What if the path to historic leadership isn't about fitting in, but about being so rooted in who you are that you become a force for change?

In this episode of Glass Ceilings and Sticky Floors, host Erica Rooney sits down with her friend, Heather Gray, the newly appointed VP and GM of Capitol Broadcasting Company's WRAL-TV and Fox 50. In a historic move, Heather is the first woman and the first person ever to unify the station's broadcast and digital platforms under a single leadership role.

Join them as they discuss Heather's journey through a male-dominated industry, the challenges and unexpected perks of motherhood in a 24/7 news cycle, and the critical importance of curiosity and self-worth in forging your own path to the top.

Inside the Episode:

• Making History: Heather shares what it feels like to be the first woman in a groundbreaking leadership role and the "mantle of responsibility" she feels to the women who follow her.
• Motherhood and Media: A candid conversation about navigating career momentum while raising a family in an industry built on demanding, non-traditional hours.
• The Power of Being "Different": Heather's insights on valuing her unique career path, which was not the "same as what came before," and how this difference became her greatest asset.
• You Are the Value: Heather's journey to becoming "so rooted in who I am" and why she no longer feels the need to prove her worth in the room.
• Raising Your Hand: The core value of curiosity and how asking questions—even when they're not well-received—has been a consistent track record of success.
• The Importance of Local News: A deep dive into why local journalism is a critical source of verified information and how it's adapting to a complex, connected world.
• On Mentorship: The story of a brave colleague who asked Heather to be her mentor and why taking on this role felt like a natural call to action.
  
  

If you're looking for inspiration to break through your own glass ceilings by fully owning your story and your unique path, this episode is a powerful guide.

🔗 Resources:

• Connect with Heather Gray and Erica Rooney on LinkedIn.
  
  

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What if the most critical skills for navigating the age of artificial intelligence aren't technical, but deeply human?

In this episode of Glass Ceilings and Sticky Floors, Erica Rooney sits down with Dr. Felicia Newhouse, a visionary leader and the host and founder of the AI Powered Women Conference. With her work at Business to Human, Dr. Newhouse is a passionate advocate for a human-centered approach to AI, championing diverse voices—especially women—to be at the forefront of its development and application.

Join them as they explore the urgent need for women to engage with AI, the common "sticky floors" that hold them back, and how to use technology to amplify our unique humanity rather than automate it away.

Inside the Episode:

• The Catalytic Shift: Dr. Newhouse's personal journey from AI product executive to an advocate for human-centered technology, driven by a concern for burnout and the accelerating pace of change.
• The Macro Problem: Why designing AI through a lens of speed and extraction risks automating ourselves out of empathy and ethics, and why businesses that slow down to ask the right questions will ultimately win.
• A "Sticky Floor" for Women: Discussing a recent Harvard study that found women are adopting AI tools at a 25% lower rate than men, driven by imposter syndrome, tech intimidation, and a fear of being perceived as "cheating."
• Yesterday's Soft Skills, Tomorrow's Hard Skills: Highlighting why emotional intelligence, critical thinking, and resilience are the top skills for 2025 and why organizations need to start training for them now.
• AI and Ancestral Intelligence: The importance of anchoring ourselves in uniquely human qualities—like intuition, creativity, and compassion—as we leverage AI to amplify our work.
• The Future for Our Kids: Dr. Newhouse shares her concerns about the mental health impacts of technology on the next generation and identifies human-centered professions that are likely to thrive.
• The Antidote to Cheating: Actionable advice for women on how to use AI responsibly for brainstorming, delegating low-leverage tasks, and magnifying their unique brilliance without compromising their integrity.

If you're ready to move past the fear and uncertainty of AI and step into your power as a leader in this new era, this episode is your guide.

🔗 Resources:

• Learn more about the AI Powered Women Conference at aipoweredwomen.com.
  
  
• Connect with Erica Rooney on LinkedIn.
  
  

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What if the moments that make you want to shrink or disappear are actually your greatest opportunities for growth?

In this solo episode of Glass Ceilings and Sticky Floors, host Erica Rooney gets real about the power of triggers. She reveals a truth that can transform your career: the discomfort, the hot face, and the gut punch you feel when challenged is not just an emotion—it's valuable data. When you learn to read and understand this data, you unlock one of the most powerful leadership tools in your arsenal.

Erica shares a personal story about a high-stakes training session and the feedback that initially triggered her deepest fears. By breaking down her own reaction in real-time, she illustrates how to turn those moments of discomfort into profound self-awareness, resilience, and unshakeable leadership presence.

Inside the Episode:

• The Trigger as Data: Understanding why your emotional reactions are not weaknesses to be suppressed, but powerful "post-it notes" from your brain telling you what matters.
• The "What If" Sticky Floor: Erica's personal story about a client feedback session that revealed her fear of "not being enough," and how she turned that vulnerability into strength.
• The SNAP Method: A powerful, step-by-step framework for turning gut-punch moments into gold:
  • Stop and Notice: The importance of pausing to observe your body's physical reactions.
  • Name the Trigger: How giving a voice to your fears—such as "not being enough"—helps you regain control.
  • Ask and Answer: The critical step of digging into the "why" behind your trigger.
  • Pivot: How to reframe the narrative from a perceived attack into a moment for growth.
• Building Unshakeable Presence: The link between self-awareness and better performance under pressure, faster professional growth, and handling feedback with grace.
• The Invitation to Grow: A call to action to see your triggers as invitations to grow, not signs of weakness.

If you're ready to stop suppressing your reactions and start using them as a roadmap for your growth, this episode is a must-listen.

🔗 Resources:

• Join Erica's private community, Her Collective, to get more tools like the SNAP method.
• Connect with Erica Rooney on LinkedIn.

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What if fear isn't just something to conquer, but a natural human experience that can be understood, managed, and even used to propel you forward?

In this episode of Glass Ceilings and Sticky Floors, Erica Rooney sits down with Dr. Mary Poffenroth, a groundbreaking scientist, fear and courage researcher, and author of the must-read book, Brave New You: Strategies, Tools, and Neuro Hacks to Live More Courageously Every Day. From her unique personal journey to her work at San Jose State University and NASA, Mary has dedicated her life to understanding how we can all do the scary things.

Join them as they explore the fascinating spectrum of fear and courage, offering practical strategies and "neuro hacks" to navigate anxiety, take courageous leaps, and truly rewrite the rules of what's possible in your life.

Inside the Episode:

• From Childhood to Science: Dr. Mary's personal origin story and how growing up in a household that suppressed "darker emotions" led her to scientifically study fear and courage.
• The Three Tiers of Fear: Understanding the biological, cultural, and personal roots of our fears, from universal anxieties to the limiting beliefs that hold us back.
• The Power of "Neuro Hacks": Discovering practical, in-the-moment tools to short-circuit fear spirals and regain calm, even in high-stress situations. Learn one of Mary's favorite "pinch the valley" techniques!
• The Many Faces of Courage: Exploring different types of courage, including physical, moral, social, intellectual, emotional, and existential courage, and how to identify where you can grow.
• Moral Courage in Action: Delving into what it means to live courageously by defending your North Star and standing up for what you believe is right, even at personal cost.
• Embracing Existential Courage: Why regularly choosing the least familiar path is a powerful act of courage, challenging the well-trodden road for a more adventurous life.
• The RAIN Method for Fear: Dr. Mary shares her unique framework to Recognize, Assign, Identify, and Navigate fear, helping you calm your system and regain control.

If you're ready to transform your relationship with fear and discover the courage to live a life of impact, adventure, and fulfillment, this episode is your essential guide.

🔗 Resources:

• Get free Neurohacking resources and the RAIN Method infographic at hellobravenewyou.com.
• Find Brave New You: Strategies, Tools, and Neuro Hacks to Live More Courageously Every Day wherever books are sold or here.
• Connect with Mary on LinkedIn.

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What if true leadership isn't just about hitting targets, but about aligning your deepest self with your highest impact?

In this episode of Glass Ceilings and Sticky Floors, Erica Rooney sits down with Dr. Benah Parker, an acclaimed executive performance coach, strategic advisor, and social psychologist. As the founder of Level 42 Consulting, Dr. Parker helps elite leaders and high performers move beyond the grind to achieve clarity, elevate their influence, and find profound alignment without compromising their authentic selves.

Together, they dive into Dr. Parker's groundbreaking Strategic Identity Shift framework, exploring how unconscious identities can hold us back and how intentionally shaping who we are can lead to unparalleled fulfillment and impact in both our professional and personal lives.

Inside the Episode:

• From Academia to Executive Coach: Dr. Parker's "aha moment" that transitioned her social psychology background into a unique approach to strategic leadership.
• The Strategic Identity Shift Framework: An in-depth look at the five "R" steps – Revealing, Reclaiming, Redefining, Reinforcing, and Radiating – to intentionally shape your identity for growth and impact.
• Challenging Unchosen Identities: Understanding how societal expectations and early life experiences can shape who we think we "should be," and how to break free.
• The Power of Perception: How shifting your focus and self-talk can open up new opportunities and change how you perceive the world around you.
• Clarity Amidst Complexity: Practical, immediate strategies for finding mental and emotional clarity when the world feels overwhelming, emphasizing the importance of physical well-being.
• Beyond the Job Title: How to evolve your identity as a leader without being consumed by your job, recognizing your inherent value beyond what you produce.
• The Future of Leadership: Dr. Parker's insights into the most critical quality for leaders to cultivate in the coming years: humanity and authentic presence.

If you're ready to break free from unfulfilling cycles and step into a leadership role that truly resonates with who you are at your core, this episode is your guide.

🔗 Resources:

• Learn more about Dr. Benah Parker and Level 42 Consulting.
• Connect with Dr. Benah Parker on LinkedIn

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What if the path to leadership in tech isn't just about technical skill, but about breaking down systemic barriers and fostering true inclusion?

In this episode of Glass Ceilings and Sticky Floors, Erica Rooney sits down with Anna Radulovski, CEO and founder of Coding Girls and co-founder of Global Innovation Catalyst. Anna is a dynamic force dedicated to empowering women and diverse leaders in tech through education, inspiration, and connection.

Together, they dive into the critical reasons behind the scarcity of women in tech, the nuances of allyship, and the importance of advocating for your worth. Anna shares invaluable insights from her new book, Chief in Tech, offering strategies for women to negotiate powerfully, join impactful boards, and leave a lasting legacy in the innovation economy.

Inside the Episode:

• The Root of the Problem: Exploring why so few women lean into tech, from early childhood influences to the lack of visible role models.
• Beyond the Numbers: Why diverse teams are more innovative and financially successful, and the challenges of changing entrenched systems.
• Effective Allyship: Practical advice for men and women on how to speak up against microaggressions and injustice in the workplace.
• Your Personal Board of Directors: The power of a trusted circle for honest feedback, expert advice, and crucial support in your career journey.
• Dreaming Without Borders: Cultivating the mindset that your worth is your birthright and embracing healthy entitlement to achieve your biggest aspirations.
• Negotiating Your Worth: Strategies for women to powerfully advocate for themselves in salary negotiations and career advancement.
• Making Boardroom Impact: Navigating different types of boards to drive change and build a legacy, beyond just public company boards.
• The 24-Hour Rule: A practical approach to managing highs and lows in your career and maintaining resilience through life's challenges.

If you're ready to break through self-imposed ceilings and lead with authenticity and impact in the tech world and beyond, this episode is your blueprint.

🔗 Resources:

• Find Anna Radulovski on LinkedIn (remember to include a personalized note with your connection request!)
• Discover her new book, Chief in Tech, available wherever books are sold. Check it out here!
• Connect with Erica Rooney on LinkedIn.

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What if the secret to navigating life's uncertainties isn't about finding quick answers, but about embracing the questions themselves?

In this episode of Glass Ceilings and Sticky Floors, Erica Rooney sits down with Elizabeth Weingarten, author of How to Fall in Love With Questions. Elizabeth's unique career path, spanning journalism, public policy, behavioral science, and tech, is driven by a lifelong curiosity about why people behave the way they do and how to design spaces where everyone can thrive.

Together, they dive into the art of embracing uncertainty by loving the questions—a liberating approach that moves beyond the often-unrealistic expectation of "embracing uncertainty" in difficult times. Elizabeth shares powerful strategies for navigating life's messy middles, from career pivots to personal crises, by reframing how we interact with the unknown.

Inside the Episode:

• The "Messy Middle": How curiosity has connected Elizabeth's non-linear career path across diverse fields.
• Beyond Embracing Uncertainty: Discovering why "loving the questions" offers a more authentic and liberating path forward.
• The Charlatans of Certainty: Identifying and avoiding sources that offer quick, often misleading, answers to deep personal questions.
• The "Questions Map": A powerful tool to identify, refine, and commit to the right questions for clarity and progress.
• Cultivating a Questions Practice: The four key elements—curiosity, conversation, community, and commitment—for transforming your relationship with uncertainty.
• Finding Courage in the Questions: How shared questions and community can provide the strength to move forward, even when answers are elusive.
• Redefining Self-Worth: A crucial question for women in particular: how to define your self-worth outside of achievements and accomplishments.

If you're ready to transform your anxieties about the unknown into a journey of deeper understanding and empowered action, this episode is your guide.

Connect with Elizabeth on LinkedIn or Buy Her Book Here!

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What if your professional reputation isn’t just about your resume, but about the story you tell?

In this episode of Glass Ceilings and Sticky Floors, Erica sits down with Lorraine K. Lee, a top-tier brand strategist and executive coach. Lorraine isn’t just talking about networking; she’s here to unpack how to authentically own your narrative, amplify your influence, and break through the "sticky floors" that keep many high-achieving women from fully leveraging their personal brand.

Together, they dive into the art of executive presence and how to move beyond generic career milestones to create a powerful, resonant personal brand that truly sets you apart.

Inside the episode:

• Why authenticity is the cornerstone of a powerful executive brand, and how to find yours
• Strategies for overcoming self-doubt and other "sticky floors" that hinder executive visibility
• The power of storytelling in shaping your professional narrative and making it memorable
• How to strike a balance between your professional persona and personal well-being
• Key advice for women aspiring to leadership roles on building a brand that propels them forward
• What the future holds for executive personal branding and how to stay ahead of the curve

If you're ready to transform your professional journey from a series of accomplishments into a compelling story of impact and influence, this episode is your guide.

🔗 Resources:
Find Lorraine Lee at https://lorraineklee.com/

Connect with | LinkedIn

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