Creating a High Performing Culture for Growth - an Interview with Sandy Ball, Chief People Officer at Aspida
In the latest Fearless Female Leadership interview, I had the privilege of speaking with Sandy Ball, Chief People Officer at Aspida, about navigating leadership in times of rapid change, standing firm in your values, and leading with authenticity. Sandy’s candor and warmth made this conversation feel like a masterclass in people-centered leadership.
Sandy’s leadership journey is rooted in her natural curiosity about people and what drives them. She credits her early experience working at GE for shaping her people philosophy — recognizing that every individual, no matter their role, wants to feel seen, heard, and valued. This belief has guided her through a career spanning multiple industries and leadership transitions.
We talked about what it means to lead in today’s environment where uncertainty is constant, and the courage it takes to stay aligned with your values when navigating tough organizational dynamics. Sandy spoke openly about the importance of creating psychological safety, bu...
Asking for What You Need and Creating a Sustainable Culture - an Interview with Liz Almeida, Chief Human Resources Officer at Panasonic North America
In the latest Fearless Female Leadership interview, I had the true pleasure of sitting down with Liz Almeida, Chief Human Resources Officer at Panasonic North America. Liz shared an inspiring story of resilience, curiosity, and leadership transformation — and a much-needed reminder that success rarely follows a straight line.
Liz’s career didn’t start in HR. She originally aspired to be a mechanical engineer at NASA, but a tough academic setback in college and the support of a powerful mentor helped her pivot, embrace curiosity, and lean into unexpected opportunities. That openness not only changed her career trajectory but shaped her leadership philosophy today.
Throughout our conversation, Liz reflected on the critical importance of culture transformation, psychological safety, and co-creation — especially during times of disruption. She believes the best cultures are intentionally built around clear values and inclusive leadership that invites vulnerability, innovation, and diverse pe...
Achieving Organizational Health During Change - an Interview with Lori Borg, Vice President, Americas Go-To-Market Strategy, Global Partner Solutions at Microsoft
In the latest Fearless Female Leadership interview, I had the absolute pleasure of speaking with Lori Borg, Vice President of Americas Go-To-Market Strategy for Global Partner Solutions at Microsoft. In this heartfelt conversation, Lori opened up about her leadership journey, the transformative power of organizational health, and why leading with vulnerability and transparency matters now more than ever.
Lori’s leadership story began with overcoming stereotypes. Growing up, she found herself boxed in by limiting labels, only to later reject them by leaning into her passion for business and performing. A pivotal moment came in high school when she shifted her focus from piano performance to business competitions, discovering her true love for leadership, influence, and growth.
She shared how embracing her unique strengths has helped shape her career—from founding successful businesses to now leading at Microsoft. Lori emphasized that organizational health is the secret sauce behind high-p...
Good Enough to Go for Greatness - an Interview with Kim Dorsett, Chief Human Resources Officer for Capital Impact Partners
In the latest Fearless Female Leadership interview, I had the absolute pleasure of speaking with Kim Dorsett, Chief Human Resources Officer for Capital Impact Partners and CDC Small Business Finance, both part of the Momentus Capital branded family of organizations. Kim and I spoke about what it really means to believe you're good enough to go for greatness. This episode was a powerful reminder that mindset, boundaries, and bold action are the cornerstones of breakthrough leadership.
Kim’s leadership journey is grounded in the lessons she learned from her mother, who always expected excellence and taught her to strive five times harder. That relentless commitment to personal growth has carried Kim from early career milestones to her current executive seat. With a nod to her children for encouraging her to share her story, Kim spoke openly about how structure, discipline, and saying no have been critical to her success.
She highlighted the importance of essentialism—focusing only on w...
Giving Voice In Society and In Our Companies - an Interview with Johnita Due, Executive Vice President of Integrity and Inclusion for CNN and TNT Sports
In the latest Fearless Female Leadership interview, I had the privilege of speaking with Johnita Due, the Executive Vice President of Integrity and Inclusion for CNN and TNT Sports. Johnita’s story is one of purpose, resilience, and deep conviction. She spoke about using her voice—and helping others find theirs—at the highest levels of media and corporate leadership.
Johnita’s foundation was shaped early by her parents, both civil rights leaders. Her mother led the first jail-in during the movement, and her father, a “freedom lawyer,” modeled activism through law. Inspired by their work, Johnita pursued law with a vision to create change—not just in courtrooms, but in boardrooms and newsrooms.
Her journey into media law allowed her to amplify underrepresented voices through journalism and storytelling. Now, as a leader overseeing both integrity and inclusion, Johnita helps CNN and TNT Sports foster cultures of trust, truth, and equity—internally and externally.
She offered candid re...
Culture Transformation for High Performing Teams - an interview with Brenda Dysinger, Chief Human Resources Officer of Seneca Gaming Corporation
In the latest Fearless Female Leadership interview, I had the pleasure of speaking with Brenda Dysinger, Chief Human Resources Officer of Seneca Gaming Corporation, about the evolving landscape of leadership, the power of authenticity, and how HR can be a true strategic driver in an organization.
Brenda’s leadership journey is a testament to resilience and adaptability. She spoke about her early career, where she had to navigate male-dominated spaces and learn how to advocate for herself and others. Her approach to leadership is rooted in fostering trust, prioritizing culture, and leading with transparency.
She shared how HR has transformed from a compliance-focused function to a core driver of business success. In her role, Brenda ensures that employee engagement, leadership development, and inclusion are at the forefront of corporate strategy. She believes that when leaders invest in people, they create stronger businesses and better results.
Brenda also emphasized the importance of con...
Empathy for High Performance - an interview with Deep Mahajan, Vice President of Talent Management at Juniper Networks
In the latest Fearless Female Leadership episode, I had the opportunity to speak with Deep Mahajan, Vice President of Talent Management at Juniper Networks, about the transformative power of empathy in the workplace—and how it’s anything but a “soft” skill. Deep shared her personal journey, the pivotal influence of her father, and how empathy is not only a moral imperative but a performance-driving force within high-achieving organizations.
Deep's leadership philosophy began taking shape in a small town in Rajasthan, India, where she watched her father—at the peak of his career as a surgeon—pivot to a life of service. His courageous example inspired her to choose a people-centered path, ultimately leading her to the world of talent development and performance strategy.
Throughout her career, Deep challenged conventional norms and followed a purpose-led approach, opting for authenticity and human-centric design over prestige or tradition. Her commitment to building empathetic systems ...
The Value of Empathy - an Interview with Michelle Jewell, Global Head of Leadership Development at ThoughtWorks
In the latest Fearless Female Leadership podcast interview, I had the privilege of speaking with Michelle Jewell, Global Head of Leadership Development at ThoughtWorks, about the power of empathy in leadership and why it’s far more than just a “soft skill.” Michelle shared incredible insights on how empathy drives influence, enhances team performance, and creates a lasting impact on workplace culture.
Michelle’s journey to leadership has been filled with unexpected twists, from starting her career in consulting to making bold leaps into roles that didn’t even exist yet. Through creative problem-solving and an unwavering commitment to understanding people, she has built a career rooted in leadership development and talent growth.
One of Michelle’s core messages is that empathy isn’t just about being kind—it’s a strategic advantage. She highlighted how leaders who deeply understand their teams can drive engagement, reduce turnover, and improve overall business outcomes. Whether you’re ...
Own Your Worth and Have Agency for What's Next - an Interview with Melissa Lewis, Senior Director of Talent Growth and Development at Facing History & Ourselves
In the latest Fearless Female Leadership interview, I had the privilege of speaking with Melissa Lewis, Senior Director of Talent Growth and Development at Facing History & Ourselves. We discussed the power of owning our worth and taking agency over our careers. Melissa shared powerful insights on stepping into leadership with confidence, navigating career pivots, and embracing the discomfort that often comes with growth.Â
Melissa’s journey has been anything but linear. From pursuing a PhD and rewriting entire chapters multiple times to making a bold shift from K-12 education to corporate learning and development, she has faced her share of setbacks. Yet, through persistence, courage, and an unwavering belief in her own value, she has continued to rise.Â
She emphasized that owning our worth isn’t just about recognizing our value—it’s about taking action. Too often, women wait for permission, hesitate to take risks, or allow external doubts to shape their career decisions. Melissa challen...
It’s Here! My New Book "The Fearless Female Leader" is Available Now!
The moment is finally here! I am beyond thrilled to announce that my new book, The Fearless Female Leader, is officially available!Â
This book is so much more than just words on a page—it’s a movement (#FFL1MM). It’s a call to action for every female leader who is ready to step fully into her power, lead with confidence, and create lasting impact. If you've ever felt held back by doubt, workplace dynamics, or the pressure to lead in a way that doesn’t align with who you truly are, THIS is for you. Â
I wrote The Fearless Female Leader because I’ve seen firsthand the incredible power of women who dare to lead boldly, to challenge the status quo, and to inspire change—not just in their organizations but in the world. And I want that for YOU. Â
Inside, you’ll find strategies, real-world insights, and the mindset shifts that will help you navigate challenges, amplify your influence, and create a culture where others rise alongside you. Â
Ready to step into your fearless leadership? Grab your co...
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