In this episode, Mary Sullivan, co-founder of Sweet but Fearless, talks with Johanna Danaher, founder of Anchor to Aspire, for a thoughtful conversation on what it really means to lead with intention and energy leadership. Together, they explore human-centered design in leadership, starting with one simple but often overlooked skill: listening to understand. Johanna challenges leaders to go beyond surface-level responses (like "fine" aka feelings inside not expressed) and instead create space for honesty and connection.

They also dive into Energy Leadership, how you're fueled each day, how your energy impacts those around you, and why your emotional awareness is a leadership skill, not a weakness. Through tools like the Energy Leadership Index, Johanna helps leaders better understand the connection between mindset, emotion, and performance.

This episode is a reminder to slow down, embrace the power of the pause, and create intentional space for change. Because how you lead starts with how you show up.

ABOUT JOHANNA DANAHER:
Website – Anchor to Aspire
LinkedIn – Johanna Danaher

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 Bridget Sicsko, Brand Strategist, Speaker, and Consultant, for a conversation on building a brand that actually reflects who you are and what you want to be known for.

They dig into a simple but often overlooked question: when someone lands on your LinkedIn or website, is it immediately clear who you are and what you stand for? Bridget shares how taking a thoughtful audit of your digital presence can help you shape the narrative you want others to see and why clarity is the foundation of any strong personal brand.

As co-founder of Visibility on Purpose and host of the Visibility Era podcast, Bridget breaks down how to develop your brand voice, use storytelling to elevate your message, and leverage social media for visibility, even with little to no budget. She also reminds us that every experience, whether a win or a setback, offers lessons that can strengthen your brand story.

This episode is a practical and empowering guide for anyone ready to show up with intention, refine their message, and build a brand that opens doors.

ABOUT BRIDGET SICSKO:
Website – Visibility on Purpose
LinkedIn – Bridget Sicsko
Podcast – Visibility Era

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 Carmell Clark, Executive Coach and Vision Strategist, for a conversation about trusting yourself, leaning into your strengths, and doing work that truly fulfills you. Carmell shares how paying attention to what energizes you can help guide better choices in both career and life, and why meaningful change starts from within. It's an inspiring reminder to stop waiting and start creating the future you want now.

Carmell is the founder of the Center for Transformational Influence (CTI), an organization that works globally across sectors to help companies and entrepreneurs build sustainable success through greater self-actualization and gender equity.

ABOUT CARMELL CLARK:
Website - Carmell Clark
LinkedIn - Carmell Clark
Upcoming Books -
"Professional Woman's Guide to Radical Self-Acceptance"
"The Art of Discovering Who You Are"

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 Corinne Gavlinski, CEO and Founder of The GAV Group, about what it really takes to lead with intention in high-pressure environments.

With over two decades of experience in financial services and health tech, Corinne shares how she built and scaled commercial teams while navigating demanding growth goals and constant pressure. But it was a personal loss that sparked a deeper reflection, shifting how she saw herself as a leader and how she shows up for others.

Together, they explore the importance of lifting up your team, having meaningful development conversations, and staying aware of your impact as a leader. Corinne also introduces her XTR (Executive Table Read) methodology and unpacks the concept of "lazy leadership", those moments when distraction pulls you away from your intentions.

This conversation is a powerful reminder to stay present, lead with purpose, and take a bet on yourself.

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 Janet Kintner, a pioneering lawyer and judge who helped break barriers in San Diego, California, while raising three children and managing a full and busy home life. In this candid conversation, Janet reflects on her groundbreaking career, including the pivotal moment in 1978 when she was forced to run in an election to keep her judicial seat.

Janet shares her experiences navigating law school, the challenges of working in a male-dominated field, and the resilience it took to keep moving forward. She also opens up about writing her first memoir after years of contributing to legal articles, and the people who supported her along the way.

Through it all, Janet emphasizes the importance of recognizing your worth, letting go of perfection, and building a strong community of support. Her story is a powerful reminder that persistence, self-belief, and using your voice can open doors and that you deserve your place at the table.

In this episode, Mary Sullivan, co-founder of Sweet but Fearless, talks with Dr. Kate Mason, author of Powerfully Likable, about what it really means to communicate as a woman in today's workplace. Too often, women feel like they have to choose, be powerful or be likable. But what if you didn't have to?

Kate shares how the way we communicate trains others how to trust us and why understanding who you are is key to stepping into leadership with confidence. This conversation challenges the idea of either/or and introduces a more powerful approach, being both strong and genuinely likable.

Because real leadership isn't about choosing, it's about becoming powerfully likable.

Dr. Kate Mason is an executive communications coach, keynote speaker and author specializing in communication, influence, and leadership dynamics.

Kate works with companies like Microsoft, Netflix, Google.org, Uber and many more to help execs more fully present themselves and boost their signal, presence, and value in their organization.

ABOUT DR. KATE MAASON:
Website – Dr. Kate Mason
LinkedIn: Dr. Kate Mason
BOOK: Powerfully Likeable

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 Eleanor Beaton, founder of Safi Media, about confidence and how it's built through courage. Confidence doesn't appear overnight; it grows each time you step outside your comfort zone and do something you haven't done before.

They discuss why courage is the foundation of confidence, and how taking small, bold actions can expand what you believe is possible for yourself. The conversation also explores the power of relationships at work and why who you know, and who knows about you, can be just as important as what you know.

If you've ever hesitated to speak up, reach out, or connect with people who hold more influence, this episode offers practical insight on building the confidence to show up, be visible, and create meaningful professional relationships.

ABOUT ELEANOR BEATON:
LinkedIn – Eleanor Beaton
Website: Eleanor Beaton
Podcast: Woman Owned: The Growth Podcast for Women Entrepreneurs
Website – Safi Media
Join the Newsletter

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 Chanda Coston, Personal PMP and Success Strategist, about how women over 40 can build businesses by leveraging the experiences they've gathered over time. With a background that spans the U.S. Navy and corporate America, Chanda explains how every role, challenge, and lesson becomes part of what she calls a "shoebox of experiences" that can be used to create new opportunities.

In this conversation, Chanda challenges the pressure of hustle culture and encourages women to be smarter about how they spend their time. Instead of trying to do everything at once, she suggests breaking life into seasons and designing your schedule around the goals that matter most in the season you're in.

Chanda also emphasizes the importance of making the outcome non-negotiable. By building a practical action plan and approaching goals with intention and strategy, women can move their businesses forward in a way that is proactive, focused, and sustainable.

This episode is a reminder that experience is powerful, time is valuable, and the next chapter of business can be built with purpose.

ABOUT CHANDA COSTON:
LinkedIn – Chanda Coston
Website – Chanda Co.
E-book – Reclaiming Your Dreams with Confidence & Clarity

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