• From Stuck to Strategic: Navigating the Career Pivots That Matter
    Nov 21 2024

    Episode 35 | In this episode, Paige Rene unpacks her seven career pivots, sharing lessons on evaluating energy, refining vision, and taking action.

    From athletics to executive coaching, Paige’s journey reveals how reinvention builds on past experiences to inspire growth and confidence.

    Takeaways:

    1. Evaluate your energy by identifying projects that excite or drain you while listening to feedback about your strengths.

    2. Refine your vision by revisiting and adjusting goals regularly to align with your evolving aspirations.

    3. Take action by experimenting and moving forward, even when uncertain, to create clarity and progress.

    In this episode:

    [00:00:00] Introduction: Paige introduces the episode and her journey through seven career pivots.

    [00:01:14] Pivot #1: From selling apartments to joining college athletics.

    [00:03:15] Pivot #2: Discovering her calling in coaching through cognitive behavioral therapy and personal life coaching.

    [00:05:15] Pivot #3: Niching down to elite mental training for athletes.

    [00:06:28] Pivot #4: Embracing brand coaching during the COVID-19 pandemic.

    [00:09:15] Pivot #5: Navigating the “flailing era” while refining her Elevate Framework.

    [00:13:52] Pivot #6: Business coaching—identifying gaps in the online coaching space.

    [00:20:07] Pivot #7: Focusing on executive performance and branding coaching for women in corporate spaces.

    [00:23:00] Final Advice: Paige shares three key takeaways for pivoting with confidence.

    Resources

    1. The Women In The Arena

    2. Listen on Apple Podcasts

    3. Listen on Spotify

    4. Watch on YouTube

    5. Insights Coaching Program

    6. Elevate Framework

    Quotes

    1. “You’re not stuck. These three takeaways are going to help you pivot in the direction that you're meant to go in.”Paige on overcoming stagnation

    2. “Your magic is all about you, what you do, what you bring to the table, and your gifts and strengths.”Paige on understanding personal value

    3. “Take action. Do something, for God’s sake. This is the mechanics. I’m telling you, you’ve got to move.” – Paige on the importance of taking bold steps

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    26 mins
  • Become a People Expert with Executive Coach & Leadership Consultant Rachel Burr
    Oct 30 2024

    Episode 34 | In this episode of The Women in the Arena, host Paige Rene chats with Rachel Burr, executive coach and founder of Catamentum Leadership Coaching. Rachel, a people expert with over 20 years of experience, dives into the intricacies of authentic leadership, the importance of building trust, and the challenges leaders face in managing people effectively.

    Takeaways:

    1. Building authentic leadership means understanding yourself as a leader and aligning actions with your core values. Authenticity helps leaders influence and inspire teams more effectively.
    2. Creating trust in new roles starts with listening. Leaders joining new teams can establish trust by truly understanding team members and their needs.
    3. Using effective communication involves asking open-ended questions like “Help me understand.” This approach prevents defensiveness and promotes open, constructive dialogue.
    4. Approaching leadership as experimentation allows growth as a journey, giving leaders the freedom to try new approaches and learn from each experience.

    In this episode:

    [00:01:00] Rachel outlines three challenges leaders commonly face: transitioning into strategy, needing an external thought partner, and developing people skills.

    [00:05:59] Paige asks about building trust as a new leader, prompting Rachel’s insights on listening, understanding team culture, and respecting established workflows.

    [00:08:10] Rachel recounts a story of coaching a high-performing leader who struggled with people management, demonstrating the importance of self-awareness.

    [00:11:24] Rachel discusses the gap between leadership intent and team perception, encouraging leaders to bridge this by understanding how their actions impact others.

    [00:21:00] Rachel provides actionable advice on active listening and emotional regulation in challenging conversations.

    [00:28:33] Paige and Rachel reflect on curiosity, highlighting the value of admitting “I don’t know” to encourage openness and mutual learning.

    [00:38:00] Rachel shares two key leadership lessons: the value of hiring people who challenge you and embracing constant learning.

    Resources

    1. The Women In The Arena
    2. Rise Facebook Community

    3. Listen on Apple Podcasts

    4. Listen on Spotify

    5. Watch on YouTube

    6. Catamentum Leadership Coaching: Visit Rachel's website

    7. Rachel’s upcoming book, Butterfly Goo: The Down and Dirty Truth of Transformation

    8. Follow Paige on Instagram: @paige_rene15

    9. Leadership is Language Book

    10. Leadership Circle 360

    11. Follow Rachel Burr on LinkedIn

    Quotes

    1. “As a leader, you may have something you need to work through. It’s not ready to talk through to maybe your leader or definitely not the board, if you’re the CEO. It’s not something you want to talk with your team about, it’s just not appropriate.” – Rachel on the importance of having a confidential thought partner

    2. “Own the ‘I don’t know’…if you’re outside your comfort zone and you’re stepping out there, taking risks, doing new things, if you already know everything, you’re not outside your comfort zone.” – Rachel on embracing growth

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    44 mins
  • Stop Relying on Referrals and Generate Leads with Shelby Fowler-Moss Owner of Fempire Media
    Aug 8 2024
    Episode 33 | In this episode of The Women in the Arena, host Paige Williams chats with Shelby Fowler-Moss, the dynamic owner of Fempire Media. Shelby brings her extensive experience in the advertising world to the table, sharing her journey and invaluable insights on moving beyond referrals and generating consistent leads. About Shelby A natural-born entrepreneur, Shelby Fowler entered this world with an adventurer's heart and an outlaw's energy. When she wasn't slingin' lemonade at one of her early ventures, she was watching her parents manage their many small businesses. For the past eight years, Shelby has been empowering women to soak up every last drop of financial freedom. She's the perfect mentor for all things digital advertising and psych-based marketing because Shelby's own ad agency has managed over $20 million in ad spend in the last two years alone. Takeaways: Shelby outlines a four-step process for successful lead conversion: Attract, Educate, Nurture, and Convert. This holistic approach integrates advertising, marketing, and sales seamlessly. Use services like Instacart or Walmart Plus for grocery shopping to save time. Additionally, hiring a house manager or a college student for tasks like grocery shopping, cooking, and laundry can significantly reduce daily stress and free up more time for other activities. By directly stating prices during calls and pausing for the client’s response, Shelby transformed her sales process, improving her conversion rate from 0% to successfully closing deals. It's advisable for local businesses to use Instagram Messenger ads to attract leads. By ensuring your profile acts as a sales funnel, and running targeted ads, you can generate quality leads and drive conversions. In this episode: [00:21:00] Shelby shares an example of a client who employs a house manager—a college student—for tasks like grocery shopping, cooking, cleaning, and laundry. This arrangement significantly reduces daily stress and frees up time. [00:22:00] Paige highlights the challenge women face in balancing multiple roles and responsibilities, and agrees with Shelby on the value of delegating tasks to alleviate mental load. [00:23:00] Shelby points out the disproportionate mental load that often falls on women, especially regarding household and family responsibilities, and emphasizes the importance of addressing this imbalance. [00:24:00] Paige and Shelby discuss the impact of being proactive and seeking solutions, especially in the context of sales training and business growth. [00:25:00] Shelby recounts a pivotal moment in her business where she struggled with closing sales calls despite generating leads. She realized that her approach needed improvement. [00:26:00] Shelby shares a turning point where she learned from a sales coach to state the price during the call and then remain silent, leading to successful sales conversions. [00:28:00] Shelby explains her new approach to sales calls, where she states the price and then waits for the client to respond, which has improved her conversion rates. [00:30:00] Paige and Shelby discuss the importance of shifting focus to finding solutions rather than dwelling on problems, and how this approach can drive business success. [00:31:00] Shelby recommends Facebook and Instagram as effective channels for local businesses to attract clients. She highlights the "Layup Leads" method using Instagram Messenger ads. [00:32:00] Shelby explains how Instagram ads can drive messages to businesses, allowing for direct communication and effective lead conversion. She emphasizes the importance of having a well-optimized profile. [00:33:00] Shelby discusses the benefits of running retargeting ads for people who have engaged with initial ads, which can be cost-effective and improve conversion rates. [00:35:00] Paige acknowledges the value of using Instagram DMs effectively and the importance of creating a conversational flow to avoid the perception of dirty sales tactics. [00:36:00] Shelby suggests starting with a low-cost mini course on the Layup Leads method for those new to advertising, and creating engaging content on Instagram. [00:37:00] Shelby shares the success of creating engaging reels on Instagram, even if they don’t go viral, and provides an example of her own viral video about a spray tan mishap. Resources The Women In The Arena Rise Facebook Community Listen on Apple Podcasts Listen on Spotify Watch on YouTube Shelby’s Layup Leads Method Connect with Shelby on IG Follow her on Facebook Visit Fempire Media Quotes “Women often carry a disproportionate mental load when it comes to household and family responsibilities. It’s important to address this imbalance.” - Shelby on the women's mental load“Creating engaging reels on Instagram can be successful, even if they don’t go viral. It’s all about connecting with your audience.” - Shelby on creating engaging content“During a sales call, stating the price ...
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    45 mins
  • Chatgpt, Sales Automation & More: How Being Let Go Propelled Blessing Into The Life She Always Wanted
    May 28 2024

    In this inspiring episode of "The Women in the Arena," host Paige Rene sits down with tech strategist Blessing Richardson to discuss her journey from self-taught coder to successful entrepreneur.

    Blessing shares her experiences in corporate tech and startups, emphasizing the importance of understanding technology's role in business operations. They explore how Blessing integrates AI and automation into business processes, providing valuable insights for women entrepreneurs.

    The conversation covers practical tips on using tools like ChatGPT to streamline tasks and the importance of building efficient sales hubs. Blessing's story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the pursuit of passion.

    Takeaways:

    1. The importance of working in medium to large companies for exposure to scale and innovative solutions.

    2. The potential of AI tools like ChatGPT in automating and streamlining business processes.

    3. The value of integrating technology into business operations to improve efficiency and profitability.

    In this episode:

    [00:02:00] Blessing shares her journey into tech and becoming a tech strategist.

    [00:04:00] Discussion on the benefits of working in medium to large companies.

    [00:13:00] Insights on using ChatGPT and its applications in business.

    [00:24:00] The concept of sales hubs and their importance for small businesses.

    [00:42:00] The significance of having a unified system for managing different revenue streams.

    [00:09:00] Blessing's experiences in different tech environments, from startups to Fortune 500 companies.

    [00:18:00] How Blessing uses AI to simplify business operations.

    [00:29:00] The challenges and advantages of integrating various business tools.

    [00:33:00] Practical examples of automating client interactions and contract management.

    [00:50:00] Blessing's personal story of overcoming obstacles and pursuing her passion.

    Resources

    1. The Women In The Arena

    2. Listen on Apple

    3. Listen on Spotify

    4. Connect with Blessing on Threads

    5. Read about Blessing on her website

    6. ChatGPT: OpenAI

    7. Other Tools mentioned: Airtable, Notion, Coda, SmartSuite

    Quotes

    1. "Keep saying yes and keep moving forward." - Blessing Richardson

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    56 mins
  • 3 Mistakes Brilliant People Make That Block Sales
    May 8 2024

    Come along with Paige Rene in this delightful episode of "The Women in the Arena," where she chats about the little slip-ups that even the brightest entrepreneurs can make while selling their products or services.

    With six years of business and coaching under her belt, Paige is ready to spill some practical tips to help you polish up your selling strategies. This way, you can connect more deeply and effectively with your clients.

    Whether you’re into sales, marketing, or any part of the entrepreneurial world, this episode is brimming with useful guidance to help you dodge common mishaps and improve your business approach.

    Takeaways:

    1. When explaining your expertise, tailor your communication to the comprehension level of your audience, ensuring they understand and connect with what you're saying.

    2. It's crucial to align your selling points with what your customers genuinely want, rather than merely presenting what excites you about your product or service.

    3. Your passion for what you're selling significantly impacts your success. Be clear and enthusiastic about your offers to resonate more deeply with potential clients.

    In this episode:

    [00:27] Paige introduces the theme of the episode and the relevance to various professional fields.

    [01:20] Detailed breakdown of the first selling mistake: Over-complicating your message.

    [03:12] Discussion on the second mistake: Focusing too much on your passion instead of customer needs.

    [11:31] Exploration of the third mistake: Lack of genuine enthusiasm and clarity in what you're offering.

    [16:53] Closing thoughts and a reminder of how these insights can benefit your selling strategies.

    Resources

    1. The Women In The Arena

    2. Rise Facebook Community

    3. Listen on Apple Podcasts

    4. Listen on Google Podcasts

    5. Listen on Spotify

    6. Watch on YouTube

    7. Paige Rene’s Instagram

    Quotes

    1. “Confused buyers don't buy, confused people don't understand what you're trying to sell them.” - Paige Rene, Host

    2. "You have to practice being able to translate all the knowledge you know, through the filter of being able to teach it to a fifth grader.” - Paige Rene, Host

    3. “You have to sell the result to somebody. You can't sell the process. They're not excited about the process." - Paige Rene, Host

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    18 mins
  • Beyond the Headlines: Navigating Love and Career as a Strong, Independent Woman
    Apr 25 2024
    What's the most important quality you think a journalist needs to succeed in such a high-profile position? In this interview, Chelsea Helms discusses her journey as a journalist and her recent acceptance of a main evening anchor position in Indianapolis. She reflects on challenges in relationships, emphasizing the importance of finding a partner who accepts her energy and supports her career. Chelsea shares insights into the preparation process for job auditions and highlights the significance of confidence and authenticity in navigating the professional arena. Paige Williams, the interviewer, underscores the importance of being true to oneself and pursuing goals with determination. The conversation concludes with mutual admiration for strong, independent women and well wishes for Chelsea's upcoming move. Takeaways: The importance of authenticity and confidence shines through in the conversation, highlighting the need to stay true to oneself and maintain a strong sense of self-assurance, both in professional and personal spheres. The emphasis on thorough preparation and practice in job auditions underscores their value as opportunities for growth and improvement. Each audition, regardless of immediate interest, serves as a chance to refine skills and bolster confidence for future endeavors. Reflecting on relationship challenges, the conversation underscores the significance of finding a partner who offers acceptance and support for career ambitions. Mutual understanding, respect, and support are essential in navigating both personal and professional life successfully. In this episode: [00:28] Introduction to the episode with Chelsea Helms, a KNWA news anchor. [01:20] Chelsea shares her journey into journalism, inspired by her childhood exposure to news. [03:47] Discussion on pursuing journalism after high school in a small-town setting. [05:23] Chelsea's college experience and falling in love with broadcast journalism. [05:45] Unexpected events lead Chelsea into her journalism career after college. [08:54] Chelsea discusses the challenges and importance of relocating for her career. [11:24] Chelsea talks about finding community in a new place through shared interests like fitness. [13:21] Paige and Chelsea discuss the struggle of balancing personal life with career ambitions. [16:40] The importance of maintaining a separate identity from one's career is highlighted. [17:34] Chelsea and Paige emphasize the importance of authenticity and confidence, highlighting the need to embrace one's true self in both professional and personal endeavors. [20:38] The conversation shifts to navigating criticism and maintaining resilience in the face of negativity. Chelsea shares her approach to handling harsh criticism and separating herself from external opinions. [22:56] Chelsea and Paige delve into personal challenges, particularly in finding supportive partners who embrace their ambitious energy. They explore the complexities of gender dynamics and the importance of mutual respect and understanding in relationships. [28:40] Chelsea shares her exciting career transition to a main evening anchor position in Indianapolis. The discussion highlights the significance of preparation, execution, and reflection in pursuing career opportunities. [36:45] In wrapping up, Chelsea reflects on her definition of being a woman inside the arena, emphasizing the importance of confidence, authenticity, and supportive relationships in navigating life's challenges and pursuing goals. Resources The Women In The Arena Rise Facebook Community Listen on Apple Podcasts Listen on Google Podcasts Listen on Spotify Watch on YouTube Chelsea Helms on KNWA Follow Chelsea on X and IG Quotes "I remember growing up watching my now mentor on the news my entire life, and I was like, wait, I could be that for someone." - Chelsea Helms, Guest "Every city is different. You have to be really conscious of where you're living and what kind of lifestyle you're looking for." - Chelsea Helms, Guest "What we do is not who we are." - Paige Williams, Host
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    39 mins
  • How to Know You're In the Right Place (when you feel lost)
    Apr 9 2024
    What does it mean to find your true north in a world that constantly tries to pull you in a thousand different directions? In an emotionally charged episode of "The Women in the Arena," Paige Rene offers a sanctuary for women navigating the tumultuous waters of entrepreneurship. She identifies the primary barrier as the uncertainty of "how" to execute their dreams, emphasizing the need for a blueprint and direction, which is often lacking when leaving structured employment. Paige encourages listeners to overcome these hurdles by seeking guidance, focusing on personal growth, and staying true to one's purpose. She also explores the importance of acknowledging and learning from both doubts and affirmations ("God Winks 😉") to remain aligned with one's goals and continue making impactful strides in their entrepreneurial journey. Takeaways: The main reason women hesitate to transition from traditional employment to entrepreneurship is the uncertainty of "how" to implement their vision and replace their income, highlighting a need for guidance and a clear blueprint for success. Persistent self-doubt is common, but recognizing and appreciating small affirmations or "God winks" can reinforce one's purpose and direction, helping to navigate the entrepreneurial journey with more confidence and resolve. To accelerate progress and navigate the complexities of entrepreneurship, hiring experts or seeking mentorship in the desired area of business can provide the necessary insights and shortcuts to success, akin to "speed passes" that facilitate quicker achievement of goals. In this episode: [01:19] Paige's reflection on the initial perception of starting a business and the reality of changing market dynamics. [02:09] Discussion on the notion "it's not the player, it's the game," focusing on the ever-changing nature of entrepreneurship and buying behaviors. [02:48] The question from Lululemon's leader prompts Paige to explore the biggest hurdle for women in entrepreneurship: the uncertainty of "how." [04:01] The importance of having a blueprint and guidance in transitioning to entrepreneurship. [04:39] The strategy of hiring experts to overcome the 'how' barrier in business. [06:02] Paige shares her experiences with the challenges of sustaining success in business and the feeling of imposter syndrome. [07:00] Personal anecdote of Paige's reaffirmation of purpose and the concept of "God winks." [08:15] The significance of seeking and recognizing affirmations in one's entrepreneurial journey. [09:36] Introduction to Paige's free resource, "The Online Entrepreneur," for aspiring business owners. [10:06] Paige discusses the ongoing presence of doubt in entrepreneurship and the importance of acknowledgment and learning from experiences. [11:17] Encouragement to recognize and act upon the small nudges and affirmations in one's journey. [13:58] Paige urges listeners to be aware of their gifts and the value they bring, highlighting the importance of self-awareness and feedback. Resources The Women In The Arena Paige Rene Coaching The Online Entrepreneur Rise Facebook Community Listen on Apple Podcasts Listen on Google Podcasts Listen on Spotify Watch on YouTube Quotes “It ain't the player, it's the game. Understanding that the rules are forever changing, buying behavior is forever changing, and you shouldn't take it so personally.” - Paige Rene, Host “The number one reason why I see women not going for what they want is the uncertainty of the How. They have this vision, this dream, and then How stops them.” - Paige Rene, Host “Life is that thing that you live forward, but understand in reverse. Enough life in one arena under your belt, and you kind of know what to anticipate, what challenges are going to come, and how to navigate those.” - Paige Rene, Host “The doubts don't go away. They just are in a different arena. I feel them in a different arena.” - Paige Rene, Host
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    15 mins
  • Leading with Grit: Inside the Mind of Coach Jordan Clark
    Apr 2 2024

    In this episode of "The Women in the Arena," host Paige interviews Coach Jordan Clark of the FAU Owls softball team. They discuss the team's recent top 25 ranking, Coach Jordan's journey to becoming a head coach, and the importance of building a positive team culture.

    Jordan shares her experiences with challenging career transitions, the significance of having a supportive network, and the realities of leadership and decision-making in coaching. She emphasizes the need for self-confidence, conviction, and the impact of creating meaningful relationships with players. The conversation also touches on work-life balance and the long-term legacy she aims to leave.

    Takeaways:

    1. Success in leadership comes from the willingness to take risks, adapt to new environments, and capitalize on opportunities for growth, even when it means stepping out of comfort zones.

    2. Building a strong team culture is crucial for success, focusing on personal development, mutual respect, and creating an environment where every member feels valued and motivated.

    3. Achieving a healthy work-life balance is essential for long-term satisfaction and effectiveness. A meaningful legacy is built on how one impacts others, prioritizing relationships and positive influences over personal accolades.

    In this episode:

    [01:42] Jordan shares her career transition from education to coaching, embracing various roles and the challenges along the way.

    [03:51] The leap of faith to the head coaching position at FAU, the uncertainties faced, and the decision-making process involved.

    [06:35] Transitioning from assistant to head coach, developing a personal coaching style, and the significance of building a positive team culture.

    [09:17] The importance of a support system in personal and professional life, dealing with challenges, and trusting one’s judgment.

    [15:16] Facing and managing challenges as a head coach, including dealing with criticism and building relationships with players and staff.

    [17:31] Legacy and impact aspirations beyond wins and losses, focusing on personal relationships and long-term influence on players.

    [19:16] Work-life balance challenges in collegiate athletics and strategies for maintaining personal relationships alongside professional commitments.

    [22:44] Handling difficult personalities and situations within the team, emphasizing emotional intelligence and objective decision-making.

    [27:31] Jordan's definition of being a "woman in the arena," emphasizing resilience, conviction, and the ability to influence positively.

    Resources

    1. The Women In The Arena

    2. Rise Facebook Community

    3. Listen on Apple Podcasts

    4. Listen on Google Podcasts

    5. Listen on Spotify

    6. Watch on YouTube

    7. Jordan Clark

    8. FAU Owls Softball Team

    9. Watch the games on ESPN+

    Quotes

    1. "I just think that when you take a job, you have this vision and you think of all the reasons things can go right. And so when it came out yesterday, it was just a real moment. It's something that you put in all this time, and you see the girls work, your staff work, and so, to see it come up, I know that we're not done yet, but it was a moment of like, you did it. Like, you did it, they did it." - Jordan Clark, Guest

    2. "It's reassuring that you need your people and you're not going to make everyone happy. But at the end of the day, you got to know that whether you listen to them or not, they're still gonna be your people. And it's okay that you don't always go with their advice." - Jordan Clark, Guest

    3. “Your legacy is how you make people feel. And at the end of the day, wins are wins and losses are losses. Who you are as a person is your core and how you make people feel. That’s the legacy I want to leave." - Jordan Clark, Guest

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    33 mins