Heroine

Today’s short ‘n’ sweet episode is a quick announcement about our new summer schedule – it’s going to be a LOT lighter! Deep breath.Because here’s the truth – we could all use a little break and the chance to slow down. Majo shares the aha moment she had before coming to this decision, plus drops some teasers on the bonus episodes you can expect to see over the next few months.She also shares about how far her dream has come over the last year to create a podcast that brings women’s voices together.

Today’s short ‘n’ sweet episode is a quick announcement about our new summer schedule – it’s going to be a LOT lighter! Deep breath.Because here’s the truth – we could all use a little break and the chance to slow down. Majo shares the aha moment she had before coming to this decision, plus drops some teasers on the bonus episodes you can expect to see over the next few months.She also shares about how far her dream has come over the last year to create a podcast that brings women’s voices together.

Kristy Tillman was the Design Director at Society of Grownups and a designer at IDEO in Boston before making her way up to become the Head of Communication Design at Slack, a messaging tool for teams. This is a recent position for Kristy, who is real and honest about being “in process.” Her insights on building strong and diverse teams are powerful, especially if you’re considering becoming a manager.As a black woman in design, Kristy offers advice for those who feel like they don’t fit into the dominant culture of their company. She also talks about holding out for the right opportunities, the qualities that make strong managers and designers, and her unique formula for success.Show Notes:-Kristy growing up: From a precocious girl in a bike gang to a vulnerable teen who had to learn to become self-assured and independent. [3:20]-Figuring out what she wanted to do in her college years, internships at Nasa and elsewhere, and discovering her love for design. [10:21]-Some of Kristy’s bigger career transitions, and the unique approach she took with her application to IDEO that helped her get noticed. [17:40]-On her favorite projects at IDEO, building her own design teams, and the discomfort she’s occasionally felt as the only black woman in her work culture. [22:48]-On accepting uncomfortable situations, her love for building teams and bringing people together, and her advice for when you don’t feel like you fit into your company's work culture. [26:37]-Kristy shares insights from her first experience building and constructing teams and how she fell in love with it, plus her advice to anyone considering management work. [31:03]-How Kristy finally transitioned to Slack after the right role presented itself, and her unique recipe for success. [35:58]-On what the last six months at Slack has looked like and building the culture of a new team, plus what Kristy looks for in a designer. [40:42]-Kristy’s final thoughts, her 99U talk on “inviting yourself to the table”, and future goals. [49:12]References:Kristy’s blog – http://www.tomorrowlooksbright.com/Her 99U talk: “Inviting Yourself to the Table” – http://99u.com/videos/53998/kristy-tillman-inviting-yourself-to-the-tableSlack – https://slack.com/Episode Sponsors:Lingo App – http://bit.ly/lingo-appTuneIn – http://tunein.com/Music by Lucia Lilikoi – https://lucia.bandcamp.com/

Kristy Tillman was the Design Director at Society of Grownups and a designer at IDEO in Boston before making her way up to become the Head of Communication Design at Slack, a messaging tool for teams. This is a recent position for Kristy, who is real and honest about being “in process.” Her insights on building strong and diverse teams are powerful, especially if you’re considering becoming a manager.As a black woman in design, Kristy offers advice for those who feel like they don’t fit into the dominant culture of their company. She also talks about holding out for the right opportunities, the qualities that make strong managers and designers, and her unique formula for success.Show Notes:-Kristy growing up: From a precocious girl in a bike gang to a vulnerable teen who had to learn to become self-assured and independent. [3:20]-Figuring out what she wanted to do in her college years, internships at Nasa and elsewhere, and discovering her love for design. [10:21]-Some of Kristy’s bigger career transitions, and the unique approach she took with her application to IDEO that helped her get noticed. [17:40]-On her favorite projects at IDEO, building her own design teams, and the discomfort she’s occasionally felt as the only black woman in her work culture. [22:48]-On accepting uncomfortable situations, her love for building teams and bringing people together, and her advice for when you don’t feel like you fit into your company's work culture. [26:37]-Kristy shares insights from her first experience building and constructing teams and how she fell in love with it, plus her advice to anyone considering management work. [31:03]-How Kristy finally transitioned to Slack after the right role presented itself, and her unique recipe for success. [35:58]-On what the last six months at Slack has looked like and building the culture of a new team, plus what Kristy looks for in a designer. [40:42]-Kristy’s final thoughts, her 99U talk on “inviting yourself to the table”, and future goals. [49:12]References:Kristy’s blog – http://www.tomorrowlooksbright.com/Her 99U talk: “Inviting Yourself to the Table” – http://99u.com/videos/53998/kristy-tillman-inviting-yourself-to-the-tableSlack – https://slack.com/Episode Sponsors:Lingo App – http://bit.ly/lingo-appTuneIn – http://tunein.com/Music by Lucia Lilikoi – https://lucia.bandcamp.com/

The world of work has seen a lot of change in recent years, and it can be tough to keep up. What do these changes mean for your career and leadership? Alex Cavoulacos breaks it down and shares her career expertise in today’s episode. Named one of INC’s 15 women to watch in tech and Forbes 30 under 30, Alex is co-founder and COO of TheMuse.com, a career platform and community helping millions of Millennials find inspiring careers. Alex talks about making the leap from her job as a consultant to starting this groundbreaking company, and dives into their book The New Rules of Work: The Modern Playbook for Navigating your Career. Alex also shares her productivity hacks, her genius approach to to-do listing, and how to create your personal brand authentically.Show Notes:-On her strong, self-driven personality growing up, and the grit and rigor she learned from her schooling outside the U.S. [2:43]-Some of the lessons she learned in school, like dealing with pressure and separating efforts from results. [8:47] -Alex’s college years: throwing previous training out the window, exploring new fields, and getting a clearer sense for how she wanted to go about impacting the world. [15:00]-How Alex met Kathryn and what drove them to get started with The Muse. [20:25]-The pain points that came up in deciding between staying at her job and taking a chance with The Muse, and how she ultimately made the leap. [28:32]-Diving into their new book, The New Rules of Work: The Modern Playbook for Navigating Your Career. [21:06]-The main difference Alex has noticed between men and women when it comes to career work, and how The Muse helps less-traditional workers be successful. [35:41]-On the importance of personal branding and how to create your brand authentically. [38:15]-Alex’s productivity hacks and insights, plus her genius approach to to-do listing. [43:48]-On saying no, the difference between an employee mindset and a leader mindset, and what Alex has reclaimed on her journey. [47:52]References:.TheMuse.com – https://www.themuse.com/Get their book, The New Rules of Work, available now – https://www.themuse.com/thenewrulesofworkEpisode Sponsor:Lingo App – http://bit.ly/lingo-appMusic by Lucia Lilikoi – https://lucia.bandcamp.com/

The world of work has seen a lot of change in recent years, and it can be tough to keep up. What do these changes mean for your career and leadership? Alex Cavoulacos breaks it down and shares her career expertise in today’s episode. Named one of INC’s 15 women to watch in tech and Forbes 30 under 30, Alex is co-founder and COO of TheMuse.com, a career platform and community helping millions of Millennials find inspiring careers. Alex talks about making the leap from her job as a consultant to starting this groundbreaking company, and dives into their book The New Rules of Work: The Modern Playbook for Navigating your Career. Alex also shares her productivity hacks, her genius approach to to-do listing, and how to create your personal brand authentically.Show Notes:-On her strong, self-driven personality growing up, and the grit and rigor she learned from her schooling outside the U.S. [2:43]-Some of the lessons she learned in school, like dealing with pressure and separating efforts from results. [8:47] -Alex’s college years: throwing previous training out the window, exploring new fields, and getting a clearer sense for how she wanted to go about impacting the world. [15:00]-How Alex met Kathryn and what drove them to get started with The Muse. [20:25]-The pain points that came up in deciding between staying at her job and taking a chance with The Muse, and how she ultimately made the leap. [28:32]-Diving into their new book, The New Rules of Work: The Modern Playbook for Navigating Your Career. [21:06]-The main difference Alex has noticed between men and women when it comes to career work, and how The Muse helps less-traditional workers be successful. [35:41]-On the importance of personal branding and how to create your brand authentically. [38:15]-Alex’s productivity hacks and insights, plus her genius approach to to-do listing. [43:48]-On saying no, the difference between an employee mindset and a leader mindset, and what Alex has reclaimed on her journey. [47:52]References:.TheMuse.com – https://www.themuse.com/Get their book, The New Rules of Work, available now – https://www.themuse.com/thenewrulesofworkEpisode Sponsor:Lingo App – http://bit.ly/lingo-appMusic by Lucia Lilikoi – https://lucia.bandcamp.com/

Last year, Veronica Belmont hosted HBO’s Red Carpet Premiere for Game of Thrones. But after spending ten years as an online media personality, she decided to leave the world of video behind her and become a product manager. On today’s show, she shares about the ups and downs of being a freelancer, switching careers after ten years and embracing a new and unknown path, and how she’s becoming an expert in her new field. If you’re thinking about transitioning your role or industry and jumping over into something kind of but not really related, this is the episode for you.Show Notes:-Veronica growing up: A rough and tumble kind of girl who loved gadgets and tinkering with toys. [2:01]-Her fascination with computers and games, joining the punk rock scene in high school, and studying Audio Production at Emerson. [5:54]-Veronica’s first taste of feeling blocked because she was a woman, and how she ended up moving to San Francisco. [11:10]-The hustle phase: Using Craigslist for everything (even her mattress), facing lots of rejections, and landing an internship at CNET. [15:53]-Diving into her audio career, shifting from behind-the-scenes work to sharing her voice and co-hosting, and the leap to video. [23:45] -Going from a super high to a super low: Veronica’s huge opportunity to host the HBO premiere of GOT, and her mistake of reading all the nasty comments about it afterward. [31:36]-“It’s okay to know yourself well enough to know when you need a change.” Veronica shares about her decision to end all her contracts and stop video work. [34:39]-On freelancing, the podcasts she continues to work on and how they’ve evolved, and her transition into Product Management. [38:53]-The importance of becoming an expert in your domain, joining Bot Makers, and Veronica’s advice to people wanting to break into a new field. [42:32]-The tendency women have to disqualify themselves from new opportunities (while men seem to do the opposite), and Veronica’s words of encouragement. [47:55]-What Veronica has reclaimed for herself on her heroine’s journey. [50:45]References:Veronica’s personal website – http://veronicabelmont.com/Sword & Laser podcast – http://swordandlaser.com/Growbot website – https://www.growbot.io/Music by Lucia Lilikoi – lucia.bandcamp.com

Last year, Veronica Belmont hosted HBO’s Red Carpet Premiere for Game of Thrones. But after spending ten years as an online media personality, she decided to leave the world of video behind her and become a product manager. On today’s show, she shares about the ups and downs of being a freelancer, switching careers after ten years and embracing a new and unknown path, and how she’s becoming an expert in her new field. If you’re thinking about transitioning your role or industry and jumping over into something kind of but not really related, this is the episode for you.Show Notes:-Veronica growing up: A rough and tumble kind of girl who loved gadgets and tinkering with toys. [2:01]-Her fascination with computers and games, joining the punk rock scene in high school, and studying Audio Production at Emerson. [5:54]-Veronica’s first taste of feeling blocked because she was a woman, and how she ended up moving to San Francisco. [11:10]-The hustle phase: Using Craigslist for everything (even her mattress), facing lots of rejections, and landing an internship at CNET. [15:53]-Diving into her audio career, shifting from behind-the-scenes work to sharing her voice and co-hosting, and the leap to video. [23:45] -Going from a super high to a super low: Veronica’s huge opportunity to host the HBO premiere of GOT, and her mistake of reading all the nasty comments about it afterward. [31:36]-“It’s okay to know yourself well enough to know when you need a change.” Veronica shares about her decision to end all her contracts and stop video work. [34:39]-On freelancing, the podcasts she continues to work on and how they’ve evolved, and her transition into Product Management. [38:53]-The importance of becoming an expert in your domain, joining Bot Makers, and Veronica’s advice to people wanting to break into a new field. [42:32]-The tendency women have to disqualify themselves from new opportunities (while men seem to do the opposite), and Veronica’s words of encouragement. [47:55]-What Veronica has reclaimed for herself on her heroine’s journey. [50:45]References:Veronica’s personal website – http://veronicabelmont.com/Sword & Laser podcast – http://swordandlaser.com/Growbot website – https://www.growbot.io/Music by Lucia Lilikoi – lucia.bandcamp.com

Jaime Derringer started the blog Design Milk even though she wasn’t a designer – she was simply curating what she thought was beautiful. Today it’s one of the best-known design blogs out there dedicated to modern design – offering what’s new in art, architecture, fashion and technology, and more.In today’s episode, she and our host discuss the importance of having clarity on your hobbies versus your job, while still embracing all that you are as a creative renaissance woman. Jaime also talks about her depression and anxiety during her twenties, and shares the mindset shifts and energy management tips that helped her to leave it in the past.Show Notes:-Growing up: On being an independent girl who preferred the art store to the toy store, expressing herself with piercings and pink hair, and struggling to find herself. [1:52]-Why she chose to major in Asian Studies in college, even though it was a “useless” degree to her. [7:37]-On her depression and anxiety during her twenties, and the exercise that saved her. [10:22]-Moving around, becoming a mom, and how she got started with Design Milk. [12:55]-Jaime talks about how long it took to find a job where she felt comfortable, how she had to fake it ‘til she made it, and having the confidence to figure things out. [16:58]-On taking on new challenges, being multi-modal, and her hobbies for relaxation. [23:34] -Jaime and Majo talk about identity and wearing different hats, plus the big aha Jaime had that expanded her creative freedom. [27:03]-Some of the common pitfalls of working through big projects, plus tips on energy management. [32:09]-Jaime shares her final words of wisdom on increasing her capacity and what she’s reclaimed on her journey. [36:07]References:Design Milk – http://design-milk.com/Jaime's personal website – http://www.jaimederringer.com/Dog Milk – http://dog-milk.com/Adorn Milk – https://adorn-milk.com/Find Jaime on Twitter:@designmilk @jaimederringerMusic by Lucia Lilikoi – lucia.bandcamp.com

Jaime Derringer started the blog Design Milk even though she wasn’t a designer – she was simply curating what she thought was beautiful. Today it’s one of the best-known design blogs out there dedicated to modern design – offering what’s new in art, architecture, fashion and technology, and more.In today’s episode, she and our host discuss the importance of having clarity on your hobbies versus your job, while still embracing all that you are as a creative renaissance woman. Jaime also talks about her depression and anxiety during her twenties, and shares the mindset shifts and energy management tips that helped her to leave it in the past.Show Notes:-Growing up: On being an independent girl who preferred the art store to the toy store, expressing herself with piercings and pink hair, and struggling to find herself. [1:52]-Why she chose to major in Asian Studies in college, even though it was a “useless” degree to her. [7:37]-On her depression and anxiety during her twenties, and the exercise that saved her. [10:22]-Moving around, becoming a mom, and how she got started with Design Milk. [12:55]-Jaime talks about how long it took to find a job where she felt comfortable, how she had to fake it ‘til she made it, and having the confidence to figure things out. [16:58]-On taking on new challenges, being multi-modal, and her hobbies for relaxation. [23:34] -Jaime and Majo talk about identity and wearing different hats, plus the big aha Jaime had that expanded her creative freedom. [27:03]-Some of the common pitfalls of working through big projects, plus tips on energy management. [32:09]-Jaime shares her final words of wisdom on increasing her capacity and what she’s reclaimed on her journey. [36:07]References:Design Milk – http://design-milk.com/Jaime's personal website – http://www.jaimederringer.com/Dog Milk – http://dog-milk.com/Adorn Milk – https://adorn-milk.com/Find Jaime on Twitter:@designmilk @jaimederringerMusic by Lucia Lilikoi – lucia.bandcamp.com

Ashley C. Ford is a writer, editor, and speaker who has written and guest-edited for publications like The Guardian, ELLE, BuzzFeed, Slate, and many more. But only a few years ago, she had a very different story. After getting fired from all her part-time jobs at once, she hit rock bottom, but was able to find the inspiration to move forward after reading a self-help book. Soon after, she became friends with Lena Dunham, started writing for BuzzFeed, and is now a senior writer at Refinery29 while also working on a personal memoir. As a survivor of sexual assault, Ashley talks about letting go of shame and the relationship between personal hardships and creativity. She also shares her perspective on Black Girl Magic and what she’s reclaimed on her heroine’s journey.Show Notes:-Ashley as a little girl: A precocious, early reader who asked a lot of questions and was highly skeptical of adult authority. [2:57]-On hitting puberty as a young woman – “It’s not about us, it’s about the way the world starts to react to us.” [10:11]-Ashley talks about her father, who was in prison for most of her life, and how their relationship was further complicated after learning what his crime had been. [17:46]-On personal experiences relating to creativity, why Ashley struggled so long to figure out what she wanted to do, and how she ended up becoming a writer. [21:04]-Diving into Ashley’s transition to becoming a writer – from surviving on peanut butter and jelly sandwiches to checking out all the self-help books at the library to getting a job at Buzzfeed. [26:57]-Some of the beliefs she had to let go of in order to lead, plus her beautiful perspective on "black girl magic". [32:05]-Ashley’s advice for making yourself more visible and vulnerable, her wisdom on shame, and what she’s in the process of reclaiming for herself. [38:25]References:Ashley's website – http://www.ashleycford.net/Episode Sponsor: UENO - http://ueno.co/Music by Lucia Lilikoi – lucia.bandcamp.com

Ashley C. Ford is a writer, editor, and speaker who has written and guest-edited for publications like The Guardian, ELLE, BuzzFeed, Slate, and many more. But only a few years ago, she had a very different story. After getting fired from all her part-time jobs at once, she hit rock bottom, but was able to find the inspiration to move forward after reading a self-help book. Soon after, she became friends with Lena Dunham, started writing for BuzzFeed, and is now a senior writer at Refinery29 while also working on a personal memoir. As a survivor of sexual assault, Ashley talks about letting go of shame and the relationship between personal hardships and creativity. She also shares her perspective on Black Girl Magic and what she’s reclaimed on her heroine’s journey.Show Notes:-Ashley as a little girl: A precocious, early reader who asked a lot of questions and was highly skeptical of adult authority. [2:57]-On hitting puberty as a young woman – “It’s not about us, it’s about the way the world starts to react to us.” [10:11]-Ashley talks about her father, who was in prison for most of her life, and how their relationship was further complicated after learning what his crime had been. [17:46]-On personal experiences relating to creativity, why Ashley struggled so long to figure out what she wanted to do, and how she ended up becoming a writer. [21:04]-Diving into Ashley’s transition to becoming a writer – from surviving on peanut butter and jelly sandwiches to checking out all the self-help books at the library to getting a job at Buzzfeed. [26:57]-Some of the beliefs she had to let go of in order to lead, plus her beautiful perspective on "black girl magic". [32:05]-Ashley’s advice for making yourself more visible and vulnerable, her wisdom on shame, and what she’s in the process of reclaiming for herself. [38:25]References:Ashley's website – http://www.ashleycford.net/Episode Sponsor: UENO - http://ueno.co/Music by Lucia Lilikoi – lucia.bandcamp.com

Today’s episode features a powerful interview with Jessica Bennett – a journalist who writes on gender, sexuality, and culture. She recently authored the book Feminist Fight Club, an office survival guide for a sexist workplace that’s packed with hilarity and insights on the subtle and sneaky sexism that still exists in modern workplaces today. Jessica talks about how women have been programmed to feel competitive with each other, whether it’s okay to cry at work, and shares practical tools and techniques for dealing with sexism at work. She also shares how she overcame imposter syndrome to write for big names like the Times, and how you can overcome self doubts too.Show Notes:- A “geeky” girl with unyielding ambition and lots of lofty goals. [0:00]- How she began to notice that the men around her were getting promoted faster and published more often, and how that led to uncovering an amazing story about women in the 70s who had felt the same frustration… [1:56]- Growing up in liberal Seattle, Jessica admits that she wasn’t always interested in gender issues, and shares how she came to form the first feminist fight club. [6:03]- Majo and Jessica talk about the subtle and insidious nature of sexism even in modern and progressive workplaces. [10:30]- Diving into the book, Feminist Fight Club: How we self-sabotage, dealing with imposter syndrome, and more. [11:13]- How women are programmed to feel competitive with each other: “It doesn’t have to be this way… we have the power to change this.” [15:52]- To cry or not to cry at work? Jessica breaks down the stigmas around crying. [20:29]- How communication and speech impacts the way we are perceived, and other stereotypes on how women are supposed to behave. [25:55]- On reclamation, and the importance of bringing humor into issues like this. [31:49]- How we can bring men into this conversations, the surprising thing that Jessica has reclaimed on her journey, and her advice to women. [35:26]References:http://www.feministfightclub.com/http://www.jessicabennett.me/Episode Sponsor: UENO - http://ueno.co/Music by Lucia Lilikoi – lucia.bandcamp.com

Today’s episode features a powerful interview with Jessica Bennett – a journalist who writes on gender, sexuality, and culture. She recently authored the book Feminist Fight Club, an office survival guide for a sexist workplace that’s packed with hilarity and insights on the subtle and sneaky sexism that still exists in modern workplaces today. Jessica talks about how women have been programmed to feel competitive with each other, whether it’s okay to cry at work, and shares practical tools and techniques for dealing with sexism at work. She also shares how she overcame imposter syndrome to write for big names like the Times, and how you can overcome self doubts too.Show Notes:- A “geeky” girl with unyielding ambition and lots of lofty goals. [0:00]- How she began to notice that the men around her were getting promoted faster and published more often, and how that led to uncovering an amazing story about women in the 70s who had felt the same frustration… [1:56]- Growing up in liberal Seattle, Jessica admits that she wasn’t always interested in gender issues, and shares how she came to form the first feminist fight club. [6:03]- Majo and Jessica talk about the subtle and insidious nature of sexism even in modern and progressive workplaces. [10:30]- Diving into the book, Feminist Fight Club: How we self-sabotage, dealing with imposter syndrome, and more. [11:13]- How women are programmed to feel competitive with each other: “It doesn’t have to be this way… we have the power to change this.” [15:52]- To cry or not to cry at work? Jessica breaks down the stigmas around crying. [20:29]- How communication and speech impacts the way we are perceived, and other stereotypes on how women are supposed to behave. [25:55]- On reclamation, and the importance of bringing humor into issues like this. [31:49]- How we can bring men into this conversations, the surprising thing that Jessica has reclaimed on her journey, and her advice to women. [35:26]References:http://www.feministfightclub.com/http://www.jessicabennett.me/Episode Sponsor: UENO - http://ueno.co/Music by Lucia Lilikoi – lucia.bandcamp.com

What is creative freedom – and when do you feel it most? Shyama Golden is an artist and designer who has found a range of ways to express her artistry. As a daughter to scientist immigrants, her parents encouraged her to pursue something practical. But after ten years of taking that route, Shyama felt the time was right to let her artsy side shine.Shyama shares when she has felt the most and least creative freedom on her journey to becoming a sustainable artist – from her work in graphic and interactive design, to her paintings of families living inside of dinosaurs and a giant Sasquatch made of cats. This episode will get you wondering what phase of creative freedom you're in, and whether it’s time for a change. Show Notes:-Shyama as a little girl: an introverted, only child who liked trying new and “weird” things. [2:56]-On her immigrant parents, college years, and how the nature of her first job affected her creative freedom. [7:12]-How rejection and getting laid off turned out to be a blessing in disguise. [13:18]-From full-time work, to freelance work, to a sabbatical focused on making her own art. [17:28]-How a chance opportunity to participate in an art exhibit helped quiet her inner critic and revealed the positive power of deadlines. [21:58] -Deciding to move to SF for new challenges and opportunities, and the regret she felt initially. [27:09]-Shyama’s insights on sustaining herself as well as having mentors and patrons. [35:14]-The internal shifts Shyama has made to protect her creativity, plus her progress on Catsquatch. [40:38]References:Check out Shyama's work – http://shyamagolden.com/Episode Sponsor:Adobe Creative Residency – http://adobe.com/go/creativeresidencyMusic by Lucia Lilikoi – lucia.bandcamp.com