In this episode, we dive into the inspiring journey of Senator Julia Coleman, the youngest woman ever elected to the Minnesota State Senate.

Julia shares how she navigated pregnancy, motherhood, and ambitious leadership with authenticity, resilience, and unwavering faith in herself. Her story is a powerful reminder that motherhood does not disqualify you from leading - it fuels your fire to make an impact.

Key insights include:

• Building confidence through small wins and proving your capabilities over time
• Turning high-pressure campaigns and challenging remarks into fuel for success
• Practical strategies for relationship-building while managing young children in demanding careers
• The significance of allies and mentors who break traditional rules to support women in politics
• The critical need for systemic changes, such as inclusive workplace policies for mothers and dedicated childcare spaces
• Julia’s perspective on stepping into new rooms that challenge her growth and bravery

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction to Julia Coleman’s trailblazing journey 02:10 - Campaigns and resilience built through pregnancy and motherhood 03:58 - Developing confidence as a muscle through incremental wins 04:26 - Decision to run for office amid imperfect timing 05:22 - Motivation behind running for state senate amidst personal challenges 06:25 - Dynamics and culture in the Senate when Julia first arrived 07:34 - Responding to criticism and demonstrating resilience in public service 08:32 - Turning negative remarks into moments of wit and confidence 09:57 - Mentorship and support from women who paved the way 11:39 - Gaining respect and perceived authority through consistent presence and leadership 12:38 - Leading with purpose during long debates and remote voting during COVID 13:21 - Unwritten rules and relationship-building as essential elements of leadership 14:11 - Strategies for balancing motherhood and career, scheduling relationship time intentionally 16:09 - Importance of making space for working mothers in legislative environments 17:55 - Role of fun in networking and leadership for Julia 18:53 - Influence of trailblazing women in her career 20:16 - Changes in legislative culture supporting women and young mothers 21:21 - Overcoming the challenge of being seen as a leader and a mother simultaneously 22:48 - Lessons on setting boundaries and prioritizing self-care 23:52 - Message motherhood sends about leadership and representation 25:20 - Julia’s influence on future generations of women in politics 26:43 - Systemic reforms still needed, like childcare and breaks during long debates 29:22 - Advice for women hesitating to step into influential rooms 30:55 - Next challenge: what’s beyond the current room, and the courage to grow 34:10 - Julia’s ongoing journey of bravery, growth, and expanding her influence

Resources & Links:

• Julia Coleman - Minnesota State Senator
• Brene Brown - The Power of Vulnerability
• Brendon Burchard - High Performance Habits

Connect with Julia Coleman:

• LinkedIn
• Twitter

This conversation is a testament to the transformative power of authentic leadership, resilience, and breaking barriers with grace. Share this episode with someone who needs to see what's possible when you lead with heart and purpose.

Unlock the secret behind the confidence divide that’s holding countless women back - not from a lack of ability, but from years of silent messaging planted early in life.

What if confidence isn’t about faking it or mustering endless bravado? What if it’s actually about recognizing and rewiring the conditioning that makes us second-guess ourselves every step of the way?

In this episode of Smart Women Talking, Polly Meyer and Barbara Zuleger cut through the noise to reveal a radical truth: the confidence gap is less about personality and more about deeply ingrained messages we’ve absorbed - messages that tell us to take up less space, play small, and hide our brilliance.

Discover how this conditioning shapes women’s leadership, decision-making, and the way they show up in every room, whether in meetings or boardrooms. You’ll learn:

• Why telling women to "just be more confident" is the worst advice - and what to do instead
• The subtle signs of self-doubt that high-performing women often hide, and how to recognize them in yourself and others
• How societal messages from childhood and modeling other women reinforce limiting beliefs - and how to break free from them
• The difference between genuine humility and shrinking, and why standing in your worth elevates everyone around you
• Practical frameworks like the Evidence Collection method that turn vague self-doubt into clear, solvable questions
• The power of small, intentional moves - like changing a wardrobe item or asking better questions - to rewire your confidence muscle

This episode is a call to action for women ready to reclaim their space, their voice, and their leadership. If you’ve ever felt like your doubts are holding you hostage, or wondered how some women seem effortlessly confident - this is your roadmap to rewriting that story.

Because when women step into their full power, they don’t just transform themselves - they ignite a ripple effect of possibility for everyone around them.

Whether you're leading a team, growing a business, or stepping into a new role, understanding and addressing the confidence gap is the key to unlocking your next level.

Confidence isn’t about never doubting, it’s about learning how to trust yourself enough to keep moving forward, one small step at a time.

Are you ready to speak differently, lead boldly, and take up space unapologetically? Then hit play - this conversation might just shift everything.

The Hidden Likability Tax

Most women are conditioned to be likable at all costs - but what if that pressure is secretly costing you respect, authority, and your personal power? Dr. Kyra Messick-O'Quinn reveals the hidden toll of the "likability tax" and how it sabotages your influence and confidence in the workplace - and in life. This isn't about sacrificing kindness; it's about reclaiming your strength and authenticity without fear of pushback.

In this eye-opening conversation, you'll discover how striving to be universally liked leads to emotional over-calibration, over-explaining, and self-doubt - all behaviors that drain your energy and diminish your impact. Dr. Kyra shares powerful frameworks like the river metaphor for personal power and practical strategies to identify and shift subconscious behaviors - including over-apologizing, excessive self-editing, and avoiding conflict - that keep you from showing up fully.

We break down how high-performing women unintentionally pay the likability tax, what it costs in trust and opportunity, and how small shifts can unlock a new level of authority. Whether you're navigating leadership, striving for influence, or simply tired of playing small, this episode will give you clear tools to speak with more confidence, set boundaries, and lead with presence - without losing your kindness.

If you’re ready to step into your power and stop sacrificing respect for approval, this episode is essential listening. The transformation begins when you see these invisible patterns - and decide to change them. Perfect for women who want to lead authentically and influence deeply - without the hidden costs of trying to be everyone’s favorite.

Dr. Kyra Messick-O'Quinn is a clinical psychologist and holistic health expert dedicated to helping sensitive, high-achieving women reclaim their strength. Her work blends ancient wisdom with modern psychology, empowering women to lead with courage and clarity.

Get ready to transform your mindset, your communication, and your life. Your authority is waiting.