This is part 2 of my wonderful conversation with Eileen Collins, retired U.S. Air Force colonel and first American woman commander of a space shuttle.

In this episode, she discusses her leadership style, especially post-Columbia tragedy. Eileen also emphasizes the significance of setting personal mission statements, learning from mistakes, and staying focused despite external distractions.

The episode concludes with practical advice for aspiring leaders, highlighting the value of reading, mentoring, and maintaining humility.

Episode Minutes:

Minute 1: Pursuing the Dream of Becoming an Astronaut

Minute 5: Overcoming Self-Doubt and Finding Mentorship

Minute 9: Adapting Leadership After the Columbia Tragedy

Minute 14: Balancing Family and Astronaut Life

Minute 18: The First American Woman to Command a Space Mission

To find out more about my work, please visit www.danawilliamsco.com

My Book The Internal Revolution: Lead Authentically and Build Your Personal Brand from Within

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The Strengths Journal™ is the only Gallup-certified, purpose-driven daily planner that helps you actively use your strengths to plan your days. Get Your copy here

Your Leadership GPS Check—Which Element Needs Attention First?

Most leaders are navigating their biggest challenges without any internal guidance system. They're leading by reaction instead of intention. By external pressure instead of internal compass.

The result? Scattered energy across random priorities instead of focused impact on what matters most. You wouldn't drive across the country without GPS, yet most leaders are navigating their careers without any internal direction system.

Today, I share a way to perform a 60-second leadership GPS check.

To find out more about my work, please visit www.danawilliamsco.com

My Book The Internal Revolution: Lead Authentically and Build Your Personal Brand from Within

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Email: hello@danawilliamsco.com The Strengths Journal™ is the only Gallup-certified, purpose-driven daily planner that helps you actively use your strengths to plan your days. Get Your copy here

In honor of National Space Week, we’re excited to bring you part 1 of this two-part interview series with Eileen Collins, retired U.S. Air Force colonel and first American woman commander of a space shuttle.

Our conversation dove deep into what it really takes to lead with authenticity, push through barriers, and stay focused on your personal mission, even when the odds are stacked against you. Eileen shared how embracing her true self — not trying to fit a mold or mimic others — helped her stand out and succeed in one of the most high-pressure careers imaginable.

Eileen shares insights from her book, 'Through the Glass Ceiling to the Stars,' discussing authenticity, overcoming hurdles, and the importance of being true to oneself. She provides a detailed account of her internal journey, mentorship experiences, handling high-stress situations.

To find out more about my work, please visit www.danawilliamsco.com

My Book The Internal Revolution: Lead Authentically and Build Your Personal Brand from Within

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Email: hello@danawilliamsco.com

The Strengths Journal™ is the only Gallup-certified, purpose-driven daily planner that helps you actively use your strengths to plan your days. Get Your copy here

3 Warning Signs for Your Leadership is More Performance-Based than Authentic

You know that nagging feeling when something's off about your leadership but you can't quite name it?

Here's what it might be: You've become so skilled at looking like a leader that you've stopped actually leading. The difference between performing leadership and authentic leadership isn't just semantics—it's the difference between teams that comply and teams that commit.

Most leaders spend so much energy managing perceptions that they've forgotten what authentic leadership actually feels like.

In today’s episode, I discuss 3 warning signs that your leadership may be performance-based, rather than authentic leadership.

To find out more about my work, please visit www.danawilliamsco.com

My Book The Internal Revolution: Lead Authentically and Build Your Personal Brand from Within

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The Strengths Journal™ is the only Gallup-certified, purpose-driven daily planner that helps you actively use your strengths to plan your days. Get Your copy here

My guest today is Karen Eber a captivating force in the world of storytelling and leadership. She is an award-winning, best-selling author, international consultant, TED and keynote speaker that has educated and inspired over three million people globally.

As the CEO and Chief Storyteller of Eber Leadership Group, Karen helps companies build leaders, teams, and culture, one story at a time.

Karen’s book, The Perfect Story: How to Tell Stories that Inform, Influence, and Inspire

On today's episode Karen shares that impactful communication starts with the audience: understanding what they need to know, how you want them to feel, and what action you want them to take. Too often, leaders default to slides and corporate jargon. Karen challenges this by helping them lead with clarity and connection, making communication more intentional and authentic.

Episode Minutes:

Minute 15:00 — Crafting the Perfect Story

Minute 18:00 — Integrating Storytelling in Leadership

Minute 22:00 — Overcoming Storytelling Challenges

To find out more about my work, please visit www.danawilliamsco.com

My Book The Internal Revolution: Lead Authentically and Build Your Personal Brand from Within

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Email: hello@danawilliamsco.com

The Strengths Journal™ is the only Gallup-certified, purpose-driven daily planner that helps you actively use your strengths to plan your days. Get Your copy here

Are you a performance-based or presence-based leader?

“Authenticity” sounds great—until you're in the room wondering how to actually show up that way. This week’s episode dives into the real shift: from performance to presence.

Because teams can always tell when you're managing impressions versus contributing real value. You’ll learn the four subtle but powerful shifts that move you from polished to present—and why your presence is your most authentic brand.

To find out more about my work, please visit www.danawilliamsco.com

My Book The Internal Revolution: Lead Authentically and Build Your Personal Brand from Within

LinkedIn

Instagram

Email: hello@danawilliamsco.com

The Strengths Journal™ is the only Gallup-certified, purpose-driven daily planner that helps you actively use your strengths to plan your days. Get Your copy here

In today's episode, I and a panel of incredible women leaders discuss challenges and triumphs of women in leadership.

The Panelists are:

Patty Escoe, VP Texas Plan Operations

Vanessa Peace

Lauren McKinnon, communications expert and CEO of Project Mockingbird

Dr. Steffanie Grossman, licensed psychologist and owner of Dakota Therapy & Consulting

Our conversation delves into authentic leadership, the importance of living intentionally, and the power of personal branding.

Panelists share personal stories and strategies for maintaining authenticity in demanding professional environments.

Episode Minutes:

Minute 5: Personal Stories and Authentic Leadership

Minute 20: Strategies for Intentional Living

Minute 35: Building Personal Brand & Networking

To find out more about my work, please visit www.danawilliamsco.com

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Email: hello@danawilliamsco.com

The Strengths Journal™ is the only Gallup-certified, purpose-driven daily planner that helps you actively use your strengths to plan your days. Get Your copy here

Saying yes to everything? Hiding your real opinions? Always "on"?

That’s not leadership—it’s a people-pleasing trap. This week’s episode breaks down how lack of boundaries quietly kills authentic personal brands—and what to do instead.

Because the strongest personal brands aren’t built on being available 24/7. They’re built on alignment, clarity, and the courage to say no.

To find out more about my work, please visit www.danawilliamsco.com

LinkedIn

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Email: hello@danawilliamsco.com

The Strengths Journal™ is the only Gallup-certified, purpose-driven daily planner that helps you actively use your strengths to plan your days. Get Your copy here