Confidence Isn't a Dirty Word

Sip of the Week: In this dynamic conversation, Stephanie shares her journey from growing up in extreme poverty to now working on AI technology with the Department of Defense while running multiple successful businesses. Her insight about there being "a grief process in outgrowing old beliefs" resonated deeply - sometimes stepping into our worth means letting go of narratives that kept us small. Stephanie's "Hell Yes Rule" is a game-changer: if it's not a hell yes, it's a no. This simple framework helps us stop saying yes just because we're in a room full of people saying yes, and instead honor what we actually want. The conversation also tackled our automatic tendency to apologize for things we shouldn't be sorry for - taking up space we've earned, having opinions, or simply existing confidently in professional settings.- Listen Now!

Let it Brew: This episode explores the complex relationship women have with owning their worth and taking up space in both personal and professional settings. Stephanie's journey from extreme poverty to entrepreneurial success illustrates how we can either use our backgrounds as stepping stones or crutches, and why knowing our value means being willing to say no to opportunities that don't serve us. The conversation tackles the socialized tendency for women to apologize for their presence, shrink their accomplishments, and struggle with the balance of being confident without being "too confident" - a double standard that keeps us playing small when we've earned the right to take up space.

Post-Tea Pursuits:  IMPLEMENT THE HELL YES RULE this week.

Following Stephanie's wisdom, commit to one week of conscious decision-making using this framework:

• Before you automatically say yes to requests, invitations, or opportunities, pause and ask: "Is this a hell yes for me?"
• If it's not an enthusiastic yes, practice saying no without over-explaining or apologizing
• Track how many times you say "sorry" for things you shouldn't apologize for (weather, other people's feelings, taking up space, having opinions)
• Replace unnecessary apologies with more appropriate responses: "That's terrible to hear" instead of "Sorry you're sick"

WRITE DOWN one moment this week where you successfully took up space you'd earned without apologizing. Notice how it feels to honor your worth and make decisions from a place of confidence rather than people-pleasing. Remember: you've earned the right to be here!