She Thrives with Rhonda Coleman Wandel Podcast

Hosted by Rhonda Coleman Wandel

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Jun 2026

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She Thrives with Rhonda Coleman Wandel Podcast is for women ready to lead with joy, purpose, and impact. Through real stories, candid conversations, and actionable insights, the podcast connects a community of women who are cultivating confidence, health, and happiness—because Happy Women Lead Strong.

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39 recent

June 1, 202649 min

Jasmine Minor: The Rise Society and Why Women Need Community Now More Than Ever

Episode SummaryJasmine Minor, Emmy Award-winning journalist at ABC7 Chicago and founder of the Rise Society, joins Rhonda for an inspiring and deeply personal conversation about identity, reinvention, and the power of failure as a catalyst for growth. From playing Division I college tennis and pursuing the US Open to pivoting into journalism with zero experience and eventually becoming a multi-Emmy-winning reporter covering race and culture, Jasmine's story is one of radical resilience and purposeful impact. This episode is a must-listen for every ambitious woman who has ever had to rebuild — and discovered something greater on the other side.Key Takeaways:Why learning to fail as an athlete is one of the most transferable skills in business and lifeHow Jasmine pivoted from competitive tennis to journalism — and what she did to earn her seat at the tableThe importance of redefining success beyond trophies, titles, and accoladesWhy women need curated spaces to breathe, collaborate, and build without competitionHow the Rise Society is bridging the gap between girls in sports and women in the global economyWhat Robin Roberts told Jasmine that she still carries with her todayMeet Jasmine MinorJasmine Minor is an Emmy Award-winning journalist at ABC7 Chicago, where she covers race and culture — bringing nuance, humanity, and intentionality to stories about underserved and underrepresented communities. A former Division I tennis player, Jasmine earned her master's degree in journalism from Northwestern University and has built a career defined by impact over accolades.Jasmine is also the founder of the Rise Society, a curated community dedicated to connecting and empowering women leaders, and the Kevin Minor Legacy Fund, which provides scholarships to girls in tennis in honor of her late father. Her upcoming Rise Affair Gala — a Wimbledon-inspired event featuring a fireside chat with Robin Roberts of Good Morning America — brings her dual missions of women's empowerment and girls in sports together on one stage.Follow Jasmine on Instagram | Learn more about the Rise Society | Support the Kevin Minor Legacy Fund at minorlegacy.com Want More Like This?Be sure to subscribe to the podcast on your favourite platform so you never miss an episode.And if you’re ready for even more honest stories, career inspiration, and powerful insights, join Rhonda’s monthly newsletter. It’s where ambitious women get the encouragement, tools, and behind-the-scenes wisdom to thrive—straight to your inbox.Subscribe to the newsletter and catch more episodes at RhondaColemanWandel.com

May 10, 2026Episode 381 hr 7 min

Natalie Plain: The Plain Truth About Building a Billion Dollar Brand

Episode SummaryNatalie Plain, founder and CEO of Billion Dollar Beauty, joins Rhonda for a powerful conversation about entrepreneurship, reinvention, intellectual property, and building a brand from the ground up. From interning at the White House during the Clinton administration to producing television in Los Angeles and eventually launching a beauty company, Natalie Plain shares the behind-the-scenes realities of pivoting careers and betting on yourself. This episode is packed with honest insight for ambitious women navigating business growth, personal evolution, and the courage it takes to keep building. Key Takeaways:Why starting from the bottom can become your greatest advantageHow Natalie Plain transitioned from media and journalism into beauty entrepreneurshipThe importance of protecting trademarks and intellectual property earlyWhat ambitious women need to know about building long-term, sustainable brandsWhy surrounding yourself with the right people matters in every career transitionHow resilience, adaptability, and self-belief shape successful reinventionMeet Natalie PlainNatalie Plain is the CEO and Founder of Billion Dollar Beauty— A Consumer Product Goods brand that is distributed throughout, Australia, Asia, Europe and North America. As an industry veteran of over 20 years, Natalie has spun off her fortress of Billion Dollar intellectual property into the launch of Billion Dollar Brands where she owns everything from concept to the consumer experience.Natalie has developed every vertical in her corporation and continues to break new ground through strategic brand acquisitions, licensing rights and as an author and broadcaster specializing in the field of intellectual property.As a certified Women Owned company, Natalie studied and earned her trade through mentorship such as serving as a White House intern —Working as a ghostwriter for President Bill Clinton and a press correspondent for First Lady Hilary Clinton.Natalie graduated from California State Long Beach with a B.A. degree and currently resides in Southern California with her husband and two children.Visit her website | Follow her on InstagramHow She PivotedNatalie Plain began her career in journalism and television production, including a White House internship and work in media. But after discovering the confidence and transformation that beauty products could create, she found herself pulled toward entrepreneurship and eventually launched what would become Billion Dollar Beauty.“If I’m going to run my business, I’m going to run it my way.” - Natalie Plain on episode 38 of She Thrives with Rhonda Coleman WandelBuilding the company came with financial risk, business challenges, and trademark battles, but Natalie stayed committed to learning every part of the business from the ground up. Her journey is a reminder that career pivots rarely happen overnight. They happen through curiosity, persistence, and the willingness to keep building even when the path is uncertain.Insights for Ambitious WomenThroughout the conversation, Natalie shares how success is often built in the moments no one sees. From internships to entrepreneurship, she approached every opportunity as a chance to learn, grow, and strengthen her skill set.“Don’t ever tell yourself it’s too late.” - Natalie Plain on episode 38 of She Thrives with Rhonda Coleman WandelNatalie also speaks candidly about protecting your intellectual property, taking calculated risks, and surrounding yourself with people who support your vision. Her message for ambitious women is simple but powerful: trust yourself, stay open to growth, and give yoursel Want More Like This?Be sure to subscribe to the podcast on your favourite platform so you never miss an episode.And if you’re ready for even more honest stories, career inspiration, and powerful insights, join Rhonda’s monthly newsletter. It’s where ambitious women get the encouragement, tools, and behind-the-scenes wisdom to thrive—straight to your inbox.Subscribe to the newsletter and catch more episodes at RhondaColemanWandel.com

April 10, 2026Episode 3747 min

Samantha Dockery: The Power of Reinvention

Samantha Dockery joins She Thrives with Rhonda Coleman Wandel to share how she pivoted from a 13-year career in wedding planning into founding her own sparkling wine brand. Samantha Dockery opens up about career reinvention, trusting your vision, and building a purpose-driven business rooted in impact. This episode explores entrepreneurship, personal growth, and the courage it takes to pivot into something bigger.Key Takeaways:You can pivot your career without starting from scratch—skills transferStarting before you feel ready is often the key to growthYour network and visibility (even Instagram) can unlock real opportunitiesProfit and purpose can coexist in a meaningful businessComparison slows growth—focus on your own pathAuthenticity matters more than audience size in businessMeet Samantha DockerySamantha Dockery is the founder of LoveLuvv Sparkling Wines, a luxury sparkling wine brand rooted in culture, celebration, and storytelling. A hospitality entrepreneur and champagne educator, she’s been featured on local Chicago TV and partners with hotels, wedding professionals, and lifestyle brands to reimagine how people experience bubbles. From pop-ups to premium pours, Samantha blends business, joy, and intention—always with a glass raised.Visit her website | Follow her on InstagramHow She PivotedAfter 13 years in wedding planning, Samantha Dockery realized she no longer wanted a business that required her constant physical presence. She began exploring how to stay connected to celebration while creating more freedom and long-term impact. That vision led her to launch a sparkling wine brand sourced from France and Italy.“If you really believe in your vision, the provision will come.”Instead of waiting for perfect conditions, she leveraged what already existed—partnering with winemakers and securing exclusive blends. Her pivot was both strategic and intuitive, proving that reinvention doesn’t require starting over—just thinking differently.Insights for Ambitious WomenSamantha Dockery reminds women that growth often requires action before certainty. Whether in business or life, waiting until you feel fully ready can keep you stuck. Her journey highlights the importance of trusting yourself and moving forward—even when it feels uncomfortable.“Do it afraid… but do it smart.”She also emphasizes that success isn’t about doing everything alone. Building support, seeking guidance, and staying grounded in your own vision are what sustain long-term growth—especially during career transitions and reinvention. Want More Like This?Be sure to subscribe to the podcast on your favourite platform so you never miss an episode.And if you’re ready for even more honest stories, career inspiration, and powerful insights, join Rhonda’s monthly newsletter. It’s where ambitious women get the encouragement, tools, and behind-the-scenes wisdom to thrive—straight to your inbox.Subscribe to the newsletter and catch more episodes at RhondaColemanWandel.com

March 11, 2026Episode 3638 min

Natalia Ombach: Navigating Career Transitions Through Coaching

In this episode, Natalia Ombach joins Rhonda for a thoughtful conversation about career transitions, personal growth, and redefining professional purpose. Natalia Ombach, an executive coach and former corporate risk and compliance leader, shares how a life-changing family experience prompted her to rethink success, leadership, and connection. Together, they explore the messy reality of career pivots, the importance of community, and how coaching can help professionals move from siloed work environments toward more collaborative, human-centered leadership.Key Takeaways:Why career transitions are often messy, emotional, and longer than we expectHow personal life events can spark powerful professional reinventionThe hidden challenges faced by “support function” leaders like legal, compliance, and cybersecurityWhy collaboration often breaks down inside organizations—and how to fix itThe importance of community and conversation during moments of career uncertaintyHow coaching helps leaders move from isolation to impactMeet Natalia OmbachNatalia is an executive and leadership coach, she works mostly with leaders of corporate support functions, like Legal, Risk, Compliance, or Cybersecurity in global organisations, helping them to reclaim ownership and direction of their function, be more impactful and be seen as strategic partner in their leadership team.She brings 15+ years of international corporate experience, including leadership roles in legal, risk, compliance, and DEI.Visit her website | Follow her on LinkedIn | Access her FREE Booklet hereHow She PivotedNatalia Ombach’s career pivot didn’t happen overnight. After years of building a respected corporate legal and risk career while raising a family, she began to feel that something was missing. That feeling intensified after a traumatic accident involving her son, which changed how she viewed community, connection, and the role other people play in our strength during difficult times.“You feel stronger just because other people wish for you to feel stronger.” shared Natalia on episode 36 of the She Thrives with Rhonda Coleman Wandel podcast.That experience reshaped how Natalia thought about leadership and relationships at work. She began exploring coaching as a way to help others navigate the same emotional and professional complexity she had experienced. What started as curiosity evolved into a new career focused on helping leaders better understand themselves, their teams, and the invisible dynamics that shape workplace culture.Insights for Ambitious WomenOne of Natalia’s most powerful lessons is that uncertainty during a career transition is completely normal. Many professionals believe they should have everything figured out by a certain age or stage in their careers. Natalia challenges that assumption, reminding listeners that questioning your path is often the first step toward meaningful growth.“It is normal. There’s nothing wrong with you.” expressed Natalia on episode 36 of the She Thrives with Rhonda Coleman Wandel podcast.For ambitious women navigating career pivots, Natalia emphasizes the importance of reaching out to others for conversation, guidance, and perspective. Instead of trying to solve career uncertainty alone, she encourages professionals to explore ideas through dialogue, mentorship, and community—because the right conversation can open doors to entirely new possibilities. Want More Like This?Be sure to subscribe to the podcast on your favourite platform so you never miss an episode.And if you’re ready for even more honest stories, career inspiration, and powerful insights, join Rhonda’s monthly newsletter. It’s where ambitious women get the encouragement, tools, and behind-the-scenes wisdom to thrive—straight to your inbox.Subscribe to the newsletter and catch more episodes at RhondaColemanWandel.com

February 10, 2026Episode 3540 min

Laura Williams: Turning Caregiving Into Purpose-Driven Work

In this episode, Laura Williams joins Rhonda for a powerful conversation about caregiving, career reinvention, and building solutions born from lived experience. Laura Williams, a long-distance caregiver and legal advocate for her mother, shares how navigating a broken system inspired her to create a new approach to caregiving support. This episode explores career pivots rooted in purpose, the emotional weight of caregiving, and how personal challenges can become the foundation for meaningful professional reinvention and impact.Key Takeaways:Why long-distance caregiving adds unique emotional and logistical challengesHow lived experience can spark purpose-driven career reinventionThe importance of dignity, autonomy, and safety in caregiving decisionsHow removing friction and complexity creates better outcomes for familiesWhat it looks like to build a solution instead of settling for broken systemsWhy clarity and advocacy matter when supporting loved ones from afarMeet Laura WilliamsLaura A. Williams is the visionary founder of Respitely, the world’s first CareGifting™ marketplace—making it as easy to gift care as sending flowers or a meal. A former corporate leader turned caregiving innovator, Laura brings firsthand experience as a long-distance caregiver and court-appointed conservator for her mother. Her work bridges technology, compassion, and community, redefining how families support one another through life’s most challenging seasons with dignity and ease.Visit her website | Follow her on InstagramHow She PivotedLaura Williams’ career pivot was driven by necessity, responsibility, and love. While supporting her mother from a distance, Laura found herself navigating fragmented caregiving systems, time-sensitive decisions, and overwhelming administrative hurdles. Acting not only as a daughter but also as her mother’s legal advocate, she saw firsthand how difficult it was for families to find trusted care quickly and with confidence.“My job is not only to be her daughter, but also her legal advocate—and to make sure she can stay at home safely and with dignity.”Rather than accepting the friction and inefficiency of existing options, Laura reimagined the process entirely. She built a platform that removes guesswork, pre-vets care options, and allows families to secure care when and where it’s needed—transforming a deeply personal challenge into a scalable, purpose-driven solution.Insights for Ambitious WomenLaura’s story is a reminder that reinvention doesn’t always come from ambition alone—it often comes from responsibility. For professional women balancing caregiving, leadership, and personal growth, this episode highlights how clarity and conviction can guide powerful career transitions.“Caregiving from a distance adds an additional layer of complexity—you can’t be there at a moment’s notice.”Laura encourages women to trust their lived experience as expertise. By honoring emotional intelligence, practical problem-solving, and advocacy, ambitious women can build careers that reflect both competence and compassion—without compromising impact or integrity. Want More Like This?Be sure to subscribe to the podcast on your favourite platform so you never miss an episode.And if you’re ready for even more honest stories, career inspiration, and powerful insights, join Rhonda’s monthly newsletter. It’s where ambitious women get the encouragement, tools, and behind-the-scenes wisdom to thrive—straight to your inbox.Subscribe to the newsletter and catch more episodes at RhondaColemanWandel.com

January 20, 2026Episode 3445 min

Paula Amato: Reinventing Your Career Through Purposeful Pivots

In this episode, Paula Amato joins Rhonda for an honest conversation about career reinvention, non-linear paths, and trusting long-term evolution over quick wins. Paula Amato, a seasoned PR and communications professional, shares how she transitioned from the music industry into wellness, storytelling, and ultimately transformational travel. Together, they explore career pivots, identity shifts, and what it really takes to build a meaningful professional life rooted in purpose, curiosity, and personal growth.Key Takeaways:Why career pivots often unfold over years, not months, and why patience mattersHow transferable skills like storytelling and communication unlock new industriesThe power of staying in a beginner’s mindset during career transitionsWhy financial planning and timing are critical when leaving corporate rolesHow authentic brand building starts with self-trust, not external validationWhat transformational travel teaches us about growth, leadership, and perspectiveMeet Paula AmatoPaula Amato is a seasoned PR and communications professional whose career spans music and the arts, wellbeing, social impact, and transformational travel. She is the founder of PAI/Life, a creative communications consultancy based in New York City. Throughout her career, Paula has led strategic storytelling, brand positioning, event curation, and partnership development for iconic artists and musicians, award-winning producers, CEOs, authors, and forward-thinking brands.Before founding PAI/Life, Paula Amato served as National Publicity Director at Atlantic Records and later as an adjunct professor at New York University’s Steinhardt School, where she taught public relations at the undergraduate level. Her work today bridges narrative strategy with purpose-driven impact, helping organizations communicate with clarity, depth, and intention.Visit her website | Follow her on LinkedInHow She PivotedPaula Amato’s career has never followed a straight line—and that’s exactly what made her evolution possible. After launching her career in the music industry at a young age, Paula later moved into independent consulting, where she explored wellness, functional medicine, and personal development. Over time, those interests naturally intersected with her communications expertise, opening the door to transformational travel and purpose-driven work.“My trajectory has not been linear, but every phase taught me something I needed for the next one.”Rather than forcing a fast transition, Paula allowed her pivot to unfold gradually. She spent years learning a new industry, building relationships, and redefining her role—proving that sustainable reinvention often requires curiosity, humility, and the willingness to sit in uncertainty.Insights for Ambitious WomenOne of Paula’s most powerful lessons is that career transitions don’t require abandoning your past, they require reframing it. She encourages women to recognize their transferable skills and trust that experience gained in one industry often becomes the foundation for success in another.“We all underestimate ourselves. Sometimes what feels like your weakness is actually the exact thing someone else needs.”For ambitious women navigating reinvention, Paula emphasizes preparation over pressure. Financial planning, emotional readiness, and patience allow space for aligned opportunities to emerge—often in unexpected ways. Growth, she reminds us, happens when we stop rushing and start trusting ourselves. Want More Like This?Be sure to subscribe to the podcast on your favourite platform so you never miss an episode.And if you’re ready for even more honest stories, career inspiration, and powerful insights, join Rhonda’s monthly newsletter. It’s where ambitious women get the encouragement, tools, and behind-the-scenes wisdom to thrive—straight to your inbox.Subscribe to the newsletter and catch more episodes at RhondaColemanWandel.com

December 10, 2025Episode 3348 min

Okera Banks: The Power of Reinvention in Fashion and Faith

Episode SummaryIn this episode of The Rhonda Coleman Wandel Podcast, Okera Banks, designer, style expert, and founder of the Okera Banks Collection and OTG Essentials, shares her remarkable journey from Charleston to Hollywood to building a global fashion brand rooted in purpose. From her early years in costume design to launching her own line, Okera opens up about courage, creativity, and the spiritual faith that has guided every pivot. Her story is a masterclass in trusting your instincts and designing a life that fits who you truly are.Key Takeaways:How Okera Banks turned her love of fashion into a purpose-driven brandThe difference between a stylist, a costume designer, and a fashion designerWhy every woman should learn to “be comfortable being uncomfortable.How faith and intuition can lead your biggest life pivotsLessons from working in Hollywood, fashion, and entrepreneurshipThe importance of legacy, community, and building “brick by brick"Meet Okera BanksOkera Banks is an American designer, style expert, and entrepreneur whose work blends elegance, confidence, and authenticity. She is the founder of Okera Banks Collection and OTG Essentials, created for women who lead with purpose and live life on the go. Her designs have been featured on CNN, VH1, and E! Online and are sold in boutiques including Hudson’s Atlanta Airport and the Bank of America Marketplace by Seneca Women. A graduate of Clark Atlanta University, Okera’s mission is simple: to help women “travel in on-the-go style."Meet OkeraHow She PivotedOkera Banks began her career as a costume designer and stylist in Hollywood, working behind the scenes on television and film. But her entrepreneurial spirit and design education kept calling her toward something bigger. What began as a birthday gift of handmade skirts eventually evolved into a full-fledged fashion line.“I didn’t chase exposure, I just needed an outfit I couldn’t find. That’s how the first collection was born,” shared Okera Banks on episode 32 of the Rhonda Coleman Wandel podcast.Through fearless pivots, Okera transitioned from entertainment to entrepreneurship, creating timeless collections for women who want to look stylish while living in motion. Each piece, she says, is designed to make women feel confident, comfortable, and seen.Insights for Ambitious WomenOkera’s wisdom extends far beyond fashion. She speaks candidly about resilience, financial freedom, and how obedience to God shapes her creativity and direction.“Get comfortable being uncomfortable. Don’t let fear or other people’s opinions talk you out of what God told you to do,” encouraged Okera Banks on the RCW podcastHer story is an empowering reminder that success is not linear, and that the real work of becoming who you’re meant to be starts with faith, courage, and the willingness to pivot. Want More Like This?Be sure to subscribe to the podcast on your favourite platform so you never miss an episode.And if you’re ready for even more honest stories, career inspiration, and powerful insights, join Rhonda’s monthly newsletter. It’s where ambitious women get the encouragement, tools, and behind-the-scenes wisdom to thrive—straight to your inbox.Subscribe to the newsletter and catch more episodes at RhondaColemanWandel.com

November 21, 2025Episode 3217 min

Rhonda Coleman Wandel: Making Bold Career Moves in Spite of Fear

In this solo episode, Rhonda Coleman shares her deeply personal journey through two major career pivots — first from teaching to law, and now from a coveted legal role at Google to launching her own consulting firm. Rhonda Coleman opens up about navigating fear, redefining success, and embracing personal growth. She also breaks down how coaching, community, and intentional planning helped her make empowered transitions in her professional life.Key Takeaways:Why major career transitions rarely happen fearlessly — and how to move forward anyway.The power of redefining success based on your own values rather than external expectations.How working with coaches can accelerate clarity, confidence, and strategic decision-making.The importance of building and leaning into your network when pursuing reinvention.Why taking personal responsibility for your career trajectory is essential for long-term fulfillment.Meet Rhonda Coleman WandelRhonda Coleman Wandel is an accomplished attorney, former Google legal professional, and the founder of a growing legal and business strategy consulting firm. With over a decade of experience supporting leaders and organizations, she now helps women executives, general counsels, and business owners navigate growth with confidence and clarity.Visit her website | Follow her on InstagramHow She PivotedRhonda’s first major pivot began over a decade ago when she transitioned from a 10-year teaching career into law school as a newly single mother of two. Despite uncertainty, she followed a calling to create a different future for herself and her family — ultimately building a thriving legal career and earning a role at Google, a milestone many consider the height of professional success.“Sometimes you look behind you and know you can’t stay there, and you look at where you’re standing and realize you can’t stay there either — the only way to go is forward.”Her second pivot emerged from a growing sense that she had reached a ceiling and needed more room to grow. Through deep self-work and strategic guidance, she recognized that entrepreneurship held the freedom, purpose, and impact she craved — even if it meant stepping away from the security of corporate life.Insights for Ambitious WomenOne of Rhonda’s biggest lessons is the importance of tuning into your own definition of success. Instead of chasing titles or external validation, she encourages women to ask why they want what they want — and to honour what truly aligns with their happiness, health, and wellbeing. This shift became foundational in her transition from corporate to entrepreneurship.“I stopped looking at what I didn’t have and started looking at what I wanted and how I could get it.”Rhonda also highlights how coaching, community, and planning can transform your trajectory. By building a support network, leaning into professional relationships, and taking responsibility for your growth, you create a powerful roadmap for reinvention — one that is grounded, strategic, and deeply empowering.Want More Like This?Be sure to subscribe to the podcast on your favourite platform so you never miss an episode.And if you’re ready for even more honest stories, career inspiration, and powerful insights, join Rhonda’s monthly newsletter. It’s where ambitious women get the encouragement, tools, and behind-the-scenes wisdom to thrive—straight to your inbox.Subscribe to the newsletter and catch more episodes at RhondaColemanWandel.com

October 10, 2025Episode 3138 min

Lily Schurra: Redefining Success Through Career Pivots

Episode SummaryLily Schurra shares her inspiring journey from litigation attorney to legal operations leader, entrepreneur, and now senior commercial counsel at a cutting-edge tech company. In this episode, Lily opens up about the pivots that shaped her career, how she aligned her work with her values, and what it means to design your own destiny. Her story is one of courage, reinvention, and the power of choosing experiences that truly matter.Key Takeaways:How to recognize when it’s time to pivot and make a career change.Why aligning your career with your values leads to greater fulfillment.The lessons Lily learned from founding and running her own consulting company.How motherhood reshaped her perspective on work, balance, and success.Practical insights for women navigating career transitions with confidence.The importance of letting go of labels and embracing seasons of change.Meet Lily SchurraLily Schurra is a senior commercial counsel at Sourcegraph, where she combines her expertise in contracts, legal operations, and technology. Previously, she founded LOLI Consulting, a legal operations and innovation firm, and has worked with global legal teams and emerging tech companies to optimize processes and scale smart. With a background in both law and entrepreneurship, Lily brings a unique perspective on career reinvention and professional growth.Meet LilyHow She PivotedLily’s career began in traditional law, but she quickly realized litigation wasn’t her calling. After roles in insurance and corporate contracts, she discovered her passion for legal operations; streamlining processes and finding smarter ways to work. That led her to create LOLI Consulting, an “accidental” business she started during a season of burnout and transition.“I lovingly say that I accidentally started a company, because I gave myself a couple of weeks to breathe, and then people just started saying yes.,” shared Lily Schurra on episode 31 of the Rhonda Coleman Wandel podcast.Running her own business gave Lily the freedom to choose projects, be present with her children, and align her career with her values. Eventually, she pivoted again, returning to a full-time role that offered the same sense of purpose and balance she had cultivated as an entrepreneur.Insights for Ambitious WomenLily’s story is a powerful reminder that success doesn’t come from titles or labels, it comes from creating work that fits your life. She emphasizes the importance of testing ideas, trying projects in small chunks, and giving yourself permission to pivot as your needs evolve.“Do it scared, do it experimentally, do something. The worst thing that can happen is that you end up in the exact same position you’re in today,” encouraged Lily Schurra on the RCW podcastHer wisdom encourages ambitious women to stop chasing arbitrary milestones and instead focus on alignment, joy, and growth. Whether you’re starting a business, stepping into leadership, or making a career change, Lily’s journey proves that reinvention is always possible.Want More Like This?Be sure to subscribe to the podcast on your favourite platform so you never miss an episode.And if you’re ready for even more honest stories, career inspiration, and powerful insights, join Rhonda’s monthly newsletter. It’s where ambitious women get the encouragement, tools, and behind-the-scenes wisdom to thrive—straight to your inbox.Subscribe to the newsletter and catch more episodes at RhondaColemanWandel.com

September 10, 2025Episode 3048 min

Keli Frazier-Cox: Building a Leadership Style People Want to Follow

Episode SummaryKeli Frazier-Cox is a former global executive turned executive coach, keynote speaker, and founder of Promote Leaders. In this episode, Keli shares what led her to leave a high-powered corporate career and how she now helps leaders show up with more clarity, confidence, and intention. Her insights challenge the myth that hard work alone is enough and offer a more sustainable path to leadership.Keli Frazier-Cox’s story is rooted in both personal and professional transformation and her voice is one every ambitious woman needs to hear.Key Takeaways:Why over-performing doesn’t guarantee promotion or recognitionHow to build influence without burning outThe difference between “managing” and truly leadingHow to shift your mindset from proving yourself to knowing your valueWhat it means to lead with intention in today’s workplaceMeet Keli Frazier-CoxKeli Frazier-Cox is the founder of Promote Leaders and the creator of the Intentionally Balanced Leadership framework. With over 25 years of experience in global executive roles, including Chief Commercial Officer and Head of Learning and Development, she now works as a leadership coach and keynote speaker. Her mission is to help professionals become the kind of leaders others want to follow.Meet KeliHow She PivotedKeli Frazier-Cox spent decades excelling in corporate leadership roles. But behind the impressive titles was a woman carrying the weight of over-functioning, managing perception, and navigating the unique pressure of being the only one who looked like her in the room. After hitting a personal turning point, Keli stepped away from corporate life and gave herself permission to pursue a more meaningful kind of impact.“I was doing everything right. But I realized I was filling the wrong gap,” shared Keli Frazier-Cox on episode 30 of the Rhonda Coleman Wandel podcast.That clarity became the foundation for Promote Leaders; a business built to support executives who want to lead with more authenticity, balance, and presence. Keli’s journey is a reminder that success is not just about elevation, it’s about alignment.Insights for Ambitious WomenKeli offers a new model for what leadership can look like, especially for women who are tired of overworking, overproving, and being overlooked. Her framework invites high-achievers to stop performing and start leading from a place of strength, self-trust, and clear priorities.“You don’t have to burn out to be taken seriously,” encouraged Keli Frazier-Cox on the RCW podcastWhether you’re managing a team, navigating a promotion, or considering a bold career move, Keli’s insights are both strategic and soulful. This episode is a permission slip to do things differently and thrive because of it.Want More Like This?Be sure to subscribe to the podcast on your favourite platform so you never miss an episode.And if you’re ready for even more honest stories, career inspiration, and powerful insights, join Rhonda’s monthly newsletter. It’s where ambitious women get the encouragement, tools, and behind-the-scenes wisdom to thrive—straight to your inbox.Subscribe to the newsletter and catch more episodes at RhondaColemanWandel.com