Brave Defined: Be Fierce to Protect Those You Love with Magon Peuker

As you will find out during today’s show, I have one of the authors I have worked with, Magon Peuker, on the show today! Magon and I began working on marketing her book earlier this year, maybe April or May 2025. When I first met Magon, I was so excited to work with her because this was the first book my partner, Hope Mueller, of Hunter Street Press and I were publishing!Also, the book, Raelynn’s Flower Garden, is so beautiful. I must give a shoutout to Olivia Deckard, the illustrator on this book. It’s just lovely! The book’s message is also appropriate for children and adults alike. It boils down to this: be kind and respectful to others because you never know what someone else is facing. So, if they look different than you or have a different life experience, show them care and love. Again, be kind to those you encounter in this world. 

Have you ever been betrayed? You’re probably thinking, “Of course I have, Jen.” That can be betrayal in a professional relationship with a boss or colleague or as devastating as marriage infidelity. But have you thought of burnout as a form of self-betrayal? When I saw Lora Cheadle, my guest today, refer to burnout that way, I was like “Ouch. That is some tough love right there.” I was intrigued and wanted to learn more about Lora’s perspective on betrayal.During the show, Lora and I chatted about:Her personal betrayal storyWhat Lora thinks of burnout as a form of self-betrayalKey tips on how you can rise above betrayal and thrive personally and professionallyHer Flaunt FrameworkWe touch on Lora’s books, FLAUNT! Drop Your Cover and Reveal Your Smart, Sexy, & Spiritual Self, and It’s Not Burnout, It’s Betrayal, 5 Tools to FUEL UP & Thrive. Here is more about Lora:Lora Cheadle, JD, CHt, is a betrayal recovery coach, licensed attorney (CO & CA), somatic attachment therapist, clinical hypnotherapist, and international speaker who guides women through the soul-shattering impact of infidelity into a life reclaimed. As the creator of Life Choreography® and the FLAUNT!® Framework, she offers the complete path of healing—legal, emotional, somatic, and spiritual—so women rise whole, sovereign, and free.Author of FLAUNT! Drop Your Cover and Reveal Your Smart, Sexy, & Spiritual Self, (an International Book Awards finalist and Tattered Cover bestseller) and It’s Not Burnout, It’s Betrayal, 5 Tools to FUEL UP & Thrive, Lora blends the precision of a lawyer, the compassion of a trauma-aware coach, the depth of somatic and spiritual practice, and the channeled wisdom of The Librarians with the lived experience of surviving infidelity herself.

I am excited for today’s guest, another repeat Brave Women at Work guest from a year or so ago, Gina Riley! I look up to Gina as a coach because she is successful in the industry, has built a solid and understandable framework, and is has now launched a book, Qualified is Not Enough: Develop Your Story, Land the Interview, Win the Job. During the show, Gina and I chatted about:What prompted her to write the book and get it out in the world.What Gina’s Career Velocity System is and how it works.What a career story is and why it’s important.How a career story is different than an elevator pitch. How do we develop our own unique career story and leverage it in our career. What the YouMap Assessment is and why you should consider taking it for yourself.Here is more about Gina:Gina has spent her career on both sides of the hiring process, giving Gina a unique perspective on what it takes to secure competitive leadership roles. As an executive search consultant, Gina has led searches, trained corporate teams on effective talent selection, and witnessed firsthand what makes candidates stand out—or miss the mark.Today, Gina guides leaders through career transitions with clarity and confidence using her proven Career Velocity™ framework—an actionable roadmap that helps her clients refine their story, market themselves strategically, and land the roles they are after.With a master’s degree in Whole Systems Design and certifications in Behavioral Interviewing, YouMap®, and Speaker Skills Academy coaching, Gina combines deep expertise with a practical approach to career strategy. Her insights have been featured in the Forbes Coaches Council, on 50+ podcasts and webinars, and in Gina’s book, Qualified Isn’t Enough: Develop Your Story. Land the Interview. Win the Job.Gina’s mission is simple: to demystify the hiring process and empower executives to own their value, take control of their careers, and create new opportunities instead of waiting for them.If the Brave Women at Work Podcast has helped you personally or professionally, please share it with a friend, colleague, or family member. And your ratings and reviews help the show continue to gain traction and grow. Thank you again!Also, I have an awesome announcement!  I have been working an awesome project with Jackie Cetera of JNC Innovations and Jennifer Johnson. Ready…. drumroll please! A Brave Women at Work Affirmation Deck! It is a 54-card deck that is a beautiful compilation of advice and hard-won wisdom from podcast guests, Brave Women at Work Podcast guests, authors in the anthology series, and community members! You can grab a copy of the deck for $19.99 plus $10 shipping. To purchase your deck, visit Brave Women at Work and click on Resources. From there, you will see the Affirmation Cards page. I hope you enjoy them!

This week, I am featuring a dear repeat guest, Neen James. Neen is a wonderful ball of energy, and I love having her on the show. This time, we chatted about her book that just launched, Exceptional Experiences: Five Luxury Levers to Elevate Every Aspect of Your Business.During the show, Neen and I chatted about:How Neen’s latest book baby came to beHow the word “luxury” can be misconstruedAn overview of the five luxury levers and how they lead to exceptional experiencesNeen’s research on luxury mindset and how you can determine which luxury mindset category you fitHow this information can be applied to leadership at any levelIf you’d like to listen to my chat with Neen, who feels like an old friend at this point, listen in!Here is more about Neen:Neen James, MBA, CSP, is a force to be reckoned with in the world of leadership strategy and keynote speaking. As the author of Folding Time, Attention Pays and the forthcoming Exceptional Experiences, Neen inspires leaders and organizations to create extraordinary connections and experiences that drive results and leave lasting impressions. Recently named to the board of the World Luxury Chamber of Commerce, her proprietary research into the luxury mindset —the only study of its kind—sets her apart as a leading expert in delivering world-class client and employee experiences.Named one of the top leadership speakers by Global Gurus multiple years in a row, Neen’s practical strategies and infectious "Aussie sass" make her a favorite among corporate audiences and meeting planners alike (who often call her the Energizer Bunny). From being a confidante to Fortune 500 CEOs to empowering executive leaders responsible for revenue, Neen is known for her ability to blend actionable insights with an engaging delivery style, helping leaders to achieve greater focus, communications, and influence.

Truth time. It’s been a tough season for me. Things have been challenging personally and professionally. Some of the tools I put in place have been helpful, but I have had to re-anchor my roots because the gale force winds of this storm have been stronger than I anticipated. If you have or are going through a tough season of your own, I feel you. I stand with you. All the listeners and the Brave Women at Work community stand with you. Today’s guest, Lauren Fields, has had her own dark night of the soul and come out on the other side of it. So, it’s fitting that this show is going live today!During today’s podcast, Lauren and I discussed:Lauren’s traumatic brain injury experienceHow she literally got back on her horse within 3-months of her injuryWhat happened on the other side of realizing she had to take a step back and attempt different healing modalitiesHow Fieldswell was born as a resultHow Lauren’s healing experience can help anyone else going through a personal healing journey, whether it is traumatic brain injury or something entirely different?And moreHere is more about Lauren:Lauren Fields is the Founder and CEO of Fieldswell. Lauren’s path has taken her from the hospitality and wellness industries to earning an Masters in Psychology, speaking on the TEDx stage, and hosting a podcast with global though leaders – all fueled by a relentless pursuit of growth and an insatiable curiosity about human potential.After overcoming a traumatic brain injury, Lauren learned that life can change in an instant. Rather than resist her reality, Lauren chose to go all in on creating a life she truly loves – one built not in spite of her adversity, but because of it – and now she helps others do the same. What began as a personal wellness journey has grown into her company, Fieldswell. Fieldswell includes Lauren’s podcast, a wellness sanctuary for coaching, healing and creativity, sold-out events that bring community and transformation to life, and coaching and brand strategy that guides her clients from inner alignment to a powerful online presence.She is here to help her clients and community to transform from the inside out – creating clarity, confidence, and an impact that lasts. If the Brave Women at Work Podcast has helped you personally or professionally, please share it with a friend, colleague, or family member. And your ratings and reviews help the show continue to gain traction and grow. Thank you again!Also, I have an awesome announcement!  I have been working an awesome project with Jackie Cetera of JNC Innovations and Jennifer Johnson. Ready…. drumroll please! A Brave Women at Work Affirmation Deck! It is a 54-card deck that is a beautiful compilation of advice and hard-won wisdom from podcast guests, Brave Women at Work Podcast guests, authors in the anthology series, and community members! You can grab a copy of the deck for $19.99 plus $10 shipping. To purchase your deck, visit Brave Women at Work and click on Resources. From there, you will see the Affirmation Cards page. I hope you enjoy them!Alright, let’s welcome Lauren to the show!

My guest today, Anne Marie Anderson, is what my 13-year-old, Charlotte, calls a “baddie” or “badass” for short. As you will find out, Anne Marie is a 3-time Emmy Award winner and was a sports broadcaster. Talk about a tough industry! Anne Marie is straight shooter, and you can tell she has earned some hard-won wisdom throughout her career. I also love how clear her concepts are, and I am sure you will too. During today’s podcast, Annie Marie and I discussed:The story behind her book, Cultivating Audacity: Dismantle Doubt and Let Yourself Win.What the power of audacity is and how we can cultivate it with micro habits.The difference between the urgent and important?How do women fall for the urgency fallacy and what can we do to combat it?Why are time and money twins?How can negativity be our superpower?How can we respect our ego and check it at the same time so it doesn’t override us?How do we leverage re-evaluation loops?Here is more about Annie Marie:Anne Marie Anderson is a three-time Emmy Award–winning broadcaster, keynote speaker, and author. Her work centers on cultivating audacity—the courage to say yes when doubt says no—as a catalyst for leadership, career advancement, and thriving workplace culture.For more than three decades, Anne Marie had a front-row seat to the world’s biggest stages in sports broadcasting: six Olympic Games, heavyweight title fights, golf’s majors, the NBA and MLB playoffs, and the Super Bowl. She called more than 1,500 live events for ESPN, ABC, NBC, FOX, and TBS, becoming one of the most experienced female play-by-play announcers in the country. Along the way, Annie Marie learned powerful lessons behind the scenes from some of the greatest coaches and executives in sports—lessons about leadership, resilience, and building winning teams.

I have some exciting news to share this week! First, this episode is the 250th episode of the Brave Women at Work Podcast! Yes, you heard that right! 250 episodes! If you would have told me that I would do 250 podcasts, I wouldn’t have believed you. But here we are!Also, it’s my birthday week, so I wanted to share a solo show with my key learnings as I turn 48. Yes, you also heard that right! 48!Before we get started, if the Brave Women at Work Podcast has helped you personally or professionally, please share it with a friend, colleague, or family member. And your ratings and reviews help the show continue to gain traction and grow. We are currently at 92,000 downloads and in 34 countries. WOW! Thank you again!Also, if you have not heard, I have an announcement!  I have been working an awesome project with Jackie Cetera of JNC Innovations and Jennifer Johnson. A Brave Women at Work Affirmation Deck is now available! It is a 54-card deck that is a beautiful compilation of advice and hard-won wisdom from podcast guests, Brave Women at Work Podcast guests, authors in the anthology series, and community members! You can grab a copy of the deck for $19.99 plus $10 shipping. To purchase your deck, visit Brave Women at Work and click on Resources. From there, you will see the Affirmation Cards page. I hope you enjoy them!Ok, why did I decide to do a special Birthday Show for turning 48??Well, the age 48 has always carried meaning to me because my father passed away at 48 and then my mentor passed away at the same age. I was afraid of 48, like I was going to fall off a cliff at this age. Yet here I am. Stronger, steelier, and inching towards my crone era with pride. I am still here. I have something to give. I want to make a difference.  I want this 48th year to be one of living fully and bravely, not only for myself, but in honor of my dad and my mentor. So, turning 48 is a celebration and the start of a new phase for me!

I have such a fun show for you today! You are getting a sneak peek into a conversation with one of my oldest friends, Pam Fierst-Walsh. This is Pam’s second time on the show. It’s so fun to record with a friend. I even forget we were on a podcast at one point because this is just who we are and how we talk. As you will hear, Pam and I recently went on a retreat together. During the trip, Pam impromptu asked if we could record a special summer episode, and here it is! It’s perfect timing as the leaves are changing here in Chicago and the weather is starting to change. This show is a great way to wrap up summer and to focus on a fun and deep topic – spiritual friendship. During today’s podcast, Pam and I discussed:That we have been friends for 27 years and we haven’t aged a day!What motivated Pam to join me in Montana for the retreat.How Pam and I met in 1998 and almost bumped into one another in 1997.What the definitions of spiritual friendship and doppelganger are.The impact our friendship has had on both of us.If we can’t spend a lot of time together because we are so similar and the energetic connection is strong.And Pam’s most recent advice on the 1-2 ways women can be braver at work!Here is more about Pam:Pamela Fierst-Walsh is the Vice President of Government Affairs for North America with the DeBeers Group. Pamela is the former VP of Traceability at PVH where she worked with the Tommy Hilfiger and Calvin Klein brands on global traceability objectives. She is also the former CEO of her consultancy, PFW Advisory, where she provided advisory services for regulatory and supply chain needs, particularly with respect to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) concerns.

Today, I am interviewing someone I look up to in business, Kym Insana. As you will hear, Kym not only is a wife and mom to 4 boys (wow, I know!), but she has also built a very successful marketing media execution business. Kym’s mantra is “You can work hard, have career success, and the family life you desire.” As soon as I heard that, I was like, “Tell me more, Kym!” Who doesn’t want to have career success and the personal lives we desire?During today’s podcast, Kym and I chatted about: Why Kym decided to build her multi-million-dollar business, AlwaysOn Digital.Why Kym is passionate about working parents.Kym’s advice for women who want a high-powered career and life.How Kym manages her teams – both in-person and remote.Digital marketing and media, of course! I had to talk about this since I am also a marketing nerd.And more!Here is more about Kym:Kym Insana is a multimillion-dollar business owner, digital marketing expert, wife, and mother of four boys. As the founder of AlwaysOn Digital, she helps leading brands reach the masses through dynamic digital campaigns that generate consumer interaction and sales so they can scale. Top brands lean on Kym’s expertise, including the US Air Force, American, Enfamil, the Texas Rangers, and Johnston and Murphy.Kym jumped into the digital marketing world before it became part of the modern fabric for business growth. For more than 20 years, she’s led sales and digital campaigns for top advertising agencies in New York City. But dealing with a two-hour commute while growing her family proved to be a turning point. She felt compelled to start a business and gain her time back. The yearning for freedom quickly outweighed the desire for a corporate career.At the same time, Kym noticed other successful women quitting the workforce for similar reasons. That prompted her to ask herself, ‘What if I could build a business that fit these talented women and their ideal work schedules — while still providing them with a career?’In 2016, AlwaysOn Digital was born.

One of my key messages for you today is that it is ok to take a break. You are not a bad mom, wife, boss, employee, sister, aunt, friend, or other community member if you drop off the grid for a while. Yes, I felt a bit of guilt, but then I realized that I am better in all areas of my life when I take breaks. If you need to hear this, I hope it helps you! As my guest today, Dr. Angela Jackson, says, “It’s a win-win.” “Win-win” is a traditional corporate term, but Dr. Angela takes it to a whole new level. In her NY Times Bestselling book, The Win-Win Workplace: How Thriving Employees Drive Bottom-Line Success, she shares 9 key principles that will drive the future of work. During the podcast, Dr. Angela and I chatted about: Why traditional top-down authority and decision making will not work moving forward.The key mistakes leaders and companies make when trying to enhance employee productivity.An overview of the 9 key strategies that emerged from Dr. Angela’s research for her book.How can leaders empower employees to make powerful decisions?The impact of creating a psychologically safe work environment on employees. What advice Dr. Angela would have for any companies, teams or leaders that are resistant to change.And more!