Wickedly Smart Women

Are you letting fear run your life? In this episode of Wickedly Smart Women, host Anjel B. Hartwell welcomes Amy Koford, Clinical hypnotist and bestselling author. Amy shares her own journey from corporate HR and full-time motherhood to becoming a sought-after hypnotist, author, and speaker who helps people release deep emotional blocks, heal past traumas, and finally feel free.

If you’ve been craving change but fear keeps holding you back, this episode will show you how to rise, fearlessly and optimally.

What You Will Learn:

How hypnosis works with the sub...

What does it really take to thrive in a free society, especially when the internet can feel like one giant, loud village? In this episode of Wickedly Smart Women, host Anjel B. Hartwell welcomes Marsha Familaro Enright to unpack intellectual independence, self-reliance, and why the classics still matter. 

They explore how to evaluate information, resist social pressure, and design learning that transforms students into confident problem-solvers at any age.

What You Will Learn:

The real meaning of intellectual independence and why it’s the backbone of a free society.

How...

Drowning your audience in charts, tables, and tiny text? In this episode of Wickedly Smart Women, host Anjel B. Hartwell welcomes Oreet Kaufman, who shows how to turn complex information into clear, visual stories that move people to action. Learn why most decks fail in the first five seconds, how to “word-diet” without losing substance, and simple ways to guide audience attention so your message actually lands. 

Whether you’re pitching, reporting, or keynoting, this episode is your shortcut to decks that look modern, feel effortless, and deliver results.

What You Will Learn:

W...

What does it take to achieve gender parity at the executive level in one of the world’s most male-dominated industries? In this episode of Wickedly Smart Women, host Anjel B. Hartwell welcomes Dianna Fioravanti-Ashikwe, the first female president of Kuehne + Nagel Canada, to explore her journey of resilience, authenticity, and transformational leadership. 

From navigating male-dominated boardrooms to cultivating psychological safety and optimism in the workplace, Dianna shares how women can “flip the switch” and embrace their full potential while leading others to do the same.

What You Will Learn:

How early ex...

What does it really take to leave the corporate world behind and build a thriving business from scratch? In this episode of Wickedly Smart Women, host Anjel B. Hartwell welcomes Bashak Ilhan, who has founded five startups, achieved two successful exits, and now leads a global consultancy. From selling childhood toys to landing a $3 million investment over coffee, this episode reveals the mindset, strategies, and resilience needed to bring bold visions to life. Listeners will discover why sales are at the heart of any business, how to immerse themselves fully in their dreams, and why knowing when to delegate...

What if spirituality could be as practical and structured as project management? In this episode of Wickedly Smart Women, host Anjel B. Hartwell welcomes Tiffany Antoine, founder of Meditating Human, a tech-driven platform revolutionizing spiritual wellness for busy professionals. Tiffany shares her journey from a corporate career she didn’t love to building a spiritual healing business that blends ancient wisdom, modern technology, and practical tools. 

Discover how she turned divine intervention into a sustainable calling, the power of personalized spiritual journeys, and why making spirituality accessible in “baby bird bites” is transforming lives.

What...

What happens when a brand strategist discovers her true calling isn’t external marketing, but transforming company culture from within? In this episode of Wickedly Smart Women, host Anjel B. Hartwell welcomes Linda Carlisle, a fractional corporate communications partner who helps mid-market companies navigate high-impact change with clarity, compassion, and culture-forward leadership. 

From mergers and acquisitions to organizational restructuring, Linda shares how her internal comms expertise supports psychological safety and lasting performance.

What You Will Learn:

Internal communications is a form of marketing that influences how employees experience and engage with comp...

What if the secret to transformation wasn’t speed but consistency? In this episode of Wickedly Smart Women, host Anjel B. Hartwell welcomes Hilda Fainsod, executive coach, podcaster, and author Hilda Fiallos, a transformation catalyst who’s helped leaders build sustainable growth and long-term impact. Hilda shares how true transformation starts by shifting everyday habits and tuning into what we practice not just what we say. With 10+ certifications and 20 years in coaching, Hilda breaks down why short-term gains won’t lead to long-term success, and how even a 2-minute gratitude routine can shift your entire day. Whether you’re building...

Have you ever felt like the title “writer” or “creative” belonged to someone else, someone more talented, more confident, or more “official”? In this episode of Wickedly Smart Women, host Anjel B. Hartwell welcomes Amy L. Bernstein, author of Wrangling the Doubt Monster. Amy shares her powerful journey from the “wage world” to a fully creative life, highlighting how self-doubt held her back for years and what finally helped her reclaim the writer within.

If you’ve ever whispered “I’m not creative enough” or waited too long to own your identity, this episode will inspire you to give yourself permiss...

What if the story holding you back isn't theirs, it’s yours? In this episode of Wickedly Smart Women, host Anjel B. Hartwell welcomes Karen Sigalas, whose mission is to help ambitious women become respected, heard, and paid what they're worth. Karen blends science-backed mindset work with practical career strategies to help her clients own their voice, shift internal narratives, and rise confidently into leadership.

Through personal stories of overcoming bias in male-dominated industries and being underestimated due to her appearance, Karen reveals how our internal self-talk often does more damage than external critics.

Wh...

Finding the Joy in Career Reinvention with Michelle Schafer - Ep.331

What if losing your job was the best thing that ever happened to you? In this episode of Wickedly Smart Women, host Anjel B. Hartwell welcomes Michelle Schafer, certified coach, author, and career transition expert. After spending 25 years in what she thought were “secure” corporate roles, Michelle was twice restructured, which ultimately led her to create a thriving coaching business.

Michelle shares practical strategies for preparing for career change before crisis hits, negotiating from a place of value, and finding clarity around your next step...

What if the promotion you've been chasing isn’t actually the right move?  In this episode of Wickedly Smart Women, host Anjel B. Hartwell welcomes Joanne Merrick, founder of The Leadership Recipe and author to explore the deeper layers of leadership, self-liberation, and what it really means to be a manager in today's world.

Whether you’re considering stepping into management or you're already there and wondering if it’s aligned, this conversation will give you the clarity, courage, and actionable insight to define success on your own terms.

What You Will Learn:

Why ste...

Have you ever felt like you were just a supporting character in your own life story? In this episode of Wickedly Smart Women, host Anjel B. Hartwell welcomes life story coach and author Carrie KC West, who reveals how rewriting our personal narrative can transform deep-rooted trauma into purpose, power, and peace. Carrie shares her journey from a rocky start in childhood to rising in the corporate world and ultimately finding freedom and fulfillment through storytelling.

If you’re stuck in an old story or ready to leave a life that no longer fits, Carrie’s wisdom will...

What if the very technology that pushed you out of your job became the vehicle for your success? In this episode of Wickedly Smart Women, host Anjel B. Hartwell interviews Tracy Beavers, a seasoned business and sales coach, who turned corporate downsizing into divine redirection. Tracy reveals how her career journey, from climbing roofs as an insurance adjuster to launching a top-ranked podcast, taught her to trust her gut, listen to divine nudges, and finally bet on herself. 

With raw honesty and a whole lot of grit, Tracy shares how she went from being laid off and d...

Have you ever felt a quiet pull inside, a persistent tug toward something bigger than yourself? Something that keeps showing up, even when you try to take the “safe” path? In this episode of Wickedly Smart Women, host Anjel B. Hartwell interviews Alaina Baker, Executive Director of Uplift Malawi, to explore what happens when you finally answer that calling. From a Midwest childhood to leading a global nonprofit, Alaina shares how a career in corporate marketing couldn’t silence the voice inside telling her to make a deeper impact. What began as a side passion became her life’s mission...

What happens when you realize you've climbed to the top of the wrong mountain? In this episode of Wickedly Smart Women, host Anjel B. Hartwell interviews Luisa Molano, executive coach and global community founder, to unpack the journey from burnout to alignment. Luisa shares what it was like to rise through the ranks of Fortune 500 companies only to find herself emotionally exhausted, misaligned and handed a seven-page performance improvement plan (PIP) after years of over-delivering.

This conversation is for every woman who’s ever felt the Sunday Scaries, every leader who’s questioned the cost of her ambi...

What if your body held the key to the confidence, clarity, and creative power you've been chasing in your mind? In a culture that rewards logic, productivity, and stillness, so many women have been shamed into silence, not just verbally, but physically. In this episode of Wickedly Smart Women, host Anjel B. Hartwell interviews Amy Schadt, certified life coach and embodiment expert, to explore what it means to reclaim movement. Amy shares her journey from being a shy, voiceless child to a dynamic force for healing through her Radical Embodiment Method. From her early years as a dancer to...

How many times have you convinced yourself you were healing—reading the books, attending the workshops, repeating affirmations—only to find yourself stuck in the same cycles? In this episode of Wickedly Smart Women, host Anjel B. Hartwell interviews Anat Peri, inner child expert. Anat dismantles the illusion of surface-level self-development and invites us into a deeper, more embodied path to transformation. 

Anat’s story is a masterclass in surrender, resilience, and leadership. She pulls back the curtain on why mindset alone isn’t enough and how emotional resiliency is the true foundation of freedom. 

If you’ve...

Leadership, Legacy & Letting Go with Betsy Pepine - Ep.322

What if the very life upheaval you feared most was actually the launchpad to your greatest success? In this episode of Wickedly Smart Women, host Anjel B. Hartwell interviews Betsy Pepine, bestselling author and real estate mogul. Betsy. shares her deeply personal journey from unexpected divorce and job loss to building one of Florida’s fastest-growing private companies. But this isn’t just a story about bouncing back it's about breaking the boxes society builds for us, both personally and professionally. 

Through candid storytelling, Betsy reveals how s...

Could your deepest challenges hold the key to unlocking your ultimate purpose and securing the recognition you deserve? In this episode of Wickedly Smart Women, host Anjel B. Hartwell interviews Dana Cox, who has been bringing pieces together and providing level-headed, calm solutions her entire life. Imagine transforming unexpected career shifts into powerful springboards, leveraging decades of hard-won experience not just for personal growth, but to command your true market value and help others rise. 

This isn't just about overcoming obstacles; it's about redefining success on your terms, understanding the profound importance of self-investment, and recognizing that t...

Alchemizing Pain and Finding Your Inner Power with Kerri Hummingbird - Ep.321

What if the life challenges that have left you feeling overwhelmed and broken aren't obstacles to be overcome, but potent medicine designed to unlock your deepest wisdom and power?  In this episode of Wickedly Smart Women, host Anjel B. Hartwell interviews Kerri Hummingbird, a medicine woman, mother, mentor, founder of Inner Medicine training, and bestselling author. The conversation reveals how embracing the uncomfortable truths, feeling the pain rather than bypassing it, and doing the necessary 'shadow work' can transmute suffering into strength, illuminating your true p...

Are you living a life built on expectations, feeling that gnawing disconnect between your outer achievements and your inner truth? What if you could shatter the conditioning, silence the inner critic, and step into a life radiating with authentic joy? In this episode of Wickedly Smart Women, host Anjel B. Hartwell interviews Stina Leigh, founder of SLPS Stina Leigh Practice. For three decades, Stina has guided individuals on a transformative journey fueled by self-love, authenticity, and boundless growth. 

Discover how this once quiet and reserved individual unlocked her "full on charisma" and now empowers others to peel b...

Is the unseen realm of energy and intuition silently shaping your health, happiness, and purpose? Imagine a world where your hands could unlock hidden stories, your body could feel the emotions of others, and the subtle vibrations around you held profound wisdom. In this episode of Wickedly Smart Women, host Anjel B. Hartwell interviews Dr. Mary Sanders, a medical intuitive and chiropractor whose innate gifts, initially suppressed to fit in, blossomed into a powerful practice of energy medicine. From a childhood awareness of physical touch and an unexpected ability to manipulate energy even in church, Dr. Mary navigated a...

Unlock the secrets your body has been holding onto – the aches, the pains, the discomforts you’ve perhaps dismissed or felt too ashamed to discuss. Have you ever considered that the tension in your lower back, that persistent hip pain, or even challenges in your intimate life could be intricately linked to a part of your anatomy you might not fully understand: your pelvic floor? In this episode of Wickedly Smart Women, host Anjel B. Hartwell interviews Dr. Mary Grimberg, an orthopedic and pelvic floor physical therapist who masterfully integrates Eastern and Western medicine to treat the whole person. Dr...

Are you a wickedly smart woman feeling the pull to break free from the confines of the corporate world, yearning for a career that offers both financial success and the precious gift of time? Imagine transforming your valuable corporate experience into a thriving freelance business that not only replaces your previous income but potentially surpasses it while reclaiming your schedule and living life on your own terms. In this episode of Wickedly Smart Women, host Anjel B. Hartwell interviews Kiri Mohan, an expert who empowers women freelancers to move beyond mere survival to truly flourish. Kiri shares her own...

Can the subtle power of the conductor's baton unlock your leadership potential? Imagine standing before a hundred skilled musicians, not dictating, but inspiring them to create a harmonious masterpiece. In this episode of Wickedly Smart Women, host Anjel B. Hartwell interviews Roit Feldenkreis, internationally acclaimed conductor and performance coach. Roit is bringing those very principles of orchestral leadership to the corporate arena, transforming how executives communicate, build team cohesion, and perform under immense pressure through her groundbreaking Maestro Method. Did a childhood role as a "go-between" subtly shape her path to becoming a leader who bridges worlds – from the st...

Do you believe that life-altering experiences can be the catalyst for discovering your true purpose? Imagine a journey that takes you from the front lines of a global pandemic to the brink of death and back, only to ignite a powerful calling to guide others towards healing and fulfillment. In this episode of Wickedly Smart Women, host Anjel B. Hartwell interviews Malaysia Harrell, a spiritual transformation coach, veteran, keynote speaker, and author with a profound story of resilience and transformation. From early childhood spiritual gifts honed amidst adversity to a near-death experience during her deployment with the United States...

Ever wondered how a self-proclaimed "terrible" athlete could leverage a childhood spent observing sports into a thriving entrepreneurial career? Imagine the power of turning unexpected advantages, like casual sports knowledge, into a business that empowers others. In this episode of Wickedly Smart Women, host Anjel B. Hartwell interviews Amy Siegfried, a third-generation entrepreneur, who did just that. From her early days learning the nuances of sports alongside her brother to her time in Major League Baseball where she witnessed the game's unifying power, Amy’s journey is a testament to spotting opportunities in unexpected places. 

Discover how thi...

Are you ready to embrace disruption and unlock your leadership potential? In this episode of Wickedly Smart Women, host Anjel B. Hartwell interviews Elizabeth Bieniek, named one of the 10 most influential female pioneers in tech by Toptal, shares her unconventional journey and blueprint for modern leaders in this episode. From a dutiful, obedient child to a disruptor later in life, Elizabeth's path took a scenic route through various industries before she found her niche in technology and innovation. 

Discover how a "beautifully dangerous" sabbatical led her to question her purpose and ultimately leave corporate to st...

Are you ready to redefine your understanding of erotica and pleasure? In this episode of Wickedly Smart Women, host Anjel B. Hartwell interviews Inka Winter, an erotic filmmaker and certified sex educator, to explore the revolutionary concept of holistic pornography. Inka shares her personal journey from growing up in an artist cult to becoming a pioneer in female-centered erotica, driven by her own experiences and a desire to see women's pleasure authentically represented on screen. 

Discover how Inka's unique approach challenges mainstream porn's male-dominated perspective, emphasizing consent, communication, and education. 

Get ready to have your pe...

Are you feeling stuck in the 9-to-5 grind and dreaming of a life filled with freedom and adventure? In this episode of Wickedly Smart Women, host Anjel B. Hartwell interviews Celeste Lawson, a relocation strategist, mental health advocate, and veteran who redefined freedom by relocating to Costa Rica and building a thriving business. Celeste shares her personal story of resilience and provides actionable insights for women of color, veterans, and entrepreneurs. 

Discover how Celeste empowers others to leave behind the constraints of a traditional career and design purpose-driven lives on their own terms. Prepare to be inspired t...

Are you ready to break free from the constraints holding you back and step into a life of unapologetic success? Host Anjel B. Hartwell welcomes Chelsea Husum, a bestselling author, speaker, podcast host, and owner of a thriving construction company in Denver, Colorado. Chelsea shares her unfiltered insights on resilience and success in a male-dominated industry, recounting her journey marked by triumph over adversity. From a Spanish and broadcast journalism degree to teaching and finally embracing entrepreneurship in the construction business, Chelsea's path is anything but ordinary. Discover the pivotal moments that led her to make courageous career changes...

What if the most challenging moments of your life were actually setting the stage for your greatest triumphs? Host Anjel B Hartwell welcomes Larisa Olteanu, a Wall Street Journal bestselling author and real estate investor who arrived in the U.S. with only $20 and a dream.

From a childhood marked by financial and emotional struggle to raising her younger brother at 16, Larisa's journey is a testament to the power of choice and resilience. Discover how a pivotal moment involving her mother ignited a fire in her to create a life of impact and financial freedom.

...

What if the most challenging moments of your life were actually setting the stage for your greatest triumphs? Host Anjel B Hartwell welcomes Larisa Olteanu, a Wall Street Journal bestselling author and real estate investor who arrived in the U.S. with only $20 and a dream.

From a childhood marked by financial and emotional struggle to raising her younger brother at 16, Larisa's journey is a testament to the power of choice and resilience. Discover how a pivotal moment involving her mother ignited a fire in her to create a life of impact and financial freedom.

...

Anjel B Hartwell welcomes esteemed guest Karen Hurd, a nutritional biochemist with over 30 years of experience. Karen, who holds master’s degrees in biochemistry and public health, has dedicated her life to understanding the transformative power of food.

Karen shares her deeply personal and inspiring story about how her daughter Ruth’s severe health crisis sparked her journey into the world of nutrition and biochemistry. Faced with a dire prognosis from multiple specialists after Ruth was poisoned by an insecticide, Karen took matters into her own hands. She extensively researched liver detoxification, which led her to discover the...

The insightful Rachel Madorsky, a renowned psychotherapist, executive coach, and best-selling author joins Anjel B Hartwell on Wickedly Smart Women. Rachel's book, "How to Love Yourself in Less Than a Week and Also for the Rest of Your Life," serves as a beacon for women striving to nourish and thrive in demanding environments.

Rachel reflects on her childhood experiences and how they shaped her understanding of self-love. Despite early adversity, including a mother struggling with addiction and depression, Rachel found her way to a prosperous career helping others. She shares her unique journey from working in corporate...

In this transformative episode of the Wickedly Smart Women Podcast, host Anjel B Hartwell welcomes the remarkable Leah Rae Getts, co-founder of digitaltrailblazer.com. Leah shares her journey from a traditional job in nursing to becoming a successful entrepreneur and online marketing coach, emphasizing the importance of foundational systems in your business.

Listen in as Leah Rae dives deep into solutions for enhancing your messaging, marketing, systems, and sales, especially if you are in the course, consulting, or coaching business. Discover how having solid foundational processes can significantly impact your ability to reach your audience effectively and...

Gail shares her incredible journey from a successful investment advisor to becoming a soulful songwriter, author, and motivational speaker. Embracing a vibrant second act, Gail's story is one of reinvention and resilience.

Discover the importance of robust business planning as Gail discusses strategies for managing cash flow and securing financial support through loans and grants. Hear firsthand how the phrase "fail to plan, plan to fail" underscored her ability to pivot during life's unexpected turns, including the pandemic. Tune in to understand the critical need for financial literacy among entrepreneurs and the significance of empowering internal dialogues...

Join host Anjel B Hartwell in an enlightening conversation with Tanaha Hairston, the remarkable founder of RISE, in this episode of Wickedly Smart Women. Discover the compelling journey of a woman who transitioned from corporate life to becoming a formidable advocate for women in private impact investing. Hairston shares her inspiring transformation, rooted in her entrepreneurial aspirations, and her passion for creating a more inclusive and impactful investing community.

Learn about RISE, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering women through education on private impact investing, with a focus on projects aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. From...

In this enriching episode of Wickedly Smart Women, host Anjel B. Hartwell dives deep into the transformative world of financial therapy with the insightful Erika Wasserman. As one of only 100 certified financial therapists globally, Erica brings a unique blend of financial acumen and emotional intelligence, guiding listeners through the importance of redefining their money mindsets.

The discussion kicks off by challenging the American cultural norm of "rugged individualism" in entrepreneurship, emphasizing the necessity of a robust support team. Erika introduces her revolutionary "Money Mindset Method," a practical framework designed to make money conversations comfortable, focused, and compassionate...