Wellness Refuge Pillar:

In this episode of the Leadership Wellness Circle podcast, Miara Shaw explores the vital connection between sleep and leadership performance. Focusing on the "Wellness Refuge" pillar, Miara shares her personal struggles with sleep, especially after turning 50, and how learning to prioritize rest has improved her focus and overall well-being. She reflects on insights from sleep strategist LaShasta Bell, emphasizing that rest is not a luxury but a necessity for high-performing leaders. Miara provides actionable tips on improving sleep quality, including the benefits of power naps, listening to your body’s cues, and finding alternative ways to recharge when sleep isn’t possible.

Key Takeaways:

• Sleep is essential for improving brain function, focus, and leadership performance.
• Rest is not a luxury—listening to your body’s need for rest leads to better efficiency and decision-making.
• A 26-minute nap can significantly boost energy and mental clarity.
• Alternative rest practices like deep breathing or a short walk can help restore energy if a nap isn’t possible.
• Consistent rest and sleep routines help prevent burnout and improve overall well-being.

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Wellness Refuge Pillar:

In this episode of the Leadership Wellness Circle podcast, Miara Shaw sits down with LaShasta Bell, a professional sleep strategist and business therapist, to discuss the critical role sleep and rest play in the lives of high-performing women leaders. LaShasta takes us through her journey into sleep therapy, explaining the importance of sleep hygiene, understanding sleep windows, and the differences between sleep and rest. They explore how sleep deprivation can negatively impact health and performance, and how leaders can integrate wellness practices, especially restorative rest, into their busy lives. LaShasta also shares practical tips for improving sleep quality, emphasizing that good sleep habits are an essential part of achieving sustained success in leadership.

Stay tuned for her upcoming book, "Don't Sleep on Sleep," hitting shelves soon! https://lashastabell.com/

• Sleep hygiene starts when you wake up and is essential for maintaining good health.
• Women are more likely to experience sleep deprivation, impacting their productivity and well-being.
• Understanding sleep windows can help regulate sleep patterns for more restorative rest.
• Regular rest and restorative practices are just as important as sleep for maintaining productivity and leadership effectiveness.
• Creating a consistent sleep routine can significantly improve sleep quality and overall wellness.

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Guest:

Leadership Confidence Pillar:

In this action oriented episode of the Leadership Wellness Circle podcast, Miara Shaw dives into the topic of confidence and leadership for women who feel overlooked or undervalued. Drawing inspiration from her own journey and insights from Likeable Badass author Alison Fragale, Miara highlights the small but impactful shifts that can help women reclaim their space and lead with authority. She introduces the Confidence Clinics inside the Leadership Wellness Circle, designed to help women strengthen their leadership presence and step into their power. Miara also emphasizes the critical role of mentorship in challenging limiting beliefs and building sustainable confidence.

Takeaways

• Recognize Your Value – Confidence starts with acknowledging your own value and the way you present it to others.
• Stop Downplaying Achievements – Women often minimize their accomplishments—awareness is key to breaking this habit.
• Strength in Warmth and Assertiveness – Being both warm and assertive is a leadership strength, not a flaw.
• Mentorship Builds Confidence – A mentor or coach can help identify blind spots and push you toward greater confidence.
• Confidence Comes Through Action – Confidence isn’t built overnight; consistent action and growth are essential.

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Leadership Confidence Pillar:

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.

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Guest:

Business Growth Pillar:

In this episode of the Leadership Wellness Circle podcast, Miara Shaw shares how identifying and focusing on the four pillars of her business has helped her grow with greater clarity and purpose. She explains that the four pillars—leadership confidence, work-life integration, wellness refuge, and business growth—serve as the foundation for everything in her business, from digital offerings and social media content to the Leadership Wellness Circle and podcast. Miara also highlights how incorporating purposeful play under the Wellness Refuge pillar contributes to the well-being and growth of her community. By aligning her work with these key pillars, Miara has been able to stay focused and avoid getting distracted by the latest trends or “shiny objects,” ultimately building a business that is intentional, sustainable, and aligned with her vision.

Interested in enrollment for the 2026 Leadership Wellness Circle? Email hello@miarashaw.com with your interest and we will follow up.

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Business Growth Pillar:

In this episode of the Leadership Wellness Circle podcast, Miara Shaw interviews Delores Morton, CEO of Step Up, a nonprofit organization committed to mentoring young women. Delores shares her insights on the transformative power of mentorship, the role of innovative leadership, and the importance of technology in expanding nonprofit reach. The conversation delves into Delores's journey, the challenges faced during the pandemic, and how community support and collaboration are essential for strong leadership.

Delores emphasizes the value of having multiple mentors, how personal experiences shape leadership styles, and how fostering innovation allows organizations to thrive in today’s ever-changing landscape. This episode offers practical strategies for building sustainable growth in mentorship programs, empowering young women, and navigating leadership challenges without sacrificing personal well-being.

This episode is a must-listen for women leaders seeking to enhance their mentorship impact and grow sustainably in their careers.

Learn more about Delores and Step Up at https://www.suwn.org/blog/delores-morton.

Takeaways:

• Mentorship has the power to boost the confidence and skills of young women.
• Innovative leadership and technology are crucial for expanding mentorship programs.
• Having multiple mentors offers diverse perspectives and valuable support.
• Leadership success doesn’t require sacrificing personal well-being.
• Community support and collaboration are key to effective leadership.

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Guest:

Leadership Confidence Pillar:

In this powerful episode of the Leadership Wellness Circle podcast, Miara Shaw explores the transformative power of stillness and work-life integration for high-performing women. Miara highlights how chronic stress disproportionately impacts Black women’s health and explains why slowing down is essential for clarity and decision-making. She introduces a simple yet impactful practice—30 seconds of daily stillness—to help women reconnect with their intuition and foster leadership wellness. Miara emphasizes that leadership is not about having all the answers but about trusting the process and embracing patience. She also underscores the importance of building a supportive community to navigate both personal and professional challenges.

Takeaways

• Work-life integration is essential for both success and well-being.
• Chronic stress disproportionately affects Black women, making wellness practices critical.
• Slowing down and practicing stillness can strengthen intuition and decision-making.
• Leadership is not about having all the answers but about trusting the process.
• Clarity takes time—embrace the journey without rushing for immediate solutions.
• Community and support systems are vital for personal and professional growth.

Looking for a vibrant community for high-performing women leaders and founders seeking to lead powerfully and live joyfully? We've got you: Leadership Wellness Circle.

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Maven Miara unfolds practical strategies for maintaining consistency without adding more stress to your life. Understanding the distinct challenges you face while juggling myriad responsibilities, our central focus for this episode is to provide motivational, empathetic, and practical steps that deeply connect with your unique journey. Tune in to uncover actionable insights, personal anecdotes, and expert advice designed not just to elevate your professional success but to empower you in gracefully navigating life's demands with resilience. Together, let's embark on a transformative journey, reshaping the definition of success to align with your individual terms.

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Amazon Book: CHILL OUT: The Ultimate Guide to Reducing Stress and Anxiety for Student