The Empowering Women Podcast

ABOUT OUR GUEST: Kate Yoder dynamic Project Management Professional (PMP) known for delivering innovative results through creative engineering practices and a people-centric approach. She received her B.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering from Lafayette College in Pennsylvania and her M.Sc. from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. After graduating, Kate honed her analytical skills as a modeling & simulation engineer for several years. She then transitioned into project management, where she has a proven track record of coordinating project interdependencies, streamlining processes, and reducing processing time for her team. In her current role at Trane Technologies, Kate combines her engineering expertise and project management skills to spearhead innovative digital solutions that enhance operational efficiency and improve customer satisfaction. When she's not at Trane Technologies, you can find Kate crocheting cute animals while snuggling with her two adorable cats, Pip and Figaro. CONNECT WITH KATE LinkedIn EPISODE AND EMPOWERING WOMEN IN INDUSTRY LINKS Real Self-Care by Pooja Lakshmin Problems in a Spreadsheet Cartoon Spoon Theory – Link One Spoon Theory – Link Two POTS Info – Link One POTS Info – Link Two Empowering Women in Industry Membership Empowering Women in Industry Magazine Empowering Women in Industry Website Empowering Women in Industry Virtual Events (Including Book Club and Membership Circles) QUOTES AND KEY TAKEAWAYS “Life is nonlinear.” “Even after I got the diagnosis, I had to relearn how to live. The things I could do before I couldn’t. Some of them I still can’t.” “Push through, keep going attitude was not going to work anymore.” “Really have to trust in yourself along the way.” “Energy In = Energy Out” Kate’s “Find Balance” Framework: BIOS (Define your boundaries, Identify Inputs and Outputs, Solve for Balance” Quote from Real Self Care on Setting Boundaries. “Creating space to make the best choice for you. Communicating that choice clearly.” Some topics we covered: Time Blocking, Meeting Inventory, Setting Flexible “Must Do” depending on your day. Kate’s learnings on her career journey: Knowing when you are stagnant, Scan the environment, Be open to things that don’t seem as obvious, and Build relationships along the journey.

ABOUT OUR GUEST: H.J. Dewes is a strategic leader with a proven record leveraging cross-functional teams to achieve optimal results. He is currently a Business Development Manager at ABB where he has spent his 30+ year career across diverse roles in business development, strategy, sales, marketing and channel, operations and logistics. Prior to joining ABB, H.J. was an Enlisted Operations Specialist in the United States Navy where he earned the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal. H.J. is an active or former member of the Hydraulic Institute, the National Electrical Manufacturer’s Association, The Water Council, The Midwest Energy Research Consortium and several other associations all with a focus on helping their members to find more efficient and sustainable solutions. He has been named the EPIC Industry Person of the Year and to the ABB Circle of Excellence. He is an active member of the Empowering Women in Industry community where is engaged ally – bringing diverse voices to the table for discussion, learning, and support. An allyship thought leader, H.J. works tirelessly every day to bring about equity in the workplace. CONNECT WITH H.J. DEWES LinkedIn X (Twitter) EPISODE AND EMPOWERING WOMEN IN INDUSTRY LINKS Equal Opportunity? Different Starting Lines Video Empowering Women in Industry Membership Empowering Women in Industry Magazine Empowering Women in Industry Website Empowering Women in Industry Virtual Events (Including Book Club and Membership Circles) QUOTES AND KEY TAKEAWAYS “Show up. Be there.” “By showing up, I grew. Showing up is not just good for the people I am trying to support. It’s also good for me.” “Lean all in. Forget the fear.” “Be curious and open minded.” “Recognize that you don’t have to be perfect.” On Allyship: “Really showing up for the people that you believe in. Being willing to take a stand. Being willing to take a risk. Being there.” “We all have paradigms that shape the way we live. They are so strong and embedded in who we are. Sometimes it is little bit hard to challenge our assumptions. One of the things that is really important about being an ally is to challenge your own assumptions.” “I think one of the things we forget is people are being allies for us all the time. Maybe you don’t necessarily realize that there are people there supporting you that are helping to pave a path for you and create opportunity for you.” “As you grow in your career, you start to earn more privilege and influence. Using that privilege to help others who might just need a nudge, help, or support. Working to use that privilege to create opportunities.” On being an active ally: “Recognize that you are going to screw up. Recognize that this is a journey for us as well. Know that the people you are trying to be allies for are not expecting you to be perfect in any way, shape, or form.”

ABOUT OUR GUEST: Giovanna Gray Lockhart moved to Yarmouth, Maine full time three years ago. Her national experience spans work in government from an advisor to Senator Kirsten Gillibrand of New York to national nonprofit leadership as a member of the Board of Directors for StoryCorps. Previously, Lockhart held senior roles at venture-backed companies, as the Senior Director of Impact at The Wing and as Chief Strategy Officer at The Riveter. Immediately prior to coming to the Center, she provided strategic consulting, advising executive level clients across the country on philanthropy, advocacy, board-building, and communications. Lockhart sits on the Board of Trustees for the Waynflete School in Portland CONNECT WITH FRANCIS PERKINS CENTER Website Instagram Facebook EPISODE AND EMPOWERING WOMEN IN INDUSTRY LINKS SIGN THE PETITON for Frances Perkins Homestead National Historic Landmark Frances Perkins: Learning Resources Books on Frances Perkins History Channel: Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire Empowering Women in Industry Membership Empowering Women in Industry Magazine Empowering Women in Industry Website Empowering Women in Industry Virtual Events (Including Book Club and Membership Circles) QUOTES AND KEY TAKEAWAYS “When a door opens, you must walk through it.” “I really feel like we are at a turning point where you don’t have to hide who you are to be powerful and lead.” “A woman in her early thirties that is totally unafraid and out there advocating for people. She really believed in what she was doing.” “She had fears and insecurities, like we all do, but when you have that vision and determination that is what drove her.” “I came to Washington to work for God, FDR, and the millions of forgotten, plain, common working men.” On Frances’ impact: “She was the pioneering advocate for economic security, social justice, labor rights, and the policy issues surrounding that. The kinds of protections that she secured are the cornerstones of modern policy and our society today: social security, minimum wage, forty-hour work week, unemployment insurance, and banning of child labor.” Frances’ Driving Force: “When she saw these injustices and these working conditions and how people were kept in poverty through generations, there is a policy that needs to be put in place. Me helping people one at a time as a social worker is wonderful but there needs to be something more impactful and all encompassing.” Only 12 out of ~430 National Park sites have been specifically created to recognize women’s history.

ABOUT OUR GUEST: Meaghan Ziemba is an industrial tech writer, brand storyteller, and marketer for industrial manufacturers. She has a B.A. and M.A. in Professional and Technical Writing from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and has been writing for manufacturing since 2008. Meaghan also hosts a live video broadcast series called Mavens of Manufacturing. The series focuses on women in the sector and aims to attract younger generations to join manufacturing or engineering career pathways to help close the skills and gender gaps. Meaghan is a proud mother of three. She enjoys cooking, CrossFit, and a great cup of coffee or a glass of whiskey. CONNECT WITH MEAGHAN LinkedIn Instagram CONNECT WITH MAVENS OF MANUFACTURING Website YouTube CONNECT WITH Z INK SOLUTIONS Website LinkedIn EPISODE AND EMPOWERING WOMEN IN INDUSTRY LINKS Manufacturing Day Website Smart Girls HQ Women in STEM Gap Study by AAUW Goldie Blox Project Scientist Inspiring the next generation of female engineers | Debbie Sterling | TedX Empowering Women in Industry Membership Empowering Women in Industry Magazine Empowering Women in Industry Website Empowering Women in Industry Virtual Events QUOTES AND KEY TAKEAWAYS “Especially with young girls, we need to encourage innovation not perfection.” “We’re programmed to squirm at that word - failure.” “We need to start stepping out of our own personal experiences and stop assuming someone is coming into a conversation with malicious intent.” “When you put yourself in that position of the person who doesn’t know and you want to learn, other people are comfortable enough to have those authentic conversations with you.” “The reason I became an entrepreneur is because, for most of my work experience, I couldn’t show up as myself.” “Manufacturing is the great equalizer.” Closing the manufacturing skills gap: “We need to help the general public really understand why manufacturing is important and what it does, as a whole, for our country.” “Bring awareness to the financial opportunities that are available through each pathway. Bring awareness to how manufacturing helps communities flourish.” “There are a lot of communities that don’t even realize manufacturing is in their backyard. Encourage manufactures to be proactive and open up their doors and let their community members come in… to see what they are making and why they are making it.” “Why are stories important to this industry? Because you need that emotional connection with your audience. If you don’t have it, they are not going to care. They are not going to know what they don’t know.”

ABOUT OUR GUEST: Martie Edmunds Zakas has been Mueller Water Products’ CEO since August 2023 and served as President and CEO from August 2023 to May 2024. She previously served as the Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Mueller Water Products since 2018. She has directed Mueller’s strategic planning, corporate development, investor relations and corporate communications activities since joining the Company in 2006. Prior to joining Mueller, Martie spent five years with Russell Corporation where she held a variety of positions culminating in her role as Corporate Vice President, Chief of Staff, Business Development and Treasurer, until its 2006 acquisition by Berkshire Hathaway. From 1993 to 2000, Martie served as Corporate Vice President, Director of Investor Relations and Corporate Secretary for Equifax, Inc., a global data, analytics and technology company. She began her career as an investment banker at Morgan Stanley. Martie earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Randolph-Macon Woman’s College (now Randolph College), a MBA from the University of Virginia Darden School of Business and a Juris Doctor from the University of Virginia School of Law. She is a Director of Mueller Water Products and BlueLinx Holdings, Inc., and is a former Director of Atlantic Capital Bancshares, Inc. She serves on the Board of Trustees of the University of Virginia Darden School Foundation. CONNECT WITH MARTIE LinkedIn CONNECT WITH MUELLER WATER PRODUCTS Website X (Twitter) LinkedIn YouTube EPISODE AND EMPOWERING WOMEN IN INDUSTRY LINKS Empowering Women in Industry Conference Registration Empowering Women in Industry Membership Empowering Women in Industry Magazine Empowering Women in Industry Website Empowering Women in Industry Virtual Events QUOTES AND KEY TAKEAWAYS “I am really honored to be a female leading a manufacturing company in the U.S. because you do not see as many female CEOs of public manufacturing companies. By seeing the unexpected, I think it will help us all move forward and hopefully in the future we will see more female CEOs in the manufacturing industry. Then it becomes expected.” Inclusion: “Importantly, if you feel included and feel part of that team then I think we then are going to get the benefits of hearing all the different voices, ideas, and backgrounds such that we can have collective success.” “You want to feel that the contributions you are making or the organization you are working with are making important contributions.” “You need to have your own personal set of values. As you go through this, ensure you have your baseline of what your values are and you ensure that is an integral part of the work that you are doing.” Most important skill: “Be adaptable and be curious. Because whatever the headlines are today, they are going to change.” “Observe what you see that you like and that you may want to emulate. As importantly, see what you don’t like. You can take that and say I do not want that to be part of my toolkit.”

ABOUT OUR GUEST: Cheryl Merchant has 40 years of leadership and management experience in manufacturing. She has held leadership positions with industry giants like GM, Mazda, Ford, and Lear Corporation and led teams in the U.S., Mexico, Canada and throughout Europe and Asia. Cheryl spent 19 years as the President and CEO of Hope Global, a manufacturing company with over 2,000 employees and operations in the U.S., Mexico, Czech Republic, China, and Brazil. During that period, Hope Global grew five times in revenue and became a Tier II leader in the Automotive Industry. In 2019, Cheryl joined Taco as President of Taco Family of Companies, North America. In March of 2020, Cheryl was promoted to CEO of Taco Family of Companies Global operations. Since taking the helm, Taco has doubled in revenue, expanded the workforce by 350 team members, acquired a new business unit in England and currently have global operational facility expansions of over 243,000 sq, ft. underway. CONNECT WITH CHERYL LinkedIn CONNECT WITH TACO COMFORT SOLUTIONS - WEBSITES Main Website HydroFlo Pump Solutions Taco Italia Taconova CONNECT WITH TACO COMFORT SOLUTIONS – SOCIAL MEDIA Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram LinkedIn YouTube EPISODE AND EMPOWERING WOMEN IN INDUSTRY LINKS Empowering Women in Industry Conference Registration Empowering Women in Industry Membership Empowering Women in Industry Magazine Empowering Women in Industry Website Empowering Women in Industry Virtual Events (Including Book Club and Membership Circles) QUOTES AND KEY TAKEAWAYS “Whatever you think you’re going through, you are not alone.” “Constitution said we the people for the people; it didn’t say we the men for the men.” “That is what it is about. Just trying to make people the best they can be.” “Women are needed everywhere. They are needed are boards and needed in management because they bring a whole new perspective. “ “People are different and that is special. We need to push that; not look down on it.” “Ownership is everyone’s responsibility. Putting your name on your job.” “I believe that every single person is important. We cannot get it done by ourselves.” “Mentality is the hardest thing in the world to change. It’s in everything you hear. The mental barriers are so ingrained.” “I make a point of having at least 5 mentees at all times if I can.” “Think about how you want to be remembered. Now go live your life. Go be how you want to be remembered.” “Strive to be the leader you always wanted.” “To the women who blazed the trail before us, you are going to forever have our gratitude. To the women who are currently on the trail, let us all stay focused and keep up the great work. For the women to follow, reach out your hand.”

ABOUT OUR GUEST: Tiffany Waddell Tate (she/her) helps individuals and companies reimagine the future of work through coaching, digital education, and training & development for organizations and teams. As an in-demand coach, consultant, speaker and thought leader, she has been featured on Well + Good, The Everymom, The Muse, and a variety of podcasts. She is a master in coaching professionals to learn, lead, and grow at work while being true to their authentic selves and building their personal brand. Tate earned her BA and MA from Wake Forest University, and is a Gallup Certified Strengths Coach, Diversity Educator, and MBTI Certified. Tiffany is also the founder of Career Maven Consulting. This team is on a mission to help people become the CEO of their professional lives, and organizations retain great people through career advancement support & leadership development rooted in clarity, confidence, and agency for all. CONNECT WITH TIFFANY LinkedIn Instagram CONNECT WITH CAREER MAVEN CONSULTING LinkedIn Instagram Website EPISODE AND EMPOWERING WOMEN IN INDUSTRY LINKS Career Maven Academy How to Ally for #BlackWomenatWork Everymom Article: How to Support Black Women at Work Empowering Women in Industry Conference Empowering Women in Industry Membership Empowering Women in Industry Magazine Empowering Women in Industry Website Empowering Women in Industry Virtual Events QUOTES AND KEY TAKEAWAYS “Do good work on purpose.” “Part of my coaching practice is helping people to not just react to things that are happening to them but be really thoughtful about what their non-negotiables are, what they want to learn, and what they want to earn. Get comfortable naming those things, talking about them, and making decisions based on those things rather than just responding to situations that they find themselves in.” “People should get really clear on what matters to them as humans who are working so they have thoughtful intention in both spheres.” “I think people often under sell and they under pitch because they think they have to do more to prove themselves.” Career Coaching Framework: Clarity, Confidence, and Agency Career branding documents should be STICKY: Skill-based, Tailored, Intentionality, Confidence, Keep it real, You “Skills language is the value add. This is what you do and how does what you do add value to the organization.” “Having a career strategy can mean having a really clear list of the things you want to learn/do or the problems you want to solve. Or it could be an clear awareness of your known boundaries or personal catalysts.” “Right now is what we have. Be really thoughtful about right now as you are planning for the future.”

ABOUT OUR GUEST: As the founder of Tech & Thrive, Denise Acosta Musselwhite leverages her extensive experience to empower diverse technology professionals. Notably, Denise stands out as one of the few Latina women globally to have held both Chief Information Officer (CIO) and Board Chair positions—achievements held by only 5% of professionals worldwide. She has made significant contributions across various sectors, including education, technology, and nonprofits. Denise's innovative T.H.R.I.V.E. Operating System™ underpins personalized development programs that are delivered through tailored consulting, and individual or group coaching, fostering significant growth and retention. Her legacy is marked by her commitment to transforming technology leadership, underscored by her impactful collaborations with over 10 Nobel Peace Laureates through her work with the PeaceJam organization.. CONNECT WITH DENISE AND TECH AND THRIVE LinkedIn Tech and Thrive Website EPISODE AND EMPOWERING WOMEN IN INDUSTRY LINKS T.H.R.I.V.E Quiz: http://www.techthrive.me/ Complimentary "Embracing Your Unique Drivers" e-workbook: https://techthrive.me/drivers Mission Impact Academy: https://www.themia.world/ Empowering Women in Industry Conference Registration Empowering Women in Industry Membership Empowering Women in Industry Magazine Empowering Women in Industry Website Empowering Women in Industry Virtual Events QUOTES AND KEY TAKEAWAYS “Don’t wait for someone else to create your future.” “The pandemic was going to actually move us backwards because of the challenges that women face uniquely during the pandemic with their kids home and their need to work from home more.” “My work was never something that was on the side. It was part of my identity and part of my whole life. I love technology that much and I love working with people that much.” “The thing that resonates with me the most that I see as a common thread is a deeper clarity of who they are themselves as a leader and moving away from what their employer, or their supervisors, have told them about themselves.” “We, as human beings, want to feel satisfied in our lives more holistically than just in our work.” T.H.R.I.V.E Operating System – “The number one step is transparent assessment to really uncover who you are as your unique leadership self.” T.H.R.I.V.E Operating System – “Voicing your vision step is encouragement, a challenge to people, to record themselves on audio, giving a TED talk that is for them about what they have learned about themselves.” “When you are clear on who you are, all kinds of stuff happens. You cannot unsee it anymore.” “For anyone working in a male dominated industry, the fact that we are ashamed to talk about our successes and about ourselves holds us back.” “Women are always looking for how they are not ready instead of how they are ready.” “We want to be 150% ready when really science tells us we really just need to be 50% ready for the role and we can fill in the rest with growth.” “Every single woman who is listening to this should be talking about artificial intelligence and the way it changes the work that we do.”

ABOUT OUR GUEST: DeIla Ray is a seasoned welder with a deep love for the skilled trades. Her career began as a traveling pipe welder, taking her across the country. In recent years, DeIla discovered a new passion for inspiring the next generation. She will be entering her 3rd year as a welding instructor, sharing her knowledge and experience with future welders. DeIla's dedication extends beyond the classroom. She is a prominent figure in the industry, serving as the Vice President of the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) Central Missouri Chapter #341 and the National Tradeswomen Committee Co-Chair. This year, DeIla will be installed as the President of NAWIC Chapter #341 as well as the National Tradeswomen Committee Chair. With the unique blend of experience, passion, and leadership, DeIla’s journey from welder to instructor is a testament to her dedication to the trades. DeIla's insights will be valuable to anyone interested in the skilled trades. CONNECT WITH DEILA AND ALPHA DUO LinkedIn DeIla IG Alpha Duo IG Facebook EPISODE AND EMPOWERING WOMEN IN INDUSTRY LINKS Empowering Women in Industry Conference Registration Empowering Women in Industry Membership Empowering Women in Industry Magazine Empowering Women in Industry Website Empowering Women in Industry Virtual Events QUOTES AND KEY TAKEAWAYS “Seeing what is possible is what kept drawing me in. Every time I would level up and succeed in something. It was still that added attraction of I have done it and continue to do it.” “Accepting the chaos.” “Looking back now, if I would not have said yes to trying something new I would not be where I am today. That is one of the coolest things. It is like a ‘whose done it’ story. I never had the experience and look where it took me – just from saying yes and taking on a challenge.” “There is just something about putting that hood down; I was immediately drawn to it. It was, ‘How much more can I get? Do I have to sleep? Can I keep doing this?’” “The opportunity of the trades is what enticed me in the beginning. Realizing I was one of the only on the only ones there was also a little enticing. I am a pretty bold person; I beat to my own drum most of the time.“ “I am creating a space here for other women and young girls to see that they can do it too.” “Male dominated taking away the light on the fact that women can be there too. If we can say ‘male populated; there it indicates there be more males there but it does not mean that males are the only ones that can dominate in that field.” “Imposter syndrome can creep up on people. They do not think you are supposed to be there so why should you think you are supposed to be there. You should know that, if are going to insert yourself somewhere and put time and effort into it, you deserve to be there.” “If you have that thought, that desire, don’t let it fade away. Try it out. You may find your passion and not even realize it.” “If you can imagine it, you can create it. If you can dream it, you can become it.” William Arthur Ward

ABOUT OUR GUEST: Sanya Mathura is the Founder of Strategic Reliability Solutions Ltd based in Trinidad and operates in the capacity of Managing Director and Senior Consultant. She works with global affiliates in the areas of Reliability and Asset Management to bring these specialty niches to her clients. Sanya possesses a strong engineering background with a BSc in Electrical & Computer Engineering and MSc in Engineering Asset Management. She has worked in the lubrication industry for the past decade and has used her background across diverse industries both locally in Trinidad and Tobago, regionally and internationally. She is the first person (and female) in her country (Trinidad & Tobago) to attain an ICML MLE (Machinery Lubrication Engineer). She is also the first female in the world to achieve the ICML VPR & VIM badges, full list here. CONNECT WITH SANYA AND STRATEGIC RELIABILITY SOLUTIONS Sanya's LinkedIn Company LinkedIn IG Website Facebook EPISODE AND EMPOWERING WOMEN IN INDUSTRY LINKS Empowering Women in STEM: Personal Stories and Career Journeys from Around the World Empowering Women in STEM: Working Together to Inspire the Future Empowering Women in Industry – Early Bird Conference Registration! Empowering Women in Industry Membership Empowering Women in Industry Magazine Empowering Women in Industry Website Empowering Women in Industry Virtual Events QUOTES AND KEY TAKEAWAYS “It’s all about being able to see the change. And be that change for others. It’s not about us. It is not about the ones breaking the barriers. It is about the ones that are coming behind us.” “You cannot evolve if you keep doing the same things.” “Women change the way we think about certain things. It cannot be done the same way every time.” “One of the things I have seen change is people are more open; more willing to listen to the woman in the field.” “At the end of the day, gender should not be tied to job performance.” “One of the main barriers I still see are women who are pregnant in the industry. While they’re pregnant, after their pregnancy, and during their parenthood. For example, we are not getting PPE that is fitted for pregnant women.”

ABOUT OUR GUEST: Stephanie Slocum is on a mission to normalize engineering, technology, and STEM women in leadership. She helps women become influential leaders while having a life, and she helps organizations committed to gender equity in STEM create work environments that retain and engage their women. After two engineering degrees and 15 years working in a technical structural engineering consulting role, Stephanie wrote her Amazon.com category bestselling book, She Engineers, to help other women engineers have careers on their own terms. She also founded her own firm, Engineers Rising LLC, focusing on closing the women’s retention and leadership gap in STEM. As a mom of three girls, engineer, author, and professional speaker, Stephanie is determined to help women step into their power, redefine leadership norms, and use their unique genius to impact the world. CONNECT WITH STEPHANIE LinkedIn Facebook IG Engineers Rising Website Email EPISODE AND EMPOWERING WOMEN IN INDUSTRY LINKS She Leads STEM 100 Leaders Report Intentional Power Book Empowering Women in Industry Membership Empowering Women in Industry Magazine Empowering Women in Industry Website Empowering Women in Industry Virtual Events QUOTES AND KEY TAKEAWAYS “I entered a workforce where I felt like I didn’t fit. I felt like there was something wrong with me.” “I would observe that my male colleagues were treated a little bit differently. It was hard to pinpoint exactly what was going on other than I feel like I have to spend a lot more time, effort, and energy convincing people that I know what I am talking about.” “The only way you conquer that ‘hard’ is by having the support system around you, even if it is just one person.” “In the United States, we still have a very strong messaging issue around STEM that says if you are good at science and math that you should go this direction. There is this discounting of the other skills that allowed me to succeed in may engineering degree around leadership skills, communication skills, and power skills.” “Women feel betrayed. They feel, in a way, that they were brought up to come to science, technology, engineering, and math. We want you here. And they come into the workforce and wonder where is all that support now?” “The number one thing that people pointed to and said, ‘this moment in my career changed my trajectory in a positive way forever was a mentorship moment. Mentorship also went right along with self-advocacy.”

ABOUT OUR GUEST: Dr. Nicole T. Rochester is a Board-certified pediatrician, TEDx and keynote speaker, and the CEO of Your GPS Doc, LLC, an innovative company committed to eliminating health disparities and bridging the gap between healthcare providers, patients, and family caregivers. Dr. Rochester was inspired to start her company after caring for her late father and witnessing the complicated healthcare system from the other side of the stethoscope. Dr. Rochester has been featured on television and radio, is a frequent podcast guest, has an active presence on social media, and has contributed to numerous digital publications. Dr. Rochester is a powerful and engaging speaker and presents locally and nationally about navigating the healthcare system, elevating the patient and family caregiver voice, diversity, equity and inclusion in the healthcare workforce, and eliminating health inequities. CONNECT WITH NICOLE LinkedIn Facebook IG Your GPS Doc Website EPISODE AND EMPOWERING WOMEN IN INDUSTRY LINKS TedX Talk: Overcoming Invisibility: The Doctor-Patient Relationship Racism, Sexism, and the Crisis of Black Women's Health NPR: How Poverty and Racism 'weather' the body, accelerating aging and disease LinkedIn Article - The Empathy Gap: Revisiting the 90 Second Encounter Documentary: The Color of Care Empowering Women in Industry Membership Empowering Women in Industry Magazine Empowering Women in Industry Website Empowering Women in Industry Virtual Events (Including Book Club and Membership Circles) QUOTES AND KEY TAKEAWAYS “In order to be your healthiest self, you have to have wealth. You have to have power, You have to have influence. Those qualities are not what we typically see in women, black women, and women of color.” “Racism and sexism literally changes your biology. It is a form of stress. It is a form of trauma. Stress and trauma change the hormones your body produces which has an effect on your blood vessels.” “Racism and sexism also impact the care. We receive different care as a result of the biases on behalf of providers that may not even be aware that they have sexist or racist beliefs.” “There are literally today, in 2024, neighborhoods in black communities across the U.S. where there are no grocery stores.” “Black doctors are 5% of physicians.” “Health care would look completely different if we all approached patients and families with empathy. If we took the time and explored and invested in understanding how our patients got to where they are. “ “What would it look like for us to put humanity first?”

ABOUT OUR GUESTS: Carol Morgan Cox is the founder and CEO of Speaking Your Brand®, a coaching and training company that helps high-performing, purpose-driven women entrepreneurs and professionals create their signature talks and thought leadership platforms. Carol is host of the weekly 5-star rated Speaking Your Brand® podcast and during election seasons serves as a Democratic political analyst on TV news. Carol was named as one of Orlando's Women of the Year in 2021 and has been featured in Forbes. Through her company and content, her mission is to empower more women to find and use their voice, to tell the stories that need to be told, and to activate ideas for change. As Lead Speaking Coach and Personal Brand Strategist with Speaking Your Brand®, Diane Diaz has coached dozens of speakers in crafting their signature talks, TED-style talks, and virtual presentations Diane has been speaking for over 15 years to groups of all sizes, including keynotes delivered on stage to audiences of 500+ people, smaller business and association groups of 10-20 people, and lunch and learn style sessions with 20-50 people or more. She has also hosted events, moderated panel discussions, and led workshops and training sessions both in person and virtually. Diane has also been a guest expert on podcasts, radio, and television. Diane regularly speaks on the topics of storytelling, personal branding, LinkedIn strategy, and women's empowerment. CONNECT WITH CAROL LinkedIn (Primary) Twitter IG Email CONNECT WITH DIANE LinkedIn EPISODE AND EMPOWERING WOMEN IN INDUSTRY LINKS Speaking Your Brand Website Speaking Your Brand Podcast Speaker Archetype Quiz Diane's Comedy Debut on LinkedIn Empowering Women in Industry Membership Empowering Women in Industry Magazine Empowering Women in Industry Website Empowering Women in Industry Virtual Events QUOTES AND KEY TAKEAWAYS “Share your truth. Imagine the impact that will have.” “Being able to articulate and communicate your message to your audiences is the way to establish leadership.” “You’re taking the audience on a journey; not just receiving information. They are having an experience with you. “Feels really physiologically vulnerable to stand in front of a group of people and speak to them." “Storytelling often requires a little bit of vulnerability. You are telling a story which requires openness and a personal touch.” “We often want to separate our business brands from our personal brands. They are not separate; they are all the same brand.” “Humor in your presentations is important no matter what your topic is. Laughing is a form of social bonding. It connects us as a speaker with our audience.” IDEAL Storytelling Framework: Imagery, Dialogue, Emotion, Action, and Lesson.

ABOUT OUR GUEST: Dannette Nelson (Dani), uses she/her/hers pronouns and is a seasoned diversity leader and expert with over 20 years of experience in legal, human resources, and DE&I. She has successfully led in the startup space at companies like LinkedIn and Gusto. With a law degree and a master's degree in HR Management, she's demonstrated her commitment to personal development. Currently, Dani is the owner of Stone Soup Diversity consulting where she transforms workplaces into thriving inclusive communities – specializing in providing tailored programs and solutions for diversity, equity, and inclusion. CONNECT WITH DANNETTE (DANI) Stone Soup Diversity Consulting LinkedIn EPISODE AND EMPOWERING WOMEN IN INDUSTRY LINKS Story of Stone Soup The Invisible Knapsack Privilege Video Link YouTube Channel: Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Man Book: Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Man Dare to Lead Podcast: Aiko Bethea on Inclusivity at Work: The Heart of Hard Conversations Empowering Women in Industry Membership Empowering Women in Industry Magazine Empowering Women in Industry Website Empowering Women in Industry Virtual Events (Including Book Club and Membership Circles) Shannon Bumgarner Linked In QUOTES AND KEY TAKEAWAYS “Put the broccoli in the brownie. You want to get the nutrients in there but it is okay to still make it taste good.” “Challenge I have seen is implementing diversity initiatives in a performative way. What I mean by performative is there is nothing really behind why the diversity initiative is being implemented. There is no conversation. It is being implemented for the sake of being implemented; for ‘keeping up with the Joneses’”. “People need to be vulnerable in those moments that matter.” “DEI&B is not compliance training – it is a discussion. It is not a lecture. It is a time for us to come together and get comfortable with the uncomfortable. And then be able to share that conversation with others.” “Part of the diversity journey is meeting people where they are. Not where you think you should be. There is no finger pointing. There is no shaming. There is no blaming around the teaching, training, and learning of diversity.” “Want to make sure a company knows who they are first. And then being able to incorporate DEI&B initiatives within the mission, vision, and values.” “Without a story, people are not going to attach to it. They are not going to see themselves. They are not going to be able to explain it to others.”

ABOUT OUR GUEST: Liz Hansen is the owner and photographer at Chicago Boudoir Photography, a boutique studio that empowers women to feel confident in their bodies, relationships, and lives. Liz opened her business in 2018 and quickly grew it to be pthe Chicago area's premier boudoir studio. She also coaches photographers to reach their dreams through her online coaching program, Million Dollar Studio Program. Liz has been featured on the TEDx stage, on National Public Radio and with the Association of International Boudoir Photographers. Liz holds a BA in Art and an MA in Education. She lives in the Chicago area with her husband, two teenage daughters and their French bulldog named Quarantina. CONNECT WITH LIZ Photo Studio Website Coaching Program Website EPISODE AND EMPOWERING WOMEN IN INDUSTRY LINKS Liz Hansen TEDx Talk Empowering Women in Industry Membership Empowering Women in Industry Magazine Empowering Women in Industry Website Empowering Women in Industry Virtual Events (Including Book Club and Membership Circles) Shannon Bumgarner Linked In QUOTES AND KEY TAKEAWAYS “My mission in life is to help women be empowered.” “I believe that every woman at every age at any stage of your journey, it’s worth celebrating.” “I think there are really important reasons for every one at every stage to document themselves, to feel pampered, and to feel beautiful.” “The only confidence you need is the confidence to show up.” “In so many aspects of our lives, we are nervous to do things not because we are not able to do them, but just because they are new.” “There are these things in life that require us to put aside our ego, put aside our fears, and allow ourselves to be vulnerable and try new things.” “When you keep a catalog of those things you’ve achieved; it allows you to achieve even more.” “My goal is to help women see a REAL version of themselves.” “Professional headshot is no longer your grandma’s headshot… You can create a set of images that represent you for who you are. You are a brand.” “Sit down with the photographer and come up with three words that you want to convey with your pictures. “It is hard to be what you cannot see.”

ABOUT OUR GUEST: Dina Boggess is a results-oriented procurement and integrated supply chain executive with a proven track record of delivering top tier performance and driving digital transformation within Fortune 500 companies. She’s held progressive leadership roles with scopes including direct material, indirect goods and services as well as new product development. She’s also spent time in multiple industries including retail apparel with Tween Brands, industrial manufacturing with Ingersoll Rand and Trane Technologies and the logistics industry with XPO. Dina is an advocate of helping support women in industry and devotes time to coaching and mentoring to aid others in unlocking their greatest potential. She also participates in and supports organizations such as the Women In Manufacturing (WiM) national trade association and the National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC). CONNECT WITH DINA LinkedIn EPISODE AND EMPOWERING WOMEN IN INDUSTRY LINKS Cowbell Link Gratitude Journal for Women Empowering Women in Industry Membership Empowering Women in Industry Magazine Empowering Women in Industry Website Empowering Women in Industry Virtual Events (Including Book Club and Membership Circles) Shannon Bumgarner Linked In QUOTES AND KEY TAKEAWAYS “Sometimes being courageous does not have to be this gigantic, really tough thing that you step into. It could be something really small that does not seem like a lot for you. But it is really impactful to the other person. Courage can be big or small.” Dina’s mantra, “Grit. Grace. Gratitude.” “Courage is a heart word. The root of the word courage is cor - the Latin word for heart. In one of its earliest forms, the word courage meant "To speak one's mind by telling all one's heart.” – Brene Brown Courage: “Stepping into unknown purposefully with your head held high. Tackling that challenge head on.” “Showing up is courageous. Sometimes we overthink. It is just showing up and letting what will be, will be.” “Fake it till you become it.” Connection: “Be mindful to not just gravitate towards the people that are naturally in your circle. Be purposeful. Find other (connections) that you would not normally have in the day-to-day.” Connection: “Be really thoughtful on how and what connections you are going to keep.” On Purpose Over Time: “Whatever your (purpose) answer is, that is the answer for right now. It does not mean that is what it has to look like go forward. “ “There is no such thing as perfect work life balance. There is an integration of the two where you are going to have peaks and valleys. It’s how you comingle those.” On Grace: “Self-compassion and kindness; not only for others but for yourself.” “Create space and time for trust and honesty on your team. If you can cultivate that, it is priceless.”

ABOUT OUR GUEST: Jennifer is a speaker, agent of change, vitality + high performance leadership coach and integrative practitioner. Her true passion is working with ambitious + conscious leaders to create their true wellness by breaking free permanently of their core wounds/blocks, expand their leadership by fanning their unique INFLUENCE so they can live the soul-aligned life that they were created for with Ease & FLOW. … CONNECT WITH JENNIFER LinkedIn Instagram Facebook Jennifer Watson Leadership Website EPISODE AND EMPOWERING WOMEN IN INDUSTRY LINKS My Human Design Website Empowering Women in Industry Membership Empowering Women in Industry Magazine Empowering Women in Industry Website Empowering Women in Industry Virtual Events (Including Book Club and Membership Circles) Shannon Bumgarner Linked In QUOTES AND KEY TAKEAWAYS “There are two moments in someone’s life. The first is the day you were born. The second is when you realize why.” “Sometimes you have to take a leap and build your wings on the way down.” “When you step into your calling, it is a true spiritual journey” “When you stay more in alignment, you are more in your frequency. When you are in frequency, everything you desire as a leader of your deeper purpose of impact is going to happen at rate that feels accelerated and with ease, joy, and flow.” “When you are truly stepping into your deeper purpose, your calling, you are stepping into a growth zone. You will be starting to do things differently in all areas of your life. It is going to be required of you.” “When you step into your calling, it is a true spiritual journey” “If you can understand that good things shall pass and bad things shall pass, yet you still have who you are and the gifts you have to give to the world. It’s all good.” “If we can sit in the mastery of what we are trying to create, the journey of it, knowing our gifts will always be there. It allows us to empower ourselves to know we are significant with and without successes. This is just a journey of mastery of our self with our unique gifts.” “When you are doing things that are aligned with you, stepping in your truth, and aligned with your core values; your frequency starts changing.” “We feed off each other’s frequency. It’s called masterminding. When you start elevating your creation, your team feeds off of that. Your ability to take care of you first helps influence everyone around you.” “When we have a lot of chaos in our brain, writing it and speaking it physiologically takes it out of our head and purges it through the body. So now the brain has space for a solution.” “Your brain is so brilliant. It wants to work for you, but it needs room.” “When you actually believe something and you say you are going to do it. And you do not do it for yourself. Your brain starts not trusting you. Actually starts giving you activities that are far from the activity you want to trust yourself in.” “How can we create empathy for someone else if you do not have empathy for yourself.”

ABOUT OUR GUEST: Tiffany is a Certified Functional Diagnostic Nutrition Practitioner, Board Certified Holistic Health Practitioner and Yoga Teacher. She is an experienced executive leader and transformational coach who has a passion for helping others thrive by guiding them to shift their mindset, take action towards goals and embrace self-care. An explorer at heart, with a never ending curiosity for learning new things, she is constantly expanding her education and has received additional training in Nutrigenomics (DNA Testing), Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis (HTMA), Bioenergetics, Hypnotherapy (Board Certified), Quantum Biology and Biophysics. CONNECT WITH TIFFANY LinkedIn Instagram Facebook Tiffany Cagwin Website Tiffany's Email EPISODE AND EMPOWERING WOMEN IN INDUSTRY LINKS My Human Design Website Empowering Women in Industry Membership Empowering Women in Industry Magazine Empowering Women in Industry Website Empowering Women in Industry Virtual Events (Including Book Club and Membership Circles) Shannon Bumgarner Linked In QUOTES AND KEY TAKEAWAYS “If you understand your why, there is something liberating about learning how to work with that.” Reason for the shortage: “We are being drained of our energy for many reasons and we are not filling up with the right inputs.” “There is rhythm our body is programmed to be attuned to.” “Unfortunately, we reach for the abundance of energy in the wrong ways – caffeine, comfort foods, etc. Your body is in survival mode and you’re doing everything you can to get to moment to moment.” “The only inputs that can restore the body’s charge come from whole food (that actually has the charge from nature), the sun, the natural water, and grounding from the earth.” Survival Mode: “ When we are stuck in the fight or flight modes. There is no rest or digest. No parasympathetic mode. It is like the light switch is always on.” Burnout: “When that (survival mode) has been the case way too long.” Burnout: “It can be described as metabolic chaos.” “Creativity, I think, is what drives all of us. When you are so depleted, there is no space for that.” “I am so addicted to being busy because it feels productive.” “Requires us to let go of stuff that we think is important but is actually not.” On action steps: “Start with the things that make the biggest impact. As soon as you start to feel a little bit better, you will be amazed at what other space opens up.” On action steps: “Look at existing routines to see if they can be tweaked.”

ABOUT OUR GUEST: Jamie Dandar McKinney, MBA, is the best-selling author of Speak Up, Sister! The Professional Woman’s Guide to Confidence and Success as well as a certified professional coach for businesswomen, a keynote speaker, and a virtual workshop leader. Jamie ignites action by sharing key lessons learned while working her way up in heavily male-dominated industries. Recognized by the Denver Business Journal as a Top Woman in Energy, she jokes that her stilettos have steel-toes. Jamie is fully immersed in her company mission to empower women to ditch doubts, speak up, and achieve the careers they deserve and desire. CONNECT WITH JAMIE LinkedIn Instagram Jamie McKinney Website Jamie’s Contact Page EPISODE AND EMPOWERING WOMEN IN INDUSTRY LINKS Speak Up Sister Book Link to Jamie's Positive Intelligence Program - Including Assessment Tool Positive Intelligence Website Empowering Women in Industry Membership Empowering Women in Industry Conference Oct 5 Empowering Women in Industry Magazine Empowering Women in Industry Website Empowering Women in Industry Virtual Events (Including Book Club and Membership Circles) Shannon Bumgarner Linked In QUOTES AND KEY TAKEAWAYS “I feel good from the inside out. When you are centered in your confidence, there are no secrets to that. There is no competition; it’s about collaboration. Lifting each other up.” “Turning obstacle into an opportunity.” “Confidence is an inside game. The mistake sometimes people make. They are seeking external validation for their confidence.” “Your authentic self is your most powerful version of you.” “Only way self-doubt wins is if we let it. We have a lot more power and control than we realize.” “Positive Intelligence (PQ) is a measure of your mental fitness. It’s the ratio of how your brain defaults to either positive or negative thoughts.” “What you can control is what you do with it once you hear it.” “Some people go through life never actually hearing their self-doubt, simply feeling it.” “Our body speaks our truth louder than our words all the time.” “Name it to tame it.” Our self-doubt has names. Nine primary saboteur voices: Controller, Hyper achiever, Restless, Stickler, Pleaser, Hyper vigilant, Avoider, Victim, and Hyper rationale. “Self-Doubt does not discriminate. When you are playing big, setting big goals, and you are stepping out of your comfort zone; that is when your self-doubt wants you to listen. Our brains are wired to protect us.” “You can turn the impossible to possible when you silence those saboteurs and lean into your sage voices where your full potential and power truly lives.”

ABOUT OUR GUEST: Karen Laos, Communication Expert and Confidence Cultivator, is on a mission to eradicate self-doubt in 10 million women by giving them simple strategies to ask for what they want in the boardroom and beyond. Coached by her father, Karen first recognized the power of confident communication when she successfully negotiated her first flea market purchase at six years old. She now guides women to transform self-doubt into self-confidence resulting in more clients, job promotions, and negotiation wins. With 25 years serving as C-Suite advisor and commanding coveted stages such as Google, Starbucks and NASA, Karen leads the frontline of best practices for creating results through confident communication. She guides corporations and individuals with a proven model and is known for her actionable tips and ability to build trust quickly. During her corporate career, she led a team of facilitators while traveling the globe consulting industry leaders on the seemingly soft skills that impact the bottom line. Karen is the author of Trust Your Own Voice: Growing Your Influence Through Confident Communication, as well as the host of her highly ranked podcast, Ignite Your Confidence, equipping women to stop holding back and start taking their seat at the table. Following her lifelong dream to live in Manhattan, she rented an apartment there for the month of her 50th Birthday. CONNECT WITH KAREN LinkedIn Instagram Karen Laos Website EPISODE AND EMPOWERING WOMEN IN INDUSTRY LINKS Book: Trust Your Own Voice Ignite Your Confidence Podcast Empowering Women in Industry Membership Empowering Women in Industry Conference Oct 5 Empowering Women in Industry Magazine Empowering Women in Industry Website Empowering Women in Industry Virtual Events (Including Book Club and Membership Circles) Shannon Bumgarner Linked In QUOTES AND KEY TAKEAWAYS “Trust yourself.” “That moment when I realized I didn’t need permission was a huge ‘ah ha’ moment for me.” “It’s amazing how many people are still held back and that is why they don’t speak up.” “You want to show up in your presence, in your voice, and in your body language as if you are the expert. Because if you don’t come across as confident then how would someone want to buy anything from you.” “Every time we open up our mouths we have the opportunity to influence someone.” PPU Introduction Guide: Say something personal, professional, and unique about yourself. “When we are confident, we have a better ability to be able to influence others because we come across as more connected and we come across with more clarity.” “When you are sharing your story back to someone who shared something, and you’re attempting to connect with them, your part should not be more than 45 seconds. Once it gets longer than that, the other person shuts down, feels dismissed, or both.” “Every word has a job. Does that word do the job? Is it needed to do the job?”