Be Business Savvy - Create a Career that Soars!

Hosted by Susan Colantuono

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Nov 2024

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November 20, 202411 min

Master Your Voice, Own Your Message

In Part 3 of our conversation with Helen Jonsen, founder of Helen Jonsen Media, we dive into practical media coaching tips that every professional woman can use. Helen shares insights from vocal technique to signature remarks, revealing why memorization isn't the key to powerful speaking - authenticity and preparation are. Key Tips Covered: The science behind deep breathing and vocal control Creating effective signature remarks Crafting your personal passion statement The power of authentic storytelling Why poise matters more than perfection Notable Quotes: "Your vocal cords are strings like a guitar string. When you get nervous, they get stretched, and your voice goes up. Deep breathing brings your voice to your normal register." "A passion statement describes you and your work from the heart - it's not an elevator pitch, which is a sell." "Speakers don't have to be the ones who memorize, but they need to be the ones who are memorable." Go Deeper Links ⭐ Part 1 with Helen Jonsen "Girl Talk vs Women Talk" here ⭐ Part 2 with Helen Jonsen "Your Kaleidoscope Career" here ⭐ Learn about Helen Jonsen's Kaleidoscope Career here: https://helenjonsen.com/helen-s-story ⭐ Business Savvy YOU! delivers the business, financial and strategic acumen you need to succeed: https://www.bebusinesssavvy.com/overview-business-savvy-you ⭐ Discover The Most Important Thing You Need to Succeed FREE email course: https://www.bebusinesssavvy.com/newsletter-opt-in-1 ⭐ Receive unique and transformative career advice: https://www.bebusinesssavvy.com/BusinessSavvyNewsletterOpt-In ⭐ Turn Career Advice from Flawed to Fantastic!: https://www.bebusinesssavvy.com/lead-magnet-7-career-tips-keeping-1  Podcast produced* and original theme music by Megan Tuck www.megantuckaudio.com *Megan creates a listenable pod from a truly imperfectly created original containing my walking huffs & puffs, footfalls, background noises - birds, waves, cars, dogs, roosters and more. Thank heavens for Megan!

November 13, 202410 min

The Power of Solving Real Business Problems

Show Notes In Part 2 of our conversation, Michelle Redfern reveals what makes her leadership programs transformative for ambitious women. Unlike traditional programs that focus primarily on soft skills, Michelle's approach combines essential business acumen training with real-world strategic projects sponsored by executives. Participants work in teams to solve actual organizational challenges, gaining visibility with senior leaders while building critical financial and strategic capabilities. Notable Quotes "This isn't just shoving content down participants' throats. We give them real organizational problems to solve, executive sponsors to work with, and high-stakes opportunities to demonstrate their business acumen." Michelle Redfern "Executives have told me: 'Wow, I didn't realize we had so many talented women in our organization' - that's exactly the visibility and recognition these women need." Michelle Redfern Go Deeper Links ⭐  About Michelle Redfern ⭐  Lead to Soar online community ⭐   Lead to Soar podcast ⭐   The Leadership Compass by Michelle Redfern ⭐  Connect with Michelle on Linkedin⭐ Business Savvy YOU! delivers the business, financial and strategic acumen you need to succeed: ⭐ Discover The Most Important Thing You Need to Succeed FREE email course: https://www.bebusinesssavvy.com/newsletter-opt-in-1 ⭐ Receive unique and transformative career advice: https://www.bebusinesssavvy.com/BusinessSavvyNewsletterOpt-In ⭐ Turn Career Advice from Flawed to Fantastic!: https://www.bebusinesssavvy.com/lead-magnet-7-career-tips-keeping-1  Podcast produced* and original theme music by Megan Tuck www.megantuckaudio.com *Megan creates a listenable pod from a truly imperfectly created original containing my walking huffs & puffs, footfalls, background noises - birds, waves, cars, dogs, roosters and more. Thank heavens for Megan!

October 16, 202411 min

Shine in High-Stakes Meetings - Master Executive Communication

Show Notes Understanding business context is crucial for effective communication with senior leaders Tailoring your communication style for executive audiences is essential Preparation and practice are key to improving executive communication skills Body language and voice tone play significant roles in conveying confidence Asking insightful questions can demonstrate engagement and business acumen Notable Excerpts "There's a great quote, "Successful people ask better questions." Asking good questions is great too, because we often just focus on delivering our part of the content, but the best leaders ask good questions, which allows them to get good answers. That needs to be built into our repertoire as well. " Gillian Fox "Choose just one meeting that is important to you... and really focus. Do YOUR prep, do all the things to set yourself up for success and see how you progress." Gillian Fox About Gillian Fox Gillian has succeeded in her career, both as a senior executive and an entrepreneur. She is an author, keynote speaker and senior executive coach who also leads gender diversity programs for some of the largest organizations in Australia. In addition, she is the host of the Your Brilliant Career podcast. Gillian is also the creator and leader of the Rise Accelerate and Rise Elite programs. Both publicly recognized women's career programs.  She works with incredible women and the results are amazing. Links below. Go Deeper Links Gillian's programs: "Rise Accelerate" and "Rise Elite" Gillian's podcast "Your Brilliant Career" Connect with Gillian on Linkedin Susan on Gillian's podcast Be Business Savvy Equips You for Success ⭐ Business Savvy YOU! delivers the business, financial and strategic acumen you need to succeed: https://www.bebusinesssavvy.com/overview-business-savvy-you ⭐ Discover The Most Important Thing You Need to Succeed FREE email course: https://www.bebusinesssavvy.com/newsletter-opt-in-1 ⭐ Receive unique and transformative career advice: https://www.bebusinesssavvy.com/BusinessSavvyNewsletterOpt-In ⭐ Turn Career Advice from Flawed to Fantastic!: https://www.bebusinesssavvy.com/lead-magnet-7-career-tips-keeping-1  Podcast produced* and original theme music by Megan Tuck www.megantuckaudio.com *Megan creates a listenable pod from a truly imperfectly created original containing my walking huffs & puffs, footfalls, background noises - birds, waves, cars, dogs, roosters and more. Thank heavens for Megan!

October 9, 202412 min

Thrive as an Ambitious Woman

Key Takeaways from Part 1 with Michelle Redfern Being an ambitious woman is often seen as a risk. Lead to Soar helps members practice expressing their ambition comfortablyAmbition should be reframed as a positive force - not just for personal gain, but for improving the world around youDeveloping business savvy and aligning one's ambition with the organization's goals is crucial for women's career advancement The top 3 benefits of the Lead to Soar community:  1. A safe place for women to express their ambition without fear of judgment  2. A cadence of weekly "group coaching" sessions that foster community and actionable insights  3. Pointed feedback on the importance of developing business acumen and intelligence (BQ) Notable Quotes "When you're ambitious to make the world a better place, that is a great thing. And that's a real mindset shift." Michelle Redfern"As a leader, you have a responsibility to go beyond a transactional relationship with your employer. Leaders go beyond that, saying 'I am in a relationship with my employer and it is mutually beneficial."  Michelle Redfern Go Deeper Links ⭐  About Michelle Redfern ⭐  Lead to Soar online community ⭐   Lead to Soar podcast ⭐   The Leadership Compass by Michelle Redfern ⭐  Connect with Michelle on Linkedin⭐ Business Savvy YOU! delivers the business, financial and strategic acumen you need to succeed: ⭐ Discover The Most Important Thing You Need to Succeed FREE email course: https://www.bebusinesssavvy.com/newsletter-opt-in-1 ⭐ Receive unique and transformative career advice: https://www.bebusinesssavvy.com/BusinessSavvyNewsletterOpt-In ⭐ Turn Career Advice from Flawed to Fantastic!: https://www.bebusinesssavvy.com/lead-magnet-7-career-tips-keeping-1  Podcast produced* and original theme music by Megan Tuck www.megantuckaudio.com *Megan creates a listenable pod from a truly imperfectly created original containing my walking huffs & puffs, footfalls, background noises - birds, waves, cars, dogs, roosters and more. Thank heavens for Megan!

October 2, 202411 min

Gillian Fox on Unlocking Confidence and Accelerate Your Career

Key Takeaways Confidence for women in the workplace is about more than just feeling self-assured; it's about showcasing your business value Developing strategic and financial acumen helps women feel more confident in their ability to contribute to the organization The focus should shift from what women want to get from their work to what they are doing to help the company and themselves get ahead Women need to actively demonstrate their value creation and communicate it effectively to senior leaders Sponsorship cannot be imposed, but providing talented women the opportunity to showcase their thinking can lead to more sponsorship - Senior leaders are interested in seeing how women can contribute to the business, not just their personal development Strategies for Developing Business Acumen: Understand the broader business landscape and how your work aligns with organizational priorities Identify ways you are creating value and be prepared to articulate your contributions concisely Complete "value creation" assignments that challenge you to present your ideas to senior leadership Notable Quotes "If women had the business, strategic and financial acumen, that would help them influence more effectively, they could be compelling presenting a business case, they can understand the numbers and participate in the right conversations." - Gillian Fox "What is it that you are doing to help your company and yourself get ahead? Because if you're seen as an effective value creator, you will demonstrate your contribution and value more effectively, and it will help you progress your career." - Gillian Fox "The point is, if you just have your head down and your tail up grinding out the work at your desk, you're missing out potentially on all the important conversations that are shaping the future of the business." - Gillian Fox About Gillian Fox Gillian has succeeded in her career, both as a senior executive and an entrepreneur. She is an author, keynote speaker and senior executive coach who also leads gender diversity programs for some of the largest organizations in Australia. In addition, she is the host of the Your Brilliant Career podcast. Gillian is also the creator and leader of the Rise Accelerate and Rise Elite programs. Both publicly recognized women's career programs.  She works with incredible women and the results are amazing. Links below. Go Deeper Links Gillian's programs: "Rise Accelerate" and "Rise Elite" Gillian's podcast "Your Brilliant Career" Connect with Gillian on Linkedin Susan's TED Talk on The Missing 33% Susan on Gillian's podcast Ways Be Business Savvy Equips You for Success ⭐ Business Savvy YOU! delivers the business, financial and strategic acumen you need to succeed: https://www.bebusinesssavvy.com/overview-business-savvy-you ⭐ Discover The Most Important Thing You Need to Succeed FREE email course: https://www.bebusinesssavvy.com/newsletter-opt-in-1 ⭐ Receive unique and transformative career advice: https://www.bebusinesssavvy.com/BusinessSavvyNewsletterOpt-In ⭐ Turn Career Advice from Flawed to Fantastic!: https://www.bebusinesssavvy.com/lead-magnet-7-career-tips-keeping-1  Podcast produced* and original theme music by Megan Tuck www.megantuckaudio.com *Megan creates a listenable pod from a truly imperfectly created original containing my walking huffs & puffs, footfalls, background noises - birds, waves, cars, dogs, roosters and more. Thank heavens for Megan!  

September 25, 202410 min

Rewrite Your Career Story: Racquel Moses on Crafting a CEO-Minded Resume

Show Notes In Part 2, Racquel Moses focuses on highlighting your unique impact in each role, not just performing as per your job description. Approach each new role with a mindset of measurable improvement from day one Aim to advance from entry to mid-level positions within two years Track your time meticulously to understand how you're contributing to business goals Think like a CEO of your own career, prioritizing high-value activities Utilize AI tools to streamline low-value tasks and increase productivity Career Advancement Strategies Align your KPIs with overall business goals Regularly evaluate and communicate your impact on the business Be prepared to discuss how you've improved efficiency or sales in your roles Use time tracking to identify and reduce low-value activities Resume Building Tips Highlight measurable impacts and achievements rather than basic job duties Quantify your contributions (e.g., "increased efficiency by 20%") Focus on how you've uniquely contributed to each role Notable Quotes "You are the CEO of you.com... You have to think about it in that way." Racquel Moses "Women on the rise, do not try to get stuck in middle to entry-level positions for more than two years. Two years is enough to prove your worth and to do something, accomplish something that can allow you to get to the next level."  Racquel Moses "You start thinking about, you scan your environment and think about what can I bring to this role that I can measure and defend? That I was able to do differently from anybody else."  Racquel Moses Go Deeper Links ⭐ Link to  Part 1 Journey to the Top: Racquel Moses on Career Success ⭐ Link to Racquel's podcast: Getting to the Top ⭐ Connect with Racquel on Linkedin ⭐ Business Savvy YOU! delivers the business, financial and strategic acumen you need to succeed: https://www.bebusinesssavvy.com/overview-business-savvy-you ⭐ Discover The Most Important Thing You Need to Succeed FREE email course: https://www.bebusinesssavvy.com/newsletter-opt-in-1 ⭐ Receive unique and transformative career advice: https://www.bebusinesssavvy.com/BusinessSavvyNewsletterOpt-In ⭐ Turn Career Advice from Flawed to Fantastic!: https://www.bebusinesssavvy.com/lead-magnet-7-career-tips-keeping-1  Podcast produced* and original theme music by Megan Tuck www.megantuckaudio.com *Megan creates a listenable pod from a truly imperfectly created original containing my walking huffs & puffs, footfalls, background noises - birds, waves, cars, dogs, roosters and more. Thank heavens for Megan!

September 18, 202410 min

Journey to the Top: Racquel Moses on Career Success

Show Notes Racquel Moses is the CEO of the Caribbean Climate Smart Accelerator and host of the "Getting to the Top" podcast. Early career experiences in banking mergers, JP Morgan Chase, and tech startups provided crucial exposure to business strategy and financials. Understanding both the "what" and "why" of business operations is critical for career advancement. Advice for women: Balance focusing on strengths with addressing weaknesses Don't shy away from financial knowledge - it's crucial for leadership roles Seek challenging experiences to develop new skills Importance of understanding financials and strategy as you move up in management Recommended book: Where You Are Is Not Who You Are by Ursula Burns Notable Quotes"Figure out the things that you need to know that you are weak at and do not run from them. Know that it is the most challenging experiences that will help you to develop in those capacities. " - Racquel Moses"We are socialized to think that we are not good at financials. But when you look at who's running family budgets and the role that women play in consumer buying, we are naturals at numbers." - Racquel Moses Go Deeper Links ⭐ Link to Where You Are Is Not Who You Are by Ursula Burns ⭐ Link to Racquel's podcast: Getting to the Top ⭐ Connect with Racquel on Linkedin ⭐ Business Savvy YOU! delivers the business, financial and strategic acumen you need to succeed: https://www.bebusinesssavvy.com/overview-business-savvy-you ⭐ Discover The Most Important Thing You Need to Succeed FREE email course: https://www.bebusinesssavvy.com/newsletter-opt-in-1 ⭐ Receive unique and transformative career advice: https://www.bebusinesssavvy.com/BusinessSavvyNewsletterOpt-In ⭐ Turn Career Advice from Flawed to Fantastic!: https://www.bebusinesssavvy.com/lead-magnet-7-career-tips-keeping-1  Podcast produced* and original theme music by Megan Tuck www.megantuckaudio.com *Megan creates a listenable pod from a truly imperfectly created original containing my walking huffs & puffs, footfalls, background noises - birds, waves, cars, dogs, roosters and more. Thank heavens for Megan!

September 11, 202411 min

Reimagine Your Career: Helen Jonsen on Your Kaleidoscope Career

Key Takeaways from Interview with Helen Jonsen: A kaleidoscope career utilizes fundamental skills and talents in various roles and industries throughout one's professional life. - Business disruptions (e.g., pandemic, AI) are changing how people work and view their careers. Non-linear career paths are becoming more common and accepted. Key to navigating a kaleidoscope career: Identify and articulate your core skills that transfer across roles Explain your career transitions with confidence - Highlight how your diverse experiences add value Advice for job seekers: Focus on your transferable skills and how they apply to new roles, even if the job title or industry is different. Advice for hiring managers: Look beyond traditional career paths and recognize the value of diverse experiences. Notable Quotes: "We have fundamental skills, talents, passions, interests that are always a part of us. It's how we change them and move them around and use them in different workplaces, in different opportunities, that builds a kaleidoscope career." - Helen Jonsen "People need to own their own story, to learn the stories that they want to share about their story. Those remarkable skills that they have and I'll bring them to the table." - Helen Jonsen Resources Mentioned Subscribe to Helen Jonsen's newsletter to access her upcoming "Kaleidoscope Career" podcast Previous podcast episode on "Girl Talk vs. Women Talk - 3 Shifts to Command Respect" Go Deeper Links ⭐ Business Savvy YOU! delivers the business, financial and strategic acumen you need to succeed: https://www.bebusinesssavvy.com/overview-business-savvy-you ⭐ Discover The Most Important Thing You Need to Succeed FREE email course: https://www.bebusinesssavvy.com/newsletter-opt-in-1 ⭐ Receive unique and transformative career advice: https://www.bebusinesssavvy.com/BusinessSavvyNewsletterOpt-In ⭐ Turn Career Advice from Flawed to Fantastic!: https://www.bebusinesssavvy.com/lead-magnet-7-career-tips-keeping-1  Podcast produced* and original theme music by Megan Tuck www.megantuckaudio.com *Megan creates a listenable pod from a truly imperfectly created original containing my walking huffs & puffs, footfalls, background noises - birds, waves, cars, dogs, roosters and more. Thank heavens for Megan!  

August 14, 20248 min

Don't Just Cope. Conquer 3 Common Career Frustrations

We are highlighting 3 common career frustrations that women face: Overcoming career stagnation, Standing out in job searches and Reducing work-related overwhelm And providing actionable tips for conquering them including prioritizing tasks based on business impact and aligning work with strategic outcomes. Go Deeper Links ⭐ Business Savvy YOU! delivers the business, financial and strategic acumen you need to succeed: https://www.bebusinesssavvy.com/overview-business-savvy-you ⭐ Discover The Most Important Thing You Need to Succeed FREE email course: https://www.bebusinesssavvy.com/newsletter-opt-in-1 ⭐ Receive unique and transformative career advice: https://www.bebusinesssavvy.com/BusinessSavvyNewsletterOpt-In ⭐ Turn Career Advice from Flawed to Fantastic!: https://www.bebusinesssavvy.com/lead-magnet-7-career-tips-keeping-1  Podcast produced* and original theme music by Megan Tuck www.megantuckaudio.com *Megan creates a listenable pod from a truly imperfectly created original containing my walking huffs & puffs, footfalls, background noises - birds, waves, cars, dogs, roosters and more. Thank heavens for Megan!  

August 7, 202410 min

From Girl Talk to Woman Talk: 3 Shifts to Command Respect

In Part 1 of a series of podcasts based on my conversation with Helen Jonsen we discuss the crucial differences between "Girl Talk" and "Woman Talk" in professional settings. She shares three key strategies for women to command respect and authority: eliminating unnecessary apologies, owning the room through strong introductions, and always using your full name. These simple yet powerful communication shifts can significantly impact how women are perceived and treated in the workplace. Helen has built a kaleidoscope career based on decades of experience from newsrooms to corporate boardrooms really interesting Variants there from startups to established publishers from nonprofits to government agency.She's been an entrepreneur and an executive at the confluence of digital media and business disruption. Storytelling's in Helen's DNA and at the heart of everything she creates. She speaks on the craft of communication, strengthening advocacy, resiliency in the face of life's challenges, life/work balance, leadership, and the advancement of women. Go Deeper Links ⭐ Learn about Helen Jonsen's Kaleidoscope Career here: https://helenjonsen.com/helen-s-story ⭐ Business Savvy YOU! delivers the business, financial and strategic acumen you need to succeed: https://www.bebusinesssavvy.com/overview-business-savvy-you ⭐ Discover The Most Important Thing You Need to Succeed FREE email course: https://www.bebusinesssavvy.com/newsletter-opt-in-1 ⭐ Receive unique and transformative career advice: https://www.bebusinesssavvy.com/BusinessSavvyNewsletterOpt-In ⭐ Turn Career Advice from Flawed to Fantastic!: https://www.bebusinesssavvy.com/lead-magnet-7-career-tips-keeping-1  Podcast produced* and original theme music by Megan Tuck www.megantuckaudio.com *Megan creates a listenable pod from a truly imperfectly created original containing my walking huffs & puffs, footfalls, background noises - birds, waves, cars, dogs, roosters and more. Thank heavens for Megan!