Female Fridays

Most high achievers are really good at thinking their way through life.We analyze. We strategize. We push forward.But what happens when success on paper doesn’t feel aligned on the inside?In this episode of Female Fridays, I’m joined by life coach Rachel Zurer to talk about something many ambitious professionals struggle with: learning how to listen to their body instead of constantly overriding it.For many of us, success comes from pushing through discomfort. We’ve been rewarded for ignoring our gut feelings, intellectualizing our problems, and staying productive no matter what. But over time, that can disconnect us from what we actually want.Rachel works with high achievers who want deeper meaning in their lives and careers. Through body-based practices and thought work, she helps people reconnect with their internal “yes” and “no” signals so they can make decisions that feel aligned rather than forced.In our conversation, we explore why so many successful people eventually reach a moment of asking, Is this the mountain I actually wanted to climb?Rachel also shares a simple exercise to help you recognize the difference between a “whole body yes” and a subtle “no”—a powerful tool for making clearer decisions in your career, leadership, and personal life.If you’ve ever felt successful on paper but still a little disconnected inside, this episode is for you.Key Topics in This EpisodeWhy high achievers often disconnect from their body’s signalsWhat a “whole-body yes” actually feels likeHow overthinking can become a coping mechanismCultural conditioning around productivity and achievementThe fear that comes with making aligned decisionsPractical ways to start listening to your intuition and body signalsResources MentionedRachel's free guide:15 Questions to Ask Yourself as Your Soul Business (or Next Career Move) GestatesDownload the guide:https://wildgenius.com/soul-businessLearn more about Rachel Zurer:https://wildgenius.comConnect with MeFollow me on LinkedIn:https://linkedin.com/in/rachelschislerSubscribe to Female Fridays for conversations about leadership, ambition, and building a career that feels as good as it looks.

If you’ve ever wondered how to grow your personal brand on LinkedIn without sounding self-promotional… this episode is for you.In today’s episode of Female Fridays, I’m sitting down with one of my industry besties, Christie Freeze, to talk about what it actually takes to build a personal brand that feels authentic, strategic, and effective.Christie has built a community of more than 12,000 followers on LinkedIn and is known across the senior living industry for her energy, positivity, and expertise in video sales. She’s the Director of Strategic Growth at SalesMail and the Founder and Author of Roadmap for Eldercare — but what I admire most is how intentionally she’s built her personal brand alongside her career.This conversation isn’t just about posting tips.It’s about confidence, clarity, and visibility.Together, we talk about:How to identify your personal brand (even if you don’t feel like an expert yet)What to do if your job changes, and whether your brand should change tooHow to grow your LinkedIn following strategicallyWhether video or static posts perform better on LinkedInHow often you should post to build momentumHow to use AI (like ChatGPT) for LinkedIn content without sounding roboticHow to create content pillars so you’re never staring at a blank screenWhat to do if coworkers or leadership judge you for being visibleWhy consistency matters more than perfectionChristie also shares how building her LinkedIn presence opened doors to speaking opportunities, partnerships, and professional growth, and how showing up before you feel fully confident can accelerate your career in ways you can’t predict.If you’re a professional, entrepreneur, sales leader, or woman in leadership who wants to grow your visibility on LinkedIn in 2026, this episode will give you both tactical tools and mindset shifts to help you start.Because personal branding is about becoming essential in the rooms you want to be in.If you loved this episode, share it with someone who’s been thinking about building their brand.And if you’re ready to stop lurking and start posting...let this be your sign!Follow Christie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christiefreeze/Follow me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelschisler/

How to Network at Work: Internal Networking Strategies for Career Growth With Rachel Simon | Female FridaysWant to know how to network at work — without feeling fake, pushy, or transactional?In this episode of Female Fridays, I break down practical strategies for internal networking, career visibility, and relationship building at work with Rachel Simon, former AT&T executive and author of Relationships at Work.A few years ago, I challenged myself to have 50 networking conversations in one year. That decision increased my sales, expanded my influence, and opened doors I didn’t even know existed.But here’s the twist: the most powerful networking strategy isn’t outside your company. It’s inside it.If you’ve ever asked:How do I network within my company?How do I ask a coworker for coffee?How do introverts network at conferences?Do I really need networking for career growth?How do women get more visibility at work?This episode answers those questions.We cover:Internal networking strategies that actually workWhat to say when requesting a networking coffeeWho should pay for networking lunchesConversation tips for introverts and extrovertsHow to follow up after conferences or happy hoursWhy women need advocates and sponsors — not just hard workYour career isn’t just about the what and the how.It’s about the who.Who knows your work? Who talks about you when you’re not in the room? Who advocates for your promotion?If you’ve been relying on doing great work alone, this episode is your reminder: visibility and relationships drive career advancement.Reframe networking as authentic relationship building — and watch what it unlocks.Grab Rachel Simon’s book, Relationships at Work: https://www.amazon.com/Relationships-Work-Authentically-Network-Company/dp/1637555377Connect with Rachel Simon on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-b-simon-ab306a18b/Connect with me (Rachel Keller): https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelschisler/

What happens when the dream you’ve been chasing for years no longer fits?After building a career across hundreds of dental practices, Mimi Godin landed the job she’d worked toward for years — only to realize six months later it wasn’t what she expected. In this honest conversation, she opens up about what it felt like to walk away from her “dream job,” navigate guilt and uncertainty, and follow curiosity into a completely new chapter of leadership.Today, as Senior Director of Dental Hygiene & Practice Development at Canada’s largest DSO, DentalCorp,  Mimi leads with a mindset that bridges clinical care and business outcomes — proving that success doesn’t mean climbing higher; it means staying aligned with what matters most.Whether you work in dentistry or not, this episode is for the high achiever with evolving dreams — the one wondering what’s next when the plan suddenly changes. In This EpisodeThe surprising reality of being the first hygienist in a practice — and what it taught her about leadershipHow curiosity (not planning) became Mimi’s greatest career strategyThe emotional truth of realizing your “dream job” isn’t the right fitNavigating the tension between patient care and business outcomesRedefining success as progress, not perfectionConnectFollow Mimi Godin, MBA on LinkedInFollow Rachel on LinkedIn

What happens when the drive to prove yourself collides with the pressure to be perfect?In this episode of Female Fridays, I sit down with Dr. Mariz Tanious, Chief Dental Officer at Affinity Dental Management, who shares her deeply personal journey from struggling student to executive leader—and how learning to rest became her greatest act of resilience.From being an immigrant child navigating a new language to leading at the highest levels of dentistry, Dr. T’s story is one of faith, belief in herself, and grace. She opens up about what it means to lead as a woman in a male-dominated field, to parent a child with autism while building a demanding career, and to finally give herself permission to slow down.Resources & MentionsCella & Rose CandlesConnect with Dr. Mariz Tanious on LinkedInLearn more about Affinity Dental Management

If you’ve ever felt the weight of holding everything together—at work, at home, and in your relationships—this episode is for you.This week on Female Fridays, I sit down with Roxy Couse, the creator known as The Millennial Manager. Roxy has built a community of nearly half a million followers across TikTok, Instagram, and LinkedIn by telling the truth about corporate life, burnout, and what it really means to choose yourself.Together, Roxy and I unpack what it looks like to:Build a personal brand that feels silly until it works—and embarrassing until it creates freedomLet go of being “superhuman” as a defense mechanismRedefine success outside of your 9-to-5Choose joy that isn’t tied to productivityTrust that what’s meant for you won’t miss youRoxy shares her journey from Senior Director in tech to full-time creator, her viral Love Letters to My 30s series, and the brave decision to walk away from a corporate job that no longer aligned with her peace.This episode is for the high achievers, the eldest daughters, and the corporate superwomen who feel like everyone else has permission to crumble—just not them. If you’ve ever wondered whether choosing yourself is too risky, Roxy’s story will feel like permission to breathe again.Key Themes:Personal branding for professionalsBurnout and boundaries in corporate cultureEldest daughter syndrome & perfectionismMillennial career transitionsMental health and therapy for high achieversFemale empowerment and leadershipGuest: Roxy Couse (@roxycouse) Creator, storyteller, and founder of The Millennial Manager brand. Follow Roxy on TikTok, Instagram, and LinkedIn for honest insights on career, creativity, and choosing joy in your 30s.

She jumped out of airplanes. Negotiated million-dollar public health deals. Graduated from Johns Hopkins.But when it came time to start her family, Priya Rednam-Waldo thought: how hard could a baby be?In this episode of Female Fridays, I sit down with Priya, a former Army officer, licensed perinatal therapist, and founder of Healing Home Counseling Group, a 7-figure practice supporting mothers and families.Priya opens up about her journey from West Point to postpartum, including traumatic pregnancies, adoption, and the identity shifts that shook her as a high-achieving woman. Together, we dive into:✨ The biggest lies we’ve been told about motherhood and career ✨ Why even top executives, surgeons, and founders struggle to feel worthy of support ✨ The truth behind buzzwords like work-life balance and work-life integration ✨ What it looks like to build your “motherhood playbook” before the storm hits ✨ How guilt, ambition, and invisible labor show up long after the newborn phaseAnd for the first time, I’m bringing your voices in. I asked Priya the questions you sent me about balancing ambition and caregiving, traveling for work while parenting, and how to truly support mothers — even if you’re not one yourself.Whether you’re a mom, a leader, or someone who simply cares about mothers, this is a conversation I think you’ll carry with you.Website : www.priyarednamwaldo.com Instagram: @priyarednamwaldoLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/priyarednamwaldo/

What happens when the identity you’ve worked your whole life to build disappears in an instant?That’s the story of Katie Grant, VP of Account Management at SafelyYou. A high-achieving nurse turned executive, Katie’s life was forever altered by a traumatic brain injury. Her world became small—confined to rehab, migraines, and uncertainty. But instead of staying small, Katie chose resilience. She rebuilt her life, her career, and her confidence—one vulnerable, courageous step at a time.In this unforgettable episode of Female Fridays, Katie opens up about:The wisdom seniors gave her as a young nurse (“live your life, say the things left unsaid”)How to grieve old identities—and why it’s essential for growthHow to grieve old identities—and why it’s essential for growthHow to move through loss and life-changing injuryHer battle with imposter syndrome, even as a VP leading a record-breaking teamWhy she pivoted into tech and joined SafelyYou (“any seat on a rocket ship is a good seat”)The launch of Halo, and how senior living technology is transforming careHer mission to mentor, sponsor, and advocate for women in leadershipKatie’s story is not just about surviving a setback. It’s about redefining leadership as authenticity, compassion, and courage. If you’ve faced a loss, a chronic illness, or a season where life hit harder than you could imagine, this episode will give you a roadmap to rise again.About Katie Grant: Katie Grant is a seasoned leader in the senior living and health tech space, where she blends innovation with compassion to improve the lives of older adults. With a background that spans nursing, technology, and executive leadership, Katie has built a reputation for driving results while uplifting the people around her.She’s passionate about empowering women in leadership, openly sharing her own journey of overcoming health challenges and imposter syndrome to inspire others to rise with confidence. Today, she leads with resilience, heart, and a commitment to lifting up women at every stage of their careers, proving that when one woman’s voice grows stronger, we all move forward.If you loved this conversation, don’t miss Melissa’s episode, which Katie highlighted as one of her favorites.

Have you ever done everything “right” — checked every box, landed the dream job, hit the big milestones — but still wondered, Is this really it? That’s exactly where my guest Tama Kieves found herself. She had the Harvard Law degree, the prestigious career, the life her family dreamed of… and she walked away from all of it to chase something she couldn’t ignore: her own voice.If you’ve ever felt stuck, burned out, or secretly longed for a different life, you’re not alone. In this episode, Tama gets honest about what it’s really like to leave behind expectations, face your fears, and finally trust yourself — even when it makes no sense on paper.You’ll hear us talk about:Why high achievers (especially women) are often the ones doubting themselves mostHow to tell the difference between intuition and anxietyThe unfiltered truth about starting over — with no plan, no safety net, and no regretsThe hidden cost of people-pleasing, perfectionism, and ignoring your inner voiceSimple, powerful tools Tama uses to help women get clear and take bold steps forwardIf you’re thinking about a career change, feeling overwhelmed, or just craving more meaning in your life, this conversation is for you. You’ll walk away with real strategies, plenty of “me too” moments, and (I hope) a renewed belief that your own dreams matter.This is for every ambitious woman who’s ever wondered if she’s allowed to want more. I can’t wait for you to listen.Learn more about Tama: https://tamakieves.com

If you're a younger manager leading older employees — or stepping into a leadership role before you feel ready — this episode is your go-to guide.I sat down with Julianne Fries and Amy Robertson of Cassia Life, two women who started in entry-level roles and are now shaping culture and leadership development across a multi-state senior care organization.We talk honestly about what it’s like to:Build trust when you’re managing people older than youLead teams with more experience than you — without faking it or shrinkingStep into leadership roles early in your career (and thrive)Create workplace culture programs that improve retention and moraleSupport burned-out staff in healthcare through empathy and systemsThis conversation is packed with real advice for young managers, especially women navigating leadership in senior care, healthcare, and intergenerational teams.Whether you’re wondering how to earn respect as a younger boss, how to lead older team members with confidence, or how to build a culture people actually want to be part of — this episode delivers.🎧 Hit play for practical leadership tips, inspiring stories, and a fresh take on how to manage up, down, and across generational lines.Connect with Julianne: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julianne-fries-1615b560/Learn more about Cassia: https://www.cassialife.org/

What does it really take to stay relevant in a world run by algorithms?This week on Female Fridays, I sat down with Rachel Fuld-Cohen — a brilliant, future-focused tech COO at Silicon Society who's helping people not just survive, but thrive in an AI-driven world. We covered everything from building all-female sales teams to the rise of micro-internships, to how to learn (and unlearn) when everything around you is shifting.If you're wondering how to adapt smart AI strategies, how to keep your human edge while everything automates, or how to lead with empathy and strategy — this episode is for you.We talked about:Why learning how to learn is your real superpowerThe theory of “planned happenstance” (and how it can shape your whole career)How prompt engineering, job shadowing, and curiosity are changing the gameWhat makes someone irreplaceable — even when AI is everywhereRachel doesn’t just talk about the future of work — she’s building it. And this conversation left me feeling what I think so many of us are craving right now: clear, capable, and ready.📲 Connect with Rachel Fold-Cohen on LinkedInTopics: AI in the workplace, women in tech, career transitions, learning new skills, future of work, workforce development, leadership in AIConnect with Rachel on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelfuldcohen/Learn more about Silicon Society: https://www.siliconsociety.org/

Melissa Evraet’s story reads like a leadership masterclass in grit, humility, and reinvention. From a tiny town in Oklahoma to a high-rise office in Chicago, she rose through the ranks—starting as a dishwasher, becoming a nurse, and now serving as Chairwoman of Argentum’s Women in Leadership initiative and Chief Nursing Officer at Vi.In this episode of Female Fridays, we explore:How care and profitability can coexist in healthcare leadershipWhat happens when you stop asking “Why me?” and start owning your valueWhy nurses (and women) need to master the financial side of leadershipHer unexpected career pivot—and the recruiter who wouldn't give upThe mindset shift from imposter syndrome to impactHer advice to the young woman washing dishes—and to all the future leaders listening nowMelissa’s leadership is deeply human: equal parts data and heart, boldness and grace. This is a must-listen for anyone navigating self-doubt, climbing toward leadership, or redefining what’s possible in healthcare and senior living.Join Women In Leadership: https://www.argentum.org/research-and-initiatives/women-in-leadership/Connect with Melissa on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-evraets-rn-msn-ne-bc-b375341b8/

In this episode of Female Fridays, I talk with Pilar Carvajal — founder, CEO of Innovation Senior Living, and social impact entrepreneur — about what it really looks like to lead with vision, resilience, and purpose in the senior living space.Pilar shares her journey from corporate consulting to co-founding a company with her powerhouse mother, and eventually building Innovation Senior Living from the ground up. We talk about what it takes to leave a family business, navigate industry skepticism, and create space for truly mission-driven leadership.She also shares her next big leap: Longevity Day Communities — an innovative care model that blends scientific wellness, social connection, and aging in place. Think: proactive healthspan hubs for middle-market seniors, grounded in equity and purpose.✨ In this conversation, we explore:What it means to be a social impact entrepreneurThe power (and pain) of leaving a family-run businessInnovation in affordable senior livingHer new longevity center model that’s changing the gameWhy she only hires women — and the radical clarity that bringsThe importance of gratitude in leadership cultureWhether you’re a leader, founder, innovator, or simply curious about the future of aging — this one is packed with bold ideas and grounded wisdom.

In this episode, I sit down with my friend Robin Rinke — a senior living executive, speaker, and newly published author — for a raw and soulful conversation about what it really means to lead with peace, purpose, and presence.Robin shares her personal journey through burnout, the moment she realized she needed to slow down, and how getting quiet led to a creative breakthrough. We talk about the pressure to perform, the cost of ignoring your intuition, and the inner voice that so many of us drown out in our busy lives.This one’s for any woman navigating a career pivot, recovering from burnout, or trying to reconnect with who she really is beneath the noise.✨ We talk about:Authentic leadership in senior living and beyondGetting quiet enough to hear your next moveRecovering from burnout and redefining successWhy knowing yourself is the foundation of legacyHow to lead with energy that actually lifts a roomIf you’ve ever felt like you lost touch with yourself while climbing the ladder — this one’s for you.Connect with Robin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robin-r-rinke-15aa2131/Get Robin's book on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/diVINE-Time-Robin-R-Rinke/dp/B0DTYW2M4Z

What Is Female Fridays? A Podcast for Women in Leadership, Healthcare & EntrepreneurshipWelcome to the Female Fridays podcast — your weekly space for real conversations with women in leadership. This 60-second trailer gives you a quick feel for what we’re all about.Hosted by Rachel Keller, each episode features unfiltered stories from bold women in senior living, healthcare, entrepreneurship, and beyond. We go beyond the LinkedIn headline to talk about career pivots, breaking glass ceilings, imposter syndrome, and the quiet courage it takes to rise.If you’re searching for a podcast that blends leadership, authenticity, and legacy — you’re in the right place.Hit play to hear what Female Fridays is all about.