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Brave Women at Work

Brave Women at Work

Written by: Jen Pestikas
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Leadership positions in corporations are overwhelmingly held by men. Women who want to advance their careers and have equal representation at the table face enormous obstacles in today's society. They are frequently viewed through the lens of stereotypes, making it difficult for them to demonstrate their worth. In response, it's only natural that they keep their heads down and wallow in their insecurities. Don't you wish there was a guidebook for women to use as they enter the workforce? With this, they could have a much easier time navigating the complex environment.


Since there isn't anything like it out there, Jen Pestikas created a podcast called Brave Women at Work to fill the void. This show encourages women to believe in themselves and take charge of their professional lives so that they can progress to the next level.


Each episode is devoted to a different set of issues that prevent professional women from reaching their full potential and obtaining the leadership positions they seek. Burnout and imposter syndrome are two common causes of self-sabotage. Learn to break free of the victim mentality and the distractions that prevent you from speaking up, and you will have taken the first step toward removing those obstacles. Get out of your comfort zone and into the path to achieving much larger objectives. Use the information you gain from this show to help you realize your full potential, then stand firm against the unjust demands of the business world.


Listen in on discussions that teach you how to advocate for yourself and let others recognize the value you bring to the workplace. Don't let the long hours you spend at work make you feel bored or unappreciated. Find out when it's appropriate to negotiate your salary, your hours, and your position to get the most out of your job. One should not put their professional success in the hands of others. Take advantage of your unique abilities to make significant strides in your career.


For over twenty years, Jen has worked as a Certified Career and Leadership Coach in the business world, and now she's bringing that knowledge to the podcast audience. She'll show you how to succeed professionally without sacrificing your personal life or putting on a false front. Gain self-assurance and knock down roadblocks to success with the help of Jen's insightful advice.


In addition to her extensive expertise, Jen shares uplifting takeaways from her own corporate experience. Both burnout and the "imposter syndrome" have affected her. She struggled with many self-limiting beliefs and experienced her share of professional dissatisfaction. After spending many years in the predominantly male investment services industry, Jen learned what it takes to stand out as a strong, career-focused woman. She overcame adversity and is now the Senior Vice President of Business Development at a thriving financial institution. She is a shining proof of how far one can go in their careers by playing to their strengths and removing any self-doubt that may have been holding them back.


On the podcast, Jen not only discusses her own life but also features interviews with other remarkable women. Find out how they overcame the obstacles they encountered in the business world and how they turned their setbacks into opportunities. These outstanding individuals were once in your shoes, and now you can benefit from their experiences and insights as you propel your own career to new heights.


As long as men dominate the corporate world, it will be difficult for women to advance. Don't let the gender gap stop you from pursuing your professional goals. Acquire the resources you need to fully realize your potential by following Jen's guidance and the examples of her amazing guests. Luck will not make you a good leader. Instead, make people listen to what you have to say, become your own advocate, and take bolder action in everything you do.


Listen to Brave Women at Work at https://bravewomenatwork.com/.

Copyright 2023 Jen Pestikas | Brave Women at Work | All Rights Reserved
Careers Economics Personal Success
Episodes
  • Reclaim Your Time: Why Emails and Meetings Aren't Leadership with Carol Schultz
    Jul 30 2026
    1 hr
  • Everyone is Creative: Busting the Biggest Myth at Work with Melissa Dinwiddie
    Jul 23 2026

    When was the last time you had fun and experienced joy while doing it? I know. I had a coach many years ago ask me the question, “When do you play?” I was dumbfounded. I worked. I took care of my family. I tried to take care of myself in the middle of all of that. And repeat. I immediately thought there wasn’t time for fun. Let alone creative pursuits like I used to have.

    Like many times in my life, I was wrong and had to learn that fun, joy, and creativity have a place in our lives. This is imperative for our self-care, for our healing, and for living a full life. And yes, we can be creative at work too.

    During today’s conversation with my guest Melissa Dinwiddie, we and I chatted about:

    1. Her first book, The Creative Sandbox Way.
    2. Why everyone is creative, and why believing the opposite is a lie.
    3. The steps we can take today to bust out of a creative rut and start experiencing the joy of creative play today
    4. Her latest book, Innovation at Work, and how The Creative Sandbox Way and Innovation at Work play off one another.
    5. How you can start one way, like Melissa did at Julliard, move to an entirely different career as a jazz singer, and land in a new place (aka – your career doesn’t have to have a straight line)

    If you lean towards the work, work, work camp like me, listen into this show with an open mind. And be prepared to debunk the myth that you are no creative because that is simply not true.

    Here is more about Melissa:

    Melissa Dinwiddie is an innovation strategist and keynote speaker who helps leaders at mid-to-large tech and SaaS companies turn an innovation mandate into an innovation practice. Her Create the ImpossibleTM framework — Play Hard, Make Crap, Learn Fast — was designed specifically for the analytical, skeptical teams who are convinced they’re not creative. Because that’s exactly who needs it most.

    Melissa’s keynotes are immersive, interactive experiences that blend storytelling, science, and hands-on activities. Audiences don’t just listen — they participate, surprise themselves, and leave with tools they can use on Tuesday morning. The numbers back this up: 94% of attendees find her talks valuable, and 96% say they’d see her speak again.

    Her background includes work with teams at Meta, Google, Salesforce, and Uber, and she has delivered sessions for SHRM, PMI, AMA, and Stanford. She studied dance at Juilliard, spent 15 years as a professional artist in Silicon Valley, performed as a jazz singer/songwriter and musical improviser, and is the author of Innovation at Work: 52 Micro-Experiments for Brave Leaders (Pluralite Press, 2026).

    Before we begin, please be sure to share this show with a family member, friend or colleague. As you know, your ratings and reviews help this show to gain traction and continue to grow. Thank you if you have already left a review.

    Also, if you haven’t downloaded one of my freebies on my site, check them out on bravewomenatwork.com. I have 5 Ways to Managing Your Imposter Syndrome, 34 Leadership and Career Affirmations, and 10 tips to Win Your Next Negotiation. Download one or them or all three!


    If you also have a story to share and a deep desire to become an author, please contact me at hello@bravewomenatwork.com. I am happy to share the details on the project.


    Alright, let’s welcome Melissa to the show!


    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 1 min
  • Unlocking Your Human Design: Live and Lead in Alignment with Michelle Pecak
    Jul 16 2026
    1 hr and 7 mins
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