Latest Blog Article: Culture Transformation for High Performing Teams with Brenda Dysinger, CHRO

From 'The Knot' to Everest: Embrace Your Climb - an Interview with Lisa Abbott, Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resource Officer at Boston Children’s Hospital

 

In the latest Fearless Female Leadership interview, I had the honor of speaking with Lisa Abbott, Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resource Officer at Boston Children’s Hospital, about the journey from “the knot” to Everest—both literal and metaphorical. Lisa’s story is an incredible example of how discomfort, determination, and asking for help can lead to powerful transformation.

Growing up in challenging circumstances, Lisa was influenced early on by teachers and mentors who saw her pot...

Continue Reading...

Wondering What's Next? Do This Consistently (Part 2 of 3)...

control emotions impact Jul 01, 2025
 

My last three clients that have now recently landed CXO and executive leadership positions came to me wondering, “What is next for me?”

Some of them exited voluntarily. Some of them were exited involuntarily. And they had to take a moment and get some help through “What do I want? What is next for me? What impact do I choose to have?” And then we spent the time together to refine that clarity, put a plan in place, then help them land that next role. 

I wanted to share some of the tips, tools, a...

Continue Reading...

Evolving HR with Purpose: From Policy to People-Centered Progress - an Interview with Lisa Coulson, SVP and Chief Human Resources Officer at Principal Financial Group

 

In the latest Fearless Female Leadership interview, I had the honor of sitting down with Lisa Coulson, SVP and Chief Human Resources Officer at Principal Financial Group, to explore how HR can evolve with purpose—moving from policy to people-centered progress.

Lisa’s leadership journey began with values instilled by her parents—her father, an insurance executive and team sports enthusiast, and her mother, a homemaker who created warmth and community. These early influences shaped Lisa’s love for ...

Continue Reading...

Wondering What's Next? Do This Consistently (Part 1 of 3) ...

 

If you are in a position where you are wondering what's next for you, either what's next in your current role, if you're going to exit… or even if you're going to make a major pivot… it's important to do this first.

Create some white space and to do it consistently, because I'm here to tell you that the answers—you already know them.

I know it's frustrating when you're thinking about what's next. What happens is we (especially strivers) tend to keep ourselves very busy and really distract ourselve...

Continue Reading...

Understanding the Current Talent Landscape - an Interview with Kimberly Evans, Executive Vice President, Head of Corporate Sustainability, Inclusion, and Social Impact at Northern Trust

 

In the latest Fearless Female Leadership interview, I had the incredible opportunity to speak with Kimberly Evans, Executive Vice President, Head of Corporate Sustainability, Inclusion, and Social Impact at Northern Trust. Kimberly’s story is a powerful testament to the strength of purpose, the power of people-centered leadership, and the importance of seeking value over validation.

Rooted in humble beginnings, Kim shared how her mother’s example of selflessness and generosity shaped her entire a...

Continue Reading...

Two Smart Strategies to Have More Influence in Your Next Crucial Conversation

 

If you already have a seat at the table, but you want to have a bigger voice at the table with your peers, your leadership and possibly even your CEO or board members, then there's two simple things that are often left out.

The first one is getting very clear on your desired outcome, why it's meaningful to you, also why it's meaningful to the other person and organization or the company. So be crystal clear on that, on the desired outcome, especially rather than worried about how it might turn ...

Continue Reading...

People First and Profitability - an Interview with Lauren Dunn, Chief People Officer at Wiss

 

In the latest Fearless Female Leadership interview, I had the privilege of speaking with Lauren Dunn, Chief People Officer at Wiss, about building a people-first culture that drives real profitability. With an open heart and sharp business sense, Lauren shared how empathy, flexibility, and authentic leadership create not only happier teams—but stronger bottom lines.

Lauren’s leadership journey began in male-dominated industries like restaurants and real estate, but she never let that dim her voic...

Continue Reading...

Creating a Cohesive Culture for Large Organizations - an Interview with Jen Kirkpatrick, VP Americas Networking Sales at Cisco

 

In the latest Fearless Female Leadership interview, I had the honor of speaking with Jen Kirkpatrick, VP Americas Networking Sales at Cisco, about creating a cohesive culture for larger organizations. At the core, it’s about finding your voice and leading with heart.

Jen’s leadership journey is rooted in early encouragement from her mother, who instilled a fearless “why not me?” mindset that’s stayed with her throughout her career. From being the only girl playing quarterback with the neighborh...

Continue Reading...

Own Your Story, Elevate Your Impact and Visibility - an Interview with Erika Irby, Director, GTM Small Medium and Corporate Business, Americas at Microsoft

 

In the latest Fearless Female Leadership interview, I had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with Erika Irby, the Director, GTM Small Medium and Corporate Business, Americas at Microsoft, to explore how embracing your personal story can fuel your professional impact. Erika's energy, authenticity, and strategic insight lit up the conversation as we discussed storytelling, visibility, and fearless leadership—especially as women in tech.

Erika’s leadership journey began early—at just 17, she chos...

Continue Reading...

Evolving Business, Evolving Leadership - an Interview with Melissa DiMuro, Chief People, Culture & Marketing Officer at Limbach

 

In the latest Fearless Female Leadership interview, I had the privilege of speaking with Melissa DiMuro, the Chief People, Culture & Marketing Officer at Limbach, about leading with resilience during times of change and the importance of evolving alongside the businesses we serve.

Melissa’s journey started in a blue-collar household and was shaped by the strength and grit of her grandmother—a farmer’s daughter who raised twelve siblings and worked multiple jobs just to keep food on the table. Tha...

Continue Reading...
Close

97% Complete

Get Our Most Current Mental Toughness Articles, Tips, Tools, Videos and More! 

Emailed directly to you each week ... and all FREE!