Where Softness Meets Strategy: Ashley Sterken’s Success Recipe for Ambitious Women in Business
Ashley Sterken is the founder of Hive Ambition, a community that supports women in business to grow with clarity, confidence, and intention, most importantly, without burning out. This is a topic that’s really near and dear to my heart, having mentored women in business, especially women in healthcare business, for nearly 10 years now. Ashley has a background in speech pathology, and her long, bumpy and curvy path has brought her to leading and mentoring other women entrepreneurs. And one really cool thing we discussed that I think more women need to feel safe and have permission to say out loud is the true inherent isolation that comes with entrepreneurship and our drive and desire for friends; we talked about how it’s really okay to say, “I need more friends” or “The friends I currently have aren’t working for me anymore.” We talk about her unexpected leap to full‑time entrepreneurship and leading Hive Ambition—she knew all along it was coming, but then was pushed unexpectedly by the universe before her picture‑perfect timeline fell into place—and about balancing the masculine and feminine energies in your business and why it’s not a 50‑50 split for most people. We talked about why you can’t “spreadsheet your way through” everything and also why you can’t simply dream, manifest, and work on mindset stuff—you need both.We also highlighted the importance of conveying vulnerability as a leader and mentor, the brave act of listening to your inner voice before you’re in crisis and have no choice but to listen, and Internal Family Systems, something that’s really benefited Ashley as a woman in business and informs my own work with my clients and, of course, with myself!06:49 – From Speech Pathology to CEO: Ashley’s JourneyAshley shares her winding path from clinical work to leadership and entrepreneurship—and how Hive Ambition was born 13:02 – The Power (and Pain) of Community How connection heals the inherent isolation women feel in entrepreneurship, and the realities of navigating big transitions and unexpected pivots as a leader in community 21:52 – When Life Says “Pivot” … and you gotta go whether you’re ready or notFrom building a nonprofit after Hurricane Helene to realignment and learning to put it on pause—how Ashley took a brave step back even when what she was building was a good thing35:51 – Inner Guidance & The Loud NudgeHow and why to recognize your internal cues before a crisis hits, and the magic of checking in with yourself regularly48:44 – Building with Soul: Strategy Meets SpiritualityMerging masculine structure with feminine flow, redefining success, and reclaiming self-worth in leadership 01:20:23 – Play, People & Personal TruthsConnect with Ashley and learn more:Instagram: @hiveambitionWebsite: https://www.hiveambition.com/If this episode speaks to you, hit subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend Looking for more of where this came from? Subscribe and watch full video episodes on Youtube Follow Julie on Instagram @drjuliegranger for clips, bonus content, and updates throughout the week Get a deeper dive on Sink and Swim topics by joining the email club Find out more about Julie's coaching programs at her website
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1:23:42
From Healthcare Hustle to Holistic Harmony: Dr. Kelsea Cannon on Unseen & Feminine Paths to Healing
I interview Dr. Kelsea Cannon, who shares her journey from physical therapy to coaching, emphasizing the importance of bridging the gap between medicine and spirituality. We discuss the significance of emotional and energetic healing, the complexities of navigating the dark parts of personal growth – those “oh snap!” moments when you realize you’ve been carrying shame and guilt that’s been weighing you down.But the thing we discuss about shame and guilt is not what you might expect – instead of obstacles to be overcome, we discuss how they these often hidden and cast out parts of ourselves are actually “golden doorways” to full authentic self-expression. A true sink AND swim opportunity.Kelsea beautifully discusses the importance of inward and outward connection and support, both in the physical realm and through your unseen team’s intuitive, spiritual, and personal connections.We discussed the constant need to be present to receive messages from the universe, the significance of navigating the tension of life's liminal phases, and the lessons learned from past relationships. Kelsea is such a beautiful model for how and why to let go of white knuckle gripping control and instead reveal the joy that can be found by trusting the process.Highlights:04:01 The personal and professional journey to bridge the gap between physical and spiritual healing18:32 The “Oh snap” moments: discovering the strength and golden doorways of your hidden and cast out parts in healing33:31 Navigating Vulnerability Hangovers and Authenticity in Self Expression42:54 How women don’t heal alone: engaging with both your Seen and Unseen Teams 55:35 Navigating the tension in relationships and the liminal spaces of life using intuitionLearn more about and follow Kelsea at @kelseacannondpt on instagram and check out her website at www.kelseacannon.comIf this episode speaks to you, hit subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend Looking for more of where this came from? Subscribe and watch full video episodes on Youtube Follow Julie on Instagram @drjuliegranger for clips, bonus content, and updates throughout the week Get a deeper dive on Sink and Swim topics by joining the email club Find out more about Julie's coaching programs at her website
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1:18:23
Outgrowing the White Coat (Part 1): Moving Beyond PT and Healthcare as a Career
In this episode of the Sink and Swim podcast, I share Part 1 of my story about walking away from the physical therapy profession when I was at the absolute peak of my career, and how choosing to sink a thriving career opened doors that never would have been possible had I stayed put. In Part 1 I reflect on the challenges and transformations I faced (and sometimes continue to face) when extricating myself from a career and professional identity, the negative impact of healthcare regulations on my ability to provide excellent care, and the not-so-subtle toxic dynamics among female colleagues and impossible pressures placed on on women and working mothers in the profession. 05:55 Reflections on Leaving Physical Therapy11:20 The draw to shift into coaching: a ripple effect is created29:45 The Not-So-Hidden Culture of Competition Among [Female] Colleagues41:27 The Pressure and Encouragement of Self-Sacrifice in Working Women & Mothers52:47 Navigating a Loss of Identity and PurposeIf this episode speaks to you, hit subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend Looking for more of where this came from? Subscribe and watch full video episodes on Youtube Follow Julie on Instagram @drjuliegranger for clips, bonus content, and updates throughout the week Get a deeper dive on Sink and Swim topics by joining the email club Find out more about Julie's coaching programs at her website
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1:01:55
When Wellness Becomes a Weight: Dr. Laura Ricci on Letting Go and Gaining Real Strength
Anyone who’s faced surgery or complex health issues knows the stress, pain, and long recovery. But what happens when you endure 18 surgeries and multiple health challenges over 10 years? When you find yourself crying on the bathroom floor, asking, “Why me?”Dr. Laura Ricci has faced these trials, diving deep into the emotional and spiritual lessons hidden in her struggles. Trained in healthcare, she once saw the body only as physical—but through chronic pain, body issues, and cancer, she uncovered profound soul-level lessons.She's gone from "why me" to "why not me?" ... and is a beautiful of example of how she helps others do the same.Now, she mentors others on their healing journeys, reaching the top of an essential oils company and empowering women through strength training. She also shares the power of self-compassion and forgiveness in her relationships.So grab your swimsuit, snorkel, and goggles—let’s dive deep with Dr. Laura Ricci.07:03 The Unexpected Gift of Transforming Pain into Purpose13:05 Neuroplastic Pain: Sinking Deep to Reveal a Way Out through Deconstruction & Reconstruction38:32 Reclaiming Space and Power as a Woman in Strength Training43:28 The Hidden Meaning in a Tube of Lipstick46:40 From Reluctant to Empowered: Laura's Unexpected Career Journey with Essential Oils57:06 The Power of Forgiveness, Self-Compassion and Growth in Friendships and Relationships01:03:43 Embracing Joy and Play in Work and in Life Keep up with Laura on Instagram @drlauraricci (and don't miss her glorious dance reels with her husband, Mark!)If this episode speaks to you, hit subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friendIf this episode speaks to you, hit subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend Looking for more of where this came from? Subscribe and watch full video episodes on Youtube Follow Julie on Instagram @drjuliegranger for clips, bonus content, and updates throughout the week Get a deeper dive on Sink and Swim topics by joining the email club Find out more about Julie's coaching programs at her website
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1:20:49
Authenticity Over Algorithms: Parmees Yazdanyar on Uncovering a Brand and Identity That Resonates
This is the first ever interview guest for the Sink and Swim podcast and I am over the moon to interview the woman, the myth, the legend, and Luminaire muse behind this podcast: Parmees Yazdanyar, Parmees is not only a branding and messaging mastermind and genius in her company, NeuroBranding Academy, but she also fully walks her talk In this episode, she brings so much deep Sink AND Swim perspective to topics such as:07:22 The Paradox of Authenticity, Giftedness, and Success12:11 Coming home to yourself as an intellectual, multidimensional, talented and neurospicy woman by finding "your people"19:41 The dark side and brilliance that comes from fully owning your genius23:30 Myths and unexpected lessons in becoming a 7 figure business owner before age 3036:00 The rebellion of choosing integrity and the long game over what's fast and easy40:34 Redefining Wealth and Success: beyond income & external achievement46:32 The lost art of craftsmanship in entrepreneurship51:02 Letting go & trusting amidst long distance relationships & navigating complex immigration processes & trauma01:12:16 Emerging from Hibernation: New BeginningsIf something tugged at you when you listened in, don't forget to hit that follow button so you can hear more episodes just like this one, sharing this podcast with someone who needs to hear it, and leave us a review!Follow Parmees on Instagram @parmees__If this episode speaks to you, hit subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend Looking for more of where this came from? Subscribe and watch full video episodes on Youtube Follow Julie on Instagram @drjuliegranger for clips, bonus content, and updates throughout the week Get a deeper dive on Sink and Swim topics by joining the email club Find out more about Julie's coaching programs at her website
Sink into your truth, rewrite the story you were born to live, swim in your Soul’s purpose.Sink AND Swim is a podcast for high-achieving Luminaires ready to break free from the “sink or swim” societal narratives that dictate the “right” ways to live, work, parent, and be. By paddling furiously to stay afloat and conform to the corset of "sink or swim" narratives, we are pulled away from our deepest and most authentic stories.This show illuminates the stories of Luminaires - gifted, talented, multidimensional, soul-led, and neurospicy people who have gone on the deep alchemical journey from telling a story of sink OR swim to sink AND swim. Listeners are invited to “sink” into your raw, unfiltered stories, uncovering the gifts embedded in the parts of you that you were conditioned to hide and conform.There, you'll find the buoyancy to “swim” - fully embracing the freedom to be who you are, live out your soul's purpose, and attract people and opportunities that honor you in your full expansiveness.
Ireland