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

For our guest full bio and show notes click here

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In this episode, we sit down with Niren Chaudhary, 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.

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

In today’s episode, we recap one of our most powerful sessions: Turning Strengths Into Opportunities.

The most successful women don't wait for recognition—they actively claim their strengths and create their own opportunities. But in a world where we're consuming more information than ever while working longer hours, finding the space to reflect on what makes us exceptional can feel impossible.

When's the last time you paused to consider what you truly bring to the table professionally? For many women, this reflection gets lost in the daily grind of responding to demands and meeting expectations. We fall into reactionary patterns, comparing ourselves to others while failing to recognize our unique abilities. This episode unpacks why naming and claiming your strengths is the foundation of career advancement.

We share practical strategies gathered from our member community on transforming self-awareness into tangible opportunities. From controlling your professional narrative to building a circle of advocates who'll speak for you when you're not in the room, these approaches address the real challenges women face when self-advocating in workplaces still governed by double standards.

Perhaps most valuable is the insight on leveraging recognition—moving beyond a simple "thank you" when receiving compliments to actively connecting that strength to your next opportunity. This small shift transforms passive appreciation into active opportunity creation.

As we navigate increasingly uncertain professional landscapes, focusing on our strengths provides a sense of control and agency that proves invaluable. Whether you're seeking advancement, transitioning careers, or simply wanting more alignment between your talents and daily work, this episode offers both the inspiration and tactical guidance to move forward with confidence.

Ready to turn your strengths into opportunities? Take our 10-minute challenge after listening, and consider joining a supportive community that will help you recognize and amplify your unique abilities. Your future self will thank you.

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