The Trailblazer Chronicles: Redefining Leadership For Bold Women with Judy Hoberman

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Aug 2026

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The Trailblazer Chronicles: Redefining Leadership For Bold Women with Judy HobermanWelcome to The Trailblazer Chronicles, the podcast for ambitious women leaders who are ready to redefine leadership, shatter limits, and embrace bold moves. For years we’ve connected through Selling In A Skirt, talking about sales, relationships and the challenges of navigating leadership as women. Now we are changing things up in a big way.Hosted by Judy Hoberman—TEDx speaker, bestselling author, executive coach, and champion for women in leadership—each episode features inspiring conversations with trailblazing women who’ve turned challenges into opportunities and big dreams into reality.Whether you’re navigating leadership challenges, striving for work-life harmony, or building a legacy of impact, this podcast offers the clarity, courage, and community you need to lead boldly and live authentically.Join us on this journey of empowerment and transformation—because it’s your time to lead, inspire, and leave a legacy.✨ What You’ll Discover: Real-world strategies for fearless leadership. Uplifting stories that ignite possibility and purpose. Actionable advice for building a life and career you love.Join us on this journey of empowerment and transformation—because it’s your time to lead,inspire, and leave a legacy.

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August 26, 202630 min

There is Nothing to Fear: Changing the World From Right Where You Are

What if the thing standing between you and the life you’re meant to create isn’t a lack of opportunity…but fear? In this inspiring episode of The Trailblazer Chronicles , Judy sits down with Sandy Rosenthal, a woman whose message is both simple and transformational: every one of us has the power to make a difference, influence change, and impact the world around us…starting exactly where we are. Together they explore why so many people wait for permission, why fear keeps us playing small, and how meaningful change often begins with one courageous decision. Whether you are leading a company, raising a family, building a business, or simply trying to figure out your next step, this conversation is a reminder that you don’t need a bigger stage to create a bigger impact. The world changes when ordinary people decide to act. Connect with her at sandyrosenthal.net Bio - Sandy Rosenthal is an experienced community mobilizer, most notable for founding the nonprofit Levees.org, with 25,000 supporters nationwide. Her 2020 book, Words Whispered in Water, explores how she, against all odds, altered the national narrative about the deadly flooding in New Orleans during Hurricane Katrina. A special Anniversary Edition of her book, featuring a new cover and foreword, went on sale in August 2025, timed with the 20th anniversary of the catastrophe. Her organization has a strong physical presence in New Orleans, including the Flooded House Museum and the Levee Exhibit Hall at a major breach site. The organization has also installed three historic plaques vetted by the state’s preservation office and hosts an annual levee breach bike tour, among other public education efforts. For these efforts, Rosenthal has received numerous awards, including Outstanding Social Entrepreneur of the Year from Tulane University and Most Influential Woman from Mount Holyoke College. She is an advocate for the 62% of the American population living in counties protected by levees. Rosenthal has been married to Stephen Rosenthal since 1979, has three adult married children, and two grandchildren. Sandy is also the co-host of The Slingshot podcast and host of the former Beat the Big Guys podcast.

August 11, 202631 min

The Power of the Conversation: How Authentic Relationships Create Opportunity

What if the most powerful marketing tool isn’t a strategy, a funnel, or a social media platform …but a conversation? In this episode of The Trailblazer Chronicles , Judy sits down with Denise Griffitts, a fellow podcast host and relationship-builder who has spent nearly two decades interviewing entrepreneurs, leaders, and changemakers. Through thousands of conversations, she’s discovered a simple truth: authentic relationships create opportunities. Together, they explore why genuine curiosity is more powerful than self-promotion, how meaningful conversations build trust faster than traditional marketing, and why women who learn to share those stories often discover opportunities they never expected. Whether you’re growing a business, leading a team, building a personal brand, or simply looking to make a greater impact, this conversation will remind you that connection remains one of the most valuable currencies in today’s world. Bio: Denise Griffitts is the host of Your Partner In Success Radio , which she has been producing for the past 18 and a half years. It is ranked in the top 1.5 percent of the most popular podcasts globally. Through thousands of interviews with entrepreneurs, authors, business leaders, and innovators, Denise has learned that podcasting is about far more than content creation. At its best, it's a powerful relationship-building and business development tool. What she does is help people connect, learn, and grow through meaningful conversations. She also works with businesses through web development, digital marketing, and strategic visibility initiatives. Over the years, she also began consulting with new podcasters, helping them take a podcast from idea to launch in about eight weeks. I guides them through the entire process, from defining their message and audience to recording, publishing, and promoting their show with confidence. What she loves most is the opportunity to meet fascinating people and help them share their stories, expertise, and experiences with a wider audience. Every conversation has the potential to spark a new idea, partnership, or opportunity. You can connect with her at https://yourpartnerinsuccessradio.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/denisegriffitts/ or 888-719-6711

July 21, 202634 min

The Story Only You Can Tell: Why Career Storytelling Matters More Than Ever

In a world increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence, automation, and rapid workplace change, one thing remains uniquely human: your story. In this episode of The Trailblazer Chronicles , Judy sits down with Marcelle Yeager, a career storytelling expert who believes that understanding and communicating your story may be one of the most important skills of the future. Together, they explore how career storytelling goes far beyond resumes and LinkedIn profiles. It’s about understanding your experiences, recognizing your value, building authentic relationships, and communicating who you are in a way that creates opportunities for and meaningful connections. Whether you’re building a business, leading a team, navigating a career transition, or simply wondering how to stan out in a changing world, this conversation will help you see your story in an entirely new way. Bio: Marcelle Yeager is the president of Career Valet, which has helped professionals across diverse industries since 2012 transform their experience into a compelling executive narrative that accelerates career transitions. She has been featured on the podcast How I Built This with Guy Raz and mentioned in Forbes and MONEY Magazine. Her work was regularly published in the U.S. News and World Report On Careers blog and on ClearanceJobs. From 2015-2019, Marcelle simultaneously ran ServingTalent, a boutique recruiting firm for military and government spouses posted overseas. Prior to this, Marcelle spent 10 years in consulting firms practicing strategic communications. Marcelle has an MBA from the University of Maryland and a BA from Georgetown University. She has built Career Valet while raising three children across five countries.

June 9, 202630 min

I Never Thought It Would Happen To Me: The Courageous Conversations We Avoid

None of us believe tragedy will happen to us…until it does. In this deeply meaningful episode of The Trailblazer Chronicles , Judy sits down with her dear friend and colleague, Jane Blaufus, whose personal experience with unexpected loss transformed her mission and her message. Today, she is passionate about helping individuals and families have the courageous conversations that most people avoid…about finances, planning, protection, and the practical realities of life. This conversation isn’t about fear. It’s about love. Together, they discuss why “not having enough time or not being ready to talk” is not an excuse, how avoiding difficult conversations often creates unnecessary chaos, and why preparing your family is one of the greatest gifts you can give the people you care about. This episode may just be the nudge someone needs to finally have the conversation they’ve been putting off. Bio - Jane is the author of the third edition of WITH THE [STROKE ] OF A PEN: Claim Your Life . Her book and comprehensive planning binder have become acclaimed as two of the most actionable, personal and financial planning resources available today for families, individuals and business owners alike. She is on a mission to help advisors to get the ‘Courageous Conversations’ started with their clients to become their ‘advisor for life’. An international keynote speaker, Jane has delivered highly rated sessions at four MDRT conferences around the globe along with numerous keynote speeches across North America. She brings to the table 25+ years of insurance expertise as a financial advisor, sales manager and corporate executive. Today she is the Principal of The Blaufus Group Inc., based in Toronto, Canada and consults extensively into the financial services industry. Jane is a frequently sought after guest expert on Television, Radio and Podcasts. Her reputation and expertise make her an influential business coach to many financial services professionals around the world.

April 27, 202637 min

Your Next Edit: Reinvention, Retirement, and What Comes Next

What happens when the career you’ve built so carefully begins to shift…and you start asking, What’s next for me? In this episode of The Trailblazer Chronicles , Judy sits down with Andrea Maizes, who is passionate about helping women leaders approaching the later stages of their careers think intentionally and reinvention, retirement and the next chapter of life. Inspired by her new book, Your Next Edit , why this transition is about so much more than finances, and how to move into what’s next with clarity, purpose, and excitement. Together, they unpack the emotional, practical, and deeply personal side of leaving one season and stepping into another. This episode is for every woman who knows there’s more ahead…and wants to step into it thoughtfully, confidently, and fully. #Reinvention #Retirement #WhatComesNext #YourNextEdit #TrailblazerChronicles Andrea Maizes Hello@andreamaizes.com 954-326-1883 Website: www.andreamaizes.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreamaizes/ Substack: The Next Edit Bio: Burnout and retirement readiness can feel almost identical, but confusing the two can have serious consequences. After 35 years as a senior HR executive, Andrea Maizes walked away from her corporate career and quickly learned that exhaustion isn’t the same thing as being ready for what’s next. Losing the title, the structure, the social network and the built-in purpose was far more destabilizing than she expected. Today, Andrea is a certified executive and retirement coach (ACC, CPRC) who works with founders, CEOs, and senior leaders navigating major transitions. She helps high achievers slow down long enough to ask the right question: Am I running from something… or moving toward something? Because at 55+, a reactive exit can impact income, identity, and future options in ways people underestimate. Andrea is the author of Your Next Edit and the creator of The Next Edit Substack, where she focuses on the emotional, psychological and social side of life after success - the part traditional planning rarely addresses.

February 17, 202627 min

Leading by Lifting: The Power of Female Mentorship

What does it take to empower the next generation of women leaders? For this week’s guest on The Trailblazer Chronicles, it begins with one word: mentorship. With five years of passionate work mentoring women, Urmi Hossain has witnessed firsthand how the right guidance at the right moment can change everything. In this uplifting conversation, we explore the role mentorship plays in confidence, clarity and career growth…and why women supporting women is the foundation of leadership that lasts. Whether you’ve been a mentor, are looking for one or want to start giving back in a new way, this episode will leave you feeling inspired and equipped to lead by lifting others. #TrailblazerChronicles #WomenInLeadership #MentorshipMatters #FemaleMentorship #EmpoweredWomenEmpowerWomen #WomenSupportingWomen #LeadWithPurpose Bio Urmi Hossain is a self-published author, speaker, podcast host, and finance professional based in Canada. She holds the CFA and CAIA designations and works in the financial services industry while actively advocating for women’s empowerment, identity, and self-leadership. Her book, Discovering Your Identity: A Rebirth from Interracial Struggle , explores her journey as a third-culture woman navigating belonging, culture, and self-worth. Urmi also hosts Stories Beyond Borders , a podcast amplifying diverse voices on identity, migration, language, and the meaning of home. She serves as Co-Chair of Women in Leadership’s Montreal Chapter and is passionate about public speaking, mentorship, and continuous growth.

January 6, 202633 min

Purpose, Connection and the Heart of a Leader-A Marine’s Journey in Creating Belonging and Meaning

In this moving and deeply human episode of The Trailblazer Chronicles, Judy sits down with M. Alexis Wright, a remarkable leaders whose 23-year military career has been shaped by purpose, presence and the fierce love of mentorship. A self-described “mom to Marines,” she shares how her journey of service transformed from proving herself in a male-dominated world to becoming a source of belonging and purpose for the next generation. Together, they explore the evolution of leadership, the power of showing up authentically, and why connecting others, to themselves, to each other, and to a mission bigger than themselves, is the most courageous act of all. Bio- Margaret Alexis Wright is a native Texan and a highly accomplished leader with a distinguished career of service. A graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy and holding a Master’s degree in International Public Policy from Johns Hopkins University, Alexis served as a Marine Corps Intelligence Officer with deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. Throughout her career, she’s held key roles in national security, including serving as an Aide to the Secretary of the Navy, completing U.S. Army Command and Staff as an Art of War Scholar, and advising international partners. Alexis is adept at strategic analysis, problem-solving, and cross-cultural communication. Today, she serves as the Security Assistance Branch Head at the Marine Corps’ Training and Education Command and as an instructor at the Marine Corps Civil Military Operations School. Alexis resides in Occoquan, Virginia, with her partner, LTC R. Zach Alessi-Friendlander, USA and their beloved dog, Jolene (who, they warn, will steal your man!).

December 10, 202534 min

Steal Back Your Sparkle: From Decision Fatigue to Empowered Ease

What if the secret to success wasn’t doing more…but sparkling more? In this joy-filled episode of The Trailblazer Chronicles , Judy chats with the fabulous Chief Sparkler of The Sparkle Factor®, Suzanne Castle, a woman who’s on a mission to help leaders and entrepreneurs ditch decision fatigue and rediscover their brilliance. With her signature blend of neuroscience, business strategy, and fairy-godmother-level magic, she shares how you can simplify your day, reclaim your time and step into your full shine…without burnout. If you’ve ever felt like your to-do list was running your life, this episode Is your permission slip to pause, realign and sparkle with purpose. It’s fun. It’s freeing. It’s full of gold. Bio -Suzanne is the Chief Sparkle Officer, a modern fairy godmother of business who helps high-achieving women trade grind for glow. As the creator of The Sparkle Factor®, she blends strategy, stagecraft, and neuroscience to transform leaders from competent to captivating. Her clients, CEOs, entrepreneurs, and visionaries, step into expansion with ease, freedom, and magnetic presence. An award-winning speaker, ordained minister, and former professional performer, Suzanne is known for delivering luxe, high-energy experiences on stage and through retreats like VERVE, Dazzle, and the forthcoming Champagne CEO Retreat. She believes life is too short for beige… and her mission is to help women build businesses and lives that truly sparkle.

November 18, 202533 min

Courageous Conversations: The Talk We Avoid But Need The Most!

We all have conversations we avoid…but what if the most uncomfortable one could be the most loving gift we leave behind? In this episode of The Trailblazer Chronicles, Judy sits down with her dear friend Jane Blaufus, who helps people face life’s toughest topics with grace and clarity. Together, they explore why planning for the unexpected isn’t just a financial decision…it’s an act of love. You’ll hear how to begin those courageous conversations that most people avoid and learn how facing reality brings peace, confidence and empowerment. Whether you’ve been putting off writing your own planning or want to support a loved one, this episode offers calm, comfort and concrete steps to begin. Bio - Jane is the author of the third edition of WITH THE [STROKE ] OF A PEN: Claim Your Life . Her book and comprehensive planning binder have become acclaimed as two of the most actionable, personal and financial planning resources available today for families, individuals and business owners alike. She is on a mission to help advisors to get the ‘Courageous Conversations’ started with their clients to become their ‘advisor for life’. An international keynote speaker, Jane has delivered highly rated sessions at four MDRT conferences around the globe along with numerous keynote speeches across North America. She brings to the table 25+ years of insurance expertise as a financial advisor, sales manager and corporate executive. Today she is the Principal of The Blaufus Group Inc., based in Toronto, Canada and consults extensively into the financial services industry. Jane is a frequently sought after guest expert on Television, Radio and Podcasts. Her reputation and expertise make her an influential business coach to many financial services professionals around the world.

November 4, 202533 min

Learning as a Lifeline: How Education Shapes Our Purpose

What happens when education isn’t just what you do…it’s why you do it? In this episode of The Trailblazer Chronicles, we sit down with a lifelong educator, Debbie Saviano whose career has stretched from school principal to personal brand strategist, and now, the creator of powerful, DIY-style learning guides that help people shine online. We explore how education is more than a classroom. It’s a mindset. You’ll hear how her philosophy of “learn as you go” redefines success, empowers others to show up with confidence and curiosity and stays rooted in her mission to help people grow at their own pace. Whether you’re a teacher, leader, entrepreneur or someone simply curious about your own evolution, this conversation is a masterclass in turning knowledge into legacy. #TrailblazerChronicles #WomenWhoLead #PurposeDriven #EducateToEmpower #LifeLongLearning #LearnAsYouGo