In this episode, Natalie and Angela cozy up after the holiday whirlwind to chat about traditions, growth, and the ever‑relatable Nice Girl Syndrome. They dig into how generational conditioning shapes the way women show up in the world—and how media role models can nudge us toward being bolder, braver, and more ourselves at work and beyond.

Together, they unpack the awkward, empowering, and sometimes hilarious process of learning to speak with confidence, set boundaries, and see challenges as invitations to grow. And as the New Year approaches, they share the rituals and intentions that help them step into the next chapter with clarity and heart.

Episode highlights:

• Holiday season: survived, celebrated, and full of stories worth sharing

• Growing awareness of our Nice Girl tendencies—and what to do with that insight

• Realizing we’re not alone when we talk openly about our experiences

• How generational patterns quietly shape our self‑perception

• Why media representation matters for women finding their voice professionally

• Building confidence in tough conversations (one imperfect attempt at a time)

• Reframing challenges as growth opportunities

• Embracing personal development as an ongoing, evolving journey

• Welcoming the New Year with reflection, intention, and a fresh sense of possibility

In this engaging conversation, Natalie and Angela explore the complexities of communication, particularly focusing on the challenges faced by women in expressing themselves assertively.

They discuss the 'Nice Girl Syndrome,' societal expectations, and the importance of setting boundaries. Through personal anecdotes and reflections, they highlight the need for women to embrace assertiveness while maintaining kindness.

Their conversation also touches on the idea of holding both men and women accountable for their interactions. The girls conclude with actionable strategies for setting boundaries using a "script" they create that will help them sound more assertive while still coming across as polite or kind.

Baby steps!!!

Angela and Natalie spend the first few minutes talking about their Thanksgiving shenanigans, which include pantyhose bowling and a rather large Saran wrap ball full of lip balm and dollar bills.

The girls then discuss the importance of finding one's voice in everyday situations. They explore the challenges faced by individuals, particularly women, in asserting themselves and speaking up when necessary.

Their discussion highlights the societal pressures that often lead to self-censorship and the need for confidence in communication.

They end with challenging each other this week to listen for moments in conversation where they should speak up instead of not saying anything for fear of sounding rude or too assertive. If it's warranted, speak up and say something!

We hope you enjoy our podcast and please remember to follow us! (Thank you!)

A few key take-aways:

• There are many opportunities to use our voice in daily life.
• Women often fear sounding rude when speaking up.
• Societal norms can hinder self-expression.
• It's important to assert oneself in conversations.
• Confidence is key to effective communication.
• Speaking up can change the dynamics of a conversation.
• Self-censorship is a common issue for many, especially those with "nice girl" syndrome.
• Finding your voice is a journey of personal growth.