In this podcase episode, Mary Sullivan, co-founder of Sweet but Fearless, talks with transformational coach and author, Martine Cohen to explore how adversity can become the catalyst for reinvention. Martine shares insights from her book No More Layers, where she uses the metaphor of "layers" to reveal how fear, conditioning, and limiting beliefs keep us from accessing our true potential.

Together, they discuss why the first step in any meaningful pivot is to look inward, to lead yourself before leading others. Martine emphasizes the importance of being proactive, investing in yourself, and releasing the illusion of perfection. Leadership isn't about being a boss, it's about guiding yourself toward the life and career you truly want.

If you've ever felt stuck or weighed down by expectations, this episode will inspire you to shed what no longer serves you and step confidently into your next chapter.

MORE ABOUT MARTINE COHEN:
Website: Martine Cohen
LinkedIn: Martine Cohen
Book: No More Layers: Discover Your Inner Power and Reclaim True Freedom From the Inside Out
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ABOUT SWEET BUT FEARLESS:
Website - Sweet but Fearless
LinkedIn - Sweet but Fearless

In this episode, Mary Sullivan, co-founder of Sweet but Fearless, sits down with Bizzie Gold, mental health innovator, speaker, and author of Your Brain Is a Filthy Liar. Using a science-backed approach to Brain Pattern Mapping, Bizzie exposes how your mind manipulates you into believing the same comfortable lies, all while making your life harder than it needs to be.

Together, they talk about why most self-sabotage begins in childhood and how labels can become convenient excuses that block real growth.

Bizzie is a trailblazing innovator in emotional rewiring, blending cutting-edge technology with data-driven insights to revolutionize the mental health field. As the creator of a nationally accredited methodology, she challenges the status quo by exposing the subconscious patterns that drive behavior and offering efficient, sustainable tools for lasting change.

MORE ABOUT BIZZIE GOLD:
Website: Bizzie Gold
LinkedIn: Bizzie Gold
Instagram: Bizzie Gold
Decoded Podcast with Bizzie
Book: Your Brain is a Filthy Liar: How Self-Deception Controls You and the Path to Freedom

ABOUT SWEET BUT FEARLESS:
Website - Sweet but Fearless
LinkedIn - Sweet but Fearless

In this episode, Mary Sullivan, co-founder of Sweet but Fearless, talks with Karen Bartholomew to explore her transformative Power of the Pause methodology, a step-by-step framework designed to help you redesign your next chapter with intention and courage.

Karen believes our greatest superpower is curiosity, and that failure isn't a setback but a gift that reveals what truly matters. Through her Pause Methodology, she shares how to slow down, reflect, and create space for growth, clarity, and reinvention.

Whether you're navigating a career pivot, a personal transition, or simply craving a reset, this conversation will inspire you to embrace the pause and rediscover the power within it.

Through The Pause Method, Karen helps women and leaders break free from limiting beliefs, release old patterns, and step fully into their potential. Whether you're navigating a major life transition, seeking more meaning in your career, or simply wanting to show up more powerfully in your own life, she'll help you slow down so you can speed up in the right direction.

MORE ABOUT KAREN BARTHOLOMEW:
Website: Karen Bartholomew
YouTube: The Power of the Pause

ABOUT SWEET BUT FEARLESS:
Website - Sweet but Fearless
LinkedIn - Sweet but Fearless

In this episode, Mary Sullivan, co-founder of Sweet but Fearless, talks with Brooke Lively, founder and president of Cathedral Capital, about the twists, turns, and unexpected detours that shape a fulfilling career. Together, they explore how finding where you belong often means recognizing that the right company is one whose core values truly align with your own.

Brooke shares how each job, whether it's a perfect fit or a painful mismatch, can teach you something valuable. Even a challenging boss can become a guidepost, showing you the kind of leader you aspire to be.

As Robert Frost wrote, "I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference." This episode reminds us that success isn't about a straight line, it's about the growth, lessons, and wins you collect along the way.

MORE ABOUT BROOKE LIVELY:
LinkedIn: Brooke Lively
Website: Brooke Lively
Website: CathCap
YouTube: An Interview with Brooke Lively

ABOUT SWEET BUT FEARLESS:
Website - Sweet but Fearless
LinkedIn - Sweet but Fearless

In this episode, Mary Sullivan, co-founder of Sweet but Fearless, talks with Kelli Thompson, award-winning executive coach and author, to explore where confidence truly comes from and how curiosity is its secret partner.

Mary and Kelli unpack the critical difference between being a manager and being a leader, diving into how doing the work yourself can sometimes hinder your ability to think strategically and lead effectively. Together, they explore why confidence isn't about having all the answers but about being willing to ask the right questions.

Tune in and discover how confidence and curiosity work hand-in-hand to shape authentic, fearless leadership.

Kelli is an award-winning leadership and executive coach, keynote speaker, and the critically acclaimed author of Closing The Confidence Gap: Boost Your Peace, Your Potential & Your Paycheck. In Kelli's two-decade career leading teams, she received industry awards for her ability to build programs that cultivated the pipeline of future leaders.

MORE ABOUT KELLI THOMPSON:
LinkedIn: Kelli Thompson
Website: Kelli Rae Thompson
Book: Closing The Confidence Gap: Boost Your Peace, Your Potential & Your Paycheck.
Ted Talk: How Idolizing Coworkers Can Hold You Back

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ABOUT SWEET BUT FEARLESS:
Website - Sweet but Fearless
LinkedIn - Sweet but Fearless

In this episode, Mary Sullivan, co-founder of Sweet but Fearless, talks with Gloria Chou, an award-winning PR strategist and host of the top-rated Small Business PR Podcast. Gloria is known for her untraditional yet proven approach to public relations—one that makes visibility and media access attainable for everyone, not just those with insider connections or massive followings.

Together, they dive into what PR truly means for small business owners and professionals in transition. Gloria shares practical strategies for pitching yourself with confidence, using your voice to attract your ideal audience, and showing up authentically in your story.

✨ FREE MASTERCLASS Oct 7-9, 2025

MORE ABOUT GLOIA CHOU
LinkedIn: Gloria Chou
Website: Gloria Chou PR
Podcast: Small Business PR
Masterclass: Get Featured in Gift Guides, Oct 7-9, 2025

ABOUT SWEET BUT FEARLESS:
Website - Sweet but Fearless
LinkedIn - Sweet but Fearless

In this episode of the Sweet but Fearless podcast, co-founder, Mary Sullivan, talks with Kim Brassor, founder and Chief Visionary with One Voice Evolving, for an insightful conversation on resilience and reinvention, especially for women over 40. Together, they explore what it truly means to take up space at the table, how to speak so others will listen, and the hidden barriers that keep many women from feeling confident, comfortable, and secure in their roles.

Kim shares practical strategies for finding your voice, stepping into your presence, and overcoming the doubts that hold you back. Whether you're leading in the workplace, starting something new, or simply redefining what's next, this episode will give you tools to step forward with courage and clarity.

✨ Click the link below to grab your free resource on How to Speak Up and start building your confidence today!

Kim Brassor, MA-ORGL, is a speaker, author, and founder of One Voice Evolving. With a background in organizational leadership and a passion for helping women find their authentic voice, Kim specializes in guiding listeners through the art of courageous conversations. Her work blends practical communication tools with somatic awareness, making her an engaging, insightful guest for podcasts focused on personal growth, leadership, women's empowerment, and professional development.

MORE ABOUT KIM BRASSOR
LinkedIn: Kim Brassor
Website: One Voice Evolving

FREE: Speak Up Starter Kit

ABOUT SWEET BUT FEARLESS:
Website - Sweet but Fearless
LinkedIn - Sweet but Fearless

In this episode of the Sweet but Fearless podcast, co-founder, Mary Sullivan, talks with Anastasia Ristovska, co-founder of Books at Ease and Next Generation Bookkeeping Academy, focusing on the financial foundations every business needs to thrive. Anastasia shares her journey from corporate accountant to building two successful businesses dedicated to empowering small and medium-sized companies, especially in the digital space, with financial control and clarity.

She highlights why leveraging relationships is just as critical as the numbers, and why systems and processes must be in place from the start to avoid costly mistakes down the road. Anastasia also gives us a behind-the-scenes look at her work training international accounting professionals in U.S. business principles and communication skills, helping to fill a growing gap in skilled financial talent.

It's an inspiring conversation about strategy, structure, and the courage to build something that lasts.

MORE ABOUT ANASTASIA RISTOVSKA:
LinkedIn: Anastasia R.
Website: Books At Ease

ABOUT SWEET BUT FEARLESS:
Website - Sweet but Fearless
LinkedIn - Sweet but Fearless