The Power of Being Afraid - an Interview with Kim Thomas, SVP & CHRO, OneAmerica Financial
In the latest Fearless Female Leadership interview, I had the privilege of speaking with Kim Thomas, Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resource Officer at OneAmerica Financial, about the power of fear and how leaning into discomfort has shaped her extraordinary leadership journey. Kim shared her personal story of growing up with instability at home, which inspired her from a very young age to take control of her future. That determination carried her through college, career uncertainty, leadership challenges, and even personal transitions such as divorce, always guided by her decision to choose courage over comfort.
Kim emphasized that real growth often happens at the edge of fear, and that by saying “yes” to opportunities (even those that seem intimidating) we develop the skills and confidence needed for long-term success. She also highlighted the importance of writing out a personal and professional vision, staying grounded in values, and taking consistent quiet time to reflect ...
Power of Vision During Disruptive Times - an Interview with Kimberly Currier, Global Vice President, Talent Development at AECOM
In the latest Fearless Female Leadership interview, I had the distinct honor of sitting down with Kimberly Currier, Global Vice President of Talent Development at AECOM, about “The Importance of Vision During Disruptive Times.”
Kimberly’s story is one of grit, grace, and grounded vision. A former Division I softball player turned global executive, she learned early that success depends not only on skill, but on teamwork, resilience, and self-leadership. These lessons carried her from the softball field to the boardroom, where she now helps leaders navigate change and uncertainty with clarity and compassion.
Through career pivots (from 20 years at the American Cancer Society to corporate roles at Kimberly-Clark and AECOM) Kimberly has shown that growth doesn’t always mean “upward.” Sometimes it means stepping sideways or even slowing down to realign with your values and well-being. Her courage was tested in 2020, when the pandemic, organizational change, and serious health challenges ...
Top 5 Lessons Learned in 2023: A Year of Empowerment for Female Leaders
As we prepare for the new year, it’s a great time for reflection and introspection. The year 2023 has been a remarkable journey, not just in terms of the challenges we faced but, more importantly, in the lessons we learned and the growth we experienced. This year has been a testament to our strength, adaptability, leadership, and resilience, particularly in the face of unprecedented challenges. It was a year that not only tested us but also highlighted our unique capabilities as women in leadership roles.
These insights have shaped our approach, honed our skills, and prepared us to lead with more conviction and impact. Here are the top five lessons that have been particularly resonant, each shaping our path toward a more empowered and influential future.
- Embrace the Power of Dreams and Vision: This year has underscored the importance of dreaming big and aligning those dreams with our values and vision. As female leaders, we’ve seen the power of visualization and ambition in turning ...
There is Reason for Optimism in 2022
There is Reason for Optimism in 2022
I hope your year is off to a healthy, productive, and impactful start!
What do you love about what you do?
For me, I love being the guide so you, your team, or your colleagues can be the hero. While very aware of the importance of data, it’s not so exciting to me.
There was, however, some notable data that came out of 2021 that (I feel) is important for you to know, so we can learn and improve from it.
First, the "not so good news" uncovered from a pre-coaching assessment that was filled by the 10 female heart-centered leaders I was so honored to have worked with 1:1 in 2021 as well as the facilitations done for their managers and from the virtual speaking events that reached thousands.
- Female leaders are still feeling silenced, overlooked, and disregarded by their leadership.
- This is exacerbating overwhelm and burnout.
- Change is happening, but these inequities are not spoken about or addressed quick enough.
I’d like to first ac...
Podcast Episode #80: "Unlocking the Potential of Your People" - an Interview with Cindy Healy
Unlocking the Potential of Your People
In case you missed my LIVE interview with the remarkable Cindy Healy (Director Employee Onboarding - World Wide Learning, Microsoft), here are a few of the wisdom gems she shared:
- Raise your level of awareness and seek out people that have talent or that have passion for things that they might not even recognize in themselves.
- Lead by bringing out the authenticity in people. Talk about what is best for them as a person as an individual. And what is their vision for their careers? And then how do you map opportunities to that?
- As a leader connect your team with the right people that can help them further in their journey.
- Help people navigate from “what if” to “imagine if”, sends them in a more positive trajectory. Where you can plant seeds of ideas.
- Powerful mindset tool of envisioning success. Whatever that be you want, setting your mind up to the positive mindset of achieving success.
To be notified for future interviews be sure to co...
It's Time to Stop Feeling Mediocre
It's Time to Stop Feeling Mediocre
(Scroll below to view the video)
I hope everyone enjoyed a relaxing Thanksgiving break with family and friends.
I'm 100% blown away by how amazing YOU already are!
Here’s what I’m hearing though over and over again from my local and global workshop attendees... as well as those applying for my monthly subscription:
Despite all the amazing things they are doing... “I feel mediocre.”
I hear you.
I’ve felt that way too.
If we work extra hard, we feel like we are mediocre with our loved ones and friends. If we commit to our family, our career ambitions might slow down. Here’s the worst: We work extra hard at both, and still feel like we are coming up short:(.
I'd like to share three valuable tips to STOP feeling mediocre and get onto feeling (as Jen Sincero of You are a Badass so eloquently puts it) like your badass self at work AND at home.
- Create your circumstances and the person you want to become NOW.Â
Write your personal manifesto to yours ...
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