What If It Works

Latest Episodes:

Ep 85: Clarity is Your #1 Advantage Feb 11, 2026

Show notes

Clarity isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s your secret weapon for building a motivated, high-performing team that acts without constant oversight. If you’re tired of repeating yourself and frustrated with stalled progress, this episode is your game-changer.

In this episode, Ann equips you with 3 phrases that lead to less stress, more results, and a culture where accountability is clear and contagious.

Perfect for leaders ready to elevate their influence, improve team engagement, and lead with confidence. Tune in now and start transforming your communication today.

Ann Vote is a Culture Coach and Speaker helping leaders create workplace cultures where people feel valued, trusted, and confident so success is inevitable! Learn more at annvote.com

Before you go, drop a comment on this episode! Share whether you found yourself exposed in Ann's examples or if you're feeling ready to get clear and take on the day!

Ep 84: Confidence Comes From Action Feb 04, 2026

Show notes

Are you a leader feeling stuck, waiting for confidence to magically appear before taking action? In this episode, Ann Vote reveals that confidence is actually a byproduct of action, not a prerequisite. Through relatable stories and practical insights, you'll discover how small, intentional steps can break the cycle of hesitation and unlock trust and momentum within your team.

Ann shares compelling stories of managers who transformed their leadership by taking just one small step, illustrating how confidence grows faster than you think once you get moving. Through her "What & Why Expectation wording, you'll learn to identify your next steps with clarity and purpose, making it easier to lead with certainty even in uncertain moments.

Get ready to shed perfectionism and embrace a mindset shift: it's not about executing flawlessly; it's about starting, adjusting, and learning along the way. You'll learn how to set a clear action, communicate the why behind it, and craft a simple how—making it easier to inspire your team and create a culture of proactive behavior.

Whether you're a manager, entrepreneur, or anyone feeling the weight of uncertainty, this episode offers the tools to lead decisively and inspire your team. Tune in to start your journey from doubt to confident action and transform your leadership today.

Learn more about Ann and her speaking and coaching at www.annvote.com

Ep 83: You're Allowed (and Invited) to Lead Authentically Jan 28, 2026

Show notes

Most leaders overlook the simplest yet most powerful step toward true influence: giving themselves permission to lead. What if claiming that permission today could radically transform your impact—and your team's trust?

In this episode, Ann Vote shatters common leadership fears, revealing how many get stuck in the "waiting for permission" trap and how stepping into genuine authenticity accelerates trust, respect, and results. You'll discover why leadership isn't about being above your team but about guiding with clarity and conviction, even when the stakes feel high.

We break down:

The true meaning of leadership and why it's a choice, not a title
How to navigate the delicate balance between camaraderie and authority without losing your authenticity
Practical steps to build trust quickly and demonstrate confidence, even if you're new or unsure
The importance of owning your decisions and communicating with conviction to eliminate confusion
Why avoiding hard conversations stalls growth—and how to approach them with compassion and clarity

This episode is a wake-up call for anyone feeling hesitant, stuck, or uncertain in their leadership role. If you've ever hesitated to step forward or worried about losing connections, listening now can free you to lead with purpose—and inspire your team to follow.

Perfect for new managers, emerging leaders, or anyone ready to claim their seat at the table. Leadership is a choice—you just need to decide to step into it.

Are you ready to lead with conviction? The time is now.

Go to www.annvote.com to learn more about Culture Coach and Speaker, Ann Vote and ways to work with her.

Ep 82: The Real Reason Leaders Struggle to Communicate Jan 21, 2026

Show notes

If you’re in management—or you want to be—you don’t need more pressure. You may need more clarity.

In Episode 82 of the What If It Works podcast, Ann explores what’s keeping leaders stuck: the lack of clarity, confidence, and conviction to lead the change they know is needed. Through a real-world story from an active supervisor, you’ll learn how one “good” leadership phrase can unintentionally weaken trust and slow down performance—and how one intentional shift can spark ownership, collaboration, and momentum across an entire team.

This episode is your reminder that stepping back isn’t abandoning your team—it’s building them.

What if it works?

Learn more about Ann Vote and ways to empower your team at: annvote.com

Ep 81: The Participant Perspective: What You'll Experience Inside The Leader Collaboratory Sep 19, 2025

Show notes

Time to pull back the curtain and hear 1st hand from a leader engaging with The Leader Collaboratory content!In this episode of the What If It Works podcast, host Ann Vote discusses the launch of the Leader Collaboratory with guest Sara Gagnon.

Sara shares her experiences from the webinars, highlighting the supportive environment and the value of engaging with others. They explore the structure and benefits of the program, emphasizing the importance of community, accountability, and personal growth through structured learning sessions.

The conversation also touches on the significance of reflection and the ongoing journey of leadership development.Learn more about The Leader Collaboratory at annvote.com/the-leader-collaboratory

Be sure to hurry! The 2025 Cohort closes on Sept 26.

Ep 80: Reflect, Reset, and Reignite Sep 12, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of the What If It Works podcast, host Ann Vote returns after a six-month hiatus, bringing renewed energy and insights. Ann shares her personal journey of reflection, reset, and reignition, offering you actionable steps to get out of a monotonous spiral and create momentum and purpose in your life. Leave a comment or fire emoji if this got you FIRED UP!

If you are looking for clarity, confidence, and conviction in your actions and your leadership to create a thriving workplace culture (for yourself and others), be sure to listen in as Ann launches the Leader Collaboratory Cohort, an 8-week immersive program with training, coaching, and accountability.

Learn more at annvote.com/the-leader-collaboratory.

Ep 79: An EPIC Approach to Personal Growth Apr 23, 2025

Show notes

When your mind is misleading you, taking action can be hard. If you're feeling like change is impossible or you're stuck in this current situation, this EPIC approach is for you!

In this episode of the What If It Works podcast, host Ann Vote speaks with business consultant and coach Cara Menz about her journey from the medical field to entrepreneurship. Cara shares her insights on the importance of taking action, embracing change, and the EPIC approach she developed to help others eliminate negative habits, participate in their lives, integrate healthy practices, and celebrate their successes. In honor of Alcohol Awareness Month, this conversation also touches on the impact of alcohol on personal well-being and how to shift your relationship with alcohol.Cara Menz is a business owner, entrepreneur coach, and This Naked Mind coach. You can learn more about her programs at www.caramenz.com.

What If It Works Host, Ann Vote, is a Culture Coach and Motivational Speaker helping leaders create workplace cultures where people feel valued, trusted, and confident. Learn more about her speaking opportunities and courses at www.annvote.com.

Enjoy this episode? Please drop a comment so that leaders focused on personal growth find this podcast! Thank you for listening.

Ep 78: Uncomplicate Your Plate with April Graff Apr 14, 2025

Show notes

We know you are busy. We know it's easier to make a quick fast food stop instead of prepping and planning a meal, or is it? The real question is: Do you want to feel fueled or just feel full?

In this episode of the What If It Works podcast, host Ann Vote interviews registered dietitian April Graff about how to 'Uncomplicate Your Plate.' They discuss the importance of simplifying nutrition for busy families, the concept of meal planning versus meal prepping, and how to create mobile meals for on-the-go nourishment. April shares insights on building a balanced plate, addressing picky eaters, and making vegetables appealing.

This episode emphasizes the need for nourishment to enhance overall well-being and the potential for generational change in eating habits. Because, what if it works?

Grab your copy of Uncomplicate Your Plate here: https://www.amazon.com/Uncomplicate-Your-Plate-Familys-Planning/dp/B0F2TM8W26

Drop on over to the IMPACT to Influence Facebook page after you've purchased to get entered to win yourself a set of mobile meal dishes! Offer good thru April 20, 2025.

Love this episode? Share it with your friends, family, and coworkers who want to uncomplicate their nutrition and fuel their lives!

Ep 77: 5 Questions to Assess Your Workplace Culture Jan 29, 2025

Show notes

"I think we have a pretty good workplace culture..." Senior Management will tell me. I want you to be so clear and so intentional about your workplace culture that you are excited to share it with others in your business space! In this episode of the What If It Works podcast, Ann Vote discusses the importance of workplace culture and provides insights on how to assess and improve it. She emphasizes the need for clarity, curiosity, and support for culture to thrive. Through personal anecdotes and practical questions, Ann encourages leaders to create environments where employees feel valued and engaged, ultimately leading to a thriving workplace culture.

If you found yourself thinking, we need more of this within our company, please reach out to Ann to present an IMPACT Presentation or to engage your leaders in an IMPACT Workshop to get clear on your culture and take action to build and nurture it for your teams to thrive! Go to annvote.com/speaking to learn more about her keynotes and message!

Love this episode? Please leave a review or comment to let others know the value you got out of the podcast today!

Ep 76: 5 Myths Keeping You From a Positive Shift Jan 22, 2025

Show notes

"Ann, this is great, but things will never change." We cannot even count the number of times people have said this following a Captain Your Culture keynote.

In this episode, host Ann Vote discusses the myths that hold individuals back from making positive changes in their lives. She emphasizes the importance of breaking negative mindsets, taking ownership of one's beliefs, and the power of accountability in achieving goals. Ann encourages listeners to reflect on their desires for change and to challenge the excuses that prevent them from taking action. Through personal anecdotes and practical advice, she illustrates how belief in oneself can lead to transformative outcomes in both personal and professional settings.

Learn more about Culture Coach and Motivational Speaker, Ann Vote and her message at www.annvote.com and read more about this topic on her blog: 5 in 2025.

Comment on this episode with which myth you're working to overcome! Chapters

00:00 Breaking the Cycle of Negative Mindsets

07:01 Overcoming the Myth of Time Constraints

10:58 Challenging the Victim Mentality

15:36 The Ripple Effect of Personal Change

19:53 Taking Ownership in a Stagnant Environment

23:40 Creating Positive Change for Yourself and Others