Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Shawna Rodrigues. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Shawna, thank you so much for opening up with us about some important, but sometimes personal topics. One that really matters to us is overcoming Imposter Syndrome because we’ve seen how so many people are held back in life because of this and so we’d really appreciate hearing about how you overcame Imposter Syndrome.
I think the most valuable buffer against imposter syndrome is community. That is one reason I created a podcast network, rather than just editing podcasts or creating courses folks could buy. The support we get from each other inside of our network fuels each of us. If we are to move the dial on the number of women hosting podcasts, women need to feel supported on this journey and they feel that in community. Even the small communities I found when I was trying to decide if I was going to have a podcast helped me over that initial hump of imposter syndrome entering the podcasting space and now The Grit Show has over 70 episodes out and my recent connections to more women entrepreneurs is why I’m launching Authenticity Amplified to connect to business owners. Community trumps imposter syndrome. The other thing to do when facing new challenges and trying things we’ve never done before is to remind ourselves of what we have accomplished and overcome in the past. When I am facing situations where I am less experienced, feeling unsure, or someone else is trying to build themselves up by putting me down; I will find that example of something I have done or overcome and remind myself I am capable. There’s a level of self-awareness and self-belief that acts as a buffer against imposter syndrome.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I continued watching the presenter, but I was no longer listening. My mind circled the words he just shared. Was it true that women hosted only 27% of podcasts? Surely I misheard. As I looked around the hotel ballroom and reflected on how out of place I’d felt on a few occasions in the day and a half since I’d been at the conference, I realized it made sense. I thought of the years I contemplated my podcast before I launched; I thought of the group of folks who were looking to launch podcasts around the time I launched mine, and still hadn’t. The group was primarily women. Learning that statistic altered my trajectory. I went from being a podcaster to feeling this enormous pull to launch a podcast network. Not just workshops teaching women how to podcast, not just podcast services, but something more. A network that would offer production services alongside mentoring, community, hosting, and all the things that would make podcasting more viable for the women I was meeting along the way. All the things I wish I’d found earlier.
A year later, I am celebrating alongside phenomenal women who have been hosting their podcasts for a year (only 10% of podcasts make it to the one year mark – they are breaking through!) and with others who are just getting established. It is incredible to be part of their journey, to see their success, and realize the importance of making more perspectives available to listeners. One of our recent launches reached the top 100 in multiple countries in their first month out and it was exciting to be reminded of the global reach that podcasting has and the impact that can be made from this medium. It is thrilling that so many of our podcasts reach the top 10% in their first month, but there are so many more metrics that matter. It’s about connecting, creating community, about meaningful content, and impact.
At Authentic Connections Network we have a goal of 37 by 27 – increasing the number of podcasts hosted by women to 37% by 2027. The quality and support we offer in our network limits our direct influence on this, so in 2024 we are launching EPAC, Entrepreneurs and Podcasters Authentically Connected. It is a group of women that meet weekly to support each other so that we can support entrepreneurs with their connecting and messaging and support women hosting podcasts who don’t need the network level of support (and still want the encouragement) and can connect with women who are thinking about podcasts, but aren’t quite to that stage of launching. We care passionately about making an impact and feel this is the next best step.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
The podcast I started that launched my journey is The Grit Show. I mention it because grit is a quality imperative for success. Interestingly, my spin is that grit that isn’t tempered with grace can quickly erode into a grind. So, I want to make sure that I share the importance of the two together. The two skills combined are where impact truly happens. I’ve been a woman with grit the majority of my life, and I’ve managed to win awards and accolades, and take myself to the edge of burnout. It wasn’t until I gave myself the grace to temper all that grit that I found the path that led me to where I am today and have been able to serve on a level and in a way I never dreamed possible. Grit is imperative, and I won’t argue the research. I will tell you that grit without grace becomes a grind that will wear you down instead of build you up. So, find the grace to truly allow yourself to reach your potential. The last piece I will offer as the third quality is the ability to celebrate success. For me, it started as a gratitude practice, because celebrating success was something I had to build up to. Start with gratitude, recognize what you are grateful for, then recognize what you are good at, and give yourself credit for each of those wins. If you have it in your heart to strike out on your own as an entrepreneur or the first at *anything* in your family or friend group, you need to give yourself that credit and be able to recognize those little wins. There will be setbacks they are part of life. That is part of progress. The trail doesn’t go straight up the mountain; you need to go to the side and back downhill at times. That is where the path will take you to get to the pinnacle you are destined to reach. Embrace those, and celebrate each progression upward. Being able to celebrate success is a key quality that will impact your journey and lead you to the level of joy and beauty you are meant to behold in your life.
Who is your ideal client or what sort of characteristics would make someone an ideal client for you?
I’m so fortunate to be working with my ideal clients. I work with women who are passionate about their work and desire to make an impact. They all happen to own businesses or are building businesses around their podcasts. They are creative; the majority are speakers or writers and they have great energy and a lot to offer. I think the biggest thing they have in common is knowing there is a way they can make a difference, that there are lessons they have learned, and experience they have to offer, and they want to connect with their future clients in a deeper more meaningful way and they realize that podcasting is the best method to do that. They are excited to have the power of a network behind them and someone that can guide them along the way and direct them in each step to have a successful launch. They are open to mentoring and excited to learn. They want the simplicity of someone giving them the link to go select music that’s been vetted and has the proper licensing rights. The want their trailer to be easy to put together because they have a format and a formula. They never have to worry about editing, art, or anything else. They want to focus on finding guests, perfecting their message and connecting with/bulding their audience- those are the pieces they really care about.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/37by27
- Instagram: @shawnapodcasts @37by27
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shawna.rodrigues/
- Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/company/37by27
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@37by27
