Leading Through the Lens of Challenge: How Women in Leadership Can Embrace Self-Perception and Powerfully Redefine Success

In this engaging episode of STEM in Stilettos, Carly Pepin joins host Sophia Morales for a powerful conversation on redefining leadership through the unique lens of women’s lived experience. Carly, a seasoned business strategist and human behavior expert, shares how she helps women move beyond internal doubt, societal expectations, and misperceptions that can hinder authentic leadership.

Drawing from her own journey, Carly discusses the subtle dynamics women face in leadership—like being underestimated, navigating appearance standards, and toggling between strength and softness. She explains why leadership isn’t about fitting a mold, but about aligning with your core values and strengths, especially in male-dominated industries.

Through insightful stories—like embracing her love of fashion instead of conforming to corporate attire norms—Carly reminds us that owning our authenticity isn’t just empowering, it’s strategic. She breaks down how women can reframe perceived weaknesses into unique leadership advantages and shift from burnout or self-doubt into grounded confidence.

Listeners will gain practical tools to recognize where they’re already leading, even if it’s not in a traditional form, and how to trust that nothing is missing within them. From self-perception to inner voice awareness, from leveraging nurturing traits to letting go of the pressure to “prove it”—this episode is a must-listen for women ready to step fully into leadership without losing themselves.

Watch the full interview below: