Being a female in the military can present unique challenges due to various factors, including historical gender norms, cultural perceptions, and organizational structures. Despite these challenges, many women in the military continue to excel and contribute significantly to their units and missions. Efforts to address gender disparities, promote inclusivity, and support the professional development of female service members are ongoing within the military. In this episode, LTC Amanda Pelkowski spends 90 MINUTES discussing her biggest tips for young leaders--specifically women--and how to better equip yourself with confidence, competence, and enhance your conversations with your subordinates. She provides us with 10 specific tips you can start implementing TODAY! Embrace your unique perspective: Recognize that your diverse experiences and insights as a woman bring value to your team and the mission. Foster connections with colleagues, superiors, and subordinates. Building trust and rapport is crucial for effective leadership! Amanda Pelkowski is a wife, dog mom, daughter, sister, world traveler, hiking enthusiast, gym rat, foodie, cocktail connoisseur, and Air Force officer. She is an Air Force Academy grad (class of 2008) and is a Force Support Officer currently the Commander of the 1st Special Operations Force Support Squadron at Hurlburt Field, Florida.  She’s deployed to Iraq, Afghanistan, and UAE, and completed a short tour in Turkey.  Her career has taken her from her first duty station at Sheppard Air Force base in Wichita Falls, TX to Hawai’i twice to South Carolina and even to the Pentagon. Her previous assignment was as the Commander of Bellows Air Force Station, Hawai’i. Want to connect with Amanda? Find her on IG at @amanda.pelkowski Love this episode? Follow https://www.instagram.com/missunderstood.podcast/ & https://www.instagram.com/kellie.sbrocchi/ on Instagram for episode updates & more. Special thank you to USEHATCH.FM for producing this episode. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/missunderstoodkellie/message

Remember, self-care isn't selfish; it's essential. Prioritize yourself because you can't pour from an empty cup. Practicing self-care fosters a sense of self-worth and self-esteem. It reinforces the idea that one's needs are important and deserving of attention, leading to increased confidence and resilience. Incorporating self-care into daily routines promotes a healthier work-life balance. It helps individuals allocate time for relaxation, hobbies, and social activities, leading to a more fulfilling and sustainable lifestyle.   In this episode, fitness-enthusiast, model, and active-duty Navy Lieutenant Jarred Reid-Dixon explains why proactively incorporating self-care into your military lifestyle, you can better manage stress, maintain resilience, and enhance overall effectiveness in your duties. Jarred explains how you can integrate self-care practices in your daily routine on deployment as well as ashore. He also encourages accountability and support by engaging in self-care activities with peers or unit members. You can work out together, attend mindfulness sessions, or participate in group hobbies. Jarred graduated from the United States Naval Academy with a Bachelor of Science in economics, commissioning as a Supply Corps Officer in May 2017. He laterally transferred to the Public Affairs community during the February 2020 board and assumed duties as the Assistant Public Affairs Officer for Commander, Naval Surface Forces/Commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet in February 2021 where he earned his Independent Duty Public Affairs Qualification. In January 2022, following his tour at CNSF/CNSP, he went on temporary duty travel (TDY) to the Joint Information Center in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii in support of Operation Safe Waters. In March of 2022 he became the Public Affairs Officer for the USS Makin Island (LHD 8), USS Anchorage (LPD 23), and USS John P Murtha (LPD 26) in which he completed a U.S. 7th fleet deployment. In October 2022, he went TDY to Expeditionary Strike Group Three as the Director of Media Operations for San Francisco Fleet week. Want to connect with Jarred? Find him on Instagram at @ltreididxon! Love this episode? Follow https://www.instagram.com/missunderstood.podcast/ & https://www.instagram.com/kellie.sbrocchi/ on Instagram for episode updates & more. Special thank you to USEHATCH.FM for producing this episode.  --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/missunderstoodkellie/message

Starting a business isn't as daunting as it seems. All it takes is that first step forward. It's about embracing the journey, learning from mistakes, and staying persistent. Don't overthink it, just start, and let your passion drive you to success. Renting clothes & accessories is the new wave! With sustainability in mind and the desire for fresh looks without the commitment, renting has become THE go-to for fashionistas everywhere, or in the case of rising rental company "Aveil," BRIDES! In this episode, co-owner of Aveil Pauline shares how she and her business partner launched their company only one year ago, re-branded, trusted each other, & dove into building their dream brand. Pauline explains how when you truly love something it's easier than you think to build a brand. Pauline Kulka is a startup founder and corporate professional. While advancing her career at Google, she completed her MBA at Northwestern’s Kellogg School of Management, where her journey into entrepreneurship began. In 2023, Pauline co-founded Aveil, a revolutionary bridal rental company designed to empower women to look and feel beautiful throughout their bridal season without breaking the bank. Love Pauline? Connect with her here! Instagram: @paulinekulka @aveilbrides Rent here! https://aveil.com/ Love this episode? Follow https://www.instagram.com/missunderstood.podcast/ & https://www.instagram.com/kellie.sbrocchi/ on Instagram for episode updates & more. Special thank you to USEHATCH.FM for producing this episode.  --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/missunderstoodkellie/message

You asked, we answered! In a very anticipated and highly demanded episode, we answer your biggest questions & provide personal tips on how to prepare for Plebe Summer journey at the US Naval Academy! In this episode, I bring on my #1 most-requested guest, Jackie Barnum, to talk about some never before shared memories, traumas, and personal prep tips before we headed into Plebe Summer 2010. Jackie Barnum was my roommate during plebe summer as well as all four years at the US Naval Academy & remains my best friend to this day, recently standing by my side as my Maid of Honor in my wedding. Quite literally my "day 1," she and I talk about our biggest shocks, our hardest moments, and best takeaways during this strenuous 8-week period of plebe summer. Plebe Summer serves as an important rite of passage for incoming freshmen at the US Naval Academy, challenging them mentally, physically, and emotionally while preparing them for the demanding academic and military environment of the academy. "Plebe Summer" at the United States Naval Academy (USNA) is an intense six-week training program designed to prepare incoming freshmen, known as plebes, for the rigorous academic, physical, and military challenges they will face during their time at the academy. During Plebe Summer, new midshipmen undergo a series of demanding activities and training exercises aimed at instilling discipline, teamwork, and resilience. Love jackie? Connect with her on Instagram @jackiee.barnum Love this episode? Follow https://www.instagram.com/missunderstood.podcast/ & https://www.instagram.com/kellie.sbrocchi/ on Instagram for episode updates & more. Special thank you to USEHATCH.FM for producing this episode.  --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/missunderstoodkellie/message

Making friends as an adult can be challenging for several reasons! As adults, approaching friendships isn't as easy as it once was as a kid at recess. You have invest time, energy, sometimes money, and open your hear to possibilities. We face busy schedules with work, family responsibilities, and other commitments, leaving little time for socializing. Unlike in school or college, where you're constantly surrounded by peers, adults may have limited opportunities to meet new people outside of work or specific social circles. Many adults already have established friend groups, making it harder for newcomers to break in. As people get older, they may become more hesitant to put themselves out there and fear rejection or judgment from others. Join Allie, founder of "Level up Ladies, and I as we unpack the ins and outs of making friends in the adult world! From networking tips to finding your tribe, we've got you covered. Let's break down those barriers and build meaningful connections together! Allie is a passion driven leader that values community, connection and purpose-filled experiences. She is the founder of Level Up Ladies (also known as LUL) - a female social collective based in Chicago, with its newest chapter in San Diego, bringing like-minded women together to create meaningful and authentic connections while investing in themselves and their circle to #levelup. Allie is a Filipino-American and has her degree in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Illinois and has been in the medical and life sciences research industry as a top performing sales executive for almost 10 years.  She is a wife to her amazing husband Joe, and dog mama to a 18 pound toy golden doodle named Wells. Allie is celebrating her 1 year of sobriety AND 1 year of LUL in January 2024. Love Allie? Find her on Instagram at @alliegwang @we.are.lul Love this episode? Follow https://www.instagram.com/missunderstood.podcast/ & https://www.instagram.com/kellie.sbrocchi/ on Instagram for episode updates & more. Special thank you to USEHATCH.FM for producing this episode.  --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/missunderstoodkellie/message

Preparation is the key to unlocking your potential in an interview. It's not just about getting the job; it's about showing your dedication, competence, and readiness to excel. Elevate your interview game with Heather Sumlin, mental management Coach and interview expert! Unlock insider tips, expert insights, and proven strategies to ace any interview and land your dream job. The hardest part about an interview is often the balance between showcasing your qualifications confidently while remaining authentic and connecting with the interviewer on a personal level. It's about finding the right blend of preparedness, spontaneity, and self-assurance amidst the pressure to perform well. In this episode, Heather unlocks what is most #missunderstood about interview prep, execution, & achieving your biggest goals. Specializing in Self-Image training, goal setting, interview preparation as well as subjectively graded competitive outlets for clients competing in a variety of sports and industries, Heather helps clients unlock their greatest potential. Her clients have won world championships, national and state level competitions, received international awards and global recognition in their sport or industry. On top of individual training sessions, she hosts in depth seminars that take competition to the next level. As the host the "She Wins - Solutions and Stories for Women podcast," she interviews successful women to share their success strategies and stories. With over 17 years of experience, Heather aims to support clients through extensive knowledge as a Master Level Certified Mental Management System Instructor with an upbeat, motivating, fun and encouraging manner, bringing out the best in each client!   Love Heather? Connect with her here! Website: https://www.heathersumlin.com/ Podcasts: https://www.patreon.com/shewins_solutionsandstories7 Instagram: @heathersumlin Love this episode? Follow https://www.instagram.com/missunderstood.podcast/ & https://www.instagram.com/kellie.sbrocchi/ on Instagram for episode updates & more. Special thank you to USEHATCH.FM for producing this episode.  --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/missunderstoodkellie/message

SEASON 5 PREMIERE!! 5 Seasons?! I am so grateful to be celebrating 5 seasons of #missunderstood by teaching you how to take command of your life! In this episode, we dive into the art of taking control & command of your life. From chasing passions to finding mentors, cultivating a support circle, and embracing failure, you have the power to embrace your unique skills & talents & use them to propel you toward a future you've always dreamed of. SUPRISE - I am also competing in MISS IL USA! With the restrictions lifted for married women & women over 28, I'm heading into the world of pageantry one last time. I share how I arrived at the decision to compete again, what my journey has been since, & what I most look forward to. Taking command of your life isn't just about steering your own ship; it's about embracing the helm with purpose and passion. It's the key to unlocking your full potential, chasing dreams fearlessly, and shaping a future that aligns with your deepest desires. Don't just navigate life—command it. Love this episode? Follow https://www.instagram.com/missunderstood.podcast/ & https://www.instagram.com/kellie.sbrocchi/ on Instagram for episode updates & more. Special thank you to USEHATCH.FM for producing this episode.  --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/missunderstoodkellie/message

Here's the harsh reality: Instagram is only showing you a PART of my story. I work hard to stay authentic online, always bringing you guys through the highs & lows of life & everything in between. But even so, 2023 was the year I needed to take my own space, set my own boundaries, & lift myself up before I could lift up others. In this episode & season 4 finale, I share why I stepped away from podcasting, started seeing a therapist for the first time, & why leaning on your partner (& finding a GREAT partner) is so important when life gets tough. My Husband, Austin, guest-hosts as we dive into why self-care is a continued priority as we dive into the next year, answer YOUR questions from Instagram, & our advice for being there for your partner when life doesn't go as planned. Tune in for a 2023 Recap & a transparent, honest discussion of how life is going for your favorite #MissUnderstood host. HAPPY NEW YEAR! SEE YOU FOR SEASON 5 IN 2024! _________________________________ Follow https://www.instagram.com/missunderstood.podcast/ + https://www.instagram.com/kellie.sbrocchi/ on Instagram for episode updates + more. Special thank you to USEHATCH.FM for producing this episode.  --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/missunderstoodkellie/message

Have you been wanting to start a business but don't know how? Are you battling imposter syndrome, telling yourself "you're not good enough" to build your own LLC, company, business, or even lead a team of people within your brand? Incredibly talented and nationwide phenomenon in the photography industry, Stephanie Lang, is on the podcast telling us how not only to get started in our business but also to overcome our biggest personal barriers. She explains how mindset allows us to propel us toward our biggest business dreams and why waiting is the worst thing you can do. Stephanie started her photography business when she was only 15 years old, over a decade later she has learned through her highs and lows in the industry how to build personal relationships with clients, why taking time to get to know clients is most important, and why hiring a team of talented individuals to work toward your greater business goal is a MUST. Tune into hear Stephanie's tips on building the business of your dreams, even if you don't feel "ready." Plot twist: after this episode you'll learn there's no such thing as "Ready" there only "let's do it." Love Stephanie? Meet her here! "I might be just a little too obsessed with my job; but that’s not the worst thing in the world, right?! Between the late night meetings, extensive timeline planning calls, venue walk throughs, + everything in between, I absolutely LOVE spending time getting to know you + your people. Using my gifts + talents to help bring your dreams + visions to a reality is ultimately the sweetest gift to me!! It is my whole heart to love you well in these once-in-a-lifetime seasons + I never take it for granted that I get to be a part of them with you. Over the last 9 years of photographing weddings, I have trained + built a wildly talented (intentionally small) team of individuals who work hard alongside of me to learn your stories + tell them authentically. Learning who + what is important to you helps us to deeper understand your core values so that we can photograph your dynamics with friends, family, + lovers authentically. This is what we do best!" Let's dive in! Website: https://www.stephanielangphotography.com/ Instagram: @stephanie_lang_photography --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/missunderstoodkellie/message

What is our inner knowing? This week, Therapist Samantha Hardy describes why developing our inner knowing will not only build our outer confidence but lead to building trust within ourselves and nudge us toward new challenges. Inner knowing is more than just a "gut feeling," it feels right, true, steady, certain and stands in opposition to outer approval. Samantha dives into the difference between inner knowing and anxiety and how to delineate between the two, as well as how to tap into those feelings to identify both triggers and ways to propel ourselves. how family dynamics take you out of contact with your inner voice the 8C’s: compassion, curiosity, clarity, creativity, calm, confidence, courage, and connectedness.  What are you doing when you feel most confident, creative, and connected? What is that experience like? Where does it sit in your body? When we can more clearly hear our gut and trust in its voice, we can create lives more deeply in alignment with our bodies and hearts! Tune in to hear how you can develop a more confident, clear-minded, vulnerable you and build a more confident life.   Sam Hardy is an Associate Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with the Chicago Center for Relationship Counseling. Originally born and raised in sunny Los Angeles, she graduated from the University of Southern California in 2020 with a major in Psychology and a double minor in Forensics and Criminality & Individuals, Societies, and Aging. While studying as a graduate student in Northwestern’s Marriage and Family Therapy program, she loved working as a Graduate Assistant to her professional role model, Dr. Alexandra Solomon. After her June 2022 graduation, she has so enjoyed being in the therapeutic space with individuals, couples, and adult families facing a variety of challenges including anxiety, life transitions, difficult family relationships, communication concerns, aging difficulties, and trauma. When she isn’t meeting with her therapy clients, she has also worked for the past six years as a portrait photographer. Sam’s Therapy Profile at CCRC: https://chicagocenterforrelationshipcounseling.com/sam-hardy  Sam Hardy Portraits: https://www.samhardyportraits.com/ & @samhardyportraits  More About Dr. Alexandra Solomon: https://dralexandrasolomon.com/ — Love this episode? — Follow @missunderstood.podcast + @kellie.sbrocchi on Instagram for episode updates + more. Special thank you to USEHATCH.FM for producing this episode. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/missunderstoodkellie/message