International Women's Day is coming up on March 8th! In this special episode Kristen shares her 2024 IWD talk from Google's Women Techmakers event on tackling imposter syndrome through improv techniques. While 75% of women executives report experiencing imposter syndrome, Kristen reveals how her journey from tech leader to improv performer helped her develop practical tools to manage self-doubt. She breaks down the five types of "imposters" and shares specific exercises anyone can use to build confidence and reduce imposter syndrome's power. From embracing mistakes to finding comfort in discomfort, listeners will learn actionable strategies they can start using today to show up more confidently at work. Perfect for anyone who's ever wondered "Do I really belong here?" or "What if they find out I'm not qualified?"

Podcast Website: www.loveandleadershippod.com
Instagram: @loveleaderpod

Follow us on LinkedIn!
Kristen: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristenbsharkey/
Mike: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-s-364970111/

Learn more about Kristen's leadership coaching and facilitation services: http://www.emboldify.com

Ever wonder why some new leaders hit the ground running while others stumble? Kristen and Mike break down Michael Watkins' essential guide The First 90 Days - a book The Economist called "the onboarding bible." Whether you're stepping into your first leadership role or you're a seasoned executive making a change, this episode will help you avoid common pitfalls and set yourself up for success. Mike shares his recent experience applying these principles in his new role, while Kristen draws on her years of using this framework in executive coaching. Plus, some late-night recording session humor and a heated debate about the Oxford comma keep things light while diving into this meaty topic.

Highlights:

• The STARS Model: Understanding whether you're entering a Startup, Turnaround, Accelerated Growth, Realignment, or Sustaining Success situation
• Common traps new leaders fall into when using old strategies
• The "action imperative" trap: Why trying to make changes too quickly can backfire
• Building your team: When to keep people, when to make changes, and how to do it humanely
• Five essential conversations to have with your boss in your first 90 days
• How to identify and secure "early wins" that matter
• Managing the organizational "immune system" response to change
• Creating your personal support network and advice channels
• Balancing technical learning with cultural and political awareness

Links & Resources Mentioned:

• The First 90 Days by Michael D. Watkins
• Never Split the Difference by Chris Voss
• What Got You Here Won’t Get You There by Marshall Goldsmith
• The Dichotomy of Leadership by Jocko Willink
• The Art of War by Sun Tzu
• Start With Why by Simon Sinek
• Boundaries for Leaders by Dr. Henry Cloud
• Influence by Robert Cialdini
• Thinking Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman
• Managing Oneself by Peter Drucker

Get your FREE 5 Day Leadership Reset Challenge guide here: https://llpod.link/challenge

Podcast Website: www.loveandleadershippod.com
Instagram: @loveleaderpod

Follow us on LinkedIn!
Kristen: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristenbsharkey/
Mike: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-s-364970111/

Learn more about Kristen's leadership coaching and facilitation services: http://www.emboldify.com

Ever wonder why some leaders seem to effortlessly build thriving teams while others struggle with constant turnover? In this episode, guest Candice Hahn, a veteran marketing agency executive with over 25 years of experience, shares her refreshing take on leadership in the fast-paced agency world. Candice opens up about why working for good people has been the guiding force in her career and reveals her unique approach to developing talent. She explains why there's "no such thing as a marketing emergency" and how this mindset shapes the way she leads. Whether you're managing a team or aspiring to move up the ladder, Candice's practical insights on everything from imposter syndrome to advocating for yourself will help you become a more effective and empathetic leader.

About Candice:

Candice Hahn has 25+ years of experience in professional services. Initially working in strategy consulting, then she pivoted to the digital world while living in San Francisco. She's worked and led strategy teams at global marketing agencies including Modem Media, Publicis Modem and iCrossing where she helped clients navigate and thrive in the digital world. Most recently, Candice spent nearly 9 years at R/GA, a global innovation agency, building a team and an office in Austin, TX. There she added new logos to the R/GA roster including Michaels, Whole Foods Market, Crocs and others, winning global awards including a Cannes Lion and Effie, and delivering profitable growth year over year during her entire tenure. After recording this episode she started a new role as VP of Consumer Electronics at OUTFORM.

Highlights:

• Why leading a people-based business requires focusing on internal team health before client needs
• The "three concentric circles" framework for career growth and why staying slightly uncomfortable is key to development
• Why good leaders recognize they're in the people development business and create environments where others can succeed
• The importance of transparency and over-communication in building trust with your team
• How to handle imposter syndrome, especially as a woman in leadership
• The shift from looking for "culture fit" to "culture add" when building teams
• The value of having clear, documented expectations for career advancement
• Why advocating for yourself is crucial, even though it can feel uncomfortable
• The power of reframing "failures" as character-building moments

Links & Resources Mentioned:

• Follow Candice on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/candice-hahn-56a266/

Get your FREE 5 Day Leadership Reset Challenge guide here: https://llpod.link/challenge

Podcast Website: www.loveandleadershippod.com
Instagram: @loveleaderpod

Follow us on LinkedIn!
Kristen: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristenbsharkey/
Mike: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-s-364970111/

Learn more about Kristen's leadership coaching and facilitation services: http://www.emboldify.com