Brave Women at Work

By: Jen Pestikas
  • Summary

  • 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
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Episodes
  • Let's All Rise Together With Diana Patton
    Sep 19 2024

    Are you ready for a firecracker of a conversation with my sister from another mister, Diana Patton, my guest today on the podcast? Diana and I met during an online presentation I was giving for another women’s organization, PINKK, led by another Brave Women at Work podcast guest, Athena Golianis. Athena sure knows how to connect people! There was energy immediately between Diana and I, and we knew we needed to be in one another’s orbits.


    During our conversation, Diana and I talked about:

    1. Diana’s challenging past and how it forged who she is today.
    2. The pivotal moment in Diana’s life when she knew she needed to run her own business and not stay solely focused on law.
    3. What rising means to Diana.
    4. What challenges Diana sees that prevent women from rising.
    5. Books and other resources that Diana used in her own rising journey.
    6. Her All Rise Live Summit here in Chi-town – Chicago!
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    53 mins
  • Finding Bravery At The Intersection Of Yes And No Amidst Loss With Bryn Freedman
    Sep 12 2024

    Sorry to start a show so heavy, but this is one of the most real, raw, and brave interviews I have held in almost 200 episodes of Brave Women at Work.


    As I will explain in today’s show, I met Bryn Freedman, my guest today, in a most interesting way. On an airplane. What would unfold after that has shocked and awed me. I would like to thank Bryn for being on the show today, especially after losing her husband, Steve Freedman, just a few short weeks ago.


    Bryn has had an amazing career in investigative news, making documentaries, being a TED curator and coach, and simply helping make the world a better place with her non-profit, Voices4Freedom.


    I learned so much from Bryn and our conversation, and I could feel my emotions well up in my heart several times during the show. It was a mixture of sadness and grief for Bryn who lost Steve so unexpectedly, and gratitude for the time we spent together during our discussion.


    During our conversation, Bryn and I talked about:

    1. More of the juicy details behind the story of how Bryn and I met on a plane to Portugal.
    2. The story of Steve’s recent passing.
    3. The background story behind Bryn’s amazing investigative news, and documentary film/TV career.
    4. Bryn’s relationship with yes, no, and now, how am I feeling today.
    5. How Bryn’s relationship with her mom and how it has improved after her passing.
    6. Bryn’s thoughts on burnout.
    7. And more.


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    1 hr and 2 mins
  • Life Insurance: Protecting What Matters Most With Danielle Burch
    Sep 5 2024

    Ok, let’s start with the elephant in the room. Why am I talking about life insurance on this show? You may think – BORING with a capital B or next podcast! I am asking you to open your mind and listen in.

    To be a brave woman at work and in your life, I am a firm believer you need to have a solid financial foundation and an understanding of your finances. This includes insurance.

    You will also hear in the show that I am passionate about this topic because it hit my family, and my mother, directly. I grew up in a middle-class family in the 80’s. My mom and dad worked hard to give me a great childhood. Then, my dad was diagnosed at 40 years old with cancer. Two to three years later, the cancer came back after remission and was terminal. My dad ended up passing away at the early age of 48. My dad didn’t have enough life insurance, so my mom continued working 2 jobs until her late 50s to provide a life for my brother and me.

    I don’t want you to go through something similar. And while this story is not meant to scare you, it is meant to get your attention. By having enough life insurance on yourself and your loved ones, it frees up the power of choice if something unforeseen were to happen to you or someone else in your family.

    When I met my guest, Danielle Burch, today, I knew I needed to have her on my show. She also geeks out on life insurance and has seen her fair share of situations like my mom’s.

    During our conversation, Danielle and I chatted about:


    1. How Danielle entered the world of insurance
    2. Why women need to have life insurance as part of their financial plan
    3. A high-level overview of the two major types of insurance
    4. The flexibility of insurance in comparison to a 401(k) plan where many of us have our retirement dollars going
    5. The differences between group insurance through work and individual insurance policies
    6. And unbiased resources we can turn to learn more about insurance.

    Join us as we dive into a topic that is often overlooked.

    One disclaimer about today’s podcast is that Danielle and I are not financial advisors or insurance agents. We are not referring individual products and services to you. This podcast should be taken as educational. Please speak with a trusted financial advisor or insurance agent to determine the best course of action for your situation.

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    50 mins

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