The Stress–Fertility Connection with Dr. Aumatma Simmons (S10:Epi 275)

In this episode, Mary Sullivan, co-founder of Sweet but Fearless, talks with Dr. Kate Mason, author of Powerfully Likable, about what it really means to communicate as a woman in today's workplace. Too often, women feel like they have to choose, be powerful or be likable. But what if you didn't have to? Kate shares how the way we communicate trains others how to trust us and why understanding who you are is key to stepping into leadership with confidence. This conversation challenges the idea of either/or and introduces a more powerful approach, being both strong and genuinely likable. Because real leadership isn't about choosing, it's about becoming powerfully likable. Dr. Kate Mason is an executive communications coach, keynote speaker and author specializing in communication, influence, and leadership dynamics. Kate works with companies like Microsoft, Netflix, Google.org, Uber and many more to help execs more fully present themselves and boost their signal, presence, and value in their organization.   ABOUT DR. KATE MAASON: Website – Dr. Kate Mason LinkedIn: Dr. Kate Mason BOOK: Powerfully Likeable   ABOUT SWEET BUT FEARLESS: Website - Sweet but Fearless LinkedIn - Sweet but Fearless

In this episode, Mary Sullivan, co-founder of Sweet but Fearless, talks with Eleanor Beaton, founder of Safi Media, about confidence and how it's built through courage. Confidence doesn't appear overnight; it grows each time you step outside your comfort zone and do something you haven't done before. They discuss why courage is the foundation of confidence, and how taking small, bold actions can expand what you believe is possible for yourself. The conversation also explores the power of relationships at work and why who you know, and who knows about you, can be just as important as what you know. If you've ever hesitated to speak up, reach out, or connect with people who hold more influence, this episode offers practical insight on building the confidence to show up, be visible, and create meaningful professional relationships.   ABOUT ELEANOR BEATON: LinkedIn – Eleanor Beaton Website: Eleanor Beaton Podcast: Woman Owned: The Growth Podcast for Women Entrepreneurs Website – Safi Media Join the Newsletter   ABOUT SWEET BUT FEARLESS: Website - Sweet but Fearless LinkedIn - Sweet but Fearless

In this episode, Mary Sullivan, co-founder of Sweet but Fearless, talks with Chanda Coston, Personal PMP and Success Strategist, about how women over 40 can build businesses by leveraging the experiences they've gathered over time. With a background that spans the U.S. Navy and corporate America, Chanda explains how every role, challenge, and lesson becomes part of what she calls a "shoebox of experiences" that can be used to create new opportunities. In this conversation, Chanda challenges the pressure of hustle culture and encourages women to be smarter about how they spend their time. Instead of trying to do everything at once, she suggests breaking life into seasons and designing your schedule around the goals that matter most in the season you're in. Chanda also emphasizes the importance of making the outcome non-negotiable. By building a practical action plan and approaching goals with intention and strategy, women can move their businesses forward in a way that is proactive, focused, and sustainable. This episode is a reminder that experience is powerful, time is valuable, and the next chapter of business can be built with purpose.   ABOUT CHANDA COSTON: LinkedIn – Chanda Coston Website – Chanda Co. E-book – Reclaiming Your Dreams with Confidence & Clarity ABOUT SWEET BUT FEARLESS: Website - Sweet but Fearless LinkedIn - Sweet but Fearless

In this inspiring episode, Mary Sullivan, co-founder of Sweet but Fearless, talks with leadership coach and educator Colleen Souza, author of Living by the Mantras, as she shares how small, intentional words can create powerful shifts. She invites us to live with greater purpose, one mantra at a time. A nationally recognized educator turned real estate leader, speaker, author, and podcaster, Colleen has spent decades guiding others with honesty, clarity, and practical insight. Her advice is grounded and refreshingly real, the kind that comes from experience, resilience, and a conscious choice to lead with joy. In her book, Living by the Mantras, Colleen shares the powerful phrases that have shaped her life, along with the lessons behind them, for readers ready to live with more intention and more heart. Her hope is to empower others to live from their values with positivity, heart, and humor.   ABOUT COLLEEN SOUZA: LinkedIn – Colleen Souza Website – Living by the Mantras Podcast – Living by the Mantras BOOK: Living by the Mantras   ABOUT SWEET BUT FEARLESS: Website - Sweet but Fearless LinkedIn - Sweet but Fearless

In this episode, Mary Sullivan, co-founder of Sweet but Fearless, talks with Sheronda Rochelle about career reinvention, bold pivots, and redefining yourself in your 50s and beyond. Sheronda shares her career journey and why she's passionate about helping women over 50 reimagine what's next. They explore the power of support systems, friendships, and why you don't have to reinvent your life alone. Sheronda also introduces her newest endeavor, Revelre, (Relatable, Evolve, Elevate, Rediscovery) a membership community that brings businesswomen together through meaningful, dinner-based networking experiences. If you're navigating a pivot, craving connection, or ready for your next chapter, this episode is for you. Outside of her professional work, Sheronda enjoys writing, cooking, and traveling. She credits much of her success to strong mentors and a supportive community and to embracing a nontraditional path. Looking ahead, she hopes to publish her first novel, write a cookbook, and continue advancing her career.   ABOUT SHERONDA ROCHELLE JD, MFA: LinkedIn – Sheronda Rochelle Website – Revelre ABOUT SWEET BUT FEARLESS: Website - Sweet but Fearless LinkedIn - Sweet but Fearless

What happens when the journey to conception collides with burnout? In this episode, Mary Sullivan, co-founder of Sweet but Fearless, is joined by Dr. Aumatma Simmons, a renowned holistic fertility expert who's changing the conversation around natural, whole-person fertility care. Dr. Aumatma explores the key areas that truly support clients on their path to conception and how chronic stress and burnout can quietly impact fertility. She also debunks common myths, especially those around advanced maternal age, and shares her personal journey into fertility work and the unique model of care she's built. This is a thoughtful, empowering conversation for anyone navigating fertility, supporting others, or curious about the deeper connection between stress, health, and reproduction. Dr. Aumatma is a double board-certified Naturopathic Endocrinologist, in practice for close to 20 years. She founded the Holistic Fertility Institute to support badass power couples (C-Suite execs, Entrepreneurs, and multi-passionate people) to create the family of their dreams. ABOUT DR. AUMATMA SIMMONS: Website – Holistic Fertility Institute LinkedIn – Aumatma Simmons BOOK: Fertility Secrets: What Your Doctor Didn't Tell You About Baby-Making   ABOUT SWEET BUT FEARLESS: Website - Sweet but Fearless LinkedIn - Sweet but Fearless

In this episode Mary Sullivan, co-founder of Sweet but Fearless, talks with professor and author Caroline Levander about what it really means to build and nurture a growth mindset in a world that demands innovation. They dive into why an innovative growth mindset isn't something you're born with, it's something you build by learning through doing, experimenting, and being willing to get it wrong before you get it right. Caroline shares insights from her book Invent Ed, a much-needed contribution to the ecosystem of innovation, creativity, and higher education in America. This conversation is a powerful reminder that progress comes from curiosity, courage, and the willingness to try. If you're a frontline woman leader looking to stretch your thinking, expand what's possible, and lead with creativity, this episode is for you.   ABOUT CAROLINE LEVANDER: Website – Caroline Levander LinkedIn – Caroline Levander BOOK: Invent Ed: How an American Tradition of Innovation Can Transform College Today Rice University - Caroline Levander   ABOUT SWEET BUT FEARLESS: Website - Sweet but Fearless LinkedIn - Sweet but Fearless

In this episode Mary Sullivan, co-founder of Sweet but Fearless, talks with Caroline Stokes, leadership strategist, Fifth Industrial Revolution, for a grounded conversation about intentional learning, emotional intelligence, and navigating change at work with clarity. They explore how emotional intelligence can quietly influence your career, both positively and negatively, especially during moments of uncertainty or transition. Caroline introduces the four common responses to workplace shifts: flight, freeze, fight, and fawn, and explains why understanding your default reaction is key to moving forward with intention instead of operating on autopilot. Once you know where you are, you can begin to choose a mindset that supports growth rather than stress or stagnation. The conversation also dives into thinking ahead in your career, learning with purpose, and handling disruption without losing momentum. Drawing from her books Elephants Before Unicorns and Aftershock, Caroline shares practical insights for leaders who want to respond thoughtfully to change instead of reacting out of fear. This episode is for anyone facing shifts at work and looking to lead themselves, and their careers, with greater awareness and intention. A Sony alum who contributed to the launch of PlayStation, and a PCC-level, EQ 2.0–certified coach, Caroline has evolved from executive headhunter to one of the few global authorities on psychological and strategic leadership reinvention.   ABOUT CAROLINE STOKES, CEC: Website - The Forward Co LinkedIn - Caroline Stokes, CEC Books:Elephants Before Unicorns: Emotionally Intellignet HR Strategies to Save Your Company Aftershock to 2030: A CEO's Guide to Reinvention in the Age of AI, Climate, and Societal Collapse   ABOUT SWEET BUT FEARLESS: Website - Sweet but Fearless LinkedIn - Sweet but Fearless

In this episode Mary Sullivan, co-founder of Sweet but Fearless, talks with Tameka Bazile, content creator, entrepreneur, and a powerful voice on LinkedIn, where she shares raw, honest truths about social media as both a profession and a culture. Tameka challenges the idea that your identity stops at your 9–5 and reminds us that personal branding isn't just for influencers, it's essential for professionals navigating evolving careers. They talk about the importance of being open about what you actually want in your career, asking for opportunities instead of waiting to be discovered, and allowing yourself to grow beyond the version of you that first entered the workforce. Tameka also makes one thing clear: learning matters but learning without action keeps you stuck. This conversation is a reminder to stay curious, apply what you learn, and commit to lifelong growth because your career is allowed to evolve as much as you do. Tameka is a Brooklyn-born creative entrepreneur, social strategist, and business influencer who is shaping the conversation around work, identity, and brand power in the digital age. With a career spanning over eight years, Tameka has built a reputation as a sharp, creative industry leader who blends strategic thinking with real-world relatability. She previously served as Social Strategy Manager at TIME, where she oversaw social programming for legacy media bringing the century-old brand into a social-first future   ABOUT TAMEKA BAZILE: LinkedIn: Tameka Bazile Website: Tameka B Instagram: The Tameka Bazile ABOUT SWEET BUT FEARLESS: Website - Sweet but Fearless LinkedIn - Sweet but Fearless

In this episode Mary Sullivan, co-founder of Sweet but Fearless, talks with Michele Kehrer, author and founder of Shift to Success, for a thoughtful conversation about overcoming adversity and the personal challenges we all face. Drawing from her book Brave Shift, Michele explores how mindset shapes the way our days unfold, how the thoughts we start with can either fuel overwhelm or create space for calm. Together, they talk about the importance of beginning each morning by identifying the one thing that truly matters that day. With never-ending to-do lists pulling at our attention, this conversation is a reminder that we have to learn when to set the list aside and choose to take action for ourselves.   ABOUT MICHELE KEHRER: LinkedIn: Michele Kehrer Website: Michele Kehrer BOOK: Brave Shift:30 Mindset Changes to Transfer Your Life Available January 27, 2026 FREE: Shift to Success Starter Kit   ABOUT SWEET BUT FEARLESS: Website - Sweet but Fearless LinkedIn - Sweet but Fearless