Dr. Kristine Sickels: Why Women Aren't Taken Seriously at Work (And How to Change It)

After being laid off at 26, Dr. Kristine Sickels learned that a career setback can become a powerful leadership lesson. Now a former corporate SVP, entrepreneur, CEO, and author, Kristine helps women use their voices with more clarity, confidence, and intention. She shares why staying silent, overthinking, or softening your message can keep your best ideas from being heard, and how curiosity and optimism can open entirely new paths. In this episode, you will learn... • How to turn a painful setback like a layoff into empathy and leadership strength. • The seven silencers that keep smart women quiet, and how to stop getting talked over. • Why storytelling is what moves a room and makes your ideas land. "Sitting on top of the world with my legs hanging free." — Dave Matthews Band Time Codes: 00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction 02:45 Finding Silver Linings in Difficult Times 04:54 Handling Layoffs with Empathy and Care 07:55 Kristine's Career Journey in Retail and Consumer Products 10:26 Transition from Corporate to Entrepreneurial Life 19:51 Upcoming Book: The Clearest Voice in the Room 20:53 Helping Women Use Their Voice at Work 44:59 Advice to Younger Self and Embracing Non-Linear Paths Apple Podcasts Listeners: Click "Episode Website" below the show notes to view them in full, including bonus links, recommendations, and goodies! Connect with Dr. Kristine: LinkedIn: @drkristinesickels Substack: @kristinesickels Book: The Clearest Voice in the Room: How to Speak with Power and Intention at Work (Learn more about the book: drkristinespeaks.com/book) Cause: Renown Collective, building clean water wells in southern Africa so girls can go to school and women can start businesses. Company Websites: micdropworkshop.com, myvirtualcsweet.com Connect with Brianna: Instagram: @briannabrownkeen X: @brownbrianna TikTok: @briannabrownkeen YouTube: @briannabrownkeen - Full video versions of each episode are available here! ManifestingYourMission.org TheNewHollywood.org BriannaBrownKeen.com BONUS CONTENT! Dr. Kristine's Favorites... Documentary: Theodore Roosevelt (Netflix) Inspirational Song: "Lie in Our Graves" by Dave Matthews Band. Other Recommends From This Episode: LMNT Electrolytes LMNT Sparkling Water How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie