Women Worldwide with Deirdre Breakenridge

Statistics show that anxiety is on the rise for Americans and for younger people. Conditions such as anxiety and insomnia can have a negative effect on our lives and prevent us from doing what we want to do or just make life more challenging than it needs to be. Fortunately, I have anxiety expert Stephanie Dalfonzo on the show today. Stephanie has an interesting story and career trajectory.

She began working as a DJ, then she started a hypnosis practice and now she helps people overcome their issues with anxiety. Stephanie is the author of Goodbye Anxiety, Hello Freedom, and it’s such a pleasure to have her on the show. She shares techniques and wisdom to start fighting anxiety with simple practices that anyone can do. She has so much knowledge to share and this episode is packed with wisdom and resources.

Show Notes:

  • [03:33] About 20 years ago, Stephanie was a celebrity radio DJ. She developed insomnia and went to the doctor and got a prescription. The prescription worked but only for a short time.
  • [04:52] She started researching just for her own sanity. Through her research, she realized that she had struggled with anxiety her entire life.
  • [05:22] She started looking for ways to manage her emotions. We can control our emotions by learning new healthy habits.
  • [06:02] Stephanie went to coaching school and learned hypnosis. She ended up having a successful hypnosis practice for 10 years.
  • [06:22] Most of the people who came to her had issues rooted in anxiety. According to a Gallup survey, Americans are the most stressed people in the world.
  • [07:13] Stress, worry, and anger lead to feelings of anxiety. Kids, teens, and young adults are also experiencing crisis levels of anxiety.
  • [08:07] Anxious parents have anxious kids.
  • [08:40] Signs of anxiety include anger and being controlling. Hopelessness, sleeping, and withdrawing are also signs.
  • [10:48] Stephanie's book has 35 techniques for dealing with anxiety, and they are all in alphabetical order. This is intentional because simple shifts create lasting change.
  • [12:36] We have to continuously empy the stress bucket with these simple techniques.
  • [17:02] Smile and your subconscious mind will think you are happy. Express 3 things you are grateful for first thing in the morning because gratitude is so powerful. It will set the tone for the whole day.
  • [20:46] Turn your affirmations into a question. Why am I healthy and well? You’ll start seeing possibilities.
  • [24:14] What we focus on becomes our reality. The best way to handle rejection is to shift your focus.
  • [25:16] Breathing takes us to the present moment.
  • [29:06] Standing in a power pose will give you higher testosterone levels and lower cortisol levels.
  • [32:02] Tony Fadell talks about how devices are intentionally addictive and give us a dopamine hit.
  • [37:15] Stephanie starts her day with gratitude. She also has a daily yoga practice.
  • [40:00] Crossing left and right sides of the brain is balancing.
  • [42:26] Adverse childhood experiences can lead to problems later on in life. If you have childhood trauma, you need to do the healing work.
  • [45:40] For the next seven days, choose a couple of techniques and practice them.

Links and Resources:

Direct download: WW222.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:00am EDT

Statistically, women are underrepresented in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics and there are many programs encouraging girls to study STEM careers. In spite of the stats, women have made significant contributions in these fields. My guest today is one of those women. Diana L. Burley, Ph.D. is a globally recognized cybersecurity expert and Executive Director and Chair of the Institute for Information Infrastructure Protection (I3P) at George Washington University.

Growing up, Diana was always interested in technology and how it affects the behavior of people involved with it. By going into cybersecurity, she found the perfect intersection of people and technology to research. She is at the forefront of the latest research in cybersecurity and the evolution of new threats like holes in the world of the Internet of Things. Diana has always been a problem solver and shares the aha moment she discovered in Graduate school along with her no-nonsense approach to everything cybersecurity.

Show Notes:

  • [03:16] Growing up, Diana was always very interested in technology and how it shapes people and their behavior around it. Her expertise is the intersection of people and Technology. She's now a cybersecurity expert.
  • [04:39] Being a woman in cybersecurity can be lonely. Diana thinks of it in terms of the impact that she can make.
  • [05:45] Diana suggests that young women follow their passion and be prepared for whatever field they're going into and don't let fear stop them.
  • [07:03] Cybersecurity is a very broad field. Whatever your path make sure you are taking courses that help you solve complex problems, develop analytical abilities, and develop communication abilities.
  • [08:21] You will need communication skills wherever you go.
  • [08:56] Relationships are key for making introductions and seeing pathways that you wouldn't normally see.
  • [10:27] One of the things you need to think about with cybersecurity is what are the motivators for the people involved. The issues need to be looked at holistically.
  • [12:09] People, process, and technology takes a lot to get up to speed. There needs to be a constant state of vigilance because threats are always evolving.
  • [14:29] Understanding and using technology as it involves is all about not being afraid to try things.
  • [15:22] There's constant learning that has to take place in the cybersecurity field. If you have passion, it doesn't feel like work.
  • [18:54] Even without reading the terms of service, you should assume that your data will be used online.
  • [19:35] You can help yourself with cyber hygiene. Use strong passwords. Use different passwords for every site and change them regularly. Don't click on links from unexpected emails.
  • [21:24] Tools like LastPass can be very helpful.
  • [21:42] Diana runs a research institute and is developing some executive education courses for the university.
  • [23:44] When a situation looks grim, Diana looks for solutions. Once you break the problem down into pieces, you can chip away at it.
  • [25:59] One of the things that has surprised Diana is the impression that she has made on people.
  • [28:32] When Diana was working on her dissertation, she focused on the individual tasks. She was actually stunned when, after completing a task, her advisor said she was done. Anything can be completed if you break things down into small doable tasks.
  • [30:15] Diana is a researcher. Mistakes are more like options that didn't work and can be crossed off the list.
  • [32:34] Diversity and different experiences and backgrounds help inform gut reactions. Bringing together differences of opinion and thought helps create very robust solutions.
  • [34:31] Diana is primarily a researcher. She could be working with a client to develop a strategic solution for their cybersecurity program. She could also be working with a research team for deeper analysis. She could also be giving speeches or talking to students. She also has quiet days where she can just sit and write.
  • [38:38] People can be a cybersecurity weak link. Changing behavior is very important. Another hot topic is cybersecurity and IoT devices.
  • [40:44] The best advice Diana can give is to be proactive about your security in the digital space. Be an active participant.

Links and Resources:

Direct download: WW221.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:00am EDT

How we feel about ourselves can be a big part of how confident we feel. Like it or not, things in our appearance like our hair make a difference in our inner confidence. Today’s guest has not only found a way to empower women when they need it the most, but she has built a solid business around it. Caliz Sotelo Moore co-founded Wigs.com in 1999. She was exploring online niches and was fortunate and wise enough to stumble onto the wig niche.

When she realized that there was a need to help people with alternative hair and how empowering it could be, she made this business her sole focus. Things paid off and Wigs.com is the world’s largest online wig retailer. She now focuses on education and building a team that is empowered and passionate about their work. She has partnered with BreastCancer.org, and she has a huge soft spot for children’s charities. Carliz works passionately to make the world a better place one life at a time.

Show Notes:

  • [03:25] Carliz started Wigs.com in 1999. She has been entrepreneurial since she was a kid.
  • [03:50] She was helping write business plans and noticed that niche markets online were wide open.
  • [04:16] Her goal was to get 10 online platforms with products shipped from the manufacturer to the consumer. The wig market was wide open. It was also very needed and educational aspect was very important.
  • [04:49] Alternative hair ended up being the only thing that they focused on. There was such a need.
  • [05:34] Her parents and grandparents were entrepreneurs and it just was in her DNA to become an entrepreneur.
  • [06:14] As an entrepreneur, you can make the necessary improvements you want.
  • [07:07] When you empower your team they have exponentially more passion.
  • [08:18] Passion is the personality trait that Carliz looks for. Team members get ownership of what they do.
  • [09:44] Everyone has passion, we just need to figure out what sparks it.
  • [10:45] It's important to push yourself out of your comfort zone and keep improving.
  • [12:30] Alopecia is on a scary rise. Hair loss in general is up for women.
  • [13:15] We lose 80 to 90 hairs a day. Hair production goes down in our 30s.
  • [14:14] New wig technology is so beautiful and well made.
  • [15:29] Quality is great now. Wigs are like human hair. Wigs are fun to experiment with.
  • [17:22] There is a medical need for alternative hair, but it's also a fun way to express yourself without added chemicals, time and expense.
  • [18:23] With a wig you can have perfect hair in an instant.
  • [18:28] Their biggest partner is BreastCancer.org. Anyone who purchases on Wigs.com has the opportunity to give to BreastCancer.org.
  • [18:54] They also help with educational videos and answering questions women don't know about wigs.
  • [19:05] Carliz loves charities related to kids.
  • [21:17] What skills do you need to get noticed? Be of value and put yourself out there. Don't be afraid to be unique. Find value and be yourself.
  • [23:53] Carliz has surprised herself with her ability to stick to it. She had a gypsy spirit, but fell in love with the client base that she serves.
  • [26:29] Four or five years ago, they put out a survey and decided that they needed to listen to the client. Without listening to the client you will miss some things.
  • [28:53] Women in business have different challenges. Women manage differently than men. Women seem to have a higher EQ. It's positive but can be draining. Women need to get out there and do it.
  • [33:49] Carliz has a great group of people that she bounces ideas off. We do need a network.
  • [34:55] Find a group to connect with peers. Look for networking groups like EO or Vistage of other peer groups.
  • [36:32] There is always someone who can share a unique perspective.
  • [37:14] Carliz learns from clients and any related resources that she can find.
  • [38:22] She loves engaging in all aspects of her company. There are different things every day, and she is thankful for her amazing team.
  • [40:25] Follow your gut and listen to your instincts. Never give up and make a difference. You are successful if you are passionate about what you are doing and getting paid for it.
  • [42:11] Don't settle. Find the right team and find a job where you can make a difference.

Links and Resources:

Direct download: WW220.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:00am EDT

Emily Pereira was living the perfect life, but deep down she knew that something didn’t feel right. When her life and relationship came crashing down, she realized that perfection wasn’t the answer, it was the problem. She went on a quest to find her real life’s passion and through writing and creativity, she discovered her authentic self and true happiness.

Emily is a life and love coach, author, creator, retreat leader, mother, and an advocate for finding creative passion within to live your true magical and radiant life. She lives in a magical world in Costa Rica with her partner and her daughter. She now allows her creativity to flow and helps other women do the same. You will laugh and be inspired with this wonderful conversation I have with Emily.

Show Notes:

  • [03:09] Emily is a mompreneur who holds retreats in Costa Rica.
  • [03:23] About 10 years ago, Emily started wondering when she was going to do something that truly mattered to her.
  • [05:12] She worked for a Fortune 500 company and lived on the beach with an original Internet  tycon Myspace founder.
  • [05:53] She did more of what she knew. She worked more, shopped more, and escaped more.
  • [07:02] Emily was working from a framework of external happiness and deep down inside she had a nagging feeling that this wasn't working for her.
  • [08:02] Her boyfriend cheated on her, and she moved out of the beachfront property. She was full of pity and blame.
  • [08:40] A beautiful new beginning can be disguise by a painful ending. She connected with a powerful spiritual teacher.
  • [09:47] She discovered that her pain had more to do with the illusion she had bought into than what had actually happened with her breakup. She didn't have to be perfect.
  • [10:42] All of our thoughts have an energy validation.
  • [12:02] It's not about being perfect, it's about being authentic.
  • [13:02] Creativity is a natural part of being human.
  • [14:06] You don't have to be perfect to participate, you just have to give yourself permission to be a beginner.
  • [14:48] She began tearing down illusions and taking radical personal responsibility.
  • [15:56] When are you going to do something that matters to you? This question kept coming up.
  • [16:37] She knew she needed to write her story.
  • [17:10] She began writing a little before bed. The words flowed freely when she suspended judgement.
  • [18:57] The floods of creativity burst forth from her, and she started doing all types of creative endeavors from painting to dance.
  • [19:45] She discovered that creativity was connected to spirituality.
  • [20:05] She felt connected to who she was and why she was here in those moments of inspiration.
  • [22:16] Writing is a super powerful way to draw the authentic out of you.
  • [22:57] She also suddenly felt a camaraderie with other women. She discovered her life's work was going to be helping other women see the truth and beauty of who they are.
  • [25:14] For Emily, success is touching lives and moments of bliss.
  • [26:51] Emily had an epiphany where she discovered her new version of her authentic self.
  • [28:53] Radiance and consciousness is an everyday practice.
  • [29:42] Every morning she writes down 10 things that she is grateful for.
  • [31:11] Things change, and there are going to be challenges.
  • [33:05] Time management can be a challenge for a busy mom.
  • [34:19] Emily lives in Costa Rica with her daughter and life partner.
  • [35:40] She works with women who want to attract love.
  • [36:36] The nature, jungle, and life force of Costa Rica is amazing. As well as the fruits. They have a very International community.
  • [38:20] There's absolutely nothing wrong with you, if you aren't happy. You just bought into an illusion. There is a wellspring of magic living inside you. Tap into your creative passion to fulfill who you really are. Permission. Passion. Purpose.

Links and Resources:

Direct download: WW219.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:00am EDT

Rebekah is a Nashville, Tennessee based writer and entrepreneur. She joined the founding team of PRTech company Onclusive (formerly AirPR) in 2012, where she helped build the industry’s first PR attribution technology, while also convincing PR and Communications professionals to embrace data. Now she is on the Advisory Board, and is thrilled with the progress the company is making under new leadership.

Prior to this she has started one of the fastest growing PR firms called talkTECH with her dear friend Kristen Tischhauser-Grossi. She now has her own writing collective she calls WriteVest where she works on the types of projects she wants to work on and gets paid fairly for doing so. We talk about how PR, writing, journalism, blogging, and content creation using data has all changed. We also talk about how important it is to remember that there is another person on the other side of that computer screen.

Show Notes

  • [04:12] Rebecca built a Communications and PR Company. Then she was a co-founder and helped build are PR. She sense left that company and now launched right vest.
  • [04:43] Her and her friend founded a percomplaony, now It’s AirPR
  • [05:08] She took time of to just explore what was her passion and what does she love. We need factful writing and critical thinking. We need an outside perspective on things and people who can tell a thoughtful storyo.
  • [06:02] There is a need for good writing that is thoughtful
  • [07:12] It's important for professionals to dive into data, but there is also the creative side.
  • [08:00] Being a good communicator doesn't mean you're able to write content that is compelling. After looking at different data points she discovered different content is for different customers.
  • [09:03] There is a good need for good writing and content. The press release isn't the best way to tell a story.
  • [10:31] PR was the writing. The sizzle came from the marketing. The role of PR is to adapt and be flexible when needed. What is going out is all considered PR.
  • [12:55] Part of it being creative. Part of what you are doing is trying to connect with a customer base.
  • [15:03] The thinking part is taking a topic and tying it into a granular topic.
  • [17:51] Marketing, writing, and advertising all have to work together.
  • [18:47] Everybody is media to day. Look at yourself as a publisher and storyteller.
  • [19:49] We need good journalism, but we also need people created content.
  • [20:50] Data shows us what's good and not good. Communicate effectively.
  • [23:24] Look at the value of the content produces. Get paid as a creative person first.
  • [26:05] How you share information when you have writer's block. Lock yourself in a cabin for four days or get out in nature. Reading good writing helps.
  • [30:25] The biggest thing she has learned is that she doesn't know anything until she shows up.
  • [32:28] Behind every computer screen is a person.
  • [33:03] Be open to what comes. Don't take too much on and don't let it bother you when things don't turn out as they should.
  • [34:32] After grief, you learn who your people are.
  • [36:58] Important things are what matters, don't waste your energy on the little stuff.
  • [39:36] It takes a lot of humility to be a good leader. Good leaders need to be able to listen.
  • [40:50] We can only see if people show up consistently as the same person.
  • [44:30] Do what brings you and work with people who align with your value system.

Links and Resources:

Direct download: WW218.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:00am EDT

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