Episodes

  • 324: A Little Intro to Undeniable [Judge Rosemarie Aquilina]

    324: A Little Intro to Undeniable [Judge Rosemarie Aquilina]
    Jul 3 2025
    In this episode, Heather introduces a previously recorded conversation with Judge Rosemary Aquilina from December 30, 2019. This re-release serves as an introduction to Judge Aquilina before she and Heather launch their new podcast, "Undeniable," in August. The episode highlights Judge Aquilina's impactful role in the Larry Nassar case and her unique approach to justice, emphasizing listening and healing. In this insightful episode, you'll learn: Introduction to Judge Aquilina: Heather sets the stage for the conversation, explaining why she's replaying this particular episode and introducing Judge Rosemary Aquilina, highlighting her significance in the Larry Nassar case and her upcoming joint podcast with Heather. Early Life and Influences: Judge Aquilina shares her childhood experiences, including her immigration story and feeling unheard, which profoundly shaped her desire to advocate for others and led her to pursue a career in law. The Path to Law and Justice: Judge Aquilina discusses her decision to attend law school, driven by a rebellious spirit and a deep-seated need to give a voice to the unheard, a theme that resonates throughout her career. Breaking Barriers in the Military: Judge Aquilina recounts her experience as the first female JAG officer in Michigan history, illustrating her determination to overcome obstacles and challenge norms. The Power of Listening in the Courtroom: Judge Aquilina emphasizes the importance of listening in her judicial practice, particularly in the Larry Nassar case, where her approach encouraged over 100 women to come forward and share their stories. "What Do You Want Me to Know?": Judge Aquilina explains the origin and impact of her signature question, "What do you want me to know?", revealing how this simple inquiry fosters trust and allows individuals to feel heard and understood. "Leave Your Pain Here": Judge Aquilina discusses the profound effect of her statement to the Nassar victims, "Leave your pain here. Go out and do your magnificent things," and how she views her role as a healer in the courtroom. The Healing Power of the Robe and Gavel: Judge Aquilina describes how she perceives her judicial robe and gavel not just as symbols of authority, but as tools for healing and rehabilitation, aiming to empower individuals to move forward. Continued Connection with Survivors: Judge Aquilina shares that she remains in contact with many of the Nassar survivors, offering ongoing support and demonstrating her continued commitment to their well-being. Personal Resilience and Family Life: Judge Aquilina touches upon her personal life, including having children later in life, and how her family provides stability and balance amidst her demanding career. Defining Elegance and Inspiration: Judge Aquilina shares her personal definition of elegance, emphasizing inner character and dignity, and reveals her theme song and a book that has inspired her throughout her life. In this episode for Libsyn: [00:00] - Introduction to Judge Aquilina [06:39] - Early Life and Influences [10:24] - The Path to Law and Justice [11:43] - Breaking Barriers in the Military [20:46] - The Power of Listening in the Courtroom [23:29] - "What Do You Want Me to Know?" [25:50] - "Leave Your Pain Here" [26:44] - The Healing Power of the Robe and Gavel [29:54] - Continued Connection with Survivors [32:07] - Personal Resilience and Family Life [33:05] - Defining Elegance and Inspiration Connect with Heather: Schedule a call with Heather Follow Heather on Instagram Website Watch Episodes on Youtube Heather’s TikTok ‍ The Elegant Warrior Podcast and content posted by Heather Hansen is presented solely for general informational, educational, and entertainment purposes. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast or website is at the user’s own risk. It is not intended as a substitute for the advice of a physician, professional coach, psychotherapist, or other qualified professional, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical or mental health condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals for any such conditions.
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    36 mins
  • 323: When What You Want Seems Impossible

    323: When What You Want Seems Impossible
    Jun 26 2025
    In today's episode, Heather Hansen answers a listener's question from Mary, a woman over 50 who is struggling to find a job and feeling replaced by younger generations. This episode is not only for those in a similar situation but also for anyone who believes something they want is impossible, or who is concerned about artificial intelligence impacting their career. Heather emphasizes that the root of "elegance" is to choose, and she provides three crucial choices to navigate these challenges. In this insightful episode, you'll learn: Addressing the Listener's Core Concern - Heather directly addresses Mary's fear of being replaced by younger generations and the broader concern about AI taking jobs, setting the stage for the episode's advice. The "Elegance" of Choice - Heather introduces the core concept that the word "elegance" means "to choose," framing the entire discussion around the power of intentional decision-making in one's career and life. The Power of Perspective - Heather introduces the "rubber band experiment" to illustrate how changing your perspective from "this is" to "this could be" can open up new possibilities, especially in career paths like fractional roles, consulting, or independent contracting. Exploring New Career Avenues - Building on the idea of perspective, Heather suggests concrete alternative career paths such as fractional roles, consulting, independent contracting, or exploring non-profits and startups, encouraging listeners to think beyond traditional employment. Building Belief through Evidence - Heather discusses how belief shapes energy in job interviews and how to cultivate a positive belief system. She explains two ways to gather evidence: collecting existing data (e.g., studies showing older workers are more reliable, companies actively recruiting them) and creating your own evidence through action. The Value of Older Workers - Heather provides compelling evidence from studies (Stanford and Harvard) and corporate initiatives (Goldman Sachs returnships) that highlight the reliability, trustworthiness, and effectiveness of workers over 50, directly countering the belief that age is a barrier. Strategic Action for Opportunity - Heather highlights the importance of taking strategic action beyond just sending out resumes. She emphasizes leveraging one's "ecosystem" or network, suggesting regular interaction with contacts as a powerful way to create opportunities and build evidence for your beliefs. Human Differentiators in an AI World - Heather revisits the previous week's discussion on AI, explaining that human energy and unique ecosystems (networks) are qualities that artificial intelligence cannot replicate, making them crucial differentiators in the job market. Leveraging Your Ecosystem/Network - Heather elaborates on the concept of an "ecosystem" as a valuable asset, providing personal examples of how her own diverse networks have led to professional opportunities, encouraging listeners to recognize and utilize their own. In this episode for Libsyn: [01:04] - Addressing the Listener's Core Concern [02:39] - The "Elegance" of Choice [02:55] - The Power of Perspective [05:00] - Exploring New Career Avenues [06:50] - Building Belief through Evidence [09:10] - The Value of Older Workers [12:09] - Strategic Action for Opportunity [15:00] - Human Differentiators in an AI World [17:16] - Conclusion and Final Encouragement Connect with Heather: Schedule a call with Heather Follow Heather on Instagram Website Watch Episodes on Youtube Heather’s TikTok ‍ The Elegant Warrior Podcast and content posted by Heather Hansen is presented solely for general informational, educational, and entertainment purposes. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast or website is at the user’s own risk. It is not intended as a substitute for the advice of a physician, professional coach, psychotherapist, or other qualified professional, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical or mental health condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals for any such conditions.
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    19 mins
  • 322: Why AI Makes Women More Powerful Than Ever

    322: Why AI Makes Women More Powerful Than Ever
    Jun 19 2025

    AI is about to change everything—except what makes you irreplaceable.
    As artificial intelligence evolves, it's taking over tasks rooted in logic, data, and even decision-making. But there's one thing it can’t replicate: human energy—and women have mastered it for generations.

    In this episode, Heather Hansen (trial attorney, keynote speaker, and communications consultant) reveals:

    ✅ Why AI makes your energy your most valuable asset
    ✅ The 3-step method to master and project energy that influences others
    ✅ How evolution gave women an edge in the era of “experiential AI”
    ✅ Real courtroom stories that show energy wins cases—not just facts

    Whether you're a woman looking to lead with charisma or a man who wants to develop magnetic presence, this episode gives you a roadmap to thrive in a world where logic is automated—but influence is not.

    📌 Subscribe for more leadership tools, communication strategies, and future-ready skills.📞 Want 1:1 coaching or a workshop for your team? Book a consult here →https://calendly.com/beliefbuilders/oneonone

    📚 Mentioned in the episode: The Elegant Warrior (book): https://www.amazon.com/Elegant-Warrior-Trials-Without-Yourself/dp/1989025269

    🗣 “People will forget what you said, forget what you did, but they’ll never forget how you made them feel.” — Maya Angelou
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    21 mins
  • 321: Delight Over Anger

    321: Delight Over Anger
    Jun 16 2025

    In this powerful return to The Elegant Warrior, Heather Hansen shares why she’s reviving the podcast after a heartfelt farewell seven months ago. With honesty, emotion, and insight, she explores the deeper reasons behind her comeback—from honoring her late father to responding to a rising tide of anger in our culture. Heather invites listeners to trade frustration for delight and introduces an exciting new podcast collaboration with Judge Rosemarie Aquilina, Undeniable. Plus, she teases an upcoming episode on why AI is actually good news for women—and how your energy is your new superpower.

    🔑 Topics Covered:

    • Why Heather ended—and then restarted—The Elegant Warrior
    • The emotional and energetic costs of misalignment
    • Why delight is more effective than anger when asking for what you want
    • The concept of resolve as a high-vibration alternative to anger
    • How artificial intelligence amplifies the value of human energy (especially women’s)
    • The upcoming launch of Heather and Judge Aquilina’s new podcast, Undeniable
    • Honoring her late father and reclaiming Thursdays for joy

    TEW Podcast Episode 321 - Delight Over Anger - Timestamps
    [00:00] - Introduction
    [00:21] - Podcast Revival Announcement
    [02:41] - Energy Management
    [04:37] - Artificial Intelligence
    [08:12] - Personal Reflection on Father's Day
    [10:00] - New Show Announcement with Judge Rosemary Aquilina
    [13:07] - Podcast Schedule Changes
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    14 mins
  • 320: Your Jury and a BIG Announcement

    320: Your Jury and a BIG Announcement
    Nov 25 2024

    Who is your jury? You have one. Your jury is anyone you want to influence and persuade. Your jury is the person/people who give you your wins.

    And a jury’s job is not to judge. A jury’s job is to listen and to choose what to believe. Your job is to know your jury and give them something to believe.

    In this episode, you will learn:

    -How to recognize that you have a jury and to start identifying them

    -The most important jury you will ever face

    -The story of the name “The Elegant Warrior”

    -Heather’s big announcement about what’s next for her and for you!

    Here’s the link to meet with Heather to talk about Keynotes or Strategy Days.

    Here’s the link to Heather’s YouTube channel, The Belief Builder’s Academy

    Here’s the link to join the Belief Builder’s Academy Membership for just $97/month; cancel anytime

    Here’s the link to buy/review Heather’s book, The Elegant Warrior-How to Win Life’s Trials Without Losing Yourself.

    Here’s the link to follow Heather on Instagram

    And finally, Heather’s LinkedIn profile

    Connect with Heather:

    • Schedule a call with Heather

    • Follow Heather on Instagram

    • Website

    • Watch Episodes on Youtube

    • Heather’s TikTok ‍

    The Elegant Warrior Podcast and content posted by Heather Hansen is presented solely for general informational, educational, and entertainment purposes. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast or website is at the user’s own risk. It is not intended as a substitute for the advice of a physician, professional coach, psychotherapist, or other qualified professional, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical or mental health condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals for any such conditions.
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    25 mins
  • 319: Navigating the Angel Investment Landscape: Strategies, Statistics, and Success Stories with Marcia Dawood

    319: Navigating the Angel Investment Landscape: Strategies, Statistics, and Success Stories with Marcia Dawood
    Nov 18 2024
    In today’s episode, Heather talks to Marcia Dawood about angel investing and what it means for you. Marcia has been an angel investor for over a decade. She is the author of Doing Good While Doing Well and hosts The Angel Next Door podcast. She’s Chair Emeritus of the Angel Capital Association and a founding member of their Growing Women’s Capital Group. Marcia is a member of Golden Seeds, one of the largest angel groups in the US. In this conversation, she shares what angel investing is and why you want to be involved. Heather and Marcia discuss the importance of angel investing, especially for women and people of color. Marcia breaks down the ways you can become an investor with as little as $50, and how you can use charity money to invest. This is an important and educational conversation that will get you excited to get involved! In this insightful episode, you'll learn: Introduction to Angel Investing - Heather and Marcia had an overview of what angel investing is and its significance in the investment landscape. Investment Strategy and Risk Management - Heather and Marcia advising audiences on how much of one’s investable assets should be allocated to angel investing, emphasizing the importance of risk assessment and not using essential funds for high-risk investments. Networking Opportunities through Angel Investing - They both discuss the value of networking through Angel investing or getting to know entrepreneurs and companies before investing, highlighting the long-term nature of angel investing. The Halo Strategy - Heather and Marcia had an introduction to the "halo strategy," which refers to investing based on admiration for a founder rather than a structured investment approach. Discussion on Women and Minority-Owned Companies - Marcia and Heather are having an important conversation about addressing the statistics related to female founders in the investment space and the need to change the narrative around investing in women. Differences in Questioning Between Male and Female Founders - Heather and Marcia had an examination of the different types of questions male and female founders receive from investors. Equity Crowdfunding Explained - Heather and Marcia have provided an overview of equity crowdfunding, explaining how it works and its benefits for new investors. Conclusion and Summary of Key Points - A wrap-up of the episode, summarizing the key takeaways and encouraging listeners to engage with the topics discussed. Marcia’s book choice is Buoyant: The Entrepreneur’s Guide to Becoming Wildly Successful, Creative and Free. Her song choice is Unstoppable by Sia Link to buy the Doing Well While Doing Good book: https://bit.ly/3yxekKD Link to buy the Doing Well While Doing Good workbook bit.ly/3ToZMUN Marcia’s website is www.marciadawood.com Her podcast is The Angel Next Door https://www.marciadawood.com/angelnextdoor In this episode for Libsyn: [00:49] - Introduction to Angel Investing [03:28] - Investment Strategy and Risk Management [08:00] - Networking Opportunities through Angel Investing [10:27] - The Halo Strategy [12:13] - Discussion on Women and Minority-Owned Companies [16:53] - Differences in Questioning Between Male and Female Founders [18:45] - Equity Crowdfunding Explained [26:42] - Conclusion and Summary of Key Points Connect with Heather: Schedule a call with Heather Follow Heather on Instagram Website Watch Episodes on Youtube Heather’s TikTok ‍ The Elegant Warrior Podcast and content posted by Heather Hansen is presented solely for general informational, educational, and entertainment purposes. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast or website is at the user’s own risk. It is not intended as a substitute for the advice of a physician, professional coach, psychotherapist, or other qualified professional, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical or mental health condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals for any such conditions.
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    36 mins
  • 318: Effective Mentoring with Ruth Gotian

    318: Effective Mentoring with Ruth Gotian
    Nov 11 2024
    In this exciting episode, Heather welcomes back Ruth Gotian. This time, Ruth shares insights from her latest book, The Financial Times Guide to Mentoring: A Complete Guide to Effective Mentoring. Heather and Ruth discuss how mentees can advocate for themselves and highlight their accomplishments. They explore the importance of networking in mentorship, share practical strategies for finding the right mentor, and delve into the dynamics of feedback and critique on the path to success. Dr. Ruth Gotian is the Chief Learning Officer and an Assistant Professor of Education in Anesthesiology. She is the author of The Success Factor: Developing the Mindset and Skill Set for Peak Business Performance. Remarkably, at age 43, she pursued a doctorate focused on success and wrote The Success Factor during the pandemic while working full-time. In this enlightening episode, you'll learn about: Introduction (Elements of Success) - In this segment, Ruth introduces the concept of success by outlining the four key elements that contribute to achieving it with Heather. They highlighted that these are derived from interviews with high achievers, setting the stage for a deeper discussion on what defines success and how individuals can harness these elements in their own journeys. Networking in Mentorship - The discussion between Heather and Ruth focuses on the critical role of networking within mentorship relationships. They both emphasized that effective mentors not only provide guidance but also facilitate connections by introducing their mentees to valuable networks. This access can significantly enhance a mentee's opportunities and professional growth. Finding a Mentor - Here, they offer practical advice on how to find a mentor. They suggest that individuals should engage in conversations and build relationships organically, rather than actively seeking out a mentor. This approach fosters more genuine connections and can lead to mentorship naturally developing over time. Pressure on Mentors - Heather and Ruth address the pressure that can be placed on mentors by their mentees. They discuss the importance of mentees being mindful of this pressure and encourage them to seek guidance in a way that doesn't impose obligations on their mentors. It can foster a healthier and more productive mentorship dynamic. Feedback and Critique - The conversation highlights the significance of receiving constructive feedback and critique as part of personal and professional development. Ruth and Heather draw a parallel to elite athletes, who actively seek feedback from their coaches to improve performance, suggesting that individuals in any field should embrace feedback to enhance their skills and growth. Role of Different Types of Support - This topic explores the various roles that different types of support can play in an individual's career. Heather and Ruth discuss the distinctions between mentors, coaches, sponsors, and role models, explaining how each contributes uniquely to professional development and success. Understanding these roles can help individuals seek the right kind of support for their specific needs. Ruth’s last episode of The Elegant Warrior is here https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ruth-gotian-and-success-factors/id1438007738?i=1000547400352 Get all of your mentoring information and resources here https://mentoring-guide.com/ Ruth’s song is I’m Possible by Emily Falvey Her book is Right Kind of Wrong by Amy Edmondson In this episode for Libsyn: [01:24] - Introduction (Elements of Success) [05:00] - Networking in Mentorship [08:03] - Finding a Mentor [12:56] - Pressure on Mentors [19:24] - Feedback and Critique [22:21] - Role of Different Types of Support Connect with Heather: Get Heather’s 8 Beliefs to Change Your Life here Schedule a call with Heather Follow Heather on Instagram Website Watch Episodes on Youtube Heather’s TikTok ‍ The Elegant Warrior Podcast and content posted by Heather Hansen is presented solely for general informational, educational, and entertainment purposes. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast or website is at the user’s own risk. It is not intended as a substitute for the advice of a physician, professional coach, psychotherapist, or other qualified professional, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical or mental health condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals for any such conditions.
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    32 mins
  • 317: What Bees Can Teach Us About Ourselves and Our Group Intelligence with Siobhan McHale

    317: What Bees Can Teach Us About Ourselves and Our Group Intelligence with Siobhan McHale
    Nov 4 2024
    In today’s episode, Heather chats with Siobhan McHale, author of “The Hive Mind at Work-Harnessing the Power of Group Intelligence to Create Meaningful and Lasting Change”. Siobhan shares how her childhood interest in bees led her to see the similarities and differences between group dynamics at work and how bees work together. She shares how she’s used this new way of looking at group intelligence to turn the ANZ Bank in Australia from the worst-performing bank in the country to the number-one-performing bank. Her nine laws of group dynamics are an important way to understand groups and how they work, and her LENS approach to making changes in teams. Ultimately, Siobhan makes the case that IQ and even EQ don’t matter as much as GQ–group intelligence in group settings. In this insightful episode, you'll discover: Introduction to the Hive Mind Concept - Heather introduces the episode by discussing her fascination with bees and the metaphor of the hive mind, setting the stage for a deep dive into group dynamics with Siobhan McHale. ANZ Bank's Turnaround Experience - Siobhan shares her experience with the ANZ Bank, detailing how it transformed from the worst-performing bank in Australia to the top performer by applying principles of the hive mind. Overview of the Nine Laws of Group Dynamics - Siobhan McHale introduces the nine laws of group dynamics, emphasizing their relevance across various ecosystems, including organizations, teams, and communities. Connectedness and Ripple Effects - Siobhan highlights the interconnectedness of ecosystems and how changes in one area can ripple through and affect others. Understanding Current Reality Before Change - The importance of assessing the current reality before making changes is discussed, illustrated by a case study of a manager's misinterpretation of the root causes of customer dissatisfaction. Living Group Values - Siobhan and Heather both stress the significance of leaders embodying their organization's values to maintain credibility and trust among team members. Four Leadership Roles - This exciting episode explores the four key leadership roles: delivery leader, performance coach, business strategist, and change leader, discussing how leaders can embody these roles in different situations. Here’s a link for more information about Siobhan and where to find her book Siobhan’s book choice was Our Iceberg Is Melting by John Kotter Her song is Eye of the Tiger by Survivor In this episode for Libsyn: [00:04] - Introduction to the Hive Mind [04:26] - ANZ Bank's Turnaround Experience [07:22] - Nine Laws of Group Dynamics [09:24] - Connectedness and Ripple Effects [14:30] - Understanding Current Reality Before Change [18:33] - Living Group Values [20:00] - Four Leadership Roles Connect with Heather: Get Heather’s 8 Beliefs to Change Your Life here Schedule a call with Heather Follow Heather on Instagram Website Watch Episodes on Youtube Heather’s TikTok ‍ The Elegant Warrior Podcast and content posted by Heather Hansen is presented solely for general informational, educational, and entertainment purposes. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast or website is at the user’s own risk. It is not intended as a substitute for the advice of a physician, professional coach, psychotherapist, or other qualified professional, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical or mental health condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals for any such conditions.
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    30 mins