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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/

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

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.

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

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

Summary

In this conversation, Natalie Luke and Dr. Sarah Kaplan explore the critical importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in business. They discuss how companies that prioritize DEI not only enhance their corporate performance but also foster innovation and employee satisfaction. The discussion highlights the risks associated with rolling back DEI initiatives, the impact of privilege and bias in the workplace, and the necessity for organizations to adapt and innovate in a changing environment. They emphasize the need for a mindset shift towards inclusivity and the importance of individual commitment to creating a more equitable workplace.

Takeaways

• Companies in the top quartile for diversity outperform their peers by 9%.
• Ignoring DEI initiatives can lead to financial missteps.
• Privilege and bias are often invisible until faced with adversity.
• Trade-offs in business strategy can lead to missed opportunities.
• Innovation thrives in diverse environments.
• The backlash against DEI initiatives poses risks to corporate performance.
• Employees are increasingly unwilling to work for companies that don't align with their values.
• Sustaining long-term excellence requires continuous innovation and adaptation.
• A learning mindset is essential for personal and organizational growth.
• Patience and persistence are key to achieving meaningful change.

Sound Bites

• "What happens when they cave to external pressures?"
• "Innovation thrives in diversity, and so do careers."
• "Life is short, walk with your feet."

Chapters

• 00:00 Understanding Trade-Offs in Business Strategy
• 08:50 The Authenticity of DEI Initiatives
• 13:43 The Importance of Diverse Perspectives
• 21:59 Sustaining Innovation and Growth
• 29:15 Mindset Shifts for Effective Advocacy
• 32:48 The Business Case for DEI
• 35:01 Navigating Toxic Workplaces and Leadership Challenges

Resources

Connect with Sarah Kaplan at https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahlkaplan/ or https://bsky.app/profile/sarahkaplan.bsky.social

Join the UnCeiling You Movement at https://unceilingzone.com/

Learn more about UnCeiling You: https://unceilingyou.com/

Connect with Dr. Natalie Luke: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natalielukephdbcmas/

Support the Podcast: https://unceiling-you.captivate.fm/support

Summary

In this conversation, Dr. Natalie Luke and Dr. Marilyn A. Clark discuss the evolving landscape for women in leadership, highlighting the barriers that persist despite progress. They explore the importance of radical responsibility, reframing ambition, and the power of imagination in career growth. The discussion emphasizes the need for strategic networking, visibility, and building support systems to navigate challenges and take bold steps towards leadership.

Takeaways

• Women in leadership face new hidden roadblocks despite previous progress.
• The fight for gender equality in leadership is cyclical.
• Ambition should be reframed as a commitment to impact leadership.
• Women need to practice assertiveness without over-apologizing.
• Imagination and strategic risk-taking are essential for career growth.
• Visibility in the workplace is crucial for being considered for leadership roles.
• Building a strong network of sponsors is vital for career advancement.
• Women should focus on aligning their work with high-impact business goals.
• Support systems and networks are essential for women's success in leadership.
• Taking bold steps towards leadership can start with small, strategic actions.

Chapters

00:00 The Current Landscape for Women in Leadership

04:04 Taking Radical Responsibility

06:50 Reframing Ambition and Overcoming Self-Doubt

09:30 Imagination as a Strategic Tool

12:42 Building Support Systems and Networks

14:55 The Importance of Sponsors vs. Mentors

17:45 Taking Bold Steps in Career Growth

20:23 Final Thoughts and Resources

30:47 Dr. Marilyn A. Clark's Blueprint for Success

Reach out to Dr. Marilyn at:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marilyn-a-clark-ed-d-4837531/
• Email: contact@ccg-solutions.com
• CCG-solutions.com
• iammarilynclark.com

💥 Loved this episode? Help us keep the momentum going.

Here are three powerful ways you can support:

1. Subscribe to the show so you never miss an episode.
2. Explore the UnCeiling Zone – our membership space for ambitious women ready to rise together: 👉 https://unceilingzone.com/
3. Donate to help us keep creating bold, meaningful content that fuels women’s leadership. 👉 https://unceiling-you.captivate.fm/support

Together, we’re creating space, claiming power, and making change.

Summary

In this episode of UnCeiling You, host Dr. Natalie Luke reflects on her journey and the evolution of the podcast. She discusses the internal battles women face, such as self-doubt and imposter syndrome, and how external barriers in the workplace often compound these challenges. With insights from her own experiences and the stories of others, Natalie emphasizes the importance of community, mentorship, and the need for women to support one another in overcoming obstacles. The conversation also touches on the rollback of DEI programs and the hidden rules that can hinder women's career progress. As the podcast looks forward to future seasons, Natalie aims to empower listeners to embrace their ambitions and challenge societal expectations.

Takeaways

• Self-doubt is a common struggle for many women.
• Naming your inner critic can help manage self-doubt.
• Community and mentorship are crucial for personal growth.
• External barriers like DEI rollbacks impact women's careers.
• Hidden workplace rules can create additional challenges.
• Mindset shifts are essential for overcoming obstacles.
• Women should support each other in their journeys.
• It's important to challenge societal expectations.
• Personal growth often involves embracing change and taking risks.

Sound Bites

• "You're not too late; you're right on time."
• "I gave her a name, and her name was Natasha."
• "I want to get a tattoo for the first time."

🎧 Enjoyed this episode?

Follow UnCeiling You to fuel your ambition with bold, honest conversations that help you rise.

💬 Tell me what resonated with you.

DM me on Instagram or LinkedIn, or share this episode with your community. Tag me with your favorite quote or takeaway! https://www.linkedin.com/in/natalielukephdbcmas/

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Consider donating to help keep the show going strong. Every contribution helps amplify women’s voices and grow this movement.

https://unceiling-you.captivate.fm/support

✨ Your ripple starts here. Keep going.

Mentioned in this episode:

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