In this empowering episode of Pockets of Knowledge, host Desiree Stanley sits down with Jodi Vandenberg-Daves—leadership strategist, historian, and author of Leading With Courage: A Career-Long Guide for Idealistic Women—for a thought-provoking conversation about redefining leadership, navigating career transitions, and owning your influence at every stage of life.Drawing from her background as a professor, social justice advocate, and founder of JVD Consulting, Jodi shares how our earliest messages about gen...
In this empowering episode of Pockets of Knowledge, host Desiree Stanley sits down with Jodi Vandenberg-Daves—leadership strategist, historian, and author of Leading With Courage: A Career-Long Guide for Idealistic Women—for a thought-provoking conversation about redefining leadership, navigating career transitions, and owning your influence at every stage of life.
Drawing from her background as a professor, social justice advocate, and founder of JVD Consulting, Jodi shares how our earliest messages about gender and visibility shape perfectionism, imposter syndrome, and our willingness to lead. She explains how women can begin to rewrite those narratives by aligning with their values, setting internal and external boundaries, and embracing the unique strengths they bring to leadership—like emotional agility, collaboration, and cultural humility.
Desiree and Jodi also explore the power of intergenerational wisdom, why courage is more of a daily practice than a grand gesture, and how journaling and storytelling can be healing tools for reclaiming our voices. You’ll learn practical strategies to manage triggers, reframe "missed opportunities," and give yourself permission to lead boldly in work and life—even without a formal title.
Whether you’re a rising professional, a mid-career leader juggling caregiving, or a seasoned woman reflecting on your legacy, this episode is a generous invitation to see yourself as a change-maker with something meaningful to contribute.
Bio:
I grew up in the exurbs of Chicago, a union electrician dad, and an at-home-mom-turned-realtor. I learned about solidarity at a young age, and then had my world opened by the curiosity-inducing adventures of academia, especially its winding paths through history. Got my PhD in History, and fell in love with stories of how people have made meaning out of their lives in all kinds of different circumstances.
Intertwined with history has been social justice advocacy. And intertwined with that, my life passions of being a mother and a mentor. Through feminist and anti-racist lenses, I’ve helped nurture generations of leadership anchored in care and courage. I didn’t have a lot of mentoring when I was emerging in my career, but I really try to be the person I needed when I was younger.
I love conversations about empowering diverse women’s voices and talents, career balancing acts, bold leadership anchored in progressive and humane values, and authenticity in the work we do in the world. I also love to talk about how, no matter who we are or what we’re doing, we can understand ourselves in the flow of history. We can learn from those who came before us, and from the young people who challenge and inspire us. I’m here for thoughtful conversations and surprising ideas.
Connect with Jodi:
Website
Facebook
Instagram
LinkedIn
Resource:
https://www.jodivandenberg-daves.com/onlineleadershipcourse
Books mentioned:
Leading With Courage: A Career-Long Guide for Idealistic Women by Jodi Vandenberg-Daves
https://amzn.to/4pr3ytI
Poems in the Mother Tongue by Jodi Vandenberg-Daves
https://amzn.to/4pr2lmc
Untapped Leadership Harnessing the Power of Underrepresented Leaders by Jenny Vazquez-Newsum
https://amzn.to/4qa0pQh
When We're in Charge The Next Generation’s Guide to Leadership by Amanda Litman
https://amzn.to/4su7Za3
Podcasts mentioned:
Brene Brown - Dare To Lead
Unlocking Us
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Questions? Contact me through my website, www.PocketsofKnowledge.com, or find me on Instagram @desireedstanley. Thanks for listening!
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This podcast is intended to educate, inspire, and empower you on your personal journey. Please note that individuals on the show may have a direct or indirect financial interest in products or services referred to in this episode.
