-0043 Ext. 4343 Email listeners@wickedlysmartwomen.com
Have you ever felt like you were just a supporting character in your own life story? In this episode of Wickedly Smart Women, host Anjel B. Hartwell welcomes life story coach and author Carrie KC West, who reveals how rewriting our personal narrative can transform deep-rooted trauma into purpose, power, and peace. Carrie shares her journey from a rocky start in childhood to rising in the corporate world and ultimately finding freedom and fulfillment through storytelling. If you’re stuck in an old story or ready to leave a life that no longer fits, Carrie’s wisdom will light the path forward. What You Will Learn: How childhood trauma and family dynamics shape our internal narratives. The healing impact of storytelling on personal growth and leadership. Why identifying with your own protagonist energy changes everything. How to recognize old stories and reframe limiting beliefs. Practical ways to ground yourself in the present when triggered. How to determine what “your table” looks like and claim your seat. Why burnout often stems from unaligned life roles and outdated expectations. How to exit corporate life with clarity, courage, and a plan. Why external success doesn’t equal internal happiness. The role forgiveness plays in reclaiming your authentic power. Connect with Carrie KC West Website Connect with Anjel B. Hartwell Wickedly Smart Women Wickedly Smart Women on X Wickedly Smart Women on Instagram Wickedly Smart Women Facebook Community Wickedly Smart Women Store on TeePublic Wickedly Smart Women: Trusting Intuition, Taking Action, Transforming Worlds by Anjel B. Hartwell Listener Line (540) 402-0043 Ext. 4343 Email listeners@wickedlysmartwomen.com
What if the very technology that pushed you out of your job became the vehicle for your success? In this episode of Wickedly Smart Women, host Anjel B. Hartwell interviews Tracy Beavers, a seasoned business and sales coach, who turned corporate downsizing into divine redirection. Tracy reveals how her career journey, from climbing roofs as an insurance adjuster to launching a top-ranked podcast, taught her to trust her gut, listen to divine nudges, and finally bet on herself. With raw honesty and a whole lot of grit, Tracy shares how she went from being laid off and divorced to building a six-figure coaching business that empowers other women to show up online, get visible, and make sales with authenticity. Whether you're still in corporate or already forging your own path, this conversation is a masterclass in resilience, strategy, and spirit. What You Will Learn: How early childhood experiences can reveal natural strengths in sales and entrepreneurship. Why witnessing a parent struggle in business can shape future career decisions. How unexpected life changes like layoffs and divorce can lead to powerful reinvention. What it means to recognize coaching as a calling before officially stepping into the role. Why building a business alongside a full-time job can be a smart transition strategy. How to cut expenses and plan financially to safely leave corporate life. Which financial milestones and mindset shifts signal it's time to go all-in on a business. Tips for involving family in building a business in meaningful and practical ways. The importance of running your own race instead of comparing your success to others. Connect with Tracy Beavers Website Connect with Anjel B. Hartwell Wickedly Smart Women Wickedly Smart Women on X Wickedly Smart Women on Instagram Wickedly Smart Women Facebook Community Wickedly Smart Women Store on TeePublic Wickedly Smart Women: Trusting Intuition, Taking Action, Transforming Worlds by Anjel B. Hartwell Listener Line (540) 402-0043 Ext. 4343 Email listeners@wickedlysmartwomen.com
Have you ever felt a quiet pull inside, a persistent tug toward something bigger than yourself? Something that keeps showing up, even when you try to take the “safe” path? In this episode of Wickedly Smart Women, host Anjel B. Hartwell interviews Alaina Baker, Executive Director of Uplift Malawi, to explore what happens when you finally answer that calling. From a Midwest childhood to leading a global nonprofit, Alaina shares how a career in corporate marketing couldn’t silence the voice inside telling her to make a deeper impact. What began as a side passion became her life’s mission, empowering children in Malawi through sustainable education, community development, and health access. Alaina doesn't just talk about building schools, she reveals how Uplift Malawi creates entire ecosystems of support that meet students’ basic needs and set them up for long-term success. You’ll hear how they overcame corrupt contractors, how they use data to track impact, and how they’re tackling the HIV/AIDS epidemic with education and dignity. This episode is more than inspiring, it’s a call to action for anyone who’s ever wondered if following their heart could change the world. What You Will Learn: The importance of building sustainable, community-rooted education models in places like Malawi. How Uplift Malawi supports both students and teachers with housing, nutrition, and mental well-being. What a 100% donation model is and how it builds trust with supporters. How life skills programs like sewing, agriculture, and sanitation education help break the cycle of poverty. Why menstrual education and gender-specific support are vital to keeping girls in school. How access to clean water and solar energy transforms a school into a thriving community hub. The ripple effect of educating one child and how it impacts entire families and villages. What makes Malawi unique as a peaceful but underserved nation in need of educational support. Why it takes long-term commitment, not quick fixes, to create global educational equity. How to align your career with your deeper purpose by listening to your inner call for impact. Connect with Alaina Baker Uplift Malawi Connect with Anjel B. Hartwell Wickedly Smart Women Wickedly Smart Women on X Wickedly Smart Women on Instagram Wickedly Smart Women Facebook Community Wickedly Smart Women Store on TeePublic Wickedly Smart Women: Trusting Intuition, Taking Action, Transforming Worlds by Anjel B. Hartwell Listener Line (540) 402-0043 Ext. 4343 Email listeners@wickedlysmartwomen.com
What happens when you realize you've climbed to the top of the wrong mountain? In this episode of Wickedly Smart Women, host Anjel B. Hartwell interviews Luisa Molano, executive coach and global community founder, to unpack the journey from burnout to alignment. Luisa shares what it was like to rise through the ranks of Fortune 500 companies only to find herself emotionally exhausted, misaligned and handed a seven-page performance improvement plan (PIP) after years of over-delivering. This conversation is for every woman who’s ever felt the Sunday Scaries, every leader who’s questioned the cost of her ambition, and every visionary who’s ready to build success that feels good on the inside too. What You Will Learn: How childhood experiences and cultural expectations shape beliefs about success and worth. The long-term impact of growing up in a high pressure, achievement focused environment. How traditional corporate success can create burnout, even when everything looks great on paper. What the “Sunday Scaries” really reveal about career misalignment. How constantly saying yes and overperforming leads to emotional exhaustion and resentment. The reality of receiving a performance improvement plan after years of dedication and what it means emotionally. Why giving yourself permission to fully feel your emotions is a powerful step toward healing and clarity. What it looks like to leave a corporate career with intention, dignity, and a strategy for transition. How to build a business that blends ambition with rest and strategy with sustainability. What it means to grow revenue without sacrificing personal wellbeing or burning out. How redefining success around energy, values, and joy can lead to breakthrough results in life and business. Connect with Luisa Molano Website Connect with Anjel B. Hartwell Wickedly Smart Women Wickedly Smart Women on X Wickedly Smart Women on Instagram Wickedly Smart Women Facebook Community Wickedly Smart Women Store on TeePublic Wickedly Smart Women: Trusting Intuition, Taking Action, Transforming Worlds by Anjel B. Hartwell Listener Line (540) 402-0043 Ext. 4343 Email listeners@wickedlysmartwomen.com
What if your body held the key to the confidence, clarity, and creative power you've been chasing in your mind? In a culture that rewards logic, productivity, and stillness, so many women have been shamed into silence, not just verbally, but physically. In this episode of Wickedly Smart Women, host Anjel B. Hartwell interviews Amy Schadt, certified life coach and embodiment expert, to explore what it means to reclaim movement. Amy shares her journey from being a shy, voiceless child to a dynamic force for healing through her Radical Embodiment Method. From her early years as a dancer to the profound loss of her fiancé and the grief that followed, Amy opens up about how embodiment has been both her refuge and revolution. Whether you're a creative aching for space to breathe, a woman recovering from trauma, or a leader craving more alignment in your entrepreneurial journey, this episode is your map. Because when you come back to your body, you come back to your power. What You Will Learn: Movement can be a powerful and valid form of communication, especially for those who struggle to express themselves verbally. Early childhood movement, like dance or physical play, is a natural way of processing emotion. Embodiment is not just a trendy concept, it’s a deeply personal journey of reclaiming presence, sensation, and self-expression. Personal loss, such as the death of a loved one, can become a catalyst for transformation and rebirth through embodied healing. Entrepreneurship can be an empowering path for creatives who want to earn income in alignment with their values and passions. Many creatives struggle with subconscious beliefs that money is harmful or will rob them of authenticity. Embodied practices can help entrepreneurs navigate fear, burnout, and identity shifts as they step into leadership. Physical movement can support emotional regulation and self-soothing. Healing the body-mind disconnect can unlock access to deeper self-awareness, personal power, and creative flow. Shame around moving “too much” or “being too much” is often rooted in outdated expectations and can be released through embodiment work. Connect with Amy Schadt Website Connect with Anjel B. Hartwell Wickedly Smart Women Wickedly Smart Women on X Wickedly Smart Women on Instagram Wickedly Smart Women Facebook Community Wickedly Smart Women Store on TeePublic Wickedly Smart Women: Trusting Intuition, Taking Action, Transforming Worlds by Anjel B. Hartwell Listener Line (540) 402-0043 Ext. 4343 Email listeners@wickedlysmartwomen.com