Marketing in Progress

Become impossible to ignore: Market eminence with David Newman

Gayle Kalvert — Wed, 01 Apr 2026 05:00:00 -0400

Founders, CEOs, and marketers often wrestle with this question: Should the brand have a face?

David Newman says yes, absolutely.

As a renowned keynote speaker, author of Market Eminence, and host of the Selling Show podcast, David has years of experience helping CEOs and founders establish and build their brands. He shares the three essential pillars of Market Eminence and explains how visibility, resonance, and brand preference can help you stand out in a sea of AI-generated content.

Tune in and learn how to amplify your market presence without relying on gimmicks or buzzwords.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

How to break through the noise of AI-generated content
Why CEOs and founders need to be visible
What market eminence really means and how to achieve it

Highlights:

(00:00) Meet David Newman
(02:24) What is market eminence?
(06:38) The valuation myth
(13:42) This is the kind of content people engage with
(17:48) Video is your secret weapon
(22:21) Why hate mail is a good sign
(33:29) Action eliminates fear

Resources:
David Newman’s website: https://start.doitmarketing.com/market-eminence/
Get Market Eminence on Amazon: https://a.co/d/0j5cxs9d
Gayle’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gaylekalvert/

The habits of high-performing product marketers with David Bruce

Gayle Kalvert — Wed, 18 Mar 2026 05:00:00 -0400

Product marketers sit at the center of the chaos, where product, sales, and strategy collide.

In this episode, Gayle Kalvert and Kristin Allaben talk with David Bruce, a veteran product marketer who’s worked inside massive organizations like IBM and Broadcom Mainframe Software. David talks about the skills that make a product marketer effective. He shares insights on collaborating with other teams in your organization, why you need more than just marketing skills to further your career, and why focusing on the customer leads to success across the company.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

What you need to be a successful product marketer
How working directly with customers sharpens your marketing skills
What marketing looks like in large organizations

Highlights:

(00:00) Meet David Bruce

(01:48) Marketing in small orgs vs large orgs

(06:13) How to keep teams aligned on strategy

(09:10) A brief history of marketing

(11:26) Becoming a product expert and a better marketer

(15:46) Why product marketing is one of the coolest jobs

Resources:

David’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidwbruce/

Kristin’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristinallaben/

Gayle’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gaylekalvert/

Gayle’s website: www.gaylekalvert.com

Why your brand’s story isn’t working (and how to fix it) with Kate Hamilton

Gayle Kalvert — Wed, 04 Mar 2026 05:00:00 -0500

Is your brand’s story working for you or against you?

Kate Hamilton has spent over 20 years helping Fortune 100s and mission-driven startups clarify their messaging and align their teams. As a strategic marketing advisor, she’s seen firsthand how an unclear brand narrative can hold businesses back and create misalignment.

In this episode, Kate gets real about the branding mistakes that are slowing businesses down and how to pressure-test your messaging for clarity. She also discusses the crucial role of company culture in ensuring everyone within the organization feels connected to the brand’s message.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

How to create a brand narrative that appeals to customers and employees
The best methods for testing and refining your brand messaging
How to shift from reactive marketing tactics to a more intentional strategy

Highlights:
(00:00) Meet Kate Hamilton
(03:30) Coming together around a shared story
(06:36) Where clarity breaks down
(08:51) How to pressure-test your brand messaging
(12:35) The first steps in redefining a company’s narrative
(21:06) What is a marketing audit?
(24:02) Alignment around user-generated content
(30:31) From reactive to intentional marketing

Resources:

Gayle’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gaylekalvert/

Creo Collective’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/creo-collective/

Creo Collective’s website: https://www.creocollective.io/

Gayle’s website: www.gaylekalvert.com/

Kate’s LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/katemhamilton/

Kate’s website: https://katemhamilton.com/

Kate’s email: kate@katemhamilton.com

Giving yourself grace in a world of anxiety with Ashley Mitchell

Gayle Kalvert — Wed, 25 Feb 2026 05:00:00 -0500

It’s easy to be overwhelmed as you juggle career, family, and your overall health. But Ashley Mitchell asks: “What if it all works out?”

Ashley runs Guided Reflections Therapy Practice and is the author of the self-help book What If It All Works Out?. She’s a mental health professional with over 10 years of experience. Having worked with clients who battled anxiety, and navigating anxiety herself, she’s learned that taking care of basic needs, such as sleep and nutrition, goes a long way.

In this episode, Ashley encourages everyone to give ourselves grace when faced with challenges, communicate openly about what we need to manage anxiety, and form genuine connections in a busy world.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

Understanding nervousness vs. stress vs. anxiety
How to manage your own anxiety when life feels overwhelming
How to help children manage their mental health

Highlights:

(00:00) Meet Ashley Mitchell

(05:43) The difference between nervousness, stress, and anxiety

(13:01) Giving yourself grace

(17:13) Navigating anxiety in different relationships

(20:38) Tips for improving the quality of sleep

(25:08) Making small shifts for healthier habits

(28:35) The importance of having quiet moments

(32:10) Why kids and adults need to put down their phones

Resources:

Ashley’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashley-mitchell-lpc-bcn-ncc-88049161/

Guided Reflections Therapy Practice: https://www.guidedtherapyva.com/

Get Ashley’s book on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/What-All-Works-Out-Transforming/dp/B0FVWF9X1H

Gayle’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gaylekalvert/

Aligning sales and marketing for real success with Gayle Kalvert

Gayle Kalvert — Wed, 18 Feb 2026 05:00:00 -0500

When sales and marketing work towards the same goals, they bring success to the organization. But often, stereotypes and impostor syndrome get in the way of real alignment.

In this episode, Kristin Allaben takes over as host for a chat with Gayle Kalvert, Founder and CEO at Creo Collective, about sales and marketing alignment. Gayle covers the barriers that keep sales and marketing teams from working together, the questions marketers need to ask sellers, and the real secret to building strong cross-functional relationships.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

How to deal with sales and marketing stereotypes
Why marketers should attend QBRs, even when they’re not invited
How marketers can overcome impostor syndrome

Highlights:

(00:00) Meet Gayle Kalvert

(03:18) What keeps marketers and sellers from working together

(06:38) How marketing teams can impact sales outcomes

(11:42) Creating sales-marketing alignment

(13:53) Overcoming impostor syndrome at work

(16:11) Sales and marketing stereotypes and how to deal with them

(21:10) Building relationships beyond the office

Resources:

Gayle’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gaylekalvert/

Kristin’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristinallaben/

Creo Collective’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/creo-collective/

Creo Collective’s website: https://www.creocollective.io/

Marketing in Progress’ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/marketinginprogress/

Gayle’s website: www.gaylekalvert.com

Stop glamorizing busy, start living joyfully with Kate Volman

Gayle Kalvert — Wed, 11 Feb 2026 05:00:00 -0500

Kate Volman isn’t trying to overhaul your life. But she will challenge the way you think about joy.

In this episode, Kate talks about something high achievers tend to ignore: doing things just for the hell of it. Not because it makes you money. Not because it’ll get you promoted. But because you used to love it, before life got in the way.

Kate is the CEO of Floyd Consulting and the author of Do What You Love. Outside of her day job, she’s a poet and a podcast host. She’s intentionally built a life that makes room for creativity and joy without sacrificing professional success.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

Why creativity matters, even if it’s just for fun
How doing less can lead to more fulfillment
Practical ways to bring joy into your daily life

Highlights:

(00:00) Meet Kate Volman

(02:25) Why high achievers struggle to feel fulfilled

(05:24) Incorporating joy into daily life

(10:46) Trust the creative process

(13:35) Embracing imperfection and fun

(19:02) How to stop saying yes to everything

(22:07) Creating a personal strategic plan for your dreams

(28:13) Clarity and accountability through coaching

Resources:

Kate’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katevolman/

Kate’s website: https://katevolman.com/

The Dream Manager program: https://www.thedreammanager.com/

Gayle’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gaylekalvert/

3 ways to drive real results through partner marketing with Lucy Greenaway

Gayle Kalvert — Wed, 04 Feb 2026 05:00:00 -0500

Partner marketing gets a bad rap. But with the right funding and support from leadership, it can be the secret weapon for scaling your brand and unlocking revenue fast.

In this episode, Lucy Greenaway, Global Channel Marketing Director at XM Cyber, walks us through the real but overlooked value of partner marketing. She discusses what most people don’t know about partner marketing, why events aren’t enough to drive partner programs, and the three things partner marketers should do to get results.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

Effective strategies for joint marketing efforts
How to keep partners invested in your campaigns
Alignment of partner marketing with broader business goals

Highlights:

(00:00) Meet Lucy Greenaway

(02:11) The biggest misconception about partner marketing

(04:27) How to create successful partnerships

(06:04) The profile of an ideal partner marketer

(10:07) Why events can’t replace sales enablement and cohesive campaigns

(11:34) Partner marketing isn’t just a support function

(13:18) The three things that make partner marketing effective

(17:47) Being the only woman in the room

(21:03) The key to success in channel and partner marketing

Resources:

Lucy’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucy-greenaway-963253126/

Gayle’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gaylekalvert/

Gayle’s website: www.gaylekalvert.com

It’s never too late to learn about your finances with Vicki Hall

Gayle Kalvert — Wed, 05 Nov 2025 05:00:00 -0500

Vicki Hall went from WNBA athlete to financial advisor at C.H. Douglas & Gray Wealth Management. Not the most obvious pivot, but when your family gets financially wrecked by bad advice, you learn fast.

As an advisor, Vicki works with successful, high-earning women who are still freaked out about money. She’s on a mission to make sure no woman ends up broke, blindsided, or stuck in a relationship because she can’t afford to leave. In this episode, she talks about all things finance that women wish they learned in school but didn’t.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

The first steps to understand and gain control of your finances
How to plan for retirement based on your lifestyle
The money conversations every couple should have before marriage

Highlights:

(00:00) Meet Vicki Hall

(02:20) The “investment” that wrecked her family’s finances

(05:00) Questions to ask before choosing a financial advisor

(07:58) Three steps to get control of your money

(13:18) How to build a realistic budget

(15:57) Financial red flags to spot in your relationship

(23:50) The risks of being a stay-at-home parent
(26:10) Keeping your finances in check during a career pivot

(28:16) Tips for people with unpredictable income

(31:33) Vicki’s biggest money lesson at 19

Resources:

Vicki’s financial advisor profile: https://chdouglas.com/team-member/vicki-hall/

Vicki’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vicki-hall-72210831/

Gayle’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gaylekalvert/

Real talk on grief, ambition, and betting on yourself with Shali Reed

Gayle Kalvert — Wed, 29 Oct 2025 05:00:00 -0400

There are certain moments in life that change the course of everything. For Shali Reed, a personal tragedy forced her to re-evaluate what mattered most. She walked away from a high-paying tech career to bet on herself, her family, and the business she runs with her husband.

In this episode, Shali shares what it’s like to build The Reeder while raising two toddlers, balancing marriage and work simultaneously, and finding purpose and identity outside of motherhood.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

Why betting on yourself is worth the risk
What it takes to run a business with your spouse
How to set boundaries with work and family

Highlights:

(00:00) Meet Shali Reed

(02:11) Losing a child and re-evaluating priorities

(05:23) Starting a business with your spouse

(12:18) How to be fully present as a parent and entrepreneur

(17:56) Rediscovering identity beyond motherhood

(21:32) Owning your voice to empower others

Resources:

Shali’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shali-reed/

Shali’s TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@shalireed

Shali’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shalireed/

Gayle’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gaylekalvert/

What sales teams really want from marketing with Andre Lachlan

Gayle Kalvert — Wed, 22 Oct 2025 05:00:00 -0400

Selling is a team sport, and sales and marketing teams are the star players. When they align on their revenue goals, the whole company wins.

In this episode, Andre Lachlan, Sales Director at Splunk, discusses the value of collaboration between B2B sellers and marketers. He shares practical ways for teams to break down their silos, support each other’s goals, and work together to drive effective campaigns with a human touch.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

How to get sales and marketing to work together
The key to maximizing event ROI
Why relying solely on AI for sales could hurt your business

Highlights:

(00:00) Meet Andre Lachlan

(02:24) How sales and marketing can align in any org structure

(07:03) Better cross-functional collaboration

(11:11) Planning small but strategic events

(17:32) Why the real work happens before and after the event

(21:47) Connect with your buyers even when they don’t respond

(25:07) Where AI makes an impact on the sales workflow

(30:19) Unconventional sales tactics to try

(35:56) Key qualities of a good salesperson

Resources:

Andre’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrelachlan/

Gayle’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gaylekalvert/

Gayle’s website: www.gaylekalvert.com

The secret to looking expensive on a budget with Julie Alexandria

Gayle Kalvert — Wed, 15 Oct 2025 05:00:00 -0400

Julie Alexandria has been a Broadway performer, a sideline sports reporter, a TV host, and now the founder of her own jewelry business. She’s lived many lives, but one thing has stayed the same: she’s always trusted her gut.

In this episode, Julie gets real about stepping away from her career, what happened when her agent dropped her, and how she turned her love of jewelry into a thriving business. She shares how she made herself memorable on a budget and how the right outfit can build real confidence.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

Reinvention is possible at any age
Tips on marketing a business without a website or ad budget
How to build confidence through what you wear

Highlights:

(00:00) Meet Julie Alexandria

(01:13) Theater roots and the pressure to perform

(04:05) Dropping out of college to chase Broadway

(06:04) Pivoting to sports TV when acting dried up

(09:08) Red carpets, celebrity interviews, and burnout

(14:55) Motherhood, career sacrifices, and losing her agent

(21:16) Starting a jewelry business with $500 and no plan

(30:10) How to look expensive on a budget

(40:57) Designing jewelry for confidence and reinvention

Resources:

Julie’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-alexandria-56112b62

Julie’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/juliesgoldcoins/

Gayle’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gaylekalvert/

Got thoughts on this episode? We’d love to hear what you think. Leave a comment, and you might get some WIP swag sent your way.

Here’s why Tiffany Sauder treats marriage like a business

Gayle Kalvert — Wed, 01 Oct 2025 05:00:00 -0400

Tiffany Sauder is the type of woman who wins awards, runs a company, and still finds time to pack her kids’ lunches.

From the outside, her life looks “successful.” Inside her marriage? Well, Tiffany shares the details.

In this episode, she gets brutally honest about what it took to rebuild her relationship from a breaking point. It wasn’t another date night that did it.

Instead, she and her husband turned their marriage into something most people reserve for work: a system with vision, accountability, and honest conversations.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

Why your marriage might need a quarterly check-in
The tools and processes that can help mend a relationship
How to bring the element of surprise back into your marriage

Highlights:

(00:00) Meet Tiffany Sauder

(04:22) It’s time we admit that marriage is hard

(09:30) Using business strategy to fix marriage

(11:15) Their annual check-in with eight questions

(16:55) Business meetings about parenting and values

(20:17) Fun still matters in marriage, too

(25:27) How to reconnect during busy seasons

Resources:

Tiffany’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tiffanysauder/

Tiffany’s website: https://www.tiffanysauder.com/

Tiffany’s Podcast Episode on Marriage: https://www.tiffanysauder.com/blog/marriage-year-20-still-showing-up-still-figuring-it-out

Marriage Check-In Tool: https://www.tiffanysauder.com/Marriage-Check-In-Guide

Gayle’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gaylekalvert/

Got thoughts on this episode? We’d love to hear what you think. Leave a comment, and you might get some WIP swag sent your way.

What’s actually working in B2B marketing right now with Rachel Downey

Gayle Kalvert — Wed, 24 Sep 2025 05:00:00 -0400

B2B buyers are people, too. They want to be entertained, to learn, and to feel something just like the rest of us.

In this episode, Rachel Downey, founder of Share Your Genius, talks about the one thing that still moves the needle in B2B marketing: human connection. Forget the overhyped tools and pushy advertising. Rachel discusses the power of relationships, consistent messaging, and authentic thought leadership.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

What community building can do for your pipeline
The difference between impactful thought leaders and “thought parrots”
The case for doing less but doing it consistently

Highlights:

(00:00) Meet Rachel Downey

(06:01) B2B marketing needs to feel human again

(10:20) Community-led growth that drives revenue

(15:40) Who should really be speaking for your brand

(17:38) Two ways to get employees to post online

(19:30) B2B marketers need to stop doing this

(22:10) Consistency builds results

Resources:

Rachel’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelelstsdowney/

Rachel’s website: https://shareyourgenius.com/

Gayle’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gaylekalvert/

Gayle’s website: www.gaylekalvert.com

Got thoughts on this episode? We’d love to hear what you think. Leave a comment, and you might get some WIP swag sent your way.

3 personal branding secrets you’re not using with Sara Uy

Gayle Kalvert — Wed, 17 Sep 2025 05:00:00 -0400

Sara Uy began cold calling from her childhood bedroom at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Out of boredom, she began recording those calls and posting them on TikTok. No script. No fancy setup. Just real sales calls.

Those posts took off. Now, she’s built a 90K+ following on LinkedIn, launched her own business, and is one of the most trusted voices in sales as “Selling Sara.”

In this episode, Sara shares how she built her personal brand. She gets real about the pressure to always be “on,” how to deal with content burnout, and why showing up consistently matters more than being polished.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

How to transition from employee to entrepreneur with grace
What makes people actually follow and stick around
How to find your voice without copying everyone else

Highlights:

(00:00) Meet Sara Uy

(03:28) Cold calling during COVID and finding TikTok

(08:54) Leaving a job you love without burning bridges

(12:17) What happens when you post consistently

(15:22) Breaking through a mental block

(21:26) Sara’s 3 tips for building your personal brand

(25:39) Creating videos when you’re short on time

(32:31) What SellingSara does for sales teams

Resources:

Sara’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saraplowman/

Sara’s TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sellingsaraa

Sara’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sellingsaraa/

Gayle’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gaylekalvert/

Got thoughts on this episode? We’d love to hear what you think. Leave a comment, and you might get some WIP swag sent your way.

What makes a B2B influencer worth the investment with Brianna Doe

Gayle Kalvert — Wed, 10 Sep 2025 05:00:00 -0400

Influencers are everywhere, from your Instagram feed to your LinkedIn homepage. For brands, they can be a powerful marketing tool, but what is it like to work with them?

In this episode of Marketing in Progress, Brianna Doe, founder and CEO of Verbatim, talks about the reality of influencer marketing. She discusses why follower count is not always the most important metric, how to spot creators who will deliver, and what to know about pricing and negotiations.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

What brands need to know before investing in creators
The rise of AI-generated influencers
Why corporate employees are building their personal brands

Highlights:

(00:00) Meet Brianna Doe

(02:06) Keeping up with marketing trends

(04:01) AI-generated influencers are here

(04:56) How brands should budget for creators

(07:46) What makes a B2B influencer worth it

(09:32) The rise of employee influencers in tech

Resources:

Brianna’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianna-doe/

Brianna’s website: https://www.weareverbatim.com/

Gayle’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gaylekalvert/

Gayle’s website: www.gaylekalvert.com

Trusting your gut to make bold moves with Kanika Chadda-Gupta

Gayle Kalvert — Wed, 03 Sep 2025 05:00:00 -0400

Kanika Chadda-Gupta has never been afraid to take risks. She switched career paths to follow her dream of becoming a broadcast journalist, moved to India to explore the international market, then took a chance on love and a new job when she returned to the US.

At every fork in the road, it was her intuition that pointed her in the right direction.

In this episode, Kanika shares how trusting her gut shaped her career, family, and personal growth, and how you can start tuning into yours when faced with your own decisions.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

The reality of making bold career moves when nothing feels certain
How trusting your gut can lead you to exactly where you’re meant to be
How to make manifesting work for you

Highlights:

(00:00) Meet Kanika Chadda-Gupta

(02:46) Switching from business to journalism

(05:33) Moving to Mumbai and finding success

(08:52) Taking a chance on love

(12:06) How Kanika’s intuition saved her life

(18:55) The power of visualization and manifesting

(23:24) Creating open communication with your kids

Resources:

Kanika’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kanikachaddagupta/

Kanika’s website: thatstotalmomsense.com

Gayle’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gaylekalvert/

Why having a crooked career path is actually a good thing with Brianna Doe

Gayle Kalvert — Wed, 20 Aug 2025 05:00:00 -0400

Brianna Doe did everything “right” on paper. She worked in fast-paced environments, consistently overachieved on her goals, and climbed the corporate ladder. But she still felt completely miserable.

So she broke away.

In this episode, Brianna gets real about what made her walk away from the safety of a 9-to-5 job and bet on herself. She talks about the early days of building her agency, what happens when a business partnership goes sideways, and the element of “competition” that women deal with in the workplace.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

How time blocking can help you stay focused
What to ask before going into business with a friend
Why you should have your own “personal board of directors”

Highlights:

(00:00) Meet Brianna Doe

(01:28) Leaving corporate when success feels empty

(04:56) What no one tells you about partnerships

(11:13) Burnout and being the only one like you

(18:25) How Brianna structures her work week

(27:05) Your path doesn’t need to look perfect

Resources:

Brianna’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianna-doe/

Brianna’s website: https://www.weareverbatim.com/

Gayle’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gaylekalvert/

50 is the new 20 with Megan Dimmer

Gayle Kalvert — Wed, 06 Aug 2025 05:00:00 -0400

Megan Dimmer isn’t here for your outdated expectations about midlife. In fact, she just turned 49 and feels stronger, sharper, and more in control than ever.

In this episode, Megan shares the real story of what it took to feel this good: cutting the BS with her doctors, finding a workout she didn’t hate, and finally putting herself first after years of prioritizing career and parenting. We talk hormones, aging, therapy, and the lies we’ve been sold about what 50 is supposed to feel like.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

How eating healthy can make you feel good, not just look good
Why it’s important to talk about menopause and hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
What it means to be defined by more than your career

Highlights:

(00:00) Meet Megan Dimmer

(01:42) The truth about eating healthy long-term

(05:13) Where to start if fitness feels impossible

(08:13) How cutting sugar changed more than her body

(10:48) When Megan’s menopause symptoms were dismissed by doctors

(15:20) How HRT helped her feel like herself again

(18:24) Why therapy and EMDR unlocked deeper healing

(21:38) Redefining success after leaving the CEO title behind

(27:15) Owning your voice after corporate conditioning

Resources:

Megan’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/megandimmer/

Megan’s website: https://megandimmer.com/

Gayle’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gaylekalvert/

Is it just me, or does success feel more like a mess than a milestone?

Gayle Kalvert — Wed, 30 Jul 2025 05:00:00 -0400

In this solo episode, Gayle Kalvert gets real about something we all chase but rarely feel: success.

It’s not as glamorous as social media makes it look.

Gayle opens up about her experience of juggling work and family, all while feeling constant pressure to keep moving forward. She shares her struggle to stay grounded while grappling with the fear of missing out on bigger opportunities if she slows down.

Is it just Gayle, or do you feel this, too?

Resources:

Gayle’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gaylekalvert/

Why empathy is a skill, not a personality trait with Liesel Mertes

Gayle Kalvert — Wed, 23 Jul 2025 05:00:00 -0400

We’ve all been through something challenging.

But when it comes to knowing what to say, or do, when someone else is struggling- that’s not always easy. You know the feeling— the deep ache of not knowing what to say or do, or being exhausted from trying to fix everyone else’s problems.

Liesel Mertes, founder of Handle with Care Consulting and a workplace empathy expert, talks about how to show up for others when life gets messy. Whether you’re a leader trying to support your team or a colleague who doesn’t want to say the wrong thing, Liesel offers a thoughtful take on empathy as a skill, not a personality trait. She shares tools and practices that can help us become better at navigating sensitive conversations.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

Why empathy is a skill that anyone can learn
How to maintain boundaries while being supportive
Ways to offer meaningful support in difficult times

Highlights:

(00:00) Meet Liesel Mertes

(00:50) Empathy is a skill

(07:31) Being a workplace “first responder”

(12:00) How to offer genuine support

(18:11) The difference between fortitude and resilience

(22:25) Tools for empathy-forward workplaces

(27:37) Being intentional with empathy

Resources:

Liesel’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lieselmertes/

Liesel’s website: https://www.lieselmertes.com/

Gayle’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gaylekalvert/

Is it just me, or are we all afraid to talk about drugs?

Gayle Kalvert — Wed, 16 Jul 2025 05:00:00 -0400

In this solo episode, Gayle Kalvert shares her journey with medical marijuana and microdosing, and how those conversations have become part of parenting her teens. She opens up about shifting perspectives, breaking down stigma, and why honesty matters when navigating these topics with your kids.

Resources:

Gayle’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gaylekalvert

The journey to joy in motherhood with Amanda Thomas

Gayle Kalvert — Wed, 09 Jul 2025 05:00:00 -0400

Amanda Thomas thought she had a plan.

She left her 9-to-5, ready for the next chapter, then found out she was pregnant that same month. What followed wasn’t what she expected: a birth that didn’t go to plan, postpartum depression, and a hard lesson in surrendering control.

In this episode, Amanda, creative consultant, entrepreneur, and mom, gets honest about what it actually looks like to balance motherhood and career. We talk about the struggles: feeling disconnected from your baby, the guilt no one warns you about, and the power of finding your people. Amanda didn’t find her footing by figuring it all out. She found it by letting go of the idea that she had to.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

The reality of dealing with postpartum depression
Finding strength in vulnerability
Why building community matters

Highlights:

(00:00) Meet Amanda Thomas

(01:35) Starting a family unexpectedly

(06:23) Stop resisting and surrender to life

(9:50) Why finding your “village” changes everything

(16:01) How Amanda’s second pregnancy feels different

(19:07) Accepting all parts of yourself

(24:38) The truth about sacrifice

Resources:

Amanda’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amandathomascreative/

Amanda’s website: amandathomascreative.com

Gayle’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gaylekalvert/

Is it just me, or is parenting teenagers surprisingly amazing?

Gayle Kalvert — Wed, 02 Jul 2025 05:00:00 -0400

In this solo episode, Gayle Kalvert shares her experience in parenting teens, highlighting the growth, connection, and learning that comes with this phase. While it’s easy to focus on the struggles, Gayle explains how the teenage years can be a rewarding time of mutual respect and personal growth, both for parents and their kids.

Resources:

Gayle’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gaylekalvert/

The hidden advantages of neurodiversity with Becca Chambers

Gayle Kalvert — Wed, 25 Jun 2025 05:03:00 -0400

Uniqueness deserves to be celebrated. However, too often, neurodiversity is viewed as a limitation rather than a strength.

In this episode, Becca Chambers challenges that narrative by sharing her journey with ADHD. She reveals how embracing her neurodivergent brain has been key to her professional success and personal growth. Becca also discusses the challenges of parenting neurodivergent children and why it’s crucial to reframe your expectations of them.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

The unique strengths of neurodivergent individuals
How to embrace what makes you different
Understanding the needs of neurodivergent kids in school

Highlights:

(00:00) Meet Becca Chambers

(02:20) Neurodivergence is a strength, not a weakness

(06:15) Why Becca started advocating for neurodiversity

(09:01) Misconceptions about neurodiversity

(14:11) ADHD in the workplace

(17:01) Working with your brain, not against it

(20:20) Becca’s school experience

(22:58) Parenting neurodiverse kids

(28:02) Reframing expectations of neurodiversity

Resources:

Becca’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beccapchambers/

Becca’s website: https://www.beccachambers.com/

Gayle’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gaylekalvert/

The secret to doing less and feeling better with Leslie Bailey

Gayle Kalvert — Wed, 25 Jun 2025 05:01:00 -0400

The world teaches us to accumulate more responsibilities, more achievements, and, honestly, more of everything.

But excess isn’t always good.

Leslie Bailey, entrepreneur, writer, and mom, knows what it’s like to carry too much. After building a successful business, she made the bold decision to walk away, just as her husband was diagnosed with cancer and financial stress was mounting. In this episode, Leslie shares how subtracting things from her career and personal life gave her back a sense of control, clarity, and peace. She calls it soft business, a mindset shift rooted in doing less to make room for what matters most.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

How to know when it’s time to walk away
The mental load of debt and how to manage it
Setting boundaries around unpaid labor

Highlights:

(00:00) Meet Leslie Bailey

(03:08) The value of rest

(06:17) Redefine success on your terms

(08:08) Excess is not always better

(14:36) Managing debt and stress

(18:06) Recognizing your worth as an entrepreneur

(21:02) Saying no and protecting your time

(23:03) Leslie’s approach to simplicity and subtraction

(26:37) Advice for starting a business

Resources:
Leslie's list of things to subtract: https://www.canva.com/design/DAGqwACe_EQ/yiBoqRDrKVV3zNhMaF-gRA/edit

Leslie’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lesalina

Leslie’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leslieabailey/

Leslie’s Website: https://www.lesliebailey.com/
Indy Maven’s website: https://indymaven.com/

Gayle’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gaylekalvert/

Is it just me, or do you feel guilty saying no, too?

Gayle Kalvert — Wed, 25 Jun 2025 05:00:00 -0400

Saying no sounds simple. So why is it so hard?

In this solo episode, Gayle Kalvert shares why she struggles to set boundaries, how overcommitting manifests in her life (hello, migraines), and why saying no still feels uncomfortable, even when she knows better.

Is it just Gayle, or do you feel it too?

A look inside Work in Progress with Gayle Kalvert

Gayle Kalvert — Wed, 18 Jun 2025 05:00:00 -0400

Life doesn’t follow a script. It twists, it pivots, and sometimes it surprises us.

In this first episode, Gayle shares the moments that changed everything—losing a job, rebuilding from nothing, and realizing the dream had changed. All of it led to Work in Progress. A podcast for all of us figuring it out as we go.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

Why nobody has it all figured out
What starting over looks like
Redefining success on your own terms

Highlights:

(00:00) Meet Gayle Kalvert

(00:31) The myth of a “perfect” life

(02:02) Climbing the corporate ladder

(04:01) Starting over with no safety net

Resources:

Gayle’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gaylekalvert/

Work in Progress with Gayle Kalvert

Gayle Kalvert — Thu, 29 May 2025 05:00:00 -0400

No one has it all figured out. And anyone who says they do? Well, they’re lying.

This is for the women who are trying. Trying to juggle all the things. Trying to make sense of what they actually want. Trying to keep their heads above water without losing themselves in the process.

Career. Money. Relationships. The pressure to do it all. The pressure to want it all. And the moments you secretly wonder, is it just me?

Here we speak openly, laugh through chaos, and ask questions instead of pretending to have all the answers.

Because we’re all a work in progress.