The Unapologetic Edge with Dr. Shans

Brain fog isn’t just frustrating - it’s costing women leaders their edge at work. It shows up as scattered focus, heavier decisions, and that creeping loop of second-guessing. The issue isn’t ambition. It’s brain health. In this episode, Dr. Shans reveals why brain health is the ultimate career advantage. You’ll hear the story of a high-achieving leader who thought leaving her role would bring rel...

In this episode of The Unapologetic EDGE™, Dr. Shans takes aim at one of the most quietly destructive career myths out there: that climbing the ladder is the only path to success. If you’ve been hesitating on your next move, side-eying job boards, or wondering why every “opportunity” feels like a step backward—you’re not confused. The model is broken. You’ll learn how to: Recognize why non-traditi...

In Episode 24 of The Unapologetic EDGE™, Dr. Shans unpacks one of the most misunderstood challenges for women in leadership: work-life balance. If you’ve ever found yourself saying, “I should be able to handle this,” while holding up your team, your household, and your sanity—this episode is your reset. Discover why the real issue isn’t your schedule—it’s the misalignment between what the world ex...

In Episode 23 of The Unapologetic EDGE™, Dr. Shans pulls back the curtain on a moment every woman leader knows too well: the reflexive yes. If you’ve ever found yourself agreeing to “just one more thing” while running on fumes, this episode breaks down why it happens—and how to stop handing over your power on autopilot. Discover what neuroscience says about stress, decision fatigue, and the amygda...

In Episode 22 of The Unapologetic EDGE™, Dr. Shans unpacks a question that quietly haunts a lot of high-achieving women: "What if I’ve been chasing the wrong things? What if I’ve been pursuing the wrong things?” If that dissonance you feel – the tug between what looks successful on your resume and what feels meaningful – isn’t a flaw but a signal, this episode is a wake-up call. We’re talking abou...

In Episode 21 of The Unapologetic EDGE™, Dr. Shans gets real about the hidden cost of pressure. If you’ve ever sprinted from one milestone to the next, hoping life would get easier when the deadline passes or the chaos calms down, this episode is for you. Discover why the pressure isn’t a flaw in your time management — it’s a feature of systems built to maximize your output and erase your needs. L...

In Episode 20 of The Unapologetic EDGE™, Dr. Shans tackles a hidden challenge every ambitious woman faces: the identity shift that comes with leveling up. If you’ve ever hit a new milestone and felt more lost than empowered, this episode is your permission slip to stop questioning yourself and start understanding the real process behind growth. Discover why self-doubt, uncertainty, and feeling "ou...

In Episode 19 of The Unapologetic EDGE™, Dr. Shans unpacks a hard truth for high-achieving women: sometimes, the most powerful leaders are the ones no one sees. If you’ve ever done everything right — delivered results, led through chaos, stayed late, and still felt overlooked — this episode is your wake-up call and your permission slip. Visibility isn’t a personality trait. It’s a leadership skill...

In Episode 18 of The Unapologetic EDGE™, Dr. Shans dives into what so many high-achieving women are feeling right now—but struggling to name: stalled momentum. You’re not lazy. You’re not broken. You’ve just outgrown the outdated playbook that got you here. If you’ve been asking yourself, “Why does this feel off?”—this episode gives you clarity and forward motion. You’ll learn: The five hidden cha...

Time: 26:00 In Episode 17 of The Unapologetic EDGE , Dr. Shans unpacks a reality every woman in leadership knows but rarely talks about: the Invisible Load —the unspoken mental, emotional, and cognitive weight that makes leadership for women a different playing field. If you’ve ever felt exhausted by leadership but couldn’t quite explain why, this episode is for you. Women are expected to handle t...

Time: 14:54 In Episode 16 of The Unapologetic EDGE, Dr. Shans dives into a challenging topic for women leaders: Perfectionism. If you’ve ever felt like you have to be flawless just to be seen as competent, this episode is your wake-up call. Perfectionism isn’t about high standards—it’s a confidence trap reinforced by workplace double standards and unwritten rules. Discover why perfectionism keeps...

Time: 13:14 In Episode 15 of The Unapologetic EDGE, Dr. Shans dives into a transformative concept for women leaders: The Strategic Pause. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by endless to-do lists or stuck in a cycle of constant busyness, this episode is your guide to stepping back and focusing on what truly matters. Discover why busyness isn’t the same as productivity and how pausing to say yes to th...

Time: 18:41 In Episode 14 of The Unapologetic EDGE , Dr. Shans dives into a game-changing topic for women leaders: trust. If you’ve ever felt hesitant to speak up, guarded in meetings, or like you’re constantly bracing yourself in certain environments, this episode unpacks what’s really going on beneath the surface. It’s not just about self-doubt—it’s about how trust, or the lack of it, shapes you...

Time: 21:38 In Episode 13 of The Unapologetic EDGE , Dr. Shans tackles a powerful topic for women leaders: Imposter Syndrome. If you’ve ever questioned your success or felt like you don’t belong, this episode is your guide to shutting down self-doubt and stepping into your confidence. Discover why imposter syndrome is more about the environment than your abilities and how to take back control. Lea...

Time: 10:15 In Episode 12 of The Unapologetic EDGE , Dr. Shans takes on a critical challenge for women leaders: Visibility and Recognition. If you’ve ever felt like your hard work is going unnoticed, this episode is your blueprint for being seen and valued. Discover why delivering results isn’t enough and how managing your perception can transform your leadership presence. Learn how to: Position y...

Time: 11:24 In Episode 11 of The Unapologetic EDGE , Dr. Shans dives into a transformative concept for women leaders: Aligned Success. If you’ve ever felt stuck chasing someone else’s definition of success, this episode is your wake-up call. Discover why traditional success metrics—like bigger titles and higher salaries—often leave us unfulfilled and how aligning your goals with your values and st...

Time: 21:54 In Episode 10 of The Unapologetic EDGE , Dr. Shans takes on a silent saboteur that holds too many leaders back: overthinking . If you’ve ever replayed conversations in your head, second-guessed a choice, or hesitated on a decision while waiting for the perfect solution—this one’s for you. Discover why overthinking happens (hint: it’s your brain’s misguided attempt to help), how it impa...

Time: 13:12 In Episode 9 of  The Unapologetic EDGE , Dr. Shans tackles the myths and mindsets that keep women leaders stuck in the burnout cycle. If you’ve ever worn exhaustion as a badge of honor, this one’s for you. Learn why burnout isn’t a sign of dedication—it’s a signal that something is out of alignment. Dr. Shans The real causes of burnout (hint: it’s not just long hours). The myths t...

Time: 9:13 In Episode 8 of The Unapologetic EDGE , Dr. Shannan Simms breaks down the sneaky ways women leaders play small and shows you how to lead boldly and unapologetically. You’ll learn why shrinking isn’t just a “you” problem—it impacts your team and organization. Discover how to own your strengths, say no strategically, and reframe rejection. Explore five bold moves to step into leadership w...

Time: 12:37 In Episode 7 of  The Unapologetic EDGE , Dr. Shans takes on a challenge every woman leader faces: the art of saying no. In her signature mix of real talk, practical strategies, and unapologetic insights, she dives into why setting boundaries isn’t selfish—it’s essential. If you’re tired of feeling overcommitted, overwhelmed, or weighed down by guilt every time you set limits, this...

Time: 13:40 In Episode 6 of The Unapologetic EDGE , Dr. Shannan Simms tackles the beautiful, chaotic mess of the holiday season with her signature blend of humor, real talk, and practical leadership insights. From navigating work deadlines and family dynamics to managing the pressure of picture-perfect expectations, this episode is your guide to keeping your cool when the holiday heat is on. Disco...

Time: 9:16 In Episode 5 of  The Unapologetic EDGE , Dr. Shannan Simms turns a family trip to Disney World into a masterclass on leadership. From navigating four generations through crowds and chaos to managing expectations when reality doesn’t match the plan, this episode is packed with insights, humor, and practical takeaways for leaders at every level. Discover four essential leadership les...

Time: 15:24 In Episode 4 of The Unapologetic EDGE podcast, Dr. Shannan Simms dives into the power of a leadership mindset, showing how it transcends titles to influence, inspire, and drive change from any position. Discover the three transformative benefits of adopting a leadership mindset—resilience, purpose-driven thinking, and empowerment—and hear how Dr. Shannan shaped her own career by leadin...

Time: 15:54 In this episode of The Unapologetic EDGE podcast, Dr. Shannan Simms breaks down the real causes of burnout, going beyond overwork to reveal the impact of misalignment in our values, strengths, and goals. Discover how this misalignment fuels burnout, why it often goes unnoticed, and how to bring your career back in sync with what truly drives you. Dr. Shannan shares her own story of hit...

Time: 12:51 In Episode 2 of The Unapologetic EDGE podcast , Dr. Shannan Simms explores why women often feel compelled to apologize—even when it’s unnecessary—and the impact this habit has on leadership. Discover the origins of the “apology trap,” why it’s more common among women, and practical strategies to communicate with authority without over-apologizing. If you’re ready to shift from apologet...