If you are interested in your own digital copy of Becoming An Unstoppable Magazine | July 2025 Edition to read more stories of bold beauty and fearless freedom, you can do so by visiting their website HERE.
Presence isn’t always about doing more—sometimes it’s about doing less with intention. In Spotlyts article ‘Daily Microhabits Transform Mindset Productivity,” Adriana shares how a simple shift—scheduling meetings for 50 minutes instead of 60—creates space to reset, recharge, and show up fully for each client. Her contribution highlights the importance of micro-adjustments in conserving energy and maintaining focus during high-demand days. It’s a reminder that even small, deliberate pauses can lead to greater clarity, impact, and longevity in leadership.
Schedule Meetings for 50 Minutes
One microhabit that has made a huge difference in my day-to-day life is scheduling all of my meetings for 50 minutes instead of the usual hour. That intentional 10-minute pause gives me space to reset—whether it’s standing up to stretch, walking a quick lap around my office, grabbing a fresh cup of (decaf) coffee, or just gazing out the window to quiet my mind. Those few minutes have become a non-negotiable anchor between high-energy coaching sessions. They help me show up fully present for every client, avoid mental fatigue, and protect my own energy. It’s a small adjustment that has had a big impact on my mindset and momentum throughout the day.
If you are interested in your own digital copy of HANNA Magazine | June 2025 Edition to read more stories of strength, stillness & the will to rise, you can do so by visiting their website HERE.
In this powerful feature on women redefining leadership, Adriana Cowdin—CEO of Be Bold Executive Coaching—reflects on how trailblazing founders Gina Gotthilf and Leah Solivan have shaped her perspective on resilience, purpose, and progress. As a Latina executive and entrepreneur, Adriana shares her own experience navigating barriers and embracing bold action in the face of perfectionism. Inspired by these leaders’ ability to solve real-world problems and uplift underserved communities, Adriana emphasizes the importance of building meaningful careers, not just landing roles. Her contribution offers a compelling reminder that true leadership is about breaking through limitations, defying expectations, and using your voice to create impact.
Gina Gotthilf and Leah Solivan Defied Odds
I’m inspired by Gina Gotthilf and Leah Solivan, two trailblazing entrepreneurs who beat the odds by solving real problems and paving the way for others. As a Latina Jewish woman, I’ve faced the triple headwind of being a woman, a racial minority, and part of a historically persecuted religion as have both of these highly successful women.
Gina co-founded Latitud, a platform that helps Latin American entrepreneurs scale their businesses despite systemic barriers, while Leah built TaskRabbit, revolutionizing the gig economy before it was even a thing. They didn’t wait for permission or perfection—they just built.
Like them, I’ve battled the paralysis of perfection, but I’ve learned that progress before perfection leads to profit. Gina’s commitment to supporting underestimated founders reminds me why I donate a percentage of our profits to organizations that uplift underserved communities. And like Leah, who saw an unmet need in how people outsource tasks, I focus on solving real-world problems—helping people not just land jobs but build lasting, impactful careers.
Making it in business takes more than just grit for women like us—it’s about defying expectations, breaking through barriers, and proving we belong in spaces that weren’t designed for us. That’s the mindset I bring to my work every day, and I’m here to make sure more of us do exactly that.
Delegation isn’t just about offloading tasks—it’s about empowering your team to succeed. In Under30CEO, Adriana L. Cowdin shares how entrepreneurs can delegate strategically, allowing them to focus on high-impact decisions while fostering trust and accountability within their teams. She emphasizes the importance of clear communication, setting expectations, and leveraging each team member’s strengths to build a more resilient organization. Adriana’s insights provide a roadmap for leaders looking to scale effectively without sacrificing quality or control.
Start with Self-Awareness
One strategy I’ve found incredibly effective for delegating tasks and building a strong team is starting with self-awareness. Take time to understand your strengths, growth areas, what you enjoy, and what you don’t. Delegate your weaknesses first—this allows you to focus on areas where you’re most valuable. Then, hand off tasks you dislike to free up mental energy.
As your business scales, empower others to take over areas you excel in by mentoring them, and shift your focus to what you truly love doing. Tools like the Eisenhower Matrix are invaluable for prioritizing tasks into four quadrants, helping you decide what to do, delegate, or eliminate. For entrepreneurs struggling with delegation, my advice is this: trust your team, start small, and remember that delegation isn’t about losing control—it’s about amplifying your impact.
Networking is about real connections, not LinkedIn follower counts. Whether job hunting or leading, your network is your net worth. Get creative, stay genuine, and watch opportunities roll in. – Adriana L. Cowdin, Be Bold Executive Coaching
Networking for Executives in the AI & Remote Work Era
In today’s business world, connections open doors. Whether you’re in technology, healthcare, or motorsports, networking is your competitive edge. Thankfully, the days of awkwardly standing around at cocktail parties, pretending to enjoy stale cheese cubes are gone. Today, networking is about connection, creativity, and, yes, a little bit of strategy. It’s no longer about just shaking hands and swapping business cards (if you even have one)—it’s about building meaningful relationships in a way that feels natural, sustainable, and, dare I say, enjoyable.
My Favorite Unconventional Networking Strategy
I live in a high-rise in a bustling city, where trick-or-treating isn’t a thing. But I love Halloween. So I started “reverse trick-or-treating.” I put together small candy bags with a handwritten note and my business card (yes, a physical one), then handed them out to my neighbors and building staff. No sales pitch, no awkward conversations—just a thoughtful gesture that gets people to remember me in a positive way.
Now, I do it for every holiday—Christmas and Chanukah, Valentine’s Day, and even St. Patrick’s Day. It’s a simple, thoughtful way to build relationships without forced small talk. And let’s be honest—who doesn’t appreciate a surprise chocolate? This small act has sparked meaningful conversations, introductions, and even professional opportunities. It’s proof that genuine, low-pressure networking works.
The Biggest Networking Mistakes Executives Make
1. Seeing interactions as transactions.
Networking isn’t about building your LinkedIn or Instagram follower count—it’s about building relationships. If your goal is just to expand your contacts, you’re missing the point. Instead, focus on connection. Offer value before you ask for anything. Share insights. Help people solve problems. Listen more than you talk (think 2 ears, 1 mouth). The best networking happens when both parties walk away feeling like they gained something meaningful.
2. Not following up (or following up the wrong way).
If you meet someone at an event or have a great virtual chat, don’t let that be the end of it. A quick email or message acknowledging your conversation can go a long way. But don’t just send the dreaded, “Let’s stay in touch” message. Instead, reference something specific from your chat, share a relevant article, or offer to introduce them to someone in your network. Keep the conversation going in a way that adds value.
3. Ignoring the power of personal branding.
People Google you before they meet you—don’t let your online presence be an afterthought. Make sure your LinkedIn is polished, your content reflects your expertise, and your professional brand is clear. A strong personal brand makes networking easier because people will already have a sense of who you are and what you bring to the table before you even connect. If you don’t own your narrative, someone else will. Make sure how you show up ‘in the room’ is truly what you want people to see you as.
Networking in the AI & Remote Work Era
Want to stand out in today’s AI, Zoom, Teams….remote world? You have to get creative and here are five tips to do just that.
1. Turn hobbies into networking opportunities.
If you love Pilates, share your personal brand with fellow classmates after a session. Into bourbon? Host a Spiked Cider Saturday for bourbon lovers. Love hiking? Organize a casual executive networking hike. Shared interests create organic, low-pressure ways to build relationships.
2. Make remote networking fun.
Traditional networking events can be draining, especially in a remote work environment. Mix it up. Organize a global “Customs & Cocktails” event where colleagues share unique traditions from their home countries over a virtual happy hour (mocktails welcomed). Start a Slack or LinkedIn group based on a shared passion (think: “Tech Leaders Who Love Cooking” or “Executives Who Ski”). Engage with people in ways that feel natural and enjoyable.
3. Use AI wisely.
AI can be a game-changer for networking, but only if used correctly. ChatGPT can help craft outreach messages, but you still have to make them personal and genuine. Avoid the temptation to automate every touchpoint—people can spot an impersonal, copy-pasted message a mile away. Instead, use AI to refine your message, but always add your personal touch.
4. Leverage LinkedIn strategically.
Instead of blindly sending connection requests, engage with people’s content first. Comment on their posts, share insightful articles, and contribute to discussions in a meaningful way. When you do send a connection request, personalize it by referencing something specific about their work or interests. This makes your outreach feel thoughtful rather than transactional because it is.
5. Make introductions for others.
One of the best ways to strengthen your network is by being the connector. Introduce people who could benefit from knowing each other. Not only does this help others, but it also positions you as a valuable resource in your industry.
