In this episode 25, Dr. Ardeshir Mehran and Natalie Luke, PhD, explore the deeper implications of depression and anxiety, particularly among high achievers. They discuss how societal pressures and the culture of resiliency can lead to feelings of loneliness and disconnection. The conversation emphasizes the importance of self-discovery, fulfillment, and the need for women to reclaim their voices and emotional rights. Dr. Mehran introduces the concept of the emotional bill of rights, which outlines essential needs for personal growth and well-being. The discussion culminates in practical steps for listeners to rediscover themselves and embrace their true potential.

Takeaways

• Depression and anxiety are often signals of unmet potential.
• Resiliency can be detrimental to mental health.
• High achievers often experience loneliness and isolation.
• Women often struggle with identity and self-discovery.
• Pain can serve as an invitation for personal growth.
• Disconnection from one's true self can lead to depression.
• The emotional bill of rights is essential for well-being.
• Finding one's voice is crucial for empowerment.
• Practical steps can help individuals reclaim their agency.

Chapters

00:00 Understanding Depression and Anxiety Beyond Personal Struggles
04:20 The Culture of Resiliency and Its Impact on High Achievers
07:05 Loneliness and Its Connection to Mental Health
09:47 The Distinct Journey of Female Leaders
12:45 Rediscovering Self: The Inside-Out Approach
15:31 The Role of Emotions in Personal Growth
18:10 Disconnection and Its Roots in Depression
21:01 Burnout vs. Loss of Purpose in High Achievers
23:47 The Emotional Bill of Rights for Empowerment
26:31 Practical Steps to Rediscovering Yourself
40:07 Unlocking Fulfillment_ A Journey Beyond

Resources

From Dr. Ardeshir Mehran

• https://ardeshirmehran.com/
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-ardeshir-mehran-a3457/

From Dr. Natalie Luke

• https://unceilingyou.com/
• https://unceilingzone.com/
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/natalielukephdbcmas/

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Learn More at https://unceilingyou.com/

In Episode 24 of UnCeiling You, Dr. Natalie Luke engages with Mary Aguirre, an award-winning broadcaster who shares her journey of navigating cultural barriers as a Latina woman in the United States. The conversation explores themes of identity, family, and the challenges women face in different cultural contexts. Mary discusses the importance of community, the role of family in success, and how her podcast serves as a voice for Latina women. The episode highlights the importance of staying true to oneself while adapting to new environments and the transformative power of communication in bridging cultural gaps.

Takeaways

• Mary Aguirre emphasizes the importance of family in her life and career.
• Cultural differences have a significant impact on business practices and relationships.
• Women face different expectations in various cultural contexts.
• Language barriers can pose challenges in professional settings.
• The Latino culture values emotional expression and close relationships.
• Podcasting can be a powerful medium for sharing stories and experiences.
• Community support is crucial for navigating life transitions.
• Success is defined differently across cultures, with family often at the center.
• Understanding cultural nuances is essential for effective communication.
• Mary's podcast aims to provide a supportive voice for Latina women.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Mary Aguirre's Journey
02:51 Cultural Expectations and Identity
05:52 Navigating Cultural Differences
10:07 Business Challenges in Two Cultures
13:15 Expectations of Women in Mexico vs. USA
16:50 The Role of Family in Success
21:12 The Meaning Behind 'La Tia' Podcast
24:04 Navigating External Barriers for Women
25:01 Shifting Mindsets for Internal Growth

Resources

https://www.tiapodcast.com/

https://unceilingyou.com/

https://unceilingzone.com/

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Learn More at https://unceilingyou.com/

In episode 23, Dr. Natalie Luke engages with Mozella Perry Ademiluyi, a leadership guide and founder of Mountain Peak Strategies, discussing the importance of aligning our head, heart, and hands for sustainable success. They explore the challenges women face in leadership roles, the significance of recharging energy, and the necessity of accountability and support networks. Mozella shares insights on balancing ambition with self-care, daily habits for maintaining energy, and the power of women supporting each other in their professional journeys. The conversation emphasizes the importance of a proactive approach to personal and professional growth, encouraging listeners to seize new challenges and opportunities.

Takeaways

• Real power comes from aligning our head, heart, and hands.
• Women in leadership often feel like they are climbing a mountain of sand.
• Sustainable success requires internal preparation, not just external reactions.
• We must manage our energy like we do our devices.
• Accountability groups can provide essential support and encouragement.
• Ambition can lead to burnout if not balanced with self-care.
• Daily habits can recharge our energy and enhance our performance.
• Women should support each other to create a sense of abundance.
• It's important to have a clear vision and belief in our abilities.
• We need to embrace new challenges and opportunities for growth.

Resources

https://mountainpeakstrategies.com/

https://mountainpeakstrategies.com/mozella-on-the-mountain/

https://unceilingzone.com/

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Support the show

Learn More at https://unceilingyou.com/

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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Support the show

Learn More at https://unceilingyou.com/

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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Support the show

Learn More at https://unceilingyou.com/

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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Learn More at https://unceilingyou.com/

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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Support the show

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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Support the show

Learn More at https://unceilingyou.com/