Dani, Jess, Samantha, and Emily unpack what it really means to manage up and why it’s a crucial skill in any job. They share practical tips to align with leadership, communicate proactively, and cover your back if needed. Short, actionable, and perfect for anyone looking to level up their internal relationships.
This week, Dani, Jess, and Emily break down the madness of Q3/Q4. From the scramble to wrap deals before year end to the nonstop customer asks that hit all at once. We also talk about prepping for and presenting at Sales Kickoff: building presentations that connect, managing nerves, and teammates having your back. Quick, honest, and straight from the trenches.
In this episode, Emily, Jess and Dani delve into the complexities of coping with grief and personal challenges while maintaining professional responsibilities. These times can be especially difficult for women in their professional lives, because they are constantly balancing home and work life (and trying to be perfect at all of it).
At one time or another, we all experience some kind of personal turmoil while at work. Listen for the hosts' personal stories and practical strategies for navigating difficult times, emphasizing the importance of support systems, self-compassion, and open communication.
The conversation highlights the need for grace during tough periods and offers insights on how to create a supportive work environment for those dealing with loss or hardship.
Share this episode with someone you know who is going through a challenging time right now.
Emily, Sam, Dani and Jess return to discuss the significance of Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) in the workplace.
If you have experienced ERGs, how have they helped your professional career? The hosts share their personal experiences and insights on how these groups foster community, allyship, and career advancement.
They also explore key aspects of ERGs, including leadership connections and external engagement, and touch on the importance of visibility and support for underrepresented groups.
Then our hot seat question asks, "What is your most useless skill?" You may relate to the answers or have a unique one all on your own. Join us for this episode!
Samantha, Dani, Emily and Jess are back, focusing on the transition from remote work to returning to the office.
We can all relate to this, whether you're still remote or have been mandated back to the office. In this episode, we'll hear personal experiences about this topic, including the productivity shifts we experienced during the pandemic, and the importance of flexibility in work arrangements.
There are challenges and benefits, no matter what level you're at: leadership or entry-level.
We wrap up our conversation with a hot seat question about the fall season — with strong views about pumpkin spice lattes.
Emily, Jess, Dani and Samantha are back for season two of Front Porch Confidential. In this episode, they explore the nuances of personal branding by sharing their experiences and insights on how to cultivate an authentic brand that resonates both online and in the workplace.
They discuss the importance of self-awareness, networking, and the evolution of personal branding throughout your career — while keeping it authentic.
And everyone should be able to answer the hot seat question on the most embarassing song you have on your music streaming platform!
Welcome back to the Front Porch!
Why is Dani doing the final episode from her closet? As pretty as it is, it seems a bit unusual. That's how the final episode to Season One of Front Porch Confidential starts. And from there, Jess, Samantha, Emily and Dani it gets even better.
They reflect on their journey through the podcast's first season, sharing personal stories, some of their favorite moments, and the lessons learned along the way.
They discuss the importance of vulnerability, authenticity, and the unique perspectives they bring as professional women in the male-dominated tech industry.
The conversation moves into a deeper discussion about professional challenges and growth. They wrap up with a heartfelt appreciation for their listeners and the experiences they've shared together.
Don't worry, they'll be back for season two soon!
We have Dani, Samantha and Emily talking about whether appearances have an impact on a woman's career.
They delve into how makeup, hair, clothing, and overall attractiveness can influence perceptions, trust, and even salary in the workplace.
The conversation also touches on personal branding, the hidden costs of beauty, and offers advice for new graduates entering the corporate world.
Near the end we always have a fun hot seat question. This episodes is about pineapple on pizza, however, we can't overlook the pressing question at the top of the show, "What is a mumu?" — or is it moomoo? That one really got our hosts riled up!
Dani, Samantha, Jess and Emily are dive into the complexities of getting credit versus compensation as a professional woman.
The discussion highlights the emotional toll of not receiving credit for contributions and the significance of leadership in fostering a culture of appreciation. Listen for the personal anecdotes about gifts and gestures that build team morale. The group concludes that while financial rewards are important, the value of credit and recognition can have a lasting impact on job satisfaction and personal growth.
The hosts wrap up with their hot seat question, "What is the best gift you've ever received from a leader?"
Chapters
00:00 Navigating Credit vs. Compensation in Sales
02:01 The Role of Recognition in Team Dynamics
04:49 The Impact of Acknowledgment on Job Satisfaction
07:38 The Balance of Credit and Financial Reward
10:18 The Importance of Teamwork in Achieving Success
12:59 Celebrating Contributions: The Need for Recognition
16:05 The Value of Credit Over Compensation
18:33 Experiences of Being Overlooked in Team Success
21:27 The Emotional Toll of Not Receiving Credit
24:12 The Importance of Leadership in Acknowledgment
26:47 Navigating the Complexities of Team Credit
29:30 Gifts and Acknowledgments: Building Team Morale
32:10 The Power of Small Gestures in Team Dynamics
35:02 Final Thoughts: The Balance of Credit and Compensation
43:02 060825 FPC OutroVF.mp4
The Front Porch Confidential hosts get all nostalgic in this happy hour episode, which they recorded during their Knoxville trip.
This week, they steer away from your typical women-in-business discussions and tune into their favorite summer drinks, water activities, and nostalgic childhood memories about summer.
They discuss the joys of road trips, favorite summer destinations, and seasonal preferences, all while enjoying light-hearted banter and laughter.
The hot seat question is a big one: about your favorite ice cream truck treats.
Takeaways
Summer drinks can be refreshing and creative, with options like jalapeno tequila and Palomas.
Water activities vary from pools to rivers, each offering unique experiences.
Childhood summer memories often revolve around camping and family adventures.
Road trips were a common way for families to bond during summer vacations.
Travel preferences change with age, with some preferring to stay home during summer.
Italy is a favorite summer destination for its warm weather and vibrant culture.
Seasonal preferences can vary greatly, with some loving summer and others preferring fall.
Ice cream truck nostalgia brings back fond memories of childhood treats.
The conversation highlights the importance of summer traditions and family bonding.
Light-hearted banter makes for an engaging and enjoyable listening experience.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Light Banter
01:59 Summer Drinks and Preferences
06:11 Water Activities: Pools, Rivers, and Beaches
12:31 Childhood Summer Memories
19:01 Road Trips and Family Adventures
25:50 Favorite Summer Destinations
31:16 Seasonal Preferences and Reflections
32:50 Ice Cream Truck Favorites and Nostalgia
Emily is still the host of all the hosts this week as they record at her home in Knoxville, Tennessee. In this episode, Emily, Dani, Samantha and Jess discuss the value of pursuing an MBA.
Does it help in today's job market? It may depend on the kind of work you do.
They share personal experiences and insights on the decision-making process, costs, and potential returns on investment.
They explore the changing landscape of MBA programs, including the rise of online education and alternative options for professional development. The discussion emphasizes the importance of research and understanding the current job market when considering an MBA.
The hot seat question? Have you ever been kicked out of anything?
Takeaways
The average cost of an MBA is around $75,000.
Many professional women pursue MBAs to advance their careers or switch fields.
The job market significantly impacts the value of an MBA.
Online MBAs are becoming more common, with an average age of 34 for students.
Networking opportunities are crucial for MBA graduates.
Many companies offer tuition reimbursement for advanced degrees.
The perceived value of an MBA can vary by industry.
Specialized programs like mini MBAs can be valuable alternatives.
Researching schools and programs is essential before committing.
Personal experiences with MBAs can vary widely based on individual circumstances.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Technical Setup
00:06 The Value of an MBA in Today's Economy
00:58 Personal Experiences with MBA Programs
04:14 The Decision to Pursue an MBA
06:51 Cost and Return on Investment of an MBA
09:51 The Changing Landscape of MBA Value
12:26 Alternatives to Traditional MBA Programs
15:06 Final Thoughts on MBA Pursuit
27:32 Conclusion and Reflections
Emily hosts Dani, Jess and Samantha in Knoxville for the first of three episodes where the hosts are together in Tennessee.
They discuss their experiences of an adventure-filled trip to Knoxville, dealing with flight cancellations, last-minute car rentals, celebrating a birthday, and visiting Dollywood.
They delve into the challenges of multitasking, discussing personal anecdotes and insights on productivity, prioritization, and the differences in multitasking abilities between genders.
The episode wraps up with our hot seat question, this one specifically tailored to the hosts.
Takeaways
Chapters
00:00 Cocktails and Conversations
02:56 Travel Tales and Birthday Celebrations
05:29 Dollywood Adventures
08:47 Multitasking: The Balancing Act
11:34 Prioritization and Productivity
14:48 The Myth of Multitasking
17:34 Generational Perspectives on Multitasking
20:43 Navigating Work Interruptions
23:36 Men vs. Women: Multitasking Differences
26:40 Favorite Moments from Knoxville
29:17 Dairy Queen Adventures
In this engaging podcast episode, the hosts discuss the art of creating relatable demos through a limbic opening. The conversation also touches on the significance of audience research and using humor and personal stories to connect emotionally with listeners. If you haven't tried or heard of a limbic opening for your presentations, this episode is for you.
And in the hot seat, our question is, when have you ever inappropriately laughed at something...Our hosts have some very detailed stories here.
Summary
Dani, Sam, Emily and Jess travel A LOT for work. So of course they have some tales from the road.
They discuss their experiences with work travel, sharing personal anecdotes, tips, and challenges they face. They explore the importance of maintaining routines, the stress of demos, and the humorous horror stories that come with travel. The discussion also includes practical travel hacks and a fun segment in the 'hot seat' where they answer light-hearted questions, wrapping up with insights on how to navigate the complexities of work-related travel effectively.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Setting the Scene
03:46 Travel Experiences and Challenges
08:28 Work Travel Dynamics
13:11 Travel Tips and Tricks
17:58 Flight Preferences and Anecdotes
18:18 Navigating the Demands of Travel in Sales
22:35 Strategies for Efficient Travel Planning
25:12 Maximizing Productivity While Traveling
27:47 Horror Stories from the Road
33:51 Tips and Tricks for Stress-Free Travel
Emily, Jess and Dani explore various themes surrounding leadership, mentorship, and personal experiences in the workplace.
They discuss the importance of good leadership styles, the dynamics of gender in leadership roles, and the significance of empowering colleagues. The conversation includes personal anecdotes, humor, and reflections on their own experiences with managers and mentors, ultimately highlighting the value of supportive leadership in professional growth.
The hot seat question leads Dani and Emily to wonder if the singular version of pantyhose is "pantyhoe" 🤔. Now you gotta listen, right?
This week, Dani, Emily and Jess discuss the evolution of workplace culture, the significance of stock options and restricted stock units (RSUs), and the implications of employee stock purchase plans (ESPP).
The conversation also touches on the challenges of negotiating compensation and the importance of understanding the value of stock in both private and public companies. It's critical conversation for professional women navigating promotions and compensation.
The episode wraps up with our hot seat question: What's the weirdest nickname you've ever been called?
Another friend of the pod joins us for this candid discussion the challenges of setting boundaries at work, particularly for women. They discuss the guilt associated with people-pleasing, societal pressures, and the fear of negative repercussions when asserting boundaries. The discussion also covers the different types of boundaries — physical, mental, and emotional — and how to navigate the ebb and flow of work demands. The role of technology in blurring work-life lines is also examined, along with strategies for accountability and managing overwhelm through techniques like brain dumping.
As for the hot seat question: Dani, Jess, Emily, Samantha and Nina answer the question, What is the emoji that defines you? 🤔
Emily, Dani and Jess are on deck for this episode discussing whether work laptops should go on vacation with you or not.
The conversation surrounds the importance of setting boundaries and managing work expectations in your professional career while enjoying personal time.
Jess, Dani and Emily share personal anecdotes about travel mishaps in this week's hot seat question, as well as unexpected adventures, highlighting the importance of taking time off and the lessons learned from their experiences.
Dani, Samantha and Jess hold down the fort while Emily is out. They discuss the significance of exit interviews in the workplace, sharing personal experiences and insights on how they can be valuable for both employees and employers.
From their perspective as women in the software industry, they explore the reasons behind employee resignations, the role of HR in conducting exit interviews, and the importance of self-advocacy during career transitions, highlighting the need for effective communication and documentation to ensure that feedback is taken seriously and can lead to positive changes within organizations.
The hosts explore how management impacts employee retention and the significance of effective communication during transitions. The discussion also touches on personal experiences with burning bridges and creative strategies for saving money, providing insights into both professional and personal growth.
As for the hot seat question: What's the weirdest thing they've done to save money?
The hosts are back for another birthday and this time happy hour is involved!
It's Samantha's big day and they have some fun talking about aging an midlife crises to get things started.
Later, Samantha dives into more questions for Dani, Jess and Emily. They explore the idea of if they could invite anyone to dinner who would it be. The discussion shifts to imagining a life of abundance and the freedom it brings, culminating in a deep dive into the advice they would give their future selves.
Emily, Jess, Dani and Samantha reflect on their personal journeys, exploring themes of identity, memory, self-judgment, and confidence with a fresh batch of new random questions from Sam. They share insights on the evolution of memory keeping in the digital age, the importance of patience and self-compassion, and the challenges of making difficult life decisions.
The hot seat question ends up being two! The first one was great, but deep. So they added a fun one to wrap up the episode.
PS — If you like this episode and want more, the gals tackled the first round of "Uncomfortable Questions" in Episode 6!