Future Female Leaders

🎙️ Episode Summary: In this candid solo episode, Nichole opens up about her own experience with imposter syndrome—including why she hesitated to hit "record" after a few months away from the mic. From putting off speaking engagements to doubting her podcasting consistency, Nichole reflects on the internal dialogue so many women face at work. You'll walk away with practical strategies for recognizing and confronting imposter syndrome, plus reminders that growth takes time—and you're not alone. 💬 What You'll Learn in This Episode: Why imposter syndrome can creep in—even when you're already successful How to reframe fear-based thoughts and stop self-sabotage Ways to reflect on and celebrate your growth The power of technical vulnerability and asking for help Why clarity from your leader can reduce self-doubt How to use your voice (literally!) to change your mindset ✨ Nichole's Top Tips: Speak truth out loud: Replace fearful thoughts with intentional affirmations. Track your growth: Write down how you've improved since starting your current role. Don't go it alone: Ask for support, guidance, or mentorship when you're feeling stuck. Connect with your leader: Clarify what success looks like in your role and what to work toward. 📥 Get the Career Growth Guide: Not sure what to focus on each month in your career? Download Nichole's Career Growth Guide—it includes two focus areas per month and video support to help you grow with purpose. 👉 Grab it here. 🔗 Let's Connect: Nichole would love to hear from you! Say hi on LinkedIn and start a genuine conversation. You're not alone in your career journey. 💛

In this episode, Nichole Harrop dives into the practice of selecting a Word of the Year to guide personal and professional growth. She shares her own process of choosing the word Momentum for 2025 and how it aligns with her goals. Nichole also offers practical tips for selecting a word, incorporating accountability, and using AI tools to brainstorm meaningful options. Don't forget to get your copy of the Career Growth Guide What You'll Learn in This Episode: Why choosing a word of the year can provide clarity and motivation Nichole's personal journey with goal-setting and accountability How to find a word that resonates with your goals and values Real-life examples of words chosen by others and their meanings How to stay accountable and build momentum throughout the year Resources Mentioned: Career Growth Guide: A resource to help you focus on key areas of growth each month. Get your copy via the link in the show notes. LinkedIn Connection: Join Nichole on LinkedIn to participate in free career growth sessions. Key Takeaways: Selecting a word that aligns with your aspirations can help guide your actions throughout the year. Building habits and accountability through small steps leads to long-term success. Using AI tools like ChatGPT can help generate ideas and refine your word selection process. It's okay to pivot and adjust your focus throughout the year as needed.

Real quick, grab the Career Growth Guide here. Nichole Harrop chats with co-worker Lauren Cohen about her incredible journey through nearly four decades in the tech industry. From programming on mainframes in the '80s to embracing cutting-edge AI and modern workplace technologies, Lauren shares her insights on staying adaptable and thriving in an ever-changing field. Lauren discusses how she navigated major transitions in technology, overcame challenges as a woman in computer science, and continues to evolve in her role at Vasion. She offers actionable advice on managing change, collaborating across generations, and building confidence through experience. Whether you're just starting out or looking to level up in your career, this episode is packed with inspiration and practical takeaways. What You'll Learn: Strategies for staying relevant in the tech world. The value of cross-generational learning and collaboration. How to embrace change and manage frustrations when learning new skills. Tips for identifying mentors and leveraging workplace relationships. Resources Mentioned: Career Growth Guide: Plan your development with actionable monthly goals. Get your copy here. About the Guest: Lauren Cohen is a Digital Transformation Engineer at Vasion with 37 years of experience in software development. She has a passion for learning and sharing knowledge, and her ability to adapt and thrive in the fast-paced tech world makes her a leader and mentor to her peers. Connect with Nichole Visit www.hellogrowvio.com for more career resources. Follow Nichole Harrop on LinkedIn.

Nichole chats with Amy Spurling, the CEO and Founder of Compt, about the power of leading with boundaries. Amy shares her personal journey of founding Compt at 40 after a successful career as a CFO and COO in the tech industry. She explains how Compt's global lifestyle benefits platform supports employees in a personalized way, empowering companies to meet their team members where they are in their life journeys. This conversation dives into key strategies for balancing well-being and career success, setting boundaries like "No Meeting Mondays," and embracing mental health as an integral part of leadership and workplace culture. Key Takeaways The Importance of Boundaries: Amy emphasizes how setting boundaries—like logging off at 5 p.m. or protecting lunch breaks—leads to increased productivity, creativity, and team morale. Measuring Outcomes Over Hours: A results-oriented mindset encourages flexibility and allows employees to manage their workloads without unnecessary stress. Mental Health Matters: Amy opens up about her personal strategies for managing her mental health and the ripple effect this approach has on her team. Personalized Benefits Work: Learn how tailoring employee benefits to individual needs can improve workplace satisfaction and foster a positive culture. Leadership Lessons: Amy's insights on empowering her team, managing priorities, and fostering sustainable work environments are invaluable for leaders at every level. Resources Mentioned Connect with Amy Spurling on LinkedIn Learn more about Compt Download the Career Growth Guide to simplify your professional development journey: link here.

In this episode, Nichole Harrop chats with career coach Andrea Yacub Macek to discuss navigating career uncertainty and creating strategies for your next career move. Andrea shares her personal journey, including how she transitioned from pursuing a medical career to climbing the corporate ladder, and finally finding her passion in helping women discover career alignment. Andrea and Nichole dive into topics like: How to recognize when you're at a career crossroads Common challenges women face in their careers, like toxic bosses or feeling lost in their roles The importance of sitting with discomfort and using it to gain clarity Practical strategies for turning setbacks into growth opportunities The power of vulnerability and building trust in your decision-making process Whether you're feeling stuck in your current role or unsure of your next steps, Andrea's advice on gaining clarity and aligning your career with your purpose will give you the tools you need to move forward with confidence. Key Takeaways: Embrace Change: Career setbacks or unexpected changes can be growth opportunities if you practice resilience and trust in yourself. Clarity First: Before making any decisions, take time to clarify your vision for your life and career, and simplify it into actionable steps. Support System: It's important to build a network of supportive people around you, whether that's inside your workplace or outside. Sit in Discomfort: Growth often comes from uncomfortable emotions. Don't run from them—process them to gain deeper insight into what you truly want. Links Mentioned: Download Nichole's Career Growth Guide to focus on key areas of professional development each month. Get yours here. Connect with Andrea Yacub Macek on LinkedIn. Visit Andrea's website for more information on her coaching services.