Lead to Soar (Michelle Redfern & Mel Butcher)

Lead to Soar! is a production of A Career that Soars!

Are you managing key personnel risk well enough in your organisation? Have you identified a potential successor or successors for your role? Do you have at least one woman or PoC on your succession plan? Have you identified what role(s) you would like to be considered a successor for? Answers to these and many more questions about succession planning are in this lively episode with Mel and Michelle.

Learn more about Lead to Soar! and A Career that Soars! by visiting LeadToSoar.com

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Resources

• Sign up for A Career that Soars! *Premium

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Bio for Michelle Redfern

Michelle is the founder of Advancing Women, an enterprise providing research and advisory services on workplace gender equality, inclusion and diversity. She is co-host of A Career that Soars! the founder of women’s network Women Who Get It  co-founder of CDW (Culturally Diverse Women) and host of the Lead to Soar podcast.

Michelle is an experienced Non-Executive Director with Board and advisory roles in the finance, sport, for purpose and supply chain sectors. She is a proud Ambassador for Flexible Working Day and Girls Uniform Agenda. She has held executive leadership roles at ASX & FTSE listed companies NAB, Telstra and Serco during her 30-year corporate career.

Michelle is a Graduate of the AICD, holds an Executive MBA (Distinction) and holds various accreditations in organisational diversity and coaching. She is an in-demand speaker and is a regular contributor to the discussion and advocate for gender equality and inclusion in sport and business workplaces.

Bio for Mel Butcher

Mel Butcher is a consulting engineer focused on growing business through serving enterprise industrial clients in the environmental, water, and sustainability spaces.  In her free time, she is a host inside A Career That Soars! and on the Lead to Soar! podcast where she supports women in achieving their highest career ambitions. Mel is a goal advocate for diversity, equity and inclusion in the engineering and industrial world. She also gives time to supporting young engineers early in their career. Reach out here.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Get Sh*t Done! (GSD!) are Lead to Soar's short, snappy, roughly ~10 minute mini-episodes to bring you a quick fix of career advice.

On this episode, Michelle and Mel talk about the "I Don't" List - quick tips to help you take things off your plate that aren't in line with your best and highest purpose in life and career.

Visit LeadToSoar.com for show notes or to leave Michelle and Mel a question.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lead to Soar provides actionable advice for ambitious career women working their way up inside public and private organizations. On this episode, co-founder Michelle Redfern, discusses what the leadership mindset looks like at different carer stages and the difference between conventional and strategic career advice for women.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bio for Emily McKie:  Emily has coached sports for 10 years using an exploratory facilitation and athlete-centred coaching style, and is currently working with the U18 female program at Dandenong Stingrays as a development coach in the semi elite pathway. Emily created and managed what is now one of the biggest female junior football leagues in Victoria, Australia - the Eastern Region Girls Football League. She has used sport to go around the world - either playing, coaching, or running Auskick clinics in France, Sweden, Amsterdam, Germany, and Belgium.

Notable Episode Quotes:

“If you understand why you’re doing something, how you do it will come… If you can sell it and do it with conviction, you’re set." - Emily McKie   “A mentoring relationship is not sycophantic. You don’t have to agree and slavishly follow everything, however, it gives you that perspective – those different perspectives." -Michelle Redfern   “One of the myths I want to bust [around mentoring] is that you have to form this bosom buddies, symbiotic, chemistry laden, 25 year relationship that’s just going to be amazing… It won’t always be like that. Sometimes it’s short and sharp and mutually beneficial..” -Michelle Redfern

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hear Organisationsal Psychologist Noa Rein in conversation with Mel and Michelle about how to recognise toxic or hostile workplaces, behaviours and how to navigate them, as well as the questions from members about managing The Brilliant Jerk as well! Noa will help us tp find the language to articulate the problem to leaders (using the language of power) This is a recording of a live, interactive Q&A session with the members of A Career that Soars.

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Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lead to Soar! is a production of A Career that Soars

Molly Beck spend her days running Messi FM which is a B2B internal podcasting platform for companies to use podcast to talk to their employees. Molly also wrote the networking guidebook Reach Out, Reach Out, is about how to create a community around your work. The strategy it focuses on is sending one message every weekday to someone on the edge of your network. This is a practice Molly has been doing since 2012, and it has transformed her career and life.

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Resources

• Sign up for A Career that Soars! *Premium

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Bio for Mel Butcher

Mel Butcher is a consulting engineer focused on growing business through serving enterprise industrial clients in the environmental, water, and sustainability spaces.  In her free time, she is a host inside A Career That Soars! and on the Lead to Soar! podcast where she supports women in achieving their highest career ambitions. Mel is a goal advocate for diversity, equity and inclusion in the engineering and industrial world. She also gives time to supporting young engineers early in their career. Reach out here.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Get Sh*t Done! (GSD!) are Lead to Soar's short, snappy, roughly ~10 minute mini-episodes to bring you a quick fix of career advice.

On this episode, Michelle and Mel give an overview of what emotional vampires are, how to spot them, and what we can do about them as coworkers and leaders.

Visit LeadToSoar.com for show notes or to leave Michelle and Mel a question.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lead to Soar provides actionable advice for ambitious career women working their way up inside public and private organizations. Who is Michelle Redfern? On this episode, Mel Butcher interviews A Career that Soars! (ACtS!) co-founder, Michelle Redfern, about her life and career, setting the stage for future discussion on career ambition and advice.

Lead to Soar is a production of ACtS! It is hosted by Michelle Redfern and executive produced by Mel Butcher

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Helga Svendsen is a self-confessed 'governance nerd' who is a facilitator, coach and mentor specializing in strategy and planning, governance and stakeholder engagement. She hosts the Take on Board podcast, a weekly pod, where she talks all things governance, as well as the take on board community which is a thriving community of women who connect through an active Facebook group events. Helga also runs programs to enable to get onto their first board and to a program to help women who are establishing their board career. In this episode, Michelle asks Helga what women should pay attention to, and when, if they aspire for a board career. 

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Resources

• Sign up for A Career that Soars! *Premium
• Take on Board podcast https://helgasvendsen.com.au/take-on-board-podcast/
• Take on Board Community - https://helgasvendsen.com.au/community/
• About Helga - https://helgasvendsen.com.au/about/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to our "BEST OF SERIES".

In this episode of L2S!, leadership and gender equality expert, Michelle Redfern, sits down for an interview with Amal Yusuf, newest host for a Career That Soars, to discuss her career path, and the leadership and wisdom she brings to our organization. Amal shares with us her path from immigrant to corporate business leader, and how she views networking and building connections for women in business.

Learn more about Lead to Soar! and A Career that Soars! by visiting LeadToSoar.com

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Guest Amal Yusuf Bio:

Amal Yusuf is the newest president of SHE BRG, Delta’s Women’s Business Resource Group, and project manager for the Employee Relations Center of Expertise at Delta, where she ensures her team has the process and technology capabilities to drive results for 75K employees. Amal has served Delta’s employees and customers in many roles, including onboarding program manager for flight attendants and manager of Safety Leadership and Promotion, where she designed and delivered programs to promote a culture of personal safety.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lead to Soar! is a production of A Career that Soars

Recent research tells us (again) that women outperform men on a range of different leadership metrics. That same research informs us that leaders are baffled that, given how competent women are, there are more of us at the top of organizations. Well, we want you to stop your bafflement about the leadership gender gap. It might be an okay place to start, but leaders must move on from admiring the problem and start taking action. And that does not mean enrolling all your workers in unconscious bias training! In this episode, Mel Butcher and Michelle Redfern call on leaders to take deliberate action to change the playing field to support their female talent pipeline.

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Resources

• Sign up for A Career that Soars! *Premium

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Bio for Michelle Redfern

Michelle is the founder of Advancing Women, an enterprise providing research and advisory services on workplace gender equality, inclusion and diversity. She is co-host of A Career that Soars! the founder of women’s network Women Who Get It  co-founder of CDW (Culturally Diverse Women) and host of the Lead to Soar podcast.

Michelle is an experienced Non-Executive Director with Board and advisory roles in the finance, sport, for purpose and supply chain sectors. She is a proud Ambassador for Flexible Working Day and Girls Uniform Agenda. She has held executive leadership roles at ASX & FTSE listed companies NAB, Telstra and Serco during her 30-year corporate career.

Michelle is a Graduate of the AICD, holds an Executive MBA (Distinction) and holds various accreditations in organisational diversity and coaching. She is an in-demand speaker and is a regular contributor to the discussion and advocate for gender equality and inclusion in sport and business workplaces.

Bio for Mel Butcher

Mel Butcher is a consulting engineer focused on growing business through serving enterprise industrial clients in the environmental, water, and sustainability spaces.  In her free time, she is a host inside A Career That Soars! and on the Lead to Soar! podcast where she supports women in achieving their highest career ambitions. Mel is a goal advocate for diversity, equity and inclusion in the engineering and industrial world. She also gives time to supporting young engineers early in their career. Reach out here.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Get Sh*t Done! (GSD!) are Lead to Soar's short, snappy, roughly ~10 minute mini-episodes to bring you a quick fix of career advice.

On this episode, Michelle and Mel give a snappy overview of 5 fundamentals of networking that will help women tap into their superpowers and network like a boss. 

Visit LeadToSoar.com for show notes or to leave Michelle and Mel a question.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On episode 19 of Lead to Soar, Susan Colantuono, Michelle Redfern, and Mel Butcher sit down for a discussion on confidence... What is confidence? Where does confidence come from? How do you get it? Where does traditional advice on confidence go wrong? LINKS

• Book: What the CEO Want You To Know by Ram Charan
• Book: No Ceiling, No Walls by Susan Colantuono 

SPEAKER BIOs Susan Colantuono has made it her life’s mission to support the career success of women.  She is the Founder of and now retired CEO of Leading Women, an international management consulting company focused on bringing gender balance to leadership teams. She is globally known for her TED Talk on The Career Advice You Probably Didn't Get (now with over 4 million views). ​Recognizing that many women around the globe do not have access to the leadership and career development resources they need in order to advance, Susan envisioned that a global network of aspiring women could fill such a gap. She embarked on the journey to form Lead to Soar, and joined forces with Michelle Redfern to bring it to life. Susan is also the author of two internationally acclaimed books: No Ceiling, No Walls: what women haven’t been told about leadership and Make the Most of Mentoring. -- Michelle Redfern is the co-founder of Lead to Soar and host of the Lead to Soar podcast. Michelle is the founder of Advancing Women, an enterprise providing research and advisory services on equality, inclusion and gender diversity. She is co-founder of social enterprise CDW (Culturally Diverse Women and Workforces). Everything Michelle does is grounded in her personal mission and purpose to contribute to creating a gender equal world. -- Mel Butcher is a co-host in Lead to Soar and executive producer and host of the Lead to Soar podcast. During the day, Mel serves as an independent consultant, where she is most passionate about helping corporate enterprise clients achieve and exceed their water risk, resilience, and sustainability goals. ​ NOTABLE EPISODE QUOTES “Confidence is not absolute.” -Susan Colantuono “Go beyond the headline. Go deeper. And think about - what does the CEO really want you to know...  The CEO really wants you to know about being confident about how to run the business. Then ask yourself, is the advice you're getting about confidence really going to help you do that?" - Michelle Redfern 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Guest Bio: Libby Lyons was appointed Director of Australia's Workplace Gender Equality Agency in 2015. She oversees the process that gathers gender equality data from over 10,000 employers, covering more than 4 million employees. In leading the Agency, Libby is focused on working closely with employers to achieve gender equality.

Soon after her appointment, Libby initiated the development of a strategic plan aimed at maximizing the Agency’s world-leading dataset and expanding the reach and impact of gender reporting nationally and internationally.

As part of this strategic vision, Libby presented at the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women in 2018 and 2019.

Libby was listed in Apolitical’s 100 Most Influential People Working in Gender Policy for both 2018 and 2019. She is a member of Chief Executive Women and an Ambassador for Honour a Woman.

Prior to joining the Agency, Libby had a distinguished career in corporate affairs and government relations, including senior roles at BHP’s Olympic Dam, Alcoa of Australia, the Western Power Corporation, and Telstra.

Learn more: WGEA

Notable Episode Quotes:

“You know, government is no different to business. Sometimes you have to spend money to make money.” -LL 

“I will only ever be as good at my job as those that work with me, those that put the wind under my wings. So, we have to look out for how we can help move them on and help progress their careers.” -LL “If I know that there is a particular issue that has to be addressed, and it’s coming up in a meeting, and I know that my view is probably contrary or my thoughts or contrary to the majority or particularly the leader.... I’ll caucus. I’ll go out and individually start talking to the different people that are going to be at the table and talk to them and tell them what I think and caucus to try to get that support and say to them, “will you support me in tis. If you don’t I’ll bring it up anyway, but it would be great to have some support around the table.” -LL  “The one thing that I think we all need to work really hard on, as women, is: supporting other women. I still see, much to my disappointment, many senior women... who are not supportive of other women. Who still have that attitude of – I had to do it tough, you can too." -LL

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode was inspired by Carla Harris who gave a TED Talk called 'How to find the person who can help you get ahead at work'. Mel and Michelle explore just what a career sponsor is, how to go about getting one (hint: its not easy but there are ways) and importantly, what to pay attention to if you want to advance your career with the help of an advocate. 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lead to Soar! is a production of A Career that Soars!

In this episode, friend of the podcast and job hunting coach Renata Bernarde shares with Michelle the ABCs of job hunting as well as discussing how The Great Resignation/Resent, etc. is a GREAT opportunity for women to make a bold career move.

Learn more about Lead to Soar! and A Career that Soars! by visiting LeadToSoar.com

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Guest Renata Bernarde Bio:

Renata Bernarde is the Host of The Job Hunting Podcast. She's also an executive coach, job hunting expert, and career strategist. She teaches corporate, non-profit, and public professionals the steps and frameworks to help them find great jobs, change, and advance their careers with confidence and less stress. 

Michelle Redfern's Bio:

Michelle is the founder of Advancing Women, an enterprise providing research and advisory services on workplace gender equality, inclusion and diversity. She is co-host of A Career that Soars! the founder of women’s network Women Who Get It  co-founder of CDW (Culturally Diverse Women) and host of the Lead to Soar podcast.

Michelle is an experienced Non-Executive Director with Board and advisory roles in the finance, sport, for purpose and supply chain sectors. She is a proud Ambassador for Flexible Working Day and Girls Uniform Agenda. She has held executive leadership roles at ASX & FTSE listed companies NAB, Telstra and Serco during her 30-year corporate career.

Michelle is a Graduate of the AICD, holds an Executive MBA (Distinction) and holds various accreditations in organisational diversity and coaching. She is an in-demand speaker and is a regular contributor to the discussion and advocate for gender equality and inclusion in sport and business workplaces.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lead to Soar! is a production of A Career that Soars!

In this episode of L2S! - leadership and gender equality expert, Michelle Redfern, and Mel Butcher come together to share insights on the concepts that not all feedback is a gift and that women often receive feedback that isn't helpful to their careers. Because it is incomplete or vague. both women and leaders of women will benefit from the tips we share about giving and receiving GREAT career advice to lift performance. 

Learn more about Lead to Soar! and A Career that Soars! by visiting LeadToSoar.com

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Resources

• The Get Sh*t Done Experience inside A Career that Soars!
• The 12 Elements of Emotional Intelligence by Dr. Danial Goleman
• Sign up for A Career that Soars! *Premium

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Bio for Michelle Redfern

Michelle is the founder of Advancing Women, an enterprise providing research and advisory services on workplace gender equality, inclusion and diversity. She is co-host of A Career that Soars! the founder of women’s network Women Who Get It  co-founder of CDW (Culturally Diverse Women) and host of the Lead to Soar podcast.

Michelle is an experienced Non-Executive Director with Board and advisory roles in the finance, sport, for purpose and supply chain sectors. She is a proud Ambassador for Flexible Working Day and Girls Uniform Agenda. She has held executive leadership roles at ASX & FTSE listed companies NAB, Telstra and Serco during her 30-year corporate career.

Michelle is a Graduate of the AICD, holds an Executive MBA (Distinction) and holds various accreditations in organisational diversity and coaching. She is an in-demand speaker and is a regular contributor to the discussion and advocate for gender equality and inclusion in sport and business workplaces.

Bio for Mel Butcher

Mel Butcher is a consulting engineer focused on growing business through serving enterprise industrial clients in the environmental, water, and sustainability spaces.  In her free time, she is a host inside A Career That Soars! and on the Lead to Soar! podcast where she supports women in achieving their highest career ambitions. Mel is a goal advocate for diversity, equity and inclusion in the engineering and industrial world. She also gives time to supporting young engineers early in their career. Reach out here.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lead to Soar provides actionable advice for ambitious career women working their way up inside public and private organizations. On this episode, Lisa Alexander, professional sports coach, joins us to discuss what it means to lead in business and sport.

Lead to Soar is a production of A Career That Soars! (ACtS!) It is hosted by Michelle Redfern and executive produced by Mel Butcher.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lead to Soar! is a production of A Career that Soars! Welcome to our "BEST OF SERIES".

Molly Beck spend her days running Messi FM which is a B2B internal podcasting platform for companies to use podcast to talk to their employees. Molly also wrote the networking guidebook Reach Out, Reach Out, is about how to create a community around your work. The strategy it focuses on is sending one message every weekday to someone on the edge of your network. This is a practice Molly has been doing since 2012, and it has transformed her career and life.

~

Resources

• Sign up for A Career that Soars! *Premium

~

Bio for Mel Butcher

Mel Butcher is a consulting engineer focused on growing business through serving enterprise industrial clients in the environmental, water, and sustainability spaces.  In her free time, she is a host inside A Career That Soars! and on the Lead to Soar! podcast where she supports women in achieving their highest career ambitions. Mel is a goal advocate for diversity, equity and inclusion in the engineering and industrial world. She also gives time to supporting young engineers early in their career. Reach out here.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On episode 40 of Lead to Soar, Susan Colantuono, Michelle Redfern, and Mel Butcher sit down for a discussion on Executive Presence... What is executive presence? Why do you need it? And how do you get it? Where is traditional advice on executive advice missing, particularly for women?

SPEAKER BIOs Susan Colantuono has made it her life’s mission to support the career success of women.  She is the Founder of and now retired CEO of Leading Women, an international management consulting company focused on bringing gender balance to leadership teams. She is globally known for her TED Talk on The Career Advice You Probably Didn't Get (now with over 4 million views). ​Recognizing that many women around the globe do not have access to the leadership and career development resources they need in order to advance, Susan envisioned that a global network of aspiring women could fill such a gap. She embarked on the journey to form A Career that Soars!, and joined forces with Michelle Redfern to bring it to life. Susan is also the author of two internationally acclaimed books: No Ceiling, No Walls: what women haven’t been told about leadership and Make the Most of Mentoring which takes a close look at the conventional wisdom keeping women from rising from middle management.   Michelle Redfern is the co-founder of A Career that Soars! (ACts!) and the primary host of the Lead to Soar podcast. Michelle is the founder of Advancing Women, an enterprise providing research and advisory services on equality, inclusion and gender diversity. She is co-founder of social enterprise CDW (Culturally Diverse Women and Workforces). Everything Michelle does is grounded in her personal mission and purpose to contribute to creating a gender equal world. She wants her son and daughter, nieces and nephews to inhabit a world where women and girls are valued and respected and equal. She wants them to live in a world where every human, no matter how they identify, can reach their full potential.  Michelle “Gets Shit Done!” She helps clients get shit done to create gender equal and inclusive workplaces through her consulting and advisory work.  She helps women from all walks of life get shit done for themselves and their careers through A Career that Soars! and Culturally Diverse Women. -- Get in touch with Michelle   Mel Butcher is a co-host in A Career that Soars! and executive producer co-host of the Lead to Soar podcast.  During the day, Mel serves as an engineering consultant, where she is most passionate about helping corporate enterprise clients achieve and exceed their water risk, resilience, and sustainability goals. Mel is also the creator of Underdog Engineers, providing courses and resources for early-career engineers to launch their career.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lead to Soar! is a production of A Career that Soars!

In this episode of L2S!, leadership and gender equality expert, Michelle Redfern, sits down for an interview with the one and only Sheila Flavell. Sheila is an extraordinary leader (by our full ACtS! definition!) in the truest sense. She has created exceptional outcomes for business and women in the Tech industry. She continues leading today and has a curiosity and energy to keep learning and pushing herself into new territory. We were so inspired by this episode and hope you are too!

Learn more about Lead to Soar! and A Career that Soars! by visiting LeadToSoar.com

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Bio for Guest, Sheila Flavell

Sheila Flavell has over 30 years experience in the global tech sector. She played an integral role in FDM’s flotation on AIM in 2005 and was a key instigator of the management buy-out of the Group in 2010 and the subsequent listing onto the main FTSE Market in 2014. Sheila’s knowledge of the sector has been crucial in driving FDM’s global expansion programme, taking them into the FTSE250. She spearheads the ‘Global Women in Tech’ campaign and created FDM’s hugely successful Returners Programme. Sheila is Deputy President of TechUK and chairs the Institute of Coding’s Industry Advisory Board. One of her proudest moments in business was when FDM achieved a zero gender pay gap.  She has won numerous awards during her career for services to the tech industry and was recognised in the 2020 New Year’s Honours list with ‘Commander Of The Order Of The British Empire’ for her services to gender equality in IT and the employment of graduates and returners. She is also listed in Computer Weekly’s ‘Most Influential Women in UK Tech, Hall of Fame.’

Bio for Michelle Redfern

Michelle is the founder of Advancing Women, an enterprise providing research and advisory services on workplace gender equality, inclusion and diversity. She is co-host of A Career that Soars! the founder of women’s network Women Who Get It  co-founder of CDW (Culturally Diverse Women) and host of the Lead to Soar podcast.

Michelle is an experienced Non-Executive Director with Board and advisory roles in the finance, sport, for purpose and supply chain sectors. She is a proud Ambassador for Flexible Working Day and Girls Uniform Agenda. She has held executive leadership roles at ASX & FTSE listed companies NAB, Telstra and Serco during her 30-year corporate career.

Michelle is a Graduate of the AICD, holds an Executive MBA (Distinction) and holds various accreditations in organisational diversity and coaching. She is an in-demand speaker and is a regular contributor to the discussion and advocate for gender equality and inclusion in sport and business workplaces.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lead to Soar! is a production of A Career that Soars!

In this episode of L2S!, leadership and gender equality expert, Michelle Redfern, sits down for an interview with Amal Yusuf, newest host for a Career That Soars, to discuss her career path, and the leadership and wisdom she brings to our organization. Amal shares with us her path from immigrant to corporate business leader, and how she views networking and building connections for women in business.

Learn more about Lead to Soar! and A Career that Soars! by visiting LeadToSoar.com

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Guest Amal Yusuf Bio:

Amal Yusuf is the newest president of SHE BRG, Delta’s Women’s Business Resource Group, and project manager for the Employee Relations Center of Expertise at Delta, where she ensures her team has the process and technology capabilities to drive results for 75K employees. Amal has served Delta’s employees and customers in many roles, including onboarding program manager for flight attendants and manager of Safety Leadership and Promotion, where she designed and delivered programs to promote a culture of personal safety.

Michelle Redfern's Bio:

Michelle is the founder of Advancing Women, an enterprise providing research and advisory services on workplace gender equality, inclusion and diversity. She is co-host of A Career that Soars! the founder of women’s network Women Who Get It  co-founder of CDW (Culturally Diverse Women) and host of the Lead to Soar podcast.

Michelle is an experienced Non-Executive Director with Board and advisory roles in the finance, sport, for purpose and supply chain sectors. She is a proud Ambassador for Flexible Working Day and Girls Uniform Agenda. She has held executive leadership roles at ASX & FTSE listed companies NAB, Telstra and Serco during her 30-year corporate career.

Michelle is a Graduate of the AICD, holds an Executive MBA (Distinction) and holds various accreditations in organisational diversity and coaching. She is an in-demand speaker and is a regular contributor to the discussion and advocate for gender equality and inclusion in sport and business workplaces.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lead to Soar! is a production of A Career that Soars!

In this episode of L2S!, leadership and gender equality expert, Michelle Redfern, sits down with hosts from a Career That Soars, as part of a live event to discuss career advice, what they think of the "Great Resignation", and so much more.

Learn more about Lead to Soar! and A Career that Soars! by visiting LeadToSoar.com

SPEAKER BIOs

Susan Colantuono has made it her life’s mission to support the career success of women.  She is the Founder of and now retired CEO of Leading Women, an international management consulting company focused on bringing gender balance to leadership teams. She is globally known for her TED Talk on The Career Advice You Probably Didn't Get (now with over 4 million views). Recognizing that many women around the globe do not have access to the leadership and career development resources they need in order to advance, Susan envisioned that a global network of aspiring women could fill such a gap. She embarked on the journey to form A Career that Soars!, and joined forces with Michelle Redfern to bring it to life. Susan is also the author of two internationally acclaimed books: No Ceiling, No Walls: what women haven’t been told about leadership and Make the Most of Mentoring which takes a close look at the conventional wisdom keeping women from rising from middle management.

Michelle Redfern is the founder of Advancing Women, an enterprise providing research and advisory services on workplace gender equality, inclusion and diversity. She is co-host of A Career that Soars! the founder of women’s network Women Who Get It  co-founder of CDW (Culturally Diverse Women) and host of the Lead to Soar podcast. Michelle is an experienced Non-Executive Director with Board and advisory roles in the finance, sport, for purpose and supply chain sectors. She is a proud Ambassador for Flexible Working Day and Girls Uniform Agenda. She has held executive leadership roles at ASX & FTSE listed companies NAB, Telstra and Serco during her 30-year corporate career. Michelle is a Graduate of the AICD, holds an Executive MBA (Distinction) and holds various accreditations in organizational diversity and coaching. She is an in-demand speaker and is a regular contributor to the discussion and advocate for gender equality and inclusion in sport and business workplaces.Mel Butcher is a co-host in A Career that Soars! and executive producer co-host of the Lead to Soar podcast.  During the day, Mel serves as an engineering consultant, where she is most passionate about helping corporate enterprise clients achieve and exceed their water risk, resilience, and sustainability goals. Mel is also the creator of Underdog Engineers, providing courses and resources for early-career engineers to launch their career.

Amal Yusuf is the newest president of SHE BRG, Delta’s Women’s Business Resource Group, and project manager for the Employee Relations Center of Expertise at Delta, where she ensures her team has the process and technology capabilities to drive results for 75K employees. Amal has served Delta’s employees and customers in many roles, including onboarding program manager for flight attendants and manager of Safety Leadership and Promotion, where she designed and delivered programs to promote a culture of personal safety.

Theresa Haywood-McCarley is currently the senior director for global corporate social responsibility. She’s held a number of managerial positions in the automotive (Delco Electronics) and semiconductor industries in the social responsibility, quality and supply chain organizations. Theresa has a B.S. Mathematics from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and a Masters of Business Administration from Indiana Wesleyan University. Her passion is social responsibility and her interests include reading murder mystery novels.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Guest Bio: Wendy Hanson is the co-founder and COO of BetterManager. At Better Manager, Wendy and her team believe that Managers are the single most important factor in employee engagement and happiness. The employee-manager relationship determines up to 70% of an employee's engagement. And, engaged employees are the key to company performance. Companies with highly engaged teams outperform peers by 147% in earnings per share. To create effective and lasting change, companies need to invest in a solution that is adaptive, responsive and meets the needs of all managers. That’s where BetterManager comes in. BetterManager executive coaches provide cost-effective, personalized guidance that any manager can benefit. The BetterManager team facilitates through a combination of Coaching, Workshops and Technology. Wendy joined Michelle today to talk about her personal journey from employee, to her first side hustle, to leadership and entrepreneurship. They explore how anyone can take their entrepreneurial spirit and apply it to becoming an "intreprerneur" inside their organization. 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of L2S!, leadership and gender equality expert, Michelle Redfern and Mel Butcher come together to give YOU some tips and tactics on How to Network Like a Boss. Cultivating and maintaining a strategic network with the right others is key to your long-term career success. 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lead to Soar! is a production of A Career that Soars

Women face some tough workplace challenges from time to time. Often, we can find ourselves in a Fight/Flight/Freeze/Fawn response. Its where the amygdala takes over our own behaviour. Mel and Michelle discuss the types of challenges women might face at work, including hostile workplaces, the types of human behaviour that occurs, the impact it has and importantly, what language is helpful versus not helpful when tackling the poor behaviour of co-workers. They even role play a situation that will be useful for workers and leaders alike. 

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Resources

• Sign up for A Career that Soars! *Premium

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Bio for Michelle Redfern

Michelle is the founder of Advancing Women, an enterprise providing research and advisory services on workplace gender equality, inclusion and diversity. She is co-host of A Career that Soars! the founder of women’s network Women Who Get It  co-founder of CDW (Culturally Diverse Women) and host of the Lead to Soar podcast.

Michelle is an experienced Non-Executive Director with Board and advisory roles in the finance, sport, for purpose and supply chain sectors. She is a proud Ambassador for Flexible Working Day and Girls Uniform Agenda. She has held executive leadership roles at ASX & FTSE listed companies NAB, Telstra and Serco during her 30-year corporate career.

Michelle is a Graduate of the AICD, holds an Executive MBA (Distinction) and holds various accreditations in organisational diversity and coaching. She is an in-demand speaker and is a regular contributor to the discussion and advocate for gender equality and inclusion in sport and business workplaces.

Bio for Mel Butcher

Mel Butcher is a consulting engineer focused on growing business through serving enterprise industrial clients in the environmental, water, and sustainability spaces.  In her free time, she is a host inside A Career That Soars! and on the Lead to Soar! podcast where she supports women in achieving their highest career ambitions. Mel is a goal advocate for diversity, equity and inclusion in the engineering and industrial world. She also gives time to supporting young engineers early in their career. Reach out here.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Michelle and Jo have a conversation about a question they're asked a lot by women. Should I do an MBA?  We discuss how an MBA builds confidence, how to fit an MBA into real life, and why you must have this conversation with your boss (and boss’s boss!) Jo also shares practical tips on how to successfully navigate and complete an MBA – sourced from her MBA students around the world.

About Jo With well over 15 years of experience in senior roles for some of Australia's most iconic companies, including iSelect and Compare the Market, Jo is currently the Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Institute of Business, Australia’s leader in online postgraduate education. Over her career, she has learned a lot about what drives rapid and sustainable growth - flawless execution, authentic leadership, and innovation. Operating at the intersection of technology, people, and data, Jo gets a kick out of making both the workplace and customer interactions life-enhancing experiences. With a track record of transformational leadership in digital businesses, she has had the privilege of leading large teams of extraordinary people to deliver exponential growth.

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Resources

The Confidence Scoop Episode Jo Thomas LinkedIn Simon Sinek, start with why Video Australian Institute of Business

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Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lead to Soar! is a production of A Career that Soars!

In this episode of L2S!, Dr. Catriona Wallace is our guest. Catriona is a serial entrepreneur and seasoned CEO. She talks with Michelle about why we need more women in AI, and how she has thrived in the manosphere of AI, STEM, and Venture Capitalism. Catriona also gives women some absolute gold about what great CEOs know and do.  

https://mumbrella.com.au/youtube-algorithms-exposing-young-men-to-the-manosphere-reset-australia-734877

Learn more about Lead to Soar! and A Career that Soars! by visiting LeadToSoar.com

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Guest Dr. Catriona Wallace Bio:

Dr. Catriona Wallace is recognized as an entrepreneur in the artificial intelligence and machine learning fields. Catriona also has a global reputation as a leading practitioner, speaker, and media commentator on Responsible Technology, AI ethics, and the future of work. Dr. Wallace is the CEO of ethical AI advisory, the chair of venture capital fund Boab AI, and she was the founder of Flamingo AI and machine learning company with headquarters in New York and Sydney. Dr. Wallace has been recognized by the Australian Financial Review as the most influential woman in business and entrepreneurship in 2018. And as the FinTech leader, and overall excellence in finance award by women in finance, 2018

Michelle Redfern's Bio:

Michelle is the founder of Advancing Women, an enterprise providing research and advisory services on workplace gender equality, inclusion and diversity. She is co-host of A Career that Soars! the founder of women’s network Women Who Get It  co-founder of CDW (Culturally Diverse Women) and host of the Lead to Soar podcast.

Michelle is an experienced Non-Executive Director with Board and advisory roles in the finance, sport, for purpose and supply chain sectors. She is a proud Ambassador for Flexible Working Day and Girls Uniform Agenda. She has held executive leadership roles at ASX & FTSE listed companies NAB, Telstra and Serco during her 30-year corporate career.

Michelle is a Graduate of the AICD, holds an Executive MBA (Distinction) and holds various accreditations in organisational diversity and coaching. She is an in-demand speaker and is a regular contributor to the discussion and advocate for gender equality and inclusion in sport and business workplaces.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lead to Soar! is a production of A Career that Soars!

On episode this episode, Michelle Redfern and Mel Butcher talk about brilliant jerks. We've all worked with one (trying hard not to name names here), but what is a brilliant jerk and how do you work with one. Plus, Michelle and Mel have tips for taking your complaint to your boss or human resources.

This is a recording from a LinkedIn in Live find out more about all the Lead to Soar events.

Michelle Redfern 

Mel Butcher 

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Have you sat back to consider how you choose your job references? One Lead to Soar coaching client learned a tough lesson - not every referee will promote your skills like you want them to. So Michelle and Mel breakdown how best to choose and prepare your referees so you land exactly where you want to.

Lead to Soar is a global online network for businesswomen, a podcast, and we host livestreaming and in person events to help women have a career that soars! The podcast is hosted by Mel Butcher (melbutcher.com) and Michelle Redfern (michelleredfern.com) 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is being 'busy' a badge of honour? Or does it mean you are outta control? Mel and Michelle discuss why saying 'I'm busy" when someone asks after you is a career limiting move and what you might say (and do) instead.

Lead to Soar is a global online network for businesswomen, a podcast, and we host livestreaming and in person events to help women have a career that soars! The podcast is hosted by Mel Butcher (melbutcher.com) and Michelle Redfern (michelleredfern.com)

Links and Resources

Why I want to start a “Ban Busy” movement

How to stop saying (& feeling) "I'm so busy!"

Never say you're "busy"

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Selena Rezvani is a recognized author, speaker, and consultant on leadership. Her book, Quick Confidence (Wiley, May 2023), was born out of a viral newsletter she started in 2020, to help people build their confidence through small actions. Selena helps women and marginalised groups tap into their confidence and carve out a path to leadership. In this interview, Michelle discusses with Selena:

• How gender plays a role in confidence.

• How to boost your self-confidence when conditions around you aren’t ideal

• How to gracefully accept praise.

• The importance of self-promotion.

• The importance of your inner confidence coach.

Pre-order Quick Confidence - coming May 9 wherever you can find books!

Lead to Soar is a global online network for businesswomen, a podcast, and we host livestreaming and in person events to help women have a career that soars! The podcast is hosted by Mel Butcher (melbutcher.com) and Michelle Redfern (michelleredfern.com)

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mel & Michelle discuss going on vacation, the mechanics of it and how leaders can set boundaries to ensure they are rested, recovered and rejuvenated.

Links and Resources

Funny OOO messages that inspire Michelle!

Lead to Soar is a global online network for businesswomen, a podcast, and we host livestreaming and in person events to help women have a career that soars! The podcast is hosted by Mel Butcher (melbutcher.com) and Michelle Redfern (michelleredfern.com)

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How not being a cool kid at school and not making the A Grade Netball team led to playing elite sport, then an extraordinary corporate career and now a Board Director portfolio career.

Marlene Elliot shares her elite sporting background, her career, moving cities to pursue opportunities and expanding her Board portfolio. She shares advice for aspiring and developing board directors, leadership around the boardroom table and networking.

Links and Resources

Marlene Elliott on LinkedIn

Lead to Soar is a global online network for businesswomen, a podcast, and we host livestreaming and in person events to help women have a career that soars! The podcast is hosted by Mel Butcher (melbutcher.com) and Michelle Redfern (michelleredfern.com)

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Barbara Bruno has an informative discussion with Mel that covers:

• What leaders need to do differently to attract talent.

• How to improve the candidate experience

• What leaders should know about the recruiting and hiring process

• Why tech companies are laying off their employees

• How women can market themselves as candidates for leadership roles, stand out from the crowd and negotiation tips. 

Links and Resources

Barbara Bruno on LinkedIn

Good as Gold Training

Lead to Soar Summit



Lead to Soar is a global online network for businesswomen, a podcast, and we host live-streaming and in person events to help women have a career that soars! The podcast is hosted by Mel Butcher (melbutcher.com) and Michelle Redfern (michelleredfern.com)

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

An HBR article says that "it is assumed that exceptional men will job hop to get a promotion, it’s assumed that exceptional women will stay loyal to their firm because they value their relationships with their coworkers."  Mel and Michelle discuss the two-way street that signifies loyalty, and what women might want to consider next time they self-describe as loyal! 

Links and Resources

Harvard Business Review - Stop Undervaluing Exceptional Women

Lead to Soar Summit



Lead to Soar is a global online network for businesswomen, a podcast, and we host live-streaming and in person events to help women have a career that soars! The podcast is hosted by Mel Butcher (melbutcher.com) and Michelle Redfern (michelleredfern.com)

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

“Menopausal women are the fastest growing workforce demographic.” (Office of National Statistics UK) - so what must we do as leaders to ensure that we (re)design workplaces and attitudes to support this huge demographic? This discussion with Natalie Moore, L2S member and workplace wellbeing expert will give us insights into the role of leaders so that workplaces become more inclusive, and high performing as a result. We cover:

• What happens during perimenopause?

• Support mechanisms for women in the workplace experiencing menopause.

• How to educate the wider team at work?

• How can leaders support women in the workplace?

• The impact on businesses of not paying attention to women’s health.

• Me. We. Us. Natalie’s call to action around menopause.

Links and Resources

Own Your Own Health Collective

Connect with Natalie on LinkedIn

Listen to the Podcast, Peri Menopause Power

Lead to Soar Summit



Lead to Soar is a global online network for businesswomen, a podcast, and we host live-streaming and in person events to help women have a career that soars! The podcast is hosted by Mel Butcher (melbutcher.com) and Michelle Redfern (michelleredfern.com)

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Are you feeling underwhelmed by the environment in your current workplace? Do you think twice about speaking up because of how other colleagues may react? Are certain norms making it difficult for women to thrive in your workplace?  If this sounds familiar, you could be in a toxic workplace for women.

Our work environment directly impacts our professional performance and productivity. Our workplace culture also influences our overall well-being and mental health - a fact that must not be understated. Consequently, women must be cognizant of what constitutes a toxic workplace to formulate a strategy. 

In this episode, Michelle Redfern explores five signs that a workplace isn't working for women. Because recognising them early can help protect yourself (and other women) from being adversely affected by them.She will also share five strategies to help women navigate a workplace that isn’t working for them. 

Links and Resources

Our Watch – How to do something

She Defined Magazine Article

Lead to Soar Summit



Lead to Soar is a global online network for businesswomen, a podcast, and we host live-streaming and in person events to help women have a career that soars! The podcast is hosted by Mel Butcher (melbutcher.com) and Michelle Redfern (michelleredfern.com)

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Michelle welcomes Melanie Ho, author of Beyond Leaning In, to the pod to discuss this unique book and how she became an author and a visual storytelling artist.

There is a lot to cover regarding women's experiences in workplaces, including how ‘mental autocompletes’, the Queen Bee syndrome and generational differences hold women back in their professional careers. We also discuss what leaders must do to remove the barriers for women at work.

Links and Resources

Beyond Leaning In: Gender Equity and What Organizations are Up Against

Instagram  

Melanie Ho on LinkedIn

Twitter

Facebook

Lead to Soar Summit



Lead to Soar is a global online network for businesswomen, a podcast, and we host live-streaming and in person events to help women have a career that soars! The podcast is hosted by Mel Butcher (melbutcher.com) and Michelle Redfern (michelleredfern.com)

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We’ve all been to an ineffective meeting. Sadly, some of us have been to LOTS of ineffective meetings. You know, the ones that start  10 minutes late, there is no agenda, and the facilitator has no clue about how to engage the greatness in everyone in the meeting. As the meeting wraps up, you think, “There’s an hour of my life that I’ll never get back!”

In this episode, Mel and Michelle discuss how to facilitate effective and inclusive meeting inclusive meetings.  

“Your goal should be to treat your leadership capacity—a finite resource—as seriously as your company treats financial capital (an equally finite one).” https://www.mckinsey.com/capabilities/people-and-organizational-performance/our-insights/want-a-better-decision-plan-a-better-meeting#/  We’re going to wait five minutes for everyone to join.

Often among the first words uttered by an online meeting host, this practice dishonors the time of those who joined on time and does nothing to establish a culture of punctuality for meetings. At the same time, there are legitimate reasons why an individual may be late to a Zoom meeting (or an in-person one). To make the most of those inevitable few minutes when you’re waiting for stragglers, one idea is to start with brief tone-setting exercises. I often start by asking everyone to remove one distraction. That may mean moving something off their desk, opening a window in their room, or closing a window on their computer. Another exercise I like is asking everyone to write down their intention or objective for the meeting. This isn’t something that will be shared publicly, but the practice of thinking about one’s objectives before a meeting begins can be grounding. 

Links and Resources

Lead to Soar Summit



Lead to Soar is a global online network for businesswomen, a podcast, and we host live-streaming and in person events to help women have a career that soars! The podcast is hosted by Mel Butcher (melbutcher.com) and Michelle Redfern (michelleredfern.com)

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We are so proud to bring you the 100th episode of the Lead to Soar podcast. Mel and Michelle are joined by our Lead to Soar Network co-hosts Amal Yusuf and Susan Colantuono to reflect on where we’ve come from in 100 episodes as well as some of the standout themes.

We discuss how we’re all determined to provide women with the advice they need that goes beyond the conventional advice directed at women. Namely, how to build and demonstrate critical business and leadership skills.

We also discuss the current workplace issues affecting women that we are paying attention to and share some of the upcoming interviews on the pod.

Lead to Soar Summit



Lead to Soar is a global online network for businesswomen, a podcast, and we host live-streaming and in person events to help women have a career that soars! The podcast is hosted by Mel Butcher (melbutcher.com) and Michelle Redfern (michelleredfern.com)

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How does she do it?

Do you know what strategy is?

Do you know why strategy is set?

Do you know why boards are interested in strategy?

Can you describe the relationship between strategy and business outcomes?

Being able to answer all these questions means you're likely to have strategic acumen.

In this episode, Helga Svendsen FAICD and Michelle Redfern discuss Helga's experience from both sides of the boardroom table - as an executive and CEO as well as a Board Chair and Director, as well as provide practical advice about how women can build and demonstrate their strategic acumen.

Lead to Soar Summit



Lead to Soar is a global online network for businesswomen, a podcast, and we host live-streaming and in person events to help women have a career that soars! The podcast is hosted by Mel Butcher (melbutcher.com) and Michelle Redfern (michelleredfern.com)

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bonnie Marcus is an executive coach and speaker. Her mission is to help women proudly own their talent and ambition. She is the author of two books, The Politics of Promotion, and Not Done Yet!: How Women Over 50 Regain Their Confidence and Claim Workplace Power.

In this episode, Bonnie joins us for a discussion on her first book, The Politics of Promotion, which is all about how women can navigate the politics of any workplace and use their superb people skills for career advancement. As a related aside, this is the first real career book Mel read and it remains one of her favorites.

Bonnie is scheduled to join us again on a future episode to discuss her second book, gendered ageism, and how women over 50 can continue to have a career that soars! So, stay tuned!

Lead to Soar Summit



Lead to Soar is a global online network for businesswomen, a podcast, and we host live-streaming and in person events to help women have a career that soars! The podcast is hosted by Mel Butcher (melbutcher.com) and Michelle Redfern (michelleredfern.com)

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

One of the most admirable and arguably underrated qualities of leadership is the capacity for reflection. Confucius called it the most noble way to learn wisdom. Mel and Michelle discuss the power of reflective practice for your career and share some actionable insights and tools for leaders to use.

1. Download our Stop. Breathe. Reflect. Activity.

2. Take our Life Audit. A simple, yet powerful way for women to prioritise themselves and to be mindful, deliberate and purposeful about what matters to them and why.

3. Read: Why You Should Make Time for Self-Reflection (Even If You Hate Doing It)

Lead to Soar Summit



Lead to Soar is a global online network for businesswomen, a podcast, and we host live-streaming and in person events to help women have a career that soars! The podcast is hosted by Mel Butcher (melbutcher.com) and Michelle Redfern (michelleredfern.com)

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tara McMullin is the author of What Works: A Comprehensive Framework to Change the Way We Approach Goal-Setting.

The book examines the social and economic systems that influence what we strive for. It guides the reader through turning an achievement-oriented life into a practice-oriented life, reshaping how they set goals, make plans, and execute daily work in the process.

Links and Resources

More on Tara McMullin

Lead to Soar Summit



Lead to Soar is a global online network for businesswomen, a podcast, and we host live-streaming and in person events to help women have a career that soars! The podcast is hosted by Mel Butcher (melbutcher.com) and Michelle Redfern (michelleredfern.com)

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mel and Michelle discuss how some powerful leaders are demanding that people return to the office now the global pandemic is over.

We shine a light on what we think are outdated views, and leadership philosophies, and provide advice to leaders about the risks of mandating that team members are shackled to the office.

Lead to Soar is a global online network for businesswomen, a podcast, and we host live-streaming and in person events to help women have a career that soars! The podcast is hosted by Mel Butcher (melbutcher.com) and Michelle Redfern (michelleredfern.com)

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Glass Cliff is a phenomenon that describes the tendency for women to be appointed to leadership positions in challenging or risky situations, such as when a company is experiencing financial difficulties or when there is a high likelihood of failure.

The term "glass cliff" was coined by researchers Michelle Ryan and Alex Haslam in 2005. Mel and Michelle discuss what The Glass Cliff is, and importantly, how women can be on the lookout for it when moving up.

Links and Resources

The Glass Cliff: Exploring the Dynamics Surrounding the Appointment of Women to Precarious Leadership Positions by Michelle Ryan and Alex Haslam

Lead to Soar Network

Lead to Soar is a global online network for businesswomen, a podcast, and we host live-streaming and in person events to help women have a career that soars! The podcast is hosted by Mel Butcher (melbutcher.com) and Michelle Redfern (michelleredfern.com)

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"Despite advances made by women in the workplace, pay inequity and underrepresentation in top positions are still a reality. Unfortunately, the situation looks worse for older women, who face the double whammy of gendered ageism.

As a woman over 50, you ay be wondering if there is anything you can do to face down diminished responsibilities, decreasing visibility, and the looming specter of being aged out." Join us for this discussion with author, Bonnie Marcus.

Links and Resources

Bonnie Marcus Leadership

The Politics of Promotion 

Not Done Yet!: How Women Over 50 Regain Their Confidence and Claim Workplace Power

Lead to Soar Network

Lead to Soar is a global online network for businesswomen, a podcast, and we host live-streaming and in person events to help women have a career that soars! The podcast is hosted by Mel Butcher (melbutcher.com) and Michelle Redfern (michelleredfern.com)

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

To become a good businesswoman and leader you must STRETCH beyond a fixed notion of “yourself” to embrace the complete skill set required for inspired leadership and career success. Instead, we offer the advice, “be your best self.”

Being your 'best self' means deeply understanding and showing up demonstrating 'the greatness in you'.

Links and Resources

Lead to Soar Network

Lead to Soar is a global online network for businesswomen, a podcast, and we host live-streaming and in person events to help women have a career that soars! The podcast is hosted by Mel Butcher (melbutcher.com) and Michelle Redfern (michelleredfern.com)

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As women move into more senior roles and their teams and tasks become more extensive and complex, they must adjust and evolve their leadership style to have the desired impact on the business (achieving and sustaining extraordinary outcomes.)

For some women, moving to a ‘leader of leaders’ role is pivotal in their leadership journey. It can mean less time for what they used to do a lot of, and what they were expert at and comfortable with. They are (now) required to spend more time on the balcony (working strategically) rather than on the dance floor (working tactically).

This episode offers advice to make your transition from expert to executive rewarding and successful. Take the From Expert to Executive Quiz.

Links and Resources

Lead to Soar Network

Lead to Soar is a global online network for businesswomen, a podcast, and we host live-streaming and in person events to help women have a career that soars! The podcast is hosted by Mel Butcher (melbutcher.com) and Michelle Redfern (michelleredfern.com)

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Come join us for an engaging episode where we delve into the importance of media and communication training specifically for women.

Our special guest, Karen Percy, is an accomplished journalist and media trainer who shares her insights on how this type of training can enhance your career and communication abilities. Don't miss out on this enlightening conversation!

Links and Resources

Karen Percy on LinkedIn

Lead to Soar Network

Lead to Soar is a global online network for businesswomen, a podcast, and we host live-streaming and in person events to help women have a career that soars! The podcast is hosted by Mel Butcher (melbutcher.com) and Michelle Redfern (michelleredfern.com)

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this podcast episode, Michelle explores the importance of trauma-informed communication practices for team leaders in the modern workplace with Karen Percy, an accomplished journalist, media and communications expert, and trauma trainer.

By listening in, you'll gain valuable insights and strategies for creating a safe and supportive work environment for everyone, as well as understanding if any team members are experiencing trauma and what steps you can take to address it.

Links and Resources

Karen Percy on LinkedIn

Lead to Soar Network

Lead to Soar is a global online network for businesswomen, a podcast, and we host live-streaming and in person events to help women have a career that soars! The podcast is hosted by Mel Butcher (melbutcher.com) and Michelle Redfern (michelleredfern.com)

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

(TW: Rape, Assault) Join us in this eye-opening episode, where Mel and Michelle delve into the complex and prevalent issues around sexism, gender bias, sexual assault, and the need for better workplaces for women. Our hosts debunk misconceptions, provide pertinent statistics, and shed light on the subtle and overt forms of discrimination and harassment women face daily. The discussion sparks critical thought on organizational culture, the perpetuation of harmful behavior through gender stereotypes, and the role of organisational leaders in fostering a respectful and safe environment for their female colleagues.

The episode goes beyond the surface, addressing the need for continuous improvement, understanding how language has evolved and needs to keep evolving, and the importance of acknowledging and addressing unwelcome behavior. Listen, be inspired, and learn how both men and women can work together to contribute to positive change and eliminate harassment in the workplace.

Topics Discussed:

- Semantics around sexism, gender bias, and sexual assault

- Distinguishing sexual harassment from gender bias or sexism at work

- Respect at Work legislation in Australia

- Statistics on sexual assault, harassment, and experience of women

- Organization culture and leadership roles

- Gender stereotypes and their impact

- The importance of listening and providing a safe environment

- Strategies for leaders to create a safer and thriving workplace

- Examples of gender bias and sexism in the workplace

- Me too movement and its origins

- Closing the leadership gender gap

LINKS

National Sexual Violence Resource Center

Equal Employment Opportunity Commission

6 types of sexism, examples, and their impact

Lead to Soar is a global online network for businesswomen, a podcast, and we host live-streaming and in person events to help women have a career that soars! The podcast is hosted by Mel Butcher (melbutcher.com) and Michelle Redfern (michelleredfern.com)

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Do you ever wonder why some people seem to effortlessly communicate their ideas and persuade others, while others struggle to get their point across? The secret is in the language of power, which is the language of business outcomes. In this informative episode, Mel and Michelle discuss the importance of using business-focused language in communication and aligning with the CEO's vision and strategy. They cover topics such as understanding what the CEO wants you to know, using outcome-driven communication, connecting personal goals with organizational objectives, and developing executive presence. This episode is a must-listen for women looking to improve their strategic communication skills and make a positive impact on their business.

Links and Resources

Lead to Soar Network

Lead to Soar is a global online network for businesswomen, a podcast, and we host live-streaming and in person events to help women have a career that soars! The podcast is hosted by Mel Butcher (melbutcher.com) and Michelle Redfern (michelleredfern.com)

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kathryn Elliott, an alcohol mindset coach, joins Michelle for this episode about alcohol and the workplace. Now, we know what you're thinking, alcohol and leadership? What's the connection? Stick with us because we're diving deep into drinking culture, workplace dynamics, and how it intersects with leadership.

Kath opens up about her own journey with alcohol and how it affected her life and career. She shares insights on binge drinking, the rise of the sober curious movement, and the changing habits of younger Australians.

We also tackle the tough questions. Does your workplace have a drinking culture? And if so, what does that mean for inclusivity? Kath and Michelle discuss the importance of creating environments where everyone feels welcome, whether they choose to drink or not. We explore alternative activities, open conversations, and the power of respecting people's choices.

This episode is a must-listen for leaders looking to make positive organisational changes. We discuss strategies for dialing down the focus on alcohol, promoting employee well-being, and achieving extraordinary outcomes. Plus, we dive into the impact of alcohol on sleep quality and overall productivity.

So grab your headphones and join us on this insightful and thought-provoking journey. It's time to reimagine leadership and create inclusive workplaces that embrace diversity and care for the well-being of all.

Links and Resources

The Alcohol Mindset Coach

Lead to Soar Network

Lead to Soar is a global online network for businesswomen, a podcast, and we host live-streaming and in person events to help women have a career that soars! The podcast is hosted by Mel Butcher (melbutcher.com) and Michelle Redfern (michelleredfern.com)

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join Mel and Michelle in this episode as they explore the concepts of benevolent bias and everyday sexism, and how they affect women in the workplace. They delve into the ways these issues can be addressed by leaders to ensure women are treated fairly. Tune in to learn how everyone can work towards a more equitable workplace.

Links and Resources

Lead to Soar Network

Lead to Soar is a global online network for businesswomen, a podcast, and we host live-streaming and in person events to help women have a career that soars! The podcast is hosted by Mel Butcher (melbutcher.com) and Michelle Redfern (michelleredfern.com)

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mel Interviews Author Suzanne Wertheim - the Inclusive Language Field Guide. In today’s fast-moving and combative culture, language can feel like a minefield. Terms around gender, disability, race, sexuality and more are constantly evolving.

Words that used to be acceptable can now get you “cancelled.” People are afraid of making embarrassing mistakes. Or sounding outdated or out of touch. Or not being as respectful as they intended.

But it’s not as complicated as it might seem. Linguistic anthropologist Suzanne Wertheim offers six easy-to-understand principles to guide any communication—written or spoken—with anyone in her book, The Inclusive Language Field Guide.

Links and Resources

Suzanne Wertheim, PhD

Lead to Soar Network

Lead to Soar is a global online network for businesswomen, a podcast, and we host live-streaming and in person events to help women have a career that soars! The podcast is hosted by Mel Butcher (melbutcher.com) and Michelle Redfern (michelleredfern.com)

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mel Interviews Author Suzanne Wertheim - the Inclusive Language Field Guide. In today’s fast-moving and combative culture, language can feel like a minefield. Terms around gender, disability, race, sexuality and more are constantly evolving.

Words that used to be acceptable can now get you “cancelled.” People are afraid of making embarrassing mistakes. Or sounding outdated or out of touch. Or not being as respectful as they intended.

But it’s not as complicated as it might seem. Linguistic anthropologist Suzanne Wertheim offers six easy-to-understand principles to guide any communication—written or spoken—with anyone in her book, The Inclusive Language Field Guide.

Links and Resources

Suzanne Wertheim, PhD

Lead to Soar Network

Lead to Soar is a global online network for businesswomen, a podcast, and we host live-streaming and in person events to help women have a career that soars! The podcast is hosted by Mel Butcher (melbutcher.com) and Michelle Redfern (michelleredfern.com)

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode of the Lead to Soar podcast explores the implications of artificial intelligence, Web3, and the metaverse for women in leadership.

Nikkie Scriven, CEO of Chief Meta Chicks and Alchemy8 shares her career journey and insights on topics such as the 'bro culture' in AI, the importance of smart contracts in the metaverse, and ethical considerations in using AI. This informative episode provides valuable advice for women and leaders navigating emerging technologies.

Links and Resources

Chief Meta Chicks

Alchemy8

Nikkie Scriven on LinkedIn

Lead to Soar Network

Lead to Soar is a global online network for businesswomen, a podcast, and we host live-streaming and in person events to help women have a career that soars! The podcast is hosted by Mel Butcher (melbutcher.com) and Michelle Redfern (michelleredfern.com)

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gaslighting in the workplace is Bullying. This form of toxic behavior is particularly insidious, and it can't be ignored if it's happening in your workplace. Because for the victims of this gaslighting, it can cause anxiety, depression, and even nervous breakdowns. It can cause the victim to even question their own sanity. In this episode, Mel and Michelle explore what gaslighting can look like, sound like and feel like for women in the workplace so that they at work know how to recognize it. We also give advice to workplace leaders about how to recognise, respond and refer to when Gaslighting comes to their attention.  

Links and Resources

Find an ally within the Lead to Soar community

Gaslit - a series starring Julia Roberts about the real-life story of Martha Mitchell

What Should I Do If My Boss is Gaslighting Me?

Lead to Soar Network

Lead to Soar is a global online network for businesswomen, a podcast, and we host live-streaming and in person events to help women have a career that soars! The podcast is hosted by Mel Butcher (melbutcher.com) and Michelle Redfern (michelleredfern.com)

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Recent research tells us (again) that women outperform men on a range of different leadership metrics. That same research informs us that leaders are baffled that, given how competent women are, there are more of us at the top of organizations.

Well, we want you to stop your bafflement about the leadership gender gap. It might be an okay place to start, but leaders must move on from admiring the problem and start taking action. And that does not mean enrolling all your workers in unconscious bias training! In this episode, Mel Butcher and Michelle Redfern call on leaders to take deliberate action to change the playing field to support their female talent pipeline.

Lead to Soar Network

Lead to Soar is a global online network for businesswomen, a podcast, and we host live-streaming and in person events to help women have a career that soars! The podcast is hosted by Mel Butcher (melbutcher.com) and Michelle Redfern (michelleredfern.com)

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Mel & Michelle take a deep dive into the structure of organizations and question the common practice of DEI reporting to HR.

They explore the underlying reasons behind this arrangement, the potential drawbacks, and discuss alternative approaches that could lead to more effective DEI initiatives. Listen to the discussion as they challenge the status quo and rethink how leaders can better incorporate DEI into the organizational structure to create more inclusive and equitable workplaces.

Links and Resources

Lead to Soar Network

Lead to Soar is a global online network for businesswomen, a podcast, and we host live-streaming and in person events to help women have a career that soars! The podcast is hosted by Mel Butcher (melbutcher.com) and Michelle Redfern (michelleredfern.com)

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mel and Michelle discuss books and podcasts they've read and listened to and highlight their impact on workplace culture and leadership.

Book referenced in this episode:

Thrive by Design by Don Rim.

Thanks for the Feedback by Douglas Stone and Sheila Hien.

Beyond Leaning In by Melanie Home.

Reclaiming Conversation by Sherry Turkle

Lead to Soar is a global online network for businesswomen, a podcast, and we host live-streaming and in person events to help women have a career that soars! The podcast is hosted by Mel Butcher (melbutcher.com) and Michelle Redfern (michelleredfern.com)

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Catch the replay of Lead to Soar Live when Mel & Michelle talked with Rana Hussain about intersectional inclusion and how excited they are for her keynote speech at the upcoming Lead to Soar Summit in Australia.

Links and Resources

Rana Hussain on LinkedIn

Lead to Soar is a global online network for businesswomen, a podcast, and we host live-streaming and in person events to help women have a career that soars! The podcast is hosted by Mel Butcher (melbutcher.com) and Michelle Redfern (michelleredfern.com)

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of Lead to Soar, Michelle Redfern and Mel Butcher discuss the significance of our mindsets when it comes to advancing in our careers. Drawing from their personal experiences, they dispel the misconception that leaders are born and instead promote the notion that leadership is a skill that can be learned.

The hosts encourage listeners to assess their own beliefs and attitudes, highlighting the importance of self-awareness and personal growth. The episode concludes with a call to action, urging individuals to reflect on their mindsets and strive for greater leadership potential. This episode is a valuable resource for those seeking to improve their mindset and enhance their leadership abilities.

Lead to Soar is a global online network for businesswomen, a podcast, and we host live-streaming and in person events to help women have a career that soars! The podcast is hosted by Mel Butcher (melbutcher.com) and Michelle Redfern (michelleredfern.com)

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Michelle Redfern and Mel Butcher engage in a informative Career Q&A discussion, based on questions from their members and listeners, sharing practical strategies and insights for self-promotion, networking, leadership, job hunting, and career advancement.

They provide actionable advice and guidance on how to build credibility, thought leadership, and strategic relationships, and emphasize the importance of showing up, demonstrating value, and mastering your current role. With their engaging and informative conversation, Michelle and Mel offer valuable tips and tools for listeners to take their careers to the next level. Tune in now to listen and learn!

Lead to Soar is a global online network for businesswomen, a podcast, and we host live-streaming and in person events to help women have a career that soars! The podcast is hosted by Mel Butcher (melbutcher.com) and Michelle Redfern (michelleredfern.com)

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tania Ibarra, CPA, is a founder and board member of the Latino Professionals Association and is co-founder of DEI consultancy, Step Up: Equity Matters. Tania is a dynamic and agile solutionary who strives to help people reach their full potential. She believes in powerful environments where people can contribute their talents, knowledge, and skills freely. A professional with diverse industry experience in finance, accounting, and assurance, her strength lies in connecting process with financial and operational results while consistently seeking efficiencies via manual procedures automation.

Links and Resources

Learn more about Step Up: Equity Matters

Lead to Soar is a global online network for businesswomen, a podcast, and we host live-streaming and in person events to help women have a career that soars! The podcast is hosted by Mel Butcher (melbutcher.com) and Michelle Redfern (michelleredfern.com)

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mary Chung Hayashi is an award-winning author who is among the US' most accomplished champions for diversity and women’s rights. As a national healthcare leader, public affairs consultant, and former California State Assembly member, Mary has dedicated her life to serving America and its most vulnerable citizens.

Mary has been the driving force behind meaningful reforms to expand the coverage of healthcare. She also established unprecedented partnerships in support of social causes that previously had no financial or public backing.

You can purchase Women in Politics by Mary Hayashi or wherever books are sold.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dr. Adia Harvey Wingfield is a sociologist who researches racial and gender inequality in professional occupations. She is currently the Mary Tileston Hemenway Professor of Arts and Sciences at Washington University in St. Louis, where she also co-directs the Program for Public Scholarship and am Vice Dean for Faculty Development and Diversity.

She has served as President of Sociologists for Women in Society (SWS), the Southern Sociological Society (SSS), and in 2023 was elected the 116th President of the American Sociological Association. In addition to academic work, Dr. Wingfield regularly writes for mainstream outlets including The Atlantic, Vox, Slate, and Harvard Business Review.

You can purchase Gray Areas by Dr. Adia Harvey Wingfield wherever books are sold.

Lead to Soar is a global online network for businesswomen, a podcast, and we host live-streaming and in person events to help women have a career that soars! The podcast is hosted by Mel Butcher (melbutcher.com) and Michelle Redfern (michelleredfern.com)

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Erika Jefferson is the President and Founder of Black Women in Science and Engineering (BWISE), an organization focused on bridging the leadership gap for Black women in STEM. She received a MBA from Georgia Tech and a BS in Chemical Engineering from LSU.

Learn more about BWiSE

Lead to Soar is a global online network for businesswomen, a podcast, and we host live-streaming and in person events to help women have a career that soars! The podcast is hosted by Mel Butcher (melbutcher.com) and Michelle Redfern (michelleredfern.com)

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this first episode of Season 7, Michelle Redfern joins Mel to discuss her upcoming book, "The Leadership Compass: The ultimate guide for women leaders to reach their full potential." Set to be published on March 26, the book aims to guide women through their careers and leadership journeys.

Links and Resources

Pre-order and additional information about "The Leadership Compass" can be found at michelleredfern.com under the 'books' tab.

Exclusive updates and resources are available for those who join the Leadership Compass community.

Lead to Soar is a global online network for businesswomen, a podcast, and we host live-streaming and in person events to help women have a career that soars! The podcast is hosted by Mel Butcher (melbutcher.com) and Michelle Redfern (michelleredfern.com)

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mel and Michelle interview Charlotte Blair, a Gallup strengths coach, on the importance of leveraging personal strengths for career advancement and team effectiveness. The episode explores Charlotte's transition from a corporate role to strengths-based coaching, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness in this journey.

Discussion points include the transformative impact of Gallup's StrengthsFinder, both in Charlotte's coaching approach and for leadership development. The conversation highlights the significance of understanding and leveraging strengths in team management and leadership, underscoring the leader's role in fostering a strengths-aware environment for enhanced team performance and decision-making.

This interview will provide you with a comprehensive view of how personal and team strengths can be harnessed for greater career and leadership success. Charlotte's book, Career Unstuck is now available at: https://www.careerunstuck.com.au

Links and Resources

Career Unstuck

Lead to Soar is a global online network for businesswomen, a podcast, and we host live-streaming and in person events to help women have a career that soars! The podcast is hosted by Mel Butcher (melbutcher.com) and Michelle Redfern (michelleredfern.com)

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Lead to Soar, Michelle talks with Diana Taylor AM, a pioneering figure law and Australian rules football. Diana imparts her wisdom and insights on leadership, business savvy, and the pivotal role of women in sports and business. The conversation includes i the importance of embracing failure as a learning opportunity, the advantages of leveraging legal expertise in sports and business, and the critical need for financial literacy among leaders.

Diana offers invaluable advice for emerging professionals on specialization, hard work, and the significance of networking and volunteering. She also explores strategies for effective leadership and influence, the power of networking and sponsorship, and emphasizes the urgent need to elevate women into leadership positions across various fields. This episode not only provides a roadmap for professional growth but also highlights Diana's contributions to fostering opportunities for women in leadership, encapsulated in her book, "The Playbook: Crossing the White Line to Succeed in Life, Business and the AFL," available here. 

Links and Resources

The Playbook: Crossing the White Line to Succeed in Life, Business and the AFL by Diana Taylor.

Lead to Soar is a global online network for businesswomen, a podcast, and we host live-streaming and in person events to help women have a career that soars! The podcast is hosted by Mel Butcher (melbutcher.com) and Michelle Redfern (michelleredfern.com)

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sam Trattles, CEO and Lead Negotiation Strategist at Other Side of the Table, helps leaders negotiate better outcomes. In this episode we're going to explore:

• The importance of influencing and negotiating for the right outcomes
• What can leaders do to foster these skills in their team members?
• How leaders can continually update and enhance their negotiation and influencing skills.
• What are some practical strategies to consider when negotiating high-stakes negotiations - including salary negotiations?  

Links and Resources

Sam on LinkedIn and at her website: Other Side of the Table

Lead to Soar is a global online network for businesswomen, a podcast, and we host live-streaming and in person events to help women have a career that soars! The podcast is hosted by Mel Butcher (melbutcher.com) and Michelle Redfern (michelleredfern.com)

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Michelle and Mel use the metaphor of a flower blooming to discuss the growth of women in the workplace. They talk about the importance of enhancing the work environment for women's growth rather than trying to "fix" them. The episode also highlights workplace challenges faced by women, emphasizes the need to ask better questions about workplace environments and women's barriers, and provides practical advice for leaders to create inclusive environments and address systemic biases.

Lead to Soar is a global online network for businesswomen, a podcast, and we host live-streaming and in person events to help women have a career that soars! The podcast is hosted by Mel Butcher (melbutcher.com) and Michelle Redfern (michelleredfern.com)

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the Lead to Soar podcast, hosts Mel and Michelle discuss the complexities and often performative nature of International Women's Day (IWD). They examine how businesses frequently fall short in meaningful support of gender equality and issue a clear call to action for more than just superficial acknowledgments of workplace gender equality.

The discussion covers a range of topics, including the expectation of women to contribute free labour for IWD events, the role of leadership in fostering genuine diversity, equity, and inclusion, and the importance of intersectionality in understanding the varied experiences of women in the workplace. This episode is a call to action for leaders and organisations to move beyond token gestures (like cupcakes!) and engage in substantive and sustained support and advocacy for workplace gender equality.

Lead to Soar is a global online network for businesswomen, a podcast, and we host live-streaming and in person events to help women have a career that soars! The podcast is hosted by Mel Butcher (melbutcher.com) and Michelle Redfern (michelleredfern.com)

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Michelle and Mel discuss the findings of a BBC article, addressing why women are less likely to ask questions in public settings, such as academic seminars and business meetings. They explore how this trend impacts women's visibility and participation in professional environments.

Links and resources

Article: Why are Women Less Likely to Ask Questions in Public

Lead to Soar is a global online network for businesswomen, a podcast, and we host live-streaming and in person events to help women have a career that soars! The podcast is hosted by Mel Butcher (melbutcher.com) and Michelle Redfern (michelleredfern.com)

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode is the first in a series exploring leadership skills detailed in "The Leadership Compass." Stay tuned for more insights on SQ and EQ in upcoming episodes. In this episode, Mel interviews Michelle about  Business Intelligence (BQ) as a critical skill for effective leadership. Unlike innate strengths, BQ, along with Social (SQ) and Emotional Intelligence (EQ), can be developed through practice. Michelle shares transformative experiences from her career, emphasising the importance of continuous learning and adaptability in leadership roles. Some of the key takeaways:

- Leadership Development: Michelle's journey highlights the power of self-reflection in personal and professional growth.

- Importance of BQ:Understanding business, strategic and financial management is crucial for leadership success.

- Continuous Learning: Michelle's stories underscore the need for leaders to constantly evolve and acquire new skills.

- Visibility of Skills: Advancing in leadership requires women to not only  development critical skills but also being recognised for those skills.

Links and Resources

The Leadership Compass book offers a deeper look at essential leadership skills. For more information and to pre-order, visit michelleredfern.com/books.

Subscribe to Lead to Soar for more practical advice and inspirational stories from leaders like Michelle. Lead to Soar is a global online network for businesswomen, a podcast, and we host live-streaming and in person events to help women have a career that soars! The podcast is hosted by Mel Butcher (melbutcher.com) and Michelle Redfern (michelleredfern.com)

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Leadership Compass: Mastering the Art of Emotional Intelligence in LeadershipIn this episode of the "Lead to Soar" podcast, Mel interviews Michelle regarding the definition of Emotional Intelligence (EQ) in leadership, as described in her book, The Leadership Compass.

Michelle shares personal stories, highlighting the importance of self-awareness, empathy, adaptability, and a growth mindset in navigating the complexities of professional environments. The episode also explores the significance of reflective practice in personal and professional growth, providing valuable insights for aspiring and experienced leaders.

Links and Resources

The Leadership Compass book offers a deeper look at essential leadership skills. For more information and to pre-order, visit michelleredfern.com/books.

Subscribe to Lead to Soar for more practical advice and inspirational stories from leaders like Michelle. Lead to Soar is a global online network for businesswomen, a podcast, and we host live-streaming and in person events to help women have a career that soars! The podcast is hosted by Mel Butcher (melbutcher.com) and Michelle Redfern (michelleredfern.com)

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode is the third in our series about The Leadership Compass. Mel discusses the concept of Social Intelligence (SQ), with Michelle. SQ is a crucial component of The Leadership Compass. She articulates SQ as essential for leaders to intentionally build their professional brand and leverage strategic networks. This skill complements Business Intelligence (BQ) and Emotional Intelligence (EQ), enhancing a leader's ability to succeed in their roles.

Michelle emphasizes the importance of SQ in the context of leadership, highlighting the need for women, in particular, to balance interpersonal skills with business acumen. She shares insights on creating a robust professional identity, strategic networking, and using powered up communication to enhance visibility and credibility.

The conversation also touches on the practical benefits of a strategic network in achieving business goals and advancing careers. Michelle's personal revelations and the strategic approach to networking and brand building serve as a guide for listeners to refine their SQ.

Listeners interested in a deeper exploration of SQ and its integration with BQ and EQ can find Michelle's book, "The Leadership Compass," available for purchase. The book is a comprehensive guide for women leaders to reach their full potential, available on michelleredfern.com and major retailers like Amazon and Booktopia.

Links and Resources

The Leadership Compass book offers a deeper look at essential leadership skills. For more information and to pre-order, visit michelleredfern.com/books.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gloria Tabi, founder of Everyday Inclusion, joins Mel & Michelle to share her powerful journey from confronting workplace racism and sexism to developing a platform that bridges the gap between diversity policies and their real-world impact.

Gloria’s experience highlights the structural barriers that marginalise individuals, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and addressing these challenges to create genuinely inclusive workplaces.

Links and resources

Everyday Inclusion

Lead to Soar is a global online network for businesswomen, a podcast, and we host live-streaming and in person events to help women have a career that soars! The podcast is hosted by Mel Butcher (melbutcher.com) and Michelle Redfern (michelleredfern.com)

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Lead to Soar, Mel Butcher and Michelle Redfern discuss the importance of creating a strategic mentoring program. They challenge the traditional, often questionable effectiveness of mentoring programs and present a strategic approach that promises to elevate these initiatives from good to great. Targeted at leaders, HR professionals, and decision-makers, this episode is a masterclass on designing mentoring programs that genuinely advance women's careers.

Episode Highlights:

• The Strategic Importance of Mentoring: Michelle Redfern highlights the need for mentoring programs to be strategic, aligning with organizational goals and the advancement of women.
• Organizational Goals Alignment: The episode discusses how strategic mentoring programs are essential components of talent management strategies, emphasizing the alignment with organizational goals for true effectiveness.
• Selection of Mentors: A critical examination of mentor selection processes, pointing out that not every high-level executive is naturally equipped to mentor effectively.
• Mentor Training: Insights into the necessity of providing mentors with the training and development they need to guide their mentees successfully.
• Beyond Confidence: The conversation moves beyond the conventional focus on boosting confidence, advocating for mentoring that focuses on critical skill development, especially for women.
• Strategic Mentoring’s Impact: The episode wraps up by underlining the significant impact strategic mentoring can have on closing the leadership gender gap within organizations.

Actionable Advice:

• Assess and align your mentoring program with the broader goals of your organization.
• Be thoughtful and strategic in selecting mentors, recognizing that not all are suited for this role.
• Invest in mentor training to ensure they are equipped to provide valuable guidance.
• Focus mentoring efforts on skill development rather than just confidence building.

Lead to Soar is a global online network for businesswomen, a podcast, and we host live-streaming and in person events to help women have a career that soars! The podcast is hosted by Mel Butcher (melbutcher.com) and Michelle Redfern (michelleredfern.com)

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this insightful episode, Mel Butcher and Michelle Redfern tackle the often overlooked yet critical aspect of leadership—succession planning. They explore why leaders tend to shy away from this responsibility and provide a roadmap for effective succession planning that prepares organizations for future challenges. This episode is a must-listen for anyone in a leadership position, offering practical strategies for cultivating the next generation of leaders.

Episode Highlights:

• The Importance of Succession Planning: An exploration of why succession planning is essential for sustainable organizational growth and leadership transition.
• Overcoming Avoidance: Michelle shares insights on the common reasons leaders avoid succession planning and how to overcome these hurdles.
• Evaluating Talent: Strategies for evaluating in-house versus outside talent, emphasizing the importance of knowing potential successors' capabilities and developmental needs.
• Developing Talent: Discussion on the necessity of grooming potential candidates through mentoring, coaching, and training to prepare them for leadership roles.
• Continuous Planning: The significance of continuously updating succession plans to ensure the organization's readiness for future leadership needs.
• Transparent Communication: The value of clear and transparent communication about succession planning processes within the organization.

Leadership Call to Action

• Start the succession planning process by evaluating your organization's future leadership needs.
• Develop a comprehensive understanding of potential candidates' strengths and areas for growth.
• Create a culture of continuous professional development and open communication about career paths and leadership opportunities.

Lead to Soar is a global online network for businesswomen, a podcast, and we host live-streaming and in person events to help women have a career that soars! The podcast is hosted by Mel Butcher (melbutcher.com) and Michelle Redfern (michelleredfern.com)

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this thought-provoking episode, Mel, Michelle, and Erika discuss the intersection of human resources (HR) and artificial intelligence (AI), exploring the implications, opportunities, and challenges that HR professionals face in the era of AI-driven automation and decision-making. As organizations globally adopt AI technologies to enhance hiring processes and operational efficiency, the trio sheds light on the necessity for HR to evolve, the fears surrounding job replacement, and the critical need for strategic, informed decision-making within HR departments.

Episode Highlights:

• AI in Hiring: Reflection on the widespread use of automation and AI in hiring processes among Fortune 500 companies, including robot avatars and resume scanning algorithms.
• The HR Fear Factor: Erika discusses the anxiety within HR communities about AI potentially replacing human jobs, highlighting a general lack of analytics and technology training within traditional HR roles.
• The Need for HR Upskilling: Both Erika and Michelle emphasize the urgency for HR professionals to acquire technology and analytics skills, not only for job security but also to ensure they can contribute strategically to organizational growth and ethics in AI usage.
• Generative AI and Bias Concerns: The conversation touches on the risks associated with generative AI, such as biased algorithms influencing hiring decisions, underscoring the importance of knowledge and ethical considerations in AI deployment.
• Strategic Role of HR in AI Era: Michelle stresses the potential for HR to act as a conduit for upskilling the broader organization in AI literacy, while also advocating for HR itself to undergo significant upskilling.
• Legal and Ethical Implications: Erika warns of the increasing likelihood of lawsuits arising from misapplications of AI in HR, pointing to a crucial need for bespoke, organization-specific AI solutions to mitigate risk.
• Cultural and Organizational Transformation: The discussion extends to the role of HR in driving cultural and organizational change, advocating for a transformational approach to HR that leverages AI for strategic advantage rather than mere cost-cutting.

Leadership Call to Action

• For HR Professionals: Embrace technology and analytics training. Engage with AI tools critically and ethically. Innovate in your role to become a strategic partner in your organization.
• For Organizations: Invest in upskilling HR teams. Consider the development of bespoke AI solutions that align with company policies and ethical standards. Promote a culture of continuous learning and adaptation.

Lead to Soar is a global online network for businesswomen, a podcast, and we host live-streaming and in person events to help women have a career that soars! The podcast is hosted by Mel Butcher (melbutcher.com) and Michelle Redfern (michelleredfern.com)

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the Lead to Soar podcast, co-hosts Mel Butcher and Michelle Redfern, along with special guest Erica Jefferson, tackle the pervasive challenges within the recruitment industry. The discussion centres on the inefficiencies and impersonal nature of recruiting practices, advocating for a radical transformation that prioritizes human connection, candidate care, and the dismantling of outdated systems. Through trio sheds light on the importance of networking in job acquisition, critiques the reliance on artificial intelligence in recruiting, and proposes actionable solutions aimed at creating a more inclusive, efficient, and respectful hiring process.

Episode Highlights

• The Human Element in Recruitment: The episode kicks off with statistics from HubSpot and CNBC, revealing that a significant majority of jobs are filled through networking, and many positions never reach public advertisement. This underscores the importance of human connections in the job market.

• Critique of Current Practices: Erica Jefferson passionately criticizes the grueling and often dehumanizing interview processes that resemble an episode of "The Hunger Games," highlighting the industry's failure to value genuine talent and potential.

• Call for a Recruitment Revolution: The conversation calls for a comprehensive overhaul of the recruitment process, drawing parallels between the transformation seen in the taxi industry with the advent of Lyft and Uber and the potential for similar innovation in recruitment.

• The Role of AI in Recruitment: The trio expresses scepticism about the reliance on AI for solving recruitment woes, emphasizing that technology alone cannot replace the nuanced understanding and empathy of human recruiters.

• Impact on Brand Equity: Michelle Redfern points out how poor recruitment practices can tarnish an organization's brand equity, stressing that candidate experience is integral to the company's overall reputation.

• Open Hiring as an Innovative Model: Mel Butcher introduces the concept of open hiring practiced by a company associated with Ben & Jerry's, which simplifies the hiring process by removing interviews and selecting candidates based on their willingness to work.

• Leadership and HR’s Role in Engagement: The discussion touches upon the limited influence HR has on employee engagement and the necessity for executive leaders to play a more active role in fostering a positive organizational culture.

Leadership Call to Action

• Revitalize the HR Function: Leaders are encouraged to reconceptualize the role of HR within their organizations, integrating technical skills, strategic thinking, and a genuine care for employee wellbeing into the fabric of HR practices.

• Embrace Metrics That Matter: Companies should adopt meaningful metrics to evaluate the effectiveness of their recruitment processes, focusing not just on filling positions quickly but on the long-term success and satisfaction of hires.

• Prioritize Candidate Experience: Recognizing that every interaction with a candidate reflects on the brand, companies must ensure their recruitment practices are respectful, efficient, and aligned with the organization's core values and strategic goals.

• Consider Alternative Hiring Models: Leaders are urged to explore innovative recruitment strategies, such as open hiring, to simplify the process and focus on the essential qualifications and willingness to work.

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This episode dives into the controversial and widely debated topic of performance reviews within the workplace. Drawing from personal experiences and current studies, the hosts examine the effectiveness and impact of traditional performance review systems.

Episode Highlights:

The Problem with Performance Reviews: Citing studies from Gallup and SHRM, the episode begins by highlighting the general dissatisfaction with performance appraisals, described as time-consuming, demotivating, and biased.

McKinsey's Approach: Discussion on McKinsey's "up or out" performance management strategy and its implications for employee motivation and workplace culture.

Personal Anecdotes: Michelle shares her experiences and the emotional toll of administering performance reviews, critiquing the forced ranking system that fails to genuinely engage employees' potential.

Alternative Perspectives: The episode challenges traditional performance management practices, questioning their purpose and effectiveness in fostering a supportive and productive workplace environment.

Bias in Reviews: The hosts discuss research indicating gender bias in performance evaluations, where women often receive vague feedback that hinders their professional growth.

Solutions and Alternatives: The conversation shifts towards alternative methods of performance assessment, including more frequent, constructive feedback mechanisms that aim to genuinely support employee development.

Links and Resources

Gallup Study  

SHRM study reference

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In this episode, the conversation turns towards the future of work, specifically the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and its effects on the job landscape and required human skills.

Episode Highlights:

AI's Impact on Jobs: The hosts explore how AI is poised to eliminate some jobs while augmenting others, raising questions about the roles humans will play in a technologically advanced workforce.

Skills for the Future: The discussion emphasizes the importance of emotional intelligence (EQ), creativity, and interpersonal skills, which AI cannot replicate, as critical for future success.

Workplace Changes and Challenges: The episode examines how workplaces need to adapt to these technological advancements by fostering environments that prioritize these uniquely human skills.

Real-World Examples: Through anecdotes and examples, including innovative HR practices and leadership initiatives focused on listening and engagement, the hosts illustrate potential strategies for navigating the future work landscape positively.

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In this episode of the Lead to Soar podcast, Mel Butcher and Michelle Redfern are joined by Erika Jefferson to discuss into the intricate topics of loneliness, civility, and employee retention in the modern workplace. The discussion is catalysed by statistics revealing a surge in loneliness among American workers and a notable rise in workplace incivility, which has not only doubled over the past two decades but also incurs significant financial costs to organizations. The hosts explore the role of HR in this landscape, pondering its capacity and strategies to reverse these trends. Insights from Gallup highlight the increasing importance of having a best friend at work, especially post-pandemic, linking it to better business outcomes and underlining the necessity for HR to take a strategic stance in fostering workplace relationships and a supportive culture.

Episode Highlights:

• Alarming Trends: Discussion on the significant uptick in loneliness at work and the doubling of workplace incivility over the past twenty years, highlighting the negative impact on both employees and organizational costs.

• Strategic Role of HR: The conversation critically examines whether HR departments are equipped to address and mitigate these issues. The hosts argue for a strategic transformation within HR, emphasizing its potential role in improving workplace culture and employee well-being.

• The Value of Workplace Relationships: Insights into recent Gallup research underscore the critical role of having close relationships, particularly a best friend at work, in enhancing employee engagement and linking it to positive business outcomes.

• Management's Impact on Retention: Data points are shared to illustrate that a significant percentage of employee dissatisfaction and subsequent turnover can be attributed to management, spotlighting the urgent need for leadership development and HR's role in this arena.

• Innovative Solutions: The episode highlights innovative approaches, such as Rivet Software's use of AI to help employees find their best friends at work, showcasing how technology can facilitate meaningful connections within the workplace.

Leadership Call to Action:

• Foster Workplace Connections: Leaders and HR professionals are encouraged to cultivate environments that foster meaningful relationships among employees, recognizing the value these connections bring to both individual well-being and organizational success.

• Reevaluate HR's Role: A call for HR to adopt a more strategic and proactive approach in addressing loneliness, civility, and retention, moving beyond traditional administrative roles to become a key player in crafting a positive workplace culture.

• Mindset Shift Among Leaders: The episode urges leaders to reconsider their perspectives on work and workplace satisfaction, challenging the notion that work must involve suffering and advocating for a culture where enjoyment and fulfillment are part of the work experience.

• Strategic Investment in Employee Well-being: Highlighting the need for executive and HR leaders to scrutinize where their efforts and resources are being directed, encouraging innovation and strategic thinking in how to genuinely enhance employee engagement and satisfaction.

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In the continuation of this deep dive into the complexities of modern leadership challenges, the Lead to Soar podcast with Mel Butcher, Erika Jefferson, and Michelle Redfern shifts focus towards organizational values, transparency, and the evolving expectations of the workforce. The conversation critically examines the traditional emphasis on mission, vision, and values within corporations, challenging leaders to prioritize genuine engagement and meaningful actions over empty rhetoric. The episode boldly confronts the barriers to innovative HR practices, including the resistance to change within corporate cultures and the necessity for executive support to foster bold, strategic HR initiatives.

Episode Highlights:

• Mission, Vision, Values – More Than Just Words: Erika Jefferson criticizes the often superficial approach to corporate values, advocating for simplicity and authenticity in organizational mission statements and emphasizing the importance of actions that genuinely reflect those values.

• The Role of Leadership and HR in Cultural Change: The discussion uncovers the obstacles that prevent HR leaders from implementing bold and innovative strategies, including a lack of support from executive leadership and the fear of punitive backlash for challenging the status quo.

• Transparency and Trust in Leadership: The co-hosts engage in a thought-provoking discussion on the importance of transparency within organizations. They argue for a balanced approach to sharing information, ensuring employees are informed and feel valued without compromising sensitive business operations.

• Redefining Talent Management: Reflecting on the changing dynamics of the workforce, the episode highlights the need for a shift in how talent is managed, suggesting organizations should embrace the transient nature of modern employment and view departures as opportunities for brand advocacy rather than betrayal.

• Innovation in Employee Engagement: The conversation emphasizes the necessity for HR to adopt more innovative and strategic approaches to employee engagement, moving beyond traditional engagement surveys to practices that genuinely improve workplace culture and employee satisfaction.

Leadership Call to Action:

• Redefine Organizational Values: Leaders are encouraged to critically assess and simplify their mission, vision, and values, ensuring they are genuinely reflective of the organization's culture and aspirations.

• Support Innovative HR Practices: Executives are called upon to provide the necessary support and resources for HR to implement strategic and innovative practices, recognizing the pivotal role of HR in driving organizational change.

• Foster a Culture of Transparency: Cultivate an environment where open and honest communication is valued, balancing the need for business confidentiality with the importance of making employees feel included and informed.

• Embrace the Evolution of the Workforce: Acknowledge the changing expectations and priorities of the workforce, particularly among younger employees, and adapt talent management strategies accordingly.

• Innovate Employee Engagement Strategies: Move beyond conventional engagement metrics and invest in strategies that truly enhance the employee experience, fostering a culture of happiness, productivity, and retention.

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In this episode of the Lead to Soar podcast, hosts Mel and Michelle discuss the pressing topic of the backlash against Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives in the United States with special guest Erika Jefferson, founder of Black Women in Science and Engineering (BWISE). 

Erika, Mel and Michelle explore the controversies and criticisms surrounding DEI, examining public statements by figures like Vivek Ramaswamy and Elon Musk, who argue that DEI efforts compromise meritocracy and introduce new forms of discrimination. The conversation challenges these assertions by exploring the myths surrounding meritocracy and the embedded structural biases that hinder how people reach their full potential.

This discussion is a call to action for executives to engage deeply with DEI initiatives, recognising their potential to transform individual organisations and the broader societal landscape.

Episode Highlights

• Critiques by Vivek Ramaswamy and Elon Musk: Mel, Michelle, and Erika analyse statements from these public figures criticising DEI, discussing their claims about meritocracy and the alleged negative impacts of DEI initiatives.

• Debunking the Meritocracy Myth: The hosts critically address the idea of a true meritocracy in America, pointing out the historical and ongoing biases that skew opportunities away from deserving individuals based on race, gender, and other factors.

• The Challenges of Women of Colour: Erika shares personal anecdotes and professional observations on systemic biases in education and employment, emphasising the challenges women and people of colour face in STEM fields.

• Corporate Resistance to DEI: The discussion highlights how some corporate leaders and structures resist DEI, maintaining traditional advantages for dominant groups while overlooking the benefits of a diverse workforce.

• Role of HR as Gatekeepers: There is a focused discussion on the role of HR professionals in promoting or hindering DEI through recruitment and policy practices, as well as the need for accountability in these roles.

• Business Case for DEI: The hosts argue that embracing DEI is a moral imperative and a strategic business advantage that broadens talent pools and drives innovation.

Leadership Call to Action

• Confront and Address Personal and Organisational Biases: Leaders are encouraged to reflect on their own biases and the systemic biases within their organisations, particularly in recruitment, promotion, and policymaking.

• Foster Open Dialogues on DEI: Create safe spaces for employees to discuss DEI issues openly and constructively, promoting understanding and actionable change.

• Implement Substantive DEI Strategies: Move beyond tokenistic measures to implement strategies that affect real organisational culture and operational practice change.

• Educate and Advocate for Equity: Use leadership platforms to educate others about the benefits of DEI and advocate for practices that ensure equity and inclusion across all levels of the organisation.

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In this episode of Lead to Soar, Mel, Michelle and Erika explore the ethical challenges of layoff culture and executive decision-making. Inspired by Seth Godin's Akimbo podcast, they discuss how stock options influence corporate decisions and the importance of ethical frameworks like ESG. The conversation covers the impacts of layoffs on employee trust and morale, differences in labor laws, and strategies for leaders to foster ethical practices.

Episode Highlights

Ethics in Leadership:

Importance of compliance and ethics frameworks.

Universal ethical standards in business.

Incentives and Decision Making:

Impact of executive stock options on business decisions.

Examples of strategic profit-driven decisions, like Google’s email promotions.

Layoff Culture:

Negative effects of frequent layoffs.

Labor law differences between the US and Australia.

Trust and Employee Relations:

Building trust in leadership.

The erosion of trust due to layoff culture.

Unionization and Employee Advocacy:

Unionization as a response to unethical behavior.

Importance of diverse and ethical board governance.

Practical Advice for Leaders:

Strategies for influencing ethical practices.

Importance of personal integrity and aligning actions with values.

Leadership Call to Action

Implement Ethical Frameworks: Establish and enforce clear ethics and compliance frameworks.

Foster Trust: Create an environment where employees feel valued and trusted.

Encourage Board Diversity: Advocate for diverse and accountable board members.

Promote Open Communication: Allow employees to voice concerns without fear.

Prepare for Unionization: Address underlying issues that lead to unionization.

Reflect on Leadership Values: Align your actions with personal and organizational ethical standards.

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On this episode, Mel Butcher and Erika Jefferson (founder of Black Women in Science and Engineering, BWiSE) discuss the latest on the state of women in STEM. Hear from Erika what trends she is seeing in STEM heavy industries for talent recruitment, attrition, employee priorities, and what leaders can do to attract and retain the best and brightest.

Reference Links:

• Study, Women in STEM are Struggling in the Workplace
• Women Making Gains in STEM Occupations, But Still Underrepresented
• Diversity and STEM: Women, Minorities and Persons with Disabilities

Lead to Soar is a global online network for businesswomen, a podcast, and we host live-streaming and in person events to help women have a career that soars! The podcast is hosted by Mel Butcher (melbutcher.com) and Michelle Redfern (michelleredfern.com)

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In this milestone episode of Lead to Soar, Mel Butcher, Michelle Redfern and Erika Jefferson to discuss the recent FTC ruling banning non-compete agreements. They dive into the implications of this rule for employees and employers, exploring how non-competes have been used historically and why they are problematic. The conversation also touches on trust, leadership, and the essential elements of creating a high-engagement work environment.

Episode Highlights

- FTC Ruling on Non-Competes: In April 2024, the FTC announced a rule banning non-compete agreements, which traditionally prevented employees from working for competitors within a certain geographic area and time period.

- Non-Competes as Control Mechanisms: Erica and Michelle discuss how non-competes are often used in industries to maintain control over employees and prevent them from sharing internal issues with competitors.

- Industries and Impact: Erica highlights the prevalence of non-competes in high-tech industries and the medical field, where sensitive information and long contracts are common. Mel shares an example of a medical doctor restricted by a non-compete from pursuing preferred career opportunities.

- Trust and Leadership: The episode emphasizes the importance of trust in leadership. High-trust organizations report significantly lower stress, higher productivity, and greater employee satisfaction and engagement.

US Chamber of Commerce Response: The US Chamber of Commerce is suing the FTC over the ban, arguing that it undermines American businesses' competitiveness. The hosts critique this stance, suggesting it reveals underlying issues within organizations that rely heavily on non-competes.

- Practical Advice for Leaders: Leaders are encouraged to trust their employees, set clear expectations, and avoid over-reliance on legal agreements to enforce loyalty. Instead, creating a supportive and engaging work environment is key.

Leadership Call to Action

- Evaluate Hiring Processes: Ensure your hiring practices are robust and focused on finding the right fit for your organization. This includes thorough vetting and clear communication of expectations.

- Foster a Trusting Environment: Develop a workplace culture where trust is the foundation. This involves transparent communication, regular check-ins, and providing the necessary tools for employees to succeed.

- Embrace High-Trust Practices: Move away from non-competes and towards practices that build trust and engagement. This includes recognizing and rewarding employees, offering growth opportunities, and creating a safe environment for feedback.

- Ask the Right Questions: When interviewing new hires, inquire about non-compete and non-disclosure agreements to understand the company’s stance on trust and employee freedom.

- Leadership Mindset: Shift your mindset to believe in the goodness and capability of your employees. Empower them to take ownership of their work and provide support to help them thrive.

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n this milestone episode of Lead to Soar, Mel Butcher, Michelle Redfern and Erika Jefferson to discuss the recent FTC ruling banning non-compete agreements. They dive into the implications of this rule for employees and employers, exploring how non-competes have been used historically and why they are problematic. The conversation also touches on trust, leadership, and the essential elements of creating a high-engagement work environment.

Episode Highlights

- FTC Ruling on Non-Competes: In April 2024, the FTC announced a rule banning non-compete agreements, which traditionally prevented employees from working for competitors within a certain geographic area and time period.

- Non-Competes as Control Mechanisms: Erica and Michelle discuss how non-competes are often used in industries to maintain control over employees and prevent them from sharing internal issues with competitors.

- Industries and Impact: Erica highlights the prevalence of non-competes in high-tech industries and the medical field, where sensitive information and long contracts are common. Mel shares an example of a medical doctor restricted by a non-compete from pursuing preferred career opportunities.

- Trust and Leadership: The episode emphasizes the importance of trust in leadership. High-trust organizations report significantly lower stress, higher productivity, and greater employee satisfaction and engagement.

US Chamber of Commerce Response: The US Chamber of Commerce is suing the FTC over the ban, arguing that it undermines American businesses' competitiveness. The hosts critique this stance, suggesting it reveals underlying issues within organizations that rely heavily on non-competes.

- Practical Advice for Leaders: Leaders are encouraged to trust their employees, set clear expectations, and avoid over-reliance on legal agreements to enforce loyalty. Instead, creating a supportive and engaging work environment is key.

Leadership Call to Action

- Evaluate Hiring Processes: Ensure your hiring practices are robust and focused on finding the right fit for your organization. This includes thorough vetting and clear communication of expectations.

- Foster a Trusting Environment: Develop a workplace culture where trust is the foundation. This involves transparent communication, regular check-ins, and providing the necessary tools for employees to succeed.

- Embrace High-Trust Practices: Move away from non-competes and towards practices that build trust and engagement. This includes recognizing and rewarding employees, offering growth opportunities, and creating a safe environment for feedback.

- Ask the Right Questions: When interviewing new hires, inquire about non-compete and non-disclosure agreements to understand the company’s stance on trust and employee freedom.

- Leadership Mindset: Shift your mindset to believe in the goodness and capability of your employees. Empower them to take ownership of their work and provide support to help them thrive.

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Show Highlights

How are workplace dynamics evolving? What must leaders know and do to create workplaces of the future?

- We need all hands on deck to contribute to innovation. There's room for everyone to contribute. Join us. AND it's ok to move the naysayers to another room; don't let them suck the energy away from those ready to do creative, innovative work.

- Cultivate the environment for team members to take responsibility versus waiting to be granted authority

- Don't conflate people and project managers.

- Be specific about behaviors you value in managers and lead accordingly.

Recognize and reward the good behavior you want to see more of in managers.

- Leaders are responsible for building and maintaining the foundation of the house.

- If someone on your team wants to be a better people leader, where's theLearning and Development budget for them?

- You've gotta get rid of the brilliant kers. No exceptions.

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In this mini episode of Lead to Soar, Michelle Redfern, author of "The Leadership Compass," shares a reading from the book's first chapter. Michelle reflects on a transformative leadership retreat and the journey to discovering her true calling as a leader.

Episode Highlights

- Transformational Retreat: A pivotal 2013 leadership retreat prompted Michelle to reflect deeply with the question, "Who are you called to become?"

- Self-Discovery Journey: Michelle emphasizes the importance of listening to one's inner voice, reflecting on past experiences, and understanding personal and professional growth.

- Mentorship Wisdom: Advice from a regional general manager about being a proactive leader and integrating career with personal life.

- Practical Insights: Navigating career and family responsibilities, continuous self-improvement, and leveraging mentor advice to shape leadership style.

Leadership Call to Action

- Reflect on Your Calling: Consider the question, "Who are you called to become?" and document your reflections.

- Self-Assessment: Regularly evaluate whether you're making things happen, observing, or feeling lost.

- Seek Feedback: Get insights from mentors or colleagues to improve your leadership approach.

- Integrate Life and Career: Maintain harmony between your career and personal life for sustainable leadership.

- Embrace Lifelong Learning: Commit to ongoing personal and professional development to enhance leadership skills.

You can find more about The Leadership Compass incuding where to purchase at www.michelleredfern.com/books

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In this mini-episode of Lead to Soar, Michelle Redfern, author of "The Leadership Compass," reads an excerpt from her book. Michelle emphasizes that women do not need fixing; instead, the focus should be on transforming the patriarchal systems that hinder their progress. Inspired by Catherine Fox's book "Stop Fixing Women," Michelle highlights the importance of addressing workplace policies and leadership frameworks designed for men.

Episode Highlights

- Systemic Change Over Individual Fixes: Women aren't the problem; the system is.

- The Leadership Compass: Aims to help women navigate and change the workplace.

- Role of Organizations: Companies must address barriers to women's advancement, not just focus on skill-building for women.

Leadership Call to Action

- For Individuals: Develop business, strategic, and financial skills. Advocate for meaningful coaching and development.

- For Organizations: Implement comprehensive gender equity strategies and ensure leaders are accountable.

- For Governments: Legislate minimum standards to promote workplace gender equity.

You can find more about The Leadership Compass including where to purchase at www.michelleredfern.com/books

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In this episode of the Lead to Soar podcast, Michelle and Mel discuss "accidental managers"—individuals promoted into management roles without formal training. They explore the distinction between managers and leaders, examine the prevalence and impact of untrained managers, and offer actionable advice for organizations to better support their management teams. The conversation emphasizes the importance of core managerial competencies, ongoing professional development, and strategic investment in management training, especially for frontline leaders.

Episode Highlights

Definition of Accidental Managers: Individuals promoted to management roles due to their proficiency in their previous positions, but without proper training or preparation.

Distinction Between Managers and Leaders:

Managers: Focus on administering tasks, organizing, and getting things done.

Leaders: Inspire greatness and drive extraordinary outcomes by engaging others.

Statistics on Managerial Training:

59% of managers with 1-2 employees report no training.

41% of managers with 3-5 employees report no training.

42% of new managers develop their style by mimicking previous managers rather than formal training.

Key Managerial Competencies:

Delegation

Communication, especially in difficult conversations

Positive attitude

Fostering teamwork and collaboration

Emotional intelligence (EQ)

Conflict resolution

Flexibility and adaptability

Realistic goal setting

Coaching and mentoring

Misconceptions About Managerial Competencies:

Strategic thinking

Sales expertise

Technical expertise

Entrepreneurial spirit

Recommendations for Organizations:

Invest in management training, especially for lower-level managers.

Focus on competencies over confidence when selecting leaders.

Provide ongoing professional development, not just one-time training.

Leadership Call to Action

Assess Training Investments: Evaluate the balance of spending on employee engagement versus management training. Redirect resources to better support managerial development.

Develop Comprehensive Training Programs: Implement onboarding programs like "leadership fundamentals" that cover essential managerial tasks and skills.

Prioritize Competencies: Focus on recruiting and developing managers based on their competencies in business, emotional, and social intelligence.

Ongoing Development: Ensure continuous professional development opportunities for all management levels, not just senior leaders.

Support First-Time Managers: Recognize the unique challenges faced by frontline leaders and provide targeted support to help them succeed.

Lead to Soar is a multi-platform resource for ambitious women on a leadership journey and for organisations serious about closing the leadership gender gap.

We support women and organisations in 5 ways;

The Lead to Network

The Lead to Soar Podcast

The Lead to Soar Summit

Women’s Leadership Programs

DEI Consulting & Advisory

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