InfluenceHER Podcast by The Baker Agency

Hosted by The Baker Agency

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Oct 2026

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About the show

Join one of New York State's leading public relations executives as she dives into inspirational, fun and sometimes uncomfortable conversations with women who are making an impact and influencing the lives of others. In this monthly podcast, hear from women who have broken barriers, survived the unthinkable and found their true selves along the way. If you or someone you know would like to be a guest on The InfluenceHER Podcast, email katie@bakerpublicrelations.com.

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44 recent

October 19, 202624 min

You Don’t Have to Choose Just One Path: Hannah Lewis

Some of the lessons that shape how we lead begin long before we have a job title. For Hannah Lewis, they began behind the front desk of her mother’s Clearwater Beach motel, where she was taking reservations at age 10 and learning what a small business means to a family. On this episode of InfluenceHER, Megan Baker sits down with Hannah to explore a journey spanning hospitality, retail, health and wellness, and co-founding three ventures. They talk about the courage to pursue different passions, the responsibility of leading teams and the connections that give work meaning. Watch the full episode for a conversation about building a meaningful career, and why you don’t have to choose just one path. Follow along with The Baker Agency: Website: https://www.thebakeragencyinc.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-baker-agency/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheBakerAgencyInc Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebakeragency_inc

September 15, 202612 min

From Makeup Artist to CEO: Tamara Galla on Taking the Leap

What if the career you never planned for becomes the one you were meant to build? On this episode of InfluenceHER, Megan Baker sits down with Tamara Galla, founder and CEO of PDI Connection, to talk about her unexpected journey from makeup artist to recruiter to entrepreneur. Tamara shares what gave her the courage to leave a secure career and start her own company, why she believes hiring should be about the person, not simply filling a position, and how passion, drive and integrity have shaped the way she leads. They also talk motherhood, community, the realities of entrepreneurship and the importance of knowing when to step away and recenter.

August 17, 202615 min

CEO of The Ronald McDonald House of Albany: Kimmy Venter

What does it really mean to support a family during one of the hardest moments of their lives? On this episode of InfluenceHER, Megan Baker sits down with Kimmy Venter, CEO of Ronald McDonald House Charities of Albany, to talk about the power of community, compassionate leadership and creating a sense of home when families need it most. Kimmy shares the unexpected path that led her to nonprofit leadership, how motherhood has shaped the way she leads and why some of the simplest acts of kindness can have a lasting impact. She also gives us a look at what’s ahead for Ronald McDonald House as the organization enters a new era while staying true to the warmth and hospitality at the heart of its mission. Watch the full episode to learn more. Follow along with The Baker Agency: Website: www.thebakeragencyinc.com LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/the-baker-agency/ Facebook: www.facebook.com/TheBakerAgencyInc Instagram: www.instagram.com/thebakeragency_inc

July 17, 202610 min

Building a Legacy and Life in Saratoga: Julie Bonacio, Julie & Co. Realty, Bonacio Construction

Real estate leader, construction executive, mother and philanthropist Julie Bonacio joins The Baker Agency Founder and CEO, Megan Baker, to discuss building her career rooted in trust, family and community. She shares lessons from leading across two competitive industries, her love for Saratoga Springs and the values she hopes will define her legacy. Watch the full episode to learn more. Follow along with The Baker Agency: Website: www.thebakeragencyinc.com LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/the-baker-agency/ Facebook: www.facebook.com/TheBakerAgencyInc Instagram: www.instagram.com/thebakeragency_inc

June 10, 202615 min

From Corporate Fast Lane to Community Changemaker: Nicole Waters, Amplify Women Tampa Bay

What happens when you leave the fast-paced corporate world to build something bigger than yourself? The Baker Agency founder and CEO, Megan Baker, sits down with Nicole Waters, founder of Amplify Women Tampa Bay, community advocate and executive director of St. Petersburg's EDGE District. Nicole shares her journey from Mercedes-Benz in Miami to becoming one of Tampa Bay's most influential community leaders. Together, they discuss career reinvention, women in leadership, the power of community-driven impact and what's ahead for Amplify Women's upcoming summit, Navigators of Change: Women at the Helm. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about resilience, purpose and creating meaningful change where you live and lead. Watch the full episode to learn more. Follow The Baker Agency: Website: www.thebakeragencyinc.com LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/the-baker-agency/ Facebook: www.facebook.com/TheBakerAgencyInc Instagram: www.instagram.com/thebakeragency_inc

May 14, 202619 min

Building a Business While Raising Four Girls: Catherine Hover, Palette Community

What does it look like to build a business, raise four daughters and create a community centered around supporting women? In this episode of InfluenceHER, The Baker Agency Founder and CEO Megan Baker speaks with Catherine Hover, founder and CEO of Palette Community, a coworking and membership community focused on supporting women in business and life. Catherine reflects on how Palette Community has grown since first appearing on InfluenceHER five years ago and discusses leadership, motherhood, rebuilding and the importance of creating spaces where women feel connected and supported. She also shares more about the SHERO Fund and what she has learned through building community. Watch the full episode to learn more. Follow The Baker Agency: Website: www.thebakeragencyinc.com LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/the-baker-agency/ Facebook: www.facebook.com/TheBakerAgencyInc Instagram: www.instagram.com/thebakeragency_inc

April 13, 202618 min

Entrepreneurship, Purpose and Perspective: Ashleigh Lindsay, Digitally Grounded

In this episode of InfluenceHER, The Baker Agency founder and CEO, Megan Baker, speaks with Ashleigh Lindsay, founder and CEO of Digitally Grounded, a marketing and branding firm that helps businesses grow with purpose and authenticity. Lindsay discusses her path into entrepreneurship, the meaning behind “Digitally Grounded” and how she works with clients to turn ideas into practical strategies. She also shares how a recent health experience shaped her perspective on business and leadership. Watch the full episode to learn more. Follow The Baker Agency: Website: www.thebakeragencyinc.com LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/the-baker-agency/ Facebook: www.facebook.com/TheBakerAgencyInc Instagram: www.instagram.com/thebakeragency_inc

March 3, 202617 min

Creating a Seat at the Table: Empowering Youth with Jennifer Lawrence

Megan Baker talks with Jennifer Lawrence, founder and CEO of the SEAT Center in Schenectady, about empowering underrepresented young adults to build skills, find careers and create a “seat at the table.” Jennifer shares her journey, the challenges young people face, how YouthBuild Schenectady supports them and inspiring stories that show the lasting impact of opportunity and inclusion.

February 11, 202617 min

Sujata Chaudhry: Global Educator, DEI Leader and Community Changemaker

Sujata Chaudhry, founder and CEO of Tangible Development, is a global educator, mom and leader in diversity, equity and inclusion. In our latest episode, she shares how growing up across cultures shaped her worldview, what inspired her to build a career in DEI and the moments where her work has made a real impact. Sujata also reflects on stepping down as CEO, what her next chapter holds and how she will continue driving change in her community.

January 15, 202614 min

From the Saddle to Service: Kelly Reilly Marx on Leadership, Healing & Hope

On this episode of InfluenceHER, Megan Baker talks with Kelly Reilly Marx, founder of Grace Stables and child welfare advocate. Kelly shares how her lifelong love of horses shaped her leadership, the inspiration behind Grace Stables and lessons in resilience, patience and strength from both her work with children and her equestrian journey.