The Elegant Warrior with Heather Hansen

In today’s episode, Heather wraps up her three-part series on how to advocate for yourself at work and this one’s all about the magic moment: mastering the art of the ask.

If you’ve ever hesitated to ask for what you want because you weren’t sure how to do it gracefully, persuasively, or confidently, this episode is for you. Heather breaks down what true charisma really means (it’s not about being f...

In this second episode of Heather’s three-part series on how to advocate for yourself at work, she dives into one of the most transformative steps: asking for what you want out loud and with delight.

Building on the foundation from Part 1 (“Know What You Want”), Heather explores why choice and energy are everything when it comes to advocating effectively. Asking for what you want isn’t just about wo...

In today’s episode, Heather kicks off a special three-part series on how to advocate for yourself at work, whether you’re seeking a raise, a promotion, or a new opportunity. Advocacy isn’t just about asking, it’s about asking in a way that makes you likely to get it.

This first episode focuses on the foundation of self-advocacy: knowing what you want. Heather shares how clarity, specificity, and the...

In today’s episode, Heather speaks with Simone Knego, author of The Extraordinary Unordinary You, about what it truly takes to build confidence, embrace your story, and live fully.

From adopting three children from South Korea and Ethiopia, to climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, to co-hosting a podcast with her daughter, Simone’s life has been a series of extraordinary experiences that shaped her outlook on...

In today’s episode, Heather answers a powerful question from her Instagram community: How do I advocate for myself without bragging?

This is a challenge so many of us, especially women, face. How do you share your gifts, your expertise, and your accomplishments with confidence and authenticity without feeling arrogant? Heather breaks it down into three core strategies that will help you shift your m...

In today’s episode, Heather sits down with Dr. Christie McMullen, educator, author, speaker, and leadership expert, to explore how learning truly takes root. With a 25-year career spanning high school classrooms, adult education, and leadership training, Christie brings a wealth of experience to the conversation. Her book, Learning Can Stick: A Guide to Make Every Learning Experience Safe, Logical, Fun, and Memorable,...

n today’s episode, Heather speaks with Rebecca Heiss, evolutionary biologist, speaker, and author of Springboard: Transform Stress to Work for You. Rebecca shares her groundbreaking perspective on stress, not as something to eliminate, but as a force you can reframe and harness. With her Fearless Stress Formula, she teaches how to stop fighting stress and instead use it as fuel for growth, resilience, and meaning.

Heather Hansen takes us back to her two decades as a trial attorney and reveals the surprising ways courtroom wisdom can shape your life and career. From the first day she stepped into court, Heather realized it wasn’t just a place of law; it was a classroom of leadership, persuasion, influence, and resilience.

In this episode, Heather shares five powerful lessons from the courtroom that apply far beyond t...

No one likes the feeling of being misunderstood. It can create frustration, conflict, and even missed opportunities, whether in the courtroom, the boardroom, or at home. In this episode, Heather Hansen shares three powerful steps to move from feeling unseen and unheard to becoming the “queen of your kingdom.”

Drawing from her decades as a trial attorney, her consulting work, and personal lessons, Heather s...

Heather Hansen takes on a question from listener Molly, who asked about two challenges many professionals face:

1. How to think big-picture and work toward career advancement without getting bogged down in day-to-day responsibilities.
   
   

2. How to stay in the know across a large organization and u...
   

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 buzzword—and how you can...

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-life situations, especial...

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 actionable steps,...

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 communication. The discussion al...

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:

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:

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 healing.

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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 root of "elegance" is to ...

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 make...