You don’t need more willpower. You need better systems. In this episode, I share the 3 pillars that helped me go from overwhelmed and burned out to energized and thriving so you can make change that actually sticks. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN: Why motivation isn't the problem and what to focus on instead The sneaky mindset traps sabotaging your success How to build habits that actually align with your goals What goals are you working towards? What systems have you created to help you in your day to day? ...
Jun 30, 2025•26 min
Today I’m answering your real-life coaching questions – from annual reviews to credit-stealing coworkers to strategic thinking with no team. If you’re craving support from people who actually get it , let’s talk about what it looks like to work together. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN The exact questions to ask so your next annual review actually reflects your impact How to protect your strategic ideas without losing credibility What to do when you're expected to be strategic but have zero support ...LET'S C...
Jun 23, 2025•24 min•Season 1Ep. 20
Confidence isn't something you're born with - it's something you build, project, and protect. Discover why confidence matters as much as competence for career advancement and learn the proven strategies to feel confident and project it authentically. BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU'LL DISCOVER: Why people use confidence as a proxy for competence and how this impacts promotions The three-step framework to build, project, and protect your confidence How to shift from undermining language to ...
Jun 16, 2025•27 min•Season 1Ep. 19
Think you’re not ready for the VP seat? Think again. In this episode, I’ll help you start seeing yourself as the leader you already are. Want to go deeper? Join me in Toronto for Own the Room, my one-day event to help you lead with confidence and be seen as executive-ready. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL LEARN: Why seeing yourself as a leader is often harder than being one The 3 most common traps that keep smart women from going after the VP seat The belief shift and two conversations that changed ever...
Jun 09, 2025•24 min•Season 1Ep. 18
You're smart, strategic, and full of ideas…So why aren’t they landing? In this episode, I share why storytelling is the missing skill that elevates your influence and builds real trust in leadership. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN How storytelling builds instant credibility and connection Why “big stories” aren’t necessary—and what to use instead The 4 keys to storytelling that makes your message stick ...LET'S CONTINUE THE CONVO! Let’s connect on Linkedin or on Instagram @katy.mcfee. I would love to know wh...
Jun 02, 2025•26 min•Season 1Ep. 17
Considering a step down after time off? Not sure where to start on LinkedIn? Feeling pulled in every direction? In this Ask Katy episode, I tackle career reentry, beginner-friendly visibility tips, and how to make real progress—one month at a time. WHAT YOU’LL LEARN How to evaluate a lower-level role after a layoff, maternity leave, or time away Practical, no-pressure ways to start building your presence and network on LinkedIn The “one-category” monthly method for gaining momentum without burno...
May 26, 2025•30 min•Season 1Ep. 16
Discover why your introduction isn't just small talk—it's your most powerful tool for instantly communicating executive presence and value. Get my three-step formula for crafting a compelling leadership intro that showcases your worth in under 30 seconds, no matter the setting. IN THIS EPISODE YOU'LL LEARN: Why first impressions form in milliseconds and how to make them work in your favor The two critical questions others are silently asking when they meet you How to craft different versions of ...
May 19, 2025•18 min•Season 1Ep. 15
Are you feeling like a fraud despite your achievements, or do certain beliefs consistently hold you back? In this episode, I unpack the crucial differences between impostor syndrome and limiting beliefs, and provide actionable strategies to overcome both. Get my worksheet on how to unpack your limiting beliefs. BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU'LL LEARN: How to identify whether you're experiencing impostor syndrome or a limiting belief Why impostor syndrome is actually a sign you're crushing...
May 12, 2025•21 min•Season 1Ep. 14
Feel like you have to “do it all” to succeed? In this episode, I’m sharing practical strategies to free up your time, stop the overwhelm, and build a big career—without burning out. DM me to continue the conversation or share your thoughts! By the time you finish listening, you’ll know: Why “doing it all” is holding you back The secret every successful woman knows about getting help 3 ways to free up time and energy (so you can focus on what matters most) How to unsubscribe from guilt and set yo...
May 05, 2025•23 min•Season 1Ep. 13
Feeling stuck after a career setback? Drowning in your first 90 days? In this Ask Katy episode, I tackle your burning questions about bouncing back from disappointment, mastering your first 90 days, and escaping the "second job trap" that's keeping you from promotion. Plus, DM me if you have a coaching question you'd like answered! BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU'LL DISCOVER: A four-step framework to overcome career disappointments without losing your motivation (including when it's actual...
Apr 28, 2025•37 min•Season 1Ep. 12
Feedback can make or break your career, yet most of us struggle with both sides of this critical conversation. In this episode, I'll show you how to master feedback to accelerate your path to executive leadership—and don't miss my 5 Simple Shifts for Strategic Thinking to elevate your leadership today! BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU'LL DISCOVER: Why so many of us women struggle with receiving feedback (hint: that "good girl syndrome" might be playing a bigger role than you think!) How I'v...
Apr 21, 2025•27 min•Season 1Ep. 11
Ever wonder why your brilliant ideas aren't getting approved? I'm sharing my game-changing 3 Cs framework that transforms how you make requests to leadership. Plus, grab my free "Speak Like a VP" guide and learn exactly how to communicate with the confidence that gets results. What You’ll Learn From This Episode: Why your great ideas are getting rejected (it's rarely about the idea itself—it's how you're framing it) My proven 3 Cs framework that turns frustrating "nos" into enthusiastic "yeses" ...
Apr 14, 2025•25 min•Season 1Ep. 10
Master "kind candour" - the perfect blend of assertiveness and warmth that transforms how you communicate as a woman leader. Get my free guide "Speak Like a VP: 10 Powerful Language Reframes" to immediately elevate your executive presence. What You'll Learn From This Episode: Why most women fall into communication traps of being either too passive or too aggressive How to practice "kind candor" to deliver direct feedback while maintaining relationships Specific language reframes to sound more co...
Apr 07, 2025•26 min•Season 1Ep. 9
Want to earn what you're really worth? Get my free Negotiation Guide and learn the exact phrases and timing strategies that will help you confidently ask for—and actually receive—the salary you deserve. Episode Summary Are you negotiating but still not getting paid what you deserve? Contrary to popular belief, women DO ask—we're just not getting. Discover how to effectively negotiate your worth, combat the likability backlash, and potentially add seven figures to your lifetime earnings. What You...
Mar 31, 2025•31 min•Season 1Ep. 8
Ever feel like you're getting tons of advice but your career is still stuck? You're not alone. The truth is mentors won't get you to the executive level—sponsors will. Discover why women typically have more mentors but fewer sponsors, and learn how to transform your relationships to accelerate your career. --> Get the Blueprint to VP in my upcoming live masterclass. It’s perfect if you're aiming for VP in the next 1-3 years! <-- What You'll Learn in this Episode: The critical difference be...
Mar 24, 2025•25 min•Season 1Ep. 7
Stuck in a role that no longer serves you but afraid to make a move? Discover the three definitive signs it's time to leave your job, why chasing titles and money alone often leads to regret, and a practical framework to make this critical career decision with confidence. Made your decision to move on? Don't leave money on the table. --> Grab my free Negotiation Guide with proven scripts and strategies to get what you're worth in your next role. What You'll Learn While Listening The three cle...
Mar 21, 2025•24 min•Season 1Ep. 6
Transform your mornings and accelerate your career with the habits that helped me recover from burnout while advancing professionally. Download my free guide "7 Habits to Accelerate Your Next Promotion" to discover the science-backed routines that boost your leadership presence while preventing burnout. Episode Summary Ever wonder how I manage three kids, a business, and ultra-marathon training without burning out? I'm sharing my complete morning routine—from 5:30 AM workouts to meditation with ...
Mar 21, 2025•19 min•Season 1Ep. 5
Ready to transform your mornings and fast-track your career growth? Download my free guide "7 Habits to Accelerate Your Next Promotion" to discover the intentional routines that helped me go from burnout to executive success while balancing family life. Episode Summary Are you waiting for your company to invest in your development while your career stagnates? Discover why taking ownership of your growth is the smartest career move you can make, and how intentional self-investment can help you gr...
Mar 21, 2025•19 min•Season 1Ep. 4
Struggling with on-the-spot decisions in meetings? Take my free "Executive Presence Quiz" to discover your current leadership presence level and receive tailored strategies to build your decisiveness muscle and command the room. Episode Summary Ever been asked to make a decision in a meeting when you weren't prepared? Discover why decisiveness is critical for your leadership image and learn tactical phrases to maintain your executive presence even when you need more time to think or gather data....
Mar 21, 2025•19 min•Season 1Ep. 3
Tired of working hard without recognition? Download my free guide "Speak Like a Leader: 10 Powerful Reframes" to transform how you communicate your achievements and advocate for yourself without feeling like you're bragging. Episode Summary Are you working hard with your head down hoping someone will notice instead of advocating for the promotion you deserve? Discover why this approach is holding you back and learn practical strategies to share your wins without feeling like you're bragging, so ...
Mar 21, 2025•29 min•Season 1Ep. 2
Feeling overwhelmed as a director but know you're capable of more? Download my free guide "5 Simple Shifts for Strategic Thinking" to transform how you approach your role and position yourself for executive advancement without adding more to your plate. Episode Summary When you're already burning out as a director, the thought of pursuing VP can feel completely overwhelming—yet staying stuck is equally unsatisfying. I'll reveal the three pivotal mindset shifts that transformed me from an exhaust...
Mar 21, 2025•28 min•Season 1Ep. 1
Are you an ambitious woman who's been stuck at the sr. manager or director level, watching peers advance despite your consistently stellar performance? Do you find yourself drowning in back-to-back meetings, unable to carve out time for lunch, much less time for professional development? You are not alone. Breaking through to the executive level isn't about working harder—it's about transforming how others perceive your leadership. Join Katy McFee, a former tech executive and Forty under 40 winn...
Feb 28, 2025•5 min
