Episode 343: The People Plug: Leading Through Community and Connection

Success isn’t a solo journey—it’s built through relationships, opportunities, and the courage to show up for others. In this episode, Corinne Milien, Founder & CEO of WRK, shares how she built a career rooted in impact, connection, and leadership.

A first-generation American, military veteran, and four-time founder, Corinne’s journey has taken her from the Air Force to working with legendary coach Pat Summitt, from managing high-profile events at ESPN to launching businesses that elevate people. Whether she’s advocating for diversity in sports, creating mentorship pipelines, or building an inclusive golf community, she’s proving that the right connections can change everything.

Tune in to learn how to harness the power of relationships, why community is the ultimate leadership advantage, and how to step into your own influence—no matter where you are in your career.

Visit our website where you will find show notes and links to all the resources in this episode, including the best way to get in touch with our special guest.

The key moments in this episode are:

[00:00] Introduction to Beyond Barriers Podcast
[00:27] The Power of Community
[01:27] Meet Corinne Millen: A Journey of Determination
[06:08] Leadership Lessons from Pat Summit
[07:52] Military Service and Leadership
[09:57] Navigating Corporate and Military Cultures
[15:57] The People Plug: Building Connections
[18:48] Golf and Networking: Breaking Traditions
[23:11] Overcoming Imposter Syndrome
[28:22] The Importance of In-Person Connections
[29:40] Daily Rituals and Habits
[35:36] Setting and Achieving Goals
[42:33] Building and Relying on Community
[45:56] Lightning Round and Final Thoughts