Lean In and Level Up

Hosted by Ashlie Marshall, Stories and Strategies

Business Careers ManagementInterviews guests

Website RSS feed

Episodes

Latest episode

Feb 2025

Language

EN-US

About the show

Welcome to Lean In and Level Up —the podcast where real leaders get honest. Hosted by Ashlie Marshall, a CFO, executive strategist, and no-fluff kind of leader, this show is your space to lean into the hard conversations that most people avoid, and level up through the lessons they teach us. Because leadership isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about asking the right questions, owning your growth, and showing up with integrity—even when it’s messy. On this podcast, we tackle: Transparent leadership (the kind that doesn't sugarcoat) Financial clarity that empowers, not confuses Accountability, ownership, and the courage to course-correct How to lead through hard seasons without losing your people—or yourself And what it really means to choose progress over perfection You’ll hear from Ashlie and other leaders, entrepreneurs, and everyday change makers who’ve walked through challenges, made bold pivots, and built something meaningful on the other side of the mess. If you're ready to lead with more truth, build with more clarity, and grow with more intention—you're in the right place. Let’s stop pretending and start progressing. Lean in. Level up. Let’s go.

Listen to episodes

25 recent

February 4, 2025Episode 2429 min

Imposter Syndrome: The Confidence Killer You Didn’t See Coming

Send us Fan MailEver felt like you're not good enough despite all your achievements? You’re not alone!Whitney and Ashlie dive deep into imposter syndrome, exploring how it manifests in both men and women, the different ways it affects career growth, and personal experiences that bring it to life. They discuss startling statistics—like how 75% of women executive’s report experiencing imposter syndrome—and share insights on how women tend to overcompensate while men often withdraw. From self-doubt creeping in before big opportunities to dealing with negative self-talk, the hosts offer practical strategies for overcoming imposter syndrome, including fact-checking your thoughts, reflecting on your achievements, and seeking mentorship.Listen For:05:03 The Burnout Trap Why women work harder, and men opt out12:42 What IS Imposter Syndrome? Breaking it down beyond self-doubt17:49 Women & the Weight of History How systemic barriers fuel self-doubt22:28 Comparison Culture Why social media makes imposter syndrome worseContact UsWebsite | Email | YouTube | Instagram | TikTok | Facebook Whitney LinkedIn | Ashlie LinkedIn

January 21, 2025Episode 2329 min

Sink or Swim: Navigating Leadership Choices

Send us Fan MailWhat’s the hardest decision you’ve had to make, and how did it shape the future? Whitney and Ashlie dive deep into the art of decision-making, whether it’s about navigating family holidays, dealing with toxic relationships, or making multi-million-dollar business investments. They explore the complexities of balancing leadership, collaboration, and consequences—both good and bad. The ladies discuss how values shape decisions and offer insights on minimizing fallout when things don’t go as planned.Listen For:06:22 – Sink or swim: Learning by jumping in10:16 – Dealing with decisions others made before you23:19 – Why disagreement is necessary for growth27:38 – Why complacency might be the worst decision of allContact UsWebsite | Email | YouTube | Instagram | TikTok | FacebookWhitney LinkedIn | Ashlie LinkedIn

January 7, 2025Episode 2245 min

Lisa Resnick's Journey FROM CITY STRESS TO SMALL TOWN SUCCESS!

Send us Fan MailEver felt like life was pushing you toward a fresh start? Ashlie and Whitney welcome Lisa Resnick. Lisa turned her challenges into opportunities, transforming big-city ambition into small-town innovation. From a career in Washington, D.C., to founding Dandelion Inc., Lisa shares how grit, serendipity, and a passion for community fueled her journey. Discover her strategies for balancing business and family, leveraging setbacks for success, and shifting from stress to fulfillment. Listen For:05:40 - How a Leap of Faith Led Lisa to Big City Politics17:09 - Why Lisa Left D.C. to Return to Her Roots23:26 - The Evolution of Dandelion Inc.35:19 - How Gratitude Can Transform Your MindsetLisa Resnick, Founder/CEO of Dandelion-IncWebsite | The Seed Podcast Contact UsWebsite | Email | YouTube | Instagram | TikTok | FacebookWhitney LinkedIn | Ashlie LinkedIn

December 24, 2024Episode 2128 min

Holiday Hustle Hacks for MOMS

Send us Fan MailFeeling the holiday chaos? Whitney and Ashlie dive into the whirlwind of holiday prep, gift-giving, and balancing work, family, and sanity during the busiest season of the year. From wrapping presents to managing school parties and planning for the new year, they share relatable stories, clever strategies, and heartfelt reminders about grace and gratitude. With a perfect mix of humor and wisdom, this episode is a holiday survival guide for working moms and anyone trying to stay grounded in the festive frenzy.Listen For:3:21 Escaping the chaos of holiday obligations5:00 Who gets credit—Santa or mom?14:55 Planning ahead: A secret to holiday sanity21:57 Strategies for staying present during the holidaysContact UsWebsite | Email | YouTube | Instagram | TikTok | FacebookWhitney LinkedIn | Ashlie LinkedIn

December 10, 2024Episode 2030 min

Decision-Making and How to Say NO

Send us Fan MailWhen do you hold the line, and when do you let go? Ashlie and Whitney dive into the art of decision-making—personally, professionally, and everything in between. They candidly share their experiences navigating difficult decisions, from choosing which clients to take on, to balancing personal challenges, to financial and operational crossroads that shape the future of their business. Listen For:05:20 - What Makes a Decision Truly Difficult?08:49 - Creating a Healthy Culture Through Boundaries19:28 - The Toughest Decisions of the Last Year24:22 - Personal vs. Professional DecisionsContact UsWebsite | Email | YouTube | Instagram | TikTok | FacebookWhitney LinkedIn | Ashlie LinkedIn

November 26, 2024Episode 1926 min

Climb The Corporate Ladder To C-Suite SUCCESS!

Send us Fan MailWhat does it take to rise through the ranks, shatter glass ceilings, and lead with integrity? Ashlie and Whitney welcome their first-ever guest, Dr. Karen Hills Pruden. Dr. Pruden shares her incredible journey from middle management to senior leadership, fueled by resilience, mentorship, and her unique talent for leveraging analytics. She confronts the challenges women face in leadership, the power of self-promotion, and why visibility is key to success. Listen For:2:23 – How a Lack of Mentors Inspired Her Path9:40 – The Unique Challenges Women Face in Leadership13:07 – Turning Extra Work into Visibility Opportunities20:05 – Advice for Aspiring Leaders: No Overnight SuccessConnect With Guest: Dr. Karen Hills PrudenBusiness Website | Conference Website | LinkedIn | Email Contact UsWebsite | Email | YouTube | Instagram | TikTok | FacebookWhitney LinkedIn | Ashlie LinkedIn

November 12, 2024Episode 1831 min

Do Women Leaders Need to Play Office Politics to Succeed?

Send us Fan MailDo women in leadership positions need to play office politics to reach the top and stay there? Ashlie and Whitney explore the age-old question of whether women leaders can succeed without getting caught up in the game of office politics. From navigating male-dominated industries to dealing with stereotypes and biases, they share stories of learning emotional intelligence, building resilience in male-dominated environments, and handling remote office challenges. Balancing professionalism and authenticity, they discuss how they've maintained integrity, created boundaries, and supported each other through their professional journeys. Listen For:4:29 Bullying in Remote Workspaces9:10 Using Emotional Intelligence in Office Politics17:46 Building Emotional Stability as Leaders26:54 Advice for Women in Male-Dominated SpacesContact UsWebsite | Email | YouTube | Instagram | TikTok | FacebookWhitney LinkedIn | Ashlie LinkedIn

October 29, 2024Episode 1734 min

Boundaries: The Key to Surviving Other People’s Instability

Send us Fan MailEver wondered how to handle someone else’s instability without losing your own peace? Ashlie and Whitney tackle exactly that, sharing personal experiences from both work and life. They offer practical strategies on dealing with difficult personalities, maintaining boundaries, and finding ways to manage emotions—even when you’re tempted to react impulsively. Listen For:06:16 - When someone undermines you—how to respond17:47 - Learning to lead instead of being pushed around23:50 - Why boundaries matter for peace and productivity28:33 - Observing instability without jumping to conclusions Contact UsWebsite | Email | YouTube | Instagram | TikTok | FacebookWhitney LinkedIn | Ashlie LinkedIn

October 15, 2024Episode 1626 min

Success Timelines: How Happiness Evolves on Your Journey

Send us Fan MailDo you remember the advice you gave your younger self? In this episode, Whitney and Ashlie explore a 14-year-old Whitney's journal entry titled "Guide to Successful Living." As they unpack the wisdom within this childhood writing, they reflect on how life perspectives change over time, the connection between happiness and success, and the importance of self-care. With lively conversation and genuine insights, they dig into what it truly means to live a successful life. Listen For:03:07 - Unearthing a 14-Year-Old's Guide to Success11:17- "You Get Out of Life What You Put In”16:04 - Curating Your Circle for Successful Living19:25 - Equating Happiness with Success Contact UsWebsite | Email | YouTube | Instagram | TikTok | FacebookWhitney LinkedIn | Ashlie LinkedIn

October 1, 2024Episode 1526 min

The Art of Client Gifting: When Generosity Crosses the Line

Send us Fan MailWhat’s the right way to thank your clients? That’s what Ashlie and Whitney explore in this episode, diving into the art of gift-giving in business without crossing boundaries. From discussing appropriate client gifts to tackling the legalities and sensitivities around alcohol, the duo navigates the fine line between personal and professional. Along the way, they share stories, offer advice on setting boundaries, and touch on the subtleties of corporate charisma. Tune in to hear their thoughts on how to build lasting, professional relationships without the risk of mixed signals. Listen For:02:33 Gifting with Boundaries: What Went Wrong?04:23 Appropriate Gifts for New Relationships09:58 The Alcohol Dilemma: When Is It Appropriate?21:05 Boundaries and Perceptions: Protecting Your Reputation Contact UsWebsite | Email | YouTube | Instagram | TikTok | FacebookWhitney LinkedIn | Ashlie LinkedIn