Articles & INSPIRATION
Articles for Women in Leadership - Read and Explore the Collection
The Art of Saying No: Reclaiming Your Time and Energy Without Guilt
Discover the leadership power of saying "no" with confidence and grace. Learn how aligning your decisions with your values and priorities can free your time, protect your energy, and enhance your impact. Break free from overcommitment guilt and lead unapologetically—on your terms.
Taming Holiday Chaos: 3 Practical Tips for a Little More Balance This Season
Feeling holiday stress? Discover 3 practical tips to find balance, prioritize yourself, and embrace the chaos. From cortisol resets to the joy of dessert first, learn how to integrate work and life with a little more sanity. This season, progress over perfection—and maybe a second slice of pie!
Leadership Lessons from the Happiest (and Craziest) Place on Earth
Disney World is more than magic—it’s a leadership bootcamp! Managing four generations, from toddlers to a 76-year-old on a scooter, taught me lessons in flexibility, strengths, communication, and celebrating small wins. Discover how these insights can boost your leadership and bring more joy to your life.
The Leadership Mindset: Step Into Your Full Potential
Discover how to unlock your full leadership potential by cultivating a growth-oriented mindset rooted in confidence, purpose, and self-awareness. In this guide, Dr. Shannan shares practical steps for developing a leadership mindset that goes beyond hard work—own your unique strengths, turn challenges into growth opportunities, and build confidence through action. Perfect for aspiring and mid-level leaders looking to lead with impact and authenticity.
Avoiding Burnout: Aligning Your Work with What Matters Most
Discover how aligning your work with your core values, strengths, and personal goals can help prevent burnout and create a fulfilling career. In this article, Dr. Shannan shares her personal journey through a sabbatical taken to reset priorities after years of intense professional demands and personal loss. Learn practical tips with a simple burnout prevention checklist designed to help you stay true to what matters most, harness your strengths, and set meaningful goals. Perfect for leaders and professionals seeking sustainable success and well-being.
Strengths-Based Leadership: Lead with Confidence and Clarity
True leadership doesn’t come from trying to be someone you’re not—it’s about leaning into the strengths you already possess. At Athena’s Ally, we help leaders uncover, amplify, and leverage their unique strengths to navigate uncertainty, inspire their teams, and create lasting impact. Whether you’re facing new challenges or looking to level up your leadership game, thriving begins with owning what makes you powerful. Ready to lead from your strengths? Let’s get started
The Apology Trap: Why Women Apologize More and How to Reframe It at Work
Do you find yourself apologizing at work, even when you haven’t done anything wrong? Women often apologize more than men due to social conditioning that pressures them to prioritize harmony. However, over-apologizing can undermine authority and give the impression of insecurity. Instead of saying “I’m sorry,” express gratitude, reframe your language, or use assertive communication to maintain authority without compromising relationships. Ready to break free from the apology trap? Join our mailing list for more tips or schedule a session with Dr. Shannan today!
Debunking Leadership Myths: Why True Leadership is a Mindset, Not Just a Title
This article debunks the myth that leadership is tied to titles or authority. It emphasizes that leadership is a mindset, focusing on how to own your space, influence others, and support change from any position.
The 4 Confidence Traps Holding You Back – and How to Break Free Today
Confidence—it’s something we all know we need, but it doesn’t just happen. Even the strongest women can fall into subtle "confidence traps" like second-guessing, downplaying wins, or striving for perfection. In my latest blog, I’m breaking down the four most common traps women leaders face and sharing three simple actions you can take today to break free and own your power. Ready to step into your unapologetic, fierce self? Click here to read more.
From Stress to Success: Using the Feel Wheel to Enhance Leadership and Career Advancement
Ever feel like your stress is more than just mental? That’s because it is! Our bodies have a way of holding onto unprocessed emotions, often manifesting as chronic pain, tension, or fatigue. The Feel Wheel is a powerful tool to help you name and release those emotions, reducing both stress and physical discomfort. Inspired by the insights from The Body Keeps the Score, this article dives into how emotional awareness can lead to healing—both inside and out. Ready to unlock your inner badass and take control of your well-being? Let’s dive in!