Wickedly Smart Women

What if the reason you're exhausted, overworked, and questioning your worth at work has nothing to do with your talent and everything to do with a game no one ever taught you how to play? In this episode of Wickedly Smart Women, host Anjel B. Hartwell welcomes Robin Goad, a senior technology executive at Amazon Web Services, speaker, and author, to unpack how childhood trauma, perfectionism, and unspoken corporate rules shape the careers of high-achieving women. With more than 30 years of leadership experience at Fortune 100 companies like Dell and Gartner, Robin shares how she built a wildly successful career...

What if the way you speak is the most powerful leadership tool you're underutilizing? In this episode of Wickedly Smart Women, host Anjel B. Hartwell welcomes Julie Holunga,  to explore how trust, communication, and intentional leadership language shape influence at every level of an organization. Julie shares her journey from nonprofit and corporate leadership into building a consulting practice rooted in integrity, trust, and meaningful impact.

If you're a heart-centered leader, consultant, or professional considering a transition into more purpose-driven work, this episode offers both insight and grounded, real-world wisdom.

What Y...

What if the feeling that something is missing in your career isn't confusion, but wisdom trying to get your attention? In this episode of Wickedly Smart Women, host Anjel B. Hartwell welcomes Aleksandra Ceho, whose work bridges the worlds of spirituality, leadership, and business strategy. Aleksandra shares her remarkable journey from studying kinesiology and working in motor vehicle accident clinics to building a thriving astrology practice rooted in authenticity, self-awareness, and aligned decision-making.

If you've ever felt like a square peg in a round hole or sensed that there is "more" waiting for you, this episode offers...

What if burnout isn't proof you're failing but proof something in you is begging to change? In this episode of Wickedly Smart Women, host Anjel B. Hartwell welcomes Tracy Doyle, author of Life Storms: Finding Your Clear Sky and creator of the Aurora Method. Tracy shares the childhood trauma and survival patterns that shaped her drive, her leadership, and her belief that sacrifice meant abandoning herself.

If you've ever felt like you have to hold everything together, this episode will meet you right where you are and offer a real path forward.

What Y...

What if everything you've done in your career has been preparing you for something far more expansive than you ever imagined? In this episode of Wickedly Smart Women, host Anjel B. Hartwell welcomes Julie Ryan, world-renowned medical intuitive, psychic medium, inventor, entrepreneur, and bestselling author of Angelic Attendance. Julie shares her extraordinary journey from founding nine companies across five industries to fully stepping into her intuitive and spiritual calling later in life.

This episode is a powerful reminder for women feeling called to leave corporate, pivot their careers, or honor unconventional paths.

What...

What happens when a high-achieving corporate leader realizes her legacy must be about more than titles, promotions, and golden handcuffs? In this episode of Wickedly Smart Women, host Anjel B. Hartwell welcomes Liat Kaplan, a global product innovation leader turned founder and CEO, to explore what it truly takes to leave corporate life, trust your inner conviction, and build something that matters.

If you are a woman standing at the edge of change, questioning whether it's "too late" to start something meaningful, this conversation will remind you that your most important work may still be ahead of...

What if your "willpower problem" with food was never about food at all? In this episode of Wickedly Smart Women, host Anjel B. Hartwell welcomes Amber Romaniuk, an emotional eating, digestive, and hormone expert with 12+ years of experience. Amber shares the childhood roots of emotional eating, the intense turning point that forced her to face her own binge-restriction patterns, and the multidimensional healing path that led to true body freedom. This episode explores why feeling emotions can feel unsafe and how to create real nervous system safety.

What You Will Learn:

A...

What if the "perfect life" is actually the most convincing hiding place for emptiness? In this episode of Wickedly Smart Women, host Anjel B. Hartwell welcomes Silvia Resnik, a fulfillment and purpose coach for high-achieving women. Silvia shares how a lifelong ache for connection shaped her drive to achieve. The conversation also goes deeper into the tension between honoring cultural traditions and evolving practices that harm women, including the urgent reality of female genital mutilation and how Silvia's organization, Empower Her, is working from within community partnership to create change through education, support, and empowerment.

W...

"We wake up every morning as a soul in a human body. That alone should be so incredibly fascinating to us." What if the hardest things you've lived through weren't punishments, but assignments your soul chose to help you grow? In this episode of Wickedly Smart Women, host Anjel B. Hartwell welcomes Steffani LeFevour, modern-day soul strategist and author of You Are a Badass Mom and the forthcoming book Soul Assignments. Stteffani shares how childhood trauma, an alcoholic father, and the tragic loss of her sister cracked her open to a lifelong search for spiritual truth.

"Horses don't care if you're afraid. They care if you're honest." In this episode of Wickedly Smart Women, host Anjel B. Hartwell welcomes Sue Willoughby, founder of Willoughby Coaching, certified equus coach, real estate investor, and a woman who has rewritten her life more times than most people dare to dream. Raised by a single alcoholic parent and a two-time high school dropout, Sue charted a path from instability to a six-figure career, a multidimensional portfolio of work, and a coaching practice rooted in the intuitive wisdom of horses.

If you're feeling the whisper that something in...

"Anytime my managers are not out front, a problem happens. I want them where they can actually make the store money." In this episode of Wickedly Smart Women, host Anjel B. Hartwell welcomes Jana Franklin, serial entrepreneur, franchise expert, and CEO of CEO Concierge. Jana shares her experiences scaling brick-and-mortar franchises and how the pandemic inspired a major pivot.

If you're an executive overwhelmed by operations or a woman entrepreneur considering consultancy, this episode offers actionable advice and the inside scoop on delegation done right.

What You Will Learn:

How a corporate fashion...

"I had my ladder on the wrong wall. I was putting all my energy into getting people to want McDonald's instead of Burger King. Who cares, really?" In this episode of Wickedly Smart Women, host Anjel B. Hartwell welcomes Kate Grant, CEO Emeritus of the Fistula Foundation and author of No Woman Left Behind. Kate explains what obstetric fistula is and how a relatively low-cost surgery can restore a woman's health. She shares the practical steps she took to move from advertising into nonprofit leadership and why investing in your own retooling can be the most powerful career move. <...

At 50, I thought my body was broken. I knew everything about nutrition, but nothing was working anymore. In this episode of Wickedly Smart Women, host Anjel B. Hartwell welcomes Heather Awad, MD, a family doctor and certified coach, helps professional women in perimenopause and menopause lose weight without counting or deprivation. Learn why kindness precedes confidence, how insulin resistance shifts at midlife, and why moving from grazing to real meals restores energy, focus, and leadership clarity.

Professional photos can be retaken. But kindness and confidence can start today.

What You Will Learn:

Ready to leave corporate and build a business that actually funds your life. In this episode of Wickedly Smart Women, host Anjel B. Hartwell welcomes Estelle Gibson, CPA and TED speaker. Estelle shows you how to create a simple profit plan, price with confidence, and move through the money life cycle with intention. From childhood money scripts to corporate exits to packaging your offers, Estelle shares a calm and practical path that turns wisdom into wealth and replaces hustle with clarity.

What You Will Learn:

The critical distinction between being a...

Feeling wired, tired, and secretly dreading Mondays? In this episode of Wickedly Smart Women, host Anjel B. Hartwell welcomes Jasmin Dennis, health and wellness leadership coach. Jasmin breaks down her Burnout Pie Framework so you can recognize early signals, prevent a crash, and lead with resilience. 

Whether you're considering leaving corporate or staying and thriving, this episode gives you the tools to assess where you are and what to do next.

What You Will Learn:

The critical distinction between burnout as an occupational phenomenon rather than a medical disease.

The d...

When was the last time you asked clearly for what you are worth. In this episode of Wickedly Smart Women, host Anjel B. Hartwell welcomes Amy Cosper, storyteller and brand builder to talk about risk, money, and the power women unlock when they find their voice. Hear why acting like Silicon Valley dulls your authenticity, how stories shape culture, why we cannot outsource them to AI, and the simple courage move that flips fear into forward motion. Smart, practical, and heart forward.

What You Will Learn:

Why many women are trained to avoid r...

What if your fatigue, insomnia, or autoimmune flare wasn't a problem to suppress, but a message pointing you back to your purpose? In this episode of Wickedly Smart Women, host Anjel B. Hartwell welcomes Dr. Kelly McCann, the only physician worldwide board certified across internal medicine, pediatrics, integrative and functional medicine, and medical acupuncture, plus she holds a master's in spiritual psychology. Dr. Kelly McCann shares a radically different approach to chronic illness. That unique combination allows her to see what most doctors miss: your symptoms aren't just physical glitches. They're a guidance system activating when you drift from a...

What happens when the worst moment of your childhood becomes the catalyst for a lifetime of creative power, advocacy, and audacious dreams? In this episode of Wickedly Smart Women, host Anjel B. Hartwell welcomes Lolita Milena, a paraplegic actress, author, and digital creator whose journey from Siberia to the stages of America is nothing short of extraordinary.

In this deeply honest conversation, Lolita opens up about transmuting trauma into purpose through dark humor, sisterhood, and relentless creativity. We dive into the hard truths about the U.S. foster care system, what actually keeps kids safe, and how...

What if the fastest way to real freedom isn't working harder in your business but making your money work twice? In this episode of Wickedly Smart Women, host Anjel B. Hartwell welcomes Amanda Taylor, investor and business growth strategist to share how women can move from survival mode to lasting wealth with unapologetic ownership, simple systems that scale, and values-aligned investing.

If you've ever wondered when to stop plowing every dollar back into the company and start building real wealth, this episode is your roadmap.

What You Will Learn:

How childhood m...

What if "turning 60" was actually the beginning? In this episode of Wickedly Smart Women, host Anjel B. Hartwell welcomes Allison McCune Davis, author and traditional neuropath, to demystify thriving after 60. Allison shares the health wake-ups that redirected her career, the mindset shift that came with a midlife challenge, and the planning discipline that turned a three-year manuscript into a movement. You'll learn the simple daily anchors that rebuild energy, how to identify and replace hormone disruptors at home, and a 60-day path to clarity, connection, and purpose.

What You Will Learn:

How a m...

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 subconscious t...

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 se...

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:

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.

Wh...

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 company cu...

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 a business, changing...

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...

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.

What...

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...

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 stepping into m...

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 light...

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, empowering...

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 ambition, and...

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 ever f...

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 she t...

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...