GRL Pep Talks: Real Conversations for Real Growth

Your go-to space for leadership, confidence, identity, team culture, and the everyday challenges young women and student-athletes navigate.

GRL Pep Talks is where honest conversations meet practical support. Whether you’re a student-athlete, a young woman finding your voice, or someone building confidence and belonging, these Pep Talks are designed to help you grow in ways that actually fit your life.

You’ll find stories, worksheets, research-backed tools, and quiet reminders that you’re not alone in what you’re navigating. This is your space for clarity, connection, and the kind of leadership that starts from within — on and off the field.

Why "Not Yet" Doesn't Apply to Full-Size Leadership
Lauren Young Lauren Young

Why "Not Yet" Doesn't Apply to Full-Size Leadership

Leadership isn't measured in years—it's measured in impact and authenticity. A young administrator's journey through publishing challenges and why age doesn't define leadership credibility. Your voice matters now, not later.

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The Networking Disadvantage: Why Traditional Networking Still Favors Men
Lauren Young Lauren Young

The Networking Disadvantage: Why Traditional Networking Still Favors Men

While you're asking for coffee meetings to build relationships, your male colleague is getting promoted because he smokes with the boss. New research reveals that traditional networking doesn't just favor men—it actively disadvantages women, creating invisible barriers that keep us from advancing despite our qualifications and efforts.

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The Pink Tax is Real and It's Costing You More Than You Think
Lauren Young Lauren Young

The Pink Tax is Real and It's Costing You More Than You Think

You walk into Costco, grab identical razors—one pink, one blue—and discover the pink one costs 48% more. Welcome to the pink tax, where being a woman literally costs extra. For Gen Z entering the workforce and managing their own money for the first time, this hidden financial burden could cost you nearly $200,000 over your lifetime.

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The Silent Bias: How Our Search Results Are Failing Women
Lauren Young Lauren Young

The Silent Bias: How Our Search Results Are Failing Women

A simple search for "son" returns only white fathers with children. Searching "official" shows men, while "women official" yields Halloween costumes. These aren't isolated glitches—they're symptoms of a deeper problem with how visual content perpetuates gender bias and limits our perception of what women can be and do.

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The Unexpected Security Blanket: How My Upper Arms Became My Son's Safe Harbor
Lauren Young Lauren Young

The Unexpected Security Blanket: How My Upper Arms Became My Son's Safe Harbor

While most children find comfort in stuffed animals or blankets, my youngest son Willie has chosen something entirely different: my upper arms. This unique attachment has become his way of seeking security and connection, teaching me profound lessons about how children find their own pathways to comfort and how parents serve as emotional anchors in unexpected ways.

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Real Summer, Real Joy: Escaping the Comparison Trap
Lauren Young Lauren Young

Real Summer, Real Joy: Escaping the Comparison Trap

While social media showcases picture-perfect beach vacations and elaborate summer adventures, research shows that comparison diminishes joy and wellbeing. Discover how to embrace your family's authentic summer reality—complete with youth sports, work schedules, and budget constraints—while creating meaningful experiences that matter more than Instagram moments.

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From Appearance to Achievement: How Exercise Transforms Body Image

From Appearance to Achievement: How Exercise Transforms Body Image

When I'm running, my body transforms from an object to be judged into a powerful vehicle of achievement. Discover how exercise shifts our focus from appearance to ability, and why this mental transformation is so valuable for those struggling with body image—even when race photos threaten to undo this progress.

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Invisible at the Table: Navigating Gender Disparities in Professional Recognition
Lauren Young Lauren Young

Invisible at the Table: Navigating Gender Disparities in Professional Recognition

At a recent work function centered on sports, I experienced the all-too-familiar feeling of being invisible as one of just six female executives in my state organization. Not being introduced while watching an all-male recognition ceremony unfold in my own company wasn't just uncomfortable—it was a telling reminder of the subtle gender biases that persist in professional environments. Here's how I'm turning this moment into an opportunity for organizational growth and what research tells us about gender recognition disparities in the workplace.

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When My Mental Managers Clock Out: Navigating Body Dysmorphia in Times of Stress
Lauren Young Lauren Young

When My Mental Managers Clock Out: Navigating Body Dysmorphia in Times of Stress

Body dysmorphia isn't always a constant state—for many, it's an unwelcome visitor that arrives when mental defenses are down due to stress or fatigue. This personal reflection explores the science behind why body image issues intensify during difficult times and offers evidence-based strategies for managing these challenging episodes. Featuring practical coping tools and reassurance for fellow travelers on this journey.

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Finding Your Perfect Sport: How to Try Different Activities Until Something Clicks

Finding Your Perfect Sport: How to Try Different Activities Until Something Clicks

Think you’re “not athletic”? Think again. From fencing to rowing to ultimate frisbee, this guide helps middle and high schoolers (and their grown-ups) rethink what it means to find the right sport—not just the popular ones. Learn how to explore, sample, and discover the activity that makes you feel like a total athletic rockstar.

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