

Shameless Leadership
Sara Dean
Welcome to Shameless Leadership! This show is for women, transgender people, non-binary folks, and allies who are committed to advancing their leadership and the leadership of those around them. In this space, we believe everyone deserves to feel seen, heard, valued, and supported. Our mission is to help you foster these feelings within your own circles of influence to build trust, psychological safety, and a culture of belonging.In each episode, we dive into essential topics impacting women in leadership - everything from shutting down your inner critic and imposter syndrome to overcoming perfectionism to using your voice in new ways to advocate for yourself, your ideas, and other folks carrying marginalized identities. You'll hear practical tips, effective strategies, and inspiring stories that will not only enhance your leadership skills but also broaden your perspective to become a more confident, thoughtful, and empathetic leader.Our stories come from people carrying identities who are often underrepresented, underestimated, and excluded. By sharing their experiences, we aim to provide you with invaluable lessons that will transform your leadership journey. We are thrilled to have you join this community of Shameless Leaders who are actively creating a world where everyone, regardless of gender, can intentionally lead through a more curious, compassionate, and inclusive lens.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Apr 17, 2019 • 56min
328: Dave Hollis: On Identity, Vulnerability, Sobriety, and Allyship
Dave Hollis is husband to Rachel Hollis, father to Jackson, Sawyer, Ford and Noah Hollis and the CEO of the Hollis Company after a 17 year run at Disney left his role as President, Theatrical Distribution for The Walt Disney Studios. Dave looks to take the experiences as global theatrical sales head for Disney, Pixar, Marvel, and Lucas film to the expansion plans in the next, exciting phase of Hollis Company — focusing on media (books/podcasts/radio/tv), live events and merchandise. Dave drives a 1969 Ford Bronco and intermittently likes the family dog, Jeffrey.I invited Dave to come on the show to talk about what it’s like to have a massive shift in identity as he flipped his profession upside down to leave a successful career in order to support his wife’s career. I also wanted to learn more about his journey into personal development, as so many of you have asked me how we can get our partners more involved and invested in areas of growth and evolution. I so appreciate Dave showing up to this conversation so OPEN & READY. Listen in to hear Dave share:
The challenges that present themselves in the face of massive success
The power and gift of discipline when life is moving at 100 MPH
How his identity has evolved as he walked away from his successful career to support Rachel’s career and dreams
His fears and vulnerability around building a new identity
How women can get their partners involved and invested in personal development (without nagging & preaching!)
Why he stopped using alcohol as a coping skill
What his “ally” tattoo means to him as a straight white man who is fully aware of his white privilege
A sneak peek into his upcoming book!
Links Mentioned:
Connect with Dave and Rachel at The Hollis Co.
Tune into Rachel and Dave’s morning show on Instagram
Dave on Instagram
Dave on Facebook
Rise Podcast with Rachel Hollis
Rise Together Podcast with Rachel and Dave Hollis
Thank you to our sponsors:
Lola: Get organic cotton tampons and other hygiene products delivered right to your door. To get 40% off all subscriptions, go to My Lola and use the code SHAMELESS40 at checkout.
Hylands: Hylands: For more information about Hylands, visit Hylands.
FabFitFun: To get $10 off your first subscription box (making it only $39.99 for $200 worth of products) go to FabFitFun and use the code SHAMELESS at checkout.
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Apr 15, 2019 • 43min
327: Mom Guilt Is A Lie
This is going to sound pretty controversial, but I’m saying it anyway. Because of #truth...Mom guilt is a lie.That’s not to say your feelings of guilt aren’t real. THEY ARE.But, as you sit in those feelings, please know this:Mom guilt is a social construct in which women are indoctrinated to think they should feel bad for ever prioritizing themselves, their identity, their careers, or their happiness over their kids.You know how I know this is true?? Because I know the following:Men are not asked, “How do you do it all? How do you juggle your career with your family?Men are not asked, “Don’t you feel bad when you have to travel for work and you don’t get to see your kids for 3 days?”Men don’t have to internalize messages like, “I don’t know how you work so much. I would feel so bad not being at my kid’s games/practices/plays/recitals.”When men consider taking up new hobbies/activities they don’t automatically think, “That would be awesome, but I would feel so bad taking that time away from my family.”Women are indoctrinated to feel like shitty moms if they prioritize their careers, their self-care, their sanity over their families needs. Men are encouraged to prioritize their careers and hobbies over their families needs - “Climb that corporate ladder!” “You gotta start golfing with us, man!” “Meet us every Saturday for pick up basketball!”I share this all because I want you to take a hard look at your relationship with mom guilt. Guilt of any kind is not productive. It keeps us stuck. It holds us back. It does not serve any positive purpose. So, it you’re spending time stuck in mom guilt, you’re wasting time and energy that could be used for so many other positive things in your life. Let’s flip this social construct on its head so we can all be more intentional about how we use our energy, our gifts, and our rights to rest (yes, you get to rest more when you stop feeling so damn guilty!)Listen in to this episode to go on a deep dive into how you’ve been indoctrinated - and how to GET OUT. Links mentioned:Book: Drop The Ball by Tiffany Dufu
Thank you to our sponsors:
Bioclarity: Go to BioClarity to get 40% off skincare routines PLUS an additional 15% off EVERYTHING on their website when you use my code LOVELY at checkout.
Third Love: To find the perfect fitting bra and get 15% off your first purchase got to Third Love.
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Apr 10, 2019 • 52min
326: Debi Silber: How To Move Through And Beyond Betrayal
Dr. Debi Silber, is a Shameless Mom to 4 kids ages 16-23 years old, as well as the founder of The PBT Institute, is a Transformational Psychologist and health, mindset, and personal development, expert. She's an award-winning speaker, coach and author of the Amazon #1 Bestselling book: The Unshakable Woman: 4 Steps to Rebuilding Your Body, Mind, and Life After a Life Crisis. Debi has contributed to FOX, CBS, The Dr. Oz show, TEDx, The Huffington Post, Forbes, Psychology Today, WebMD, amongst others. Her doctoral study led to two discoveries around how women experience and heal from betrayal. Based on her findings, along with 27 years of health, mindset and lifestyle coaching, she's created a proven approach to help women heal (physically, mentally and emotionally) from a life crisis, specializing in betrayal.In addition to Debi’s education and professional experience in the field of betrayal and forgiveness - she has lived it all, multiple times. Her passion comes from her journey, from finding herself in places she didn’t plan, mending and rebuilding relationships that nearly broke her.Listen in to hear Debi share:
Why it’s only the people who are closest to us can actually betray us
Why you must unpack all the components of a betrayal
The three things that do NOT work when trying to heal from betrayal
The 5 Stages from betrayal to post-betrayal breakthrough
The necessary path of a betrayer: apology/remorse/restitution
How to heal your shame after betrayal
The layers & stages of forgiveness and building trust
Links mentioned:
Connect with Debi: The PBT Institute
Debi Silber’s Twitter
Debi Silber’s Facebook Page
Debi Silber’s YouTube channel
Book: Radical Forgiveness by Colin Tipping
Thank you to our sponsors:
Instacart: Get your groceries delivered to your door! Save $10 off your first order at Instacart or on the Instacart mobile app when you use the promo code SHAMELESS10 at checkout.
Rothy's: To get free shipping on any order of Rothy’s shoes, as well as free returns, use the code SHAMELESS at checkout.
Talkspace: to find your perfect match therapist for a fraction of the cost of traditional therapy, go to Talkspace and use the code SHAMELESS at checkout to save $45 off your first month.
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Apr 8, 2019 • 35min
325: Michelle Obama's 4 Secrets To A Successful Marriage
I think we can all agree that marriage is hard. It is also awesome. But it does not come without intentional work. It’s easy to glorify other people's' marriages and assume they “have it all” when that is never actually the case.I recently read Michelle Obama’s book, Becoming. Then I went as saw her speak here in Seattle. In both instances, I was touched by the way she talks about marriage and essentially the “secrets” of her marriage.She is married to a dreamer, while she is admittedly much more pragmatic. She is married to someone who wants to serve all the people, while she wants to prioritize serving her family and those closest to her. She is married to someone who can’t manage his time to save his life, while she loves structure and schedules and routine (and being on time for it all)!In reading Michelle’s book and hearing her talk, I was able to curate four secrets to a successful marriage that I think will help all the rest of us:
Set clear boundaries and expectations
Assume your partners have the best intentions
Assume your partner can actually do the things they say they can
Shamelessly build, own, and grow your own identity
Listen in for a deep dive on these concepts around marriage (and to learn how to see your partners' most annoying characteristics as gifts)!AND make sure to stick around for the end when we talk about asking for support rather than permission. This is a game changer in how you can maintain your identity as well as a high level of respect and equity in your marriage.Thank you to our sponsors:
Cheers Health: Visit Cheers Health and Enter promo code SHAMELESS at checkout to Get 10% off your first order and a free gift.
CareOf: For 50% off your first month of personalized care/of vitamins, visit CareOf and enter the code SHAMELESS50 at checkout.
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Apr 3, 2019 • 52min
324: Kara Loewentheil: Unf*ck Your Brain
Kara Loewentheil is a Master Certified Coach and Host of the UnF*ck Your Brain Podcast. Three years ago she did what every Jewish parent dreams of for their child: She left her legal career running a think tank to become a life coach. Now she teaches feminist women how to undo the effects of patriarchy in their brains and create true authentic confidence from inside. She has grown her coaching business from zero to seven figures in the last 3 years and is passionate about teaching women how to overcome anxiety and self-doubt so they can take on the world.I have recommended Kara’s podcast more than any other in the last 6 months and so many people have come back to tell me it has transformed their mental game. So, I knew I needed to get Kara on the show. Whether you’re wanting to change the way you feel about your body or become a master thought manager in order to change the outcomes in your life, Kara’s brilliance will transform your thought patterns and shift your behavior in powerful ways. Listen in to hear Kara share:
What thought work is and the power you have to choose your thoughts
The practice of shifting into neutral thoughts, rather than forcing ourselves into positive thoughts
Why you should embrace that all humans suffer
Why thought work is more valuable and beneficial than any diet
How thought work can shift your relationship with your body
Links mentioned:
Connect with Kara: Unf*ck Your Brain
Kara’s free challenge: Free Five-Day Confidence Challenge
Kara’s podcast: Unf*ck Your Brain Podcast
Thank you to our sponsors:
Free Fly: You can get 20% off when you visit Free Fly and use promo code SHAMELESS.
KiwiCo: Visit KiwiCo and get your first crate free!
BarkBox: Get a FREE EXTRA MONTH of Barkbox with any 6 or 12-month subscription by visiting BarkBox.
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Apr 1, 2019 • 38min
323: The Secret Struggles of Stay At Home Moms
A few of you have asked me to do an episode specifically on the struggles of being a stay at home mom (SAHM). I’m excited to talk about this, cause I’ll be honest… My life’s dream was to be a stay at home mom and 4 months of that “dream” damn near killed me. I cried uncle and quit that gig (and hired a nanny) when Vinnie was still tiny. So, I have the UTMOST respect for those of you who stay home with your babies (of any age - even school age)!I posted on Facebook a couple weeks ago and asked for SAHMs to share their biggest struggles and I found the responses FASCINATING. First of all, it was really interesting to get a sneak peek into your lives. But the most fascinating part??? A lot of your struggles are so similar to working moms’ struggles. And here we all are thinking that working moms and stay at home moms have so little in common and can’t possibly “get” the other sides perspective. Not so.Regardless if you’re a SAHM or working mom or work from home mom, I think you’ll learn something from this episode. Big thanks to everyone who has reached out to me about this topic and contributed your stories and struggles. So much love for you. Links mentioned:Get your ticket to Shameless Mom Con
Thank you to our sponsors:ButcherBox - Get the Ultimate Breakfast Bundle - that’s 2 packages of Bacon and 2 lbs. of Breakfast Sausage for FREE in your first box PLUS $20 off your first box, go to Butcher Box OR enter promo code SHAMELESS. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mar 27, 2019 • 52min
322: Tiffany Bluhm: International Adoption, Birth Rejection, and Systemic Racism
Tiffany Bluhm wants every woman to recognize, embrace, and pursue the big dreams and beauty born inside of them. The author, blogger, speaker, teacher, podcast host, wife, and mother shares her personal stories of self-value and self-doubt, international adoption, entrepreneurship, marriage, heartbreak, motherhood, and more with an ever-growing audience now numbering in the hundreds of thousands. In addition to reaching readers via her own blog, Tiffany shares her disarmingly perceptive, honest, and frequently funny writing on other popular outlets including ScaryMommy.com, Deeply Rooted Magazine, and more. As co-host of the Why Tho podcast and an in-demand speaker, Tiffany also leads key conversations about modern faith, contemporary women, culture, and so much more. She has penned two books: the acclaimed Bible study Never Alone, released in February 2018, and her newly released book, SHE DREAMS: LIVE THE LIFE YOU WERE CREATED FOR, Tiffany lives in Tacoma, Washington, with her husband and is a Shameless Mom to her 4 and 8-year-old sons.Listen in to hear Tiffany share:
Her story of being born in an orphanage in Dehli India and adopted by a white family at age 2
Her experience of being unlike everyone around her from the time she was born because of her birth story and her skin color
How rejection at age 21 reopened her birth rejection trauma
The suicide rate and mental health struggles are 8 times greater in adoptees
Why her decision to adopt internationally had nothing to do with her experience of being adopted
How she has faced discrimination as an East Indian woman, especially since 9/11
How she is talking to her kids about systemic racism and walking her black son through his own awareness of discrimination at a young age
Links Mentioned:Connect with Tiffany: Tiffany BluhmTiffany on Facebook: Tiffany BluhmTiffany on Instagram: Tiffany BluhmTiffany on Twitter: Tiffany BluhmGet Tiffany’s Book: She DreamsWatch Tiffany’s Women To Watch Talk: YoutubeThank you to our sponsors:
Instacart
Brumate
Betabrand
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Mar 25, 2019 • 34min
321: 10 Ways To Lighten Your Load and Lighten Up
Heaviness can show up in our lives in a lot of ways. Sometimes it’s a trauma like a cancer diagnosis or the death of a parent. Sometimes it’s a transition like a new job or a new baby or moving to a new city. Sometimes it’s a stressful phase - lots of expectations at work, a partner who is traveling a lot. Sometimes it’s general overwhelm - so. many. things. to keep up with #everydamndayIn these times of heaviness, sometimes we are tempted to tell ourselves to “Stay Strong!” and “Power Through!” But the reality, sometimes you actually TRULY need a break - a respite. And after that break, you will actually be more STRONG and POWERFUL. It is really important to make a concerted effort to lighten our load and lighten up sometimes (probably more often than you think). When we give ourselves the space & grace to do so, we come back to focus, we have renewed our mental and emotional reserves. This rejuvenation is almost always palpable. These breaks for levity and lightness are so valuable. Listen in to hear a deep dive on these 10 ways to lighten your load and lighten up:
Dedicate time for play - whatever that means for you
Find your zen
Listen to funny podcasts
Watch a comedy special or funny Netflix series
Engage in menial tasks
Find an inspiring place to complete hard tasks
Go shopping
Make hard things fun
Read a funny book
Give yourself rewards
Links Mentioned:Join us at Shameless Mom Con: Shameless Mom ConThank you to our sponsors:
Open Fit
Grove
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Mar 20, 2019 • 52min
320: Lori Kennedy: On Being An Empath While Raising Empaths
Lori Kennedy is the founder and CEO of The Wellness Business Hub, which provides professional training and personal development for health practitioners looking to build and grow their businesses online. She’s also a mom and lover of all things related to coffee. Lori’s two foundational programs, The Wellness Business Academy and The 10K Success System, are growing a powerful community of health leaders who are transforming the way healthcare is done all over the world. She is also the host of The Business of Becoming Podcast for entrepreneurs who want to build the business and life of their dreams… all on their own terms.This is Lori’s second time on the show. I wanted her to come back on to talk about her very personal experience as a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP) and an empath, who is also raising a highly empathic kids. Lori is always such a thoughtful sharer of knowledge & wisdom and this conversation is no exception. Listen in to hear Lori share:
How she recognized she is a highly sensitive person and empath, which she had identified as social anxiety for years
How she protects her energy while running a massive business
How she works around being contained in small spaces and crowds
How she conserves energy for the right people and the right time
Why she takes pride in her firm boundaries
The best trick to turning around a hard morning or a hard day
How to see your child(ren)’s empathic tendencies
How to create space for empathic kids to process & release
Links mentioned:
Join me at Shameless Mom Con in Seattle on April 26th & 27th: Shameless Mom Con
Connect with Lori: The Wellness Business Hub
Lori on Facebook: Lori Kennedyinc
Lori on Instagram Lori Kennedyinc
Thank you to our sponsors:
Hello Fresh: Save $80 off your first month of meals by visiting Hello Fresh and entering the promo code SHAMELESS80 at checkout.
Talkspace: to find your perfect match therapist for a fraction of the cost of traditional therapy, go to Talk Space and use the code SHAMELESS at checkout to save $45 off your first month.
Bioclarity: Go to Bio Clarity to get 40% off skincare routines PLUS an additional 15% off EVERYTHING on their website when you use my code LOVELY at checkout.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mar 18, 2019 • 40min
319: 3 Years of Community, Connection, Identity & Impact
Today we are celebrating 3 years of The Shameless Mom Academy. I launched this show three years ago not knowing up much I would love it, not knowing how much it would change my life, not knowing how many lives it would touch. The last 3 years have been a blur and a dream - and the best part is that we are only getting started. The growth of this podcast stems directly from you all implementing what you learn on the show. You consistently turn the advice into action. You are open to learning and growing and expecting more out of your life, your marriage, motherhood, and your career. You show up and take imperfect action and get vulnerable and ask for help.I am SO HERE for all of this. 3 years, 319 episodes, 160 guests, 1.5 million downloads in 140 countries - and this is just the beginning.When I look back on all this, I can tell you the most valuable pieces have been the community, the connections, the impact and how that has stretched & expanded your identity and mine.Thank you for every single download, share, comment, like, DM, review, email. YOU make The Shameless Mom Academy the Shameless dream that could.Links mentioned:Join me at Shameless Mom Con in Seattle on April 26th & 27th: Shameless Mom Con
Thank you to our sponsors:
Hourglass Cosmetics: Get free shipping with your purchase of a full sized Caution Mascara at Hourglass Cosmetics and use the promo code SHAMELESS at checkout.
Third Love: To find the perfect fitting bra and get 15% off your first purchase got to Third Love
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