Heads Up, Heels Down: Audra Smith's Equestrian Secret to Business Success

Do you feel like you have to change who you are to succeed in a male-dominated industry? In this episode of Women's Million Dollar Conversations, Alice Tang sits down with Audra Smith, Regional Sales Manager for Principal Financial Group and a 30-year veteran of the financial industry. Audra shares her powerful "Heads Up, Heels Down" philosophy—a lesson from horse riding that she applies to navigating business opportunities and staying grounded during challenges. She also opens up about her journey from trying to be "one of the boys" to realizing that her best self is her authentic self. In this episode, you'll learn: -The "Heads Up, Heels Down" mantra for staying aware and avoiding failure. -Why you should never be afraid to bring in experts who are smarter than you. -How to balance facts, data, and logic with "gut reaction" in high-stakes decisions. -Why failing is actually an essential part of getting it right. Key Moments: 00:45 – Audra's 30-year background in employee benefits and business ownership. 01:15 – Overcoming self-limiting beliefs and the bias of being one woman among 16 male leaders. 02:12 – Why trying to be "one of the guys" was the wrong approach. 03:10 – The formula for big decisions: Balancing data with emotional intelligence. 05:30 – Being humble enough to bring in experts when you aren't one. 06:44 – The equestrian secret: "Heads Up, Heels Down" in the boardroom. 10:55 – Why money isn't everything—it's about the freedom to make choices.