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Welcome to No Cape Required—the space where we ditch the performative hustle, take off the masks, and start showing up as our true selves. In today’s episode, we’re spotlighting a group that often gets overlooked in leadership narratives: introverts.

Did you know that up to 50% of the population is introverted? And yet, our society still equates success with being the loudest voice in the room. Well, not anymore.

I’m joined by Stacey Chazin, who is rewriting the script on what leadership really looks like. Drawing on years of corporate and nonprofit experience, Stacey shares how introverted women can stop trying to “fix” themselves and instead leverage their natural strengths to lead powerfully and authentically.

We dive into:

• The most damaging myths about introverts (and why they’re flat-out wrong)
• How masking your true nature to appear more “extroverted” can sabotage your confidence and success
• Why visibility doesn’t have to mean being the loudest—it means being intentional
• Tangible ways introverted women can own their influence and create impact without burning out
• The leadership superpowers introverts bring to the table—and how organizations are finally waking up to their value

If you've ever been told you're “too quiet” to lead or felt like you had to perform to be taken seriously, this episode is your reminder: your quieter power isn’t just valid—it’s vital.

🔗 Connect with Stacey Chasen at https://www.linkedin.com/in/chazinconsulting/

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In this powerful episode, Dara Rossi explores why stepping back and taking intentional pauses can be the most productive thing you can do. After taking her own sabbatical from podcasting to write her upcoming book "No Cape Required," Dara shares why doing less can actually make you more productive, creative, and fulfilled.

Key Takeaways

• Rest is a radical act of reclaiming your power and saying no to burnout
• Growth doesn't always look like movement - sometimes it looks like stillness
• Stepping back isn't about giving up; it's about gathering strength like an archer pulling back a bow
• The real productivity hack is in reflection and intentional pausing
• Creativity is often fueled by downtime and quiet contemplation

The 3-2-1 Centering Practice

A powerful combo technique you can use anywhere, anytime:

3 Breaths: Inhale through the nose, exhale through the mouth, dropping shoulders with each breath

2 Things: Notice and silently name two things you see, hear, or feel in the present moment

1 Question: Ask yourself, "What do I need right now?" or "How do I want to show up in this moment?"

Takes less than a minute but creates a powerful shift

Three Areas Where Pausing Transforms Your Life

Career

• Shift from reacting to leading
• Get clear on opportunities that align with your goals and values
• Strategic thinking rather than constant doing

Relationships

• Show up more present and patient
• Become aware of your own patterns
• Ask better questions and listen more deeply

Inner Life

• Build clarity, confidence, and self-trust
• Hear your own voice above societal expectations
• Connect with what truly matters to you

Download the 5 Power Tools for Meaningful Pauses

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Dr. Dara would love to connect.
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If you’ve ever made a big, bold decision and then immediately thought, What the heck did I just do?!—this one’s for you.

In this episode of No Cape Required, I’m joined by Sherry Yellin, an executive coach and leadership expert who shares the story of how a $35,000 investment (gulp!) completely changed the trajectory of her life and business.

From sitting on her office floor paralyzed by fear to leading with confidence and clarity, Sherry takes us behind the scenes of what real transformation looks like—and spoiler alert: it’s not always pretty.

We talk about:

• The neuroscience behind fear and why your brain resists change (not growth!)
• FOBU: Fear of Being Uncomfortable, Uncertain, or Unpopular—and how to overcome it
• How tunnel vision in your brain keeps you stuck (and how to get out of it)
• Simple tools that re-activate your decision-making power when you feel frozen
• Why investing in yourself isn’t just powerful—it’s generational

Sherry reminds us that fear isn’t the enemy—it’s a signal. And if we’re willing to move through discomfort, that’s where the magic and growth really happens.

Whether you're at a crossroads in your career or quietly wondering what’s next for me?, this episode will give you the clarity—and the courage—you need to take the next right step.

You can learn more about Sherry Yellin on her website or connect with her on LinkedIn

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Dr. Dara would love to connect.
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Have you ever felt like a square peg in a round hole when it comes to your career? Maybe you're stuck in a job that doesn’t align with your strengths, or you're questioning whether your work truly reflects your values.

If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. So many women struggle with feeling out of place in their careers but don’t know how to take the first step toward change.

In this episode of No Cape Required, I sit down with Staci Witten, an ICF-certified coach specializing in career development, business growth, and leadership advancement. Together, we break down the signs that indicate you’re in the wrong role, how to navigate the fear of career change, and the strategies to help you thrive in your true genius zone.

If you've ever experienced the Sunday Scaries or questioned your professional path, this conversation is for you!

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
✅ How to recognize when your job isn’t the right fit
✅ Why your values play a key role in career satisfaction
✅ How to integrate work and life for a better balance
✅ Practical exercises to uncover your strengths and ideal career path
✅ The difference between a mentor and a coach—and which one you might need
✅ Strategies for making a career transition without fear

Guest Spotlight: Staci Witten
Staci Witten is an ICF-certified coach, consultant, and trainer with over 30 years of experience in human resources, executive leadership, and professional coaching. She helps clients achieve success through a strength-focused approach, guiding them toward careers and businesses that align with their passions and values. When she’s not coaching, she enjoys life as a wife, mother, and proud grandmother.

Connect with Staci Witten on LinkedIn.

Download Staci's free timeline worksheet here.

Let’s Keep the Conversation Going!
Did this episode resonate with you? Share it with a friend who might need to hear it! Also, if you’re loving the podcast, don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review—it helps us bring more insightful conversations your way.

Until next time, remember: You don’t need a cape to lead authentically and live with purpose!

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Let’s be real—networking can feel awkward, forced, and, honestly, a little cringey. If you’ve ever dreaded a networking event, you’re not alone.

But what if networking wasn’t about selling yourself or collecting business cards? What if it was simply about making genuine connections?

In today’s episode, I sit down with Lisa Ong, an award-winning executive coach and inclusion connector, to unpack a fresh, intentional approach to networking that feels natural, not transactional.

Lisa shares game-changing strategies to build trust, make meaningful connections, and navigate networking events (even if you’re an introvert).

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
✅ Why traditional networking feels so uncomfortable—and what to do instead
✅ How to approach events with the mindset of serving, not selling
✅ The ROCKS method: a simple framework to make networking feel effortless
✅ Why being curious and asking the right questions builds instant rapport
✅ Powerful networking hacks, including Lisa’s genius “phone trick”
✅ How to cultivate long-term professional and personal relationships without overwhelm

Connect with Lisa on LinkedIn or visit WishingOutLoud.com to learn more.

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Dr. Dara would love to connect.
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In this episode of No Cape Required, we delve into the courageous journey of recognizing when it's time to make a career change.

If you've ever felt the weight of burnout, dread for Mondays, or a misalignment of values with your current role, you're not alone. Our guest, Dr. Lori Brakhage, shares her transformative journey from a 20-year corporate career to founding her own company, Apex Collective Strategies. With a background in linguistic anthropology and organizational behavior, Lori provides tailored advisory services and communication strategies for organizations.

She offers invaluable insights on identifying the signs that it's time for a change, navigating the challenges of making a career shift, and taking a leap that truly resonates with who you are.

Listen in as Lori shares her story of growth, the importance of financial planning, and the power of community support in making a successful career transition.

Connect with Lori on LinkedIn or learn more about her book Linguistic Attitudes

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Dr. Dara would love to connect.
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In this episode, we challenge the belief that you're somehow "broken" and explore how our subconscious programming, shaped by past experiences and societal influences, can significantly impact our behaviors and reactions.

Join us as we delve into:

• Uncovering Self-Sabotage: Learn how archetypes like the "victim" or "adult child" might be unknowingly holding you back and what they're trying to tell you.
• The Power of the Nervous System: Discover how understanding your nervous system's responses (fight, flight, freeze, fawn) can help you rewire your reactions and cultivate a more balanced state.
• Reprogramming Your Mind: Explore practical techniques like visualization, affirmations, and identifying limiting beliefs to rewrite your story and create lasting change.
• Reconnecting with Your Inner Vitality: Learn how to tap into your "élan vital" – the inherent life force within you – to reignite your purpose and live a more fulfilling life.

Key Takeaways:

• Recognize and challenge the underlying beliefs that may be driving unwanted behaviors.
• Cultivate self-awareness and learn to respond differently to challenging situations.
• Embrace self-care practices to nourish your mind and body.
• Reclaim your inner power and live a life aligned with your true desires.

You can connect with Michelle Ward on LinkedIn or on her website.

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Dr. Dara would love to connect.
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Today, we’re diving into something a little different but incredibly impactful: the benefits of journaling and writing. Research from Dr. James Pennebaker at the University of Texas in Austin shows that writing can reduce stress and anxiety, improve sleep, boost your immune response, and even sharpen your decision-making skills.

Yes, you heard that right—journaling is basically a superpower!

I’m joined by Deborah Ager, a book writing coach who helps leaders craft anti-boring, high-quality books, but don’t worry, we’re not here to convince you to write a novel (unless you want to!).

Deborah walks us through how journaling and writing can help us clarify our thoughts, process emotions, and even become better communicators—whether you’re looking to nail a big presentation or just get those swirling thoughts out of your head.

We’ll also explore the role of storytelling in persuasion, why knowing your audience is critical, and how to use writing to better understand yourself and your goals.

Plus, Deborah shares practical exercises and insights to make writing more joyful and less daunting.

Grab your notebook and join us as we uncover how writing—whether it’s for personal growth or professional success—can be a transformative tool.

You can learn more about Deborah and her work on her website.

Visit NoCape.Org
Download 10 Ways to Shed Your Superwoman Cape

Dr. Dara would love to connect.
http://www.linkedin.com/in/drdararossi
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