Sweet but Fearless Podcast

Hosted by Mary Sullivan, Cooper Alexander, Gale Northrop

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100

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Jun 2026

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About the show

Step into the world of the Sweet but Fearless podcast, your go-to weekly destination for exploring the challenges confronted by women leaders on the frontlines. With a blend of engaging interviews featuring accomplished women leaders, entrepreneurs, and industry experts along with solo episodes, you'll gain insight and actionable advice to guide you on your fearless career journey.

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60 recent

June 8, 2026Episode 29125 min

How Women Leaders Can Avoid Burnout While Pursuing Success with Jinesha Jain, Senior Analyst (S10:Epi 291)

In this episode, Mary Sullivan, co-founder of Sweet but Fearless, talks with Jinesha Jain, Senior Analyst and TEDx Speaker, to explore the hidden pressures that often accompany ambition and achievement. Despite advancing quickly in her personal and professional life, Jinesha realized that success had come with an invisible cost when her mother observed that she no longer carried the same smile she once had. That moment became a turning point, prompting Jinesha to reevaluate what true success and well-being really mean. That realization led Jinesha to discover Bhramari pranayama, or "humming bee breath," a yogic breathing practice that helped her reduce stress, improve focus, and reconnect with herself. Together, Mary and Jinesha explore the importance of internal growth alongside external success, reminding women that sometimes the most powerful thing we can do is pause, realign with what matters most, and care for ourselves while pursuing our goals. ABOUT JINESHA JAIN:LinkedIn – Jinesha JainInstagram – Jinesha JainTEDx – The Power of Stillness: How One Breath Can Break Burnout ABOUT SWEET BUT FEARLESS: Website - Sweet but Fearless LinkedIn - Sweet but Fearless

June 1, 2026Episode 29030 min

Leading Without Self-Sacrifice: Dr. Alicia Newsome on Health and Sustainable Leadership (S10:Epi 290)

In this episode, Mary Sullivan, co-founder of Sweet but Fearless, talks with Dr. Alicia Newsome, functional medicine doctor, author, speaker, and advocate for helping women reclaim their health and their lives. Dr. Newsome shares why taking time to pause and center yourself in truth can create the clarity needed to move forward with confidence. She introduces her Integrated Leadership Framework, a holistic approach that aligns your business, body, and beliefs/being so that every part of your life works together rather than competing for your attention. Together, Mary and Dr. Newsome explore the importance of intentionally designing a life that supports both success and well-being, the challenges women face when they constantly feel the need to be strong, and how rest can become a leadership strategy rather than a luxury. They also discuss Dr. Newsome's upcoming book, "Worthy of Rest," a Faith-Rooted Guide for the Woman Who's Tired of Being the Strong One and Ready to Lead Without Self-Sacrifice. ABOUT DR. ALICIA NEWSOME:LinkedIn – Dr. Alicia NewsomeWebsite – Dr. Alicia NewsomeBook – "Worthy of Rest" (coming 2026)YouTube – Dr. Alicia Newsome ABOUT SWEET BUT FEARLESS: Website - Sweet but Fearless LinkedIn - Sweet but Fearless

May 25, 2026Episode 28933 min

Creating Freedom Through Entrepreneurship with Andrea Engstrom, CEO of BOLD Masterminds Coaching (S10:Epi 289)

In this episode, Mary Sullivan, co-founder of Sweet but Fearless, talks with Andrea Engstrom, CEO of BOLD Masterminds Coaching, about what it really takes to transition from building someone else's dream to building your own. Andrea shares practical advice for entrepreneurs on building a team, gaining clarity, and developing the confidence needed to take action and grow a business. The conversation explores why confidence often comes after action, not before, and the importance of learning from others through conversations, mentorship, and shared experiences. Andrea also introduces the idea of finding your "freedom number," understanding your personal financial goals, and using a side hustle as a stepping stone toward full-time entrepreneurship. Andrea encourages listeners to ask themselves what they are truly working toward and create a life that you don't need to escape from. Andrea is the author of "Bold Confidence: Awaken Your Magnetic Magic, Take Bold Action, and Create the Business and Life You Truly Desire". ABOUT ANDREA ENGSTROM:LinkedIn – Andrea EngstromWebsite – Andrea EngstromPodcast – The Andrea Engstrom Show Book - "Bold Confidence: Awaken Your Magnetic Magic, Take Bold Action, and Create the Business and Life You Truly Desire" ABOUT SWEET BUT FEARLESS: Website - Sweet but Fearless LinkedIn - Sweet but Fearless

May 18, 2026Episode 28728 min

Marketing, Leadership & Healthy Workplace Debate with Deanna Dolecki and Ashley Ruggeri with Blue Duck Agency (S10:Epi 288)

In this episode, Mary Sullivan, co-founder of Sweet but Fearless, talks with Deanna Dolecki and Ashley Ruggeri from Blue Duck Agency about the ever-changing world of marketing, branding, and the importance of having healthy debates in the workplace. For more than two decades, Blue Duck Agency has helped brands grow through innovative marketing strategies. Deanna and Ashley share how their team approaches marketing as more than just promotion, it's about building partnerships, understanding audiences, and creating long-term impact. Mary, Deanna, and Ashley also discuss the importance of adapting to today's fast-moving marketing landscape and finding creative ways for brands to stand out in a crowded digital world. Whether you're an entrepreneur, business leader, or simply curious about modern marketing strategies, this conversation offers practical insights and inspiration for growing your brand with intention. ABOUT DEANNA DOLECKI, ASHLEY RUGGERI, AND BLUE DUCK AGENCY: LinkedIn – Blue Duck AgencyLinkedIn – Deanna DoleckiLinkedIn – Ashley RuggeriWebsite – Blue Duck AgencyPodcast – Ducks Unplugged ABOUT SWEET BUT FEARLESS: Website - Sweet but Fearless LinkedIn - Sweet but Fearless

May 10, 202629 min

The Hidden Rules of Executive Leadership Women Need to Know with Nicole Johnston, Founder of Innate Power (S10:Epi 287)

In this episode, Mary Sullivan, co-founder of Sweet but Fearless, talks with Nicole Johnston, Founder of Innate Power and author of Taboo Topics: Things Women Should Talk About, But Don't, about the hidden rules of executive leadership and the conversations women are too often expected to avoid. From workplace sexism and perfectionism to burnout, menopause, financial stress, and the pressure to "have it all," Nicole shares why these topics deserve more open discussion. The conversation also dives into the invisible dynamics of leadership visibility. Women often miss out on the unspoken networking opportunities that happen behind closed doors, on golf courses, or in informal gatherings where influence and relationships are built. Nicole explains why promotions are often based more on leadership perception than simply completing tasks, and why women frequently find themselves carrying the bulk of non-promotable work. Mary and Nicole also discuss the importance of building the right support system throughout your career: a coach who talks with you, a mentor who talks to you, and a sponsor who talks for you when opportunities arise. ABOUT NICOLE JOHNSTON: Website – Innate PowerLinkedIn – Nicole Johnston Book: Taboo Topics: Things Women Should Talk About, But Don't ABOUT SWEET BUT FEARLESS: Website - Sweet but Fearless LinkedIn - Sweet but Fearless

May 4, 2026Episode 28625 min

Entrepreneurial Success and Big Goals with Julie Ellis, Leadership Coach and Entrepreneur (S10:Epi 286)

In this episode, Mary Sullivan, co-founder of Sweet but Fearless, talks with Julie Ellis about her remarkable entrepreneurial journey, from co-founding Mabel's Labels to becoming an author, coach, speaker, and leadership coach focused on helping others create meaningful success. Julie discusses the relationships and mindset shifts that often separate people who achieve big things from those who remain stuck. Through her methodology centered around systems, processes, and people, she explains why sustainable success requires more than hustle alone. The conversation also explores how entrepreneurs can identify roadblocks, evaluate whether they're spending their time wisely, and make intentional changes that move them forward. As the author of "Big Gorgeous Goals," Julie also shares why we all need big gorgeous goals, the kind that feel exciting, uncomfortable, and even a little scary. Unlike the safe, tidy goals we know we can accomplish, these are the goals that stretch us, keep us awake at night, and challenge us to believe we are capable of more than we imagined. ABOUT JULIE ELLIS: Website – Julie Ellis & CoLinkedIn – Julie EllisBook - "Big Gorgeous Goals" and "Big Gorgeous Goals Workbook"FREE – CEO Bottleneck mini course ABOUT SWEET BUT FEARLESS: Website - Sweet but Fearless LinkedIn - Sweet but Fearless

April 26, 2026Episode 28529 min

Energy Leadership: How Your Mindset Shapes Your Impact with Johanna Danaher, founder of Anchor to Aspire (S10:Epi 285)

In this episode, Mary Sullivan, co-founder of Sweet but Fearless, talks with Johanna Danaher, founder of Anchor to Aspire, for a thoughtful conversation on what it really means to lead with intention and energy leadership. Together, they explore human-centered design in leadership, starting with one simple but often overlooked skill: listening to understand. Johanna challenges leaders to go beyond surface-level responses (like "fine" aka feelings inside not expressed) and instead create space for honesty and connection. They also dive into Energy Leadership, how you're fueled each day, how your energy impacts those around you, and why your emotional awareness is a leadership skill, not a weakness. Through tools like the Energy Leadership Index, Johanna helps leaders better understand the connection between mindset, emotion, and performance. This episode is a reminder to slow down, embrace the power of the pause, and create intentional space for change. Because how you lead starts with how you show up. ABOUT JOHANNA DANAHER: Website – Anchor to AspireLinkedIn – Johanna Danaher ABOUT SWEET BUT FEARLESS: Website - Sweet but Fearless LinkedIn - Sweet but Fearless

April 19, 2026Episode 28425 min

What Do You Want to Be Known For? With Bridget Sicsko, Co-Founder of Visibility on Purpose (S10:Epi 284)

In this episode, Mary Sullivan, co-founder of Sweet but Fearless, talks with Bridget Sicsko, Brand Strategist, Speaker, and Consultant, for a conversation on building a brand that actually reflects who you are and what you want to be known for. They dig into a simple but often overlooked question: when someone lands on your LinkedIn or website, is it immediately clear who you are and what you stand for? Bridget shares how taking a thoughtful audit of your digital presence can help you shape the narrative you want others to see and why clarity is the foundation of any strong personal brand. As co-founder of Visibility on Purpose and host of the Visibility Era podcast, Bridget breaks down how to develop your brand voice, use storytelling to elevate your message, and leverage social media for visibility, even with little to no budget. She also reminds us that every experience, whether a win or a setback, offers lessons that can strengthen your brand story. This episode is a practical and empowering guide for anyone ready to show up with intention, refine their message, and build a brand that opens doors. ABOUT BRIDGET SICSKO: Website – Visibility on PurposeLinkedIn – Bridget SicskoPodcast – Visibility Era ABOUT SWEET BUT FEARLESS: Website - Sweet but Fearless LinkedIn - Sweet but Fearless

April 13, 2026Episode 28333 min

Self-Awareness for Success: Carmell Clark on Trusting Yourself and Leading with Purpose (S10:Epi 283)

In this episode, Mary Sullivan, co-founder of Sweet but Fearless, talks with Carmell Clark, Executive Coach and Vision Strategist, for a conversation about trusting yourself, leaning into your strengths, and doing work that truly fulfills you. Carmell shares how paying attention to what energizes you can help guide better choices in both career and life, and why meaningful change starts from within. It's an inspiring reminder to stop waiting and start creating the future you want now. Carmell is the founder of the Center for Transformational Influence (CTI), an organization that works globally across sectors to help companies and entrepreneurs build sustainable success through greater self-actualization and gender equity. ABOUT CARMELL CLARK: Website - Carmell ClarkLinkedIn - Carmell ClarkUpcoming Books - "Professional Woman's Guide to Radical Self-Acceptance" "The Art of Discovering Who You Are" ABOUT SWEET BUT FEARLESS: Website - Sweet but Fearless LinkedIn - Sweet but Fearless

April 6, 2026Episode 28229 min

Leadership Development: Understanding Lazy Leadership with Corinne Gavlinski, CEO and Founder of The Gav Group (S10:Epi 282)

In this episode, Mary Sullivan, co-founder of Sweet but Fearless, talks with Corinne Gavlinski, CEO and Founder of The GAV Group, about what it really takes to lead with intention in high-pressure environments. With over two decades of experience in financial services and health tech, Corinne shares how she built and scaled commercial teams while navigating demanding growth goals and constant pressure. But it was a personal loss that sparked a deeper reflection, shifting how she saw herself as a leader and how she shows up for others. Together, they explore the importance of lifting up your team, having meaningful development conversations, and staying aware of your impact as a leader. Corinne also introduces her XTR (Executive Table Read) methodology and unpacks the concept of "lazy leadership", those moments when distraction pulls you away from your intentions. This conversation is a powerful reminder to stay present, lead with purpose, and take a bet on yourself. ABOUT CORINNE GAVLINSKI: Website – The Gav GroupLinkedIn – Corinne GavlinskiThe XTR - More info ABOUT SWEET BUT FEARLESS: Website - Sweet but Fearless LinkedIn - Sweet but Fearless