In this episode, Mary Sullivan, co-founder of Sweet but Fearless, talks with Deanna Dolecki and Ashley Ruggeri from Blue Duck Agency about the ever-changing world of marketing, branding, and the importance of having healthy debates in the workplace.

For more than two decades, Blue Duck Agency has helped brands grow through innovative marketing strategies. Deanna and Ashley share how their team approaches marketing as more than just promotion, it's about building partnerships, understanding audiences, and creating long-term impact.

Mary, Deanna, and Ashley also discuss the importance of adapting to today's fast-moving marketing landscape and finding creative ways for brands to stand out in a crowded digital world. Whether you're an entrepreneur, business leader, or simply curious about modern marketing strategies, this conversation offers practical insights and inspiration for growing your brand with intention.

ABOUT DEANNA DOLECKI, ASHLEY RUGGERI, AND BLUE DUCK AGENCY:
LinkedIn – Blue Duck Agency
LinkedIn – Deanna Dolecki
LinkedIn – Ashley Ruggeri
Website – Blue Duck Agency
Podcast – Ducks Unplugged

ABOUT SWEET BUT FEARLESS:
Website - Sweet but Fearless
LinkedIn - Sweet but Fearless

In this episode, Mary Sullivan, co-founder of Sweet but Fearless, talks with Nicole Johnston, Founder of Innate Power and author of Taboo Topics: Things Women Should Talk About, But Don't, about the hidden rules of executive leadership and the conversations women are too often expected to avoid. From workplace sexism and perfectionism to burnout, menopause, financial stress, and the pressure to "have it all," Nicole shares why these topics deserve more open discussion.

The conversation also dives into the invisible dynamics of leadership visibility. Women often miss out on the unspoken networking opportunities that happen behind closed doors, on golf courses, or in informal gatherings where influence and relationships are built.

Nicole explains why promotions are often based more on leadership perception than simply completing tasks, and why women frequently find themselves carrying the bulk of non-promotable work.

Mary and Nicole also discuss the importance of building the right support system throughout your career: a coach who talks with you, a mentor who talks to you, and a sponsor who talks for you when opportunities arise.

ABOUT NICOLE JOHNSTON:
Website – Innate Power
LinkedIn – Nicole Johnston
Book: Taboo Topics: Things Women Should Talk About, But Don't

ABOUT SWEET BUT FEARLESS:
Website - Sweet but Fearless
LinkedIn - Sweet but Fearless

In this episode, Mary Sullivan, co-founder of Sweet but Fearless, talks with Julie Ellis about her remarkable entrepreneurial journey, from co-founding Mabel's Labels to becoming an author, coach, speaker, and leadership coach focused on helping others create meaningful success.

Julie discusses the relationships and mindset shifts that often separate people who achieve big things from those who remain stuck. Through her methodology centered around systems, processes, and people, she explains why sustainable success requires more than hustle alone. The conversation also explores how entrepreneurs can identify roadblocks, evaluate whether they're spending their time wisely, and make intentional changes that move them forward.

As the author of "Big Gorgeous Goals," Julie also shares why we all need big gorgeous goals, the kind that feel exciting, uncomfortable, and even a little scary. Unlike the safe, tidy goals we know we can accomplish, these are the goals that stretch us, keep us awake at night, and challenge us to believe we are capable of more than we imagined.

ABOUT JULIE ELLIS:
Website – Julie Ellis & Co
LinkedIn – Julie Ellis
Book - "Big Gorgeous Goals" and "Big Gorgeous Goals Workbook"
FREE – CEO Bottleneck mini course

ABOUT SWEET BUT FEARLESS:
Website - Sweet but Fearless
LinkedIn - Sweet but Fearless

In this episode, Mary Sullivan, co-founder of Sweet but Fearless, talks with Johanna Danaher, founder of Anchor to Aspire, for a thoughtful conversation on what it really means to lead with intention and energy leadership. Together, they explore human-centered design in leadership, starting with one simple but often overlooked skill: listening to understand. Johanna challenges leaders to go beyond surface-level responses (like "fine" aka feelings inside not expressed) and instead create space for honesty and connection.

They also dive into Energy Leadership, how you're fueled each day, how your energy impacts those around you, and why your emotional awareness is a leadership skill, not a weakness. Through tools like the Energy Leadership Index, Johanna helps leaders better understand the connection between mindset, emotion, and performance.

This episode is a reminder to slow down, embrace the power of the pause, and create intentional space for change. Because how you lead starts with how you show up.

ABOUT JOHANNA DANAHER:
Website – Anchor to Aspire
LinkedIn – Johanna Danaher

ABOUT SWEET BUT FEARLESS:
Website - Sweet but Fearless
LinkedIn - Sweet but Fearless

In this episode, Mary Sullivan, co-founder of Sweet but Fearless, talks with Bridget Sicsko, Brand Strategist, Speaker, and Consultant, for a conversation on building a brand that actually reflects who you are and what you want to be known for.

They dig into a simple but often overlooked question: when someone lands on your LinkedIn or website, is it immediately clear who you are and what you stand for? Bridget shares how taking a thoughtful audit of your digital presence can help you shape the narrative you want others to see and why clarity is the foundation of any strong personal brand.

As co-founder of Visibility on Purpose and host of the Visibility Era podcast, Bridget breaks down how to develop your brand voice, use storytelling to elevate your message, and leverage social media for visibility, even with little to no budget. She also reminds us that every experience, whether a win or a setback, offers lessons that can strengthen your brand story.

This episode is a practical and empowering guide for anyone ready to show up with intention, refine their message, and build a brand that opens doors.

ABOUT BRIDGET SICSKO:
Website – Visibility on Purpose
LinkedIn – Bridget Sicsko
Podcast – Visibility Era

ABOUT SWEET BUT FEARLESS:
Website - Sweet but Fearless
LinkedIn - Sweet but Fearless

In this episode, Mary Sullivan, co-founder of Sweet but Fearless, talks with Carmell Clark, Executive Coach and Vision Strategist, for a conversation about trusting yourself, leaning into your strengths, and doing work that truly fulfills you. Carmell shares how paying attention to what energizes you can help guide better choices in both career and life, and why meaningful change starts from within. It's an inspiring reminder to stop waiting and start creating the future you want now.

Carmell is the founder of the Center for Transformational Influence (CTI), an organization that works globally across sectors to help companies and entrepreneurs build sustainable success through greater self-actualization and gender equity.

ABOUT CARMELL CLARK:
Website - Carmell Clark
LinkedIn - Carmell Clark
Upcoming Books -
"Professional Woman's Guide to Radical Self-Acceptance"
"The Art of Discovering Who You Are"

ABOUT SWEET BUT FEARLESS:
Website - Sweet but Fearless
LinkedIn - Sweet but Fearless

In this episode, Mary Sullivan, co-founder of Sweet but Fearless, talks with Corinne Gavlinski, CEO and Founder of The GAV Group, about what it really takes to lead with intention in high-pressure environments.

With over two decades of experience in financial services and health tech, Corinne shares how she built and scaled commercial teams while navigating demanding growth goals and constant pressure. But it was a personal loss that sparked a deeper reflection, shifting how she saw herself as a leader and how she shows up for others.

Together, they explore the importance of lifting up your team, having meaningful development conversations, and staying aware of your impact as a leader. Corinne also introduces her XTR (Executive Table Read) methodology and unpacks the concept of "lazy leadership", those moments when distraction pulls you away from your intentions.

This conversation is a powerful reminder to stay present, lead with purpose, and take a bet on yourself.

ABOUT SWEET BUT FEARLESS:
Website - Sweet but Fearless
LinkedIn - Sweet but Fearless

In this episode, Mary Sullivan, co-founder of Sweet but Fearless, talks with Janet Kintner, a pioneering lawyer and judge who helped break barriers in San Diego, California, while raising three children and managing a full and busy home life. In this candid conversation, Janet reflects on her groundbreaking career, including the pivotal moment in 1978 when she was forced to run in an election to keep her judicial seat.

Janet shares her experiences navigating law school, the challenges of working in a male-dominated field, and the resilience it took to keep moving forward. She also opens up about writing her first memoir after years of contributing to legal articles, and the people who supported her along the way.

Through it all, Janet emphasizes the importance of recognizing your worth, letting go of perfection, and building a strong community of support. Her story is a powerful reminder that persistence, self-belief, and using your voice can open doors and that you deserve your place at the table.