The Empowered Woman | Storytelling & Women Empowerment

What if the key to navigating difficult workplace dynamics isn't becoming more confident, but understanding what's really driving the behavior of the people around you? In this thought-provoking episode, leadership coach and author James Dakin explores how insecure leadership impacts women and why so many talented women find themselves shrinking, second-guessing, or feeling powerless in professional environments. Drawing from his own journey of overcoming childhood trauma and confronting his own insecurities, James shares how a life-changing wake-up call led him to dedicate his work to helping women recognize unhealthy patterns, reclaim their voice, and create change without unnecessary confrontation.
James also discusses the hidden effects of patriarchal systems on both men and women, why confidence is often misunderstood, and how greater self-awareness can transform relationships at work and beyond. He introduces the ideas behind his book, How to Stop Taking Shit from Insecure Men, offering practical insights for women who want to stop playing small and start living on their own terms. Whether you're navigating workplace politics, difficult relationships, or your own journey toward personal empowerment, this conversation will leave you with a deeper understanding of human behavior and practical tools to communicate with greater confidence, clarity, and self-worth.
Connect with James
Website: www.jamesdakin.co.uk
Special page for listeners: https://www.jamesdakin.co.uk/marta LinkedIn: James Dakin
Substack: www.jamesdakin.substack.com

 
Let's keep the conversation going!
Website: www.martaspirk.com
Instagram: @martaspirk
Facebook: Marta Spirk
Want to be my next guest on The Empowered Woman Podcast?
Apply here: www.martaspirk.com/podcastguest 
Watch my TEDx talk: www.martaspirk.com/Speaking

 
Burnout doesn't just exhaust you. It silently erodes your most important relationships.
Aurora Method Coaching helps high-achieving women uncover the root beliefs driving their relationship conflicts and burnout, moving them from emotional reactivity to calm, clarity, and confidence.
Ready to restore connection?
Book your FREE consultation at meetwithtracy.coach

In this episode, Susan Dabbar shares what it really takes to build businesses that last. With nearly four decades of entrepreneurial experience, seven companies founded, and five successful exits, she reflects on the lessons she's learned from designing nuclear submarines, launching businesses across multiple industries, living abroad, and even playing professional poker. She discusses identifying untapped market opportunities, building strong networks, creating companies that can thrive beyond their founders, and why planning for a successful exit should begin long before you're ready to sell.
Susan also introduces Provoked Magazine, a digital publication created to amplify the voices of women over 50 through bold storytelling, thoughtful journalism, and meaningful conversations about wellness, culture, relationships, money, and midlife. She shares her passion for creating space where women are encouraged to speak up, tell their stories, and take their seat at the table. Whether you're an entrepreneur building your next venture, a founder thinking about long-term growth, or someone looking for inspiration to embrace your next chapter with confidence, this conversation is filled with practical wisdom and empowering insights.
Connect with Susan:
Website: www.provokedmagazine.com
LinkedIn: Susan Dabbar
Instagram: @provokedbysusan
 
Let's keep the conversation going!
Website: www.martaspirk.com
Instagram: @martaspirk
Facebook: Marta Spirk
Want to be my next guest on The Empowered Woman Podcast?
Apply here: www.martaspirk.com/podcastguest 
Watch my TEDx talk: www.martaspirk.com/Speaking

 
Burnout doesn't just exhaust you. It silently erodes your most important relationships.
Aurora Method Coaching helps high-achieving women uncover the root beliefs driving their relationship conflicts and burnout, moving them from emotional reactivity to calm, clarity, and confidence.
Ready to restore connection?
Book your FREE consultation at meetwithtracy.coach

Today's Stage Thought explores why clarity is often more powerful than persuasion. Using a simple restaurant sign analogy, we unpack how the clearest message—not necessarily the one with the most credentials or the longest list of services—is the one people remember. If your audience can't quickly understand who you help, what problem you solve, and why you're different, even the strongest presentation won't create the opportunities you're hoping for.
You'll also discover why your talk doesn't fix an unclear message—it amplifies it. This episode challenges you to think about how others would describe your business after meeting you and offers a practical way to refine your positioning so your ideas become memorable, shareable, and referral-worthy. If you're ready to gain more clarity in your messaging, book a complimentary Speaker Clarity Call through the link in the show notes.
Schedule a Speaker Clarity Call: www.martaspirk.com/evaluation 
 
Let's keep the conversation going!
Website: www.martaspirk.com
Instagram: @martaspirk
Facebook: Marta Spirk
Want to be my next guest on The Empowered Woman Podcast?
Apply here: www.martaspirk.com/podcastguest 
Watch my TEDx talk: www.martaspirk.com/Speaking

 
Burnout doesn't just exhaust you. It silently erodes your most important relationships.
Aurora Method Coaching helps high-achieving women uncover the root beliefs driving their relationship conflicts and burnout, moving them from emotional reactivity to calm, clarity, and confidence.
Ready to restore connection?
Book your FREE consultation at meetwithtracy.coach

In this first Stage Thoughts episode, I explore the difference between being a speaker and becoming a thought leader. While great speakers educate and inspire, thought leaders shift perspectives by giving people a new way to see familiar challenges. I share why your unique point of view—not the amount of content you create or the number of stages you stand on—is what ultimately makes people remember you and recommend you.
I also challenge you to think beyond what you do and focus on what you want to be known for. Discover how developing a clear, consistent perspective can shape your signature message, strengthen your speaking opportunities, and position you as the go-to expert in your industry. If you're ready to clarify your message and leverage speaking as a business growth strategy, you'll also hear how a Speaker Clarity Call can help you take the next step.
Book a free Speaker Clarity Call: www.calendly.com/martaspirk/storytostage
 
Let's keep the conversation going!
Website: www.martaspirk.com
Instagram: @martaspirk
Facebook: Marta Spirk
Want to be my next guest on The Empowered Woman Podcast?
Apply here: www.martaspirk.com/podcastguest 
Watch my TEDx talk: www.martaspirk.com/Speaking



Burnout doesn't just exhaust you. It silently erodes your most important relationships.
Aurora Method Coaching helps high-achieving women uncover the root beliefs driving their relationship conflicts and burnout, moving them from emotional reactivity to calm, clarity, and confidence.
Ready to restore connection?
Book your FREE consultation at meetwithtracy.coach

Jenny Catalano, founder and CEO of Impact Events Collective, joins the show to share how she transformed years of corporate leadership experience into a mission-driven business focused on building stronger workplace cultures through community impact. After witnessing the gap between the values companies promote and what employees actually experience, Jenny created a unique approach that brings teams together through meaningful volunteer projects. She shares the inspiring story behind her first large-scale impact event, where 150 conference attendees assembled 51 Cozy Coupe cars for children in need, proving that purpose-driven experiences can create lasting connections within organizations.
In this conversation, Jenny discusses why authentic leadership, shared service, and intentional company culture matter more than ever. She also opens up about the realities of building a business from the ground up, the importance of networking, and the mindset shifts that helped her keep moving forward through uncertainty. Whether you're a business leader looking to strengthen your team, an entrepreneur navigating growth, or someone passionate about making a difference, this episode offers practical insights and inspiring reminders that meaningful impact starts with people.
Connect with Jenny:
Website: www.impacteventscollective.com
LinkedIn: Jenny Catalano
Instagram: @impacteventscollective



Let's keep the conversation going!
Website: www.martaspirk.com
Instagram: @martaspirk
Facebook: Marta Spirk
Want to be my next guest on The Empowered Woman Podcast?
Apply here: www.martaspirk.com/podcastguest 
Watch my TEDx talk: www.martaspirk.com/Speaking



Burnout doesn't just exhaust you. It silently erodes your most important relationships.
Aurora Method Coaching helps high-achieving women uncover the root beliefs driving their relationship conflicts and burnout, moving them from emotional reactivity to calm, clarity, and confidence.
Ready to restore connection?
Book your FREE consultation at meetwithtracy.coach