The Elegant Warrior with Heather Hansen

Heather Hansen takes on a question from listener Molly, who asked about two challenges many professionals face: How to think big-picture and work toward career advancement without getting bogged down in day-to-day responsibilities. How to stay in the know across a large organization and use that knowledge to broaden personal and team perspectives. Heather combines these into one powerful conversat...

In today's episode, Heather speaks with Anna Crowe, founder and CEO of Crowe PR, about the real meaning of authenticity in leadership and life. Anna's journey from auditor at a Big Four accounting firm to leading a bi-coastal PR agency gives her a unique perspective on building trust, showing up genuinely, and leading with transparency. Together, they unpack why authenticity is more than just a bu...

In this fiery and insightful episode, Heather Hansen takes a bold stand against one-size-fits-all communication advice — especially the kind coming from male experts that simply doesn't work for women. With decades of experience in advocacy, law, and coaching, Heather breaks down why advice from well-meaning male voices like Jefferson Fisher and Vin Gang may actually backfire for women in real-lif...

In this powerful episode, Heather responds to a heartfelt question from listener Natalie, who is navigating life with a chronic illness that others often misunderstand. Natalie asks how to advocate for herself without sounding like she's complaining — a question that resonates with so many living with invisible pain. Through personal stories, insights from neuroscience and psychology, and actionab...

In this engaging conversation, Heather Hansen speaks with Dr. John Antonakis, a leading expert on the science of charisma. They explore the definition of charisma, its importance in leadership and influence, and how it can be learned. Dr. Antonakis shares insights from his research, including studies on the impact of charisma on performance and the role of cognitive empathy in effective communicat...

In this episode, Heather answers a heartfelt question from a listener named Z about people-pleasing Heather breaks down the root of resentment that often comes from saying "yes" too often — and receiving "no" in return. Through relatable stories and actionable guidance, she empowers listeners to advocate for themselves with confidence and grace.   In this empowering episode, you'll learn: The Rese...

In this episode, Heather introduces "Credible Charisma™" as a key to becoming irreplaceable in a world where many feel replaceable due to the rise of AI and other technological advancements. She shares personal experiences and introduces a framework to help listeners cultivate this essential quality. In this insightful episode, you'll learn: The Fear of Being Replaceable: The speaker addresses the...

In this episode, Heather introduces a previously recorded conversation with Judge Rosemary Aquilina from December 30, 2019. This re-release serves as an introduction to Judge Aquilina before she and Heather launch their new podcast, "Undeniable," in August. The episode highlights Judge Aquilina's impactful role in the Larry Nassar case and her unique approach to justice, emphasizing listening and...

In today's episode, Heather Hansen answers a listener's question from Mary, a woman over 50 who is struggling to find a job and feeling replaced by younger generations. This episode is not only for those in a similar situation but also for anyone who believes something they want is impossible, or who is concerned about artificial intelligence impacting their career. Heather emphasizes that the roo...

AI is about to change everything—except what makes you irreplaceable. As artificial intelligence evolves, it's taking over tasks rooted in logic, data, and even decision-making. But there's one thing it can't replicate: human energy—and women have mastered it for generations. In this episode, Heather Hansen (trial attorney, keynote speaker, and communications consultant) reveals: ✅ Why AI makes y...

In this powerful return to The Elegant Warrior, Heather Hansen shares why she's reviving the podcast after a heartfelt farewell seven months ago. With honesty, emotion, and insight, she explores the deeper reasons behind her comeback—from honoring her late father to responding to a rising tide of anger in our culture. Heather invites listeners to trade frustration for delight and introduces an exc...

Who is your jury? You have one. Your jury is anyone you want to influence and persuade. Your jury is the person/people who give you your wins.  And a jury's job is not to judge. A jury's job is to listen and to choose what to believe. Your job is to know your jury and give them something to believe.    In this episode, you will learn: -How to recognize that you have a jury and to start identifying...

In today's episode, Heather talks to Marcia Dawood about angel investing and what it means for you. Marcia has been an angel investor for over a decade. She is the author of Doing Good While Doing Well and hosts The Angel Next Door podcast . She's Chair Emeritus of the Angel Capital Association and a founding member of their Growing Women's Capital Group. Marcia is a member of Golden Seeds, one of...

In this exciting episode, Heather welcomes back Ruth Gotian. This time, Ruth shares insights from her latest book, The Financial Times Guide to Mentoring: A Complete Guide to Effective Mentoring . Heather and Ruth discuss how mentees can advocate for themselves and highlight their accomplishments. They explore the importance of networking in mentorship, share practical strategies for finding the r...

In today's episode, Heather chats with Siobhan McHale, author of " The Hive Mind at Work-Harnessing the Power of Group Intelligence to Create Meaningful and Lasting Change ".    Siobhan shares how her childhood interest in bees led her to see the similarities and differences between group dynamics at work and how bees work together. She shares how she's used this new way of looking at group intell...

Today, you'll hear from workplace performance expert and author Henna Pryor about her book " Good Awkward: How to Embrace the Embarrassing and Celebrate the Cringe to Become the Bravest You. " In this insightful conversation, Henna and Heather delve into the nuances of awkwardness and embarrassment, the importance of self-awareness, and the role of reframing negative experiences.   In this episode...

Heather talks to  Willie Pietersen about his book  "Leadership: The Inside Story" They discuss the transformative power of asking the right questions and how storytelling can elevate leadership practices.  Willie Pietersen is a seasoned consultant for CEOs and teaches at Columbia University.  In this insightful episode, you'll learn:  How Evolution, Philosophy, and Astrophysics Influence Leadershi...

This week Heather and Jodi are in a heartfelt conversation about Jodi's book "You Only Die Once: How to Make It to the End with No Regrets", and the importance of living with intention and urgency in light of mortality. They explored themes such as Memento Mori, personal specialness, and the impact of habits on zest for life.    Jodi Wellman has a Master of Applied Positive Psychology from the Uni...

Heather devotes a lot of podcast episodes to the power of belief. Today, she will share how that power has impacted her life. You'll learn how your belief can be a foundation for achieving goals across various life stages.  In this amazing episode, you'll discover:  Introduction and Personal Reflection -  In the introduction, Heather shares anecdotes that set the stage for her journey. She discuss...

In today's episode, I'm diving into the incredible role belief plays in achieving success—whether financially, professionally, or personally. Drawing from my own experience as a trial attorney in Philadelphia, I've seen firsthand how belief can be a major driver of financial outcomes. I've witnessed how deeply believing in yourself and your goals can transform not only your career but also your en...

If you want to learn how to believe in yourself and all that's possible for you, you need to join the Belief Builders' Academy. If you want to learn how to get others to believe in you and your value, you need to join the Belief Builders' Academy. In today's episode, Heather talks to two BBA members and they share their experiences.  In this conversation, Debbie and Amy share what they've learned...

You may believe in the power of delight and know that when you use delight well, you win. But now the question is-HOW do you find that delight? In this episode, Heather shares three ways to find delight when you need it.  In this episode, you'll discover: The difference between delight and joy. Understand why delight is a more accessible and powerful emotion. The three pillars of delight. Learn th...

Heather is always focused on asking for what you want with delight. But why is delight so important?  In this engaging episode, Heather sheds light on what delight is, why it's crucial, and how it helps us to reach goals and influence people. She will also highlight how delight serves as a powerful tool in many areas of life. In this episode, you'll explore:  The Difference Between Delight and Joy...

We might think only salespeople are selling, but we're all selling in different ways every day. In this episode, Heather and Danielle talk about how to sell with joy and why believing in what you're offering is key to success. They show how a positive mindset can help you sell more effectively. Danielle is the Co-Founder and CEO of Scrunch , a global membership for marketers, and the Founder of SP...

Don't miss the opportunity to join the Belief Builders' Academy! The waitlist is here.  We're often told to "believe in yourself," but rarely are we shown how to do it. That ends today. In this transformative episode, Heather unveils the three secrets to cultivating delightful confidence—the kind of confidence that uplifts you and attracts positivity into your life. In this episode, you'll discove...