<![CDATA[In The Room, On Purpose]]>The playbook was written for men. This show is about rewriting it. In The Room, On Purpose by Alyssa Edwards is for women navigating leadership, ambition, and growth. Through honest conversations with women across industries, the show explores confidence, career pivots, identity, power, and the messy middle of becoming. Here, vulnerability is a strength, mistakes are honored, growth is present, self-love is tangible, and reinvention is always available.

]]>https://intheroomonpurpose.com/Riverside.fm (https://riverside.com)Fri, 17 Jul 2026 01:15:00 GMTTue, 24 Mar 2026 23:40:50 GMT60Alyssa Edwards<p><b>The playbook was written for men. This show is about rewriting it.</b> <i>In The Room, On Purpose</i> by Alyssa Edwards is for women navigating leadership, ambition, and growth. Through honest conversations with women across industries, the show explores confidence, career pivots, identity, power, and the messy middle of becoming. Here, vulnerability is a strength, mistakes are honored, growth is present, self-love is tangible, and reinvention is always available.</p>episodicAlyssa Edwardsalyssaedwardsa@gmail.comyes<![CDATA[The Art of Reinvention]]>It's Never Too Late for Reinvention

What happens when you refuse to let your past define your future?

In this episode of In The Room, On Purpose, Alyssa sits down with Veronica Ellinger, CEO of Murphy Business Sales, to explore a life shaped by resilience, reinvention, and the courage to keep becoming.

From a chaotic childhood marked by criticism and instability to becoming the first female CEO in her organization, Veronica shares the lessons she learned about self-worth, leadership, motherhood, entrepreneurship, and building a life on her own terms.

Together, Alyssa and Veronica unpack the realities of navigating executive leadership, balancing ambition with softness, raising children while building a career, and finding purpose in life's most difficult seasons.

This conversation is a reminder that confidence can be something you build. And no matter your age, title, or chapter of life, it's never too late to reinvent yourself.

In This Episode We Discuss:

• Growing up in a difficult home environment and overcoming early self-doubt
• Starting and selling multiple businesses at a young age
• Leadership lessons from entrepreneurship and executive leadership
• Being the only woman in the room and navigating male-dominated spaces
• Why transparency, communication, and relationship-building are leadership superpowers
• Balancing motherhood, ambition, and personal fulfillment
• Learning to embrace both strength and softness as a leader
• Finding purpose in life's challenges and continuing to evolve

Key Takeaways

• Confidence is built through action, not certainty.
• You don't have to compromise your values to lead at the highest levels.
• The strongest leaders create space for others to thrive.
• Ambition and femininity can coexist.
• Reinvention is available at every stage of life.

Chapters

00:00 – Veronica's story of courage, grit, and reinvention
01:15 – Childhood, chaos, and overcoming criticism
05:30 – Learning to support herself and finding independence
07:30 – Becoming one of Tampa Bay's youngest business owners
10:15 – Early leadership lessons and building strong teams
13:50 – Reinventing after entrepreneurship and motherhood
15:45 – Building a successful business through network marketing
18:25 – Motherhood, ambition, and doing both
21:00 – Why mothers make exceptional leaders
23:30 – Executive leadership and becoming the only woman in the room
26:00 – Navigating power structures without compromising yourself
29:30 – Women in leadership and rewriting old narratives
33:00 – Life as CEO of Murphy Business Sales
35:50 – Building relationships that create lasting impact
39:00 – Transparency, culture, and addressing the elephant in the room
42:00 – Strength, softness, and feminine leadership
48:45 – Modernizing a legacy business and embracing change
50:45 – Purpose, legacy, and what's next
54:00 – Finding purpose in life's burdens

]]>58d27a56-a024-4ecd-b800-c7dd8e21b075Thu, 18 Jun 2026 23:57:40 GMT<h1>It's Never Too Late for Reinvention</h1><p>What happens when you refuse to let your past define your future?</p><p>In this episode of <i>In The Room, On Purpose</i>, Alyssa sits down with Veronica Ellinger, CEO of Murphy Business Sales, to explore a life shaped by resilience, reinvention, and the courage to keep becoming.</p><p>From a chaotic childhood marked by criticism and instability to becoming the first female CEO in her organization, Veronica shares the lessons she learned about self-worth, leadership, motherhood, entrepreneurship, and building a life on her own terms.</p><p>Together, Alyssa and Veronica unpack the realities of navigating executive leadership, balancing ambition with softness, raising children while building a career, and finding purpose in life's most difficult seasons.</p><p>This conversation is a reminder that confidence can be something you build. And no matter your age, title, or chapter of life, it's never too late to reinvent yourself.</p><h2>In This Episode We Discuss:</h2><p>• Growing up in a difficult home environment and overcoming early self-doubt<br />• Starting and selling multiple businesses at a young age<br />• Leadership lessons from entrepreneurship and executive leadership<br />• Being the only woman in the room and navigating male-dominated spaces<br />• Why transparency, communication, and relationship-building are leadership superpowers<br />• Balancing motherhood, ambition, and personal fulfillment<br />• Learning to embrace both strength and softness as a leader<br />• Finding purpose in life's challenges and continuing to evolve</p><h2>Key Takeaways</h2><p>• Confidence is built through action, not certainty.<br />• You don't have to compromise your values to lead at the highest levels.<br />• The strongest leaders create space for others to thrive.<br />• Ambition and femininity can coexist.<br />• Reinvention is available at every stage of life.</p><h2>Chapters</h2><p>00:00 – Veronica's story of courage, grit, and reinvention<br />01:15 – Childhood, chaos, and overcoming criticism<br />05:30 – Learning to support herself and finding independence<br />07:30 – Becoming one of Tampa Bay's youngest business owners<br />10:15 – Early leadership lessons and building strong teams<br />13:50 – Reinventing after entrepreneurship and motherhood<br />15:45 – Building a successful business through network marketing<br />18:25 – Motherhood, ambition, and doing both<br />21:00 – Why mothers make exceptional leaders<br />23:30 – Executive leadership and becoming the only woman in the room<br />26:00 – Navigating power structures without compromising yourself<br />29:30 – Women in leadership and rewriting old narratives<br />33:00 – Life as CEO of Murphy Business Sales<br />35:50 – Building relationships that create lasting impact<br />39:00 – Transparency, culture, and addressing the elephant in the room<br />42:00 – Strength, softness, and feminine leadership<br />48:45 – Modernizing a legacy business and embracing change<br />50:45 – Purpose, legacy, and what's next<br />54:00 – Finding purpose in life's burdens</p>no00:54:35The Art of Reinventionfull<![CDATA[Executive Leadership & Life on Her Own Terms]]>Join Alyssa in the studio with Chief Financial Officer, Amel, for a conversation on confidence, culture, ambition, and marching to the beat of your own drum.

In this episode, Amel shares how her upbringing as the daughter of Egyptian immigrants shaped her independence, drive, and refusal to fit into a mold that she decided wasn't built for her. She opens up about choosing her own path in life and leadership, building a career in a male-dominated industry, and learning that respect matters more than being liked.

Together, Alyssa and Amel explore the likability trap, leading without ego, the difference between self-confidence and the word humility, and what it means to make bold choices without shrinking yourself to make other people comfortable.

This is a conversation for any woman who has ever felt different, ambitious, misunderstood, or ready to stop asking for permission. Thank you for being here and supporting these conversations.

Join us on Instagram

& be a founding subscriber of the show across platforms.

]]>ff4c4493-36ee-4e01-85d9-f8452aa598cfThu, 04 Jun 2026 23:30:47 GMT<p>Join Alyssa in the studio with Chief Financial Officer, Amel, for a conversation on confidence, culture, ambition, and marching to the beat of your own drum.</p><p></p><p>In this episode, Amel shares how her upbringing as the daughter of Egyptian immigrants shaped her independence, drive, and refusal to fit into a mold that she decided wasn't built for her. She opens up about choosing her own path in life and leadership, building a career in a male-dominated industry, and learning that respect matters more than being liked.</p><p></p><p>Together, Alyssa and Amel explore the likability trap, leading without ego, the difference between self-confidence and the word humility, and what it means to make bold choices without shrinking yourself to make other people comfortable.</p><p>This is a conversation for any woman who has ever felt different, ambitious, misunderstood, or ready to stop asking for permission. Thank you for being here and supporting these conversations. </p><p></p><p></p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/intheroomonpurpose/" target="_blank">Join us on Instagram </a></p><p>&amp; be a founding subscriber of the show across platforms.</p>yes00:57:106Executive Leadership & Life on Her Own Termsfull<![CDATA[I Am The Damn Table: On Confidence, Solo Adoption & Self Trust]]>In this episode of In The Room, On Purpose, Alyssa sits down with leadership strategist and founder of Primrose Leadership Solutions, Jennifer, for a conversation on self-trust, whole human leadership, solo adoption, and what it means to contribute in the room you worked so hard to enter.

From selling rocks on the side of a gravel road as a child to leading inside Fortune 50 companies and eventually building her own coaching and leadership development firm, Jennifer shares the through-line that shaped her life: confidence, curiosity, and the willingness to keep playing.

Together, Alyssa and Jennifer unpack leadership without ego, motherhood through solo adoption, learning to stop “borrowing trouble,” and why women need to stop shrinking once they finally get a seat at the table.

This conversation is reflective, funny, deeply honest, and full of practical wisdom for women building careers, businesses, families, and identities on their own terms.

Key Takeaways

  • Why confidence is something you can practice and build over time
  • The difference between controlling outcomes and trusting your future self
  • How whole human leadership creates stronger teams and healthier workplaces
  • What Jennifer learned through the solo adoption process and becoming a mother
  • Why your value in the room comes from contribution—not just earning the seat

Chapter Timeline

00:00 — “Hold My Beer”: Jennifer’s energy and confidence from day one
02:30 — Selling rocks, childhood confidence, and being your own hype person
06:45 — “Keep Playing” and leaving corporate America
10:30 — Entrepreneurship, leadership consulting, and learning through experience
15:00 — Internal champions, navigating resistance, and leading through conflict
20:30 — Trying on leadership before stepping fully into management
23:00 — Whole human leadership and emotional honesty at work
29:30 — Control, ego work, and trusting your future self
31:45 — Jennifer’s journey into solo adoption and motherhood
36:00 — Adoption realities, identity, and difficult conversations
42:30 — Women in leadership, communication styles, and speaking in bullets
46:00 — Control vs influence and redefining success through entrepreneurship
48:30 — Being the only woman in the room and knowing why you belong there
52:00 — Female friendships, accountability, and building while being seen
54:45 — Pilates, burnout recovery, and slowing down
57:30 — Build It or Leave It
1:02:00 — Final reflections on confidence, purpose, and being “the damn table”

]]>d43b8618-2a57-4174-9c47-0e8ead99edacFri, 22 May 2026 00:24:33 GMT<p>In this episode of <i>In The Room, On Purpose</i>, Alyssa sits down with leadership strategist and founder of Primrose Leadership Solutions, Jennifer, for a conversation on self-trust, whole human leadership, solo adoption, and what it means to contribute in the room you worked so hard to enter.</p><p></p><p>From selling rocks on the side of a gravel road as a child to leading inside Fortune 50 companies and eventually building her own coaching and leadership development firm, Jennifer shares the through-line that shaped her life: confidence, curiosity, and the willingness to keep playing.</p><p></p><p>Together, Alyssa and Jennifer unpack leadership without ego, motherhood through solo adoption, learning to stop “borrowing trouble,” and why women need to stop shrinking once they finally get a seat at the table.</p><p></p><p>This conversation is reflective, funny, deeply honest, and full of practical wisdom for women building careers, businesses, families, and identities on their own terms.</p><h2>Key Takeaways</h2><ul><li>Why confidence is something you can practice and build over time</li><li>The difference between controlling outcomes and trusting your future self</li><li>How whole human leadership creates stronger teams and healthier workplaces</li><li>What Jennifer learned through the solo adoption process and becoming a mother</li><li>Why your value in the room comes from contribution—not just earning the seat</li></ul><h2>Chapter Timeline</h2><p>00:00 — “Hold My Beer”: Jennifer’s energy and confidence from day one<br />02:30 — Selling rocks, childhood confidence, and being your own hype person<br />06:45 — “Keep Playing” and leaving corporate America<br />10:30 — Entrepreneurship, leadership consulting, and learning through experience<br />15:00 — Internal champions, navigating resistance, and leading through conflict<br />20:30 — Trying on leadership before stepping fully into management<br />23:00 — Whole human leadership and emotional honesty at work<br />29:30 — Control, ego work, and trusting your future self<br />31:45 — Jennifer’s journey into solo adoption and motherhood<br />36:00 — Adoption realities, identity, and difficult conversations<br />42:30 — Women in leadership, communication styles, and speaking in bullets<br />46:00 — Control vs influence and redefining success through entrepreneurship<br />48:30 — Being the only woman in the room and knowing why you belong there<br />52:00 — Female friendships, accountability, and building while being seen<br />54:45 — Pilates, burnout recovery, and slowing down<br />57:30 — Build It or Leave It<br />1:02:00 — Final reflections on confidence, purpose, and being “the damn table”</p>no01:03:015I Am The Damn Table: On Confidence, Solo Adoption & Self Trustfull<![CDATA[Your Alter Ego Doesn't Play It Safe]]>Follow Us on Instagram for data/stats relevant to women in business and Tik Tok for BTS!

Alyssa Edwards sits down with Anne of So Sloan. Anne is a two time founder, Ralph Lauren & Estee Lauder alum, CGI & AI Content Strategist and much more!

This conversation covers a range of themes including resilience, personal growth, founder experiences, AI in consumer products, and empowering consumer choices. It delves into the journey of self-exploration, the pivot from Estee Lauder to Ralph Lauren, and the importance of resilience and learning. The discussion also explores the founder's experiences with two businesses, the role of AI in the beauty industry, and the concept of an alter ego as a source of confidence and empowerment. The conversation delves into the concept of embracing one's alter ego, the impact of CGI and AI content creation, the significance of the Alter Ego series, the value of challenges and growth, leaving perfection behind, the weightlifting journey, AI's role in consumerism, personalized skincare, and the future of AI in beauty. The discussion emphasizes the empowerment of individuals through self-discovery and the transformative potential of AI in the beauty and wellness industry.

Takeaways

  • Resilience and learning are key to success
  • Self-discovery and personal growth are ongoing processes embracing the alter ego empowers individuals to step into their most confident selves.
  • AI is revolutionizing the beauty and wellness industry by offering customized solutions and improving consumer-brand connections.

Chapters

  • 00:00 Pivoting and Passion
  • 15:03 Resilience and Learning
  • 21:06 Journey of Self-Exploration
  • 30:45 Founder Experience: Second Business
  • 36:43 AI and Authenticity
  • 45:44 CGI and AI Content
  • 51:33 Weightlifting Journey
  • 59:36 Personalized Skincare
]]>8e34804b-2c54-48c6-8998-2306a4a3dc00Thu, 07 May 2026 21:25:50 GMT<p>Follow Us on <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/intheroomonpurpose/" target="_blank">Instagram</a> for data/stats relevant to women in business and <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.tiktok.com/@intheroomonpurpose" target="_blank">Tik Tok</a> for BTS!</p><p></p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.impactbyalyssa.com/" target="_blank">Alyssa Edwards</a> sits down with Anne of <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.sosloane.com/" target="_blank">So Sloan</a>. Anne is a two time founder, Ralph Lauren &amp; Estee Lauder alum, CGI &amp; AI Content Strategist and much more!</p><p></p><p>This conversation covers a range of themes including resilience, personal growth, founder experiences, AI in consumer products, and empowering consumer choices. It delves into the journey of self-exploration, the pivot from Estee Lauder to Ralph Lauren, and the importance of resilience and learning. The discussion also explores the founder's experiences with two businesses, the role of AI in the beauty industry, and the concept of an alter ego as a source of confidence and empowerment. The conversation delves into the concept of embracing one's alter ego, the impact of CGI and AI content creation, the significance of the Alter Ego series, the value of challenges and growth, leaving perfection behind, the weightlifting journey, AI's role in consumerism, personalized skincare, and the future of AI in beauty. The discussion emphasizes the empowerment of individuals through self-discovery and the transformative potential of AI in the beauty and wellness industry.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Resilience and learning are key to success</li><li>Self-discovery and personal growth are ongoing processes embracing the alter ego empowers individuals to step into their most confident selves.</li><li>AI is revolutionizing the beauty and wellness industry by offering customized solutions and improving consumer-brand connections.</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 Pivoting and Passion</li><li>15:03 Resilience and Learning</li><li>21:06 Journey of Self-Exploration</li><li>30:45 Founder Experience: Second Business</li><li>36:43 AI and Authenticity</li><li>45:44 CGI and AI Content</li><li>51:33 Weightlifting Journey</li><li>59:36 Personalized Skincare</li></ul>no00:56:004Your Alter Ego Doesn't Play It Safefull<![CDATA[Let's Chat]]>In the Room on Purpose is a platform for women to engage in open and honest conversations about ambition, leadership, growth, and finding their voice. Alyssa Edwards shares her vision of creating a space for diverse female experiences and empowerment, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and accountability. The show aims to provide long-form, docu-style conversations and values audience engagement and connection.

Takeaways

  • Empowerment through diverse perspectives
  • Value for audience engagement and connection

Chapters

  • 00:00 Introduction to In the Room on Purpose
  • 06:07 Diverse Perspectives and Accountability
  • 12:38 Looking Forward
]]>dee0023a-f2ad-475c-a316-2a442aad480bFri, 24 Apr 2026 03:03:18 GMT<p>In the Room on Purpose is a platform for women to engage in open and honest conversations about ambition, leadership, growth, and finding their voice. Alyssa Edwards shares her vision of creating a space for diverse female experiences and empowerment, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and accountability. The show aims to provide long-form, docu-style conversations and values audience engagement and connection.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Empowerment through diverse perspectives</li><li>Value for audience engagement and connection</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 Introduction to In the Room on Purpose</li><li>06:07 Diverse Perspectives and Accountability</li><li>12:38 Looking Forward</li></ul>no00:07:313Let's Chatbonus<![CDATA[Look Good, Feel Good, Do Good with THE Holly B. Miller]]>Thank you for being here, I am so excited to build this together. Please remember that this show is FOR you and we would love our next conversation to be suggested BY you! Email the show to submit a question or topic you want to dig into, together.

Website:

https://intheroomonpurpose.com/

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/intheroomonpurpose/

Substack:

https://open.substack.com/pub/intheroomonpurpose/p/everyonesoundsthesame?r=7xgz7i&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web

LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/company/112300989/admin/dashboard/

How do you define your confidence and what do you do in your life to grow it?

In this episode of In The Room, On Purpose, Alyssa sits down with Holly Bird Miller, CEO and founder of Makeup by Holly Beauty Partners, for a real conversation about identity, self-worth, image, and the deeply personal work of becoming your own brand. Holly shares how childhood insecurity shaped her early sense of self, how she built confidence through leadership, and how she turned a creative side hustle into a national brand. Together, they unpack the difference between using beauty as a mask versus a tool, the role personal brand plays in modern leadership, and why women deserve to take up space fully and unapologetically. Thats right!!

In this conversation:

  • Holly’s journey from healthcare leadership to founder
  • How insecurity can shape the way women show up at work and in life
  • Why confidence is the most important thing you can wear
  • The connection between visibility, credibility, and opportunity
  • What it means to build a personal brand rooted in authenticity
  • Why women need to stop playing small
  • How image can support confidence without becoming a mask
  • The emotional power of being truly seen

If this episode speaks to you, subscribe, share it with a woman in your life, and leave a comment with the moment that stayed with you.

This show is FOR you and we want our next conversation to be suggested BY you! Email the show to submit a question, topic or area you want us to dig into!

See you next time <3

For more on Holly, visit her on her Instagram, Website or LinkedIn:

https://www.instagram.com/makeupbyholly/

https://www.makeupbyhollyb.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/makeup-by-holly-beauty-partners-b2020053/

#InTheRoomOnPurpose #WomenInLeadership #PersonalBrand #Confidence #FemaleFounder #LeadershipPodcast #Authenticity #CareerGrowth #WomenAtWork

]]>c2bd9e4d-9a6e-4034-beb3-3556419ef2ceThu, 09 Apr 2026 19:30:10 GMT<p>Thank you for being here, I am so excited to build this together. Please remember that this show is FOR you and we would love our next conversation to be suggested BY you! Email the show to submit a question or topic you want to dig into, together.</p><p></p><p>Website: </p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://intheroomonpurpose.com/" target="_blank">https://intheroomonpurpose.com/</a></p><p>Instagram:</p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/intheroomonpurpose/" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/intheroomonpurpose/</a></p><p>Substack:</p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://open.substack.com/pub/intheroomonpurpose/p/everyonesoundsthesame?r=7xgz7i&amp;utm_campaign=post&amp;utm_medium=web" target="_blank">https://open.substack.com/pub/intheroomonpurpose/p/everyonesoundsthesame?r=7xgz7i&amp;utm_campaign=post&amp;utm_medium=web</a></p><p>LinkedIn:</p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/112300989/admin/dashboard/" target="_blank">https://www.linkedin.com/company/112300989/admin/dashboard/</a></p><p></p><p>How do you define your confidence and what do you do in your life to grow it? </p><p></p><p>In this episode of <i>In The Room, On Purpose</i>, Alyssa sits down with Holly Bird Miller, CEO and founder of Makeup by Holly Beauty Partners, for a real conversation about identity, self-worth, image, and the deeply personal work of becoming your own brand. Holly shares how childhood insecurity shaped her early sense of self, how she built confidence through leadership, and how she turned a creative side hustle into a national brand. Together, they unpack the difference between using beauty as a mask versus a tool, the role personal brand plays in modern leadership, and why women deserve to take up space fully and unapologetically. Thats right!! </p><p></p><p>In this conversation:</p><ul><li>Holly’s journey from healthcare leadership to founder</li><li>How insecurity can shape the way women show up at work and in life</li><li>Why confidence is the most important thing you can wear</li><li>The connection between visibility, credibility, and opportunity</li><li>What it means to build a personal brand rooted in authenticity</li><li>Why women need to stop playing small</li><li>How image can support confidence without becoming a mask</li><li>The emotional power of being truly seen</li></ul><p></p><p>If this episode speaks to you, subscribe, share it with a woman in your life, and leave a comment with the moment that stayed with you. </p><p></p><p>This show is FOR you and we want our next conversation to be suggested BY you! Email the show to submit a question, topic or area you want us to dig into!</p><p></p><p>See you next time &lt;3</p><p></p><p>For more on Holly, visit her on her Instagram, Website or LinkedIn:</p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/makeupbyholly/" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/makeupbyholly/</a></p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.makeupbyhollyb.com/" target="_blank">https://www.makeupbyhollyb.com/</a></p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/makeup-by-holly-beauty-partners-b2020053/" target="_blank">https://www.linkedin.com/in/makeup-by-holly-beauty-partners-b2020053/</a></p><p></p><p>#InTheRoomOnPurpose #WomenInLeadership #PersonalBrand #Confidence #FemaleFounder #LeadershipPodcast #Authenticity #CareerGrowth #WomenAtWork</p>no01:03:58Look Good, Feel Good, Do Good with THE Holly B. Millerfull<![CDATA[Authenticity Unfiltered: The Cost of Conforming]]>Want to build a professional playbook for women in a world made for men? Perfect. Subscribe and join us.

What does it actually mean to be authentic and is there a cost? In this episode, Alyssa sits down with Michelle Mercurio to unpack the pressure to fit into corporate culture, the cost of hiding behind professionalism, and why authenticity is less about being fully exposed and more about being fully integrated. Michelle shares how her own path led her from corporate leadership into the work she now does as “the authenticist,” helping people reconnect with who they are, what they value, and how they want to live and lead.

In this episode:

  • Why authenticity became a leadership buzzword and does it still matter
  • How belonging can lead us to betray parts of ourselves
  • The difference between privacy, performance, and true self-expression
  • Why ambition and authenticity are not opposites
  • How to identify forced energy versus flow in your own life
  • Michelle’s hot takes on authenticity at work, leadership, confidence, and being liked

Resources & Links:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/intheroomonpurpose/
Guest: Michelle Mercurio
Host: Alyssa Edwards
Sponsor mentioned: Coffitivity, code INTHEROOM20 for 20% off your subscription

]]>ffe62f2d-aea5-4151-ac71-dbbb83fb8f33Wed, 25 Mar 2026 00:06:24 GMT<p>Want to build a professional playbook for women in a world made for men? Perfect. <b>Subscribe</b> and join us.</p><p></p><p><b>What does it actually mean to be authentic and is there a cost?</b> In this episode, Alyssa sits down with <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/michellemercurio/" target="_blank">Michelle Mercurio</a> to unpack the pressure to fit into corporate culture, the cost of hiding behind professionalism, and why authenticity is less about being fully exposed and more about being fully integrated. Michelle shares how her own path led her from corporate leadership into the work she now does as “the authenticist,” helping people reconnect with who they are, what they value, and how they want to live and lead.</p><p><b>In this episode:</b></p><ul><li>Why authenticity became a leadership buzzword and does it still matter</li><li>How belonging can lead us to betray parts of ourselves</li><li>The difference between privacy, performance, and true self-expression</li><li>Why ambition and authenticity are not opposites</li><li>How to identify forced energy versus flow in your own life</li><li>Michelle’s hot takes on authenticity at work, leadership, confidence, and being liked</li></ul><p></p><p><b>Resources &amp; Links:</b></p><p><b>Instagram: </b><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/intheroomonpurpose/" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/intheroomonpurpose/<b><br /></b></a>Guest: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/michellemercurio/" target="_blank">Michelle Mercurio<br /></a>Host: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/alyssa-edwards-21b258b1/" target="_blank">Alyssa Edwards</a> <br />Sponsor mentioned: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://coffitivity.com/" target="_blank">Coffitivity</a>, code <b>INTHEROOM20 for 20% off your subscription</b></p>no00:56:571Authenticity Unfiltered: The Cost of Conformingfull