In this episode, Mary Sullivan, co-founder of Sweet but Fearless, talks with Nicole Johnston, Founder of Innate Power and author of Taboo Topics: Things Women Should Talk About, But Don't, about the hidden rules of executive leadership and the conversations women are too often expected to avoid. From workplace sexism and perfectionism to burnout, menopause, financial stress, and the pressure to "have it all," Nicole shares why these topics deserve more open discussion.

The conversation also dives into the invisible dynamics of leadership visibility. Women often miss out on the unspoken networking opportunities that happen behind closed doors, on golf courses, or in informal gatherings where influence and relationships are built.

Nicole explains why promotions are often based more on leadership perception than simply completing tasks, and why women frequently find themselves carrying the bulk of non-promotable work.

Mary and Nicole also discuss the importance of building the right support system throughout your career: a coach who talks with you, a mentor who talks to you, and a sponsor who talks for you when opportunities arise.

ABOUT NICOLE JOHNSTON:
Website – Innate Power
LinkedIn – Nicole Johnston
Book: Taboo Topics: Things Women Should Talk About, But Don't

ABOUT SWEET BUT FEARLESS:
Website - Sweet but Fearless
LinkedIn - Sweet but Fearless

In this episode, Mary Sullivan, co-founder of Sweet but Fearless, talks with Julie Ellis about her remarkable entrepreneurial journey, from co-founding Mabel's Labels to becoming an author, coach, speaker, and leadership coach focused on helping others create meaningful success.

Julie discusses the relationships and mindset shifts that often separate people who achieve big things from those who remain stuck. Through her methodology centered around systems, processes, and people, she explains why sustainable success requires more than hustle alone. The conversation also explores how entrepreneurs can identify roadblocks, evaluate whether they're spending their time wisely, and make intentional changes that move them forward.

As the author of "Big Gorgeous Goals," Julie also shares why we all need big gorgeous goals, the kind that feel exciting, uncomfortable, and even a little scary. Unlike the safe, tidy goals we know we can accomplish, these are the goals that stretch us, keep us awake at night, and challenge us to believe we are capable of more than we imagined.

ABOUT JULIE ELLIS:
Website – Julie Ellis & Co
LinkedIn – Julie Ellis
Book - "Big Gorgeous Goals" and "Big Gorgeous Goals Workbook"
FREE – CEO Bottleneck mini course

ABOUT SWEET BUT FEARLESS:
Website - Sweet but Fearless
LinkedIn - Sweet but Fearless

In this episode, Mary Sullivan, co-founder of Sweet but Fearless, talks with Johanna Danaher, founder of Anchor to Aspire, for a thoughtful conversation on what it really means to lead with intention and energy leadership. Together, they explore human-centered design in leadership, starting with one simple but often overlooked skill: listening to understand. Johanna challenges leaders to go beyond surface-level responses (like "fine" aka feelings inside not expressed) and instead create space for honesty and connection.

They also dive into Energy Leadership, how you're fueled each day, how your energy impacts those around you, and why your emotional awareness is a leadership skill, not a weakness. Through tools like the Energy Leadership Index, Johanna helps leaders better understand the connection between mindset, emotion, and performance.

This episode is a reminder to slow down, embrace the power of the pause, and create intentional space for change. Because how you lead starts with how you show up.

ABOUT JOHANNA DANAHER:
Website – Anchor to Aspire
LinkedIn – Johanna Danaher

ABOUT SWEET BUT FEARLESS:
Website - Sweet but Fearless
LinkedIn - Sweet but Fearless