Podcast
LEAD LIKE A GIRL
Hosted by Jessica Smith, Coralyn Musser and Jamie Knebel · EN
We are empowering everyday women through our stories – the good, the bad, and the funny. Join hosts Jessica, Jamie, and Coralyn as they dive into unfiltered stories, big lessons, and real conversations. They met in their 20s as ambitious sales pros, quickly rising to the top. Careers shifted, industries changed, and life threw curveballs—but their drive never wavered. Now, they’re sharing the highs, lows, and hilarious moments of balancing career, family, faith, and friendship. If you’re ready to lead, laugh, and level up, you’re in the right place!
11episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
50 and Fabulous: Getting Married Again—Here's the Truth; E108
1w ago00:40:03Tap to summarizeWho says the best chapters of life happen before 40?In this heartfelt and inspiring episode of Lead Like a Girl, Jamie shares her personal journey of finding love, embracing vulnerability, and preparing to get married at 50. From navigating heartbreak and learning from past relationships to discovering the power of healing, self-awareness, and courage, this conversation is a reminder that life doesn't come with an expiration date on happiness.We dive into the realities of second chances, wedding planning stress, blended families, and the lessons that only come with experience. Whether you're rebuilding after disappointment, chasing a new dream, or wondering if it's too late to start over, this episode will encourage you to trust your journey and embrace what's next.Because sometimes the most beautiful love stories begin when you least expect them.Why courage is required to pursue happiness at every ageThe lessons Jamie learned from past relationships and engagementsHow healing and self-awareness create healthier relationshipsRed flags, relationship wisdom, and trusting your instinctsWedding planning expectations versus realityManaging stress and staying focused on what truly mattersNavigating blended families and communication challengesLetting go of other people's opinions and living authenticallyWhy it's never too late for love, growth, or new beginnings"Pay attention to red flags.""Healing is a work in progress.""It's never too late for love."00:00 – Introduction and Guest Credibility01:02 – Courage, Happiness, and Second Chances02:00 – Wedding Excitement and Personal Growth03:03 – Red Flags and Relationship Warning Labels05:09 – Refusing to Stress Over Wedding Details10:55 – Jamie's Love Journey and Past Engagements12:40 – Meeting the Right Person at 5014:17 – Self-Discovery, Healing, and Growth19:21 – Letting Go of Others' Opinions21:04 – How Past Relationships Shape Us22:57 – Healing Timelines and Moving Forward26:02 – Wedding Planning Stress and Resilience27:31 – Funny Wedding Disagreements and Unexpected Costs30:10 – Wedding Day Nerves and Excitement31:48 – Celebrating Love and New Beginnings34:01 – Jamie's Mother's Inspiring Wedding Story36:12 – Communication and Blended Family Lessons37:43 – Final Encouragement and Closing ThoughtsSubscribe to Lead Like a Girl for weekly conversations about women leadership, empowerment, personal growth, working moms, entrepreneurship, and the real stories behind success.Watch more episodes on Lead Like a Girl Lab:https://www.youtube.com/@LeadLikeaGirlLabwomen leadership, empowerment, second chances, marriage at 50, love after 50, personal growth, healing journey, relationship advice, life lessons, authentic living, happiness, self-awareness, women supporting women, blended families, real storiesIn This Episode We Discuss:Memorable QuotesChaptersConnect With UsKeywords
Transcribe →The Comparison Spiral: Why Your Real Life Will Never Win Against a Highlight Reel; E107
2w ago00:44:22Tap to summarizeWe all do it. We all hate that we do it. And yet — here we are, still comparing ourselves to literally everyone.In this episode, Coralyn, Jamie, and Jessica are getting into the comparison spiral — why your brain is wired for it, why social media pours gasoline on the whole thing, and why you're always measuring your behind-the-scenes against everyone else's highlight reel.They're getting honest about negative self-talk, the environments that keep you stuck, and the one mindset shift that might actually break the cycle.Spoiler: it starts with cheering for other women instead of quietly resenting them. Yes, really.If you've ever opened your phone and immediately felt behind — this one's for you.What they cover:The biology of comparisonWhy social media is designed to make you feel behindHow negative self-talk fuels the spiralGratitude and self-awareness as actual toolsHow to build a circle that lifts you upIf this hit home, share it with a woman who needs to hear it.Find us:Website: leadlikeagirllab.comLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/leadlikeagirllab
Transcribe →Your Purpose Is Bigger Than Your Job Title: Finding Your Why; E106
3w ago00:35:01Tap to summarizeAre you building a life with purpose… or just staying busy checking boxes?In this powerful and honest conversation, Jessica, Jamie, and Coralyn dive into one of life’s biggest questions: Why am I here? From discovering your unique gifts to understanding how serving others can unlock meaning, this episode explores what it looks like to live intentionally instead of running on autopilot.If you've ever found yourself thinking “There has to be more than this,” this conversation is for you.Through personal stories, practical takeaways, and real-life reflections, we unpack how purpose often isn't found in giant life moments — it's revealed through everyday interactions, courageous steps, and serving one person at a time.– Why discovering your "why" matters more than chasing achievement– How everyday interactions reveal your unique gifts and strengths– The connection between purpose, service, and fulfillment– What distractions are stealing your attention and focus– Practical steps for self-discovery and intentional living– How women in leadership and working moms can create impact through ordinary moments– Ways to stop surviving and start living with greater meaning"Are we just busy living?""There has to be more than this.""Serve one person at a time."00:00 – Discovering Your Why03:16 – Unpacking Personal Gifts and Purpose11:59 – The Importance of Serving Others20:09 – Finding Meaning in Everyday Life25:07 – Practical Steps to Make a Difference– Lead Like A Girl Website– StrengthsFinder by Gallup– Giant Worldwide Core Beliefs Assessment– Jessica on LinkedIn– Jamie on Twitter– Coralyn on InstagramIn this episode, we cover:Quotable MomentsChaptersResources MentionedConnect with the Hosts
Transcribe →Am I Too Old for This? Confidence, Growth & Reinvention at Any Age; E105
4w ago00:39:36Tap to summarizeWho decided life has an expiration date on dreams, reinvention, or joy?In this heartfelt and hilariously honest episode of Lead Like a Girl, Jamie, Jessica, and Coralyn dive into the pressure women feel around aging, timelines, and “having it all figured out.” From career pivots and relationships to confidence, fashion, and personal growth — this conversation is your reminder that life doesn’t stop at a certain age… it actually gets better when you stop asking for permission.If you’ve ever caught yourself thinking “Am I too old for this?” — this episode is for you.Together, the hosts unpack societal expectations around women and aging, the emotional weight of missed milestones, and the freedom that comes from embracing your journey exactly as it is. Through laughter, vulnerability, and real-life stories, they explore how confidence and self-acceptance evolve over time — and why celebrating your wins matters no matter when they happen.Why women feel pressured by society’s timelinesThe truth about aging and self-confidenceNavigating career pivots later in lifeRelationships, dating, and finding love againFashion, identity, and owning your personal styleEmotional growth and celebrating unexpected milestonesHow friendship and community help us embrace changeWhy it’s never too late to reinvent yourself“Every day is priceless, make the most of it.”“You’re never too old for anything.”“Celebrate your wins, no matter the timing.”Aging, women leadership, self-acceptance, confidence, life transitions, empowerment, personal growth, working moms, friendship, motivation, career pivots, embracing change, real stories🎧 Lead Like a Girl is the unapologetically real podcast empowering women through honest conversations about leadership, growth, motherhood, ambition, and the messy middle of life. Subscribe and join the movement to lead boldly, fearlessly, and fully yourself.
Transcribe →Do Hard Things: The Mindset Shift That Changes Everything; E104
May 1300:36:14Tap to summarizeComfort is quietly limiting your growth.In this powerful and honest episode of Lead Like a Girl, Jessica, Jamie, and Coralyn dive deep into why doing hard things is the key to confidence, resilience, leadership, and personal growth.From starting over and facing fear to embracing discomfort and learning through adversity, this conversation is packed with real stories, practical mindset shifts, and empowering reminders that growth rarely happens inside your comfort zone.If you’ve been feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or afraid to take the next step — this episode will challenge and encourage you to move anyway.✨ Because small brave wins lead to life-changing transformation.Why hard things build confidence and characterThe connection between discomfort and growthReal stories of overcoming fear and adversityHow resilience is built one small win at a timePractical ways to expand your capacity and mindsetWhy women leadership often requires courage before confidence“Comfort is quietly limiting us from growth.”“Embrace the hardness, it makes you stronger.”“Small brave wins lead to big transformations.”00:00 Introduction and Setup01:02 The Importance of Hard Things01:32 Personal Experiences with Hardships04:27 Lessons from Hardships07:26 The Role of Support in Overcoming Challenges10:22 Conclusion and Reflections12:58 Embracing Achievements and Pride13:45 The Courage to Start Over14:02 Comfort vs. Growth16:57 Creating Change Through Small Actions19:35 Building Confidence Through Hardship22:11 The Power of Small Brave Wins24:27 Facing the Unknown with Courage27:42 The Instinct to Act in Crisis32:07 Takeaways: Embracing HardshipsToastmasters InternationalGrit by Angela DuckworthInstagram – CoralynTwitter – JessicaLinkedIn – Jamie#womenleadership #personalgrowth #confidence #resilience #empowerment #workingmoms #leadershippodcast #growthmindset #womeninbusiness #hardthings #selfdevelopment #motivationIn This Episode:Sound Bites:Chapters:Resources Mentioned:Connect With Us:
Transcribe →How to Overcome Fear & Keep Climbing | Jennifer Harkness; E103
May 600:47:26Tap to summarizeCould you keep climbing when everything in your body tells you to quit?Jennifer Harkness joins Lead Like a Girl to share her unforgettable experience attempting to summit Mount Kilimanjaro — and the life-changing lessons she learned along the way.From intense physical preparation to unexpected panic attacks at high altitude, Jennifer gets real about the mental toughness required to face fear, push through discomfort, and redefine success.This episode is for every woman navigating big goals, self-doubt, leadership challenges, motherhood, business ownership, or simply trying to survive life’s hard seasons with courage intact.Whether you’re climbing literal mountains or personal ones, this conversation is packed with inspiration, resilience, and practical wisdom.Women leadership and resilienceMental toughness and perseveranceOvercoming fear and self-doubtAdventure travel and personal growthGoal setting and mindsetWorking through setbacksBuilding confidence through challengeLiving a purpose-driven life00:00 — Introduction and Banter02:29 — Preparing for Goals: Successes and Failures07:24 — The Journey to Climbing Kilimanjaro11:05 — Training and Mental Preparation16:43 — The Climb Begins: Overcoming Challenges22:05 — Facing Fears and Finding Strength27:51 — The Final Push to the Summit29:40 — Mental Struggles: Pressure and Self-Doubt on the Climb31:43 — Turning Back: The Decision to Descend32:46 — Reflections on Failure: Learning from the Experience33:54 — The Call to Adventure: Planning for Another Attempt35:44 — Embracing the Journey: Finding Pride in the Experience39:26 — Life Lessons from the Mountain: Overcoming Challenges42:58 — The Importance of Community: Support on the JourneyJennifer Harkness on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jenniferharknessMount Kilimanjaro: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_KilimanjaroWomen High on Adventure: https://womenhighonadventure.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/jenniferharknessTopics CoveredChaptersResources & LinksConnect with Jennifer
Transcribe →Stop Scrolling, Start Posting: How LinkedIn Can Transform Your Career in 2026; E102
Apr 2800:37:57Tap to summarizeIf you’ve been treating LinkedIn like a digital resume, you’re leaving serious opportunity on the table.In this episode of Lead Like a Girl, Jessica, Jamie, and Coralyn break down how LinkedIn has evolved into one of the most powerful platforms for personal branding, career growth, and women’s leadership visibility.This is your wake-up call to stop overthinking, stop lurking, and start showing up with confidence. Because the truth? Visibility creates opportunity.Whether you're a working mom, entrepreneur, or professional ready to grow your influence, this episode gives you the mindset and strategy to build a brand that actually opens doors.Why LinkedIn is the #1 platform for organic reach and professional growthHow to build confidence and show up authentically onlineProven LinkedIn content strategies to increase visibility and engagementThe power of storytelling in personal branding for womenHow small actions (comments, posts, shares) lead to big opportunitiesLinkedIn is no longer optional — it’s essential for career growth and visibilityConfidence is built through action, not perfectionEngagement drives reach — don’t just post, participateYour story builds connection, credibility, and influenceAuthenticity will outperform curated perfection every time“Your voice is not random.”“Stop consuming, start creating.”“Visibility creates opportunity.”Post one story from your personal or professional journey this weekComment on 5 posts with intention and valueShow up before you feel ready — that’s where growth happens00:00 Introduction and Setting the Stage03:03 The Power of LinkedIn as a Content Platform05:53 Overcoming Fear and Building Confidence08:49 LinkedIn: From Resume to Personal Brand Tool11:18 How Visibility Impacts Career Opportunities14:14 LinkedIn Engagement Strategies That Work17:08 Building a Personal Brand Through Storytelling19:47 Why Authentic Content Wins22:44 Sharing Vulnerability and Growth Moments25:05 Your LinkedIn Challenge27:56 Final Thoughts and EncouragementLead Like a Girl on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/leadlikeagirllab/Website: https://leadlikeagirllab.com
Transcribe →Stop Saying I'm Overwhelmed!— Reclaim Your Power | Women Leadership & Stress Management; E101
Apr 2200:38:40Tap to summarizeStop saying you’re “overwhelmed” — it might be the very thing keeping you stuck.In this honest and thought-provoking panel episode of Lead Like a Girl, Coralyn, Jamie, and Jessica unpack how the word “overwhelmed” has quietly become part of our identity and why that matters for women navigating leadership, careers, and everyday life. This conversation goes beyond stress and gets to the root of how language shapes our mindset, our decisions, and ultimately our ability to lead ourselves well.For women in leadership, working moms, and anyone carrying the mental load of life, this episode offers a powerful reframe. Instead of staying stuck in a vague feeling, the hosts share how to break overwhelm down into specific emotions, take back control, and move forward with clarity.This episode blends real stories, practical strategies, and simple mental models that help you manage stress, set boundaries, and lead with intention even in the middle of chaos.Key takeawaysThe word “overwhelmed” can become an identity that limits actionNaming specific emotions creates clearer, more effective solutionsWriting down your thoughts helps reduce mental clutter and stressBoundaries are essential for sustainable leadership and self-careComparison increases stress and distracts from your own prioritiesProgress starts with one small, intentional stepAction stepsReplace “I’m overwhelmed” with the specific emotion you’re feelingDo a brain dump to organize your thoughts and responsibilitiesPractice saying no and protecting your time and energyFocus on your next step instead of trying to solve everything at onceSound bites“Overwhelm is becoming part of our identity”“Frustration has a reason behind it”“Don’t compare yourself to others’ overwhelm”Chapters00:00 Introduction and overwhelm in daily life03:17 The power of language and identity06:03 Navigating emotions and agency08:41 The weight of responsibilities11:52 Finding stillness in a busy world14:01 Setting boundaries and managing the noise of life17:36 Navigating life transitions20:10 Understanding capacity and overcommitment22:03 Identifying and managing overwhelm28:17 The dangers of comparison30:50 Practical strategies for reducing stressLEADLIKEAGIRLLAB.COM
Transcribe →7 Simple Phrases That Instantly Build Trust, Inclusion & Stronger Teams; E100
Apr 1500:39:05Tap to summarizeThe words you choose as a leader matter more than you think — and these 7 simple phrases can change everything.In this powerful and relatable episode of Lead Like a Girl, we’re diving into the everyday language that builds (or breaks) trust, inclusion, and resilience in your team. Because leadership isn’t always about big strategies — sometimes it’s about the small, intentional words that make people feel seen, supported, and valued.From real-life leadership moments to practical communication tips, we’re unpacking how showing up with the right mindset — and the right words — can completely transform your workplace culture.If you’ve ever wondered how to lead with more impact without overcomplicating it… this episode is your playbook.What We’re Talking About:The power behind simple phrases like “I’ve got your back” — and why they matter more than you thinkHow to create a culture of trust and inclusion through everyday communicationWhy servant leadership isn’t soft — it’s strategic and impactfulReal talk: learning from mistakes and building resilience as a leaderEasy ways to check in with your team that actually build connectionHow small shifts in language can lead to big shifts in team performancePractical leadership tips you can start using immediatelyKey Takeaway:Leadership isn’t about having all the answers — it’s about showing up, supporting your people, and creating an environment where everyone can thrive.Sound Bites You’ll Love:“Show up and support your team.”“Ask, ‘What can I help you with?’”“Your work makes a difference.”Chapters:00:00 Introduction and Light Banter06:08 The Importance of Growth and Learning10:01 Navigating Leadership Challenges13:31 Building Trust in Leadership17:19 Fostering Inclusion Through Communication21:03 The Power of Servant Leadership22:33 Embracing Mistakes and Learning27:27 Collaboration and Team Support29:16 Empathy in LeadershipResources & Links:Lead Like a Girl Lab – https://leadlikeagirl.comToastmasters International – https://www.toastmasters.orgLeadership Quotes Book by Grifford Thomas
Transcribe →Stop Fixing Everyone: The 4 Truths That Will Set You Free; E99
Apr 800:46:02Tap to summarizeYou’re not responsible for fixing everyone—and this conversation proves why letting go is the most powerful leadership move you can make.In this episode of Lead Like a Girl, Jessica, Jamie, and Coralyn unpack the emotional weight so many women carry every day. From managing other people’s feelings to over-explaining decisions and stepping in too soon, this is an honest conversation about what it really looks like to lead without control.Inspired by the principles of Mel Robbins, this episode brings real-life stories into the spotlight. From parenting to leadership to family dynamics, the conversation highlights how letting go is not about caring less, but about leading better.If you have ever stayed up at night trying to solve everyone else’s problems, this episode will challenge you to rethink what is actually yours to carry.Key TakeawaysYou are not responsible for other people’s happiness even when you care deeplyRescuing others can delay their growth and developmentOver-explaining decisions leads to burnout, not clarityYou do not need to be liked to be a strong and effective leaderPeople-pleasing often comes from early life experiences and patternsLetting people struggle can feel uncomfortable but is necessary for growthLeadership is less about control and more about trust and coachingWhat This Episode CoversEmotional responsibility and why women often carry more than they shouldThe difference between rescuing and coaching in leadershipBuilding confidence without needing validation or agreementSetting boundaries in real-life situations including family and workFramework Featured: The Core Four and Let Them principles by Mel RobbinsAction StepsPause before stepping in and ask if you are helping or controllingLet someone work through a challenge without interferingMake a decision without over-explaining it to othersPay attention to where your discomfort is driving your behaviorReplace the need for agreement with confidence in your own clarityChapters00:00 Celebrating milestones and setting the tone03:52 Emotional responsibility and happiness06:22 The need to be understood09:10 The impact of rescuing others12:13 Burnout and people-pleasing19:56 Parenting and generational patterns24:14 Coaching versus controlling29:40 Decision-making without approval33:41 Self-acceptance and confidence39:24 Letting go of controlFinal ThoughtYou do not have to carry everything to prove you care. Letting go is not weakness. It is leadership.
Transcribe →