Sweet but Fearless Podcast

In this episode, Mary Sullivan, co-founder of Sweet but Fearless, talks with Dr. Alicia Newsome, functional medicine doctor, author, speaker, and advocate for helping women reclaim their health and their lives. Dr. Newsome shares why taking time to pause and center yourself in truth can create the clarity needed to move forward with confidence. She introduces her Integrated Leadership Framework, a holistic approach that aligns your business, body, and beliefs/being so that every part of your life works together rather than competing for your attention. Together, Mary and Dr. Newsome explore the importance of intentionally designing a life that supports both success and well-being, the challenges women face when they constantly feel the need to be strong, and how rest can become a leadership strategy rather than a luxury. They also discuss Dr. Newsome's upcoming book, "Worthy of Rest," a Faith-Rooted Guide for the Woman Who's Tired of Being the Strong One and Ready to Lead Without Self-Sacrifice. ABOUT DR. ALICIA NEWSOME:LinkedIn – Dr. Alicia NewsomeWebsite – Dr. Alicia NewsomeBook – "Worthy of Rest" (coming 2026)YouTube – Dr. Alicia Newsome ABOUT SWEET BUT FEARLESS: Website - Sweet but Fearless LinkedIn - Sweet but Fearless

In this episode, Mary Sullivan, co-founder of Sweet but Fearless, talks with Deanna Dolecki and Ashley Ruggeri from Blue Duck Agency about the ever-changing world of marketing, branding, and the importance of having healthy debates in the workplace. For more than two decades, Blue Duck Agency has helped brands grow through innovative marketing strategies. Deanna and Ashley share how their team approaches marketing as more than just promotion, it's about building partnerships, understanding audiences, and creating long-term impact. Mary, Deanna, and Ashley also discuss the importance of adapting to today's fast-moving marketing landscape and finding creative ways for brands to stand out in a crowded digital world. Whether you're an entrepreneur, business leader, or simply curious about modern marketing strategies, this conversation offers practical insights and inspiration for growing your brand with intention. ABOUT DEANNA DOLECKI, ASHLEY RUGGERI, AND BLUE DUCK AGENCY: LinkedIn – Blue Duck AgencyLinkedIn – Deanna DoleckiLinkedIn – Ashley RuggeriWebsite – Blue Duck AgencyPodcast – Ducks Unplugged ABOUT SWEET BUT FEARLESS: Website - Sweet but Fearless LinkedIn - Sweet but Fearless

In this episode, Mary Sullivan, co-founder of Sweet but Fearless, talks with Julie Ellis about her remarkable entrepreneurial journey, from co-founding Mabel's Labels to becoming an author, coach, speaker, and leadership coach focused on helping others create meaningful success. Julie discusses the relationships and mindset shifts that often separate people who achieve big things from those who remain stuck. Through her methodology centered around systems, processes, and people, she explains why sustainable success requires more than hustle alone. The conversation also explores how entrepreneurs can identify roadblocks, evaluate whether they're spending their time wisely, and make intentional changes that move them forward. As the author of "Big Gorgeous Goals," Julie also shares why we all need big gorgeous goals, the kind that feel exciting, uncomfortable, and even a little scary. Unlike the safe, tidy goals we know we can accomplish, these are the goals that stretch us, keep us awake at night, and challenge us to believe we are capable of more than we imagined. ABOUT JULIE ELLIS: Website – Julie Ellis & CoLinkedIn – Julie EllisBook - "Big Gorgeous Goals" and "Big Gorgeous Goals Workbook"FREE – CEO Bottleneck mini course ABOUT SWEET BUT FEARLESS: Website - Sweet but Fearless LinkedIn - Sweet but Fearless

In this episode, Mary Sullivan, co-founder of Sweet but Fearless, talks with Bridget Sicsko, Brand Strategist, Speaker, and Consultant, for a conversation on building a brand that actually reflects who you are and what you want to be known for. They dig into a simple but often overlooked question: when someone lands on your LinkedIn or website, is it immediately clear who you are and what you stand for? Bridget shares how taking a thoughtful audit of your digital presence can help you shape the narrative you want others to see and why clarity is the foundation of any strong personal brand. As co-founder of Visibility on Purpose and host of the Visibility Era podcast, Bridget breaks down how to develop your brand voice, use storytelling to elevate your message, and leverage social media for visibility, even with little to no budget. She also reminds us that every experience, whether a win or a setback, offers lessons that can strengthen your brand story. This episode is a practical and empowering guide for anyone ready to show up with intention, refine their message, and build a brand that opens doors. ABOUT BRIDGET SICSKO: Website – Visibility on PurposeLinkedIn – Bridget SicskoPodcast – Visibility Era ABOUT SWEET BUT FEARLESS: Website - Sweet but Fearless LinkedIn - Sweet but Fearless

In this episode, Mary Sullivan, co-founder of Sweet but Fearless, talks with Corinne Gavlinski, CEO and Founder of The GAV Group, about what it really takes to lead with intention in high-pressure environments. With over two decades of experience in financial services and health tech, Corinne shares how she built and scaled commercial teams while navigating demanding growth goals and constant pressure. But it was a personal loss that sparked a deeper reflection, shifting how she saw herself as a leader and how she shows up for others. Together, they explore the importance of lifting up your team, having meaningful development conversations, and staying aware of your impact as a leader. Corinne also introduces her XTR (Executive Table Read) methodology and unpacks the concept of "lazy leadership", those moments when distraction pulls you away from your intentions. This conversation is a powerful reminder to stay present, lead with purpose, and take a bet on yourself. ABOUT CORINNE GAVLINSKI: Website – The Gav GroupLinkedIn – Corinne GavlinskiThe XTR - More info ABOUT SWEET BUT FEARLESS: Website - Sweet but Fearless LinkedIn - Sweet but Fearless

In this episode, Mary Sullivan, co-founder of Sweet but Fearless, talks with Dr. Kate Mason, author of Powerfully Likable, about what it really means to communicate as a woman in today's workplace. Too often, women feel like they have to choose, be powerful or be likable. But what if you didn't have to? Kate shares how the way we communicate trains others how to trust us and why understanding who you are is key to stepping into leadership with confidence. This conversation challenges the idea of either/or and introduces a more powerful approach, being both strong and genuinely likable. Because real leadership isn't about choosing, it's about becoming powerfully likable. Dr. Kate Mason is an executive communications coach, keynote speaker and author specializing in communication, influence, and leadership dynamics. Kate works with companies like Microsoft, Netflix, Google.org, Uber and many more to help execs more fully present themselves and boost their signal, presence, and value in their organization. ABOUT DR. KATE MAASON: Website – Dr. Kate Mason LinkedIn: Dr. Kate Mason BOOK: Powerfully Likeable ABOUT SWEET BUT FEARLESS: Website - Sweet but Fearless LinkedIn - Sweet but Fearless

In this episode, Mary Sullivan, co-founder of Sweet but Fearless, talks with Chanda Coston, Personal PMP and Success Strategist, about how women over 40 can build businesses by leveraging the experiences they've gathered over time. With a background that spans the U.S. Navy and corporate America, Chanda explains how every role, challenge, and lesson becomes part of what she calls a "shoebox of experiences" that can be used to create new opportunities. In this conversation, Chanda challenges the pressure of hustle culture and encourages women to be smarter about how they spend their time. Instead of trying to do everything at once, she suggests breaking life into seasons and designing your schedule around the goals that matter most in the season you're in. Chanda also emphasizes the importance of making the outcome non-negotiable. By building a practical action plan and approaching goals with intention and strategy, women can move their businesses forward in a way that is proactive, focused, and sustainable. This episode is a reminder that experience is powerful, time is valuable, and the next chapter of business can be built with purpose. ABOUT CHANDA COSTON: LinkedIn – Chanda Coston Website – Chanda Co. E-book – Reclaiming Your Dreams with Confidence & Clarity ABOUT SWEET BUT FEARLESS: Website - Sweet but Fearless LinkedIn - Sweet but Fearless

In this episode, Mary Sullivan, co-founder of Sweet but Fearless, talks with Sheronda Rochelle about career reinvention, bold pivots, and redefining yourself in your 50s and beyond. Sheronda shares her career journey and why she's passionate about helping women over 50 reimagine what's next. They explore the power of support systems, friendships, and why you don't have to reinvent your life alone. Sheronda also introduces her newest endeavor, Revelre, (Relatable, Evolve, Elevate, Rediscovery) a membership community that brings businesswomen together through meaningful, dinner-based networking experiences. If you're navigating a pivot, craving connection, or ready for your next chapter, this episode is for you. Outside of her professional work, Sheronda enjoys writing, cooking, and traveling. She credits much of her success to strong mentors and a supportive community and to embracing a nontraditional path. Looking ahead, she hopes to publish her first novel, write a cookbook, and continue advancing her career. ABOUT SHERONDA ROCHELLE JD, MFA: LinkedIn – Sheronda Rochelle Website – Revelre ABOUT SWEET BUT FEARLESS: Website - Sweet but Fearless LinkedIn - Sweet but Fearless

In this episode Mary Sullivan, co-founder of Sweet but Fearless, talks with professor and author Caroline Levander about what it really means to build and nurture a growth mindset in a world that demands innovation. They dive into why an innovative growth mindset isn't something you're born with, it's something you build by learning through doing, experimenting, and being willing to get it wrong before you get it right. Caroline shares insights from her book Invent Ed, a much-needed contribution to the ecosystem of innovation, creativity, and higher education in America. This conversation is a powerful reminder that progress comes from curiosity, courage, and the willingness to try. If you're a frontline woman leader looking to stretch your thinking, expand what's possible, and lead with creativity, this episode is for you. ABOUT CAROLINE LEVANDER: Website – Caroline Levander LinkedIn – Caroline Levander BOOK: Invent Ed: How an American Tradition of Innovation Can Transform College Today Rice University - Caroline Levander ABOUT SWEET BUT FEARLESS: Website - Sweet but Fearless LinkedIn - Sweet but Fearless

In this episode Mary Sullivan, co-founder of Sweet but Fearless, talks with Tameka Bazile, content creator, entrepreneur, and a powerful voice on LinkedIn, where she shares raw, honest truths about social media as both a profession and a culture. Tameka challenges the idea that your identity stops at your 9–5 and reminds us that personal branding isn't just for influencers, it's essential for professionals navigating evolving careers. They talk about the importance of being open about what you actually want in your career, asking for opportunities instead of waiting to be discovered, and allowing yourself to grow beyond the version of you that first entered the workforce. Tameka also makes one thing clear: learning matters but learning without action keeps you stuck. This conversation is a reminder to stay curious, apply what you learn, and commit to lifelong growth because your career is allowed to evolve as much as you do. Tameka is a Brooklyn-born creative entrepreneur, social strategist, and business influencer who is shaping the conversation around work, identity, and brand power in the digital age. With a career spanning over eight years, Tameka has built a reputation as a sharp, creative industry leader who blends strategic thinking with real-world relatability. She previously served as Social Strategy Manager at TIME, where she oversaw social programming for legacy media bringing the century-old brand into a social-first future ABOUT TAMEKA BAZILE: LinkedIn: Tameka Bazile Website: Tameka B Instagram: The Tameka Bazile ABOUT SWEET BUT FEARLESS: Website - Sweet but Fearless LinkedIn - Sweet but Fearless

In this episode with Cooper Alexander and Mary Sullivan, co-founders of Sweet but Fearless, celebrate the start of a new year and creating a Rebuild Plan for the new year, one you can build in just 15 minutes and actually stick to. Cooper and Mary will take you through planning your January the RX3 way: Reflect → Research → Rebuild. No "new year, new me" pressure. No trying to change everything at once. Just a calmer, clearer way to move forward. Because most January plans don't fail from lack of motivation, they fail from overload. Too many goals. Too much change. Not enough structure. Instead, you'll focus on one powerful question: What's the ONE thing that, if strengthened, would make everything else easier? That's your catalyst goal. One steady anchor. One place to start. Grab your coffee, open your notebook, and rebuild January with clarity, not chaos! ABOUT SWEET BUT FEARLESS: Website - Sweet but Fearless LinkedIn - Sweet but Fearless

As the year comes to a close, Cooper Alexander and Mary Sullivan, co-founders of Sweet but Fearless, invite you to pause and reflect on what this past year really asked of you. What one pattern repeated itself and quietly ran the year. The one that drained your energy levels, delayed decisions, or kept things heavier than they needed to be. You're not to judge yourself or the pattern but just recognize and understand it. Patterns form to protect us, but once we recognize them, we don't have to keep living inside them. Mary and Cooper talk through patterns many women leaders see again and again - over-responsibility, minimizing your own needs, taking care of everyone else first, delaying decisions out of fear, hiding ambition, or working hard without visibility - and how one of these often becomes the core lesson of the year. You're encouraged to think about that pattern, what it taught you, and whether you want to carry it into the new year - or finally let it go. From there, the questions get simple and honest: What needs to shift? What are you refusing to repeat? And what might next year look like if this pattern stopped running the show? This podcasts goal is to help you name what shaped you this year - so you can choose what comes with you into the next one. Here's to a focused and succesful 2026! ABOUT SWEET BUT FEARLESS: Website - Sweet but Fearless LinkedIn - Sweet but Fearless

In this podcast, Mary Sullivan, co-founder of Sweet but Fearless, talks with Jennifer Kaplan, Owner, Evolve Public Relations and Marketing, to explore what it really takes to follow your passion and why the journey often requires a few calculated risks along the way. Jennifer shares her unapologetic philosophy that fear is the real "F-word," the one that keeps too many of us from stepping into what we truly love. Together, Mary and Jennifer dive into protecting your most expensive commodity, your time, and embracing the power of saying no without guilt. This episode is a reminder that the world doesn't need a more polished version of you… it needs the real you. Jennifer Kaplan founded Evolve Public Relations and Marketing in 2010, driven by the goal of connecting with her clients to understand and meet their needs. She brings years of start-up experience, dating back to 2005, when she co-founded PRIME 3, LLC. MORE ABOUT JENNIFER KAPLAN: Website: Evolve Public Relations & Marketing LinkedIn: Jennifer Kaplan ABOUT SWEET BUT FEARLESS: Website - Sweet but Fearless LinkedIn - Sweet but Fearless