Women In Industry Podcast

Hosted by The Communications Group

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Latest episode

Jul 2026

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EN-US

About the show

The Communications Group has been in business for more than 30 years. During that time, we have taken note of the growing number of leadership roles, and the influence women have in the industries we serve and celebrate their efforts and achievements. This series is meant to honor women who have inspired action, achieved success, excelled in their field and encouraged the generations of women to follow in their footsteps. This year, The Communications Group will recognize women in the Agriculture, B2B, and Government sectors who serve in various leadership roles.

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60 recent

September 2, 202610 min

Next Gen Ag: Arkansas FFA State Officers

Agriculture runs deep in Arkansas and so does the next generation leading it. In this episode, we sit down with three of Arkansas's FFA State Officers to hear firsthand how they found FFA, what it took to earn a state office, and what they're learning as they represent thousands of student members across the state. In this episode, we cover: How each officer discovered FFA and what kept them coming back The path to running for state office What it actually means to represent Arkansas FFA How FFA has shaped their views on leadership and their own futures Where they're headed next and how FFA prepared them for it Whether you're an ag educator, a current FFA member, or just curious about who's shaping the future of Arkansas agriculture, this episode is for you. Connect with Arkansas FFA: Website: https://www.arkansasffa.org/ Instagram: @arkansasffa Facebook: Arkansas FFA

July 1, 202624 min

Be Your Own Hero with Sarah Thomas

Sarah Thomas is a force of nature. As Strategic Partnerships and Programs Manager at The Venture Center in Little Rock, she helps entrepreneurs at every stage find their footing — from building a first website to navigating complex government contracts. But that's just one of her many hats. She's also a published author, a yoga instructor, president of Women in Tech Central Arkansas, and a woman living with Multiple Sclerosis who refuses to let any of it slow her down. In this episode, we cover: What The Venture Center is and how it supports entrepreneurs in Arkansas Their 12-week program for veteran-owned businesses, connecting vets with SBA resources, attorneys, marketing pros, and more Arkansas's emerging role as a lithium hub — what's happening in South Arkansas, who's involved (think Standard Lithium, Exxon, Tetra, and others), and what it could mean for jobs, schools, and communities statewide Sarah's book, Chair Yoga for Multiple Sclerosis and Chronic Pain , available now at Barnes & Noble, Amazon , and Walmart How her yoga mindset shows up in her work with entrepreneurs: breathe, get present, focus on what you can do today What it's like being the only woman — and often the only woman of color and person with a disability — in high-level rooms, and how she handles it Her advice for women and girls interested in STEM: always be a student, find mentors, and then turn around and teach Resources mentioned: The Venture Center: venturecenter.co Women in Tech Central Arkansas (sponsored by Google and Walmart) National MS Society Sarah's mantra: Don't waste your breath on negativity. Use it for positivity. Be your own hero.

April 8, 202618 min

From Temp to VP | Becky Liedel - AMFT

Becky Liedel didn't plan on a career in manufacturing. A phone call from a friend led to a temp role — and 25 years later, she's VP of Commercial Planning & Business Development at Associated Metal Forming Technologies (AMFT), helping transform a 168-year-old legacy company into a unified global manufacturing platform. In this episode, Becky gets real about what that transformation has actually looked like: integrating multiple legacy brands and navigating commercial strategy across automotive, aerospace, medical, and defense markets. She also opens up about leading as a woman in one of manufacturing's most male-dominated spaces — the opportunities and the mindset that's carried her throughout her career. Learn more about Becky on our website!

March 11, 202631 min

Balancing Innovation and Risk with Mery Zadeh - Lumenova AI

Artificial intelligence is advancing quickly, but innovation without responsibility can create real risks. In this episode of the Women in Industry Podcast , Mery Zadeh of Lumenova AI joins us to discuss responsible AI and why human oversight remains critical as organizations adopt smarter systems. Learn more about Mery: https://www.comgroup.com/women-in-industry/mery-zadeh Learn more about Lumenova AI: https://www.lumenova.ai/about/

October 1, 202522 min

Balancing Care and Leadership — Montana Chapman, DPT

In this episode, we sit down with Montana Chapman, PT, DPT, Co-owner and COO of Advanced Physical Therapy, for a conversation that blends patient care with leadership. Montana shares her journey from high school athlete recovering from shoulder surgeries to discovering her calling in physical therapy, and how that path eventually led her into business ownership. Balancing her time between treating patients in orthopedic and pelvic health care and leading operations behind the scenes, Montana offers a unique perspective on both clinical practice and business strategy. She opens up about the challenges women face in the industry, the opportunities emerging through technology and advocacy, and why problem-solving with her team is one of the most rewarding parts of her work. Montana also reflects on the mentors and coaches who shaped her outlook, the role of faith and family in her success, and her best advice for aspiring professionals entering the field. She emphasizes the importance of saying yes to opportunities and trusting that growth often comes outside of your comfort zone. Tune in to hear how Montana leads with compassion and purpose, both in the clinic and beyond.

September 3, 202519 min

A Dose of Rita Magic with Rita Price

In this episode, we sit down with Rita Price , Director of Human Resources at Windsor Door, for a conversation that blends leadership, adaptability, and a little humor. Rita shares her unique journey, from dreaming of being an international spy or marine biologist to finding her passion in HR, and the values that continue to shape her leadership style today. With more than a decade at Windsor Door, Rita oversees HR strategy, talent development, and workplace safety. She offers a candid look into the world of manufacturing, the importance of building trust with your team, and why being flexible is just as important as being firm. Rita also opens up about the mentors who influenced her career, her commitment to philanthropy outside of the office, and her best advice for rising professionals. She emphasizes the importance of being adaptable and not taking everything personally. Tune in to hear what it really takes to lead with trust, humor, and heart - Rita Magic.

August 20, 202525 min

She's Back! Dr. Riva Brown's NEW position with the American Red Cross

The American Red Cross Greater Arkansas Chapter has a new leader, and she brings a remarkable record of service and global impact. In this episode, we welcome Dr. Riva Brown, Executive Director of the Greater Arkansas Chapter, to talk about her humanitarian journey and vision for the Red Cross. Dr. Brown first connected with the Red Cross in 2023 when she deployed to Guam to assist with disaster relief following Typhoon Mawar. Her commitment was quickly recognized with the 2024 Outstanding New Board Member Award. Beyond her Red Cross service, she has traveled to Rwanda, Senegal, and Turkey, working on international development projects and was honored as Winrock International’s 2024 Farmer-to-Farmer Volunteer of the Year for her work in Senegal. With a background in journalism, public relations, and academia, Dr. Brown has dedicated her career to advancingglobal learning, strengthening nonprofit collaboration, and championing sustainable development. Locally, she has been recognized with the University of Central Arkansas Public Service Award for Faculty Excellence and the Global Learning Faculty Leader of the Year Award . She shares why the mission of the Red Cross aligns so closely with her personal values and how principles of humanity and selflessness guide her leadership.

August 6, 202527 min

From Stigma to Solutions: Pelvic Health with Sandy and Sarah

In recognition of Pelvic Floor Dysfunction Awareness Month, this episode features two leading experts from Advanced Physical Therapy who are helping educate listeners on a topic that affects millions but is rarely discussed. Sandy, Director of Clinical Education and Pelvic Health Program Director, has been with Advanced Physical Therapy since 2011. She specializes in pelvic health physical therapy, treating men, women, and pediatric patients. She holds the Pelvic Rehabilitation Practitioner Certification (PRPC) and is certified in pessary fitting and management—offering specialized care for a wide range of pelvic floor conditions. Sarah Walker, PhD, PT, DPT, PRPC, CAPP-OB, joined Advanced Physical Therapy in 2015. As Senior Clinical Mentor and Research Facilitator, she plays a key role in both patient care and clinical advancement. She also treats men, women, and pediatrics and holds advanced certifications in pelvic health and pregnancy/postpartum physical therapy. Together, Sandy and Sarah explore the symptoms, causes, and treatment options for pelvic floor dysfunction. They share insights on how physical therapy can be a transformative tool for patients across all stages of life—and why breaking the stigma around pelvic health is more important than ever.

July 2, 202526 min

From Crisis to Clarity: Leadership Lessons With Jessica Hughes Ford

In this episode of the Women in Industry Podcast, Lisa Van Hook and Hannah Phillips welcome Jessica Hughes Ford, APR — Chief Communications Officer at Arkansas Community Foundation — for a powerful conversation about purpose-driven leadership and the real work behind impact. Jessica shares her career journey from Heifer International to leading communications at one of the state’s most influential philanthropic organizations. Along the way, she opens up about navigating crisis communications, earning her Accreditation in Public Relations (APR), and the lessons learned from building a strong internal culture that empowers teams and drives mission-aligned results. With clarity and candor, Jessica offers insight into what it takes to lead in high-stakes situations — and why investing in people is just as important as investing in the mission. Tune in for an inspiring look at how great leadership starts with listening. Learn more about Jessica and her work: https://www.comgroup.com/women-in-industry/jessica-ford

June 18, 202526 min

Anna Phillips: Bridging Worlds and Building Global Leaders

In this episode, guest host Jacquelynn LaBeff and host Hannah Phillips welcome Anna Phillips , Managing Director of the B2R Scholars Program at Bridge2Rwanda , for an insightful conversation about education, opportunity, and leadership. Anna shares how her passion for international development led her from Arkansas to Rwanda, where she’s spent over a decade helping the next generation of African leaders earn global scholarships and pursue world-class educations. With a background in business and a heart for service, Anna offers a compelling look into the power of mentorship, cultural exchange, and long-term impact. Tune in to hear how her journey reflects a deep commitment to global connection—and why building bridges starts with believing in potential. Learn more about Anna and her work: https://www.comgroup.com/women-in-industry/anna-reed-phillips