Savvy Sisters & Cocktail Conversations
Self-Improvement
About
Pour yourself a glass and join the banter with "Savvy Sisters and Cocktail Conversations: Empowered Women's Journey to Purposeful Success." Hosted by Julie Flowers of Elevate YOU Coaching and Yvonne Rocha Contreras, a seasoned HR career professional. This is not your average podcast. It's where bold women unite for an empowering happy hour like no other, filled with wit, wisdom, and the occasional clink of glasses. In every episode, we tackle the real issues facing career women—from those finding their feet to seasoned professionals looking to make a change. We're here to help you reclaim your identity, find your purpose, and live with audacious authenticity. With a mix of humor, frankness, and deep dives into what really drives success, our conversations are designed to inspire action and foster a robust, supportive tribe. Whether we’re popping bottles or debunking workplace myths, our goal is to empower you to hustle with intention and flourish in all facets of your career and life. So, get ready for a cocktail of motivation with a twist of real talk and heart. Stay tuned for more episodes where we're sharing not just shenanigans, but also strategies that genuinely help you craft the life and career you deserve. Cheers to thriving together! Follow us on Social Media: Julie: - Website - https://elevateyoucoaching.org/ - IG: @elevateyou.coach and @mama.j.flo - LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-flowers-936b2753/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/elevate-you-coaching-org/?viewAsMember=true Yvonne: IG: @purposewithbubbles LI: www.linkedin.com/in/yroc
Episodes
- The ROI of Your Life
In this episode, Yvonne and Julie explore the concept of "The ROI of Your Life," encouraging listeners to measure personal fulfillment beyond traditional metrics. They discuss their own transitions from corporate careers, emphasizing the i…
- The Unbothered Woman
Julie and Yvonne discuss the true meaning of being an "unbothered woman," focusing on intentional energy protection rather than detachment. They provide strategies for high-achieving women to avoid burnout by managing emotional labor and b…
- The Closure Myth – Why You Don’t Need Answers to Move On
This episode challenges the necessity of closure for moving on, with hosts Julie and Yvonne explaining that waiting for explanations or apologies often keeps individuals, particularly high-achieving women, stuck. They propose that closure…
- You’re Not Stuck—You’re Over-Identified
This episode challenges the notion of being stuck, suggesting instead that individuals may be over-identified with past identities. Hosts Julie and Yvonne encourage listeners to update their identity to embrace future growth.
- The Silent Struggle of a Strong Woman
This episode of Savvy Sisters & Cocktail Conversations features Yvonne Rocha Contreras and Julie Flowers discussing the hidden struggles of high-performing women. They explore how these women mask burnout and exhaustion, and emphasize that…
- The Grateful Woman Trap-The Cost of Being "Lucky"
In this episode, Yvonne Rocha Contreras and Julie Flowers identify the "Grateful Woman Trap," where women are conditioned to feel lucky instead of powerful. They explore how gratitude can silence women, leading them to downplay successes,…
- "I Don’t Care What People Think”… Sure You Don’t
Julie and Yvonne unpack the common phrase “I don’t care what people think,” exploring its roots in conditioning and societal influence. They challenge listeners to move from external surveillance to internal alignment in decision-making an…
- The Identity Gap: When Brilliant Women Shrink Their Story
In this episode, hosts Julie and Yvonne address the phenomenon of brilliant women diminishing their own narratives. They discuss societal pressures, the effects of comparison, and advocate for embracing one's identity without justification.
- When Success Stops Protecting You
This episode explores how success can cease to feel protective for high-achieving women, leading to burnout when their identity is solely based on performance. Julie and Yvonne discuss shifting focus from external validation to self-trust…
- If You’re Uncomfortable, You’re Doing It Right
In this episode, Yvonne and Julie explore the idea that discomfort in leadership is actually a sign of expansion and growth. They discuss why visibility and influence can feel exposing and how high-achieving women often mistake personal gr…
- Pop the Bubbles-60 episodes: Still Evolving, Still Unapologetic
In their 60th episode, hosts Julie and Yvonne celebrate their evolution and unapologetic approach to midlife, discussing how women over 40 are redefining success, ambition, and work.
- The Comfort Trap: Stability Was Never the Point
In this episode, Yvonne and Julie challenge the traditional notion of stability in women's careers, arguing that it can sometimes be a trap that stifles ambition. They encourage listeners to identify the difference between true security an…
- Rooms That Decide Your Future
This episode discusses how influence and future success are determined by presence and impact in key rooms, not just hard work or attendance. Hosts Julie and Yvonne differentiate between being invited, present, and influential, offering st…
- The 2025 Glow-Up Awards
In this episode of Savvy Sisters and Cocktail Conversations, hosts Julie and Yvonne celebrate Season 1 & 2's impactful moments, lessons, and conversations, focusing on personal growth, authenticity, and evolution.
- Joy as a Rebellion: Why Fun Is the New Power Move
In their anniversary episode, Savvy Sisters & Cocktail Conversations' Julie Flowers and Yvonne Rocha Contreras discuss joy as a powerful, rebellious leadership strategy, distinguishing it from temporary happiness.
- Uncorking Entrepreneurship: The Grit, the Growth, and the Grind with Farrah Cauley
Farrah Cauley, owner of Sonoma Wine Bar, joins Julie and Yvonne to discuss the challenges and realities of entrepreneurship, including leadership in a male-dominated industry and the importance of resilience and community.
- CEO of My Own Damn Life & Career
This episode encourages listeners to stop living like employees in their own lives and instead become the CEO of their decisions. It discusses overcoming external validation and people-pleasing to embrace self-trust, boundaries, and person…
- The Power Shift: Menopause, Muscle & Owning Your Health - with Dr. Tiffany Ruder
Dr. Tiffany Ruder discusses perimenopause and menopause with hosts Julie and Yvonne, emphasizing that women are not alone in navigating this phase. The conversation focuses on science-based strategies for maintaining well-being during this…
- Menopause at Work: What Women Need, What Companies Miss
This episode of Savvy Sisters and Cocktail Conversations explores menopause's impact on working women, covering stages, personal experiences, and workplace challenges. Hosts emphasize the need for open dialogue, company support, and refram…
- Too Old for This Sh*t… But Still Too Damn Good to Quit
This episode of Savvy Sisters and Cocktail Conversations features hosts Julie Flowers and Yvonne Rocha-Contreras discussing the empowerment of midlife women. They emphasize embracing ambition, challenging age stereotypes, and the importanc…
- Ambitious AF… And Exhausted: What’s Enough, Not What’s Next
Julie and Yvonne discuss ambition fatigue, exploring the guilt associated with resting, the demands of the "second shift," and the need to redefine success to prevent burnout. They encourage listeners to embrace rest without guilt.
- From Surviving to Thriving: Time for an Identity Detox
In this episode of Savvy Sisters & Cocktail Conversations, hosts Julie and Yvonne discuss the concept of an identity detox. They explore how habits like overachieving and people-pleasing hinder personal growth and encourage listeners to re…
- Burn the Bio: You’re More Than a 3-Line Intro
This episode of Savvy Sisters and Cocktail Conversations features hosts Julie Flowers and Yvonne Rocha Contreras discussing the importance of authentic introductions. They encourage listeners to rewrite their bios to express their true sel…
- Ditch the Burnout Badge
This episode explores the issue of workplace burnout, particularly among women, and how it's often worn as a 'badge of honor'. Hosts Julie Flowers and Yvonne Rocha Contreras discuss toxic beliefs about busyness and success, advocating for…
- Not Just Lucky: How Lateisha Thomas Learned to Ask for What She’s Worth
Lateisha Thomas details her career path from dancer to Director of Professional Services at Arkestro, highlighting her pivotal moment of learning to negotiate her worth and identify her professional passions. The episode covers her experie…
- From Silent to Standing Tall: Joi Heyward on Voice, Value & Visibility
Joi Heyward shares her journey in accounting and finance, detailing how she transitioned from silent struggles to becoming a visible leader by advocating for herself. The episode explores the dynamics of startup environments, the transfera…
- Wisdom & Wine: Advise we would give our 25yr old self
In this episode, hosts Julie Flowers and Yvonne Rocha Contreras discuss wisdom they wish they could impart to their 25-year-old selves, covering self-advocacy, navigating challenges, the value of networking, and the importance of setting b…
- Overcoming the Fear of Starting Over
Savvy Sisters hosts Julie Flowers and Yvonne Rocha Contreras discuss the fears of starting over, presenting it as an opportunity for reinvention and growth. The episode covers emotional challenges, financial aspects, support systems, and o…
- Adult Friendships, Part 2: Inside the Sisterhood — How Our Friendship Works
In this episode, hosts Julie and Yvonne explore the dynamics of their own adult friendship, sharing raw, humorous, and heartfelt stories about how their contrasting personalities create a strong and lasting bond.
- Adult Friendships: The Myth, the Mess & the Magic
In this episode, Julie and Yvonne explore the complexities of adult friendships, covering topics like shrinking social circles, comparison, and recognizing draining relationships. They provide insights on nurturing friendships that offer j…
- Resilience, Rewrites, and Rising Together- Mel Carr
Mel Carr, founder of the Six Figure Chicks Movement, shares her journey of overcoming challenges to become a successful entrepreneur. The episode highlights the importance of resilience, storytelling, and female empowerment.
- Triggered to Transformed: Pause, Don’t Pounce—Reset the Room Like a Boss
In this episode, Julie and Yvonne discuss everyday micro boundary breaches and offer strategies to pause, reset conversations, and build allies. They also share leadership tips on psychological safety and an example of allyship.
- Grow & Go: Mentors vs. Sponsors (with a Champagne Twist)
In this episode, Julie and Yvonne clarify the distinct roles of mentors and sponsors in career advancement. They explain that mentors aid personal growth while sponsors actively advocate for individuals, offering practical advice on how to…
- What if We're Not Here to Climb, But To Create?
Savvy Sisters and Cocktail Conversations explores redefining success by emphasizing creativity, joy, and personal fulfillment over traditional career climbing. The hosts suggest a 'web model' for career growth, valuing soft skills and self…
- Own Your Health! Advocating for yourself/empowerment - Guest Alicia Lohman
Guest Alicia Lohman joins Savvy Sisters and Cocktail Conversations to discuss owning one's health, emphasizing mindset, boundaries, and wellness. Lohman shares her personal journey transitioning from corporate life to health and wellness,…
- Old School x New Rules: Leading (and Thriving) Across Generations
This episode discusses leading and thriving across different generations in the workplace. It covers the strengths and challenges of various generations, communication styles, and offers practical strategies like reverse mentoring and clea…
- Courageous Conversations: Clear Is Kind, Boundaries Are Boss
Julie and Yvonne discuss courageous conversations at work, covering topics like calling out bias and navigating team dynamics. They introduce the CLEAR model and strategies for setting boundaries, emphasizing that clear communication is ki…
- Building Your Legacy: Designing careers that leave lasting impacts
Savvy Sisters and Cocktail Conversations explores legacy building, emphasizing authenticity and mentorship. Hosts Julie Flowers and Yvonne Rocha Contreras discuss how daily actions and support create lasting impact, challenging traditional…
- Your Money on Your Terms with Donna Cates
This episode features financial advisor Donna Cates discussing the importance of financial literacy and planning for women, especially during life transitions. The conversation highlights the need for women to be proactive about their fina…
- Owning Your Comeback with the Comeback Queen: Erica Cobb's Journey
In Season 2 Episode 1, Erica Cobb discusses her journey from divorce and bankruptcy to becoming a syndicated TV host. The episode covers mindset shifts for reinvention, creating a comeback playbook, and moving on from unserving relationshi…
- Sip, Celebrate, Reflect: A Toast to Our First Season!
In the season finale of Savvy Sisters, hosts Julie and Yvonne celebrate their first season, reflecting on themes from recent episodes such as career transitions, failure as feedback, the myth of perfection, male allyship, quiet leadership,…
- Navigating Transitions-Pt 2
This episode of Savvy Sisters and Cocktail Conversations covers navigating life and career transitions. Hosts Julie Flowers and Yvonne Rocha Contreras emphasize reclaiming identity, overcoming challenges, and the importance of community su…
- The Power of Resilience
This episode of Savvy Sisters of Cocktail Conversations explores the power of resilience for women in their careers. Hosts Julie Flowers and Yvonne Rocha Contreras share personal stories and practical advice on navigating setbacks through…
- Perfection to Possibilities
Guest Michelle Cameron Coulter joins hosts Julie Flowers and Yvonne Rocha Contreras to discuss moving from a focus on perfection to embracing possibilities. They explore authenticity, community, and the power of sharing personal stories on…
- Tech-Savvy & Seasoned – Thriving in the Digital Age
Recorded at the Offshore Technology Conference, hosts Julie and Yvonne discuss how women can leverage their digital power. They touch on topics including AI naming conventions.
- Shaken, Not Silenced – Male Allyship That Matters
This episode features Clay Williams discussing genuine male allyship in the workplace with hosts Julie and Yvonne. They explore how men can effectively support women by amplifying their voices and advocating with intention, moving beyond p…
- Empowered Women, Empower Women
In "Advocating for Women," Julie Flowers and Yvonne Rocha-Contreras on Savvy Sisters and Cocktail Conversations explore societal barriers like comparison and imposter syndrome that hinder women supporting each other. They offer actionable…
- The F Word: Redefining Failure
In this episode, hosts Julie Flowers and Yvonne Rocha Contreras discuss how women perceive failure in personal and professional contexts. They explore self-judgment, the importance of support systems, and reframing failure as a chance for…
- Celebrating Wins (Part 2): Pop the Champagne, Sis!
In the continuation of their talk on recognizing achievements, Julie and Yvonne explore the reasons behind successful women's difficulty in celebrating their wins, including imposter syndrome and perfectionism.
- Bold Move: Reinvention
This episode features a discussion on personal reinvention, focusing on Yvonne Rocha Contreras' transition from corporate America after 35 years. Hosts Julie Flowers and Yvonne explore mindset shifts, future aspirations like a champagne ba…