Leading Lady Podcast | Coaching and Accountability for Ambitious Women Entrepreneurs

Let's be real, entrepreneurship can be an emotional rollercoaster, especially for us women! Not a day goes by that I don't talk to someone who is so discouraged they just want to throw in the towel. So how can we stay focused on our mission, vision, and values when we feel everything is working against us? In this episode, I'm sharing the real reasons women entrepreneurs get discouraged and what you can do to move forward in your business with confidence. Topics covered in this episode include: 5 reasons why women hit the wall of frustration that leads to discouragement 6 things to do to push forward if you're feeling stuck and discouraged What happens when you focus on finding support instead of constantly comparing yourself to others Show notes available at www.leadinglady-coaching.com/podcast Resources Mentioned: Book a call with me: https://leadinglady-coaching.com/work-with-me/ Have you joined the Leading Ladies Facebook Group yet?! I would love to see you in there! Head to https://www.facebook.com/groups/LeadingLadiesAAL to join! Let's connect on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aalcoaching Let's connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leading.lady.coach/

This is a replay of an episode originally recorded during the challenges of 2020, a time that left so many of us feeling emotionally drained and uncertain. And while the circumstances may look different now, many of those same feelings are still present in today's world. It felt important to revisit this conversation because the lessons we needed then are just as relevant in 2026. In this episode, I speak simply and honestly about the emotional weight we carry during difficult seasons, and I share a few grounding practices that helped me move through it with more steadiness and self-compassion. These are the same tools I continue to return to when things feel heavy. As you listen, I invite you to acknowledge whatever this season has brought up for you, practice a little more grace, and ask yourself, "What is the kindest thing that I can do for myself and for someone else?" Show notes available at www.leadinglady-coaching.com/podcast Have you joined the Leading Ladies Facebook Group yet?! I would love to see you in there! Let's connect on Facebook and Instagram!

Have you ever felt like the higher you rise in leadership, the lonelier it becomes? In this episode, I share a personal reflection that came from writing a chapter titled The Loneliest Seat in the Room. I talk about the moment I realized that even while surrounded by people, community, and opportunity, leadership can still feel incredibly isolating. We explore the quiet pressure leaders carry and the vulnerable questions that often stay behind the scenes. I also unpack some powerful lessons about responsibility, integrity, and courage in leadership. From navigating difficult conversations to realizing that not everyone in your community belongs in your inner circle, this episode pulls back the curtain on the emotional reality of leading. If you've ever wondered whether the weight you feel is a sign you're failing, this conversation might shift your perspective. Topics covered in this episode include: Why leadership can feel lonely even when you're surrounded by people The hidden pressure leaders carry behind the scenes A simple question to guide difficult decisions Show notes available at www.leadinglady-coaching.com/podcast Resources Mentioned: Book a call: https://aalcoachschedule.as.me/?appointmentType=2262142 Have you joined the Leading Ladies Facebook Group yet?! I would love to see you in there! Head to https://www.facebook.com/groups/LeadingLadiesAAL to join! Let's connect on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aalcoaching Let's connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leading.lady.coach/

In this milestone 300th episode, I'm sharing a perspective that has completely shifted how I look at endings, boundaries, and alignment in both life and business. I dive into the idea that relief is data and why that lighter feeling after releasing something doesn't mean you failed, didn't care enough, or gave up too soon. Instead, it may be your nervous system signaling that you were carrying something that was never meant to be yours. Through real examples from my own recent experiences, I unpack the subtle ways high-achieving women stay stuck in situations longer than they should, often out of loyalty, responsibility, or the belief that strong leaders hold on no matter what. Topics covered in this episode include: How boundaries quietly reveal which relationships are actually healthy The hidden cost of loyalty when reciprocity is missing Five reflection questions that can expose where you may be overfunctioning right now Show notes available at www.leadinglady-coaching.com/podcast Resources Mentioned: Join Our HUB! https://leading-lady.mykajabi.com/the-leading-lady-business-hub Have you joined the Leading Ladies Facebook Group yet?! I would love to see you in there! Head to https://www.facebook.com/groups/LeadingLadiesAAL to join! Let's connect on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aalcoaching Let's connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leading.lady.coach/

Let's talk about team building that actually works! Today, I'm pulling back the curtain on one of the most strategic things I'm doing right now to grow my business: my brand-new intern program. We're only a few weeks in, and I am blown away by how much I'm learning and how I'm refining my business. You know I love collaboration, and I'm so excited to have this space where we can learn and grow together. In this episode, I'm sharing why I started the internship program and how it's helping both me and the interns develop and grow into better leaders and team members. Topics covered in this episode include: Why I started the internship program instead of hiring a full team How the interns are reinforcing the culture of Leading Lady Lessons I'm learning along the way when it comes to team building Show notes available at www.leadinglady-coaching.com/podcast Resources Mentioned: Book a call with me: https://aalcoachschedule.as.me/?appointmentType=2262142 Have you joined the Leading Ladies Facebook Group yet?! I would love to see you in there! Head to https://www.facebook.com/groups/LeadingLadiesAAL to join! Let's connect on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aalcoaching Let's connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leading.lady.coach/

Oftentimes, people look at networking groups as just a bunch of leads they need to convert or people to get referrals from. How about you? Do you see the value of joining a group or a forum? In this fan favorite replay episode, let's talk about the greater reason why you should join networking groups: for learning. Many of us didn't go into entrepreneurship armed with degrees in business, marketing or management. Discover how being in a community of like-minded professionals brings us so much more than merely a place to promote our business. Show notes available at www.leadinglady-coaching.com/podcast Resources Mentioned: Have you joined the Leading Ladies Facebook Group yet?! I would love to see you in there! Head to https://www.facebook.com/groups/LeadingLadiesAAL to join! Let's connect on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aalcoaching Let's connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leading.lady.coach/

What if the tension you're feeling right now isn't a sign that you're failing… but proof that you're growing? In this episode, I'm diving into a message I believe high-achieving women desperately need to hear: friction does not equal failure. So often, when things feel heavy, complicated, or uncomfortable in our leadership or business, we immediately turn inward and assume we did something wrong. I unpack why we mislabel normal growth friction as failure, what friction actually is, and how it shows up in real life. From evolving programs and outdated contracts to misaligned values, missed expectations, shifting relationships, and seasons ending, I walk through tangible examples that will likely hit close to home. If you've been telling yourself "I dropped the ball" or "I should have seen this coming," this conversation will gently but firmly challenge that narrative. Topics covered in this episode include: Why friction often shows up at the exact moment something is working The subtle ways growth disguises itself as inconvenience How high-achieving women unintentionally weaponize self-blame The difference between friction that refines you and misalignment that drains you The powerful questions I use to discern what's really happening beneath the tension Why missed expectations are usually a silence problem, not a character flaw How to identify the one area creating noise instead of assuming everything is broken What it actually looks like to adjust instead of quit If this episode resonates, I invite you to take a quiet moment and ask yourself: where am I experiencing friction right now, and what might it be teaching me? Download the Strategic Wheel, do a simple self-audit, and look for the area asking for attention. Show notes available at www.leadinglady-coaching.com/podcast Resources Mentioned: Down Strategic Wheel: https://leading-lady.mykajabi.com/wheel Have you joined the Leading Ladies Facebook Group yet?! I would love to see you in there! Head to https://www.facebook.com/groups/LeadingLadiesAAL to join! Let's connect on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aalcoaching Let's connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leading.lady.coach/

Have you ever looked around your business and thought, "How did it get this complicated?" In today's episode, I'm getting radically honest about the 99 problems that seem to come with entrepreneurship and the quiet truth that many of them were created by perfectly reasonable decisions made in motion. I unpack the myth that successful businesses ever run smoothly, why chaos is not a failure signal, and how most of the overwhelm we feel is not external at all. This conversation is about releasing shame, telling the truth about growth, and understanding that building while moving will always require refinement. Topics covered in this episode include: Why decisions that made sense then feel heavy now The cost of systems that worked until they didn't The problem you did not know you created How founder math reframes growth and responsibility Show notes available at www.leadinglady-coaching.com/podcast Resources Mentioned: Book a Call with AliceAnne: https://aalcoachschedule.as.me/?appointmentType=2262142 Have you joined the Leading Ladies Facebook Group yet?! I would love to see you in there! Head to https://www.facebook.com/groups/LeadingLadiesAAL to join! Let's connect on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aalcoaching Let's connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leading.lady.coach/

Is the way you measure ROI actually costing you growth, clarity, and better opportunities? In this episode, I challenge the traditional, dollar-only definition of return on investment and invite you to rethink how you evaluate networking spaces, communities, and business ecosystems. I break down the five dimensions of ROI and explain why focusing solely on immediate financial returns can lead you to miss the bigger picture. We'll talk about direct vs. indirect revenue, unrealistic expectations, and the importance of having systems in place to track where opportunities and referrals are really coming from. Topics covered in this episode include: Why immediate financial ROI can be a misleading metric The hidden returns most business owners fail to track How trust quietly outperforms large contact lists Show notes available at www.leadinglady-coaching.com/podcast Resources Mentioned: Book a Call: https://leadinglady-coaching.com/schedule/ Email AliceAnne at: [email protected] Have you joined the Leading Ladies Facebook Group yet?! I would love to see you in there! Head to https://www.facebook.com/groups/LeadingLadiesAAL to join! Let's connect on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aalcoaching Let's connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leading.lady.coach/

What habits and behaviors do you want to keep, stop, and start this year? You're going to hear a lot of advice online about how to make this your "best year yet." Every year in January we get flooded with it. I want to encourage you to analyze the information being presented to you and make sure it aligns with you before you decide to implement it in your life. You don't have to do everything that everyone says. Topics covered in this episode include: Discerning what online advice does and does not align with you What habits you want to keep, stop, and start in your life Questions to ask yourself about information being presented to you How to find systems, processes, and tools that you will actually use Join me in this episode to explore how to decide what you want to invite into your life this year. Show notes available at www.leadinglady-coaching.com/podcast Resources Mentioned: Have you joined the Leading Ladies Facebook Group yet?! I would love to see you in there! Head to https://www.facebook.com/groups/LeadingLadiesAAL to join! Let's connect on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aalcoaching Let's connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leading.lady.coach/

What does it mean to say you are either winning or learning? When we have challenges or setbacks, it's easy to let our thoughts become very negative and judgmental about the situation. However, we don't have to allow those thoughts. In order to be our best selves, we should be working toward a growth mindset. In this episode, we chat about what that means, how you can recognize your current mindset, and how to intentionally choose your thoughts. I hope after listening to this Fan Favorite Replay episode, you are better equipped with questions to ask yourself to shift your perspective about a circumstance in your life. Show notes available at www.leadinglady-coaching.com/podcast Resources Mentioned: Visit our website to learn more about Leading Ladies www.leadinglady-coaching.com Have you joined the Leading Ladies Facebook Group yet?! I would love to see you in there! Head to https://www.facebook.com/groups/LeadingLadiesAAL to join! Let's connect on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aalcoaching Let's connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leading.lady.coach/

In this fan favorite replay episode, I'm discussing when I launched a new product in my coaching business. It was exciting and yet a little nerve-wracking to put myself out there by doing something new. After the launch, I began to get feedback about a typo found in one of my new product emails. It wasn't a big deal, but it did make me stop to think. It caused me to reflect on how we interact with one another. We often point out mistakes to others because we want to be helpful, but is it really helpful or not? This experience gave me an opportunity to think about how I respond to others, the feedback I give, and whether my intention is to empower women. I hope this episode gives you the same opportunity for reflection. Show notes available at www.leadinglady-coaching.com/podcast Resources Mentioned: Visit our website to learn more about Leading Ladies www.leadinglady-coaching.com Have you joined the Leading Ladies Facebook Group yet?! I would love to see you in there! Head to https://www.facebook.com/groups/LeadingLadiesAAL to join! Let's connect on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aalcoaching Let's connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leading.lady.coach/

We all experience struggles and trials. Despite the struggles, it is possible to find ways to celebrate every day. In this episode, I share ways that I am choosing to celebrate even though this has been a difficult year for our society, my life, and my business. In Today's Episode We Discuss: Why the extraordinary is in the ordinary How to feel gratitude daily despite life's challenges How every day can feel special What a gratitude inventory can do to shift your perspective My hope in sharing the small and simple ways that I am celebrating each day is to help you see the things in your life that are worthy of notice. We all have things that we can be grateful for, so I hope you can choose to focus on those things more often in order to feel more joy. I would love to know how you celebrate the little things? Do you take time each day for gratitude? Don't forget to share what you are thankful for right now. DM me on Instagram @leading_lady_coach and share with me how you are celebrating! Show notes available at www.leadinglady-coaching.com/podcast Have you joined the Leading Ladies Facebook Group yet?! I would love to see you in there! Let's connect on Facebook and Instagram!

I'm sharing a personal story about my little lemon tree and how it has helped me keep a growth mindset. Often, growth is internal and can't be easily measured. However, it still has great value. Listen in for a loving reminder, especially during difficult seasons of life, that growth is not always linear. I hope after tuning in, you will be able to spot the situations in your life where you are actually experiencing growth that may not be easily seen. Show notes available at www.leadinglady-coaching.com/podcast Have you joined the Leading Ladies Facebook Group yet?! I would love to see you in there! Let's connect on Facebook and Instagram!

I once came upon a beautiful quote by Marianne Williamson. It said, "Joy is what happens to us when we allow ourselves to realize how good things really are." What does it mean to have joy in your life? It is so easy to confuse joy and happiness as the same thing, but are they? Recently, I spent some time coaching a client on how to bring more joy into the everyday activities of her life. This is one of my favorite topics to coach on since I strive to live my life with the intent of having joy - extreme happiness, fulfillment, and savoring moments of bliss. Listen in as I discuss easy ways to find joy in the everyday tasks where you spend your time so that you can feel greater satisfaction in your daily life. In Today's Episode We Discuss: How to replenish energy and find more joy in your day The difference between happiness and joy Questions to ask yourself to determine what brings you joy My favorite Marianne Williamson quote about joy How to bring joy into the little moments of your day A grounding exercise to foster feelings of joy I hope that by spending a few minutes listening to this episode, you will feel inspired to bring more joy into the day to day activities of your life. It is truly the secret to feeling fulfilled and satisfied with your life - no matter the circumstances.

What happens behind the scenes when three interns step into the heart of the Leading Lady ecosystem? In this episode, I sit down with Katherine, Madison, and Molly as they wrap up their four-month internship and share what they learned, what challenged them, and what surprised them most. From planning major events to navigating communication, community, and confidence-building, this conversation offers an honest, uplifting look at leadership through their eyes. Topics covered in this episode include: The unexpected lessons interns discover inside a women-centered community How real responsibilities build confidence and clarity What healthy work environments actually look and feel like The surprising skills that matter most in leadership and collaboration Tune in for a warm, candid reflection on growth, teamwork, and the power of supportive female spaces. Show notes available at www.leadinglady-coaching.com/podcast Resources Mentioned: Visit our website to learn more about Leading Ladies www.leadinglady-coaching.com Have you joined the Leading Ladies Facebook Group yet?! I would love to see you in there! Head to https://www.facebook.com/groups/LeadingLadiesAAL to join! Let's connect on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aalcoaching Let's connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leading.lady.coach/

What happens when the person who creates all the holiday magic realizes she's running on empty? In this episode, I'm getting honest about a moment when I completely unraveled over something as simple as a Christmas tree—and why that moment revealed so much more beneath the surface. I share the invisible emotional labor so many high-achieving women carry this time of year, how "good enough" never feels like enough, and why holiday cheer can so easily hide burnout, resentment, and exhaustion. I'm also breaking down the shift from being the holiday magician—the one who makes everything sparkle—to becoming the holiday architect who designs the season with intention, boundaries, and shared responsibility. From identifying your real non-negotiable magic to releasing the things you've outgrown, this episode is a grounded, compassionate look at reclaiming joy during a season that often asks for more than it gives. Show notes available at www.leadinglady-coaching.com/podcast Have you joined the Leading Ladies Facebook Group yet?! I would love to see you in there! Head to https://www.facebook.com/groups/LeadingLadiesAAL to join! Let's connect on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aalcoaching Let's connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leading.lady.coach/

In today's episode, I am going to walk you through the 3 questions you should ask yourself daily if you want to feel focused and in control of your time. I love waking up and enjoying a cup of coffee in silence before the rest of my house gets up for the day. This quiet time allows me to sit with myself and think about my core values. I think about my priorities, plan out my day, and get in the right frame of mind so I can move throughout my day with purpose and intention. I developed these questions for myself and now use them as one of the first exercises I do with my coaching clients. These questions lead them to feel more focused and in control of their time. For many people, including myself, to-do lists can often feel daunting and heavy. I have actually gotten away from using a to-do list and now spend my energy on my top priorities that will move my business and life forward. How do you spend your morning? I encourage you to start using these questions as you start your day. Reach out to me on Instagram and share your answers with me and I will share mine! I love hearing from you! Full show notes available at www.leadinglady-coaching.com/podcast

It's the time of year when so many of us are doing a lot of retail shopping. I know that with the crazy year we've all had, it feels so simple just to order everything online and call it a day. However, I'm here with a short episode to remind us why it's important to support the small business owners in your community. I have so many business owners in my Leading Ladies Facebook community, and I am a small business owner myself. Support from our local community is truly the lifeblood of our business. I am excited to share the many ways you can support local business owners in this episode. I hope this quick episode serves as a reminder for all of us to shop small wherever possible. Find ways to support your friends and neighbors in business in whatever way you are able. Show notes available at www.leadinglady-coaching.com/podcast Have you joined the Leading Ladies Facebook Group yet?! I would love to see you in there! Let's connect on Facebook and Instagram!

What are you doing to build and lead your online community? How do you nurture your audience and sustain positive engagement without coming off salesy? I have been asked these questions by others looking to build a thriving Facebook community. They are interested in finding out how I have grown my group and kept it relevant month after month. They wonder how I come up with content that keeps the community engaged. My biggest secret….. Showing up as myself. I nurture these relationships just like I would if I were meeting someone in real life, face to face. I created my Facebook group, Leading Ladies with AliceAnne Loftus, and in just two years, we've grown to over 4,500 members. This community is filled with women leaders from all walks of life who encourage and empower each other. In this episode, I'm revealing six strategies to put into practice to enhance the overall social-emotional health of your community. I hope this episode inspires you to create a community filled with the leading ladies (or men) you are here to lead. If you haven't joined the Leading Ladies Facebook group make sure to check it out! For the full show notes visit www.leadinglady-coaching.com/podcast

What if the expertise you already have is more than enough to scale your business? In this episode, I sit down with course and membership strategist Jen Howat to talk about the shift from simply sharing information to creating real transformation for our clients. We explore why so many high-achieving women overcomplicate their offers — trying to reinvent the wheel or pack in everything they know — when the truth is, the expertise we already have is powerful, proven, and capable of serving more people than we ever imagined. We dig into how clarity, simplicity, and intentional design help your audience actually move forward — without overwhelm. Jen also breaks down why perfectionism is a silent growth-killer — and how "doing it messy" is the only way to gain clarity, improve your programs, and create the bigger impact you're meant to have. If you've ever questioned whether you're ready to scale, this conversation will have you rethinking how you package your brilliance, how you support transformation, and what's possible when you finally go for it. Show notes available at www.leadinglady-coaching.com/podcast Resources Mentioned: Download Jen's Free Guide: https://www.jenhowat.com/ready-to-scale Have you joined the Leading Ladies Facebook Group yet?! I would love to see you in there! Head to https://www.facebook.com/groups/LeadingLadiesAAL to join! Let's connect on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aalcoaching Let's connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leading.lady.coach/

What does it really take to create a cohesive, memorable brand experience at a live event? In this episode, I sit down with my dear friend and fellow Leading Lady Ambassador, Jennifer Osterhouse, to pull back the curtain on everything that went into creating the stunning marketing materials for our recent We Lead conference. Jennifer is a graphic designer with over 25 years of experience, and she's the creative genius behind all of the Leading Lady's marketing assets. You'll hear about the strategy sessions, timeline, and thoughtful planning that went into every single piece, plus why certain design choices (like those Leading Lady bags people spot in the wild!) make all the difference in how your business is perceived and remembered. This conversation isn't just about an event—it's about the bigger picture of how you show up for your business. Jennifer and I discuss the importance of investing in quality swag that people actually want to use, creating evergreen marketing pieces that serve you again and again, and why planning your marketing assets months in advance will save your sanity. Show notes available at www.leadinglady-coaching.com/podcast Resources Mentioned: Schedule a Call with Jenn: https://jenniferosterhousegraphicdesign.as.me/schedule/afdde3fd Have you joined the Leading Ladies Facebook Group yet?! I would love to see you in there! Head to https://www.facebook.com/groups/LeadingLadiesAAL to join! Let's connect on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aalcoaching Let's connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leading.lady.coach/

One of the most enriching experiences of life is creating strong relationships with the people that are important to us. That is why relationships are such a large focus of my work with many of my coaching clients. One fascinating tool that we often use for strengthening relationships is in regards to a person's response style. Tune in to learn what response style is, the types that people fall into, and which type is the most beneficial to strengthen YOUR relationship. Show notes available at www.leadinglady-coaching.com/podcast Have you joined the Leading Ladies Facebook Group yet?! I would love to see you in there! Let's connect on Facebook and Instagram!

What truly makes a community thrive and last? In this episode, I'm diving into the heart of what it takes to build something that goes beyond connection and turns into legacy. I'll share how vision, collaboration, and belonging have shaped every step of my journey—from launching Leading Lady Coaching and The Annapolis Collective to creating spaces where women feel seen, supported, and empowered. Whether you're leading a business, a team, or a movement, this conversation will challenge you to reflect on your own vision and the impact you're creating through your community. As I unpack how collaboration transforms isolation into innovation, you'll hear real examples of partnerships that deepened trust, expanded networks, and sparked lasting change. Together, we'll explore how community evolves—from connection to collaboration to collective impact—and why belonging is the thread that holds it all together. Show notes available at www.leadinglady-coaching.com/podcast Resources Mentioned: Join Our Online Community: https://leading-lady.mykajabi.com/offers/DzjLaMb8/checkout Have you joined the Leading Ladies Facebook Group yet?! I would love to see you in there! Head to https://www.facebook.com/groups/LeadingLadiesAAL to join! Let's connect on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aalcoaching Let's connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leading.lady.coach/

Have you ever thought about how something as simple as buying flowers or adding color to your day could actually improve your leadership and wellbeing? In this episode, I'm diving into The Science of Whimsy — the intentional art of adding surprise, beauty, and delight into your daily life. I share a personal story about how a spontaneous bouquet of fall flowers shifted my entire mindset, and explore the real neuroscience behind why these small acts of joy matter. Join me as we uncover how whimsy isn't frivolous — it's a powerful leadership tool that regulates your nervous system, sparks creativity, and helps you lead with light instead of pressure. You'll hear how to intentionally weave moments of play and beauty into your work and life, and why doing so can boost productivity, collaboration, and overall happiness. Show notes available at www.leadinglady-coaching.com/podcast Have you joined the Leading Ladies Facebook Group yet?! I would love to see you in there! Head to https://www.facebook.com/groups/LeadingLadiesAAL to join! Let's connect on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aalcoaching Let's connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leading.lady.coach/