She Is Bossy

In this solo episode, Clara breaks down her go-to, battle-tested framework for launching any new project or program—from billion-dollar acquisitions to scrappy product rollouts. If you’ve ever been handed a vague assignment and wondered, “Where do I even start?”—this one’s for you.You’ll learn:The 5 essential steps for kicking off a successful projectHow to define the “why,” “what,” “who,” “when,” and “how” of your workThe underrated power of delivery structures and how to create oneWhy timelines should start high-level—and how to pressure test themThe only meeting you really need to succeed and tools to keep everything on trackPlus, Clara shares a consulting story that started on the back of a napkin, the surprising value of a giant paper timeline, and her favorite project planning tools (spoiler: Excel still wins sometimes).✨ New: Submit your leadership or work-life questions anonymously at www.sheisbossy.com for a future AMA episode!—👉 Follow @she.is.bossy on Instagram for weekly highlights and behind-the-scenes💻 Check out the website at sheisbossy.com⭐ Like what you hear? Subscribe and leave a review—it helps others find the pod!

In this episode of She Is Bossy, Clara sits down with the multitalented Kyra Atekwana—AI consultant by day, Broadway producer by night. Kyra takes us on a journey through her eclectic and passion-led career, from studying anthropology and music at Harvard to auditioning for Broadway, scaling an education startup in Dubai, launching a food tech business, leading at HelloFresh, and now transforming teams through AI at Section.We explore how Kyra blends her creativity with analytical thinking, what it’s like co-producing Tony-nominated Broadway shows, and why AI should be in every manager’s toolkit. Plus, Kyra shares practical advice for pivoting careers, navigating corporate cultures as a woman of color, and using AI to become a more thoughtful, self-aware leader.🔥 Topics Covered:Kyra’s nonlinear career path from performing arts to AI and startupsLessons in cultural relativity from working in the Dubai governmentWhat it actually means to be a Broadway producer—and how Kyra is diversifying who gets a seat at the tableHow to use AI as a management tool for better feedback, clarity, and communicationStrategic advice for women navigating corporate leadership while staying true to their voiceWhy building small, passion-fueled side projects can lead to your next big move

This week on She Is Bossy, Clara reconnects with her former roommate and longtime friend Lauren Michie for a candid conversation on switching careers, managing rejection, and building confidence from scratch.Lauren Michie’s career path is anything but typical—she’s gone from the State Department to investment banking to wealth management, and now she’s helping women land their dream jobs through her coaching business, The Prep Room. In this episode, Lauren shares how to make bold career pivots, craft a resume that actually sounds human, and walk into interviews with real confidence.Together, Clara and Lauren unpack:Why it’s okay if your career path looks like a zigzagHow to reframe “I don’t belong here” into “I have something to offer”The subtle but real challenges women face in male-dominated industriesWhy “you don’t look like a ___” is a phrase we all need to retireTangible ways to humanize your resume and own your story in interviewsHow to stay motivated and grounded through rejections and uncertaintyWhether you’re job hunting, mid-pivot, or just figuring out your next move, this conversation is full of practical advice, inspiring moments, and reminders that your story is your superpower.💻 Learn more about The Prep Room at preproomcareers.com🎧 Subscribe on Spotify📲 Follow @she.is.bossy on Instagram

In this special Q&A episode, Clara answers real listener questions with tactical advice every aspiring and current boss can use. Whether you’re swamped at work, struggling to speak up to your manager, or trying to build leadership skills without managing a team—this one’s for you.Clara also shares exciting news: the brand-new She Is Bossy website is now live! Submit your questions, listen to past episodes, and grab free tools to help you lead with confidence.💬 Topics Covered:How to Be a Great Boss When You’re Really BusyWhy delegation is your #1 long-term time-saverHow quick stand-ups keep your team on track (and reduce 1:1 overload)Creative ways to share leadership while building team capacityHow to Give Upward Feedback to Your BossFraming feedback in terms of what you needScripts for navigating unsolicited feedback respectfullyBuilding trust and visibility through consistent 1:1sHow to Gain Management Experience Without Direct ReportsThree core leadership skills to build todayWays to take initiative and lead projects from any seatPracticing feedback by starting with positive recognitionWant Clara to answer your question on a future episode? Submit it directly at www.sheisbossy.com!

In this inspiring episode of She is Bossy, Clara sits down with trailblazing soccer coach Julianne Sitch — the first woman to lead a men’s team to an NCAA championship. From her early days as the only girl on an all-boys soccer team to coaching at the collegiate level, Julianne shares her journey of resilience, authenticity, and leadership.We dive into how to build trust as a new leader, why failing forward is essential for growth, and how to stay mentally tough when setbacks happen. Julianne also opens up about pursuing her professional dreams after personal loss, finding strength in vulnerability, and leading by being her authentic self.Whether you’re stepping into a leadership role, chasing a big dream, or building mental toughness in your own life, this conversation will leave you feeling energized and ready to own your journey.🎙 We cover:Building team trust through vulnerability and connectionHow failure fuels growthLeading authentically in male-dominated spacesCreating a strong, resilient team cultureFinding balance and protecting your personal wellbeingHit play and get ready to be inspired by Julianne’s story of grit, growth, and leadership.

Ever felt so overwhelmed by your job that you find yourself in tears, stressed, or anxious just thinking about work? You're not alone. In this heartfelt and practical solo episode of "She is Bossy," Clara Purk dives deep into her personal experience dealing with a toxic workplace. She shares candid stories of her own struggles and provides powerful, actionable strategies for managing anxiety, stress, and burnout at work. Learn how meditation, journaling, and therapy can help you reclaim your mental health and build resilience, even in challenging professional environments. Remember: Your job shouldn’t cost you your peace—listen now and discover how to protect yours.

People pleasing might feel good in the moment—but it’s quietly chipping away at your leadership. In this solo episode of She Is Bossy, Clara gets real about the hidden cost of people pleasing at work, especially for new managers.You’ll learn:✔️ What people pleasing really is (and what it’s not)✔️ How it shows up in your leadership style—often without you realizing it✔️ Why trying to be liked can hold your team back✔️ The root causes of people pleasing (hello, fear + self-worth)✔️ Actionable mindset shifts to help you lead with more clarity, confidence, and courageWhether you’re a seasoned leader or managing your first team, this episode will challenge you to reflect, reset, and show up with more authenticity and power.🎧 Let’s stop shrinking and start leading. Press play.

In this conversation, Dr. Katie Rehnberg shares her research on hybrid meetings, the challenges they present, and insights into effective communication in the workplace. Katie also reflects on her career path, transitioning from academia to talent management, and the complexities of leadership and management. Katie and Clara discuss the multifaceted responsibilities of leadership, the challenges of overcoming imposter syndrome, and the intricacies of conducting performance reviews. They emphasize the importance of clear communication, setting expectations, and establishing boundaries to foster a healthy work environment. The dialogue also touches on the significance of self-reflection and personal growth in leadership roles, providing valuable insights for new managers navigating their careers.

In this episode of She is Bossy, I sit down with Liz Tinkham—former Senior Managing Director at Accenture and a true powerhouse in the world of leadership and business. Over her 32-year career, Liz led some of Accenture’s largest accounts, managed global teams of over 5,500 people across 12 countries, and drove over $800 million in sales and revenue. Now in her third act, she’s just getting started.We talk about everything from flipping the script on being called "bossy" to the pivotal moments that shaped her career. Liz opens up about what it was like to take risks before she felt ready, how facing fear can unlock your potential, and why getting out of people’s way is often the best leadership move. Plus, she shares personal stories about balancing career, family, and health—including her journey through breast cancer.If you’re looking for inspiration on how to lead with courage, trust in your own abilities, and truly own your bossy—this episode is for you.Grab your coffee, get comfy, and enjoy this honest and empowering conversation with Liz Tinkham.

In this episode, Clara discusses the challenges new managers face, particularly the tendency to shift priorities frequently, which can lead to frustration and disengagement within teams. She provides a framework for effective leadership that includes setting clear goals, prioritizing tasks, creating a structured plan, and communicating effectively with team members. By following these steps, new managers can lead with confidence and build trust within their teams.

In this conversation, Clara Purk interviews Melissa Schoppen, a former police officer turned head of HR and eventual entrepreneur. They discuss the challenges of being a new manager, how to conquer imposter syndrome, and the best way to handle "difficult" employees. Melissa shares her insights on performance improvement plans and the unique challenges faced by women in male-dominated industries. The conversation concludes with valuable advice for career development and the importance of trusting oneself.

In this conversation, Clara Purk addresses the challenges faced by high-performing overachievers who often take on responsibilities that are not theirs. She emphasizes the importance of self-awareness, understanding the root causes of overcommitment, and the necessity of pausing before taking on new tasks. Clara discusses the significance of redirecting responsibilities to the right individuals and overcoming insecurities that lead to excessive workload. Ultimately, she encourages listeners to regain control of their work and focus on their strengths to contribute effectively to their teams.

In this episode of 'She Is Bossy', Clara interviews AI expert and former Executive Director of the AI Center at Wharton, Mary Purk, discussing the intersection of AI and leadership. Mary shares her career journey, emphasizing the importance of confidence and self-awareness in management. The conversation explores how managers can approach AI use cases in their organizations, where to start your AI journey, and how AI is an equalizer to help close the gender gap in middle management. Mary highlights the need for continuous learning and adaptation in a rapidly changing technological landscape, and provides some practical tips to stay relevant and competitive in the workplace.

In the workplace (and, honestly, in life) receiving feedback is one of the best tools we have to learn and grow. But receiving feedback is also one of the hardest things to do well, especially when the feedback challenges our perception of ourselves or the worldview we operate in. Sometimes, in an effort to protect ourselves and our identity, our defensiveness runs on auto-pilot, refusing to hear what we don't want to accept. But this defensiveness only hurts us in the long run, by keeping blind spots of our performance hidden and preventing us from truly developing and improving ourselves as leaders. In this week's episode of She is Bossy, I delve into my own experience receiving harsh feedback, how to approach feedback neutrally, and how to use feelings of defensiveness as a clue for identifying opportunities to improve. Happy Listening!

In this episode, we hear from Clara's sister, Anna Purk, a manager in healthcare strategy consulting. Clara and Anna discuss the challenges and lessons learned in transitioning to management. They explore the importance of trust, authenticity, and continuous learning in effective management. Anna also shares insights on building strong team dynamics, the significance of understanding individual strengths, and the value of patience and grace in the management journey.

Being wrong is inevitable! So why is it so hard to admit when we are? In this episode, I cover 3 reasons why it's important to get comfortable being wrong, 4 tips on what to do when you do make a mistake, and how to apply these lessons to build a happier, healthier team culture. Happy listening!

As a boss, you have a unique opportunity to coach your team and help them be more successful. Follow these six steps to effectively coach people on your team, while also making delegating and giving feedback easier for you.

She is Bossy is the podcast dedicated to helping you be a better boss. Listen to 5 practical tips for delegation that you can apply immediately to help you delegate better at work.