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“Career coaching was an outlet for me to utilize all my years of experience and share what happens behind the scenes and actually help people understand how to navigate the space.”Driven by a deep desire to help people find meaningful and fulfilling work, Melanie draws heavily from 17 years of recruiting and staffing experience to provide a clear structured framework to help you better understand yourself and make better career decisions.Our robust conversation focused on how this pandemic has specifically affected women in the workplace from working from home challenges, child care realities, to considerations for interviewing remotely. Connect with Melanie:https://www.linkedin.com/in/melaniewexler/https://www.facebook.com/AchieveinFindingSuccesshttps://instagram.com/mwexlercareercoachFeel free to schedule a Free 15 Minute Discovery Call: https://calendly.com/findsucceedachieve/coaching-sessionFollow Melanie's hashtags: #FindSucceedAchieve #LI30 #MWMYou can find more  conversations with fierce females at:www.haveaseatconversations.comSupport the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/haveaseat)

“For women, because we go deep into family and relationships, sometimes I think that’s the lens we need to use to unearth a comfort about talking about money” Liz Hand is a Certified Financial Planner who helps women make impactful financial decisions, and it all starts with a candid conversation. Liz partners with her clients to uncover their values and life ambitions, and helps develop an investment plan that gets them where they want to be.Liz has worked in personal finance for over a decade and focuses her practice on helping women step into retirement by managing investments, designing retirement income, and distilling the complex finance world into bite-size pieces.The opinions expressed on this show are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individuals. To determine which investments or solutions may be appropriate for you, consult with your attorney ,accountant, financial advisor, or tax advisor prior to investing. Securities offered through Kestra Investment Services, LLC, (Kestra IS), member FINRA/SIPC. Investment Advisory Services offered through Kestra Advisory Services, LLC, (Kestra AS) an affiliate of Kestra IS. Pleasant Wealth, LLC is not affiliated with Kestra IS or Kestra AS. Neither Kestra IS or Kestra AS provides legal or tax advice.Connect with LizElizabeth on LIElizabeth on YouTubePleasant WealthJoin Liz’s online community for women: https://www.facebook.com/groups/pleasantfinancialconversationsFind additional conversations with fierce females atwww.haveaseatconversations.comSupport the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/haveaseat)

You have to accept whatever comes, and the only important thing is that you meet it with the best you have to give.― Eleanor RooseveltWe made it my friends! Happy Administrative Professionals Week 2021!!Did you ever think we would get here? I know this past year has brought so many challenges to us individually and to our profession; some we saw coming and some came completely out of left field.No matter the challenge the one recurring theme I saw among my fellow admins was "We Got This!" and if we didn't we had an incredible network of fellow professionals to turn to in our hour of need.What's my #1 wish for all of us during this special week?Take a listen to find out!Interested in starting your own podcast? Look to Podpage to be your #1 podcast website resource. From amazing templates to excellent customer service, they are a podcasters dream for building a website for your show. Start building your podcast website today!Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/haveaseat)

“It’s important for us to remember that we can’t just bring part of ourselves to work, we bring our entire beings to work; being able to recognize that and become comfortable with the you that you are allows you to soar in the workplace”Dr. Margaret Alabi is the Chief Encouragement Officer and Co-founder of The Pivot Consulting Group. Dr. Alabi is a natural people person who loves connecting and listening.  She believes in always putting people first and has used these skills to coach clients to take their potential to purpose.Have A Seat with Dr. Margaret Alabi as we explore ways in which we can: learn affirming techniques like how to become our most authentic self, how to best tell our story and how to identify what is holding us back from having the career we deserveConnect with Dr. Margaret AlabiReadysetpivot.com@readysetpivot - InstagramFind more conversations with fierce females atwww.haveaseatconversations.comAre you thinking about starting your own podcast? It all starts with a website! Podpage was created with podcasters in mind, it's the  webpage designer I use for my show. Click the link to learn more. https://www.podpage.com/?via=debraSupport the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/haveaseat)

“Bringing Her to the surface, remembering who She was and the things She liked doing...once we reconnect to Her that’s when the magic happens.”What do you miss doing from when you were a child? What lit you up? Do you remember the hopes and dreams and talents you enjoyed and hoped for when you were younger? Natalie Siston is the author of Let Her Out: Reclaim Who You Have Always Been and we do a bit of a deep dive into these questions and much more.Natalie’s relatable and impactful story of transformation and self-discovery has inspired hundreds, and she is eager to share what she has learned with all of you.Connect with Natalie:Smalltownleadership.comLet Her Out: Reclaim Who You Have Always BeenFacebookLinkedInInstagramFind more conversations with fierce females at:www.haveaseatconversations.comSupport the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/haveaseat)

"We spend precious hours fearing the inevitable. It would be wise to use that time adoring our families, cherishing our friends and living our lives.” —Maya Angelou, poetYes, the rumor is true....it's another quick minicast from yours truly! I don't know about you, but I've begun to see a slight uptick in conversations around returning to the office, hybrid/flex work schedules, the use of tech and how it's been incorporated into our work flow now more than ever and tons of other informative return to work topics and thoughts. So in typical podcast host fashion, I thought I would jump on the mic and share my take on the subject.This is my two cents on how remote work has been for me this past year, and how, truth be told, it hasn't been all that bad. #sorrynotsorry. If you have thoughts on the new normal, or would like to share how this past year has been for you, I welcome the opportunity to have a conversation with you too!You can find more minicasts at: www.haveaseatconversations.com. Thanks for listening!Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/haveaseat)

“Building your personal brand will help you position yourself as a leader and can strengthen your credibility"Personal branding by definition is the conscious and intentional effort to create and influence public perception of an individual by positioning them as an authority in their industry, thereby elevating their credibility. If you are anything like me, when you hear the phrase “what is your personal brand?” you sit low and hope the question passes you by. Which is why I was thrilled to have a chance to speak to Career Accelerator + Private Executive Coach, Sarah Makris, on personal branding and its role in our careers. It is her personal mission to inspire and encourage professional women to put ourselves out there, help us become more visible and confident so we can reach our full potential, and ensure we increase our professional value so we don't get overlooked for career progression.Connect with Sarah:sarah@sarahmakris.comwww.sarahmakris.com.au# Follow me on Linkedin Sarah Makris# Join my Facebook group -  Facebook Group: Success Circle# Follow me on Instagram - Sarah Makris AustraliaYou can find more conversations with fierce females at:www.haveaseatconversations.comSupport the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/haveaseat)

“You probably will do very well and better than everyone you know if you’re doing something you love; financially, the money will follow you”Monica is the co-founder of Yampu Tours with her husband José Irauzqui. Monica is an expert in family travels, always bringing her kids, ages eleven and thirteen on her trips; Monica loves what she does and being able to do it with her family! Have A Seat with Monica and hear what motivated Monica and her husband, José, to start a touring and travel services company, how the pandemic has affected the travel industry, the many ways Yampu Tours is ensuring a safe travel experience for their customers and Monica's advice on the importance of finding joy in the work you do.Connect with Monica and Yampu Tours at:https://www.yampu.com/Find more conversations with fierce females at:www.haveaseatconversations.comSupport the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/haveaseat)

“I never judge anyone for choosing the way they live, I would rather come from a place of being helpful, then come from a place of telling you what to do and how to live your life” After graduating from high school in Japan, Natsune went to the U.S. to study business and economics. During this time as a student, she had the opportunity to work with multiple small to mid sized tech startups and her passion for entrepreneurship was born. She took that passion and the knowledge she gained with her back to Japan where she began to build her successful career. First, as the host of LifeUpEducationTV, as a successful author of the book, "The Game Of Self Domination," and as a managing director of virtual B2B global recruiting and international project management firm, ForeignConnect. Natsune is one busy lady and I welcomed the opportunity to learn more about what motivates her to keep producing self affirming content. Additionally, I appreciated Natsune’s giving spirit, she truly has the desire to help others see the potential they have to become their best selves, and she absolutely backs up that claim with the content she brings to her audiences. I invite you to Have A Seat with Natsune and hear the ways in which we can tie the work we do to advancing not only ourselves but humanity as a whole.Connect with Natsune:https://www.lifeupeducationtv.com/Find more fierce female conversations at:www.haveaseatconversations.comSupport the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/haveaseat)

“Growing up, I never thought there was a seat for me, so I've decided to build my own table. Come. Pull up a chair.” – Uzo AdubaI have many colleagues, friends and sisters-in-arms who have started new ventures, roles and side hustles, this past year, and I was always on the sidelines cheering them on and supporting them in whatever way I could. But never in my wildest dreams did I think that I would soon join the ranks of those who pivoted this past year.I know many of you have either done this type of transition or are looking at making this same type of change in the coming year, Have A Seat with me as I share my experience in making this job change under this new normal and quite possibly,  you will be inspired to come on the show and share your journey too. Find more of my minicast episodes at:www.haveaseatconversations.comLooking for a place to call home for your own podcast? Look no further! Check out all that Podpage has to offer: https://www.podpage.com/?via=debraSupport the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/haveaseat)

“You have the right to your emotions regardless of your age; if it’s your child, you will hurt them more if you dismiss their feelings.”It’s not often that I get a chance to speak to young people making their way in the world on this show and have an honest, get to know you conversation. I think that sometimes we can get so caught up in looking forward and to what the future holds, that we forget to turn our heads back to those coming up behind us and ask them “Are you OK? What are your hopes and dreams for the future and how can we help you get there?” Which is why when Haelee’s father, Dedrick, contacted me about having Haelee on as a guest, I jumped at the chance to have a conversation with her.Haelee is a fashion designer, author and oh yeah before I forget to mention it...is in the 7th grade! What started out as a personal journal writing about her feelings of depression and anxiety, with support and encouragement from her father, quickly developed into her first published work, The Rules of a Big Boss: A Book of Self Love. Along with her stories of emotional struggle, she also shares how she found her inner lioness and rose up and found self-esteem from within. A message of positivity that has transformed into a successful fashion design business centered around her book.Haelee’s star is definitely on the rise as she has been featured on television, in magazines and various media platforms. Haelee and her father Dedrick, have a strong supportive relationship that knows no bounds. Dedrick encourages his daughter to reach for the stars while at the same time, reminding her to keep her boots on the ground.I invite you to Have A Seat with this aspiring young lady and hear about her rise to fame, how she is handling it all and her exciting plans for the future.Connect with Haelee:The Rules of a Big Boss: A Book of Self LoveJoin me on the show!www.haveaseatconversations.comSupport the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/haveaseat)

“Find what you love from your EA role and take from that what makes you happy and what brings you joy, and see where that leads, as it may evolve into something else” - Mina“Even if you’re in one organization for a long time, don’t feel like your role is confined to that one box, look beyond that box and grasp other parts of your organization that you can add value to, that you enjoy and will give you more fulfillment.” - AdeleYou know those celebrities where last names are not needed, Beyonce, Cher, Madonna...well my guests today absolutely fall into that category. For those in the EA space, Mina and Adele are the dynamic duo that we all know and admire, they are strong advocates for administrative professionals worldwide and I was absolutely beyond THRILLED for the opportunity to sit down and have a conversation with them.Not only did we discuss the new challenges that EA’s face in today’s new workspace, but we also had lively chats about:~ taking chances ~ being bold ~ thinking outside the box ~ finding the value in mentorship~ their work with TRIB As a bonus, Mina and Adele gave us a peek behind the curtain as to what it takes to maintain their successful partnership in running their joint venture, Sorelle Event & Network Consultants.Connect with Mina & Adele:Mina on LinkedInAdele on LinkeInSorelle Event & Network ConsultantsFind more conversations with fierce females at:www.haveaseatconversations.comSupport the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/haveaseat)

“In building your business it’s all about networking. Get out there, build those relationships, but be patient, keep trying to cultivate and build that trust until something comes of it.”Imagine living in Hawaii, enjoying the island life, and deciding for the sake of your career, to pick up and move back stateside. In order for us to continue to grow and develop professionally, sometimes we are faced with decisions like these that end up being exactly what we need. That’s how my guest Jenelle Van Eynde began her career and her story involves lessons learned, risks taken and empowering growth.Jenelle is the Founder of Root Solutions Project Management and works as an Independent Consultant in the international development field. Jenelle has spent the last ten years honing her project management skills which has aided in her ability to keep up with the high demand of her clients needs. She draws on her experience having worked in both the nonprofit and for-profit sectors, where she has proven her ability to complete projects by taking initiative and having a never say die mentality. I invite you to Have A Seat with Jenelle and hear about her path to running her own business, lessons she's learned along her project management journey and the strength it took when faced with that ever famous "fork in the road" in her career path.Connect with JenelleFind more conversations with fierce females at:www.haveaseatconversations.comSupport the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/haveaseat)

Good conversational debate is an end in itself, and talking for the love of conversation is what makes us human.― Bryce CourtenayHappy 1 Year Anniversary!! I can’t believe it’s been 1 whole year since I broke off on my own and started this show.I can’t tell you how much I have personally grown these past 12 months, both professionally, emotionally, mentally and spiritually. Meeting all of these fabulous fierce females has been life changing, I mean that with all my heart. So to all my inspiring guests...THANK YOU LADIES you are amazing badasses who are killing it, and I count myself extremely lucky to have a small part in your journey. You choose to spend long drives, workouts, and free time with people who you feel connected to--even if we never meet in this lifetime. And for the few minutes you choose to spend with me and my guests, I say THANK YOU for your time and your listenership, it means the world.Visit my website to find more minicasts and solo shows:www.haveaseatconversations.comSupport the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/haveaseat)

“When you have a wonderful relationship with yourself that’s constructive and healthy, you are giving yourself all the right things so you’re capable of building the life you want.”Laura DiBenedetto is a TEDx Speaker,#1 Bestselling author of The Six Habits and Life Mastery Coach. Laura teaches her clients how to create the life of their dreams without sacrificing what they love. If you’ve ever dreamed of a bigger, more abundant life, The Six Habits is the inspiring and practical how-to guide that reveals the life-changing, actionable wisdom needed to transform your dreams into reality. Laura’s story begins with bullying, abuse, bankruptcy, and burn out. She overcame everything, built a successful business at age 19 and went on to retire at 37 with a 6-figure passive income. She has learned the formula to build a life of joy and now follows her passion to share this message with others. From the beginning of our conversation, Laura’s messaging is clear, we need to be honest with ourselves, ask the tough questions, work through the answers and get out of our own way, to allow ourselves the freedom to create the life of our dreams. Laura doesn’t hold back during our conversation and I absolutely appreciated her directness. I invite you to Have A Seat with Laura and experience her refreshing, straight-talk, tell it like it is, style. After speaking with Laura, I found that I grew in small but profound ways during our conversation, and I am confident you will too!Laura DiBenedetto LinksInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauraldibenedetto/Facebook:ttps://www.facebook.com/lauraldibenedetto/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lldibenedetto/Website 1:https://lauradibenedetto.com/Website 2:https://www.thesixhabits.com/Find more conversations with fierce females at:www.haveaseatconversations.comSupport the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/haveaseat)

“Organizations that have an employee first culture really are that much more successful and realize the potential of the people in their business”Alysha M. Campbell is an accomplished and respected Strategic HR Leader with a decade of experience that encompasses all facets of Human Resource Management. From executing successful multi-million dollar workforce recruitment and optimization projects to spearheading employee culture initiatives, Alysha has truly seen and done it all in the HR space. Her passion for the industry led her to start her own HR Consultancy and Strategy agency - CultureShift HR. During our conversation, Alysha offers excellent insight and advice on relevant HR topics such as, interviewing tips, job search strategies and entrepreneurship. Honestly, I took full advantage of having an HR professional and female business owner in the hot seat. If you are entering the job search market, are looking to grow in your current role or if you are a business owner with employees, you will find Alysha’s advice to be direct and just what you need to hear from someone who’s been there on all fronts.  I thoroughly enjoyed my conversation with Alysha, I learned so much and I know you will too.Connect with Alysha:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alysha.m.campbell/Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alyshamcampbell/Twitter: https://twitter.com/AlyshaMCampbellEmail: alysha@cultureshifthr.com Find more conversations with fierce females at:www.haveaseatconversations.com

“I say we’ve tried that, let’s move on to something else, how about something that you enjoy so much you do it for the sake of doing it...that’s your exercise”Happy 2021 Everybody! I hope this finds you all rested and relaxed from a very merry holiday season. Let’s start the New Year on the right track with my guest, Dalia Kinsey. Dalia is a body positive Registered Dietitian and Inclusive Employee Wellness Specialist who teaches her clients that eating well while loving the body that you are in is a powerful combination.Dalia is also the inspiring creator of the Body Liberation for All podcast, a show dedicated to amplifying the health and happiness of LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC folx.  On her mission to spread joy, reduce suffering, and eliminate health disparities in her QTBIPOC community, she rejects the narrow minded diet culture and teaches us how to use nutrition the right way, as a self-care and personal empowerment tool.I invite you to Have A Seat with Dalia and learn along with me as she discusses how to eat well without dieting, how to make smart food choices, how to listen to what our bodies are telling us, because there is a ton of communication happening there and what the right exercise for you really means. As we enter into 2021, what better way to begin our new year then with a motivating conversation on body acceptance, healthy living and overall wellness.Connect with Dalia:https://www.daliakinsey.com/Dalia on LinkedInDalia on YouTubeFind more stories of fierce females at:www.haveaseatconversations.com

Reflect upon your present blessings, of which everyone has plenty; not on your past misfortunes, of which all have some. ~ Charles DickensSo how are we all doing? It’s the end of December! Can we believe all that 2020 dished out to us? And for many, is still doing so. Taking all of this into consideration, it’s a wonder that we may feel some exhaustion, I know I do. When I look back at what this past year has brought to my life and the changes and adjustments I’ve had to make, it either makes me want to run screaming from the room, or stop, take inventory, take back some control, and recognize the good changes and good behaviors that I would like to keep in place, while also recognizing the not so good changes and behaviors that I would like to correct or eliminate completely.What things have worked for you and what hasn’t? What steps can you take to allow the good to remain somehow, someway in your life? Grab your favorite holiday beverage and Have A Seat with me to reflect on 2020, to acknowledge the challenges we faced, appreciate the high's and low's and prepare for what lies ahead in the coming year. Thank you as always for your tremendous support this past year and always. Happy New Year and let's do all the things in 2021!A simple New Year's Resolution? Be a guest on my show!www.haveaseatconversations.com

“Loving it is how you get through the parts you don’t like. You have to love the work enough to do all the parts and pieces that allow you to do the work”Casey Jourdan is a business strategist, speaker and podcast producer and host, who finds fulfillment in troubleshooting small business struggles and supporting start-ups.  Having survived a road-side bombing in Iraq, while in service for our country, Casey has come to deeply believe that change is inevitable but evolution is optional. Casey encourages her listeners and clients to create their best lives and a business that suits their lifestyle. On her podcast, Steady She Grows, Casey talks with women about what it’s really like to start and grow a business, both logistically and emotionally. Casey’s humor, wit and excellent knowledge of what it takes to become and maintain the solopreneur life was so on point. I immediately took to her honesty and frankness; if you crave real talk on what it takes to move into owning your own business, this is one episode you will not want to miss!Connect with Casey:www.caseyjourdan.comSteady She Grows PodcastFind more candid conversations with badass women at:www.haveaseatconversations.com

“We always hear the question….where are the women? The women are always right there, in any category, they’re always just right there, you’re just not seeing them. They’ve been there doing the work, from the start, they’ve contributed to your industry, they’ve helped frame it, but you keep ignoring them or forgetting them or erasing them”So how would marketing and HR intersect and work together? My guest Megan Purdy tells how it can be done and so much more. Megan is a content marketer and project manager specializing in Human Resources, HR Tech and all things people. After ten years as a freelance writer and editor, she made the jump into the startup world as an Operations Manager at Canadian Payroll Services, where she worked to renew their processes and corporate brand. After two years working with the CPS team, she moved over to its sister company, Cronos Consulting Group, as a Marketing Manager, where she works with clients that need to expand their workforce and transform their hiring process.  In addition to discussing all things HR, marketing and tech, Megan also shared her thoughts on what it takes to become a solopreneur; with first hand knowledge and insight, Megan provided key factors we should consider before making the leap completely from our 9 - 5.  Fun fact! Megan was also the managing editor and founder of Women Write About Comics, a community for women who, as you guessed it, write about comics. From reviewing comics to sharing thoughts and ideas about comics, to offering support to existing and up and coming women comic writers, this group was founded with women in mind.  I invite you to Have A Seat with Megan to hear about her incredible career journey. Megan absolutely captured the spirit of this show and I can’t wait to share her story with you. Connect with Megan:Megan on LinkedInFind more candid conversations at:www.haveaseatconversations.com