Color Me Happy

In this episode, Jackie and Mimi discuss the challenges of hating your boss and provide strategies for dealing with toxic boss-employee relationships. They emphasize the demoralizing effect of a toxic boss and the importance of finding validation from sources other than your boss. They also highlight the responsibility of leaders to build confidence and create a culture of psychological safety. The conversation explores the dynamics of the boss-employee relationship and the need for clear communication and aligned expectations. The hosts encourage listeners to take ownership of their emotions and explore their options for improvement. The episode concludes with an announcement about the Reimagine Conference.

Takeaways

Hating your boss can have a significant impact on your overall well-being and self-esteem.
Finding validation from sources other than your boss is crucial for maintaining confidence and self-worth.
Leaders have a responsibility to create a culture of psychological safety and support their employees' growth.
Taking ownership of your emotions and evaluating the dynamics of the boss-employee relationship can lead to positive changes.
Exploring your options and seeking support from mentors and colleagues can help navigate difficult boss-employee relationships.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction: The Impact of Hating Your Boss
02:13 The Demoralizing Effect of a Toxic Boss
03:12 Taking Responsibility for Your Emotions
04:10 Seeking Validation Outside of Your Boss
05:37 Finding Validation from Other Sources
06:35 The Responsibility of Leaders to Build Confidence
07:33 Creating a Culture of Psychological Safety
08:31 Dealing with Toxic Bosses and Narcissistic Personalities
09:31 Evaluating the Dynamics of the Boss-Employee Relationship
10:28 Identifying the Core Issues in the Relationship
11:25 Taking Ownership and Adjusting in the Relationship
12:46 Assessing Your Needs and Compatibility with Your Boss
13:45 Setting Boundaries and Managing Expectations
14:40 Building Self-Respect and Self-Worth
15:32 Recognizing the Workplace as a Professional Relationship
16:32 Using the Workplace as an Opportunity for Growth
17:51 Exploring Options and Possibilities
18:45 Avoiding the Blame Game and Taking Ownership
20:11 Not Sweating the Small Stuff
22:08 Building a Support System for Feedback and Perspective
26:27 Understanding Your Options and Making Decisions
29:13 Letting Go of Negative Beliefs and Attitudes
30:03 Conclusion: Reimagine Conference Announcement

Get your free copy of our digital magazine, GEN neXt, The Voice of the Modern Gen X Woman. www.moderngenxwoman.com/gennext

GEN NeXt is a collection of insights from incredible organizations, women, and industry experts who have dedicated themselves to the same cause—turning up the volume of women 40+.

We're not just Gen X we're GEN neXt

This episode explores strategies for running effective meetings. The hosts discuss the inefficiency of many meetings and the negative impact of too many meetings on productivity and decision-making. They emphasize the importance of flow and time management in meetings and suggest alternatives to status meetings. The hosts also provide tips for effective brainstorming meetings and offer tactics for making meetings more efficient. The episode concludes with a call to action for individuals and organizations to improve their meeting practices.

Do This in Status Meetings
Do Meetless Mondays
Do schedule meetings to not end on the hour or half hour to provide time
Do This in Brainstorming Meetings to get the most innovative ideas
Do leave your ego at the door

Chapters

00:00
Introduction: The Art of Running Effective Meetings

03:17
The Meeting Culture and Inefficiency

05:16
One-on-One Meetings and Coaching Opportunities

09:09
The Negative Impact of Too Many Meetings

10:03
The Importance of Flow and Time Management

12:00
Meeting Fatigue and Decision Fatigue

14:16
The Problems with Status Meetings

16:41
Meetings for the Sake of Meetings

18:36
Effective Brainstorming Meetings

21:52
Tactics for Efficient Meetings

26:31
Conclusion: Becoming Effective Professionals

Get your free copy of our digital magazine, GEN neXt, The Voice of the Modern Gen X Woman. www.moderngenxwoman.com/gennext

GEN NeXt is a collection of insights from incredible organizations, women, and industry experts who have dedicated themselves to the same cause—turning up the volume of women 40+.

We're not just Gen X we're GEN neXt

Dr. McNally discusses the changes women experience in their bodies after the age of 40 and provides insights on how to navigate these changes. She emphasizes the importance of open communication with healthcare providers and encourages women to ask questions and advocate for their needs. 

Dr. McNally also highlights the significance of regular checkups and blood work to monitor overall health. She addresses the physical changes in a woman's body, including hormonal fluctuations and vaginal health. Additionally, she discusses the impact of nutrition and exercise on overall well-being and offers insights on maintaining sexual health and intimacy as women age. 

In this episode, Dr. McNally discusses the importance of self-love and body image in midlife. She highlights the challenges and societal pressures women face and provides practical tips for embracing change and acceptance. The conversation emphasizes the need for women to prioritize their voices and love their bodies.

Takeaways

• Self-love is crucial for women in midlife to navigate body image challenges.
• Societal pressures can negatively impact women's perception of their bodies.
• Embracing change and accepting one's body are key to loving oneself.
• Practical tips include self-care, positive affirmations, and surrounding oneself with supportive people.

Chapters

00:00
Introduction and Background

03:20
When Women Start to Question and Feel Different About Their Bodies

06:06
Understanding and Addressing Body Changes

12:06
Navigating Limited Time and Telehealth Options

14:20
Preparing for Regular Checkups and Blood Work

20:53
Understanding the Physical Changes in a Woman's Body

23:16
Addressing Sexual Health and Intimacy

27:59
Hydration Therapy and Pelvic Floor Therapy

34:00
The Importance of Nutrition and Balanced Diet

44:22
Transitioning into the 70s, 80s, and 90s

48:37
Empowering Women to Ask Questions and Seek Answers

02:30
The Importance of Self-Love

10:15
Body Image in Midlife

20:45
Challenges and Societal Pressures

30:10
Embracing Change and Acceptance

40:20
Practical Tips for Loving Your Body

50:46
Closing Remarks

Get your free copy of our digital magazine, GEN neXt, The Voice of the Modern Gen X Woman. www.moderngenxwoman.com/gennext

GEN NeXt is a collection of insights from incredible organizations, women, and industry experts who have dedicated themselves to the same cause—turning up the volume of women 40+.

We're not just Gen X we're GEN neXt

This episode explores the concept of conversation resolution, which combines the art of conflict resolution with difficult conversations. The hosts emphasize the importance of shifting mindset and energy when approaching conversations, as well as understanding subconscious beliefs. They discuss the impact of mindset on conflict resolution and the power of neutralizing language in conversations. The episode also highlights the significance of setting intentions and focusing on resolution rather than being right. The hosts stress the importance of fostering collaborative environments and building trust in order to create good relationships at work.

Takeaways

• Shifting mindset and energy is crucial when approaching difficult conversations.
• Understanding subconscious beliefs and thoughts can impact how we show up in conversations.
• Neutralizing language and avoiding blame can deescalate conflicts and foster collaboration.
• Setting intentions and focusing on resolution rather than being right can lead to more productive conversations.
• Building trust and creating a positive culture are essential for effective communication and relationships at work.

Chapters

00:00
Introduction to Conversation Resolution

01:24
Shifting Mindset and Energy

03:19
The Importance of Mindset

04:18
Understanding Subconscious Beliefs

05:42
The Power of Mindset and Energy Work

06:41
Changing Perspectives on Difficult Conversations

07:39
The Impact of Mindset on Conflict Resolution

08:29
Neutralizing Language in Conversations

09:22
Shifting Mindset as the Receiver of Feedback

10:22
Setting Intentions for Conversations

11:23
The Importance of Outcome and Resolution

12:47
Creating Collaborative Conversations

13:46
Linguistic Intelligence in Communication

15:10
Neutralizing Language to Avoid Conflict

16:08
The Impact of Fight or Flight Response

17:25
Fostering Collaborative Environments

18:22
Creating Good Relationships at Work

19:51
Building Trust and Culture Change

20:47
Beginning Conversations with Shared Objectives

22:35
Neutralizing the Playing Field

23:32
Emotional Check-In Approach

Get your free copy of our digital magazine, GEN neXt, The Voice of the Modern Gen X Woman. www.moderngenxwoman.com/gennext

GEN NeXt is a collection of insights from incredible organizations, women, and industry experts who have dedicated themselves to the same cause—turning up the volume of women 40+.

We're not just Gen X we're GEN neXt

Critical Thinking separates the greats from the goods. It is a significant differentiator in business success, whether you’re an individual or you’re a company, problem-solving in the box is not going to challenge the status quo and amplify innovation.

Some people are critical thinkers by nature, while others need to work on building this skill. 

How do you solve a problem when the solution isn’t the answer? Let’s dig into critical thinking and why it is a must-hone skill for today.

In this conversation, Mimi and Jackie discuss the importance of critical thinking in business and everyday life. They share personal experiences and insights on how to develop and apply critical thinking skills. They emphasize the need to question assumptions, consider different perspectives, and challenge the status quo. The conversation also explores the role of curiosity, emotions, and biases in critical thinking. The hosts provide practical tips for becoming a better critical thinker and highlight the benefits of collective intelligence. The conversation concludes with a toast to the power of critical thinking.

Takeaways

• Critical thinking is a crucial skill for success in business and life.
• Developing critical thinking skills involves questioning assumptions, considering different perspectives, and challenging the status quo.
• Curiosity, open-mindedness, and the ability to listen to different viewpoints are key to effective critical thinking.
• Balancing analytical thinking and big ideas can lead to innovative solutions and better decision-making.

MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

• Funny Women of a Certain Age, Carole Montgomery (podcast) 
• Meet Jackie + Mimi’s Moms: A Mother’s Day Special (podcast) 

Chapters

00:00
Introduction to Critical Thinking

02:40
Teaching Critical Thinking Skills

05:04
Defining Critical Thinking

06:19
The Process of Critical Thinking

08:24
Using Critical Thinking in Business

11:01
Challenges and Benefits of Critical Thinking

14:20
Overcoming Biases and Emotions

17:08
The Role of Curiosity in Critical Thinking

19:01
Trusting Your Instincts

25:18
Balancing Analytical Thinking and Big Ideas

29:27
Applying Critical Thinking in Sales

32:12
Becoming a Better Leader through Critical Thinking

34:30
Conclusion and Cheers

Get your free copy of our digital magazine, GEN neXt, The Voice of the Modern Gen X Woman. www.moderngenxwoman.com/gennext

GEN NeXt is a collection of insights from incredible organizations, women, and industry experts who have dedicated themselves to the same cause—turning up the volume of women 40+.

We're not just Gen X we're GEN neXt

This episode explores the concept of collective intelligence and leadership. We delve into how leaders can leverage the collective knowledge and creativity of their teams to solve complex problems, foster innovation, and make more informed decisions. 

We discuss the origins of psychological safety and the importance of creating a culture that encourages diverse perspectives. We also provide practical tips for facilitating collective intelligence meetings and setting clear objectives and actionable outcomes. Finally, we highlight the application of collective intelligence in various settings and invite listeners to reach out for further support and training. 

In this conversation, Jackie and Mimi discuss various topics related to personal and executive leadership development. They touch on the importance of one-on-one coaching, re-establishing goals, taking small steps, and the power of the mind. They also conclude with closing remarks and a toast to personal magnificence.

Takeaways

• Collective intelligence harnesses the power of diverse perspectives and fosters innovation.
• Psychological safety is crucial for creating an environment that encourages collective intelligence.
• Effective communication, clear objectives, and actionable outcomes are essential for successful collective intelligence meetings.
• Collective intelligence can be applied in various settings, including the workplace, personal relationships, and family dynamics. Consider seeking one-on-one coaching to enhance your executive leadership skills.
• If you've given up on your goals, take a moment to re-establish your why and consider what else resonates with you.
• Taking small steps consistently can lead to achieving anything.
• The power of the mind and the ability to enter a meditative state can be transformative.
• Toast to your magnificence and celebrate your personal growth.

MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE 

• Quiet by Susan Cain (book)
• Episode 211: The Ego and The Imposter (podcast) 

Chapters

00:00
Introduction and Personal Updates

06:38
The Power of Collective Intelligence

11:16
The Origins of Psychological Safety

16:14
Creating a Culture of Collective Intelligence

18:12
Balancing Decision-Making and Collective Intelligence

26:09
Facilitating Collective Intelligence Meetings

32:15
Building Trust and Encouraging Diverse Perspectives

38:02
Setting Clear Objectives and Actionable Outcomes

40:32
Applying Collective Intelligence in Various Settings

41:14
Conclusion and Contact Information

41:42
One-on-One Coaching

42:07
Re-establishing Goals

42:30
Taking Small Steps

42:46
The Power of the Mind

43:08
Closing Remarks

Get your free copy of our digital magazine, GEN neXt, The Voice of the Modern Gen X Woman. www.moderngenxwoman.com/gennext

GEN NeXt is a collection of insights from incredible organizations, women, and industry experts who have dedicated themselves to the same cause—turning up the volume of women 40+.

We're not just Gen X we're GEN neXt

The Ego stops us from taking in other ideas and exploring outside ourselves for answers.
The Imposter keeps us looking for validation from others and keeps us questioning ourselves.

When you think about being a phenomenal leader, regardless of title, there has to be a balance between the ego and the imposter. This is one of the roots we include in our professional development training and we’re going to give you a glimpse into the Worlds of the Ego and the Worlds of the Imposter and share with you how to teeter between both worlds without ever tipping too far.

In this episode, we’re talking about…

• How we learned about the ego and our own personal feelings about it
• What it looks like when you have too much ego 
• Why (we think!) men tend to have more ego than women 
• How having too much ego can lead us down the wrong path 
• When you can recognize your ego is too strong 
• How imposter syndrome makes us bounce around and lean on everyone else for their opinions 

In this episode, Jackie and Mimi discuss the balance between ego and imposter syndrome in leadership. They explore the dangers of having too much ego, such as dismissing others' ideas and making poor decisions. They also discuss the negative effects of imposter syndrome, including self-doubt and second-guessing. The hosts emphasize the importance of knowing your core values and finding the balance between ego and imposter to become a great leader. They encourage self-reflection and growth, both individually and within organizations. Overall, the episode provides insights and strategies for achieving a healthy balance between ego and imposter syndrome in leadership.

Takeaways

• Having too much ego can lead to dismissive behavior, poor decision-making, and an inflated belief in one's capabilities.
• Imposter syndrome can result in self-doubt, second-guessing, and a lack of self-awareness.
• Finding the balance between ego and imposter requires self-reflection, knowing your core values, and trusting in your own capabilities.
• Encouraging self-reflection and growth within teams and organizations can lead to better leadership and a positive work environment.

Chapters

00:00
Introduction: The Balance Between Ego and Imposter

04:03
The Dangers of Too Much Ego

09:43
The Difference Between Ego and Imposter in Men and Women

14:18
The Negative Effects of Too Much Ego in Leadership

18:36
The Negative Effects of Too Much Imposter Syndrome

20:57
Balancing Ego and Imposter: Knowing Your Core Values

25:01
Finding the Balance Between Ego and Imposter

31:13
Encouraging Self-Reflection and Growth

32:07
Closing Remarks and Call to Action

Leadership Consulting and Coaching for Individuals and Teams

Get your free copy of our digital magazine, GEN neXt, The Voice of the Modern Gen X Woman. www.moderngenxwoman.com/gennext

GEN NeXt is a collection of insights from incredible organizations, women, and industry experts who have dedicated themselves to the same cause—turning up the volume of women 40+.

We're not just Gen X we're GEN neXt

We can’t imagine a world where humor isn’t a big part of it. Let’s face it, the world is a tough place and sometimes the only way to get through it is via a good laugh. What’s even funnier is comedy that resonates, reflects and makes fun of our crazy midlife lives. This week’s guest, Carole Montgomery is the queen of poking fun of, and adoring, women 50+.  

Carole has headlined clubs & colleges across the USA and starred in 2 different Las Vegas production shows. In fact, 

THE LAS VEGAS SUN calls Carole "one of Vegas’ premier comics" She’s also written, directed, and starred in the Showtime Special FUNNY WOMEN OF A CERTAIN AGE (featuring comic headliners over the age of 50).  

Carole is a respected veteran of the standup comedy scene nationwide, she’s an accomplished director & producer and proudest of her 11 comedy tours for Armed Forces Entertainment. 

You don’t want to miss Funny Women of a Certain Age on tour. Carole will be at the Robins Theatre in Warren, Ohio on January 20th. Check out her other dates at funnywomenofacertainage.com 

As a woman of a certain age herself, Carole shares what it was like as a female comic in a VERY masculine, male-dominated industry, how she doubled down when she was told she ‘couldn't, and how important it is to make your own rules that work for you, even when it isn’t the norm. We are thrilled to introduce you to  Carole Montgomery, an incredible woman and storyteller. 

In this episode, we’re talking about… 

• Why anything to empower women is right up Carole’s alley 
• The real deal about parenting 
• How Carole came up with the idea for her Showtime special, Funny Women of a Certain Age 
• Why older women can do anything they want 
• The struggle to get the boys club to let go of the status quo 
• What it was like to be pregnant and on the road 
• Why you can’t take no for an answer 
• Why women need to lift one another up instead of tearing each other down 
• How cancel culture has impacted comedy 

“Not only have I rocked the boat, I’ve turned it over” 

“Don’t ever let someone tell you, you can’t do something because you are a woman or older.” 

“There is no better feeling than making someone laugh.” 

“If you tell me I can’t do it, I say watch me.” 

More About Carole Montgomery here

Carole Montgomery filmed the show she created FUNNY WOMEN OF A CERTAIN AGE (featuring comic headliners over the age of 50) for the Showtime network. She’s a respected veteran of the standup comedy scene nationwide with over 2 dozen television credits to her name. Carole has headlined clubs & colleges across the USA and starred in 2 different Las Vegas production shows. She’s an accomplished director & producer and is proudest of her 11 comedy tours for Armed Forces Entertainment. Carole was also a featured performer at the MONTREAL JUST FOR LAUGHS, BOSTON & NY COMEDY FESTIVALS.

Get your free copy of our digital magazine, GEN neXt, The Voice of the Modern Gen X Woman. www.moderngenxwoman.com/gennext

GEN NeXt is a collection of insights from incredible organizations, women, and industry experts who have dedicated themselves to the same cause—turning up the volume of women 40+.

We're not just Gen X we're GEN neXt

People step into a new year in different ways. Some set rigid goals and over plan (MIMI!), some pick some goals but don’t put any thought behind them and some people live life day to day without any clear vision or goals. 

We’re here to offer a fresh perspective for 2024: Spontaneity.

Picture this: Embracing opportunities without a preconceived script, trusting our instincts, and welcoming surprises. No need to meticulously plan every step – spontaneity becomes the compass guiding us through the adventures of 2024.

So, let's break free from the norm, trade resolutions for spontaneity, and see where the uncharted path takes us. Here's to a year of living in the moment and letting spontaneity be our guide! 

In this episode, we’re talking about how spontaneity… 

• Creates a positive impact on our well-being 
• Improves our ability to be adaptable and problem-solve
• Boosts our moods and can ignite us to action
• Can add creativity to your life and creative ways to be more spontaneous 
• Can lead to new discoveries about yourself and create new opportunities 

Are you a Modern Gen X Woman? 

Download the manifesto here. Use it as your North Star as you navigate what it is to be a woman in midlife. 
Like and follow Modern Gen X Woman, Jackie and Mimi.  

Get your free copy of our digital magazine, GEN neXt, The Voice of the Modern Gen X Woman. www.moderngenxwoman.com/gennext

GEN NeXt is a collection of insights from incredible organizations, women, and industry experts who have dedicated themselves to the same cause—turning up the volume of women 40+.

We're not just Gen X we're GEN neXt

Hey Gen X Women!
Is it 2AM again and you find yourself worrying, thinking, ruminating? Look, I’ve never been a great sleeper but it has gotten much worse once I hit midlife and I know I’m not alone.

Have you seen a difference in how much you worry or ruminate as you’ve reached midlife?

Listen up because in this episode we’re telling you, we aren’t crazy (even though we may sometimes feel like we are) and instead, why and how we are reacting to the different physical, emotional and psychological elements happening to us all at the same time. The angst of midlife.

In this episode we’re talking about…

• How we’re at the apex of anxiety while at the bottom of the happiness U curve 
• The false reality of overthinking, worry and ruminating 
• The role hormones play in anxiety, especially as we age
• Where we are in midlife and the demands in midlife and how they enhance our worry and destroy our ability to remove stress
• The truth about how our brains work and why women are biologically vulnerable to getting anxiety
• The societal norms and pressure around beauty,  aging and how we feel about ourselves
• Comparison, social media don't help
• Rumination and worries about missed opportunities or unfulfilled goals 

Mentioned in this episode: 

How to get Through When You Feel Crappy (podcast)
Overthinking, Overtalking, Overcompensating (podcast)
Why Staying Calm Stresses Us the F Out (podcast) 

Get your free copy of our digital magazine, GEN neXt, The Voice of the Modern Gen X Woman. www.moderngenxwoman.com/gennext

GEN NeXt is a collection of insights from incredible organizations, women, and industry experts who have dedicated themselves to the same cause—turning up the volume of women 40+.

We're not just Gen X we're GEN neXt