The Empowering Women Podcast

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110

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Jun 2026

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Interviews with successful career women from a variety of industries. We hope to empower women in their career aspirations, whether that's climbing a corporate ladder or becoming an entrepreneur.

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June 5, 202632 min

Community in the Carolinas with Charli Matthews Carruth

What happens when women find a community that truly sees them?In this special bonus episode of the Empowering Women Podcast, host Shannon Bumgarner sits down with Empowering Women in Industry founder Charli Matthews Carruth to talk about the vision behind the inaugural Carolinas Conference and the power of connection in industry.Together, they explore why community matters, how mentorship and advocacy help women grow, and what makes Empowering Women events feel different from other professional conferences. They also discuss leadership lessons, the importance of investing in yourself, and why the next generation of women in manufacturing, engineering, and skilled trades gives them so much hope.Whether you're attending the Carolinas Conference on July 9th or simply looking for encouragement in your career journey, this conversation is a reminder that you belong, your voice matters, and you don't have to go it alone.Watch this interview on YouTube.💬 Gems from Charli:“We're really just putting up a mirror to show them that they already have it within themselves to accomplish.”“You absolutely belong in the room.”“It's amazing how much you can do when you're not letting the pressures of work, family, or friends direct your steps.”“Allow people to help you. Allow people to use their gifts and support you.”“You're not leaving alone anymore. You have a whole community, a whole network of resources.” EMPOWERING WOMEN IN INDUSTRY LINKSEmpowering Women in Industry Carolinas ConferenceEmpowering Women in Industry MembershipEmpowering Women in Industry MagazineEmpowering Women in Industry WebsiteEmpowering Women in Industry Virtual Events

May 20, 2026Episode 750 min

Hope is a Leadership Skill with Jen Fisher

May is Mental Health Awareness Month - a time to pause and rethink how we care for ourselves and the people around us. Because the truth is, many of us are running fast… and, let’s be honest, running tired.In this episode of the Empowering Women Podcast, Shannon sits down with workplace wellbeing expert, keynote speaker, and author Jen Fisher to explore a powerful idea: hope isn’t just a feeling—it’s a leadership skill.Jen shaped the conversation around wellbeing as the first-ever Chief Wellbeing Officer at Deloitte, helping organizations rethink burnout, human sustainability, and what it truly means to lead people—not just manage performance.But Jen’s work didn’t start in a boardroom. It started with her own experience navigating burnout and discovering that real hope is not passive. It’s intentional. It’s actionable. And it can transform the way we lead, work, and live.Together, Shannon and Jen unpack why hope matters more than ever in today’s world of work, how leaders can cultivate it within their teams, and why the smallest steps forward often create the biggest change.If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, burned out, or unsure how to keep moving forward - this conversation the breath of fresh air you’ve been looking for.And maybe a reminder that hope isn’t naïve. It’s strategic.Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Kuz0wuf9NKY💬 Gems from Jen:“I want you to behave and lead in a way that inspires hope.”“Do you want to be the leader of a hopeful organization or a hopeless organization?”“Hope requires three things. It requires a goal, clarity around that goal, pathways to reach it, and the agency to actually impact change.”“Real hope requires action.”“Eleven years ago we weren't having these conversations in the workplace—we weren’t talking about well-being, and we certainly weren’t talking about burnout.”“If one pathway is blocked, you can switch and say: that didn’t work, what did I learn? I’m going to move to the next pathway.”🔗 Episode Resources & Links:🌐 Connect with Jen FisherWebsite LinkedIn Instagram 💼 Media to ExploreTEDx Talk: The Future of WorkThe WorkWell Podcast 📚 Books & Research MentionedHope Is the Strategy — Jen Fisher Hope Theory Research — C.R. Snyder EMPOWERING WOMEN IN INDUSTRY LINKSEmpowering Women in Industry MembershipEmpowering Women in Industry MagazineEmpowering Women in Industry WebsiteEmpowering Women in Industry Carolinas ConferenceEmpowering Women in Industry Virtual Events

May 6, 2026Episode 633 min

Built by Women with Rebecca Heustess

May 6 is National Skilled Trades Day — a day dedicated to celebrating the makers, builders, and problem-solvers who quite literally shape the world around us.In this episode of the Empowering Women Podcast, Shannon sits down with Rebecca Heustess, certified tile installer, lead tile setter at Grazzini Brothers & Company, and the 2025 Empowering Women in Industry Tradeswoman of the Year.Rebecca’s journey into the trades didn’t begin with a master plan. It began with curiosity, grit, and a willingness to try something new. Over the years, she has worked her way from helper to lead tile setter, mentoring others along the way and becoming a powerful advocate for women entering the skilled trades.Together, Shannon and Rebecca talk about the art and science behind tile setting, the confidence that comes with mastering a craft, and why community organizations like NAWIC and Empowering Women in Industry can transform careers.Rebecca also shares a powerful story about allyship on the job site, the myths she’d love to bust about women in construction, and why she believes the skilled trades are one of the most rewarding career paths out there.If you’ve ever wondered what it looks like to build a career — and a community — with your own two hands, this conversation is for you.Watch the interview on YouTube: https://youtu.be/njTPlehwWRY💬 Gems from Rebecca:“Grout is her glitter”“There’s something about tile that when it just gets in your blood, it’s in your blood. Tile people stay in it for the longevity.” “Once I gained the confidence in myself is really when I knew this is where I was meant to be.” “When I joined NAWIC, it gave me a newfound appreciation for what I actually do and the impact that I can make in this industry, being a woman in construction.” “It’s not a puzzle. It’s a puzzle that we have to build, cut, and then put back together.” “Just because I have pretty nails doesn’t mean I don’t get them dirty.” “If we weren’t built to do everything a man can do, we’re built to do what a man can’t do.”🔗 Episode Resources & Links:👷Organizations MentionedNational Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) National Tile Contractors Association (NTCA) 📚 ArticlesNAWIC ArticleTile Letter Article 💼 Connect with Rebecca on social mediaFacebookInstagramLinkedIn EMPOWERING WOMEN IN INDUSTRY LINKSEmpowering Women in Industry MembershipEmpowering Women in Industry MagazineEmpowering Women in Industry WebsiteEmpowering Women in Industry Carolinas ConferenceEmpowering Women in Industry Virtual Events

April 15, 2026Episode 547 min

Inchstones over Milestones with Sarah Kernion

April is Neurodiversity Month - a time to expand how we think about communication, intelligence, progress, and belonging. In this episode of the Empowering Women Podcast, Shannon sits down with writer, keynote speaker, and neurodiversity advocate Sarah Kernion, the voice behind Inchstones™, a movement redefining how we measure progress for children with profound autism and for the caregivers who support them. Sarah shares the deeply personal journey that led her to become an advocate for neurodivergent families after two of her children were diagnosed with profound, non-speaking autism. Through storytelling, lived experience, and strategic insight, she challenges traditional narratives about milestones, success, and strength. Together, Shannon and Sarah explore the idea that progress doesn’t always come in leaps. It often comes inch by inch. They also discuss how lessons from neurodiversity can reshape leadership, systems thinking, and the way organizations approach inclusion. From redefining motherhood to celebrating small wins, this conversation is a powerful reminder that difference is not a deficit - it’s an adaptive advantage. If you’re ready to rethink progress, leadership, and what it truly means to support one another, this episode is for you. 💬 Gems from Sarah: “Difference isn't a deficit, it's actually an adaptive advantage. Our systems work better when they work for everyone.” “The hardships of life don't happen to you; they happen for you.” “I have to focus on their inchstones of development. If I don't, I will constantly be lagging behind what everyone else is expecting of them.” “Strength is never the goal. Support, in any evolution, that's the goal.” “Stories don't replace data or KPIs… but what they do is they give data a pulse.” “You are allowed to be. There's no fill-in. You are allowed to be.” “If you can, inchstone by inchstone, challenge all assumptions about what you are or are to be… it will change your life in more ways than you can imagine.” Watch the Interview on YouTube: https://youtu.be/n5wJ1g8vuP8🔗 Episode Resources & Links: 🌐Links, Newsletters, and Resources Saturday Story Website Inchstones Substack Inchstones Podcast 📚 Books, Articles, and ConceptsThe Artist’s Way OODA Loop (Observe–Orient–Decide–Act decision framework) 💼 Connect with Sarah on social media LinkedIn Instagram Facebook EMPOWERING WOMEN IN INDUSTRY LINKS Empowering Women in Industry Membership Empowering Women in Industry Magazine Empowering Women in Industry Website Empowering Women in Industry Virtual Events

March 25, 2026Episode 444 min

Women Redefining Opportunity with Katie Fortunato

March is Women’s History Month. This month and this year’s International Women’s Day theme, Give to Gain, invites us to rethink what it means to open doors. In this episode of the Empowering Women Podcast, Shannon is joined by Katie Fortunato, co-founder and EVP of Hire Innovations, who is working to fix what’s broken in today’s hiring systems. She is challenging ghosting, phantom job posts, and processes that forget there’s a human on the other side of the screen. Together, they explore how giving transparency, dignity, and access in hiring doesn’t weaken organizations—it strengthens them. From redefining rejection to meeting the next generation where they are, Katie shares how human-centered AI and intentional visibility can help create more equitable pathways to opportunity—especially for women navigating bias, career breaks, and evolving expectations in the workforce. This conversation is a powerful reminder that every opportunity we’ve received likely came from someone who chose to give and that we now have the chance to do the same. If you’re ready to rethink hiring, leadership, and what it means to lift as you climb, this episode is for you. Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=49-e1XEVnuo💬 Gems from Katie Fortunato: “Give to gain isn't just a theme, it's also a way of living.” “Let's build a relationship on your career success, and I want to make that happen.” “Giving the visibility and access doesn't diminish the power but multiplies it.” “Legacy lesson here is every door that I can look at in my past that someone’s opened for me is someone who didn’t have to do it. “ “Visibility is free to give; you just have to be intentional about it.” “Automate yourself before someone automates you.” 🔗 Episode Resources & Links: 💥Ways for YOU to get involved with the new way of hiring · Become a career creator by posting jobs to your community — and earn up to $25/application · Jobstream career influencer who is drawn to the mission and cares about helping people find work. Your sign-up link for the creator types: https://app.getjobstream.com/creator-quick-signup Code: Mpower 🌐Links, Newsletters, and Resources Hire Innovations Jobstream Recruitics Talivity The Onward & Upward Charitable Foundation 💼 Connect with Kate Fortunato and Hire Innovations on social media LinkedIn Talivity Recruitics EMPOWERING WOMEN IN INDUSTRY LINKS Empowering Women in Industry Membership Empowering Women in Industry Magazine Empowering Women in Industry Website Empowering Women in Industry Virtual Events

March 6, 2026Episode 339 min

Give Boldly to Gain Together with Emily Lampkin

March brings us International Women’s Day—and with it, this year’s powerful theme: Give to Gain. In this special episode of the Empowering Women Podcast, Shannon is joined by Emily Lampkin, a trusted advisor to women leaders and Founder of the Women Leaders Series, whose new book Duct Tape and White Lies delivers the honest, practical leadership advice women have been craving. Together, they explore what it really means to lead with confidence, ask for what you want, stop apologizing, set healthy boundaries, and build meaningful relationships—without burning out or shrinking yourself. Emily shares behind-the-scenes stories from her decades of work in politics, public service, and coaching women across industries, along with simple, actionable tools you can start using today. From networking with intention, to overcoming “dream slashing,” to learning when—and how—to say no, this conversation is a masterclass in giving boldly so we can grow stronger—together. If you’re ready to stop waiting, start trusting yourself, and step fully into the leader you already are, this episode is for you. 💬 Gems from Emily Lampkin: “It is okay for us to want things for ourselves. It does not make us selfish.” “If we want to be women succeeding in life, we have to start asking for what we want.” “Every time we [over] apologize, we lose a little bit of power. It needs to stop and it’s easy to do.” “Decided, in your mind, that you belong in whatever space you’re in.” “Take risks. Women who are thriving in their lives and living without regret, take risks.” “Nobody dictates my character but me.” “We have got to go now. This waiting for things to happen, it leads to women living a life of regret.” WATCH ON YOUTUBE🔗 Episode Resources & Links: 📘 Duct Tape and White Lies by Emily Lampkin 🌐 Emily Lampkin Website 💼 Connect with Emily Lampkin on social media LinkedIn Facebook EMPOWERING WOMEN IN INDUSTRY LINKS Empowering Women in Industry Membership Empowering Women in Industry Magazine Empowering Women in Industry Website Empowering Women in Industry Virtual Events

February 18, 2026Episode 247 min

The Heart of STEM with Dr. Natoshia Anderson

February is a month that calls us to lead with heart and purpose—and this conversation delivers both. In this episode of the Empowering Women Podcast, Shannon is joined by Dr. Natoshia Anderson, engineer turned educator, CEO and Founder of The Anderson Strategy Group, and host of the STEMming in Stilettos™ podcast. Together, they explore what it really takes to build STEM programs that last—programs rooted in community, equity, and intentional leadership. Dr. Anderson shares her journey from being “the only” in many rooms to designing culturally responsive STEM initiatives that engage not just students, but families, educators, and entire communities. From busting the myth that “exposure is enough,” to redefining what it means to scale with integrity, this episode is a powerful reminder that STEM isn’t just about technology—it’s about people. ✨ If you care about education, leadership, equity, or building programs with purpose and heart, this conversation will stay with you long after it ends. 💬 Gems from Dr. Natoshia Anderson: “You’re in the room because you deserve to be in the room.” “Failure is first attempt in learning.” “What lights me up is the opportunity STEM programs afford to kids who otherwise might not get it.” “The myth that I wish we would go away from is that exposure is enough. We’ve been exposing for like 20 years. We gotta get past exposure.” “STEM is simple… you don’t have to have coding and robots and all that other stuff to do STEM.” “When you’re walking in your purpose, it’s not always easy… but it is meaningful and impactful.” Watch on YouTube🔗 Episode Resources & Links: 🌐 STEMming in Stilettos™ Podcast 💼 Connect with Dr. Natoshia Anderson on social media LinkedIn Instagram TikTok WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/OjEkckeVOkAEMPOWERING WOMEN IN INDUSTRY LINKS Empowering Women in Industry Membership Empowering Women in Industry Magazine Empowering Women in Industry Website Empowering Women in Industry Virtual Events

January 14, 2026Episode 152 min

Mentoring that Matters with Kathryn Spitznagle

January is National Mentoring Month, and we’re kicking off Season 8 of the Empowering Women Podcast with a powerful conversation on what mentoring really means today. Shannon is joined by Kathryn Spitznagle, author of Rock Star Millennials, leadership coach, speaker, and founder of Mentoring Women Millennials. Kathryn shares her journey from a “self-proclaimed lousy leader with a quick temper and a sharp tongue” to becoming a passionate mentor who believes developing people for life is the true work of leadership. Together, they explore 360 mentoring, debunk myths about millennials, and unpack why connection, purpose, and freedom matter more than ever. Kathryn also shares why “at best, mentors are mirrors”—and how great mentors help others see what’s already inside them. ✨ Whether you’re a mentor, a mentee, or a leader navigating a multigenerational workplace, this episode will leave you inspired to invest in people and lead with intention. Watch on YouTube💬 Gems from Kathryn Spitnagle: “Never confuse what we make with why we’re here… why we’re here is to develop people for life.” “They (Millennials) are driven by purpose. They want to connect. They want you to know them. They want to know you.” “At best, mentors are mirrors. We don’t create what isn’t already there.” “Don’t judge. Find out. Go deeper.” 🔗 Episode Resources & Links: 📘 Rock Star Millennials: Developing the Next Generation of Leaders 🌐 Mentoring Women Millennials 💼 Connect with Kathryn on social media: LinkedIn Facebook Instagram 💼 Connect with Mentoring and Rockstar Millennials on social media: Facebook Instagram EMPOWERING WOMEN IN INDUSTRY LINKS Empowering Women in Industry Membership Empowering Women in Industry Magazine Empowering Women in Industry Website Empowering Women in Industry Virtual Events

December 11, 2025Episode 1653 min

The Gift of Mirrors with Dr. Sheila Gujrathi

It’s the season of giving—and today, we’re unwrapping one of the most transformative gifts of all: the gift of mirrors. In this episode, Shannon sits down with Dr. Sheila Gujrathi, biotech entrepreneur, physician, and trailblazer whose career has taken her from Harvard to the helm of Gossamer Bio—and into the heart of human-centric leadership. You may know her from her TED Talk, “Shattering the Glass Ceiling by Finding the Right Mirrors,” and her book, The Mirror Effect, which helps leaders everywhere see themselves—and each other—more clearly. Together, Shannon and Sheila explore how to shatter the glass ceilings not only above us, but within us. They discuss how fear, insecurity, doubt, and shame—the “FIDS,” as Sheila calls them—can quietly hold us back, and how surrounding ourselves with mirrors who see our brilliance can change everything. From learning to “have your own back,” to creating your personal board of directors, this episode is a reminder that confidence begins when we start believing the reflections that lift us higher. ✨ This December, give yourself the gift of belonging—and pass it on. 💖 Host Note from Shannon: As I wrapped this conversation, one moment stood out—when Sheila said that our deepest fear isn’t inadequacy, but our own light. That line still gives me chills. This episode reminded me that being human-fueled isn’t about perfection; it’s about presence. It’s about seeing the fire in others and fanning it with encouragement. So as you gather around your own tables this holiday season, may you remember: we all belong. And sometimes, the best gift we can give is simply to hold up a mirror and say, “I see you.” 💬 Gems from Dr. Sheila Gujrathi: “Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us.” “I realized the glass ceiling I had heard about since I was a little girl wasn’t just above me—it was inside of me.” “We all have FIDS: fear, insecurity, doubt, and shame. Just naming them is freeing—because once you see them, they no longer have to rule you.” “Having your own back is precious—because once you find it, no one can take that away from you.” “Leadership is independent of position or title. We’re all leaders in our own lives, and we can all be mirrors for someone else.” “If I could bottle up that feeling of belonging, I would take it every day—and give it to everyone I know.” 🔗 Episode Resources & Links: 🌐 Dr. Sheila Gujrathi Website 📘 The Mirror Effect: A Transformative Approach to Growth for the Next Generation of Female Leaders – https://sheilagujrathimd.com/book/ 🎥 TED Talk: “Shattering the Glass Ceiling by Finding the Right Mirrors” 💼 Connect with Dr. Sheila Gujrathi on LinkedIn 💼 Follow Dr. Sheila Gujrathi on Instagram EMPOWERING WOMEN IN INDUSTRY LINKS Empowering Women in Industry Membership Empowering Women in Industry Magazine Empowering Women in Industry Website Empowering Women in Industry Virtual Events

November 11, 2025Episode 1559 min

Vanguard Rising with Kathy Gallowitz

This Veterans Day, we’re honoring those who’ve served—and continuing the conversation on what service looks like after the uniform comes off. Shannon is joined by Lt. Col. (Ret.) Kathy Lowrey Gallowitz, Founder and CEO of Vanguard Veteran, an organization dedicated to equipping civilians to become Veteran Champions. Kathy’s mission is clear: bridge the gap between military and civilian life and empower veterans to thrive in the workplace, community, and beyond. From leading teams in uniform to leading a movement of understanding, Kathy shares her insight on building “vanguard” communities—those at the front of meaningful change. You’ll hear leadership lessons born from service, the truth behind common misconceptions, and how we can all be part of reshaping what veteran employment looks like today. 🔥 Whether you’re a veteran, a leader, or simply someone who believes in the power of purpose—this episode will remind you that service never ends. It just evolves. 💖 Host Note from Shannon: As I wrapped this conversation with Kathy, one thing stuck with me—leadership, at its core, is about service. Whether that’s to our teams, our communities, or our country, the call to lead is also the call to lift others. Kathy reminded me that being “human-fueled” means seeing the person behind the title and the story behind the salute. This Veterans Day, I hope you’ll take a moment to do just that—to connect, to listen, and to thank those who serve not just with words, but with opportunity and understanding. Because together, we are the vanguard of change. Watch On YouTube: https://youtu.be/85h1sIh5uM8💬 Quotes from Kathy in this episode: “Do it afraid.” “Listen to that small, still voice inside of you that says, ‘This is important. I need to do this.’ Step into your voice.” “We need to go beyond thank you for our service and be purposeful, intentional, with substantive actions.” “Lead with your heart. Go outside your comfort zone. Be willing to say, ‘I don’t understand, but I’d like to learn more.’ ‘The great news is that veteran unemployment is consistently lower than non-veteran employment... but about one-third of veterans in your company are underemployed.” “I believe that when veterans thrive, America prospers.” 🔗 Episode Resources & Links: 🌐 Vanguard Veteran Website 💼 Connect with Kathy Gallowitz on LinkedIn 💼 Follow Vanguard Veteran on LinkedIn 📘 Beyond “Thank You for Your Service” by Kathy Lowrey Gallowitz 📈 U.S. Department of Labor Veteran Employment Data EMPOWERING WOMEN IN INDUSTRY LINKS Empowering Women in Industry Membership Empowering Women in Industry Magazine Empowering Women in Industry Website Empowering Women in Industry Virtual Events