The Women's Leadership Today Podcast

Michelle Myers interviews United Airlines pilot Liz Blanco about her experiences as a woman in the male-dominated aviation industry. They discuss Liz's path to becoming a pilot, her 12-year break from flying, and her pursuit to re-enter the workforce. She offers heartfelt advice to other women interested in a career in aviation and emphasizes that with passion and determination, it's never too late to achieve your dreams. Liz was born in Gardena California and is the middle child with 2 siblings. Her dad is Mexican American and her mom is from Mexico. She moved after high school graduation to Denver Colorado to attend Metropolitan State University’s Aviation Technology program and received a BS in Aviation Technology. In college, she accomplished my Private, Instrument, Commercial, and Multi-Engine ratings and licenses. After college she attended US Naval Officer Candidate School proceeded by Naval flight school.

Liz supported her husband’s Naval career for 12 as a stay-at-home mom and then returned to flying in 2018. She flew skydivers, then worked as a Captain and Site Lead for a military contract company at Naval Air Base San Diego for 3 years. She was then hired by Alaska Airlines where she flew Boeing 737’s and now flies 787 Dreamliners for her ultimate dream company, United Airlines. She is a proud mother of 3, speaks fluent Spanish, and loves her Mexican culture. She also loves to travel and explore and have learned that she is most grateful to be able to pursue my dreams and goals in the most wonderful country on earth! 

Nikolette speaks with AI guru, Marissa Brassfield about how AI can help lift the mental load of trying to do it all, plus how we can free up time in our professional and personal schedules. Listeners will discover how to implement AI into daily workflows to reclaim their time and explore their passions, as well as how to eliminate guilt over reclaiming time for yourself. Marissa shares her favorite tools and tips for becoming "Ridiculously Efficient."

Marissa Brassfield is a highly sought-after AI advisor, efficiency coach, and work-life balance specialist who has trained "hundreds of leaders and visionary entrepreneurs in over 13 countries. Marissa is Ridiculously Efficient, founding a company by the same name and sentiment. She is renowned for her ability to help professionals through significant life changes, embrace their strengths, and build bigger, better, and more efficient work-life integration for themselves and everyone around them.

Check out her workshop, “Reclaim Your Time with AI: Tools to Work Smarter, Not Harder.”

https://www.womensleadershiptoday.com/product/reclaim-your-time-with-ai-tools-to-work-smarter-not-harder/

Nikolette talks with Claire Chandler about being vulnerable and authentic in leadership, giving yourself and others permission to be human, and how these choices make healthy leaders who guide successful teams. Learn how to embrace your true self in the workplace even if you've learned to hide it in the past, and use your vulnerability as a tool to grow on purpose.
Claire Chandler is the president and founder of Talent Boost, Claire’s core belief is that leaders shape cultures, and stronger cultures drive greater success. Leveraging nearly 30 years of experience in people leadership, human resources, and business ownership, Claire helps businesses expand without losing their best talent. She has appeared as a guest on more than 150 podcasts, is the author of several books on leadership and business strategy, and is a contributing writer for Forbes.

Michelle interviews Antonio and Paris Buchanan on what they've learned about professional collaboration from combining their personal and working relationships. As an entrepreneurial power couple, they've learned to navigate the intersection of personal and professional and embed those lessons into their own organization. Learn from this dynamic duo how to challenge others respectfully, establish a culture of egoless teamwork, and lead by example.

Antonio and Paris are a powerhouse husband and wife team of branding and design experts. They are passionate about injecting humanity into every interaction between brands and consumers. As the founders of Antonio & Paris, they have worked with some of the world's biggest brands, including AT&T, Burger King, and MTV, to create exceptional experiences for consumers. I have asked Antonio and Paris to join us today to talk about the power of collaboration and the importance of building this dynamic within organizations.

Michelle interviews Bessi Graham about how to connect your personal passions to your organization. Listeners will discover how to strategically pitch the things you care about to organizational leaders and how to connect those passions to the organization's goals. Doing this not only helps you become a more productive and confident leader, but also helps your organization support meaningful engagement and connections to their community.

Bessi is an award-winning entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience working with business owners, governments, and large funding bodies to bring doing good and making money together. From the grassroots of sitting in the dirt working with business owners in the Pacific Islands to the United Nations headquarters in Geneva, Bessi has seen it all and brings an unparalleled perspective on what makes change happen.

Michelle interviews Dr. Lynn Kelley about the challenges for women in heavy industry and male-dominated fields, how to handle the challenges unique to these industries, and why it's important for women to consider and pursue careers in male-dominated industries. Change Questions author Lynn Kelley is a Senior Advisor to Brown Brothers Harriman Capital Partners and serves on the Board of Directors for Precision Transport Logistics. Dr. Kelley retired from Union Pacific Railroad in 2018 as senior vice president of Supply Chain and Continuous Improvement. where she was responsible for sourcing, logistics, warehouse operations, fuel and water infrastructure, and industrial engineering/continuous improvement. She was also the executive co-owner of the company’s Innovation program.

Michelle interviews Rochelle Rivas, Mentor of the Year, about the nitty gritty of mentorship. They discuss why it's important to consider who you're working with and why, when and how to "break up" with your mentor/mentee, and how Rochelle's unconventional approach to mentorship works for everyone involved.

Rochelle is deeply committed to serving her local community. She sits on the Executive Leadership Team for the American Heart Association as well as the Executive Board of Directors for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Carolinas. Rochelle is also a community advisor for Dress for Success and is active in Women Executives serving on the Board of Directors for WINGS.

Nikolette interviews Berta Aldrich about the barriers that hinder women's progress in Executive Level positions, and how to overcome these obstacles to achieve success. What secrets are women leaders not told when moving into the higher levels and how do can you use this knowledge to get ahead of the game?

Berta Aldrich is an award-winning C-suite executive turned author of a top rated, best-selling book, keynote speaker, trainer, podcast host and coach who consults with companies and trains executives to outperform within their industry.  Berta will be launching a new Master Class in September for aspiring or existing women executives who want to know – and immediately begin using - these secrets of success.

Learn more about the upcoming Masterclass by Women's Leadership Today, led and designed by Berta, to learn and unlock your executive potential:

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/R2B7CB8

Michelle and Hulya discuss the new face of leadership, how the new generation is changing the game, and how AI will affect the future of leadership. Hulya also provides insight on a new way to view "authority" and how to become the CEO -Chief Empowerment Officer - of your own career.

Hulya Kurt began with Reuters and over her 32-year career there, she held multiple global responsibilities, including Implementation Manager, Global Customer Experience Leader, Change Manager, and more. She was instrumental in launching the D&I chapter and serving on the Global Steering Committee, championing inclusive initiatives and programs in the workplace.

She left to pursue her passion for helping others in their careers and life struggles. She obtained a diploma and accreditation in coaching for life, executive, career, and adolescent coaching. Her continuous quest for learning led her to add NLP, Mental First Aid, and 4D Lean coaching for a well-balanced workplace to her skill set.

Michelle interviews Tannette Johnson-Elie about racial and gender bias in the workplace, how far we've come, and how far we still have to go. They discuss the long-term health and career repercussions for women of color facing discrimination and unrealistic expectations. Michelle and Tannette also look at what organizations and individuals can do to better support women of color in the workplace.
Tannette Johnson-Elie is a seasoned media professional and journalism educator with 20 years of daily newspaper experience.
She is currently a Lecturer in Communication at Lake Forest College, a small private school in Lake Forest, Illinois, and serves as Vice President of Print/Digital Media for the Wisconsin Black Media Association. She is the co-host and executive producer of a soon-to-be-launched podcast that will highlight the stories of successful Black women entrepreneurs and business leaders. Most notably, Tannette spent 20 years as a reporter and business columnist for the Pulitzer-Prize winning Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, where she covered key beats, including courts, education, crime, city and county governments, local news, and business and workplace diversity. She penned a business column for the Journal Sentinel for 12 years that won local and national recognition for highlighting the struggles and triumphs of small and minority-owned businesses in metro Milwaukee. Her column became one of the most-read articles on the Journal Sentinel’s interactive news site.

Nikolette interviews Natalie Zimmerman and Angela Milligan about their leadership journeys and what they've learned to be the most important skills needed for emerging women leaders today. They discuss the sisters' immense passion for giving back to their community and to future leaders, how to stick to your values, and about how important it is to continue your education every day.

Angela Milligan graduated from Penn State University with a degree in Supply Chain and Information Systems. After graduation, she spent the next 6 years in the retail industry specializing in Logistic Operations and Merchandise Planning and Allocation on a corporate level for companies like Bath and Body Works, and DSW Inc. She is now the co-owner and chief operations officer of Educational Services and Consulting – an all women family owned and operated company specializing in insurance pre-licensing and entrepreneurial workshops. Angela is responsible for maintaining daily operations of the program, communicating with students and companies regarding any inquiries about the courses, reporting monthly to clients, and creating efficient processes to sustain growth of the company.

Natalie Zimmerman graduated from Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania with a double major in finance and business management. After graduation, she spent 10 years working in New York City at one of the world’s largest wealth management firms where her primary focus was managing client relationships by utilizing her team’s dynamic structure to provide clients with tailored solutions, ensuring that each resolution adhered to superior quality of service. As the older sister to Angela, co-owner, and Chief Strategy officer, Natalie collaborates with higher education and industry partners to identify new initiatives and training essentials that are necessary to provide their associates with accessible opportunities to develop a successful career. Additionally, she develops enhanced online learning offerings, coordinates the marketing campaign and expands on the foundation of ESC’s successes. She holds several securities licenses as well as life and health insurance licenses.

Michelle interviews Debra Richardson, MBA, APM, APPM, CPRS about forging her own path in the industry of Accounts Payable. Debra recognized a need that was not being fulfilled and decided to take the initiative to provide the resources herself. Michelle and Debra discuss how to overcome the anxiety that holds us back from jumping in, the importance of networking and finding support, and keeping a positive attitude.

Debra is a vendor setup and maintenance guru who is passionate about sharing her knowledge with other vendor process professionals. As an AP Sr. Manager over Global Vendor Set up and Maintenance, she saw the severe lack of vendor process guidance to avoid fraud, fines, and bad vendor data. To fill that gap, she started her own company, with a tagline that I love, “Putting the AP in Happy”.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and Nikolette interviews Mandy King, holistic nutritionist and founder of HEAL Wellness, about what you can start doing today to boost your mental well-being. Do you know just how interconnected mental health and physical health are? Nikolette and Mandy get down to the basics: How does blood sugar affect stress? How can our eating habits boost our resilience? How do we get better sleep? And most importantly, how do we find the time in the day to make these impactful changes in our daily lives? Mandy King is a holistic nutritionist and the founder of HEAL Wellness, a leading corporate wellness company that provides lunch and learns, webinars and virtual wellness challenges on nutrition, movement and mental health to organizations that value their employees’ health and well-being. They are praised for the high engagement of their programs and their personal, light-hearted approach to wellness. Read Natalia Bragagnolo's article, "Improving Employee Mental Health: Impacts of Nutrition & Exercise" here: https://www.progressivewomensleadership.com/improving-employee-mental-health-impacts-of-nutrition-exercise/

Michelle interviews Nicole Greer, CEO of Vibrant Coaching. They discuss efficient change management, making impactful decisions, and why change is not only inevitable, but necessary. Nicole explains how women in particular are built to manage and lead change and how you can become a change agent at any point in your career.

As principal coach and CEO of Build a Vibrant Culture(TM), Nicole Greer helps individuals, corporations, government, faith-based organizations and non-profits become the people they were created to be through fulfilling a mission, to work in teams, and exemplify VIBRANT Leadership(TM). Using transformational change leadership coaching & training programs, Nicole offers foundational tools and uncommon wisdom to Build a Vibrant Culture(TM). Nicole is a serious entrepreneur with experience in coaching, marketing, mastering first impressions, learning & development and sales.

Michelle interviews Robin Merle, President of Robin Merle Associates, LLC about grieving and recovering from change, living a dimensional life, and why "no" is actually Robin's favorite answer.

Robin Merle is the author of Involuntary Exit, A Woman’s Guide to Thriving After Being Fired, which won the 2022 Gold Medal Nonfiction Book Award. She is the President of Robin Merle Associates, LLC and the Founder of The Professional Guide which helps senior- and mid-level professionals succeed in their career transitions. A Certified Fundraising Professional (CFRE), she has more than 35 years’ experience as a senior executive for billion-dollar nonprofit organizations, raising more than a half-billion dollars.

Michelle speaks with Rhonda Sher, The LinkedIn Diva, about how professionals today are underutilizing LinkedIn and what a difference it can make in your career today. They discuss how powerful LinkedIn is when it comes to networking, professional credibility, and increasing your visibility in your industry. "If you're not LinkedIn, you're left out!" - Rhonda Sher Rhonda is known as The LinkedIn Diva and is the author of four books, a professional speaker, business networking expert, mentor, wife, and mother, and is recognized as one of the country's foremost experts at teaching entrepreneurs and business owners how to monetize LinkedIn. Want more information on how to optimize your LinkedIn profile to get ahead? Check out our program, "Standout on LinkedIn: Boost Your Credibility & Visibility" today: https://www.progressivewomensleadership.com/product/standout-on-linkedin-boost-your-credibility-visibility/?utm_content=prod_8484_04-10-2023

Nikolette speaks with Brenda Harrington, author of "Access Denied: Addressing Workplace Disparities and Discrimination," a book that shares stories about the lived experiences of minorities in the workplace and provides tools for navigating challenging circumstances. They talk about what called Brenda to write her book, the importance of identity and support, and how to advocate for yourself and others in the workplace.

Brenda is a Certified Executive Coach and the founder of Adaptive Leadership Strategies LLC, a firm that works with leaders across the globe to help them develop the professional habits necessary for success in the 21st century. She is a graduate of the Georgetown University Leadership Coaching program. She holds a master’s degree from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Pamplin College of Business, and a bachelor’s degree from Adelphi University.

Michelle interviews Nicole Riegl, Head of Enterprise Education Strategy at The Institutes. They discuss the differences between 'equality' and 'equity' and what that means in the workplace. Nicole speaks about the upcoming 'talent gap' and how it presents the opportunity to diversify the workforce, and how to ensure equity in recruitment, culture, and retention practices. 

As head of Enterprise Education Strategy at The Institutes, Nicole Riegl focuses on launching new enterprise education initiatives and growing current initiatives across over 15 business units. She leads the internal Innovation and Transformation Team, oversees The Institutes’ Enterprise Education department, and also serves as president of the board of the Wharton Esherick Museum.

Nikolette interviews Nancy Schnoebelen Imbs about self-awareness, developing positive self-talk, and the importance of soft-skill development in the workplace today. 

Nancy is an empowering leadership and professional development consultant, children’s book author, and motivational speaker – appearing monthly on KMOV’s News 4 “Great Day.” She is also a contributor for many radio stations and podcasts. Drawing on over 25 years of experience in marketing, communications, and roles in leadership, she has a keen appreciation of the mindset and power it takes to change patterns of behavior.

Check out our review on, "The Confidence Code" here: https://www.progressivewomensleadership.com/book-review-the-confidence-code-by-katty-kay-claire-shipman/

Check out Nancy's program with Progressive Women's Leadership, "How to Say No and Get Win-win Results" here: https://www.progressivewomensleadership.com/product/say-no-get-win-win-results/

Learn more about Progressive Women's Leadership: https://www.progressivewomensleadership.com/

New mom, Nikolette, interviews Michelle Myers and Glo Moucheron about their experience as seasoned working mothers - how to handle the stress of fulfilling both roles, developing a supportive network, and giving yourself grace.   

Glo is the CCO of NexGen Communications and a mother of 3. She started her career in traditional retail on the sales floor and has lived in all seats from Sales Associate to VP but says the most important role she’s had is being a learner, mentor, and friend – blessed to serve so many and learn from them as well. Glo is also currently in the exciting process of developing a Ted Talk on how to handle the curve balls life throws you.  

Learn more about the Progressive Women's Leadership Community at https://www.progressivewomensleadership.com/

Michelle interviews John Neral about the new remote/hybrid work environment, how it affects professional women today, and what it means to show up - to find the job you love or love the job you have. John Neral's professional walk included a 25-year career in education, and as a longstanding corporate consultant for Fortune 500 giant Casio America, Inc. John is also the host of "The Mid-Career GPS Podcast" and author of SHOW UP – Six Strategies to Lead a More Energetic and Impactful Career and Your Mid-Career GPS – Four Steps to Figuring Out What's Next. He is also a coach for Next Up, previously known as the network of executive women.

Check out John's workshop with Progressive Women's Leadership, "Show Up Confidently & Energetically: 6-Strategies to Bring Out Your Best" :

https://www.progressivewomensleadership.com/product/show-up-confidently-energetically-6-strategies-to-bring-out-your-best/

Michelle and Nikolette discuss their New Year's Resolutions or lack thereof. Did you know only 9% of people who set New Year's Resolutions feel like they've accomplished their goals by the end of the year!? Michelle and Nikolette discuss setting professional goals, tips and tricks for how to stick with it and achieve success, and how to get back on track when you feel like you've lost your vision.   

Check out the program, "Habits of Highly Successful Women" here: https://www.progressivewomensleadership.com/product/habits-of-highly-successful-women/

Michelle and Nikolette discuss inspiration, what inspires them to get to work and achieve their goals, who in their lives inspires them to be their best, and their favorite moments from 2022 driving them into the next year.   

Check out episode 3, "Grit: Passion, Perseverance, and Grace" here: https://youtu.be/E9Zo-xBvRF0  

Check out the program, "Find Your Grit: Lead with Passion and Inspire Others" here: https://www.progressivewomensleadership.com/product/find-your-grit-lead-with-passion-and-inspire-others/  

Check out the program, "Show Up Confidently & Energetically: 6-Strategies to Bring Out Your Best" here: https://www.progressivewomensleadership.com/product/show-up-confidently-energetically-6-strategies-to-bring-out-your-best/  

We hope your year has been amazing and inspires you into the next! Michelle and Nikolette will be back in 2023!

Michelle and Nikolette discuss confidence - everyone experiences a lack of confidence and we're all looking for ways to become more confident, especially in the workplace. Michelle and Nikolette go over what confidence is, how to build it over time, and how to prepare yourself for the unexpected.   

Check out Cheryl Grazier's full program, "Speak with Confidence, Clarity and Credibility: Must-have Skills to Make an Impact" here: https://www.progressivewomensleadership.com/product/speak-with-confidence-clarity-credibility-must-have-skills-to-make-an-impact/

Michelle interviews Trish Richardson about her unique experience working with both HR and Payroll. They discuss the disconnect between microcultures in the workplace, how we can work towards more collaboration and harmony as professionals, and how the pandemic is shaping the new work environment. Trish Richardson CPP, SPHR, SHRM-SCP is a Payroll and Human resource "nerd" with more than 25 years of experience in all aspects of workforce management. She provides clients with direct payroll assistance, information, education, consultation, and empathy.

Michelle and Nikolette discuss why trust is crucial in the workplace and how to earn and maintain those relationships. They discuss key factors such as credibility and accountability, and how trust differs when it comes to individuals, your team, and your organization.   

Also featured are 5 Common Pitfalls identified in expert speaker, Ashley Cox's event, "Setting Expectations That Get More From Your Team."  Check out the entire program here: https://www.progressivewomensleadership.com/product/setting-expectations-get-team/

Michelle interviews Ellie Nieves about the importance of trust in the workplace Ellie is an attorney and Vice President and Counsel of Government Affairs for a Fortune 250 company. She is also a women’s leadership speaker, writer, and coach, and the Founder & President of Leadership Strategies for Women, LLC. From her depth of experience, she speaks on how to repair trust when it's been broken, why we need to be strategic when developing and maintaining trust as professionals, and more. 

Michelle interviews Audrey Halpern about the challenges for women trying to develop their influence in the workplace. Audrey offers excellent insight from her own experiences and some solid tips and tricks as an expert in women's leadership.   

Find your Influence Style now with our quick quiz: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/TMTHK3P

Michelle and Nikolette discuss what it means to have influence, how influence inspires them, and how they use influence to inspire others. They also discuss the 5 Influence Styles. Want to identify your influence style? Check out our quiz and find out in only 6 quick questions:  https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/TMTHK3P 

Let us know your result in the comments! 

Check out our program, Leading Without Authority, led by Audrey Halpern:  

https://www.progressivewomensleadership.com/product/leading-without-authority-influence-persuade-motivate/

Michelle interviews Katelyn Powers, Manager of Corporate Training for the Children's Place. They discuss Katelyn's humble beginnings in retail and how it inspired her career, what it means to have and take initiative, and what women can do today to stand up and stand out in the corporate world! 

Make sure to follow and subscribe to us on your favorite podcast app and YouTube to make sure you never miss an episode!

Michelle and Nikolette discuss what it means to take initiative, how to eat an elephant, and the importance of saying 'no' as well as 'yes.' 

Nikolette interviews "Transform Your Stories" author, Ashley Cox about her book, the toxic stories that plague us every day, and how to transform them and transform your life to live your passion and impact the world!

Michelle and Nikolette discuss everyday grit, forgiving yourself, and being inspired by the people around you.

Michelle and Nikolette discuss collaboration struggles and successes in the workplace. 

Michelle interviews one of our expert speakers, Cheryl Grazier, on her years of experience with collaboration efforts in the workplace.