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Jacqueline sits down with Cameron Hardesty, CEO and founder of Poppy Flowers, to talk about building a nationwide e-commerce wedding florist, raising venture capital, and the mindset shifts that helped her keep going through years of rejection. Cameron shares how curiosity, industry insight, and a steady nervous system helped her spot an overlooked market opportunity and scale a business serving 10,000 couples with 1,100 floral designers.We also get into the cultural forces that shaped both women as elder millennial founders, from girl boss era ambition to the realities of fundraising, motherhood, and entrepreneurship. Cameron’s perspective is both practical and grounded, with a memorable framework from her coach Mo called awareness relax.Key topics Cameron Hardesty introduces herself as the founder and CEO of Poppy Flowers, a company that has raised $13 million in venture capital and served 10,000 couples nationwide. Cameron explains how she built her company over 11 years, starting part time in 2013 and full time in 2015. Cameron describes the market gap she saw in wedding florals: independent florists struggling with pricing, profitability, and limited weekend capacity.Poppy’s business model is built to scale across thousands of weddings, allowing lower minimums and more competitive pricing for couples in major cities. Cameron talks candidly about fundraising being mostly rejection, including her early angel round, Techstars Atlanta, a $1.65 million first priced round, and a Series A led by a female VC. Chapters 00:00 - Cameron Hardesty and the story behind Poppy Flowers 00:42 - Founder introduction and Poppy’s scale across the wedding industry 01:23 - Southern identity, Dallas vs New Orleans, and regional personality 02:13 - The Southern woman vs Texas woman lesson Cameron learned in college 04:18 - Millennial pink, elder millennials, and cultural references that shaped a generation 05:49 - How career-first messaging from moms and the Lean In era shaped ambition 07:34 - Girl boss culture, The Hills, and postponing life decisions until later 09:23 - Venture capital tailwinds and why timing mattered for fundraising 10:40 - Building during the zero interest rate era and the 2022 bubble shift 11:41 - The hard work behind making fundraising look easy 12:18 - Starting the entrepreneurial project in 2013 and going full time in 2015 13:07 - Learning fundraising and market dynamics from the inside 13:58 - Finding the floral industry gap through curiosity and observation 15:18 - Side quests, canning, preserving, and following curiosity wherever it leads 16:18 - Why Cameron thrives in both creative and competitive work 17:08 - Poppy’s business model and the economics of wedding florals 18:52 - Serving high budget clients without forcing overspend 19:53 - Customer feedback, transparent pricing, and removing pressure 21:25 - Why referral growth and organic traffic are compounding over time 22:25 - Fundraising lows, highs, and the reality of hearing no repeatedly 23:20 - Early angel investors, friends and family, and a major floral industry backer 24:14 - Techstars Atlanta and the first priced round of $1.65 million 24:40 - What a SAFE note is and why it is founder friendly 25:51 - Series A funding and the role of a female lead investor 26:35 - Mindset, belief, and seeing opportunity that others miss 27:26 - Mo the coach and the spiritual side of founder support 28:28 - Awareness relax as a framework for staying grounded 29:49 - Using awareness relax to handle money stress and operational pressure 31:17 - The value of movement, events, dinners, and showing up in person 32:14 - Mo Technologies and the reminder that you are okay 33:32 - How to connect with Cameron and Poppy Flowers 34:07 - Supporting women founded businesses and sharing Poppy with your network

What does it take to become CEO of a four-generation family business when no one hands you the roadmap? Melanie White, President and CEO of Hellwig Products and current Chairperson of SEMA, joins Winning Season to share how she went from cold-calling in outside sales to the C-suite by doing the job first and asking for the title later. Melanie gets honest about the moments that shaped her: crying in her car after a brutal cold call and finding her grit on the drive home, negotiating for the president title by proving she was already doing the work, and showing up at 5 a.m. on the operations floor during COVID because that's what the business needed.We also go deep on something rarely discussed: business travel safety for women. Melanie and I trade real stories and practical rules, from hotel floors and elevator instincts to why The Gift of Fear should be required reading for every woman on the road. In this episode: - Why Melanie did the job first, then negotiated the title and pay - The follow-up habit that can carry an entire sales career - Travel safety rules every woman in business should know - What leading a 4th-generation, 80-year-old company actually requires - Why your inner world shows up in your outer resultsConnect with Melanie: Hellwig Products (hellwigproducts.com) | LinkedIn linked in show notes CHAPTERS 00:00 – Welcome: Meet Melanie White, CEO of Hellwig Products & SEMA Chairperson 01:00 – Life on the road as a busy executive and mom 03:10 – Hotel safety: first floors, motels, and the "upgraded room" she turned down 05:30 – The Gift of Fear and trusting your gut as a woman traveler 06:50 – The elevator story: exiting gracefully when your intuition speaks 09:00 – Jacqueline's 3 travel rules: hotels over Airbnbs, the door stop, ride-share location sharing 10:30 – Melanie's 3 rules: higher floors, fully charged phone, carry-on only, never land after 9pm 13:10 – From French bakery to cold calling: how the journey started 14:30 – Crying in the car after a brutal cold call — and the grit that followed 16:45 – Cold calling lessons that still apply: preparation and knowing your product 17:15 – The most underrated sales skill: follow-up (and the 7-touch rule) 21:10 – What Hellwig Products makes: sway bars, helper springs & the "no saggy bottoms" policy 22:30 – The path to CEO: do the job first, ask for the title later 24:00 – Negotiating for president: "Go ahead, tell me no" 26:20 – Why the path wasn't calculated — and why that made her more invested 28:20 – 5 a.m. on the operations floor during COVID: learning through challenge 30:20 – Lifelong learning: Traction, Who Moved My Cheese, and the Audible library 33:10 – The Susie Batiz connection: Alive OS and inner work for business leaders 36:35 – "Your inner world is reflected in your outer world" 39:20 – AI, the future of work, and why human connection can't be replaced 41:40 – Melanie's parting wisdom: sometimes we are our own biggest hurdle 43:50 – Closing: emulate excellence, eliminate excuses Connect with Melanie LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/melaniehellwigwhiteInstagram: @melaniehellwigwhite Hellwig Products (company) Website: hellwigproducts.comInstagram: @hellwig_productsFacebook: facebook.com/HellwigProductsYouTube: youtube.com/@HellwigProductsX/Twitter: @HellwigProducts SEMA (her chair role) Instagram: @semashow / @sema.org

Most high-achieving women are taught to keep their heads down, do the work, and wait to be noticed. Julia Rock says that mindset quietly kills careers. In this conversation, she reveals the moves that took her from working at ExxonMobil for 12 years to leading a global business, coaching more than 1,000 professionals, and writing Uncomplicated Leadership. Jacqueline and Julia break down the moments that changed everything from learning that asking for help is a strength, not a weakness, to using self-advocacy to finally get promoted after a held-up cycle. Julia also shares how a leader at ExxonMobil told her she was not a robot and should challenge what did not make sense, a lesson that reshaped how she showed up in rooms where billions of dollars were on the line. You’ll discover: Why “take up space” is not selfish, but strategicHow to build the courage to ask sharper questions in corporate settingsWhat it really takes to lead a massive team through uncertaintyWhy hiring support early creates growth instead of burnoutThe five C’s of Uncomplicated Leadership: clarity, consistency, connection, courage, and celebration Julia also gets honest about the faith, timing, and surrender behind leaving a corporate paycheck, and how her TEDx talk unexpectedly took off after she decided to close one chapter and step fully into the next.If you’ve ever felt stuck, under-recognized, or overwhelmed by the pressure to prove yourself, this episode is a masterclass in leadership, clarity, and career reinvention. Connect with Julia Rock on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/julia-rock/ and Threadshttps://www.threads.com/@thejuliarock , or email her at [email protected]. For bulk book orders, contact [email protected].

This conversation is a faith-forward career discussion with Kelvin B Henry, whose background spans the military, Procter & Gamble, PepsiCo, ministry, and coaching. He and Jacqueline Twillie reflect on mentorship, career reinvention, layoffs, AI disruption, and the personal adversity that shaped his book Rise.Kelvin shares the framework behind Rise and how it helped him process setbacks, a cancer diagnosis, and seasons of discouragement. The episode is especially useful for anyone navigating career transition, seeking resilience, or trying to make sense of what comes next. Key topics Kelvin B Henry’s path from the University of Florida to the military, then into Procter & Gamble and PepsiCoA full-circle mentoring story where Kelvin helped Jacqueline prepare for her first major interviewWhat it takes to succeed in Fortune 25 environments: planning, organization, collaboration, integrity, and resultsWhy reputation becomes your brand in corporate America and how others may see strengths before you doThe origin of the RISE framework as a response to adversity rather than theoryThe childhood football story that helped reveal Kelvin’s identity as an encouragerHow RISE applies to cancer, job loss, and other disruptions through recognition, reframing, information, strength, and executionWhy AI should be approached as a tool and accelerator, not a reason for fearGuidance for listeners facing layoffs, especially those experiencing it for the first timeThe importance of taking daily, practical action when rebuilding after a setbackQuotes from Kelvin Henry: “If you’re still breathing, God is still building.”“Faith doesn’t remove the adversity, it helps reframe it.”“Your comeback from any setback is literally just around the corner.”Chapters (00:00) Opening prayer and introduction of Kelvin B Henry (01:58) Jacqueline introduces Kelvin’s background and career achievements (03:23) Greek life, shared connections, and the long friendship between guest and host (04:13) The mentorship story that helped shape Jacqueline’s early career (06:57) Why Kelvin’s career took him from military service to Louisiana (09:01) Forty years of marriage and meeting his wife at the University of Florida (10:00) What it takes to thrive in Fortune 25 companies (12:27) Reputation, personal brand, and the importance of resilience (14:26) The backstory behind the RISE framework (16:14) The childhood football setback that revealed Kelvin’s encourager identity (17:55) How Rise became a book meant to help others recover with purpose (22:15) Cancer diagnosis, fear, and learning to surrender the moment (23:22) Recognize, inform, strengthen, execute: applying RISE to health challenges (26:45) How to think about AI without panic or avoidance (30:06) Why internal work comes before external movement (31:19) Advice for listeners facing layoffs in a difficult job market (34:52) Encouragement to read Rise as a group and apply the framework together (35:41) Kelvin’s closing reminder that God still writes comebacks RISE is available now https://amzn.to/4xpG2lSConnect with Kelvin on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelvin-henry/Learn more about Kelvin's coaching services https://www.abundantlyaboveconsulting.com/about

Ashwini Balasubramanian, Vice President of R&D for Transportation and Energy Business at 3M and former Harley-Davidson leader, joins Jacqueline to discuss her debut book, Map Your Ascent, and the lived experiences that shaped it. The conversation centers on navigating change, especially through career pivots, motherhood, and moments of personal uncertainty.We discuss how to move from survival mode to thriving, why generosity matters more than transactional networking, and how vulnerability can become a leadership strength rather than a liability. Key topics Ashwini shares the car accident that became a major inflection point in her life, pushing her to stop waiting for the right moment and start thriving instead of merely surviving.In the book, the core framework is the three Ps: personality, perspective, and presence.Personality is about understanding your wiring, belief systems, belonging, and which habits or assumptions no longer serve you.Perspective is about using different lenses to navigate change, broaden mindset, and adapt to new environments and roles.Presence is about showing up with impact, not just visibility, and influencing people, products, and environments in a meaningful way.Ashwini explains what it means to be rooted in transition, using her early career dress choices as a metaphor for fitting in versus becoming herself.Motherhood became another major pivot point, especially when pregnancy made testing work on vehicle test tracks physically difficult and forced her to adjust how she worked.A manager’s insight reframed her thinking: a temporary situation is not the same as a limitation.She shares how her friend Artie showed up consistently during a difficult season involving family needs, gestational diabetes, a new job, and an early delivery.The conversation highlights the women’s employee resource group Ashwini helped start and how vulnerability helped create community across multiple locations.Ashwini explains that shame fades when you recognize that many life circumstances are not self-inflicted and are often outside your control.The book’s generosity section argues that true influence is built through consistency, character, and care for people, not transactional networking.She reframes reputation as a byproduct of how you show up over time, not something you can manufacture like a brand.For people facing job market instability, she advises not to blame yourself, ask for help, and lean on the tribe you have built.The episode closes with Ashwini reflecting that writing the book was an act of trust in herself and a way to help others harness change more confidently. Chapters Chapter 1: A turning point 00:00 - Welcome, Ashwini Balasubramanian and the theme of mapping your ascent 01:04 - The car accident that changed how Ashwini viewed survival and ambition Chapter 2: The three Ps 07:24 - The three Ps framework: personality, perspective, and presence 12:46 - Learning to stay rooted while moving through major transitions Chapter 3: Motherhood and identity 16:04 - Motherhood, maternity clothing, and the shift from fitting in to being herself 17:16 - Pregnancy on test tracks and redesigning work around physical reality 20:27 - A manager reframes motherhood as a temporary situation, not a limitation Chapter 4: Support and vulnerability 21:54 - How Artie’s steady support became a model for real friendship and care 25:08 - Starting a women’s resource group and turning vulnerability into action Chapter 5: Generosity and influence 30:01 - Why generosity, not networking, is the foundation of lasting influence 33:48 - Why change rarely asks for permission and how to face career disruption Chapter 6: Closing reflections 39:18 - The win in this season: saying yes to writing a book and helping more people Get The Book: Map Your Ascent https://amzn.to/4zuJJZ1 Visit Ashwini's website https://mapyourascent.com/ Connect with Ashwini on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashwini-balasubramanian/

Kristine Frost grew up in Pontiac, Michigan, in the years when General Motors was pulling out and the families left behind built their own support systems out of mac and cheese, popsicles, and each other. She watched her grandmother, Vienna, run a government-subsidized community while her own health was failing, showing up for refugees and immigrants day after day. That is where Kristine's philanthropy started, and you can trace a straight line from it to the morning she saw a Facebook post at 4 a.m. and decided to donate a kidney to a stranger. In this conversation, Kristine walks us through the whole arc. A trained labor and employment attorney who never wanted a law firm, she started on the floor of a stamping plant outside Detroit and rose to become the only woman in the C-suite of a male-dominated industry. Ten months ago she stepped out of that seat, founded Shattered Glass Advisory, and started answering the question so many in our community are living right now: who am I when the title is gone? We talk about heart-centered leadership, leading up, the non-negotiable morning ritual that anchors her, and the piece of advice most people in transition don't want to hear at first: enjoy it. Kristine is a connector to her core, and this is a conversation you'll want to sit with. 🎧 Kristine is writing a book about the emotions of transition. She's coming back for the launch. Chapters 00:01 — Welcome & meet Kristine Frost 00:38 — Growing up a Midwesterner (and why she's really a Detroiter) 03:32 — Pontiac, Flint & GM: community built close to poverty 05:40 — Vienna: the grandmother who shaped her philanthropy 07:43 — The kidney donation story begins 10:02 — Directed vs. non-directed donation & the highly sensitized program 12:22 — Finding a match: 20 vials of blood and anonymous matchmaking 14:14 — Meeting John: December 18, 2019 17:20 — From attorney to the stamping plant floor 18:58 — What a stamping plant actually is 20:01 — Real life on the floor: leading humans, not machines 22:42 — Leading up: giving executives the yes/no 25:04 — The best leader is the best ambassador of people 25:35 — Founding Shattered Glass Advisory 28:52 — "Who am I now?" Leading yourself through transition 31:03 — The formula: non-negotiables & starting the day happy 34:15 — Wanderlust, family time & what her daughter noticed 36:05 — Live, laugh, love and D.W.Y.S.Y.W.D.E. 38:21 — Where to find Kristine & closing Links & Resources Connect with Kristine Frost LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kfroesq/Shattered Glass Advisory: https://shatteredglassadvisory.com/Mentioned in this episode Living kidney donation (directed vs. non-directed, the process Kristine describes) — Donate Life America: https://donatelife.net/donation/types/living-donation/Kidney donation facts & the national waiting list — Donate Life America: https://donatelife.net/donation/organs/kidney-donation/National Donate Life Registry (register your decision): https://registerme.org/

Main topics: Guerlyne’s journey from collegiate soccer to executive lifeUnderstanding and processing grief beyond loss of loved onesHow faith and scriptural reflection sustain us through hard seasonsThe importance of self-acceptance and owning your identityPractical steps to navigate and transform grief into strengthThe role of gratitude and thanksgiving in healingSupporting others with compassion in workplaces and communities Chapters:00:00 - Introduction to Guerlyne Guercy and her book, Grief is a Gateway 02:29 - How tearing her ACL marked a grief point and reshaped her identity 04:10 - Lessons in resilience learned from her sports career transition 05:56 - Navigating a non-linear career path from psychology to business development 06:37 - Debunking myths about sales and emphasizing authentic connection 09:34 - The role of affirmation and self-awareness in owning your strengths 12:10 - Why Guerlyne felt compelled to write about grief and faith 15:22 - The journey of accepting and walking through personal loss 16:38 - How grief reveals character and deepens spirituality 20:24 - Understanding grief as an access point to divine comfort 24:50 - Practical tools: acceptance, thanksgiving, and intentional living 27:47 - Scriptural anchors: Psalm 63 and Psalm 100 as sources of strength 30:23 - How faith evolves through seasons of loss and growth 32:36 - The significance of personal reflection and faith journaling in healing 34:28 - Supporting others in grief within the workplace and communities 37:02 - Guerlyne’s availability for speaking engagements and workshops 37:54 - Final words: Embrace your season, seek comfort, and continue moving forward Resources & Links: ⁠Grief is a Gateway - Guerlyne Guercy⁠⁠Psalm 63 - Bible Gateway⁠⁠Psalm 100 - Bible Gateway⁠⁠Poopari by Suzy Batiz⁠ (for insights on ideas and manifestation)Connect with Guerlyne Guercy: ⁠Instagram⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠Website & Newsletter Signup⁠ Support and speaking engagements: Available for church, corporate, and community workshops on navigating grief, faith, and resilience.Topics include: "Transforming Grief into Growth," "Leading with Empathy," "Faith-Based Resilience," and "Supporting Wellness at Work."Remember, grief is not the end but a gateway to renewed strength, faith, and purpose. Embrace your season, lean into your faith, and let gratitude pave your way forward.

A room full of women builders at MIT asked ChatGPT to draw them based on everything it knew. It drew the same white man over and over. That moment sparked Erica Rooney's new book, The AI Gap, and this conversation. Erica joins Jacqueline as the first AI expert on Winning Season to break down the four gaps quietly widening between who AI was built on and who gets left behind, and the surprisingly simple mindset shift that closes them. If you have ever felt like the tech wasn't built for you, this one is for you. KEY TAKEAWAYS AI is not introducing bias, it is accelerating ours. It is a pattern recognition machine trained on a history that was never neutral. When the pattern says most CEOs are named John, that is what it draws back.There are four gaps, and the costly one is compounding. Awareness, authority, compounding, and infrastructure. The compounding gap (contribution versus ownership, who gets capital) is where the existing wealth disparity threatens to explode rather than close.You don't have to learn ChatGPT. You have to become AI fluent. Mastering one tool is like saying you can only drive a Toyota. The real skill is knowing how to talk to the machine and asking, with everything you do, how can AI help me with this.Access is where organizations start. Men are being encouraged to experiment with AI at higher rates than women. Don't wait for permission. Be professionally annoying and raise your hand, because nobody is coming to save us.A human coach does what AI cannot. AI is built to keep you engaged and tell you what you want to hear. A coach interrupts the pattern and asks you why.Chapters: 00:00 Welcome to Erica, the first AI expert on Winning Season00:52 The MIT story that sparked The AI Gap04:27 Greg Boone runs the experiment, and race bias shows up too05:41 Why AI does this: history was never neutral07:45 The four gaps, and why compounding is the one to watch10:39 HER Collective and making executive education accessible13:13 AI is a mindset: becoming fluent, not just clicking buttons17:00 Inside the community: the HER framework and weekly calls19:08 Her first book, Glass Ceilings and Sticky Floors21:28 What coaching with Erica actually looks like23:00 Why a human coach beats AI sycophancy23:39 Where companies should start: access for everyone25:22 Erica's two podcasts GUEST BIO Erica Anderson Rooney is an executive, speaker, and community builder. A former Chief People Officer recognized as a top CHRO, she is the author of The AI Gap and Glass Ceilings and Sticky Floors, founder of HER Collective, and host of two podcasts. She helps Fortune 500 companies and ambitious women learn to use AI as a voice, not become a victim of it. RESOURCES MENTIONED Erica's work The AI Gap (her new book): https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-ai-gap-women-ai-and-the-next-great-leap-forward-erica-rooney/086fb229b711e6c2?ean=9781955811965Glass Ceilings and Sticky Floors (her first book and OG podcast, 300+ episodes): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/glass-ceilings-and-sticky-floors-shatter-limiting/id1619692554AI: Voice or Victim? (her AI podcast, co-hosted with Greg Boone): https://voiceorvictim.com/HER Collective (her community, membership $684/year): https://www.joinhercollective.com/Connect with Erica on LinkedIn (tag her with your AI image result): https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericarooneyReferenced in the conversation Greg Boone, aka AISerious, Erica's business partner and Voice or Victim co-hostRadical Candor by Kim ScottHala Taha (Young and Profiting), a past Glass Ceilings guestCarol Dweck's growth mindset (Jacqueline's reference)Ruth Bader Ginsburg, "We belong in the rooms where decisions are made"The Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay ActMighty Networks, the platform HER Collective runs on CALL TO ACTION Run the experiment yourself. Ask your AI to generate an image of you based on everything it knows, then tag Erica on LinkedIn with what you get. Grab The AI Gap

Hermence Matsotsa, a global leadership expert, author, and advocate for community-centered health and transformation joins Jacqueline Twillie in Conversation. In this episode, Hermence shares her multicultural background, her journey through global health, and the profound lessons she's learned about service, vulnerability, and interconnectedness. This conversation reveals how embracing humility and community can shape the next era of global health and leadership. Main Topics: Hermence's multicultural upbringing and love story of her parents from Gabon and OregonHer early career in global health and service through Peace Corps in West AfricaThe transformative lessons learned from living in Ecuador, embracing vulnerability and cultural humilityFoundations of trust in global communities and the importance of seeing shared humanityThe philosophy of Ubuntu and its influence on Hermence's leadership and business, Mbutu SpeaksHow her company offers transformational leadership, cultural competence, and positive intelligence coachingThe power of storytelling and capturing community histories through her workThe significance of living intentionally, self-love, and continuous growth, as outlined in her book "Better Than Yesterday"Perspectives on the future of global health: community-led programs, cultural understanding, and capacity buildingThe story behind her artwork featuring Ubuntu and its significance Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction to Hermence Matsotsa and her multifaceted expertise 02:15 - Hermence's cultural background and love story of her parents 04:17 - Early career and calling into service through Peace Corps 05:44 - The impact of living in Ecuador and learning vulnerability 10:55 - Understanding and tapping into personal power 13:32 - Making a difference through community storytelling 15:30 - Global health work in Togo and community empowerment 17:36 - How Hermence transitioned into CDC and her approach to trust-building 20:13 - Key principles of establishing trust in diverse communities 22:21 - The meaning behind "Mbutu" and the philosophy of Ubuntu 24:41 - Overview of Hermence's company services and leadership philosophy 27:26 - The importance of authentic leadership and psychological safety 30:48 - Recognizing and evolving personal saboteurs and inner critics 34:12 - The role of positive intelligence in leadership wellness 37:07 - Hermence’s book "Better Than Yesterday" and personal transformation 41:42 - Soleil's influence and her daughter’s role as a young author 43:50 - The impact of sharing personal stories and community growth 44:22 - Future visions for global health: community-driven, sustainable, and culturally sensitive 49:44 - The significance of her artwork inspired by Ubuntu and cultural connection 51:23 - How to connect with Hermence and access her book Resources & Links: Email Address/ Phone Number [email protected] / 1-202-421-9184 uBuntuSpeaks (uBuntu) website https//www.ubuntuworkforce.com LinkedIn Profile https://www.linkedin.com/in/hermencematsotsa-transformationalleadershipstrategist/ Books Better Than Yesterday: How to Take Intentional Steps to Self You EnvisionBuy on Amazon Pluto, Special Just the Same Dwarf Planet by Soleil Cross (my daughter) Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ubuntuspeaks_hermence/ TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@sageelevation

Join us as we dive into Traci Saulsberry's inspiring journey of self-discovery, leadership, and radical self-love. Traci shares powerful insights from her debut book, revealing how vulnerability, curiosity, and authenticity can transform our lives and careers. In this episode: Traci's experience breaking barriers as one of the youngest Black executives at NBC and leading at PeacockThe meaning behind her book's title and its importance for self-loveHow writing the book rewrote her, revealing unexpected truths and healingThe importance of honoring your body and mental health in high-pressure environmentsPractical questions and journaling practices to foster self-awarenessThe power of surrendering to life's unfolding rather than forcing solutionsHow to navigate the "unnamed seasons" of transformation without rushing the processThe role of worthiness and storytelling in advocating for yourselfBook recommendations and how to pre-order This Is How You Love HerTimestamps: (00:00) - Welcome and introducing Traci Saulsberry, author of This Is How You Love Her(02:06) - Traci describes herself as a "light, quiet storm, and builder"(04:24) - Love languages and how Traci freely gives love(08:55) - The cost of maintaining "okayness" at work and in life(11:29) - How writing the book transformed Traci(15:00) - Staying anchored amidst diverse roles and identities(16:47) - Recognizing the gap between external achievements and inner authenticity(22:07) - Navigating grief while building anew(25:43) - The unfolding journey: embracing serendipity and surrender(36:26) - The significance of anchors like childhood and relationships in understanding yourself(40:01) - What self-love really means beyond spa days(41:41) - Lessons learned the hard way, including imperfection and agency(42:48) - How to support Traci's book and pre-order informationResources & Links: This Is How You Love Her — Pre-order Traci Saulsberry's debut bookCalm App — Meditation and sleep appJunot Diaz - The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao — Book that inspired TraciNBC — Traci's leadership originAbrams Books — Purchase links for Traci's bookConnect with Traci Saulsberry: LinkedInInstagramWebsite Special note: This episode is a treasure trove of practical wisdom for anyone on a journey to self-love, leadership, and authentic living. Be sure to grab your copy of This Is How You Love Her and reflect on the meaningful questions Traci shares.

Summary In this inspiring interview, Alison Anthony shares her journey from corporate leadership to nonprofit impact, emphasizing the power of preparation, authentic communication, and strategic use of AI in advancing community goals. Discover how to leverage your strengths, build trust, and make impactful asks to create lasting change. Key Topics Preparation and strategic planning in negotiationThe role of AI in nonprofit workBuilding trust and authentic communicationTransitioning from corporate to nonprofit leadershipLegacy giving and community impact Takeaways Preparation is key to successful negotiation and relationship building.AI can be a powerful tool if used responsibly and ethically.Authentic communication and vulnerability strengthen leadership.Leverage community and corporate partnerships for greater impact.Focus on human connection and trust over technology alone. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Alison Anthony 02:42 The Evolution of Preparation in Negotiation 05:46 Corporate vs. Nonprofit Negotiation Strategies 08:32 Mindset Shifts for Women in Negotiation 11:30 The Importance of Clarity and Conciseness 14:28 Fundraising Trends and Community Impact 17:29 Engaging Volunteers in Fundraising Efforts 23:53 Embedding Mission in Fundraising 26:46 Celebrating Legacy and Endowment Growth 30:42 The Role of AI in Nonprofit Work 38:51 Radical Honesty and Personal Growth Connect with Alison on LinkedIn Follow the work of the Tulsa Area United Way

Standing in Your Power: A Conversation with Denise Foss on Self-Leadership and Transformation Discover how Denise’s journey from dance to leadership led her to create a powerful deck focused on helping individuals reclaim their strength and authenticity. In this episode, we explore the nuances of standing in your power, navigating unexpected challenges, and cultivating resilience within yourself and teams.In this episode: Denise shares her story of transition from a dance career to leadership roles and why she created her "Stand in Your Power" deck.The importance of presence, awareness, and intuition in professional and personal settings.How to recognize and navigate moments where you lose connection to your power.The five ways to utilize the deck for individual growth and team development.The insight, inspiration, and integration framework—three key steps to embodying new perspectives.Practical ideas for group or team activities using the deck, including retreats, meetings, and social gatherings.Denise’s holistic coaching approach that integrates life design, movement, and leadership development.Her philosophy of “and”—embracing dualities and holding space for contradictions.The ongoing journey of self-evolution and the importance of self-compassion and patience.Create Loudly WebsiteCreate Loudly InstagramDenise’s LinkedInStand in Your Power DeckInstagram – Create Loudly CoLinkedIn – DeniseEmail – [email protected]:00:00 - Introduction to Denise and the theme of standing in your power 02:50 - How Denise’s background shaped her approach to leadership and self-awareness 06:00 - The pivotal moment that inspired her deck creation 09:15 - Understanding what it truly means to stand in your power 12:45 - Tools Denise used to reconnect during a challenging leadership moment 14:58 - Exploring Layla Delia’s quote and its relationship to power 16:15 - The "and" philosophy: holding multiple truths simultaneously 19:40 - How the deck works: insight, inspiration, and integration 21:30 - Five creative ways to use the deck for personal and group growth 26:30 - The importance of mindful reflection and active embodiment 29:00 - Denise's coaching practice and holistic approach to living a fulfilled life 33:15 - Embracing multi-passionate identities in coaching and life design 37:10 - What Denise hopes listeners will take away: becoming and transformation 39:50 - Special offer: a free shipping code for the deck and how to connect with Denise 41:10 - Final words: celebrating personal power and ongoing growthResources & Links:Connect with Denise:Special Offer: Use code POWER26 at checkout for free shipping on the deck. This promo is valid until May 31, 2026, and is available only in the US.Note: This episode was released on April 26, 2026. Stay inspired and continue to step confidently into your power!

Discover how authentic leadership, community, and self-awareness can transform your career and life. Suezette shares practical insights, personal stories, and strategies to help you lead fearlessly beyond titles.In this episode: Suezette’s journey from education reform to tech leadershipThe true meaning of authenticity in leadershipHow to uncover and eliminate self-imposed dissonanceThe impact of authentic leadership on organizational performance (147% stronger)The power of community and mutual support in growthPractical tools: reflective questions at each chapter to overcome fearHow to align your career with your purpose and valuesThe significance of self-assessment, discernment, and strategic alignmentIntroducing Suezette’s authentic leadership framework and upcoming trainingsWhy professional development is a vital investment, not selfishnessCharacteristics of inspiring leaders: curiosity, directness, and mentorshipThe “no titles” chapter: embracing your full potential beyond labelsHow to create environments that support authentic self-expressionPractical steps for leaders to foster empathy, vulnerability, and inclusionThe importance of living fully at 80 and beyondConnecting with Suezette: website, social media, and community programsBonus: Recommendations for supportive organizations and actionable tipsSuezette Yasmin Robotham’s WebsiteSuezette’s Book: Beyond TitlesLinkedIn - Suezette Yasmin RobothamSuezette’s TED TalkOfficial Training & CoursesWebsiteInstagramTwitterCommunity & Mentoring ProgramsTimestamps:  00:00 - Introduction & Suezette’s powerful journey to authentic leadership 02:48 - The secret sauce of attracting mutually beneficial relationships 04:24 - Misconceptions about authenticity and true leadership 07:57 - The reflective questions that heal & how to process fear 10:14 - Real stories of understanding real self versus work self 13:12 - Transition from education reform to tech industry—lessons learned 16:27 - The importance of alignment & trusting when things flow naturally 18:32 - Challenging hustle mentality & embracing ease through discernment 20:37 - Suezette’s mentorship program & how to unlock your full potential 24:17 - Characteristics of admired leaders and cultivating curiosity 27:07 - Upcoming curriculum on authentic leadership & organizational impact 30:50 - Advice for newcomers into tech & managing perceptions 34:28 - Strategies for identifying where environments align with your values 35:18 - The significance of “no titles” for self-awareness & growth 37:01 - How self-assessment leads to greater impact & fuller life 40:50 - Recognizing dissonance and releasing what no longer serves 42:34 - Final thoughts — living as your best self & embracing full capacity 43:16 - Connecting with Suezette: resources, social media & community call-to-action Resources & Links: Connect with Suezette:Embrace your authentic self — lead fearlessly and live fully! Suezette Yasmin Robotham’s WebsiteSuezette’s Book: Beyond TitlesLinkedIn - Suezette Yasmin RobothamSuezette’s TED TalkOfficial Training & CoursesWebsiteInstagramTwitterCommunity & Mentoring Programs

Unlock the powerful leadership principles grounded in Black church traditions and culture. In this episode, L.Michelle Smith shares her insights on how call and response, faith, community, and resilience can transform your leadership approach and drive authentic connections. L.Michelle's inspiration behind writing Call and Response and how her church experiences shape her leadership philosophyThe leadership lessons derived from Black church traditions, especially faith, purpose, and communityThe science behind attunement, oxytocin, and brain science that support community-building and resilienceThe historical roots of call and response from Africa to the Black church and their relevance to modern leadershipPractical strategies for applying these principles in corporate and community settingsHow to develop heart-centered, courageous, and emotionally intelligent leaders across industriesThe importance of integrity, accountability, and cultural competency in today's leadership landscapeResources: pre-order discounts, workshops, curriculum, and recommended reading Call and Response by L. Michelle SmithBook preorder & leadership toolkitL. Michelle Smith - WebsiteBlack Church Study - The Black Church: This Is Our Story, This Is Our Song by Dr. Henry Louis Gates Jr.Follow L.Michelle Smith on LinkedInFollow L.Michelle Smith on TwitterWebsiteRequest Speaking EngagementsPre-order the book and access curriculum Leverage the principles of call and response in team meetings and organizational cultureIncorporate storytelling, attunement, and community-building techniques into your leadership stylePractice integrity and accountability daily to build trust and resilience in your teamsUse the provided leadership questions and curriculum to foster critical thinking and strategic growthJoin the movement to develop more heart-centered, courageous leaders across industriesEmbrace these culturally rooted, science-backed strategies to lead with authenticity, influence, and purpose. —Thank you for listening! Don't forget to share your copies of the book and tag L.Michelle Smith on social media with your leadership insights. In this episode:Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction to Michelle Smith and her leadership journey02:00 - The story behind Call and Response and cultural influences04:50 - Black church leadership lessons: faith and purpose08:30 - The science of community: oxytocin and brain synchronization12:00 - Roots of call and response: from Africa to modern music and culture16:20 - The role of resilience: lessons from grandmothers and gospel hymns20:56 - Building integrity and accountability in leadership24:05 - Practical tips for applying call and response strategies in organizations27:40 - Addressing generational shifts and the importance of social-emotional skills31:15 - The significance of community as a covenant and collective success35:30 - Cultivating influential, heart-centered leaders: Carla Harris, Sint Marshall, and others40:10 - How to get the book, resources for leaders, and call to action43:05 - Final thoughts: leading with authenticity and cultural intelligenceResources & Links:Connect with Elle Michelle Smith:To Enhance Your Leadership:

This episode of Winning Season features a real lesson from Jacqueline V. Twillie, originally delivered live to a group of mid-career professionals. In it, Jacqueline unpacks the moment she cracked a high-stakes global project stalemate by identifying the single metric and timeline that mattered most to a senior leader. She walks listeners through her signature L.A.T.T.E. Framework—Look, Anticipate, Think, Talk, Evaluate—and shows how to use it to translate your solution into the language of decision makers. You’ll learn how to pinpoint priorities, anticipate objections, and present your ideas in a way that earns approvals faster. Whether you're preparing for a big pitch or navigating shifting priorities, this lesson gives you a repeatable playbook to get a clear yes. This podcast episode is an actual lesson taught by Jacqueline V. Twillie, founder of ZeroGap and creator of the L.A.T.T.E. Framework. You’ll hear her teaching in real time, not a scripted studio segment, so grab a notebook and get ready to apply these strategies immediately. 📌 Note