In this episode of The Leadership Wellness Circle podcast, Miara Shaw sits down with Alison Fragale, author of the best-selling book Likeable Badass, to discuss the power of leadership confidence and the concept of the “Mavenator.” They dive deep into the art of being a “likable badass”—a unique blend of warmth and assertiveness that helps women command respect and elevate their careers. Alison shares insights from her book and explores practical strategies for self-evaluation, improving self-worth, and navigating the challenges women face in gaining respect. Together, they discuss how mentorship and community support are essential tools for building authentic leadership and confidence in both personal and professional growth. If you’re ready to lead with confidence and create lasting success, this episode is for you.

Learn more about Alison at https://alisonfragale.com/.

Takeaways:

• A Mavenator leads with purpose, empowering others and driving positive change in their communities.
• Women in leadership succeed by blending warmth and assertiveness, proving that you can be both liked and respected.
• Leadership confidence is essential for professional and personal growth, especially for women navigating complex challenges.
• Regular self-evaluation reveals leadership gaps and opens doors for continuous improvement and growth.
• Mentorship and community support are critical for building sustainable leadership, offering valuable feedback and guidance.

 Listen to this Episode:

Takeaway Summaries

• A Mavenator Leads with Purpose – A true Mavenator, or impactful leader, leads with intention and purpose, using their influence to empower others and spark meaningful change in their communities. This kind of leadership goes beyond traditional management; it’s about inspiring those around you to embrace their potential and act toward collective progress. By leading with purpose, Mavenators create environments where others feel motivated, supported, and ready to contribute to larger goals, resulting in lasting, positive change.

• Women in Leadership Succeed by Blending Warmth and Assertiveness – Successful women leaders master the art of balancing warmth with assertiveness, demonstrating that it’s possible to be both liked and respected. Warmth fosters connection, trust, and collaboration, making others feel valued and heard, while assertiveness ensures that boundaries are set, needs are met, and leadership is maintained. This combination allows women to build relationships while remaining firm in their decisions, enabling them to navigate leadership challenges with confidence and authenticity.

• Leadership Confidence Is Essential for Professional and Personal Growth – Leadership confidence is the cornerstone of success, especially for women who face unique challenges in navigating their careers and personal lives. Confidence empowers leaders to take risks, make decisions with clarity, and confront challenges head-on. It is also crucial in fostering resilience and adaptability, both in the workplace and in personal life. By cultivating self-belief, women leaders open the door to new opportunities and growth, both professionally and personally.

• Regular Self-Evaluation Reveals Leadership Gaps and Opens Doors for Growth – Consistently assessing your leadership style and performance is key to uncovering areas for improvement and growth. Regular self-evaluation helps leaders identify gaps in skills, knowledge, or communication, allowing them to take proactive steps to address these weaknesses. By embracing self-reflection as a continuous practice, leaders ensure that they remain aligned with their values, adapt to changing environments, and evolve in ways that foster ongoing success.

• Mentorship and Community Support Are Critical for Sustainable Leadership – Mentorship and community play an essential role in building sustainable leadership by providing support, feedback, and guidance. Having a mentor who offers wisdom and a community that shares experiences allows leaders to stay grounded and gain new perspectives on challenges they face. These relationships help women leaders navigate complexities with confidence, build skills, and avoid burnout, ensuring that their leadership journey is not only successful but also fulfilling.

Ready to lead with confidence and purpose? Join the Leadership Wellness Circle and connect with a community of women committed to leading powerfully, living joyfully, and creating sustainable success. Join the 2026 Leadership Wellness Circle waitlist by emailing hello@miarashaw.com with your interest, and we will follow up. 

Leadership Wellness Circle