

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

Nov 28, 2018 • 58min
288: Julie Ciardi: Divorced Mommy
Julie Ciardi is a Shameless divorced and remarried mom of 3 kiddos. She divorced when her oldest two kids were 2 and 4. She remarried and now has a third child, age 4, with her new husband. She has a very modern blended family. She recently took a flying leap from corporate, leaving behind a high paying multi-six figure salary to be an entrepreneur with 2 businesses. She launched a brick and mortar women’s boutique, Haven Boutique, where she styles women for their daily hustle. Then she launched her podcast, Divorced Mommy to help divorced moms with their mindset and long-term vision to create the life they want and their children need. Listen in to hear Julie share:
How to conscientiously frame your story around your divorce
How to model to your friends and family around how to talk about your family’s rearrangement
The mindset resets to start rebuilding your life and mental space during and after divorce
How she and her children’s dad manage their 50/50 co-parenting/custody schedule
How to find power and strength in divorce
Links Mentioned:
Connect with Julie: Divorced Mommy Blog
Podcast: Divorced Mommy
Divorced Mommy on Instagram
Thank you to our sponsors:
Canvas People: To get a FREE 11x14 canvas print (just pay shipping) of any of your photos, go to Canvas People and use the code SHAMELESS at checkout.
Kathie Lee Gifford book - The Gift That I Can Give You: Get 30% off Kathie Lee’s children’s book, The Gift That I Can Give You at Faith Gateway and enter the code SHAMELESS at checkout.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nov 26, 2018 • 39min
287: 4 Steps To Protect Your Energy Over The Holidays
I recently polled our Shameless Mom #everydamnday Facebook group, asking what you all needed help with right now. I got over a tons of responses and many of those responses had a lot of likes – letting me know that a lot of you are facing the same obstacles. But the most liked response was, “How to protect energy and boundaries so you still have joy during the holidays.” This response was the most liked comment by a landslide.Here’s the deal about the holidays – you have every right to create the experience you want. You have every right to say NO. You have every right to create space to rest. You have every right to create more joy and less stress.You have every right to make it all about you and your immediate family and not about a million other people. You have every right to unapologetically set boundaries, protect your energy, and enjoy the heck out of yourself.Here are 4 ways to protect your energy and build better boundaries so your next month can be more of a fairy tale and less of a nightmare. I’m going to dive into how to make space for the things and people you love, how to prioritize things that bring you joy, and how to actually RELAX over the holidays. Sound good?!?Links Mentioned:Join MOMENTUM Mamas (enrollment closes at 5 pm on November 26th!): Shameless Mom
Thank you to our sponsors:
Rothy’s: To get free shipping on any order of Rothy’s shoes, as well as free returns, go to Rothy’s and use the code SHAMELESS at checkout. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nov 21, 2018 • 58min
286: Heather Boorman: Fringy Parents and Fringy Kids
Heather Boorman lives an intensely joy-filled and full life as a homeschooling mom to 3 fringy kids and the executive director and therapist with Boorman Counseling. She passionately advocates for differently wired kids and adults through her work as a national speaker, writer & podcaster at The Fringy Bit. Heather’s also the author of The Gifted Kids Workbook, which provides mindfulness-based activities to help kids reduce stress, balance emotions, and build confidence.Listen in to hear Heather share:
How she meets the unique needs of her three fringy kids through a mix of homeschooling and traditional schooling
Her definition of fringy kids
Common misconceptions of gifted kids and parenting gifted kids
The importance of self-compassion when parenting fringy kids
Why it’s ok to go AWOL sometimes – and what to do if you suspect another mom might have gone AWOL
Links and Resources Mentioned:
Get on the Wait List for MOMENTUM Mamas Wait List
Connect with Heather online: The Fringy Bit
Connect with Heather locally: Boorman Counseling
Connect with Heather on Facebook
Workbook: The Gifted Kids Workbook
Thank you to our sponsors:
Songfinch: To save $20 off your Personalized Song From Scratch, go to Songfinch and use the code SHAMELESS at checkout.
Homesick Candles: Save 10% off any order over $50 and get free shipping at Homesick Candles when you use the code SHAMELESS at checkout.
Hint Water: To get 36 bottles of Hint Water for just $36 visit Hint Drink Water and use the promo code SHAMELESS at checkout.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nov 19, 2018 • 38min
285: How To Stop Staying Stuck In Your Struggles
Last week I gave a talk to Moms In Finance in Seattle and it was pure FIRE and GOLD. It was basically a combination of FIVE podcast episodes I’ve already done wrapped up into a 30-minute talk that will totally change how you turn your struggles into strengths and take power in your life to rewrite ALLLL the stories that are keeping you stuck as all get out.Listen, we all have our “stuff”…..And most of us let our “stuff” dictate our struggles. We let our “stuff” create stories in our heads that keep us stuck. We allow our “stuff” to hold us back from finding and thriving in our strengths. How about we just stop?Stop sitting in your stuff. Stop settling for stuck.Start shining your story.Start standing in your strengths. Listen in to hear exactly how.Links Mentioned:
SMA Episode 241: Turn Your Struggles Into Strengths
SMA Episode 149: Stop Saying Sorry
SMA Episode 28: Be A Quitter
SMA Episode 221: 7 Phrases of Freedom
SMA Episode 237: 15 Minute Manifest
Get on the MOMENTUM Mamas Wait List
Thank you to our sponsor:
Canvas People: To get a FREE 11x14 canvas print (just pay shipping) of any of your photos, text SHAMELESS to 484848. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nov 14, 2018 • 1h 2min
284: Rachel Rodgers: Million Dollar Badass
Rachel Rodgers is a woman of color, a mother of four and a seven-figure business owner -- in that order. Rachel started her career working as a lawyer with nonprofits, federal judges and Hillary Clinton.Rachel is founder of Million Dollar Badass, a high-level Mastermind for women looking to take their businesses from 6 to 7 figures. She firmly believes all women should desire to become millionaires – because of the profound impact a woman’s money can make on the world. Rachel is also my business coach. I adore her, even though she terrifies me on the reg by pushing me to think WAY bigger than I am comfortable with. Everyone woman needs a Rachel in her life. I can’t to share my Rachel with you.Listen in to hear Rachel share:
How she emerged from a childhood impacted my poverty, addiction, mental health issues, and the loss of her father at the age of 12 to become a 7 figure earner
The power and value in knowing our stories and how they impact our current reality
Why all women should aim to become millionaires
The risks of living in a scarcity mindset
How to overcome mindset obstacles in order to live a million dollar lifestyle
Links Mentioned:
SMA Episode 235: Why I Want to Be a Shameless Millionaire
Website Hello Seven
Podcast: Hello Seven
Facebook Group Hello Seven
Instagram @rachelrodgersesq
Thank you to our sponsors:
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.
care of: For 25% off your first month of personalized care/of vitamins, visit Care Of and enter the code SHAMELESS at checkout.
Kathie Lee Gifford book - The Gift That I Can Give You: Get 30% off Kathie Lee’s children’s book, The Gift That I Can Give You at Faith Gateway and enter the code SHAMELESS at checkout.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nov 12, 2018 • 41min
283: Relationships, Boundaries, And The Stories We Make Up
It was pointed out to me a few weeks ago that I might be the kind of person who makes up BIG stories in my head that are often UNTRUE. This happens when I think someone might be mad at me or when I think I’ve been wronged or when anything feels unjust in my world. I’m quick to make assumptions, jump to conclusions, and sometimes downright freak the heck out. And it’s often all for nothing. The story I created in my head was just that – a story – with no basis in reality.Can anyone else relate?So, the reason this happens is a thinking process called the Ladder of Inference. This is where we take in an experience or some sort of data and then filter it, determine it it’s a threat or a benefit to us, make assumptions, jump to conclusions, form beliefs and take action based on these beliefs. I’m really good at climbing that damn Ladder of Inference super fast, which can totally mess up my head and sometimes my interactions with others. I know I’m not alone here. Listen in to hear how you might be climbing this ladder with me and how it’s potentially damaging your relationships and maybe even your upcoming holidays. Thank you to our sponsors:
Lola: Get 100% organic tampons delivered right to your door for 40% off. Go to Lola and use the code SHAMELESS40 at checkout.
Rothy’s: To get free shipping on any order of Rothy’s shoes, as well as free returns, go to Rothy’s and use the code SHAMELESS at checkout.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nov 7, 2018 • 58min
282: Taryn Perry: How To Be A Shameless Coach And Influencer
Taryn Perry is a Shameless Mom of 4 and a 6 figure earner as a Beachbody coach. She became a Beachbody coach 10 years ago to prove the infomercials were a big fat lie and she lost 25 pounds and built a whole new career, replacing her 6 figure commercial real estate salary in just 3 years. Since then she has worked with multiple MLMs and in multiple fitness spaces as a Turbo Kick instructor, a CrossFit coach, a Boot Camp coach and a Core de Force instructor. She recently added nutrition credentials to resume as well. She never stops showing up for herself (at 4am) or her business, which has taken her to the top ranks of Beachbody and landed her on QVC with Tony Horton.I’ve known Taryn for years and I’ve watched her do more in her MLM than any other woman I know. Given how many moms I know test the network marketing waters, I had to ask Taryn to come on the show and share her secrets.Listen in to hear Taryn share:
How she built her business on connection and relationships, not through sales
The power of consistency
How she manages the naysayers
What her exact paychecks have looked like over the last 3 years
Her secret sauce to making a magical career in a network marketing business
Links Mentioned (go to shamelessmom.com and click on Ep 282 for clickable links):
Taryn on Instagram
Free Kitchen & Ab Makeover ebook
Join Taryn’s Free Facebook Community: Momstrong Project
Thank you to our sponsors:
Kathie Lee Gifford book - The Gift That I Can Give You: Get 30% off Kathie Lee’s children’s book, The Gift That I Can Give You at Faith Gateway and enter the code SHAMELESS at checkout.
Third Love: To find the perfect fitting bra and get 15% off your first purchase got to thirdlove.com/shameless.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nov 5, 2018 • 38min
281: Top 4 Lessons Learned After 1 Million Downloads
If you’re listening to this episode, you have been a part of my journey to 1 million downloads in some way and I can’t thank you enough. I did not get here alone. I got here because YOU listened, downloaded, subscribed, reviewed and shared this podcast. For that, I am beyond grateful. Over the course of almost 300 episodes and over 1,000,000 downloads, I have learned some truly valuable lessons that apply to so many areas of life. I think you’ll be surprised at how much some of my lessons may apply to your life - today.So, listen in as I share what I’ve learned when it comes to consistency, gratitude & grace, asking, and connecting. And then go practice these things in your own life #everydamnday. You might be blown away by the amazing places they take you.Links Mentioned:SMA Episode 199: The C Word You Need To Use Way More OftenThank you to our sponsors:
Canvas People: To get a FREE 11x14 canvas print (just pay shipping) of any of your photos, go to Canvas People and use the code SHAMELESS 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.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Oct 31, 2018 • 1h 3min
280: Courtney Shorter: Grief, Joy, and Soul Free Mamas
Courtney Shorter is the Owner and Event Designer at RyanMorgan Events and Soul Free Mamas, where she plans memorable events and retreats that bring people together… Courtney has always loved planning gatherings, parties, and yes...meetings! Fascinated by all the details in dressing up, dancing, the music, lights, the food, and the glamour. Much like a stylist helps her clients find the best garments to showcase the greatest versions of who they are; Courtney helps her clients throw the best party or event to exhibit the very best of what they have to offer. Over the last few years, life has been a world wind of joy and pain but Courtney’s mission is always to find the joy... She loves to bring fun and help families find their joy. Her company, named after her twin angel babies, Ryan and Morgan, is built on a bedrock of love, a passion for what’s possible and a commitment to be an unstoppable force for good! As a way to honor her babies, after many years of event planning and heartbreak, she recently extended her business to empower women who have experienced infant loss, miscarriages, and/or women who are living with infertility. Courtney has created a powerful space for women that crave to be heard and supported along this lonely journey. Listen in to hear Courtney share:
How her 10-year infertility journey led her to find a brain tumor
The story of the birth and loss of her 1 pound twin girls
How finding regular joy saved her from her grief
Why she created her own grief group to connect women of color experiencing grief
Thank you to our sponsor:
Fabfitfun: To get $10 off your first subscription box (making it only $39.99 for $200 worth of products) go to Fab Fit Fun and use the code SHAMELESS at checkout.Links Mentioned (clickable links are available if you go to shamelessmom.com and click on Episode 280):
Connect with Courtney at Ryan Morgan Events
Join Courtney’s private Facebook group: Soul Free Mamas
Get Sara’s Shameless Friday emails: The Shameless Mom Academy
Follow The Shameless Mom Academy on Instagram
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Oct 29, 2018 • 31min
279: 4 Ways To Make More Time For Yourself
A recent conversation in our Shameless Mom #everydamnday Facebook group stopped me in my tracks. One Shameless Mom posted that she only got a couple hours of time to herself each month. And that her partner thought this was an appropriate amount of time – he didn’t see why she might need anymore. I found this disconcerting.But more disconcerting was the chorus of moms who commented saying they too didn’t get much if any, time to themselves on a regular basis.MAMAS. This is NOT ok. Time to yourself is essential. Time spent serving no one but you is crucial.Sacrificing regular time to yourself is sacrificing your true self and your basic need to cultivate your identity outside of the roles of mother and wife.Whether its taking a bath, going out with girlfriends, getting a massage, sitting alone reading in a coffee shop, going to book club, taking a photography class, joining a knitting circle – you need time just for you. And this time should not be a gift from your partner. This time should be a requirement of your relationship. In this episode, I dig into these 4 steps to getting more time in your life:
Make it a requirement, not a reward
Ask for support, not permission
Work in small doses #everydamnday
Opt out and unscheduled whenever possible
Thank you to our sponsors:Homesick Candles: Save 10% off any order over $50 and get free shipping at Home Sick when you use the code SHAMELESS at checkout. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices


