Words That Spark Change

Does the word "empower" make you cringe? You're not alone.

In our latest episode of Unmuted and Unabashed: The Podcast, we dive deep into why telling women to "be empowered" is actually a burden on us. To just tell (and not show) women to "be bold" and "negotiate better" misses the point entirely.

The truth? 

Some managers are simply uneducated about leadership. They were promoted because they were good at their jobs. Full stop. 

It's a vicious cycle that organizations fall prey to: let's pr...

 Author: Margaret Osborn

I’m on a mission to create a truly transformative community with resources that support mid-career and mid-life women.

And I need your help.

I believe, as women, we’ve hit a breaking point and it’s time to stop pretending otherwise.

So I created a grassroots community called Be Unabashed because I was tired — tired of watching smart, accomplished women (myself included) shrink themselves just to get through the day.

I’ve been there: staying quiet in meetings when I ...

Margaret Osborn, CCXP, Founder of Be Unabashed
Lisa Jacobson Brown, Co-Founder
Brooke Salazar, JD, Co-Founder

It's been years in the making, but the stars have finally aligned* and we three friends who comprise Team Unabashed have launched a podcast.

Many of you are aware of our passion to advocate for women. Women who've been told to play nice all their lives. Be polite. Stay calm.

Here’s the truth: we’re over it.

And we know most other women (and those who support them) are too.

That’s...

Author: Margaret Osborn

If I had a dollar for every time someone told me, “I want to post on LinkedIn, but I don’t have time,” or “I don’t know what to say,” I’d have enough to take that Caribbean vacation.

Those are limiting beliefs. They’re excuses. And it’s time to blow them up.

Enter: LinkedIn Unleashed.

We're giving away 28 prompts to help you show up, speak out and build a presence that helps you be seen and heard.

This isn’t about chasing constantly changing algorithms or writing li...

Author: Margaret Osborn

You crushed that presentation. The client signed. But when the spotlight hits you, your instinct is to shrink.

Sound familiar?

If the thought of saying, "I did a great job on that project" makes you sweat… you’re not alone. For generations, women have been conditioned to stay small. Be humble. Don’t brag. Let your work speak for itself.

Here’s the deal: Your brilliance doesn't talk for you, you have to name it and claim it. Otherwise, someone else will take the credit...

Author: Margaret Osborn

We rise faster when we rise together.

We’re better humans, better leaders, better everything when we build each other up instead of tearing each other down.

Quite pointedly, the world feels heavy right now. The divisiveness. The judgment. The ongoing battles over women’s rights. The quiet burnout and general malaise spreading underneath it all.

Civility feels like a lost art. We judge and condemn what we don’t understand, fueling a vicious cycle. And when you’re on th...

Author: Margaret Osborn

The hard truth is that if you don’t define your personal brand, the world will do it for you.

You don’t need a fancy website, a logo or a perfectly curated Instagram grid to start building your brand. What you do need is clarity, courage and a little bit of grit.

This is about owning your story, your strengths and the space you take up in the world. Not trying to be an social media influencer.

Here’s how to start building your personal brand—on your own terms:

1. Nam...

Author: Margaret Osborn

For too long, you’ve been told to tone it down. To smile more. To not rock the boat.

You’ve twisted yourself into versions of who you thought you had to be at work, at home, in every room —just to keep the peace.

But what if the very voice you’ve been muting is the voice that could change everything?

This is your wake-up call. Your permission slip to speak up.

Because you’re meant to be heard in meetings, in relationships and in every room you enter.

This Is What It...

Author: Margaret Osborn

If you’ve ever felt like you were meant for more but can’t quite get there, it’s likely not a lack of talent or effort holding you back. It might be what you believe about yourself.

Limiting beliefs are like invisible fences. You don’t even know you’re trapped until you try to move past them. These sneaky thoughts can lurk under the surface, masquerading as “being realistic” or “playing nice,” but they’re really just dolled-up excuses.

As women, we hold ourselves to im...