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...
Empathy for High Performance - an interview with Deep Mahajan, Vice President of Talent Management at Juniper Networks
In the latest Fearless Female Leadership episode, I had the opportunity to speak with Deep Mahajan, Vice President of Talent Management at Juniper Networks, about the transformative power of empathy in the workplace—and how it’s anything but a “soft” skill. Deep shared her personal journey, the pivotal influence of her father, and how empathy is not only a moral imperative but a performance-driving force within high-achieving organizations.
Deep's leadership philosophy began taking shape in a small town in Rajasthan, India, where she watched her father—at the peak of his career as a surgeon—pivot to a life of service. His courageous example inspired her to choose a people-centered path, ultimately leading her to the world of talent development and performance strategy.
Throughout her career, Deep challenged conventional norms and followed a purpose-led approach, opting for authenticity and human-centric design over prestige or tradition. Her commitment to building empathetic systems ...
The Value of Empathy - an Interview with Michelle Jewell, Global Head of Leadership Development at ThoughtWorks
In the latest Fearless Female Leadership podcast interview, I had the privilege of speaking with Michelle Jewell, Global Head of Leadership Development at ThoughtWorks, about the power of empathy in leadership and why it’s far more than just a “soft skill.” Michelle shared incredible insights on how empathy drives influence, enhances team performance, and creates a lasting impact on workplace culture.
Michelle’s journey to leadership has been filled with unexpected twists, from starting her career in consulting to making bold leaps into roles that didn’t even exist yet. Through creative problem-solving and an unwavering commitment to understanding people, she has built a career rooted in leadership development and talent growth.
One of Michelle’s core messages is that empathy isn’t just about being kind—it’s a strategic advantage. She highlighted how leaders who deeply understand their teams can drive engagement, reduce turnover, and improve overall business outcomes. Whether you’re ...
Own Your Worth and Have Agency for What's Next - an Interview with Melissa Lewis, Senior Director of Talent Growth and Development at Facing History & Ourselves
In the latest Fearless Female Leadership interview, I had the privilege of speaking with Melissa Lewis, Senior Director of Talent Growth and Development at Facing History & Ourselves. We discussed the power of owning our worth and taking agency over our careers. Melissa shared powerful insights on stepping into leadership with confidence, navigating career pivots, and embracing the discomfort that often comes with growth.Â
Melissa’s journey has been anything but linear. From pursuing a PhD and rewriting entire chapters multiple times to making a bold shift from K-12 education to corporate learning and development, she has faced her share of setbacks. Yet, through persistence, courage, and an unwavering belief in her own value, she has continued to rise.Â
She emphasized that owning our worth isn’t just about recognizing our value—it’s about taking action. Too often, women wait for permission, hesitate to take risks, or allow external doubts to shape their career decisions. Melissa challen...
It’s Here! My New Book "The Fearless Female Leader" is Available Now!
The moment is finally here! I am beyond thrilled to announce that my new book, The Fearless Female Leader, is officially available!Â
This book is so much more than just words on a page—it’s a movement (#FFL1MM). It’s a call to action for every female leader who is ready to step fully into her power, lead with confidence, and create lasting impact. If you've ever felt held back by doubt, workplace dynamics, or the pressure to lead in a way that doesn’t align with who you truly are, THIS is for you. Â
I wrote The Fearless Female Leader because I’ve seen firsthand the incredible power of women who dare to lead boldly, to challenge the status quo, and to inspire change—not just in their organizations but in the world. And I want that for YOU. Â
Inside, you’ll find strategies, real-world insights, and the mindset shifts that will help you navigate challenges, amplify your influence, and create a culture where others rise alongside you. Â
Ready to step into your fearless leadership? Grab your co...
Halting Churn - an Interview with Angela Stopper, PhD, Chief Learning Officer & Director of People and Organization Development at UC Berkeley
In the latest Fearless Female Leadership interview, I had the privilege of speaking with Angela Stopper, PhD, Chief Learning Officer & Director of People and Organization Development at UC Berkeley, about the power of confidence, courage, and human connection in leadership. Angela shared deeply personal stories about overcoming self-doubt, building a strong professional network, and creating environments where people feel valued—insights that are critical for leaders at every level.
Angela’s leadership journey was shaped by an early experience in high school gym class, where an unexpected act of inclusion taught her the impact of courage and community. This moment, still vivid 30 years later, influences how she leads today—prioritizing belonging, empathy, and ensuring others feel seen and supported.
Throughout our conversation, Angela emphasized the role of middle managers in employee retention and the importance of leaders fostering psychological safety. She shared how strategic empathy...
Lean In To What Scares You - an Interview with Tamesa Rogers, Former Chief People Officer, Netgear
In the latest Fearless Female Leadership interview, I had the privilege of speaking with Tamesa Rogers, the former Chief People Officer of Netgear, about her journey and the power of leaning into what scares you. This was Tamesa’s first podcast interview, and she shared incredible insights on overcoming fear, building resilience, and redefining success.
Tamesa’s leadership journey was shaped early on when she started kindergarten mid-year, feeling like an outsider. This experience instilled in her both determination and empathy, making her a leader who actively seeks to ensure others feel included and valued. She believes that fostering a sense of belonging translates directly to organizational success.
When asked about being one of the few women—or sometimes the only woman—in executive spaces, Tamesa credited her preparation and grit. She emphasized that confidence stems from knowing you are qualified and refusing to let fear dictate your actions. She encourages self-reflection, questio...
Building Intrinsic Confidence – an Interview with Sophie Gelsthorpe, Chief Human Resource Officer at Sitecore
In the latest Fearless Female Leadership interview, I had the privilege of speaking with Sophie Gelsthorpe, CHRO, Sitecore, about her journey and insights on intrinsic motivation. Sophie’s career in HR began by chance after university, influenced by her hardworking parents. She emphasizes the importance of intrinsic confidence, sharing her experience with confidence after becoming Chief People Officer at OpenTable and Kayak. Sophie advises reflecting on personal experiences, practicing self-validation, and preparing thoroughly for meetings. She highlights the need for women to fake it till they make it and suggests finding supportive peers to help build confidence.
Key take-aways from the interview:
- 0:02:32 Sophie’s early life and family background, including her parents’ divorce and their strong work ethic, inspired her ambition and drive.
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0:04:43 Sophie fell into HR by chance during university, but found it to be a perfect fit for her interests and strengths.
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0:07:15 Reloca
...
Setting Your Teams Up for Success During Disruptive Times - an Interview with Natasha Engan, Senior Vice President of Global Sales at Deltek
I had the honor of interviewing Natasha Engan, Senior Vice President of Global Sales at Deltek, and we discussed leading high-performing teams through disruptive times. She emphasized the importance of controlling what you can, such as work ethic, attitude, and communication. Natasha highlighted the need for transparency, trust, and clear communication to build resilience among employees. She also stressed the significance of listening to customers and maintaining trust through honest feedback. Natasha advised leaders to set a positive tone, empower employees, and balance product launches with customer needs. She concluded by urging mindful communication to inspire and support teams effectively.
Key take-aways from the interview:
- 0:01:47 Focus on what you can control - your work ethic, attitude, and focus - during disruptive times, rather than worrying about external factors beyond your control.
- 0:02:36 Communicate frequently and transparently with your team to build trust, provide ...
Untapped Talent: The Rise of Skill Based Hiring – an Interview with Betty Thompson, Former CPO at Booz Allen Hamilton
I had the great pleasure of interviewing Betty Thompson, former Chief People Officer at Booz Allen Hamilton and Chairwoman of the Board at SHRM, about her journey and insights on harnessing untapped talent. She emphasized the importance of skills over degrees, citing the rising cost of education and the need for diverse workforce strategies. Thompson highlighted the value of internal talent development, leveraging AI for skill identification, and creating pathways for non-traditional candidates. She stressed the necessity for organizations to plan three to five years ahead, invest in lifelong learning, and foster a culture of continuous improvement. Thompson encouraged individuals to seize opportunities rather than chase specific roles, advocating for resilience and adaptability in the evolving job market.
Key Takeaways from this Interview:
- 0:34:50 Individuals should chase opportunities that challenge them, as learning often comes from stepping outside one’s comfort zone.
- 0:10:04 Re...
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