Summary

In Episode 22, Natalie Luke, PhD, and Sheila discuss the critical issue of ageism in the workplace, emphasizing the importance of age equity within DEI strategies. They explore the hidden costs of ignoring age discrimination, the benefits of mixed-age workforces, and the concept of mutual mentoring. Sheila highlights the need for a longevity mindset to adapt to changing demographics and the evolving nature of work. The discussion also covers how individuals can navigate career gaps and how employers can create inclusive environments that value talent across all ages.

Takeaways

Ageism is a prevalent bias that affects workplace dynamics.
Ignoring age equity can lead to significant hidden costs for companies.
Mixed-age workforces can reduce turnover and enhance collaboration.
Mutual mentoring benefits both younger and older employees.
A longevity mindset is essential for attracting and retaining talent.
Career paths are no longer linear; flexibility is key.
Employees should feel empowered to voice their needs and aspirations.
Employers must recognize the value of diverse age groups in their workforce.
Education and awareness are crucial for combating age discrimination.
Creating an inclusive workplace culture is vital for talent sustainability.

Chapters

00:00 Understanding Ageism in the Workplace
03:03 The Hidden Costs of Ignoring Age Equity
05:58 The Benefits of Mixed Age Workforces
08:59 Mutual Mentoring Across Generations
12:06 Adopting a Longevity Mindset
15:00 Navigating Career Timelines and Gaps
17:56 Creating Age-Equitable Workplaces
21:06 Empowering Employees and Employers
23:53 The Future of Work and Age Diversity

Resources:

https://ageequityalliance.org/contact-us/

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Challenging the expectation that women should adapt to unsafe designs—and revealing what real workplace equity looks like.

Summary

In this conversation, Dr. Natalie Luke speaks with Amy Roosa, a risk control expert and founder of the Safety Rack, about the critical need for properly fitting personal protective equipment (PPE) for women in male-dominated fields. They discuss the barriers women face in the workplace, the importance of data in advocating for change, and the role of employers in creating a safe and inclusive environment. Amy shares her personal journey and the impact of her advocacy work, encouraging women to speak up about their needs and pursue their passions.

Takeaways

• Properly fitting PPE is crucial for women's safety.
• Women in male-dominated fields face unique challenges.
• Data is essential for advocating for better PPE standards.
• Employers must listen to their female workforce.
• Awareness and education can drive change in the industry.
• Women need to feel valued and safe at work.
• Advocacy can lead to significant improvements in workplace safety.
• It's important to find allies within organizations.
• Passion projects can coexist with full-time jobs.
• Women should not let societal perceptions limit their ambitions.

Resources

https://thesafetyrack.org/

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Welcome to Episode 3 of UnCeiling You with Natalie Luke, PhD!

In this episode, Natalie sits down with rising star Julia Frense Maria, a sourcing and procurement professional with a decade of experience across multiple industries. Together, they explore how to navigate big roles, overcome imposter syndrome, and make meaningful career pivots. Julia shares her personal journey of growth, risk-taking, and staying aligned with her values, offering inspiration for women at every stage of their career.

Facing Big Roles Head-On

• Julia recounts the moment she was offered a senior role above her current level and how she managed her initial self-doubt.
• Insights on why leaning into discomfort can lead to tremendous growth.

The Power of Career Pivots

• How Julia realized the importance of aligning passion with values in her work.
• The three non-negotiables she now uses to guide her career decisions.

Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

• Julia's candid experiences with imposter syndrome, even while succeeding in her roles.
• Practical strategies to navigate self-doubt and build confidence over time.

Networking as a Career Superpower

• The transformative impact of building relationships with mentors and leaders.
• Real-life examples of how cultivating connections led to new opportunities.

Taking Risks for Growth

• Julia’s perspective on why growth requires stepping outside your comfort zone.
• The lessons she learned from moving across industries and taking bold career leaps.

Proudest Career Moments

• Julia shares her most significant project success, which solidified her confidence and showcased her capabilities.

Advice for Women at Different Career Stages

• Recent Graduates: Stay open to possibilities and cultivate relationships with leaders.
• Uninspired Professionals: Take time to reflect on your passions and explore new opportunities.
• Women in Leadership: Be the mentor who uplifts the next generation of women leaders.

💡 “Feeling insecure doesn’t mean you’re not capable. It’s okay to feel uncomfortable—growth happens when you push through.” – Julia Frense Maria

💡 “We learn from the women above us. Be a bright, empowering light for those looking up to you.” – Julia Frense Maria

💡 “There’s no reward without risk, and every leap I’ve taken has made me stronger.” – Julia Frense Maria

Are you ready to take the next bold step in your career?

• Connect with us in the UnCeiling Zone community, where you can join calls with inspiring guest speakers like Julia at https://unceilingzone.com/
• Share your thoughts on this episode: What career risks have you taken that paid off?

Follow us on LinkedIn for more inspiration and updates!

Subscribe now to the UnCeiling You podcast and never miss an episode. Together, let’s unceiling your potential!

Episode Highlights:

• [00:00] Introduction to Julia Frense Maria
• [01:03]

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Summary

In this episode, Ana Trsic shares her inspiring journey from a corporate job to becoming a successful entrepreneur through candle making. She discusses the pressures of cultural expectations, the importance of choosing joy, and the transformative power of social media. Ana emphasizes the need for mindset shifts and personal growth, encouraging listeners to redefine success on their own terms and take bold steps towards their passions.

Takeaways

• Ana's story highlights the importance of choosing joy despite external pressures.
• The pandemic served as a catalyst for Ana's entrepreneurial journey.
• Candle making became a therapeutic outlet for Ana during challenging times.
• Cultural expectations can create significant pressure on immigrant children.
• Social media played a crucial role in Ana's business success.
• Redefining success is essential for personal fulfillment.
• Mindset shifts are necessary for embracing new opportunities.
• Traveling inspires creativity and new ideas for Ana's candle business.
• Networking and personal growth are vital for career transitions.
• Taking time for oneself is crucial for maintaining happiness.

Resources Mentioned

Link to the Scentanacandle Co: https://www.scentanacandleco.com/

Join Me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natalielukephdbcmas/

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Learn More at https://unceilingyou.com/

Description:

In this episode 19 of UnCeiling You, Natalie Luke, PhD, sits down with Ellen Leikind—author of Poker Woman and creator of the BOLD negotiation system—to unpack the hidden costs of “playing it safe” at work. From poker tables to boardrooms, Ellen shares how understanding power dynamics, owning your voice, and knowing when to fold (or go all in) are essential to advancing your career. If you’ve ever been overlooked for a promotion or felt like office politics were a game you weren’t even invited to play—this conversation is your wake-up call.

🎯 Key Takeaways:

• Why playing not to lose is the most dangerous move of all
• How to recognize when you're already playing the game of office politics
• Why assertiveness is a leadership strength, not a liability
• The power of knowing who holds the cards—and how to build relationships with them
• Ellen’s real-life stories of clients who asked, negotiated, and won
• How to read a room and adapt without losing authenticity
• Why your “win” doesn’t have to be being CEO—but you do need to define it

📚 Resources & Mentions:

• Poker Woman: How to Win in Love, Life, and Business Using the Principles of Poker — Find it on Amazon
• Learn more about Elen’s negotiation course: www.pokerdivas.com

💬 Connect with Us:

• Follow Natalie on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/natalielukephd
• Join the conversation and share your “all-in” career moment with #UnCeilingYou

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What if the rules you’ve been told to follow—work hard, be a team player, stay humble—are the very things holding you back?

In this episode, Dr. Anna Kallschmidt unpacks the invisible rulebook of the American workplace—and how it was built without most of us in mind. From class-based communication styles to gendered expectations in interviews, Anna brings decades of research to explain why marginalized professionals—especially women, people of color, and those from working-class or neurodivergent backgrounds—often get left behind, despite their talent.

Dr. Kallschmidt and host Natalie Luke explore how hidden cultural norms shape who is seen as “professional,” why “soft skills” aren’t soft at all, and how leaders can build fairer, smarter systems without compromising on performance.

• The 2 of the 8 hidden rules that impact who gets hired, promoted, or passed over
• Why direct vs. indirect communication can make or break your career
• How interdependence and humility may backfire in white-collar environments
• What it means to blend “I” with “we”—especially as a woman in leadership
• Why “soft skills” are the human edge AI will never replace
• Actionable tips for both professionals and hiring managers to break the bias loop

• Women navigating workplace advancement
• DEI advocates and HR professionals
• First-gen professionals and career changers
• Executives rethinking leadership and hiring bias
• Anyone who’s ever wondered, “Why didn’t I get that promotion?”

🌐 Website: drkallschmidt.com

🔗 LinkedIn, TikTok, Blue Sky, YouTube: @drkallschmidt

If this episode resonates with you, consider downloading it (it means more than just subscribing) and share it with a colleague, mentor, or emerging leader who needs to hear it. Don’t forget to rate, review, and subscribe to UnCeiling You—because the rules are changing, and it’s time to rise.

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Unspoken rules. Invisible barriers. Exhausting double standards.

In this compelling episode, Dr. Arin N. Reeves joins host Natalie Luke, PhD, to unpack the hidden dynamics that hold women and underrepresented professionals back—especially in leadership. Drawing on decades of research and personal experience, Arin explores how to navigate microaggressions, exclusion, and manipulation without losing your mind— or your career.

If you've ever felt like you're playing by a rulebook no one handed you, this conversation is your guide to owning your power, protecting your energy, and outsmarting the system from the inside.

• The invisible workplace rules that shape career outcomes
• Why emotional labor falls disproportionately on women
• How to respond to microaggressions and subtle exclusion
• The danger of trying to “prove” your value in a toxic environment
• Why intuition is a legitimate form of data
• How to find the real allies (and spot the enablers)
• Arin’s favorite disarming phrase that ends arguments instantly
• What to do when DEI gets stripped away—but bias remains

• Arin’s 10-Question Game Plan to deal with liars, gaslighters, and gatekeepers
• Practical advice on how to amplify other women in meetings
• The power of strategic silence—and the phrase: “You’re right.”
• Building networks that neutralize toxic power

• 📖 Smarter Than a Lie by Dr. Arin N. Reeves
• 📖 In Charge: The Energy Management Guide for Women
• 💻 Learn more at nexions.com

Dr. Arin Reeves is a sociologist, researcher, and author specializing in workplace culture, leadership, and inclusion. She is the President of Nextions, a leadership consulting firm that helps organizations build smarter, more inclusive systems. Arin has worked with Fortune 500 companies, law firms, universities, and nonprofits to support meaningful and measurable change.

If this episode spoke to you, please consider:

• ✨ Subscribing to UnCeiling You with Natalie Luke
• 💬 Leaving a review on Apple or Spotify
• 📩 Sharing this episode with a friend who’s navigating hidden workplace barriers

Mentioned in this episode:

Thrive in 25

Let's Thrive in 25. https://unceiling-you.captivate.fm/thrive-in25

Thrive in 25

Send us a text

Support the show

Learn More at https://unceilingyou.com/

In episode 16, Dr. Natalie Luke speaks with Dr. Patricia Stepp about her experiences with toxic leadership, the importance of resilience, and the pivotal moments that shaped her career. They discuss the dynamics of leadership, the necessity of networking, and the challenges women face in the workplace. Dr. Stepp shares her journey from biomedical research to intellectual property, emphasizing the value of authenticity and the importance of embracing change. The conversation underscores the importance of standing your ground, learning from experiences, and the value of self-trust in navigating career paths.

Key Takeaways:

• Knowing your worth is crucial in the workplace.
• Toxic leadership can have lasting impacts on careers.
• Resilience and self-trust are key to career success.
• Networking is about building genuine connections.
• Leadership dynamics can influence career decisions.
• Being comfortable with discomfort can lead to growth.
• It's essential to discuss workplace challenges.
• Authenticity is vital for long-term success.
• Women face unique challenges in leadership roles.
• Embracing change is crucial for both personal and professional growth.

Sound Bites

"You have to talk about it to fix it."

"Be comfortable with being uncomfortable."

"You need to be willing to learn new things."

🎧 Enjoyed this episode? Here's how you can support the movement:

✅ Download & Subscribe to UnCeiling You so you never miss a conversation that empowers your growth.

🤝 Check out the Networking Course — designed for ambitious professionals who are ready to grow their visibility, make real connections, and open new doors.

Learn more →https://unceilingzone.com/networkingwaitlist

💖 Support the Podcast — If this episode resonated with you, consider donating to help us keep sharing bold stories and practical strategies. Every ripple makes a difference. [Donate here → insert link]

Mentioned in this episode:

Thrive in 25

Let's Thrive in 25. https://unceiling-you.captivate.fm/thrive-in25

Thrive in 25

Thrive in 25

Let's Thrive in 25. https://unceiling-you.captivate.fm/thrive-in25

Thrive in 25

Send us a text

Support the show

Learn More at https://unceilingyou.com/