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

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

cohesive teams culture organizational health Jun 04, 2025

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 neighborhood boys to the only woman in executive tech rooms, Jen has built her career by stepping forward—even when she didn’t feel ready.

She shared how her mindset has evolved over time, from doubting her seat at the table to walking confidently into rooms and sitting squarely at the center. Jen emphasized the importance of speaking up, not apologizing for your voice, and realizing that leadership is a journey of continuous learning.

We also explored what it takes to build a cohesive culture in large org...

Podcast Episode #90: "Creating High Performing and Cohesive Teams" - an Interview with Elisa Bell

cohesive teams Apr 29, 2021

Creating High Performing and Cohesive Teams

In case you missed my LIVE interview with the amazing Elisa Bell (Director of Mobile Products, Transurban ), here are a few of the wisdom gems she shared:

Give your team the permission to make mistakes, if they are not making mistakes, they aren’t pushing hard enough.
As a leader, show empathy and vulnerability, understand that it’s hard for your team, and be open with your struggles as a leader.
Having the mindset of, we’re all human beings, we’re all a team, and we’re going to work together to succeed.
Try to put yourself in your team’s shoes and be a great communicator by having an open line of communication.
Having an open dialogue with your team and understanding that it’s a transitional period with the pandemic. Try to help remove as many roadblocks as possible.

To be notified for future interviews be sure to connect with me here on LinkedIn AND to learn more about how to build the mindset and influence for real change, jo...