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 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...
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...
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...
Getting Up to Speed Fast in an Executive Role - an Interview with Rachel Tuller, Vice President Global Channels at Autodesk
I had the great pleasure of interviewing Rachel Tuller, Vice President Global Channel Sales at Autodesk. Rachel discusses her career journey, emphasizing the importance of mentorship and overcoming challenges. She highlights her non-linear career path, starting as a technical trainer and evolving through various roles. Rachel credits her success to leveraging transferable skills and the support of mentors like James Mundell. At Autodesk, she emphasizes the importance of understanding the company culture, building trust, and establishing executive relationships. Rachel advised new executives to create a stakeholder map, have a clear plan, and leverage available resources. She stresses the balance between collaboration and confidence in driving success.
Key takeaways from this interview:
- 0:01:15 Rachel's family history of professional women inspired her to be a "fearless female" and pursue impactful work that helps others.
- 0:02:40 Rachel's career path has been a "lattice, not a ladder ...
Creating High Performing Cultures - an Interview with Mindi Cox
I had the absolute pleasure of speaking with Mindi Cox, Chief Marketing and People Officer at OC Tanner, who shares her insights on fostering a high-performing culture within organizations.
We discussed the importance of prioritizing employee well-being, especially during economic uncertainty.
Mindi emphasizes the need for leaders to build strong relationships and provide support, which can lead to increased loyalty and productivity. She also touches on the shift from seeing roles as transactional to viewing them as responsibilities that bring joy and connection.
Key Takeaways:
- Mindi's Journey (00:01:09) Mindi shares her journey to leadership, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and making promises to oneself.
- Importance of Relationships (00:12:30) Mindi emphasizes the significance of relationships and the impact on the organization's culture and long-term results.
- Work-Life Balance and Flexibility (00:16:21) Mindi shares her personal experience with work-life bala...
Podcast Episode #50: "The Importance of Community and an Inclusive Culture" - An Interview with Adriana Sifakis
The Importance of Community and an Inclusive Culture
Want to transform your life experience into more impact and joy in the world? I had the honor of interviewing Ideagen Global VP, author of S.W.A.K., CEO of The Italian Place and mother of 3, Adriana Sifakis.
SO GOOD! Here Are a Couple of the Main Take-Aways:
- COVID-19 has been a time to slow down and put on our thinking cap in order to decide how to best change as we more forward
- Yes, you can create your destiny with some help and a lot of hard work
- Sitting on the floor and crying or wanting to give up (many times:) is normal. Get some help and push through the challenges
- Try to help others in which ever small or big way you are able
Be sure to check out the online goods at The Italian Place, www.theitalianplace.com! If you'd like to become part of my community and receive resources on Mental Toughness and High Performance, you can do that here, www.SherylKline.com. Also, be sure to connect with Adriana here on LinkedIn!
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