For the first time, we're joined by an ally – someone who's not just cheering from the sidelines, but stepping into the conversation with heart and purpose. Jeffery Tobias Halter, Gender Strategist & President of YWomen, discusses how to strategically advance women in the workplace. Jeffery shares what sparked his journey from corporate leader to gender equity advocate, the barriers to stepping into allyship, and why organizations must stop treating DEI as "just an HR initiative." For senior...
May 22, 2025•41 min•Season 5Ep. 47
Sheri Eubanks, Co-President of Ace Precision, reflects on growing up with the family business often seen as the "third sibling." She shares her unique path from pursuing her own career to returning to a company she deeply believes in. Sheri also discusses how she and her fellow Co-president and sister, Stacey, balance each other’s leadership styles, the intentional culture they are building at Ace Precision, and how the next generation is already pitching in, starting with power-washing the side...
Apr 17, 2025•32 min•Season 5Ep. 46
Jessie Cannizzaro, Master Plumber and Owner of Milestone Plumbing, talks about her unexpected journey into the trade. She shares how she’s making an impact in a traditionally male-dominated industry — overcoming misconceptions, building a company culture that invests in employees, and championing more opportunities for women in the trades.
Mar 12, 2025•41 min•Season 5Ep. 45
Patti Gorsky, President & CEO of Make-A-Wish Wisconsin, discusses the impact of life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. Wisconsin's own Fairy Godmother shares insights into how her career path led her to mission-driven work, the importance of storytelling in the non-profit sector, and how she decided when the right time was to start her next chapter.
Jan 22, 2025•32 min•Season 5Ep. 44
For this special episode, Julie Cosich Collins is in the hot seat! Guest host Jennifer Makary sits down with Julie to celebrate two major milestones: 5 years of KnotMagic and over 40 podcast episodes recorded. Julie reflects on her entrepreneurial journey, sharing how she navigated sleepless nights and the importance of intentionally building the right team. She also highlights the impact of her podcast and why vulnerability is essential for leadership.
Nov 21, 2024•37 min•Season 4Ep. 43
Dr. Joan Prince served on her first board at just 10 years old. As the Citizens Representative for the "Build the Bookworm Club" at Milwaukee Public Library, this early experience ignited her lifelong passion for service and literacy. Joan, now CEO of Executive Strategies Elite, talks about the power of early mentorship and her two decades at UW-Milwaukee, which she described as feeling like home. Joan also shared highlights of her trailblazing career, including serving as a U.S. Ambassador to t...
Oct 30, 2024•34 min•Season 4Ep. 42
Peggy Williams-Smith's, President & CEO of Visit Milwaukee, mission is to share what makes Milwaukee and its people special, and it's the best job she's ever had! She discusses VISIT Milwaukee's essential role as storytellers, how she and her exceptional team have transformed Milwaukee's national image, and shares her experiences and the impact of filming Top Chef Season 21 and hosting the Republican National Convention.
Oct 10, 2024•35 min•Season 4Ep. 41
Jen Dirks, President & CEO of TEMPO, understands the significance of taking career risks. She shares her journey of how her passion and purpose aligned, leading her to become the first President & CEO of TEMPO. Over the past decade, Jen has worked diligently to build upon TEMPO's mission. She also emphasizes the importance of active board membership, the vital role of mentors, and her hopes for the future of women in the workplace.
Sep 19, 2024•32 min•Season 4Ep. 40
Nicole Sullivan, President of Youth Frontiers, is dedicated to cultivating the next generation of leaders through a focus on character development. She reflects on her personal journey to becoming the president of a non-profit, attributing her success to curiosity and a passion for making a difference. Nicole also highlights the mission of Youth Frontiers, emphasizing the importance of being a present leader and providing youth with the necessary tools, resources, and support to thrive.
Aug 29, 2024•31 min•Season 4Ep. 39
Ana Simpson, CEO of Girl Scouts of Wisconsin Southeast, is dedicated to creating a brighter future for girls. She shares insights into the evolving purpose of her career, the impact of her family's sacrifices, and the true essence of Girl Scouts beyond just cookies — focusing on the skills, responsibilities, and community spirit that help girls flourish. As a leader driven by both head and heart, Ana also reflects on the significance of being acknowledged by the community for her accomplishments...
Aug 07, 2024•33 min•Season 4Ep. 38
Megan Tzanoukakis, President and CEO of Sussex IM, is a CPA turned manufacturing and supply chain leader. Megan discusses her crash course in manufacturing, what it takes to successfully transition a family business to the next generation, and sustainability in the plastics industry. She also shares one of her biggest lessons learned – you can't plan everything, and it's okay to pivot!
Jul 17, 2024•33 min•Season 4Ep. 37
Dr. Tiffany Tardy, President and CEO of PEARLS For Teen Girls, has learned to embrace the discomfort throughout her journey. Tiffany Tardy discusses how, through her struggle, she found her passion for making a positive impact, the importance of finding your community, and the bravery it takes to follow your heart in decision-making. She also shares her vision for the future of PEARLS For Teen Girls, believing the sky is the limit!
Apr 02, 2024•46 min•Season 4Ep. 36
Amanda Nowak, Founder of Element Eight, has experienced burnout and triumphed. Amanda discusses her journey as a serial entrepreneur, emphasizing the importance of aligning personal values with professional endeavors. She also shares insights into her current role in empowering women entrepreneurs and leaders, helping them cultivate resilience, set boundaries, and achieve success without the overwhelm.
Mar 19, 2024•34 min•Season 4Ep. 35
Kareeda Chones Aguam, Senior Vice President of Partner Strategy and Management for the Milwaukee Bucks and Fiserv Forum, LOVES her job, from working with her team to those amazing nights in Fiserv Forum. Kareeda discusses how her simple practice of just being a good human has helped in her professional career, where her passion for basketball comes from, and how she "drips" on her clients to build successful relationships.
Oct 04, 2023•29 min•Season 3Ep. 34
Morgan Phelps, Founder and CEO of Colorful Connections, discusses what it means to her to be a part of Milwaukee Business Journal's 40under40 class of 2023, the early start of Colorful Connections, and the importance of market research. Morgan also shares her 3-legged stool approach and opinion on the constantly evolving DEI environment.
Aug 02, 2023•38 min•Season 3Ep. 33
Shawntell Taylor, Principal Consultant of Midwest Advantage Holdings Company, discusses how she got life totally twisted as an entrepreneur, the importance of being a lifelong learner, and how she helps women business owners achieve their business and financial dreams. Shawntell’s story is one of strength, vulnerability, and being positive in the face of adversity.
Jul 13, 2023•36 min•Season 3Ep. 32
Terry Tuttle, President of HellermannTyton, discusses her connection to the Girl Scouts and how she strongly believes in their mission of "building girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place." She shares the importance of investing in people early and seeing the results of growth while telling the story of her own journey in manufacturing, sharing the barriers and mentors who helped her along the way!
May 18, 2023•29 min•Season 3Ep. 31
Joy Vertz, Drybar Franchise Operator in Milwaukee & Chicago, shares her journey and where she gets her serial entrepreneurial spirit from. In this episode, she discusses the importance of learning from and leaning on your community to find success, the experience of owning salons in two different markets, and how she builds culture within her organization that affects both customers and employees. She also shares her lessons learned about the process of stepping back to let your team own the...
Apr 27, 2023•31 min•Season 3Ep. 30
Adonica Randall, President & Chief Problem Solver of Abaxent, LLC, discusses her path into the technology industry and becoming a business owner (even though she totally didn't intend to!) Adonica credits her love and representation in Star Trek and sci-fi for pursuing a career in engineering. She is a really big Nichelle Nichols fan, and even got to meet her once! Adonica also talks about her disruptive business model, why it works, and her philosophy on team building and diversity.
Apr 06, 2023•41 min•Season 3Ep. 29
Beth Ridley, Founder and CEO of Ridley Consulting Group, challenges us to find the simple joys in work and be more involved in the process. In this episode, Beth discusses the importance of evaluating the tone you are setting as a leader, why people leaders should be valued and encouraged in organizations, and the benefits of applying positive psychology. And while Beth is a leadership and workplace expert, she is also a speed skater, has lived worldwide, and is a very exclusive part-time chauff...
Mar 16, 2023•33 min•Season 3Ep. 29
Julie Hoover, Executive Director of Family Sharing of Ozaukee County, has worked as a commercial pilot, been in sales, and is now leading a non-profit. It only makes sense she describes her career as a patchwork quilt! In this episode, she shares how her quilt came together, ultimately finding her way to Family Sharing. She discusses the challenges, joys, and importance of community. Hoover's passions also include greyhound adoption. You might find her Lizzy hanging out in the office on quiet da...
Feb 23, 2023•31 min•Season 3Ep. 28
Emerald Mills of Diverse Dining is the founder and lead visionary behind the Turning Tables initiative. She aims to break barriers faced by food entrepreneurs in the Milwaukee area with her restaurant and teaching kitchen. In this episode, she shares her transformative journey and gets honest about learning to trust the process and the challenges of opening a new business. She also shares the dynamics of how she and her fiance work side-by-side. Her inspiration to impact the community is endless...
Feb 02, 2023•38 min•Season 3Ep. 27
Marissa Kalkman, Executive Director of the Wellness Council of Wisconsin (WCWI), leads from the core belief that inclusive wellbeing is vital for all - individuals, the workforce, organizations, and our communities. She shares her road trip through the midwest, ultimately finding her way to Wisconsin and becoming a part of WCWI. Marissa discusses WCWI's role in changing the narrative and leading the discussion for the wellbeing of Wisconsin's workforce. Also, learn how Marissa's core beliefs hel...
Nov 30, 2022•44 min•Season 2Ep. 27
Lori Highby, CEO and Founder of Keystone Click, is the definition of a doer. She began her entrepreneurial journey in 2008 at the start of the recession by sending snail mail! She has been able to build a thriving business since, crediting culture, growth, and education to her and her team’s success. Lori discusses why she decided to start her own business, what it was like being a woman business owner starting out, and her passion for manufacturers! She also shares how her dad has been an impac...
Oct 05, 2022•28 min•Ep. 26
Kathleen O'Leary, Retired CEO of Wisconsin State Fair Park, shares how her journey in life has been colorful, from getting her start in the beer industry to becoming Wisconsin State Fair's first female CEO. Kathleen discusses how she navigated being a woman in leadership, the legacy she has left, and the importance of finally stepping back while sharing advice for the next generation of women taking the helm. However, her story isn't over yet as she steps into the next chapter of her life....
Aug 17, 2022•37 min•Season 2Ep. 25
Kelley Kempel, Owner & Creative Director of Hidden Path Creative, shares how she never pictured herself as an entrepreneur but over time found that it fit her passions and lifestyle. Kelley discusses how she finds joy in bringing her "big brand knowledge" and experience to help small to medium-sized, product-based businesses with their brand and packaging needs. She also talks about how she has found community by being a member of TEMPO Milwaukee, and shares her love for hiking.
Jul 27, 2022•35 min•Season 2Ep. 24
Tara Laatsch & Christin Cilento, Co-Owners of CityTins, LLC, share how their company was born from a casual meeting on a playground and a yearning for more fun and interesting fundraising options for their daughters’ elementary school. In this episode, not only will you learn about their entrepreneurial journey but also the impact they have made in the community. Get a more intimate peek into the amazing friendship and partnership that makes CityTins tick!
Jul 06, 2022•40 min•Season 2Ep. 23
Brittany Ballweg, Founder & Owner of Dolphin Swim Academy, shares her inspiring journey from jumping in the pool at age 8 to overcoming hurdles to build her own million-dollar pool facility where she teaches swim safety to children and adults. This is an amazing story of perseverance, finding one's passion, achieving dreams, and giving back to the community.
Jun 15, 2022•37 min•Season 2Ep. 22
Marjorie Rucker, Executive Director of The Business Council, is a power connector! She shares how her role allows her to bridge the gap between minority-owned enterprises and large corporations. She also chats about her experience being named a Women of Influence by the Milwaukee Business Journal, and her advice to small businesses.
May 11, 2022•33 min•Season 2Ep. 21
Janette Thornley, Retired Nitro Harley Pilot, Author, Speaker, and Coach, sits down with Julie this week to share her experiences on being a woman in a male-dominated sport, finding her life's passion, and not letting titles or society's expectations weigh her down.
Mar 30, 2022•35 min•Season 2Ep. 20
