Women have long navigated workspaces that weren't built with us in mind, fueling an inner voice of self-doubt that can hold us back. Dr. Amelia Duran-Stanton, author of "The Lotus Within" and Colonel in the US Army with decades of service, shares strategies for quieting that inner critic while building sustainable confidence as a leader.

• Dr. Duran Stanton explains her book "The Lotus Within" focuses on strategic planning, time management, and prioritization
• True confidence comes from showing up prepared, networking effectively, and knowing who to ask for help
• Building confidence is about training like you fight—preparing thoroughly for high-stakes situations
• Silencing your inner critic requires trusting your training and refocusing on the mission when self-doubt arises
• Women of color should see their identities as differentiators rather than trying to assimilate
• Humility and confidence aren't opposites but complementary forces—"like yin and yang"
• When transitioning careers, focus on outcomes achieved rather than titles held
• Recognize toxic environments using the "boiling frog syndrome" metaphor—periodically assess if you're in a harmful situation
• Daily habits like morning journaling, intentional planning, and celebrating wins help build confidence as a muscle
• Handle setbacks by allowing yourself to feel the emotion, then asking what you learned and what you'd do differently

Ready to take your career to the next level? Go to www.vestherco/membership to join our community of professional women all eager to help you get there and stay there.

If you enjoyed the episode share it with a friend and don't forget to leave us a review. If you are ready to take your career to the next level, apply to join our community of professional women, all eager to help you get there and stay there. Check out our VEST Membership and apply today! www.VESTHer.co

In this episode, we sit down with Niren Chaudhary, former Chairman and CEO of Panera Bread, and VEST Member Beverly Carmichael, a seasoned corporate board director for several iconic brands. Together, we explore the rising demand for empathetic leadership in today’s volatile and unpredictable world.

For our guests full bio and show notes click here.

Drawing on the moving story of his late daughter Aisha—who accomplished extraordinary things in her 18 years despite a terminal illness—Chaudhary shares how profound personal loss reshaped his perspective on life, leadership, and legacy.

From this experience emerged a leadership philosophy anchored in three core values:

• Courage: Focus on what you can control.
• Gratitude: Celebrate life’s gifts, even in hardship.
• Generosity: Lead by serving others.

He introduces a four-step framework for processing loss and leading with resilience:

1. Acceptance
2. Self-forgiveness
3. Self-love
4. Renewed hope through purpose

These principles are not only healing—they’re actionable strategies for leaders navigating uncertainty and change.

Chaudhary also reflects on the challenges of leading multigenerational teams, and building cultures that thrive, by providing:

• Clarity of mission
• Opportunities for personal mastery
• Shared purpose as a multiplier for good

and challenges the false divide between purpose and profit. He shares how leaders can foster a virtuous cycle where values-driven decisions enhance both customer and employee experiences—not through isolated acts of charity, but through integrated, sustainable impact.

Tune in to discover how courage, gratitude, and generosity can transform your leadership—and your organization. Be sure to share this episode with a friend and don’t forget to leave us a review.

If you enjoyed the episode share it with a friend and don't forget to leave us a review. If you are ready to take your career to the next level, apply to join our community of professional women, all eager to help you get there and stay there. Check out our VEST Membership and apply today! www.VESTHer.co

Are you ready to stop waiting for recognition and start owning your strengths? In this episode, we revisit one of our most transformative sessions: Turning Strengths Into Opportunities—an essential conversation for women professionals ready to take charge of their careers.

Too often, high-achieving women are so consumed by deadlines, expectations, and the constant comparison trap that they lose sight of their unique value. When was the last time you paused to reflect on what truly sets you apart at work?

This episode is your invitation to do just that.

We explore why naming—and claiming—your strengths is the foundation of long-term career growth, especially in workplaces where women still face double standards and invisible barriers. You’ll hear actionable strategies sourced directly from our community on how to:

• Transform self-awareness into career opportunities
• Control and communicate your professional narrative
• Build a circle of advocates who champion you behind closed doors
• Leverage recognition and compliments as stepping stones to advancement

Plus, we share the mindset shift that turns a simple “thank you” into a bold move toward your next opportunity.

Whether you're pursuing a promotion, navigating a career transition, or simply craving more alignment between your talents and your work, this episode offers both inspiration and practical tools to help you move forward with clarity and confidence.

🎧 Tune in now and take the first step in turning your strengths into real-world opportunities.

✨ Take the 10-Minute Strengths Challenge after listening—and consider joining our community of women who are doing the work to recognize and amplify their brilliance.

If you enjoyed the episode share it with a friend and don't forget to leave us a review. If you are ready to take your career to the next level, apply to join our community of professional women, all eager to help you get there and stay there. Check out our VEST Membership and apply today! www.VESTHer.co