Her Leading Story: What happens when talented and professional women find fulfilling work

33. Handling the “Dreaded Work Question” at Holiday Gatherings

In this holiday special episode, Julie helps you navigate the question you’re sure to get at holiday parties and meals: “So…. how’s work going?” For those in a career transition or struggling with their current job, this simple question may make you feel anxious or stressed (Perhaps you want to go hide in the coat closet?) 
Julie shares three ways you can handle this question with grace, depending on the setting and your comfort level. From polite, surface-level responses to ways of steering the conversation toward a different topic, you’ll be prepared for whatever comes your way this holiday season. 
Julie closes the episode by urging you to give yourself grace during this holiday season. For more on this topic, listen to episode 26, featuring a conversation with her producer Bree, who shared her own awkward story about being in a career transition and NOT wanting to talk about it socially.
Episode Highlights:
Ways to respond to holiday work questions based on your comfort level
Redirecting conversation with curiosity about others
Practicing responses to avoid anxiety at gatherings
Embracing vulnerability and connecting with trusted friends
Reminder to take it easy on yourself in career transitions
Tune in for practical advice and stay inspired through the holiday season!
Support the Show: If you enjoyed this episode, help Her Leading Story reach more women by leaving a review on your favorite podcast platform. Thanks for being here, and see you in the next episode!
 
*NEW* Julie’s FREE Resume Ready Guide - 15 powerful yet simple tweaks you can use to make your resume ready for 2025. 
 
CONNECT WITH JULIE
Julie’s Instagram
Julie’s LinkedIn
Julie’s Career Catalyst website  
 
SCHEDULE A FREE CALL WITH JULIE:
Voice Your Value Call  - Grab a spot on my calendar! 
 
FREE CAREER TOOLS 
Quiz: Is it time to make a career change? 
 
Feedback or questions? I’d love to hear from you! Email: julie@julieartiscoaching.com 
Production Credits: Produced by Awkward Sage Media

32. When A Great Resume Doesn’t Matter and What to do About It

In this solo episode of Her Leading Story, Julie explains her work with clients to draft, revise, and create resumes.  Although clients almost always want to start with resume revisions, Julie strongly encourages both clients and listeners to pause and be sure they know what they want first.     
This episode unpacks the importance of CLARITY  in your career journey and highlights how a resume aligned with what you truly want can be more impactful than one that simply "looks good." Julie emphasizes the need to consider both technical and soft skills, revealing how often we undervalue the abilities that come naturally to us. She also discusses the importance of tuning into your own needs and wants (rather than asking others what to do) and overcoming internalized messages that can hold you back.
Key Takeaways:
Recognizing Hidden Strengths: Julie shares insights on how skills that come easily to us are often undervalued but can be powerful assets in a job search.
Aligning with Authentic Goals: Understanding what you truly want in a role, rather than settling for something that just "looks good" on paper, can help you land a more fulfilling position.
Gaining Clarity in Career Pivots: Julie encourages listeners to turn inward, check assumptions, and embrace moments of uncertainty as they reframe their career trajectories.
 
MENTIONED IN THE PODCAST
*NEW* Julie’s FREE Resume Ready Guide - 15 powerful yet simple tweaks you can use to make your resume ready for 2025. 
 
CONNECT WITH JULIE
Julie’s Instagram
Julie’s LinkedIn
Julie’s Career Catalyst website  
 
SCHEDULE A FREE CALL WITH JULIE:
Voice Your Value Call  - Grab a spot on my calendar! 
 
FREE TOOLS 
Click the link below. 
Quiz: Is it time to make a career change? 
 
Feedback or questions? I’d love to hear from you! Email: julie@julieartiscoaching.com 
 
Production Credits: Produced by Awkward Sage Media

31. Insights from a Career of Asking Good Questions with Kristen Miller

In this week’s episode of Her Leading Story, Julie interviews fellow sociologist Dr. Kristen Miller.  Kristen served as the Director of the Center for Question Design and Evaluation Research at the National Center for Health Statistics, part of the CDC. Her career focuses on the design of survey questions and the integration of qualitative research methods into health data collection—innovations that significantly impact how health data is understood and used in the United States.
Kristen also shares various challenges she’s faced throughout her career - from advocating for qualitative and feminist-informed methodologies to colleagues that were sometimes not receptive, to developing inclusive survey practices that led to the introduction of non-binary gender designations on U.S. passports. She’s recently moved to a senior scientist role, and is currently working on her memoir in which she reflects on the interplay between her professional and personal experiences.
Key Takeaways:
Qualitative Research in Health Statistics: Kristen explains how qualitative methods show researchers how respondents interpret survey questions - oftentimes differently -  challenging the assumption that quantitative survey data is objective and definitive.
A Legacy of Innovation: Despite facing professional and political challenges, Kristen’s 20+ year career has changed the way health data is collected by the federal government, making it more accurate and inclusive. 
Inclusive Health Survey Design: Kristen’s work led to innovations like the inclusion of non-binary gender options on passports, a milestone for inclusivity in federal questionnaires and surveys.
KRISTEN MILLER’S BIO
 
Kristen Miller, Ph.D., recently stepped down from her position as Director of the Collaborating Center for Question Design and Evaluation Research at the National Center for Health Statistics, which she led for almost two decades.  In her new role as Senior Methodologist, she continues her research which focuses on question comparability and measurement equity, including question design and equivalence for lower SES respondents and the improvement of methodology for cross-cultural and cross-national evaluation studies.  
 
In her career, she has collaborated with numerous international organizations such as the UN Statistical Commission, UNICEF, the World Bank, and the World Health Organization, to develop internationally comparable disability measures for adults and children.  Most recently she worked to develop measures for collecting gender as a non-binary construct for Federal surveys and, in coordination with the US State Department, developed language for the X marker on US passports.  She is a co-editor of two survey methodology books: Cognitive Interviewing Methodology (2014) and Question Evaluation Methods (2011).  
 
CONNECT WITH JULIE
Julie’s Instagram
Julie’s LinkedIn
Julie’s Career Catalyst website  
 
SCHEDULE A FREE CALL WITH JULIE:
Voice Your Value Call  - Grab a spot on my calendar! 
 
 FREE TOOLS 
Yep, free. Julie’s created a couple of free tools to help as you navigate your own leading role.
 
Click the links below. 
Quiz: Is it time to make a career change? 
Feedback Scripts for Team Leaders - Five scripts that will help you deliver feedback that is supportive, motivating, AND will improve the performance and productivity of your team members. 
 
Feedback or questions? I’d love to hear from you! Email: julie@julieartiscoaching.com 
 
Production Credits: Produced by Awkward Sage Media 

30. The Mindset Shifts that Help my Clients Land a Job in Any Market

In this solo episode, Julie discusses three mindset shifts needed to successfully navigate a job search, no matter what kind of labor market trends are at play.   As a sociologist, Julie shares the distinction between macro labor market trends and individual job search actions.  Yes, there is seasonality in the labor market, but that shouldn’t determine when or how you search for a new position.  She also offers valuable strategies for maintaining motivation and setting process-oriented goals during uncertain times.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the job search process, this episode will provide the clarity and encouragement you need to keep moving forward.
Key Takeaways:
Mindset affects your emotions, which then influence your actions.
Macro-level trends provide context but are not predictive of individual outcomes.
Setting goals around the process, not just the outcome, is crucial.
Practicing non-attachment helps manage emotions and stay consistent.
Believing in the possibility of success increases your chances of achieving it.
If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review and share it with someone who might benefit from these tips! 
CONNECT WITH JULIE
Julie’s LinkedInJulie’s InstagramJulie’s Career Catalyst website 
SCHEDULE A FREE CALL WITH JULIE:
Voice Your Value Call  - Grab a spot on my calendar!
FREE TOOLS 
Yep, free. Julie’s created a couple of free tools to help as you navigate your own leading role.
Click the links below. 
Quiz: Is it time to make a career change? 
Feedback Scripts for Team Leaders - Five scripts that will help you deliver feedback that is supportive, motivating, AND will improve the performance and productivity of your team members
Feedback or questions? I’d love to hear from you! Email: julie@julieartiscoaching.com 
Production Credits: Produced by Awkward Sage Media 

29. How to Build a Career in Academia that Works for You

In this episode of Her Leading Story, Julie sits down with long-time friend and fellow sociologist Dr. Karen Spencer. Karen shares her journey from a traditional academic role (as a university tenure-track professor)  to eight years in a 100% research focused role at a grant-funded research institute…  and then back to a tenured faculty position.  From nearly pursuing a career in medicine to becoming a medical sociologist and eventually leaving a tenure-track job for a research institute, Karen’s story is a testament to listening to yourself, taking measured risks, and ensuring your work is aligned with your values.
Listeners will also hear about Karen’s research on hospice care, her work on a forthcoming book about end-of-life care, and how systems shape medical outcomes. Karen’s story of grant writing persistence, interdisciplinary research, and the importance of finding the right mentor is a reminder that there is no “one size fits all” when it comes to careers in academia.
Key Topics Discussed:
Karen's early academic interests and shift from pre-med to medical sociology
Navigating an unconventional academic career path and the risks involved
The power of mentorship and listening to your gut in career decisions
Karen’s extensive research on end-of-life care and hospice
Karen’s bio:  
Karen is a sociologist studying medical decision making, doctor-patient relationships, and health disparities—especially how inequality shows up in our healthcare systems. Over the past 25 years, she has examined these issues across various medical and psychiatric conditions such as diabetes, coronary heart disease, schizophrenia, and depression. Karen’s current research is focused on end-of-life decision making in the US, tackling the question of why our lived experiences of death and dying are so often at odds with healthcare ideals, and how we can improve. Since 2012, Karen has been faculty in Health & Behavioral Sciences at University of Colorado Denver where she mentors PhD students and teaches undergraduate courses in Public Health and conduct research. 
Follow Karen for insights into the healthcare system, hospice care, and end-of-life research!
Karen’s Website
Karen’s LinkedIn
Karen’s Instagram
CONNECT WITH JULIE
Julie’s LinkedIn
Julie’s Instagram
Julie’s Career Catalyst website 
SCHEDULE A FREE CALL WITH JULIE:
Voice Your Value Call  - Grab a spot on my calendar!
FREE TOOLS 
Yep, free. Julie’s created a couple of free tools to help as you navigate your own leading role.
Click the links below. 
Quiz: Is it time to make a career change? 
Feedback Scripts for Team Leaders - Five scripts that will help you deliver feedback that is supportive, motivating, AND will improve the performance and productivity of your team members. 
Feedback or questions? I’d love to hear from you! Email: julie@julieartiscoaching.com 
Production Credits: Produced by Awkward Sage Media

28. Building Authentic Relationships to Boost Your Career

In this solo episode, Her Leading Story host Julie Artis explores a key factor in career growth: networking. With her experience coaching clients and interviewing successful leaders, Julie uncovers one constant across the board—building relationships is essential for long-term success. But how can introverts, who often find networking exhausting, engage in this critical process without burning out? Julie breaks down the myths around networking and shares practical strategies to make it work for everyone.
From professional development to job searching, Julie dives into how to create authentic connections and build a robust network that aligns with your career goals. Whether you’re trying to climb the corporate ladder, make a career change, or simply expand your circle, this episode is packed with tips to help you get there.
Timestamps:
[00:00] Welcome to Her Leading Story
[01:00] Why Networking is Essential for Career Success
[02:00] Building Relationships: The Core of Networking
[03:00] Networking as Professional Development
[04:00] The Importance of Consistency: Networking Like Brushing Your Teeth
[05:00] Networking Tips for Introverts at Conferences
[07:00] Networking During a Job Search: Strategic Approaches
[10:00] Cold Outreach: Making It Work for You
[12:00] How to Use LinkedIn to Expand Your Network
[14:00] The Hidden Job Market: Unlocking Opportunities
[18:00] Recap: Building Your Career Network with Confidence
Key Takeaways:
Networking is about building relationships: It doesn’t have to feel transactional or stressful. Start small and grow your network authentically.
Professional development networking should be consistent: Like brushing your teeth, you should constantly be expanding your professional connections.
Introverts can excel at networking: With some preparation and strategy, introverts can build meaningful relationships that lead to career growth.
Cold outreach can be effective: Approach it with genuine interest in the other person’s journey, and focus on building reciprocal relationships.
Don’t overlook the hidden job market: Networking can reveal job opportunities that aren’t publicly posted, making it essential for job seekers.
If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review and share it with someone who might benefit from these networking tips! Let’s help more women build meaningful relationships that support their careers.
CONNECT WITH JULIE
Julie’s LinkedInJulie’s InstagramJulie’s Career Catalyst website 
SCHEDULE A FREE CALL WITH JULIE:
Voice Your Value Call  - Grab a spot on my calendar!
FREE TOOLS 
Yep, free. Julie’s created a couple of free tools to help as you navigate your own leading role.
Click the links below. 
Quiz: Is it time to make a career change? 
Feedback Scripts for Team Leaders - Five scripts that will help you deliver feedback that is supportive, motivating, AND will improve the performance and productivity of your team members
Feedback or questions? I’d love to hear from you! Email: julie@julieartiscoaching.com 
Production Credits: Produced by Awkward Sage Media 

27. Lessons in Leadership, Service, and Global Impact

 In this episode of Her Leading Story, Julie Artis interviews Dr. Cora Neumann, Chief Community Health Officer for the Native American Development Corporation and current candidate for Montana State Senate. With a career spanning public health, international diplomacy, and political activism, Cora shares how she navigated the challenges of balancing a career in service and with the needs of her family. From founding the First Ladies Initiative to working with rural and indigenous communities, Cora always leads with a focus on community needs - building initiatives together from the ground up.
Key Takeaways:
The importance of building community, especially when starting from scratch in unfamiliar environments.
The power of following your passion, focusing on what your community needs, and being open to unexpected opportunities.
How Cora founded the First Ladies Initiative to empower female leaders across Africa, and grew it into a global alliance working serving more than 70 first ladies around the world. 
Cora Neuman’s bio:
Dr. Cora Neumann is a public health practitioner, policy advocate and non-profit strategist. Cora has over twenty years of experience in the public, private, and non-profit sectors, including working at the U.S. State Department, the RAND Corporation, the Montana Public Health Institute, the Bush Institute, Care. com, and the World Health Organization. She currently serves as Chief Community Health Officer for the Native American Development Corporation. Throughout her career, she has designed strategies and brought together local, Tribal and national leaders to deliver quality, accessible health care and social services to underserved communities. In 2009, Cora launched the Global First Ladies Alliance in partnership with the offices of First Ladies Laura Bush and Michelle Obama, and has worked with more than 70 first ladies around the world to support their delivery of critical social services to their populations. Cora brings her sense of public service to her professional life, including serving on the board of Columbia University School of Public Health, Nitsiniikookit - a storytelling non-profit led by award-winning Blackfeet filmmakers Ivan and Ivy MacDonald, serving as a former regional Vice President of the Montana Public Health Association, and she is currently running for public office. Cora has a master’s degree in public health from Columbia University and doctorate in public health and development from the University of Oxford (topic: revitalization of Indigenous knowledge for public health). Cora grew up and is based in Bozeman, Montana surrounded by four generations of family, from her grandmother to her two children.
You can connect with Cora on her website, on Facebook, on LinkedIn, and on Instagram.
CONNECT WITH JULIE
Julie’s LinkedIn
Julie’s Instagram
Julie’s Career Catalyst website 
SCHEDULE A FREE CALL WITH JULIE:
Voice Your Value Call  - Grab a spot on my calendar! 
FREE TOOLS 
Yep, free. Julie’s created a couple of free tools to help as you navigate your own leading role.
Click the links below. 
Quiz: Is it time to make a career change? 
Feedback Scripts for Team Leaders - Five scripts that will help you deliver feedback that is supportive, motivating, AND will improve the performance and productivity of your team members.
Feedback or questions? I’d love to hear from you! Email: julie@julieartiscoaching.com 
Production Credits: Produced by Awkward Sage Media 

26. Career Pivots: How to talk about it when you’re in the messy middle

Guest: Bree Luck, Founder of Awkward Sage Media and podcast producer.
In this episode, Julie Artis and Bree Luck discuss how career comparison can lead to feelings of self-doubt and uncertainty. They discuss the challenges and opportunities presented by career transitions, or by following an unconventional career path.  They also share practical strategies to help you confidently navigate social situations where they may encounter questions about their professional pursuits.
How comparison can make us doubt ourselves and feel like we want to hide
Why career transitions often bring up a mix of vulnerability and excitement
The importance of believing in yourself, even when you're starting over
Actionable strategies for navigating social situations related to your career
Call to Action
Visit http://www.awkwardsagemedia.com to listen to great podcasts, including this one, and learn about Bree's resources for launching or growing your podcast.
Apply for FREE Resume Refresh Live Coaching: 
Click here to apply for a chance to work with Julie on your resume during a live podcast session.
CONNECT WITH JULIE
Julie’s InstagramJulie’s LinkedInJulie’s Career Catalyst website  
SCHEDULE A FREE CALL WITH JULIE: Voice Your Value Call  - Grab a spot on my calendar! 
 
FREE TOOLS 
Yep, free. Julie’s created a couple of free tools to help as you navigate your own leading role. Click the links below. 
Quiz: Is it time to make a career change? 
Feedback Scripts for Team Leaders - Five scripts that will help you deliver feedback that is supportive, motivating, AND will improve the performance and productivity of your team members. 
Feedback or questions? I’d love to hear from you! Email: julie@julieartiscoaching.com 
Production Credits: Produced by Awkward Sage Media 
 
Connect with Bree.
Check out all the Awkward Sage podcasts: http://www.awkwardsagemedia.com
Share your awkward stories: Well, That Was Awkward
Follow Bree on Instagram: http://instagram.com/awkwardsagemedia
Production support: http://www.awkwardsage.com

25. How to Thrive During Times of Transition and Change

Change, whether anticipated or unexpected, is an inevitable part of our lives and careers. Yes, it can be a source of anxiety or uncertainty…  but change also presents opportunities for growth. In this episode of Her Leading Story, I share an episode from Back Pocket Coach, where I spoke with Vicki Abelson about the power of embracing change and navigating career transitions.
Key Insights
The Power of Change: Change, while often initially perceived as negative, can act as a catalyst for personal and professional growth. 
Understanding Your Motivations (and your Colleague’s):  By understanding our own core motivations and those of the people we work with, we can build trust and create a more supportive work environment.
Navigating Expectations and Communication:  As leaders, it's important to communicate expectations clearly while also offering support and resources to help individuals and teams adapt effectively.
About Vicki Abelson
Vicki Abelson is an Executive Coach and Leadership Consultant who helps successful women overcome imposter syndrome so that they can have the courage to go after what they really want, in and out of the office. Vicki’s InstagramVicki’s LinkedIn
Vicki is running a 5 day challenge to Get Unstuck that you can find here.
 
 
Apply for FREE Resume Refresh Live Coaching: 
Click here to apply for a chance to work with Julie on your resume during a live podcast session.
CONNECT WITH JULIE
Julie’s InstagramJulie’s LinkedInJulie’s Career Catalyst website  
SCHEDULE A FREE CALL WITH JULIE: Voice Your Value Call  - Grab a spot on my calendar! 
 
FREE TOOLS 
Yep, free. Julie’s created a couple of free tools to help as you navigate your own leading role. Click the links below. 
Quiz: Is it time to make a career change? 
Feedback Scripts for Team Leaders - Five scripts that will help you deliver feedback that is supportive, motivating, AND will improve the performance and productivity of your team members. 
Feedback or questions? I’d love to hear from you! Email: julie@julieartiscoaching.com 
Production Credits: Produced by Awkward Sage Media 

24: Revising your “Retro” Resume: Expert Tips for Mid-Career Women

In this solo episode, Julie addresses the ways resumes have changed over the years, how to tailor your resume to the specific job you seek, and how a career coach can support you as you refresh your resume.  
Key Takeaways
How Resumes Have Changed: Learn how resumes have changed due to technology, expectations, and the current emphasis on highlighting impact and accomplishments.
Moving Through Mindset Blocks: Address the emotional and mental roadblocks that emerge when editing your resume, like regret, frustration, avoidance, and doubt.  
Quantify Your Success: Learn how to frame your accomplishments in a data-driven, impactful way, even if your field doesn't rely on traditional sales metrics.
Do YOU need to update your resume?
Apply for FREE Resume Refresh Live Coaching: 
Click here to apply for a chance to work with Julie on your resume during a live podcast session.
CONNECT WITH JULIE
Julie’s InstagramJulie’s LinkedInJulie’s Career Catalyst website  
SCHEDULE A FREE CALL WITH JULIE: Voice Your Value Call  - Grab a spot on my calendar! 
 
FREE TOOLS 
Yep, free. Julie’s created a couple of free tools to help as you navigate your own leading role. Click the links below. 
Quiz: Is it time to make a career change? 
Feedback Scripts for Team Leaders - Five scripts that will help you deliver feedback that is supportive, motivating, AND will improve the performance and productivity of your team members. 
Feedback or questions? I’d love to hear from you! Email: julie@julieartiscoaching.com 
Production Credits: Produced by Awkward Sage Media