Women Worldwide with Deirdre Breakenridge (general)

*We apologize for any issues with sound quality. Due to the ever-changing state of the world because of Covid-19, many of our guests are taking interviews and recording shows outside of their homes which interferes with recording.*

In this unprecedented time of isolation, we should be so thankful that we have the technology to remain connected. Here to discuss her new venture as well as what it means to be technologically connected is JJ Ramberg. JJ is no stranger to media and her new company is an amazing way to connect and learn all at the same time.

JJ is an entrepreneur, TV host, speaker, and best-selling author, and she is no stranger to the perils and beauty of media. Earlier this year she and her brother launched Goodpods, an app that allows you to follow your podcast loving friends and see what they’re listening to. 

Her insights on the ways that we can connect in this crazy world and how to navigate entrepreneurship in this new landscape are impressively poignant. Her words of advice and encouragement are much needed and the fact that she has successfully launched a business in spite of world events is uplifting. 

You won’t want to miss any of JJ’s nuggets of wisdom and reflection. Take a moment, step away from the enforced family time, and listen as we chat about all things business and entrepreneurship.

Show Notes:

  • [01:46] Welcome back! We live in an amazing world of technology. 
  • [03:02] Deirdre welcomes JJ Ramberg to the show to discuss how lucky we are to have the technology we do today. 
  • [03:57] What prompted JJ to shift her business? 
  • [05:33] JJ shares what skills she had to learn to pivot her business.
  • [07:23] How do the challenges of being a TV host differ from being an entrepreneur? 
  • [08:32] Which responsibilities would JJ like to delegate to her brother and business partner? 
  • [11:31] Learn more about Goodpods.
  • [14:09] How does JJ face fears as an entrepreneur? 
  • [15:49] Has JJ had any “aha!” moments that have impacted her path? 
  • [19:37] JJ shares how she is managing her stress so that she can help others.
  • [22:49] Listen as JJ leaves you with her parting words of advice. 
  • [23:57] Connect with JJ.

Links and Resources:

Episode Sponsor: FEEL First Test

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We all need a little bit of magic sometimes. Ale B has built a career by helping women of all ages see and feel who they are meant to be. She is a self-proclaimed light-worker helping others to reveal the magic of confidence, joy, and love in others. 

From an early age, Ale knew she was meant for more. With the help and encouragement of her mother, she found her true calling and has been beautifying the world ever since. An actor, director, teacher, set designer, wardrobe stylist, makeup artist, producer, and choreographer, Ale wears many different hats. 

She reveals how her experiences have helped her to encourage and inspire others and how her business is changing in light of the current state of the world. We are in unprecedented times, but this does not give us the right to give up.

Listen as Ale shares how you can reveal your light and magic, why we need each other now more than ever, and why we need to take the time now to do some introspection. Pay attention to your thoughts and actions and work to reframe the negative. 

Ale is truly inspiring. Take some time and let her help you find your magic too.

Show Notes:

  • [01:40] We’re focusing on self-discovery.
  • [02:37] Welcome Ale B to chat about activating your magic. 
  • [03:05] Why did Ale become a beautifier? 
  • [05:05] What are the first steps you need to experience to activate your gifts? 
  • [07:21] How do you start living in the now? 
  • [09:54] Makeup is a revelation tool. Use it to enhance. 
  • [11:15] Ale shares her process for helping her clients believe in their gifts.
  • [12:50] Learn how Ale faces her fears.
  • [16:01] How can you reframe negative thoughts?
  • [19:07] Use this time to reconnect and rewire.
  • [22:41] Ale gives poignant advice on how to show the world your magic.
  • [24:13] Connect with Ale. 

Links and Resources:

Episode Sponsor: FEEL First Test

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Your mindset is the key to finding your passion and your purpose. Hazel Ortega grew up in one of the worst areas of Los Angeles and didn’t realize that her upbringing was keeping her from living out her dreams. In many ways, her past kept her from dreaming at all. 

Fast-forward several years to a time when she was working as a legal secretary. She sustained an on the job injury that threatened her entire livelihood and took the opportunity to complete her education. Later on, she went back to school and finished high school.

She then completed her associates, her bachelors, and went on to complete her Ph.D. As her education expanded her confidence grew and grew, but she was still stuck in a place devoid of dreams. 

Hazel confronted her issues with the past and began manifesting the dreams she’d suppressed her entire life. The rest as they say, was history. Listen in as Hazel shares how she shifted her mindset to focus on her dreams and why that has resulted in life-changing opportunities. 

Hazel’s story is so inspiring and her advice on how to shift your mindset blocks is truly actionable. 

Show Notes:

  • [01:59] What would you say to someone who told you that your life could change drastically? 
  • [03:22] Learn more about Hazel Ortega and how she got to where she is today.
  • [06:42] Getting hurt on the job changed her life. Hazel shares why.
  • [09:19] For Hazel, getting an education led her to live her best life. 
  • [11:46] Having role models around us is so important. This was true for Hazel too.
  • [13:14] How did Hazel tap the full potential of social media in her journey? 
  • [15:16] What challenges did Hazel face after getting her degrees? 
  • [17:49] Why Hazel’s past and her story kept her from dreaming big.
  • [19:20] Learn how she combatted her past to create a new future. 
  • [22:12] How can you move past your negative default thoughts? 
  • [23:20] Hazel shares her key points of advice for pivoting and changing your life.
  • [26:01] Connect with Hazel. 

Links and Resources:

Hazel’s Website
The Mastery of Miracles
From Bounced Checks to Private Jets by Hazel Ortega

Hazel on Facebook
Hazel on Instagram
Hazel on LinkedIn
Hazel on Twitter
Hazel on YouTube

Episode Sponsor: Routledge

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What’s the saying? When you love what you do, you never work a day in your life? Laleh Hancock has spent her life helping others find joy in their work and life. She is a leadership and entrepreneurial coach who has spent the last 30 years inspiring others. 

Laleh’s early life was rife with change. Her family abruptly moved from Iran to avoid being caught up in a war. This was one of the first times she evaluated how to approach the world. Rather than spending her time hiding away from the world, afraid to get involved, she jumped in and lived her new life.

She credits her ability to handle and thrive in change for some of her entrepreneurial success. If you can flip your mindset and turn problems into promises, then success will come. It all starts with having a mind for leadership and positivity. 

Listen as Laleh shares her thoughts on being featured in multiple books on leadership, why her work is so important to her, and how examining your mindset is the first step to happiness. She has so many wonderful pieces of advice on dealing with the blocks that hold you back. 

Laleh is an inspiration. You won’t want to miss a minute of this conversation.

Show Notes:

  • [01:31] Reach out and let Deirdre know your thoughts about the show and topics!
  • [03:03] Welcome Laleh Hancock and learn why she became an entrepreneur.
  • [05:02] What is it like to be one of America’s Leading Ladies
  • [07:18] Learn the things that hinder people from making an impact.
  • [09:15] How can you find your voice? 
  • [13:20] What gives Laleh the most joy in what she does? 
  • [14:38] Laleh shares how she incorporates empathy and emotional awareness in her life.
  • [18:18] Learn the challenges that Laleh faces in her life and business.
  • [21:30] When you keep barriers up you are repelling everything, even the good things. 
  • [23:33] Every problem has the possibility to be a gift.
  • [24:23] How can you be intentional and find joy in business? 
  • [26:19] Connect with Laleh.

Links and Resources:

Leaders and Legends by Pat Sampson

America’s Leading Ladies by Pat Sampson

Laleh’s Website

Laleh on LinkedIn
Laleh on Facebook
Laleh on Twitter

Episode Sponsor: FEEL First Test

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It’s been a while since I’ve done a solo show, but it’s time to dig deep into the FEEL First Model. This topic is heavy-hitting and so important to the future of your organization and hiring practices. You see, Millennials are coming up through the rank and they need different things from the generations before them to make them feel happy and valued. 

You’ve heard me talk about FEEL First Model several times because we’ve spent a lot of time and energy to create a truly meaningful tool for reflecting on your beliefs and actions. We track and measure your ability to face your fears, communicate with empathy, use ethics and good judgment and discover your love for your mission.

We polled and chatted with several millennials to get a better feel of what they need and want in the workplace. The typical corporate processes no longer hold up when it comes to the new workforce. For instance, the corporate system of keeping quiet and holding onto secrets no longer works. Your employees have spent years in school navigating problems and circumstances that come up each and every day in the workplace.

Listen in as I share practical tips and advice for you to measure and understand your FEEL score, and what this means in your interactions and communication. Millennials are the new workforce. If you want to decrease turnover and inspire massive loyalty, then you need to listen to this episode and learn what millennials are looking for!

Show Notes:

  • [00:59] Welcome back to the show!
  • [01:55] Learn more about the FEEL First Model.
  • [03:27] Listen as Deirdre shares what she learned from millennials in the workplace.
  • [04:30] Ask yourself, why aren’t you being transparent with your employees? 
  • [07:08] Millennials want empathy. Listen to a story about one lady in particular. 
  • [10:20] What is your position on ethics and values in relation to your employees? Are you communicating in a way that makes your employees confident? 
  • [13:40] The last part of the FEEL model stands for love. Unleash the love of your mission!
  • [15:52] Consider different kinds of communication platforms and meeting setups.
  • [17:12] FEEL First is a roadmap, but you first have to take the test.
  • [20:05] Learn a technique that helps you pause, breathe, and ask why.
  • [22:24] How can you test how empathetic you are? 
  • [23:27] One quick exercise you can do to evaluate your ethics and values… YOURS… not your business’. 
  • [24:50] Ways that you can evaluate the level of love you have with what you’re doing and in your business.

Links and Resources:

Why Millennials Quit: A letter to incompetent leaders by Tim Denning

Episode Sponsor: FEEL First Test

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Have you been walking your path but feeling like it’s not as good as or “right” like someone else’s? Believe it or not, your path and purpose are yours alone. Your success is dependent upon the things that make you happy. Here to chat about leaving the Jones’s behind in favor of finding your success is Laura Gassner Otting.

Laura is a lawyer and serial entrepreneur who has made a career out of figuring out what makes her happy and then going for it. She is the Chief Catalyzing Officer of her business and helps others to start taking action and find their path. 

There is no right or wrong way to be successful. As you grow and change your values mature and strengthen, your view of success oftentimes morphs as well. Laura says you should lean into those moments and realize that you are right where you are meant to be. 

Too often we shame ourselves for not focusing on one path, but as women, there are so many different entry points and doorways in our lives. From young adulthood, through college, marriage, children, career, etc. women have the luxury of spending their entire lives being given the opportunity to change their path.

Laura gives the absolute best advice to all women on how they can reach their “limitless” and you won’t want to miss it. From the beginning of the episode to the end, her ideas will make you think and take stock of what you think success should be. Listen in and prepare to feel the punch to the face, wrapped in a warm hug.

Show Notes:

  • [01:08] Welcome to another episode of Women Worldwide.
  • [03:37] How do you become a chief catalyzing officer? 
  • [05:11] Why is Laura a “punch wrapped in a warm hug?” 
  • [07:46] What are the takeaways Laura hopes her readers get from her book? 
  • [09:23] Being limitless doesn’t mean you have to make huge strides. It means following your path.
  • [11:26] Learn what holds people back from finding their “limitless.” 
  • [14:23] How does Laura emphasize empathy in the workplace? 
  • [17:45] Laura shares one of the most poignant aha moments in her career.
  • [21:38] ...which led to her becoming a speaker and author. 
  • [24:25] Where does our exhaustion come from and how can you overcome it? 
  • [26:04] Connect with Laura.

Links and Resources:

Direct download: WW258.mp3
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These days most people have no intention to stay with a company for more than a couple of years. In fact, if you go into any business class across the nation, you’ll hear the students being encouraged not to stay with a company for more than a few years. Crystal Martinez, however, has climbed the ladder at one company from high school to now. Listen as she shares why she’s stayed, how they’ve built a family, and the challenges she has faced by taking on more responsibility.

When Crystal started at Fieldwork Anywhere she was in high school and had no clue she’d still be there, all these years later. She met her husband and best friend while working there and has managed to climb the proverbial corporate ladder all the way to becoming the President of Fieldwork Webwork. All of this has been made possible by the family-style culture that has been built over the years.

Climbing the corporate ladder has not been without its challenges though. As she’s gained responsibility, she’s had to adjust her relationships within the Fieldwork family. She shares how she’s managed to do that and maintain close friendships with her employees. 

Crystal credits Fieldwork’s values of inclusion and diversity for making it a company she’s wanted to stay with. Rather than keeping her employees in the dark on decisions, she lets them sit at the table. It has been this way since she started and feeling like she’s been a part of the growth of the company has contributed to her lasting investment. 

While it’s less and less common for companies to hold onto their employees, it is possible. Crystal’s story is inspiring for anyone who thinks it is impossible to climb the ladder at one company. You just have to find the right company that will allow you the freedom to do it.

Show Notes:

  • [01:21] Welcome back! We hope you feel empowered to share your challenges with us.
  • [02:45] Joining Deirdre is Crystal Martinez to discuss workplace culture and having people stay.
  • [04:18] When Crystal started with her company, did she intend to stay? 
  • [05:28] What are they doing at Fieldwork to keep people? 
  • [07:10] Do they do anything specific to attract the younger generation? 
  • [08:57] How does Crystal manage the hard conversations while still fostering the feeling of family? 
  • [12:08] Listen as Crystal shares how she incorporates emotional intelligence every day at Fieldwork.
  • [14:44] What are some of the challenges that Crystal faces in her role? 
  • [17:22] Has Crystal had any big AHA moments where she learned something about herself?
  • [20:08] Crystal shares her advice for building teams that want to stay.
  • [23:01] Connect with Crystal.

Links and Resources:

Episode Sponsor: Feel First Test

Direct download: WW257.mp3
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Wherever you're communicating, leadership in communication means bringing all thoughts and ideas into a seamless framework; it's the ideal give and take. Valerie Simon is a communications and marketing role model for Atlantic Health System. Listen in as she shares her strategy for building teams and strong communication across a national network with more than 17,000 people.

Valerie knew at a young age that she wanted to be an attorney. Every decision she made as a young person took her steps closer to that goal. She worked multiple jobs, completed unpaid internships, and worked to move the needle toward becoming an attorney.

When she didn’t get into law school she realized that she just wanted to be a voice for people who weren’t being heard. She took all of the experience she’d gained while working to become an attorney and dove into communications.

Listen in as she chats about her story and shares what it has taken to be a C-suite executive as well as a wife and mother. Learn why you have to balance sacrifice in your career and your family in order for both to be healthy, happy, and thriving. 

Show Notes:

  • [01:54] What does it take to be a communications leader today? Learn more from Valerie Simon.
  • [03:31] How did Valerie choose a career in healthcare and communications? 
  • [07:47] Valerie’s unpaid internship helped her realize she wanted to be a voice for people.
  • [11:29] What characteristics does Valerie look for in her team members? 
  • [14:05] How did Valerie manage to get her doctors and team members to be more involved in social media?
  • [17:06] What does being a trusted confidant mean to Valerie? 
  • [20:08] Valerie shares how she manages to be a wife, mom, and C-suite executive.
  • [24:56] How does Valerie manage the stress of the job?
  • [27:05] Learn more about the development process for Valerie’s team.
  • [28:01] Hear about the resources that feed Valerie’s soul.
  • [29:25] Valerie gives a bit of advice for being a great leader. 
  • [30:54] Connect with Valerie.

Links and Resources:

Atlantic Health System

Valerie on Twitter
Valerie on LinkedIn

Episode Sponsor: Routledge Publishing

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Do you tweet? I know that for many of us, Twitter seems to be that platform plagued with controversy and turmoil, but did you know that it can be the backbone of the social media in your business? Samantha Kelly, the Tweeting Goddess, shares her tips and tricks for using Twitter correctly, but also why it is one of the best platforms for building relationships.

Samantha started her entrepreneurial journey at a very tumultuous time in her life. She’d recently lost her father, gone through a divorce, and her daughter was becoming a woman. It was as she was trying to find some information for her daughter that she realized there was a huge gap in the women’s health market. 

She created her first business by building a box of goodies designed for young girls to coach them through those first few milestones of puberty. Samantha quickly learned that successful businesses have strong social media strategies and began studying all about it. This was when she first discovered Twitter. 

Samantha realized she’d found her calling when other entrepreneurs began approaching her to learn more about Twitter and overall strategy on social media. Listen as she discusses going from the Funky Goddess to the Tweeting Goddess and how her life has done a complete 180 at the same time.

Building great business relationships requires work and effort from all parties. Be kind to others and that kindness will come back to you. Samantha is full of wonderful advice that you won’t want to miss. Also check out her book, The Tweeting Goddess Little Book of Twitter Magic for more actionable tips and advice on creating meaningful relationships on social media.

Show Notes:

  • [01:08] Thank you for tuning in, showing up, and shout out to Leah.
  • [03:34] Welcome to the show Samantha Kelly.
  • [04:03] Learn how Samantha became an author, speaker, social media strategist, and Tweeting Goddess.
  • [06:58] How creating a taboo starter box for young girls turned into finding her passion of creating connections.
  • [10:34] From Funky Goddess to Tweeting Goddess, what did that journey look like? 
  • [13:16] What is the big takeaway Samantha hopes her readers find in her book? 
  • [15:31] Why kindness is such an important thing to show to others.
  • [17:54] How does Samantha incorporate emotional intelligence in her work? 
  • [20:11] Samantha shares a few quick tips on how to optimize Twitter.
  • [23:47] What are the challenges and “aha” moments Samantha faces every day? 
  • [26:48] There are a lot of women who can do it all, but why don’t they delegate? 
  • [29:38] Focus on the platform that is working with you. You don’t have to be everywhere.
  • [30:36] Believe in yourself and what you have to offer and you will shine.
  • [32:01] Connect with Samantha.

Links and Resources:

Samantha Kelly

Women’s Inspire Network 

Samantha on Twitter
Samantha on LinkedIn

The Tweeting Goddess Little Book of Twitter Magic by Samantha Kelly

Episode Sponsor: Feel First Test

Direct download: WW255.mp3
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In a data-driven world, it can sometimes feel like building real relationships with others is impossible. Tricia O’Malley shares why that belief is less true now than it has ever been. Tricia is the Director of Client Relations and Marketing for Northwestern Mutual and has spent her career building REAL relationships with her clients, co-workers, and friends.

Tricia’s background in creating strong donor relations for hospitals has helped her create a world-class client experience. Listen in as she shares her best advice for nurturing relationships in all areas of your life. You won’t want to miss her comments on how touch can help solidify budding new connections. 

Despite the ever-growing reach of social media and the online experience, when professionals take the time to set down the phone and make eye contact, their clients and customers feel heard and understood.

Tricia builds on this idea by sharing stories about her team and how she connects and builds deeper relationships with different personality types and ages. Don’t be fooled by demographics. It doesn’t matter how similar people appear on paper, we are each our own person. Recognizing those differences and being curious about them is one of the best ways to let others know that you care and are interested in them.

Building real relationships takes time and interest but is also integral to creating a thriving work environment. Tricia shares some amazing advice and pertinent “aha” moments that you won’t want to miss. Take a moment and grab a notebook. This episode is all about how you can win friends and influence people in your day-to-day life.

Show Notes:

  • [02:02] What are real relationships? How do they differ from regular relationships? 
  • [02:40] Welcome Tricia O’Malley to chat about how to create real relationships in your business. 
  • [03:50] Tricia shares her career journey and how she became a relationship manager. 
  • [06:00] Learn the most important characteristics a Director of Client Relations needs to have.
  • [08:46] Tricia’s team only works with people who are interested in the process and the program. Learn why. 
  • [10:11] “Building a relationship starts with a seed of curiosity.” Tricia O’Malley.
  • [12:04] A vital piece of relationship building was revealed to Tricia through How to Win Friends and Influence People
  • [13:30] Is it harder today to make people feel as if they matter today? 
  • [15:10] Listen as Tricia shares a story about a superior experience she had after a non-profit event. 
  • [17:49] How does Tricia bring empathy into the workplace with her team and clients? 
  • [20:19] Hear Tricia chat about some of the “uh-oh” moments she’s had in her career. 
  • [25:20] Very early in Tricia’s career she had an impactful learning experience. Listen as she relates the story and her takeaways. 
  • [29:14] Tricia chats about stress and how she handles it.
  • [31:53] Hear Tricia’s parting advice for how women can build better relationships and careers.
  • [33:04] Connect with Tricia.

Links and Resources:

Small World Wealth Management
Tricia on LinkedIn
Email: tricia.omalley@nm.com 
How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie

Episode Sponsor: Feel First Test

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