This week, Emily and Elyssa sit down with Susana Venegas, MA, AMFT, a bilingual Marriage & Family Therapist whose story is one of resilience, compassion, and cultural pride. From her family’s immigration journey to her work helping others heal, Susana opens up about what it means to guide people through life’s hardest moments, how social media has reshaped mental health conversations, and the lessons she’s learned along the way.
In this episode of Girls That Excel, we sit down with Summer Harness, FNP-BC, CANS, founder of Summer Aesthetics, and Nikki Hassell, PA-C, who leads their Medical Weight Loss & Wellness program. From subtle enhancements with Botox and threads to personalized weight loss journeys with GLP-1s, they share how aesthetics and wellness can empower women to feel confident, radiant, and ready to take on their world. We explore the art of enhancement—not transformation—why looking “polished” at work is more complex than it seems, and what true self-care really means in today’s world.
In this episode, we explore the inspiring journey of Cameron, a dedicated firefighter who overcame dyslexia to excel in his career. Cameron shares his experiences, challenges, and triumphs, offering valuable insights into the world of firefighting and the impact of learning disabilities.
Emily and Elyssa are back after a summer break, introducing new dynamics for Season Two, including the addition of Annah! They reflect on the lessons learned from Season One and discuss the rebranding of the podcast to focus more on storytelling and diverse paths to success. The hosts emphasize that success looks different for everyone and express excitement for the upcoming season filled with interviews and career tips.
In this episode, the hosts discuss the significance of summer jobs and how they shape personal and professional growth. They share their first job experiences, the lessons learned, and the importance of balancing work with fun. The conversation also touches on the value of early work experiences, navigating job expectations, and the impact of work crushes. The hosts reflect on their favorite summer jobs and what they hope for their future children regarding work experiences.
AI is changing the workplace as we know it, but how should we embrace it without losing our humanity? In this episode, Manisha Dhawan, a leader in digital transformation, offers her expertise on the future of work, the ethics of AI, and the responsibility of both tech companies and employees in this brave new world.
Is it really delegation if you just do it yourself? This week, we’re tackling the art of letting go without losing control. We’ll walk through how to delegate with intention, build trust with your team, and stop micromanaging. Plus, we play Would You Delegate or Not? with real workplace scenarios. Spoiler: ordering lunch isn’t as easy as it sounds.
A deep dive into the coworkers who are always “busy”… but never actually working.
They’ve always got a meeting, their Slack status is constantly “In Focus Mode,” and yet—somehow—nothing ever gets done. This week, Emily and Elyssa break down the office phenomenon of fake productivity: the people who’ve mastered looking busy while producing zilch. We unpack why this behavior often flies under the radar, how it impacts real performers, and the subtle signs you’re working with a corporate illusionist.
It’s bring-your-dog-to-work day—every day. In this episode, we explore the rise of pet-friendly workplaces, from pawternity leave to in-office pup naps. Are pets the ultimate wellness perk or just a fluffy distraction? Let’s talk it out.
In this episode, we’re diving into the sun-soaked world of Summer Fridays—the ultimate workplace perk that lets you log off early and live your best life (or at least clean your apartment before your friends show up with a bottle of rosé). We break down the history of Summer Fridays, how they actually impact productivity, and—just like on Summer House—who gets to clock out early, and who’s stuck cleaning up the mess.
Are they a true step toward work-life balance, or just another illusion of flexibility dressed up in office-approved linen? Plus, we reveal our favorite ways to look busy while mentally packing for the Hamptons. So grab a Loverboy, fake a Zoom emergency, and press play on this week’s episode.
In this conversation, the hosts and guest Sonia Arellano discuss the importance of community, culture, and personal experiences in shaping one's journey. Sonia shares her background as a Latina woman, her challenges growing up in a low-income community, and her commitment to empowering others through affordable housing and economic advancement. The discussion highlights the unique challenges faced by Latina women in business and leadership roles, emphasizing the need for support and understanding from the broader community. In this conversation, the speakers discuss the critical role of affordable housing in providing equal opportunities for children and families, particularly in Latino communities. They emphasize the importance of community engagement, resources, and support systems in empowering individuals to overcome systematic barriers. The discussion also highlights the significance of entrepreneurship and financial independence for Latina women, as well as the hope for future generations of Latina leaders. The speakers share personal experiences and insights on building a strong community and the necessity of supporting local businesses.
In this episode, Girls That Excel is joined by Lina Osofsky from the Learned In Trivia podcast to explore the fascinating history and cultural impact of coffee in the workplace. They dive into how coffee evolved from a simple beverage to a vital part of office culture, influencing both productivity and social connections. Along the way, the hosts share their personal coffee rituals, bust some popular coffee myths, and sprinkle in fun trivia about the origins of coffee. The conversation wraps up with a lighthearted chat about the iconic figures they’d love to share a cup of coffee with, highlighting just how much coffee brings people together.
In this episode, Elyssa and Emily debate the unlimited paid time off (PTO) policy. Elyssa advocates for the benefits of unlimited PTO, highlighting its flexibility and potential for improved work-life balance. Emily counters with skepticism, discussing the hidden downsides, including management control and the culture of guilt surrounding time off. They explore the implications of unlimited PTO on employee well-being, company finances, and workplace dynamics, ultimately questioning whether this policy truly benefits employees. In this conversation, Emily and Elyssa explore the complexities of unlimited PTO policies, discussing the potential benefits and drawbacks. They emphasize the importance of company culture and management in determining the effectiveness of such policies. The discussion also touches on the significance of financial security and the necessity of saving for unexpected situations. Finally, they highlight the value of career opportunities and the importance of making informed choices regarding job offers and PTO policies.
In this episode, Emily and Elyssa discuss the romanticization of hustle culture, the societal pressures to work unpaid hours, and the impact of burnout on personal well-being. They share personal experiences, explore the difference between healthy hustle and exploitation, and provide insights on navigating internships and unpaid labor in the workforce. In this conversation, Elyssa and Emily explore the themes of work-life boundaries, the signs of burnout, the origins of hustle culture, and their personal motivations for hustling. They discuss the impact of toxic productivity on mental health, the importance of setting boundaries, and the need for self-care. The conversation also delves into how past experiences shape current work habits and the societal pressures contributing to a relentless work ethic. In this conversation, Emily and Elyssa explore the complexities of hustle culture, discussing personal motivations for hard work, the costs associated with relentless ambition, and the importance of setting boundaries. They emphasize the need for rest and self-care as forms of resistance against societal pressures to constantly achieve. The discussion also touches on red flags in workplace culture and the necessity of redefining success to include balance and joy.
This week, we’re joined by Gaston Seneza, a software engineer, entrepreneur, and global risk-taker who moved from Rwanda to Silicon Valley to chase his dreams. Gaston opens up about his bold moves, big failures, and how he found the courage to keep going when things didn’t work out. From his first startup to his latest role at Amazon Music, Gaston shares what it really takes to succeed in tech—and why failure might be your greatest teacher.
Performance reviews: the corporate Hunger Games of adulting. In this episode of Girls That Excel, Emily and Elyssa break down The Good, The Bad, and The Awkward of performance evaluations—why they exist, how they work, and what you can do to walk away with the raise, not the dreaded PIP. We cover how to prep like a pro (hello, brag doc), why a perfect score isn’t the goal, and what outcomes you can expect—from promotions and pay bumps to... well, not-so-great endings. Plus, we put Thomas in the hot seat for a mock performance review—roommate edition. Spoiler: it gets messy!
Whether you’re heading into your first review or your tenth, we’ve got tips, stories, and advice to help you advocate for yourself and own the room.
Managing up isn’t just about survival—it’s about strategy. Whether your boss is all over your to-do list or nowhere to be found, we’re breaking down how to navigate different leadership styles without losing your mind (or your boundaries). We’ll cover practical tips for working with micromanagers, absentee leaders, and the rare unicorn boss who actually gets it right—so you can build better relationships, grow your career, and keep your sanity intact.
What does it take to turn a dream of owning a bar into reality? We’re sitting down with Too Soon owner Nick Flower and bartender Jaggar to talk about cocktails, community, and creativity. From NYC-inspired vibes to cookies at last call, Nick shares the highs and lows of bar ownership, the magic behind their “bartender’s choice” concept, and what makes Too Soon a Portland favorite.
Visit Too Soon at 18 NE 28th Ave, Portland, OR
Follow them on Instagram @toosoonpdx
Ever had a coworker conveniently “forget” how to do something, leaving you to pick up the slack? That’s weaponized incompetence—the strategic act of dodging responsibilities and offloading invisible labor onto others (often women). In this episode of Girls That Excel, Emily and Elyssa break down how this toxic workplace behavior manifests, share jaw-dropping stats, and reveal how to push back like a pro. Whether it’s work, relationships, or friendships, we’re calling it out and reclaiming our time. Plus, we’ll share HR resources you can turn to when your company fails you.
In this episode, we sit down with Emily’s very first friend in Portland, Pua, to talk about one of the biggest career shifts of all—leaving the workforce to become a stay-at-home mom. From her background as a behavioral therapist to her new role as a full-time parent, Pua shares the unexpected challenges, rewarding moments, and hilarious realities of having a one-year-old as her boss. We dive into pregnancy, work-life balance, and the transition to stay-at-home motherhood. Whether you're a parent, thinking about parenthood, or just here for the chaos, this episode is packed with laughs, real talk, and heartfelt moments.