Call Her Boss | Women Helping Women Thrive in Business, Family & Life
Elizabeth Ackerson, ARNP
44 episodes
6 days ago
Welcome to Call Her Boss, the podcast designed for women who are ready to build their dream life but find themselves battling imposter syndrome, constant overwhelm, and unsure of where to start.
I’m your host, Elizabeth Ackerson, CEO, small business owner, board certified nurse practitioner, national speaker, ADHD survivor and thriver and mother of 3. Five years ago, with a big dream and a little bit of delusion I left a 6-figure corporate job and founded a business betting on myself. With a whole lot of guidance and experience gifted to me along the way from friends and acquaintances who are brilliant in life and experts in their own fields, I found a path to business success, freedom in creating the life I dreamt of and personal growth. I am a product of those who I’ve surrounded myself with and I want to you to be as well.
Call Her Boss is for all of you who want to be the CEO of your own story. In each episode we’ll dive into real-world advice from those making waves in their industries, practical tips, and inspiring stories to help you navigate your journey in betting on yourself and becoming the boss of your life.
Whether you’re striving for a fulfilling career, struggling with self-care and confidence, balancing family life, or seeking a stronger partnership, we’ve got you covered. Join us as we chat with experts and phenomenal women just like you who’ve overcome the same hurdles and hot mess you face. Together, we’ll tackle the challenges, debunk the myths, and find the motivation to turn your dreams into reality.
If you’re ready to rise above the self-doubt, step into your power and start creating the life you’ve always wanted, Call Her Boss is here to guide you every step of the way.
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Welcome to Call Her Boss, the podcast designed for women who are ready to build their dream life but find themselves battling imposter syndrome, constant overwhelm, and unsure of where to start.
I’m your host, Elizabeth Ackerson, CEO, small business owner, board certified nurse practitioner, national speaker, ADHD survivor and thriver and mother of 3. Five years ago, with a big dream and a little bit of delusion I left a 6-figure corporate job and founded a business betting on myself. With a whole lot of guidance and experience gifted to me along the way from friends and acquaintances who are brilliant in life and experts in their own fields, I found a path to business success, freedom in creating the life I dreamt of and personal growth. I am a product of those who I’ve surrounded myself with and I want to you to be as well.
Call Her Boss is for all of you who want to be the CEO of your own story. In each episode we’ll dive into real-world advice from those making waves in their industries, practical tips, and inspiring stories to help you navigate your journey in betting on yourself and becoming the boss of your life.
Whether you’re striving for a fulfilling career, struggling with self-care and confidence, balancing family life, or seeking a stronger partnership, we’ve got you covered. Join us as we chat with experts and phenomenal women just like you who’ve overcome the same hurdles and hot mess you face. Together, we’ll tackle the challenges, debunk the myths, and find the motivation to turn your dreams into reality.
If you’re ready to rise above the self-doubt, step into your power and start creating the life you’ve always wanted, Call Her Boss is here to guide you every step of the way.
Empowering Women: Redefining Leadership and Bridging the Confidence Gap
In this episode, we challenge the notion that women are not natural leaders by showcasing hard data and neuroscience research that highlights the elite leadership skills women possess. From outperforming financially in executive roles to excelling in emotional intelligence and crisis management, we provide evidence that women are wired to lead. We also explore the societal factors that contribute to the confidence gap, and offer actionable strategies to reclaim and own our leadership identity. Straighten those crowns, ladies—2026 is the year to step into your leadership potential.
00:00 Introduction: Women in Leadership
00:32 Evidence of Women’s Leadership Success
01:34 Neuroscience Behind Female Leadership
02:59 Emotional Intelligence and Leadership
04:09 Challenges Women Face in Leadership
04:52 Key Leadership Skills of Women
05:50 Reclaiming Leadership Identity
06:17 Conclusion: Embrace Your Leadership
Breaking Free from the Default Parent Trap: Practical Steps and Mindset Shifts
In this episode of Call Her Boss, we delve into the exhausting reality of being the default parent, the primary manager of the family system. While you love your kids and your role as a mother, the invisible labor and mental load can be overwhelming. We discuss why women often become the default parent, the emotional and logistical toll it takes, and why ’just asking for help’ isn’t a viable solution. Learn about the necessary mindset shifts, effective boundaries, and practical strategies to stop being the default parent without guilt, resentment, or burnout. Tune in for real talk about shared responsibility and reclaiming your mental peace. Don’t miss out on actionable tips and exact scripts to create a balanced family dynamic.
00:00 Introduction: The Exhaustion of Being the Default Parent
01:39 Defining the Default Parent
02:34 The Data Behind Emotional Labor
03:06 Why Women Become the Default Parent
04:42 The Invisible Burden of Emotional Labor
05:22 Why Asking for Help Isn’t Enough
06:41 Practical Tips for Sharing the Load
08:55 Mindset Shifts for Sustainable Parenting
10:14 Effective Boundaries for Shared Responsibility
13:44 Conclusion: Striving for Balance
rotecting Children’s Mental Health: Awareness, Connection, and Practical Tips
Welcome back to Call Her Boss. In today’s special episode, we shift gears from our usual lighthearted content to discuss a more serious and pressing issue: children’s mental health. The world our kids are growing up in is drastically different, filled with constant comparisons, information overload, and unprecedented academic pressures. Recent data from the CDC highlights a troubling rise in mental health disorders among children and adolescents, and the American Academy of Pediatrics has declared a national emergency in children’s mental health. This episode isn’t about inciting panic but rather promoting awareness, protection, and connection. We’ll explore the struggles kids face today, from pressure to perform to the impacts of social media and emotional overload. Learn practical ways to support your child’s mental health, recognize warning signs, and start meaningful conversations. Remember, your presence matters more than perfection. Join us as we tackle these crucial issues and share how to be emotionally available and proactive for our children. If you find this episode valuable, please like, share, and send it to other parents navigating these challenges with their teens and pre-teens.
00:00 Introduction: A Serious Conversation
01:28 The State of Child and Adolescent Mental Health
02:25 Personal Stories and Reflections
04:08 The Pressure to Perform
07:31 Social Media and Emotional Overload
09:18 Warning Signs Parents Should Never Ignore
12:32 Practical Steps to Protect Mental Health
14:48 Words from Survivors and Final Thoughts
Breaking the Cycle: How Women Can Overcome Competitive Culture
In this episode of Call Her Boss, we delve into the often subtle and internalized competitive culture among women. We explore how societal conditioning, appearance-based worth, and social comparison theory contribute to this phenomenon. We also discuss the detrimental impact of competition, including emotional burnout, low self-worth, and strained relationships. Most importantly, we share actionable strategies for breaking the cycle of competition, such as practicing self-awareness, celebrating others, and fostering supportive female communities. Learn how to unlearn competitive behaviors and embrace collaboration, leading to greater confidence, success, and well-being for all women. Join us for an inspiring conversation on how women can rise together, support each other, and create a positive impact for future generations.
00:00 Introduction to Female Competition Culture
00:14 Understanding Competition Culture
00:52 Psychological Roots of Female Competition
03:37 Impact of Competition Culture on Women
04:27 Breaking the Cycle of Competition
05:53 Building a Supportive Female Community
06:42 Strengthening Self-Identity
08:03 Celebrating Progress and Healing Wounds
09:09 Collaboration Over Competition
09:57 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
ealizing Effective Resolutions for Women: Transformative Goal-Setting Strategies
Welcome back to Call Her Boss! In this episode, we dive into the complexities surrounding New Year’s resolutions and why they often fail for women. Using data and research, we explore how societal expectations and unrealistic goals lead to failure. Learn about identity-based goals, choosing goals that align with your life season, and the importance of supportive and small winnable goals. Discover transformative stories from real women and how setting realistic resolutions can lead to lasting success. Join us as we redefine goal-setting for ambitious women juggling multiple roles.
00:00 Introduction: The Struggle with New Year’s Resolutions
01:18 Why Resolutions Fail: The Data
03:20 The Female Experience with Goals
04:47 Setting Goals That Work for Women
09:18 Real Women, Real Resolutions
10:29 Conclusion: Embrace Your True Self
Understanding and Managing Cortisol: A Comprehensive Guide for Women
In this episode, we dive deep into understanding cortisol, our body’s primary stress hormone, and how it affects various aspects of women’s health. We’ll talk about the essential functions of cortisol, why it’s necessary, and the detrimental effects of chronic high cortisol levels. Learn about how our modern lifestyles disrupt cortisol rhythms and the specific impact this has on women due to their more reactive HPA axis. Most importantly, I’ll share science-backed strategies to regulate cortisol and improve overall well-being, including morning sunlight exposure, strength training, balanced nutrition, limiting caffeine, and techniques like magnesium supplementation and breath work. Discover helpful apps and tools for stress management, and understand why lowering cortisol is not just about luxury self-care, but a critical need for a healthier, more balanced life. Join me, straighten those crowns, and let’s work towards better health together!
00:00 Introduction to Cortisol
00:07 The Role of Cortisol in the Body
00:57 Modern Stress and Cortisol Imbalance
01:22 Why Women Need to Pay Attention to Cortisol
01:49 Negative Effects of High Cortisol
02:50 How Cortisol Affects Women’s Mental Performance
03:08 Real-Life Cortisol Triggers
03:48 Effective Strategies to Lower Cortisol
07:33 Science-Backed Apps to Manage Cortisol
10:32 Conclusion: The I
mposter syndrome hits hardest when you’re actually achieving great things. Promotions, goals, opportunities, and then the doubt creeps in: Who do you think you are? In this empowering episode, we break down the truth—you’re not underqualified but undercredited. Did you know that 82% of high-achieving women feel like frauds at times? This isn’t due to a lack of ability, but because they were never taught to celebrate their success. We’ll dive into the psychology behind this phenomenon, explore gender conditioning, and equip you with the tools to silence your inner critic. Spoiler: You’re more than enough. Ready to embrace your power unapologetically? Buckle up and let’s dive in.
00:00 Introduction: Facing Imposter Syndrome
00:11 The Reality of High Achievers
00:27 Understanding the Psychology and Gender Conditioning
00:36 Conclusion: Embrace Your Greatness
Welcome back to Call Her Boss Friends. In this episode, we unpack the reality behind the ’magical’ holiday season for working moms. While the world enjoys cute holiday photos, working moms juggle multiple roles—from logistics and catering to emotional labor and childcare. We explore the invisible mental load that triples during the holidays, backed by alarming statistics and research. Learn about the four big pressure zones, unrealistic expectations fueled by social media, intense workloads, childcare challenges, and emotional labor. Discover actionable strategies like the bare minimum magic rule, macro-delegation, and setting up a holiday command center to reclaim your sanity. Moms, it’s time to set boundaries, delegate tasks, and remember: you are the magic. Join us for practical tips to manage this hectic season without losing yourself.
00:00 Introduction: The Reality of Holiday Season for Working Moms
01:01 Understanding the Mental Load
02:47 The Four Big Pressure Zones
03:02 Unrealistic Expectations and Social Media Pressure
03:42 Workload Intensifies During Holidays
04:33 Childcare Challenges During Winter Break
05:08 Emotional Labor: The Invisible Burden
05:58 Gender Conditioning and Societal Expectations
08:03 Managing the Holiday Mental Load
12:04 Conclusion: You Are the Magic
oin me in this episode of ’Call Her Boss’ where we dive deep into understanding the essence of empathy, especially during these chaotic and stressful times. We’ll explore the different layers of empathy, from cognitive to emotional, and discuss why it’s so crucial for human connection, compassion, and even leadership. We’ll tackle why empathy seems to be declining and how technology, social media, and cultural shifts play a role. But don’t worry, there’s hope! I will share practical ways to boost your empathy muscle and even some heartwarming stories, like a unique method one mom uses to teach empathy to her kids. Let’s take on the challenge to practice empathy this week and make the world a softer, yet stronger place. Straighten those crowns and keep walking in each other’s shoes!
00:00 Introduction to Empathy
00:33 Understanding Empathy: Cognitive, Emotional, and Personal Distress
01:11 The Importance of Empathy in Society
02:33 The Decline of Empathy: Data and Trends
03:21 Factors Contributing to the Loss of Empathy
04:13 Practicing Empathy: Tips and Techniques
06:06 Empathy in Action: Real-Life Examples
07:03 Conclusion and Challenge
Welcome back to Call Her Boss! In this episode, we tackle the unspoken challenges of managing people in business. From navigating PTO requests to handling emotional labor, managing a team isn’t just about leadership; it’s an emotional acrobatic act that takes a toll. I share hard-hitting data from Gallup, the US Small Business Administration, Harvard Business Review, and MIT Sloan to paint a realistic picture of leadership, and discuss actionable strategies to maintain clarity, consistency, and compassion without losing your peace. Whether you’re an accidental manager or an experienced leader, tune in to discover how to lead a team effectively while evolving into a stronger, more confident leader. Don’t forget to straighten those crowns, Queens!.
00:00 Introduction to the Podcast
01:06 The Realities of Managing People
04:28 The Emotional Labor of Leadership
06:46 Creating Structure and Clear Expectations
10:28 Healthy Leadership Practices
11:44 Conclusion and Weekly Mantra
n this episode, we delve into the Type A personality’s struggle with control. We’ll explore how control can be a false sense of security that ultimately leads to higher anxiety, burnout, and strained relationships. Learn how to identify your triggers, reframe control as confidence, and practice mindfulness to reset your nervous system. We’ll also discuss the psychological roots of control and offer actionable tips to let go of control in a productive and empowering way. Join us as we navigate the journey from control to confidence and unlock the freedom and peace that comes with letting go.
00:00 Introduction to Control
01:37 The Type A Personality
04:08 The Psychology Behind Control
06:17 Identifying and Addressing Triggers
08:45 Reframing Control and Building Confidence
13:42 The Cost of Control
15:49 Embracing Uncertainty and Finding Peace
17:36 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
2. Hello friends and welcome back to Call Her Boss! October is ADHD Awareness Month, and this year’s theme focuses on the diverse faces of ADHD—a topic close to my heart as both a late-diagnosed ADHD adult and a mother of a child with significant ADHD. In this episode, I share my personal journey, discuss the science behind ADHD and other invisible disabilities, and emphasize the unique challenges faced by those with conditions that aren’t immediately apparent. From skepticism to social exclusion, the struggle is real, but so is the need for advocacy and understanding. We explore actionable steps for advocacy, the critical role of empathy and belief, and the importance of knowing your rights under the ADA. Join me as we break stigma, offer support, and celebrate strengths. Let’s change the narrative together!
3. 00:00 Welcome to Call Her Boss
4. 00:19 Personal Connection to ADHD
5. 02:18 Understanding Invisible Disabilities
6. 04:17 The Science Behind ADHD and Autism
7. 05:29 Advocacy and Action Steps
8. 10:11 Practical Advocacy Tools
9. 13:58 Final Thoughts and Encouragement
n this episode of ’Call Her Boss’, we dive into the universal experience of feeling overwhelmed and overstimulated. Our host explores the science behind this phenomenon, focusing on the role of dopamine, the brain’s primary reward neurotransmitter. Learn how today’s environment of constant digital stimulation affects our mental health, sleep, and cognitive functions. Discover practical tips to set boundaries, create screen-free zones, and detox from technology to reclaim your peace and focus. Join us as we discuss the importance of intentional choices and neuroplasticity in overcoming the modern-day dopamine overload.
00:00 Introduction: The Overwhelm and Overstimulation Debacle
00:33 The Science of Dopamine and Overstimulation
03:50 The Impact of Technology on Mental Health
07:49 Practical Solutions for Digital Detox
09:39 Personal Reflections and Final Thoughts
Hello, hello, hello! In this week’s episode of ’Call Her Boss,’ I dive into the universal experience of youth sports and its profound impact on kids’ development. As an unathletic child raised by a single mother, I never partook in the hustle of afterschool practices. However, guiding my 18-year-old through youth sports has opened my eyes to this massive industry. With over 45 million kids in organized sports in the U.S. but a 70% dropout rate by age 13, it’s clear there’s a major misalignment between intentions and results. Join me as I connect the dots between youth sports, business, and parenthood, emphasizing the importance of character development over just winning. Legendary coaches and their insights shed light on how sports cultivate essential life skills like perseverance, teamwork, and self-awareness that are applicable both on the field and in the workplace. Whether you’re a parent, coach, or business leader, this episode provides valuable perspectives on fostering growth, resilience, and long-term success in our children and employees. Tune in and let’s discuss why the journey of personal development is the real victory.
00:00 Introduction and Personal Experience
00:27 The Importance of Youth Sports
01:20 Statistics and Challenges in Youth Sports
02:10 Coaching Philosophy and Personal Reflections
03:23 Parental Perspective on Youth Sports
05:00 Translating Sports Lessons to Business
07:01 The Role of Effort and Attitude
10:14 Parental Support and Coaching Impact
14:53 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Hello, beauties! Welcome back to Call Her Boss! This week, we’re shifting our focus from motherhood and relationships to business. It’s the five-year anniversary of my small business, coinciding with my 38th birthday. This phase feels like the ’awkward teen years’ of business ownership—not brand new, yet not a well-established entity either. Today, I’m sharing insights from personal experience and advice from business genius Jay Fallsgraph about navigating a plateau. We’ll talk about maintaining consistency, scaling, and the importance of systems and delegation. I’ll also cover the pros and cons of this plateau phase, discuss founder fatigue and market saturation, and explore revenue diversification strategies. This episode is packed with actionable steps to push through and thrive beyond the business plateau. Let’s level up together!
00:00 Introduction and Welcome
00:18 Reflecting on Five Years of Business
00:47 Navigating the Awkward Teen Years of Business
01:33 Challenges and Realities of Business Growth
03:38 The Importance of Systems and Delegation
03:50 Personal Anecdotes and Lessons Learned
06:10 Understanding and Overcoming Plateaus
12:00 The Pros and Cons of Business Plateaus
19:53 Strategies for Pushing Through Plateaus
25:25 Building a Strong Team and Delegation
30:53 Final Thoughts and Encouragement
In this episode of Call Her Boss, I discuss the critical life skills that every 18-year-old should have before stepping into adulthood, whether they’re heading to college, taking a gap year, or entering the workforce. As a mother of a college freshman and two young Gen Alphas, I delve into the importance of financial literacy, time management, self-care, housekeeping, and effective communication. By sharing my own experiences and tips, I aim to help parents and young adults ensure they are equipped to thrive, not just survive, in the ’big bad world.’ Whether you’re a parent or a young adult yourself, this episode is packed with valuable insights to help you navigate the journey to independence successfully.
00:00 Welcome to Call Her Boss
00:16 The Generation Gap: Skills We Took for Granted
01:11 Essential Life Skills for 18-Year-Olds
01:51 Financial Literacy: Teaching Money Management
06:19 Time Management and Self-Care
13:34 Communication and Professionalism
20:32 Navigating Adult Responsibilities
21:28 Encouraging Resilience and Self-Responsibility
23:17 Conclusion: Thriving, Not Just Surviving
elcome back to Season One, Part Two! As we delve into the busy Q4 season and the whirlwind of back-to-school and holiday activities, we tackle a crucial topic: setting boundaries. A staggering 58% of Americans struggle to say no, with women and younger generations like Gen Z, Millennials, and Gen X facing the greatest challenges. This episode dives deep into defining boundaries, their importance for self-respect, and practical steps for implementing them without guilt. We explore the societal conditioning that makes it harder for women to set boundaries, the emotional toll of people-pleasing, and the journey towards self-trust. Join me as we navigate the delicate balance of saying no, prioritizing our wellbeing, and fostering healthier relationships. Tune in every week this fall as we discuss new chapters in motherhood, entrepreneurship, and womanhood.
00:00 Welcome to Season One, Part Two
00:22 The Struggle with Saying No
01:29 Understanding Boundaries
04:21 Why Women Struggle with Boundaries
07:15 Setting Boundaries Effectively
14:51 Dealing with Guilt and Reactions
17:36 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Pilates, Entrepreneurship, and Wellness: A Conversation with Maya of Move with Maya Pilates
In this episode, I’m joined by Maya, the powerhouse behind Move with Maya Pilates. We dive into her journey from being a Midwest girl with a passion for movement to owning her successful Pilates studio. Maya shares her transition from heavy weightlifting to finding love in Pilates, the challenges of opening a small business, and the importance of self-love and kindness towards our bodies. We also discuss fitness tips, advice for budding entrepreneurs, and Maya’s recent collaboration with Body Lura for a 30-day Pilates program. Tune in for an inspiring chat about health, wellness, and the entrepreneurial spirit.
00:00 Special Summer Treat: Meet Maya, the Pilates IT Girl
00:42 Maya’s Journey: From Wisconsin to Pilates Studio Owner
01:46 Discovering Pilates: From CrossFit to Feeling Strong and Supported
03:54 Becoming an Instructor: From Gymnastics to Pilates
06:08 Movement as Medicine: Changing Perspectives on Fitness
08:04 Starting a Business: Overcoming Imposter Syndrome
17:08 Building a Community: The Power of Word of Mouth
21:18 Growing the Team
22:20 The Hard Work Behind Success
24:52 Embracing Opportunities
26:37 Words of Encouragement
30:13 Advice for Beginners
32:10 Consistency in Business
33:36 Upcoming Events and Social Media
Let’s talk this week to the Class of 2025. Reflecting on my own experiences as I mark the 20-year reunion of my high school graduation. I offer insights into what will and won’t matter as they step into the next phase of their lives. I emphasize the importance of character, resilience, and the ability to pivot. I encourage the graduates to build meaningful relationships, handle pressure with grace, and develop a kind internal dialogue. As they face uncertainty, loneliness, failure, burnout, and imposter syndrome, they are reminded that they have the tools to navigate these challenges and reinvent themselves. This episode is packed with practical advice and wisdom aimed at helping the graduates make the most of the exciting journey ahead.
00:00 Welcome Class of 2025!
00:05 Reflections on Motherhood and Mentorship
01:40 What Won’t Matter After Graduation
06:08 What Will Matter: Relationships and Resilience
13:28 Facing the Future: Challenges and Advice
20:53 Final Words of Wisdom
Welcome back to Call Her Boss, where Mindset meets ambition and Science meets Soul. This episode dives deep into the transformative power of delusional confidence. Discover how changing your self-talk can rewire your brain, why the stories you tell yourself shape your reality, and how famous personalities like Steve Jobs, Oprah, and Muhammad Ali used it to their advantage. Learn about the science behind the reticular activating system (RAS) and neuroplasticity, and get practical advice on using affirmations and visualization to achieve your dreams. Tune in to understand why a bit of delusion might be the secret to creating the life and career you desire.
00:00 Introduction: The Power of Delusional Confidence
00:40 Defining Delusion and Vision
03:08 The Neuroscience of Belief and Self-Talk
05:18 Manifestation: Goal Setting on Steroids
15:01 Using Delusion as a Career Strategy
17:06 Practical Steps to Embrace Delusional Confidence
22:35 Conclusion: Let’s Be Delusional Together
Call Her Boss | Women Helping Women Thrive in Business, Family & Life
Welcome to Call Her Boss, the podcast designed for women who are ready to build their dream life but find themselves battling imposter syndrome, constant overwhelm, and unsure of where to start.
I’m your host, Elizabeth Ackerson, CEO, small business owner, board certified nurse practitioner, national speaker, ADHD survivor and thriver and mother of 3. Five years ago, with a big dream and a little bit of delusion I left a 6-figure corporate job and founded a business betting on myself. With a whole lot of guidance and experience gifted to me along the way from friends and acquaintances who are brilliant in life and experts in their own fields, I found a path to business success, freedom in creating the life I dreamt of and personal growth. I am a product of those who I’ve surrounded myself with and I want to you to be as well.
Call Her Boss is for all of you who want to be the CEO of your own story. In each episode we’ll dive into real-world advice from those making waves in their industries, practical tips, and inspiring stories to help you navigate your journey in betting on yourself and becoming the boss of your life.
Whether you’re striving for a fulfilling career, struggling with self-care and confidence, balancing family life, or seeking a stronger partnership, we’ve got you covered. Join us as we chat with experts and phenomenal women just like you who’ve overcome the same hurdles and hot mess you face. Together, we’ll tackle the challenges, debunk the myths, and find the motivation to turn your dreams into reality.
If you’re ready to rise above the self-doubt, step into your power and start creating the life you’ve always wanted, Call Her Boss is here to guide you every step of the way.
