In this episode Mary Sullivan, co-founder of Sweet but Fearless, talks with Caroline Stokes, leadership strategist, Fifth Industrial Revolution, for a grounded conversation about intentional learning, emotional intelligence, and navigating change at work with clarity.

They explore how emotional intelligence can quietly influence your career, both positively and negatively, especially during moments of uncertainty or transition. Caroline introduces the four common responses to workplace shifts: flight, freeze, fight, and fawn, and explains why understanding your default reaction is key to moving forward with intention instead of operating on autopilot. Once you know where you are, you can begin to choose a mindset that supports growth rather than stress or stagnation.

The conversation also dives into thinking ahead in your career, learning with purpose, and handling disruption without losing momentum. Drawing from her books Elephants Before Unicorns and Aftershock, Caroline shares practical insights for leaders who want to respond thoughtfully to change instead of reacting out of fear.

This episode is for anyone facing shifts at work and looking to lead themselves, and their careers, with greater awareness and intention.

A Sony alum who contributed to the launch of PlayStation, and a PCC-level, EQ 2.0–certified coach, Caroline has evolved from executive headhunter to one of the few global authorities on psychological and strategic leadership reinvention.

ABOUT CAROLINE STOKES, CEC:
Website - The Forward Co
LinkedIn - Caroline Stokes, CEC
Books:
Elephants Before Unicorns: Emotionally Intellignet HR Strategies to Save Your Company

Aftershock to 2030: A CEO's Guide to Reinvention in the Age of AI, Climate, and Societal Collapse

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 Tameka Bazile, content creator, entrepreneur, and a powerful voice on LinkedIn, where she shares raw, honest truths about social media as both a profession and a culture. Tameka challenges the idea that your identity stops at your 9–5 and reminds us that personal branding isn't just for influencers, it's essential for professionals navigating evolving careers.

They talk about the importance of being open about what you actually want in your career, asking for opportunities instead of waiting to be discovered, and allowing yourself to grow beyond the version of you that first entered the workforce. Tameka also makes one thing clear: learning matters but learning without action keeps you stuck.

This conversation is a reminder to stay curious, apply what you learn, and commit to lifelong growth because your career is allowed to evolve as much as you do. Tameka is a Brooklyn-born creative entrepreneur, social strategist, and business influencer who is shaping the conversation around work, identity, and brand power in the digital age.

With a career spanning over eight years, Tameka has built a reputation as a sharp, creative industry leader who blends strategic thinking with real-world relatability. She previously served as Social Strategy Manager at TIME, where she oversaw social programming for legacy media bringing the century-old brand into a social-first future

ABOUT TAMEKA BAZILE:
LinkedIn: Tameka Bazile
Website: Tameka B
Instagram: The Tameka Bazile

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 Michele Kehrer, author and founder of Shift to Success, for a thoughtful conversation about overcoming adversity and the personal challenges we all face.

Drawing from her book Brave Shift, Michele explores how mindset shapes the way our days unfold, how the thoughts we start with can either fuel overwhelm or create space for calm. Together, they talk about the importance of beginning each morning by identifying the one thing that truly matters that day.

With never-ending to-do lists pulling at our attention, this conversation is a reminder that we have to learn when to set the list aside and choose to take action for ourselves.

ABOUT MICHELE KEHRER:
LinkedIn: Michele Kehrer
Website: Michele Kehrer
BOOK: Brave Shift:30 Mindset Changes to Transfer Your Life
Available January 27, 2026

FREE: Shift to Success Starter Kit

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