Who’s actually driving your decisions at work? Your calm inner leader, or a stressed-out protector trying to keep you safe?

In this episode we sit down with Reverend Dr Celeste Laback, executive coach, chaplain, leadership consultant, and certified Internal Family Systems (IFS) practitioner, to map the inner voices that shape how we lead, negotiate, and set boundaries. Celeste also shares her lived experience as neurodivergent and autistic, a breast cancer survivor, and a longtime leader working at the intersection of identity, conflict, and organizational dynamics.

We get practical about “parts” like the achiever, perfectionist, people pleaser, procrastinator, and inner critic, and why these patterns are not character flaws. Using IFS therapy concepts in plain language, we talk about unblending, the small shift from “I’m a perfectionist” to “a part of me wants this perfect,” and how that creates real space to choose your next move.

You’ll hear how to tell when ambition aligns with your values versus when productivity becomes the measure of your worth, plus how people pleasing shows up in salary negotiations, promotions, and hard conversations.

Celeste also breaks down why perfectionism and procrastination often lock into a tug-of-war, how to respond to imposter syndrome without arguing with yourself, and what self-led leadership looks like when you’re triggered by family dynamics or workplace power.

For our guest full bio, resources and show notes click here.

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If you enjoy the episode share it with a friend, leave us a review and don't forget to hit the subscribe button.

If you are ready to take your career and business to the next level, apply to join our community of professional women, all eager to help you get there and stay there. Learn more at www.VESTHer.co

Change can feel like the ground shifting beneath your feet, even when it's a promotion, a new opportunity, or a long-awaited next step. New leadership responsibilities, organizational change, caregiving, entrepreneurship, or a job market transformed by AI can all trigger the same instinct: work harder, push through, and put yourself last.

In this episode, we sit down with Ashwini Balasubramanian, Vice President of Research & Development for 3M's Transportation and Energy business and author of the forthcoming book Map Your Ascent: Embracing Change as Your Leadership Superpower. Moderated by VEST member Srijita Ghosh, the conversation explores how to transform uncertainty from something to fear into one of your greatest leadership advantages.

Ashwini explains why change feels so difficult, even for high performers, unpacking the fear of losing control, competence, and confidence. She shares practical frameworks for shifting your mindset from focusing on what you might lose to asking who you can become. Together, they explore her Map Your Ascent framework, including how your beliefs shape your leadership, why your perspective evolves through change, and how to cultivate a presence that inspires confidence even in uncertain moments.

The conversation also tackles one of the biggest challenges facing ambitious women today: distinguishing between perseverance and self-sacrifice.

Ashwini shares the weekly reflection practice she uses to stay grounded, the "curiosity versus coasting" test that signals when it's time for a change, and practical strategies for navigating career transitions with intention. She also offers actionable advice on building sponsors, identifying transferable skills, creating an opportunity filter for major career decisions, and advocating for yourself in an increasingly uncertain world.

Whether you're navigating a career transition, leading through organizational change, considering your next big move, or simply trying to thrive through a demanding season without defaulting to depletion, this episode will leave you with practical tools and a renewed perspective on how change can become your greatest catalyst for growth.

For guests full bios and show notes click here.

Support the show

If you enjoy the episode share it with a friend, leave us a review and don't forget to hit the subscribe button.

If you are ready to take your career and business to the next level, apply to join our community of professional women, all eager to help you get there and stay there. Learn more at www.VESTHer.co

What is the cost of staying quiet, playing it safe, or waiting until we're "ready"?

In this powerful conversation, Erika Lucas sits down with former Oklahoma House Democratic Leader and gubernatorial candidate Cyndi Munson to explore the personal and professional consequences of holding ourselves back and what becomes possible when we choose courage instead.

Together, along with VEST Members, they discuss the challenges women face when navigating leadership, ambition, and visibility in systems that weren't always designed for them. From overcoming self-doubt and societal expectations to finding your voice in rooms where you may be the only woman or the only person who looks like you, this conversation offers an honest look at the realities of leadership and growth.

Cyndi shares her journey from being told that her background, identity, and circumstances made her an unlikely candidate for public office to becoming the first Asian American woman elected to the Oklahoma Legislature and now a candidate for governor. Along the way, she reflects on the importance of resilience, authenticity, mentorship, and refusing to let other people define what's possible.

The conversation also explores a core VEST Her belief: that economic mobility isn't just about personal development. It's also about understanding and improving the systems that shape opportunity, representation, and access for women and families.

In This Episode:

• The hidden costs of staying small and playing it safe
• Why women are often taught to be cautious and how to move forward anyway
• The difference between humility and self-limitation
• How to distinguish healthy caution from fear disguised as practicality
• Finding your voice in male-dominated environments
• Navigating ambition without apology
• The role of policy, politics, and systems change in economic mobility
• Lessons in leadership, resilience, and courage from Cyndi Munson's journey

If you've ever questioned whether you're ready for the next opportunity, struggled to speak up, or wondered what might be possible if you stopped holding yourself back, this episode is for you.

Support the show

If you enjoy the episode share it with a friend, leave us a review and don't forget to hit the subscribe button.

If you are ready to take your career and business to the next level, apply to join our community of professional women, all eager to help you get there and stay there. Learn more at www.VESTHer.co