Sweet but Fearless Podcast

In this podcast, Mary Sullivan, co-founder of Sweet but Fearless, talks with Jennifer Kaplan, Owner, Evolve Public Relations and Marketing, to explore what it really takes to follow your passion and why the journey often requires a few calculated risks along the way. Jennifer shares her unapologetic philosophy that fear is the real "F-word," the one that keeps too many of us from stepping into what we truly love. Together, Mary and Jennifer dive into protecting your most expensive commodity, your time, and embracing the power of saying no without guilt. This episode is a reminder that the world doesn't need a more polished version of you… it needs the real you. Jennifer Kaplan founded Evolve Public Relations and Marketing in 2010, driven by the goal of connecting with her clients to understand and meet their needs. She brings years of start-up experience, dating back to 2005, when she co-founded PRIME 3, LLC. MORE ABOUT JENNIFER KAPLAN: Website: Evolve Public Relations & Marketing LinkedIn: Jennifer Kaplan ABOUT SWEET BUT FEARLESS: Website - Sweet but Fearless LinkedIn - Sweet but Fearless

In this important conversation, Mary Sullivan, co-founder of Sweet but Fearless, talks with Diane Strand, CEO of JDS Studios, who has built her career on the belief that opportunities aren't found, they're created. Diane discusses her signature DREAM framework (Direction, Realization, Evaluation, Action, Momentum) and explains how clarity, consistency, and courage fuel lasting success. She encourages leaders to present themselves as the person they aspire to be, to show up even when it feels uncomfortable, and to fully embrace being seen and heard. A powerful conversation for anyone ready to make an impact. Diane is the CEO of JDS Studios, a multi–award-winning video production company, the Executive Producer of Spirit of Innovation, the Festival Director of DigiFest Temecula, and a bestselling author. While she firmly believes there's no such thing as overnight success, Diane has spent more than 30 years creating, developing, and boldly carving out her place as a producer, educator, and visionary in the visual, performing, digital arts, and entertainment industries. MORE ABOUT DIANE STRAND: Website: JDS Studios LinkedIn: Diane Strand DigiFest Temecula TedTalk Temecula Book: Show Business: Breaking into the Industry as an Actor ABOUT SWEET BUT FEARLESS: Website - Sweet but Fearless LinkedIn - Sweet but Fearless

In this important conversation, Mary Sullivan, co-founder of Sweet but Fearless, talks with Lisa Levy, Founder & Disruption and Innovation Catalyst, Lcubed Consulting, about the challenges we all face throughout our careers — the speed bumps, pivots, and unexpected twists that shape who we become as leaders. Together, they explore how growth happens when we commit to reading, continual learning, and doing the things that make us uncomfortable. It's all about stretching ourselves so we can step into the leaders we're meant to be. Lisa Levy is the Founder and CEO of Lcubed Consulting, a business that helps enterprise to medium level organizations elevate through strategic goal achievement. A frequent guest expert on multiple media outlets including NBC, ABC, CBS and FOX, Lisa is also a frequent speaker at business executive conferences. MORE ABOUT LISA LEVY: Website: Lcubed Consulting LinkedIn: Lisa Levy Book: Future Proofing Cubed: The Definitive Guide to Improving Productivity, Refining Processes, and Bolstering Profitability ABOUT SWEET BUT FEARLESS: Website - Sweet but Fearless LinkedIn - Sweet but Fearless

In this important conversation, Mary Sullivan, co-founder of Sweet but Fearless, talks with Nancy Griffin, CEO and Founder of Women, Worth & Wellness. Nancy attributes her decades of success to personal courage, determination, and a deep sense of joy, especially when championing women's health and wellness. Since founding Women, Worth & Wellness in 1994 as a Private Client Wealth Advisor, she has dedicated her career to helping women strengthen both their net worth and self-worth. Nancy brings her signature mix of warmth, wisdom, and empowerment to this episode as she and Mary break down the truth about investing, starting with the most powerful investment you'll ever make: yourself. She shares why learning to invest is essential, why you shouldn't try to be your own investment advisor, and how to be discerning when choosing who to trust with your money, your goals, and your future. Known for inspiring and informing women about their personal health, wealth, philanthropy, and legacy, Nancy's mission is to help women feel fabulous, generous, joyful, confident, and fully in command of their lives—every single day. Tune in for a grounded, accessible, and heartfelt conversation designed to help you step into financial confidence while keeping you at the center of every decision. MORE ABOUT NANCY GRIFFIN: Website: Women, Worth & Wellness LinkedIn: Nancy Griffin ABOUT SWEET BUT FEARLESS: Website - Sweet but Fearless LinkedIn - Sweet but Fearless

In this podcase episode, Mary Sullivan, co-founder of Sweet but Fearless, talks with transformational coach and author, Martine Cohen to explore how adversity can become the catalyst for reinvention. Martine shares insights from her book No More Layers, where she uses the metaphor of "layers" to reveal how fear, conditioning, and limiting beliefs keep us from accessing our true potential. Together, they discuss why the first step in any meaningful pivot is to look inward, to lead yourself before leading others. Martine emphasizes the importance of being proactive, investing in yourself, and releasing the illusion of perfection. Leadership isn't about being a boss, it's about guiding yourself toward the life and career you truly want. If you've ever felt stuck or weighed down by expectations, this episode will inspire you to shed what no longer serves you and step confidently into your next chapter. MORE ABOUT MARTINE COHEN: Website: Martine Cohen LinkedIn: Martine Cohen Book: No More Layers: Discover Your Inner Power and Reclaim True Freedom From the Inside Out FREE: Feeling overwhelmed by your brain chatter?Join this FREE 2-day reset and discover a simple, 4-minute tool to stop the mental chaos in its tracks. ABOUT SWEET BUT FEARLESS: Website - Sweet but Fearless LinkedIn - Sweet but Fearless