http://www.sherylkline.com/blog

In the latest Fearless Female Leadership interview, I had the privilege of speaking with Kim Beauvais, Executive Vice President of Human Resources and Business Operations at FOX Sports, about resilience, leadership, and the importance of owning your power.

Kim credits her early upbringing—where the word “can’t” wasn’t allowed in her household—as a foundation for her mindset. From her time as a Division I soccer player to becoming a senior executive in the male-dominated world of sports, Kim has embodied a “can do” philosophy that continues to shape her leadership.

Throughout the conversation, Kim emphasized resilience not as a fixed trait but as a practice—something strengthened over time, much like building physical endurance. She shared candid insights on handling self-doubt, failing forward, and the power of surrounding yourself with a trusted circle of peers who both challenge and uplift you.

Her advice resonates not only for women in media or sports but for all leaders striving to rise with confidence and clarity. She urges women to apply for opportunities even when they don’t feel 100% qualified, to embrace doubt as just a feeling—not a fact—and to remember that growth happens outside of comfort zones.

Above all, Kim’s story is one of joy, purpose, and resilience, reminding us that we are each the CEO of our own brand and life.

10 Key Takeaways from the Interview

1. 0:01:08 – Early inspiration: Kim’s mother instilled the belief that “can’t” was not allowed, shaping her lifelong “can do” mindset.
2. 0:04:32 – Team mantra: Her team at FOX Sports embraces the motto #CanDo, emphasizing problem-solving over roadblocks.
3. 0:06:41 – Resilience as a practice: Resilience isn’t innate—it’s built by repeatedly adapting, persevering, and reframing setbacks.
4. 0:08:15 – Emotions as fuel: Rather than suppressing emotions, Kim uses them as energy to propel forward.
5. 0:11:25 – Pressure perspective: High-pressure moments signal that you’re right where you want to be, much like elite athletes.
6. 0:13:34 – Self-doubt is normal: Women often hesitate unless they check every box; Kim encourages taking the leap anyway.
7. 0:17:25 – Timeboxing setbacks: Allow space to feel disappointment, but set a limit—then move forward with purpose.
8. 0:19:44 – Failing forward: Failure is not final but a chance to adjust, learn, and improve.
9. 0:21:33 – Build your circle: Surround yourself with trusted peers who give honest feedback and help straighten your crown.
10. 0:25:22 – Own your brand: Remember, you are the CEO of your own life—lead with joy, purpose, and resilience.

If you’re interested in being featured on the Fearless Female Leadership podcast, or you’re a leader looking to gain clarity on ‘what’s next’, how to build more cohesive and high-performing teams, and lead with greater confidence and influence, let’s have a confidential conversation.

Cheering you on always!
– Sheryl

http://www.sherylkline.com/blog

In the latest Fearless Female Leadership interview, I had the privilege of speaking with Laura Butler, Chief People Officer at TTEC, about the realities of leadership, balancing competing priorities, and the evolving role of HR in shaping organizational success.

Laura shared how her parents deeply influenced her path—her father, who instilled the importance of working in service of others, and her mother, who created memorable experiences while raising six children. These lessons inspired Laura’s unique approach of combining business impact with human connection.

Her career journey was far from linear. Laura once swore she’d never work in HR, yet she discovered that technology without people fails to deliver results. That realization sparked her passion for HR as an enabling, strategic function—one that aligns culture, trust, and leadership practices with business outcomes.

We also explored Laura’s concept of the “Struggle of the Juggle”—the constant pressure of managing work, family, and personal wellness in today’s world of endless inputs. She shared how tools like AI can act as thought partners to help leaders intentionally structure time, prioritize values, and create balance.

Ultimately, Laura reminded us that leadership isn’t just about getting the work done—it’s about how we do it, the trust we build, and the relationships we nurture along the way.

🔑 10 Key Takeaways from the Interview

1. 0:01:00 – Early influences: Laura’s father taught her the value of serving her team, while her mother emphasized creating great experiences.
2. 0:02:49 – Career beginnings: She started in events and experiences before moving into HR, blending both worlds.
3. 0:04:54 – Career pivots: Laura once said she’d never work in HR—proof that careers evolve in unexpected ways.
4. 0:06:34 – Culture eats strategy: Even the best technology fails without people and culture to support adoption.
5. 0:08:45 – Executive dynamics: Using tools like Insights Discovery helps leaders balance different styles and “dial up” compassion and collaboration.
6. 0:12:12 – Trust accelerates business: Internal trust is the fastest way to drive organizational effectiveness and customer impact.
7. 0:13:22 – The “Struggle of the Juggle”: Overwhelm from constant information and comparison requires intentional strategies to manage.
8. 0:14:20 – Practical advice: Never check email first thing in the morning; protect your time for what matters most.
9. 0:15:40 – AI as a time partner: Laura uses AI to design weekly schedules, scripts, and strategies for managing competing priorities.
10. 0:18:18 – Personalization matters: AI can be a thought partner that adapts to individual values, lifestyles, and relationships.

If you’re interested in being featured on the Fearless Female Leadership podcast, or you’re a leader looking to gain clarity on ‘what’s next’, how to build more cohesive and high-performing teams, and lead with greater confidence and influence, let’s have a confidential conversation.

Cheering you on always!
– Sheryl

http://www.sherylkline.com/blog

What if your imposter feelings weren’t an enemy… but a friend and confidant?

Not just a cheerleader—but a wise, honest guide imparting wisdom.

Instead of resisting it, try this:
✔️ Acknowledge it: “I notice I’m feeling like an imposter—and that’s okay.”
✔️ Ask: “If this feeling were a trusted friend, what would it say?”

This exercise helps you defuse the shame, mine the wisdom, and access the emotional agility to lead with your full power and heart.

What if your inner critic was really your fiercest advocate in disguise? If that voice actually wanted to lift you up, what would it say? Comment below ... I would love to hear your perspective!

🎥 Watch the Part 3 video at https://www.sherylkline.com/blog/imposters-gift-part-3

If you’re a leader looking to gain clarity on ‘what’s next’, how to build more cohesive and high-performing teams, and lead with greater confidence and influence, let’s have a confidential conversation. http://www.sherylkline.com/meeting

Cheering you on always!
– Sheryl

http://www.sherylkline.com/blog

World-class performers feel imposter syndrome too. The difference between them and everyone else?

They learn from the discomfort and get better because of it. They also perform with the end in mind.

Here’s how:
- Visualize yourself as the confident, worthy, successful version of you.
- Identify the “gap” between that version and where you are now.
- Take intentional action to bridge it.

When you honor the discomfort and reverse-engineer the path forward, imposter syndrome becomes clarity, courage, and yes—even confidence.

I’d love to hear your perspective. Who’s the future version of you that already owns the room? If you imagined yourself already there, what one shift would help close the gap?

🎥 Watch the Part 2 video and share your perspective. https://www.sherylkline.com/blog/mind-the-gap-and-move-through-it

This is a 4-part series, so be on the lookout for additional posts in the week to come.

If you’re interested in being featured on the Fearless Female Leadership podcast, or you’re a leader looking to gain clarity on ‘what’s next’, how to build more cohesive and high-performing teams, and lead with greater confidence and influence, let’s have a confidential conversation.

Cheering you on always!
– Sheryl

http://www.sherylkline.com/blog

In the latest Fearless Female Leadership interview, I had the pleasure of speaking with Shanna Goodell, Senior Director of Enterprise Learning and Talent Development at Druva, about her inspiring career journey and her vision for “superhuman growth.”

Shanna’s path was shaped by mentors who believed in her potential and opened doors that might otherwise have stayed closed. From her best friend’s parents encouraging her to pursue college, to mentors who introduced her to organizational psychology, to leaders who gave her early opportunities, Shanna embodies the ripple effect of empowerment.

Her career reflects resilience and innovation—especially when she pioneered flexible work arrangements to balance motherhood with professional growth. At Druva, she now champions learning strategies that integrate cutting-edge AI with the human connection that truly drives growth. Shanna believes that curiosity, trust, and vision are the key ingredients for creating “superhuman teams” that achieve beyond individual performance.

She challenges leaders to ask not just what success looks like, but what it should feel like, and to create the white space needed for reflection, learning, and sustainable performance.

🔑 10 Key Takeaways from the Interview
0:01:10 – Mentors and advocates early in life can change the trajectory of a career.
0:02:50 – A passion for both people and business led Shanna to organizational psychology.
0:06:00 – Balancing career and motherhood required advocating for flexible, pioneering work models.
0:07:39 – Influence is about empathy, understanding others’ perspectives, and creating win-win outcomes.
0:10:15 – “Super human growth” blends AI tools with the irreplaceable power of human connection.
0:13:11 – Cohorts, discussion, and shared experiences create the connective tissue missing from AI-only learning.
0:16:56 – Curiosity and trust are foundational to building high-performing, resilient teams.
0:19:53 – Teams need a clear, compelling vision of the future to sustain effort and motivation.
0:21:47 – The mindset of “thriving despite” helps leaders and teams navigate uncertainty and challenges.
0:25:59 – Success is not linear—stay flexible, focus on how you want your career to feel, and adjust as needed.

If you’re interested in being featured on the Fearless Female Leadership podcast, or you’re a leader looking to gain clarity on ‘what’s next’, how to build more cohesive and high-performing teams, and lead with greater confidence and influence, let’s have a confidential conversation.

Cheering you on always!
– Sheryl

http://www.sherylkline.com/blog

In the latest Fearless Female Leadership interview, I had the distinct honor of speaking with Ekta Vyas, Ph.D, Chief Human Resources Officer of Keck Medicine at USC, about her remarkable journey from navigating cultural transitions to becoming an influential leader in healthcare. We explored her philosophy on moving from the influence of power to the power of influence, and how clarity, resilience, and humility fuel true leadership.

Dr. Vyas shared her upbringing in India, her bold move to the U.S., and the challenges of rebuilding her career in a new country. An introvert at heart, she leaned on deep reflection, silent courage, and an unwavering commitment to doing what’s right. She emphasized that leadership is not about positional authority but about the enduring impact you leave through your influence, character, and values.

She also revealed how spirituality, self-awareness, and resilience anchor her power, especially during adversity. Her message for leaders everywhere: seek not just titles or recognition, but the opportunity to create positive, lasting influence.

🔑 10 Key Takeaways from the Interview

1. 0:03:14 – Early inspiration came from a balance of inner ambition and strong family support.
2. 0:03:56 – Silent courage and introversion fueled deep reflection, resilience, and fearless decision-making.
3. 0:08:15 – Her biggest challenges included standing firm as an independent thinker and feminist in male-dominated spaces.
4. 0:09:58 – Refusing to accept “no” led her to carve her own educational and professional pathways.
5. 0:12:55 – Clarity of direction and resolve became her mindset anchors in difficult times.
6. 0:15:39 – Her true source of power lies in spirituality, meditative practices, and a strong value system.
7. 0:19:47 – The journey from positional power to authentic influence is rooted in character and example-setting.
8. 0:23:23 – Influence outlasts titles—true leadership is measured by impact, not hierarchy.
9. 0:24:56 – Balancing power with humility defines leadership character and prevents corruption by authority.
10. 0:27:26 – Self-awareness and reflection are essential in transforming power into lasting influence.

If you’re interested in being featured on the Fearless Female Leadership podcast, or you’re a leader looking to gain clarity on ‘what’s next’, how to build more cohesive and high-performing teams, and lead with greater confidence and influence, let’s have a confidential conversation.

Cheering you on always!
– Sheryl

http://www.sherylkline.com/blog

As if it’s not bad enough to feel judged by others, we can be our worst critics.

When self-criticism dominates our internal dialog, such as "I am not qualified" or "I don’t deserve/am not ready to be here". it’s our reality, and WE make it true.

What if instead of judging, we simply observed?

Try this shift:
👉 Replace “I am not qualified” with “I notice I’m feeling unqualified.”
👉 Then ask, “What’s my next best step?”

This small but powerful change from "I am..." to "I notice…" builds self-compassion, emotional agency, and momentum. It’s not about fixing yourself—it’s about meeting yourself with honesty and grace.

What’s your go-to self-talk when imposter syndrome creeps in? Have you tried reframing it with "I notice" instead of "I am"? Would love to hear how it works for you!

🎥 Watch the Part 1 video and share your perspective. This is a 4-part series, so be on the lookout for additional posts in the week to come.

Cheering you on, always!
--Sheryl

http://www.sherylkline.com/blog

Whether you’re an Olympian, executive, or rising leader, you’ve likely felt like an imposter. I know I have! It’s not only normal, it can mean that you are pushing yourself outside your comfort zone. That makes you extraordinary!

World-class performers are comfortable in this discomfort, knowing that the only way to their next level is through.

Imposter syndrome, imposter phenomenon, or whatever it’s currently being called has received a bad rap. By trying to diminish it or get rid of it, we are attempting to banish thousands of years of cultural, social, religious, cultural, and even generational indoctrinations.

Maybe it’s time to stop fighting this enormous battle and instead, with compassion, look for the wisdom in the feeling.

If you feel like you don’t belong in the room you’ve worked so hard to be in, don’t worry. You have an ally.

Here’s something that I’ve learned from researching and working with world-class athletes, Olympians, and some of the most prolific female executives in San Francisco, Silicon Valley, and across the world:

Feeling like an imposter is not a syndrome. It’s a gift.

Over the past two decades, I’ve developed a proven process to help high performers—especially women—turn imposter feelings into rocket fuel for what’s next.

I’d love to hear your perspective. Have you ever felt like an imposter and taken a big leap anyway? When did imposter syndrome show up most loudly for you, and what did you learn from it?

There is so much uncertainty, but you have more agency than you think. Your imposter foe may actually be your friend that catapults you into the power you were meant to have, the power that the world needs from you now more than ever.

🎥 Watch the intro video and share your perspective. This is a 4-part series, so be on the lookout for additional posts in the week to come.

Cheering you on, always! --Sheryl