Call Her Boss | Women Helping Women Thrive in Business, Family & Life

Done is Better Than Perfect: The Freedom of Letting Go: Overcoming Perfectionism for a Better Life

This week's episode is dedicated to all perfectionists, whether past, present, or future. As a reforming perfectionist, I share my personal journey of letting go of the need for perfection and its liberating yet challenging process. I delve into real-life examples, such as overthinking paint colors and refolding laundry, to illustrate the pitfalls of perfectionism. We dive deep into how perfectionism acts as a protective measure against criticism but ultimately hampers growth and happiness. With rising levels of perfectionism particularly among millennials and college students, I highlight its severe mental and physical health repercussions, supported by pertinent studies. Drawing from my experiences as a nurse practitioner and a mother, I emphasize the importance of setting realistic expectations and fostering self-compassion. The episode urges viewers to recognize their inherent worth beyond achievements, prioritize joy and presence over perfection, and grant themselves the same grace they offer others. The ultimate takeaway is embracing excellence while allowing room for mistakes, encouraging a healthier, more fulfilling life.

Shooting for Stars/Building Resilient Children: Allyson Schwab’s Journey in the world of the Olympics, Entrepreneurship, Managing Youth and Collegiate Atheletes, and Autism Awareness

This week, I had the pleasure of hosting my dear friend Allison Schwab, an extraordinary photographer, mother of four, and founder of the Autism nonprofit organization Every Piece Matters. Hailing originally from Virginia, Allison now resides in the Midwest with her husband, Doug Schwab, a former Olympian and current wrestling coach at the University of Northern Iowa. Allison shared her journey from Virginia to Iowa and her family’s intriguing background, including the story of how she met Doug. She is a mother to two sons, Hayden and Hendrix, who are accomplished wrestlers, and twin daughters Jenna and Lennon, who are seven and were diagnosed with autism before the age of two.
We discussed the inspiration behind Every Piece Matters, a nonprofit dedicated to providing communication tools for individuals with diverse communication needs. Allison shared the challenges she faced as a parent when her daughters were diagnosed with autism, the strategies she employed to address their communication issues, and the organization's impact in donating over 500 communication boards across the U.S. She also emphasized the importance of early diagnosis and support, which significantly helps in the long-term development of children with autism.
Allison balanced her busy career as a photographer with her responsibilities as a mother and an advocate. She is particularly noted for her sports photography, which is recognized nationally and internationally, and her role as a surrogate mom to around 30 wrestlers. We also explored the pressures of parenting student-athletes, the importance of focusing on attitude and effort over results, and maintaining a balance between celebrating achievements and managing failures.
The episode highlighted Allison's approach to modeling grace and compassion under pressure, her advice on handling the educational system for children with diverse needs, and the significance of having support systems in place. She encouraged maintaining open communication and realistic expectations for children to help them grow without feeling the burden of results-oriented pressure. Additionally, we touched on her personal strategies for managing a busy household and multiple roles.
This episode serves as an inspiring journey through Allison's life, providing listeners with insight into parenting, balancing various responsibilities, and advocating for children with special needs.

Circle as Small as a Cheerio: Why a Tiny Inner Circle Leads to Greater Success: A Strategy for Growth, Connection, and Entrepreneurship

In this episode of 'Call Her Boss', I share insights from a recent conference and delves into the importance of surrounding yourself with the right people. Emphasizing the concept of maintaining a 'cheerio-sized' circle, we discusses the significance of intentional relationships for personal and professional growth. The episode highlights scientific data supporting the health benefits of genuine connections, the value of asking for help, and the role of mentors. Real-life examples illustrate how the right circle can lead to success and resilience. Tune in to discover how to cultivate a supportive and inspiring network.
00:00 Welcome and Weekend Recap
00:18 The Importance of a Small Circle
02:18 Scientific Backing for Social Circles
03:38 Starting a Business with the Right People
05:00 Leveraging Connections for Success
08:34 Surrounding Yourself with Supportive Friends
10:36 Seeking Guidance from Role Models
11:33 The Importance of Surrounding Yourself with the Right People
11:38 Learning from Experts and Mentors
13:07 The Value of Helping Others
14:28 Intentional Relationships for Personal Growth
15:29 Overcoming Challenges with Support
17:27 The Power of Connection and Resilience
19:13 Final Thoughts on Building a Supportive Circle
 

The Secret Sauce of Betting on Yourself: How to Turn Your Dreams into Reality in Business, Entrepreneurship & Life

This first episode of the 'Call Her Boss' podcast is a passionate introduction to the series, where we talk about the secret sauce of success. In this episode, we delve into the powerful concept of betting on yourself, particularly from a female perspective. We discuss the importance of self-belief and betting on oneself, encouraging women to overcome self-doubt and societal pressures. The episode delves into the 'secret sauce' of success, showcasing personal experiences, challenges, and triumphs. By sharing motivational insights and practical advice, Call Her Boss aims to inspire listeners to recognize their unique skill sets, pursue their dreams, and develop a resilient, success-oriented mindset.

Call Her Boss Trailer

Welcome to Call Her Boss, the podcast for women who are ready to step into their power, own their story, and create a life they absolutely love—without comparing themselves to anyone else. I'm Elizabeth Akerson, a board-certified nurse practitioner, entrepreneur, and national speaker. In today’s episode, I’m opening up about how I went from feeling stuck and overwhelmed in a six-figure corporate job to building a million-dollar business on my own terms.
Five years ago, I had all the “success” markers—secure job, a family, a nice house—but I felt unfulfilled, lost, and disconnected from my purpose. Then, a single moment ignited a spark that changed everything. I made the choice to bet on myself, even when the odds felt stacked against me.
This episode is all about daring to dream big, trusting yourself, and taking bold steps toward what’s possible—no matter how messy the journey may seem. If you’re ready to break free from self-doubt, build your own empire, and reclaim your joy, Call Her Boss is the place for you.
Join me every week for real talk, expert advice, and the inspiration you need to turn your dreams into reality. Ready to boss up? Let’s do this, Queen.
Subscribe now, and let’s make it happen!