Business Impact Lab (BIL) Podcast

In this episode, we’re diving into a conversation at the intersection of reputation, diversity, and leadership—and how the way we show up, speak up, and sponsor others can change the trajectory of a career.

My guest is Charlotte Otter—author, speaker, and advisor—whose work focuses on helping leaders build credibility, amplify their influence, and foster environments where more voices are heard and valued.

Charlotte and I get into the real, practical behaviors that shape workplace impact: how leaders can advocate more effectively, how to make space for quieter voices, and why intentional visibility matters—especially for women and underrepresented leaders.

It’s a thoughtful, energizing conversation filled with concrete strategies you can take back to your team tomorrow.

Charlotte Otter Bio

Charlotte Otter is an author, speaker, podcast host and advisor. Having worked in large companies, including leading global communications teams, she now advises a wide range of clients on reputation, change communications and building effective communications teams.

With global experience in companies such as SAP and Anglo American, and clients ranging from BASF and Siemens to smaller start-ups, Charlotte is acutely sensitive to the needs of global audiences and crafting stories and messaging that lands.

"In a world of wall-to-wall digital noise, it is stories and our humanity that break through."

www.charlotteotter.com

http://www.instagram.com/charlotter1968

https://bsky.app/profile/charlotteotter.bsky.social

https://linkedin.com/in/charlotteeliseotter

“Leadership isn’t just what we do — it’s the energy we bring.”

Lori Rogers' bio: 

Lori Rogers is the co-founder of Positive Activity and owner of Rogers Marketing, where she helps individuals and organizations create more intentional, energized, and compassionate lives — at work and at home.

With over 30 years of experience in sales, leadership, and brand development, Lori combines practical tools with mindset work, spiritual insight, and personal storytelling. Her journey as the mother of a nonspeaking autistic son has shaped her deeply held belief in presence, purpose, and the power of compassion — not just in parenting, but in every relationship and room we enter.

Lori speaks and teaches on topics like energy, clarity, self-trust, and how to reset when life feels out of sync — offering grounded, heart-forward wisdom that’s immediately actionable.

Social Media:

Positive Activity: https://www.positiveactivity.net

Instagram 1: https://www.instagram.com/loriarogerspositiveactivity/ 

Instagram 2: https://www.instagram.com/positiveactivitytm/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100070371891843

LinkedIn 1: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lori-rogers-ma-7a285b5/ 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6C_rB34QvfPpZkB67fzkqQ

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@positiveactivity  

Sometimes the most powerful leadership lessons don’t come from a classroom or a boardroom — they come from finding your voice.

Today, we’re talking about podcasting not just as a tool for marketing or visibility, but as a way to lead, build confidence, and connect on a whole new level.

My guest today has so much wisdom to share about that — from leading a remote team and building a thriving culture, to saying “yes” to growth and leaning into the unexpected. We’ll also get into how to right wrongs in business and what it really takes to carve your own path when it would be easier to follow someone else’s.

So, if you’ve ever wondered how using your voice — literally — can make you a stronger, more intentional leader, this conversation is for you.

Ginni Saraswati-Cook's bio below: 

Ginni Saraswati

CEO & Founder, Ginni Media | Award-Winning Journalist & Podcaster | Entrepreneur & Business Leader

Ginni Saraswati is the founder of Ginni Media, a podcast production house that creates award-winning content for Fortune 500 companies like Siemens, New York Times Best-Selling authors like Gary Zukav (who’s been on The Oprah Show 36 times), and thousands of creators. She also co-owns Metro Podcast Studio in NYC, a professional recording space for podcasters of all levels, right in the heart of Manhattan. A recognized leader in media and entrepreneurship, Ginni has been named a 2023 OUTstanding LGBT Executive Role Model, a 2017 LGBTI Awards Broadcaster & Presenter of the Year Nominee, and an Australian Podcast Awards Finalist, with features in Forbes, Fast Company, Entrepreneur, and Business Insider.

As the host of The Ginni Show, a multi-award-nominated podcast with over 500K downloads, she interviews industry leaders, creatives, and innovators—diving into mindset hacks, success strategies, and personal growth with a dash of humor. Past guests include Olympian Erin Mielzynski, Paula Abdul, Ruby Rose, and Cynthia Rowley. She also hosts Hearin’ New York, a chart-topping show about all things NYC.

Born in Sri Lanka and raised in Australia, Ginni built a global business from the ground up, leading a team across 14 time zones. She’s a sought-after speaker, expert storyteller, and business strategist helping entrepreneurs turn ideas into impact. Here is her instagram (40K) and her LinkedIn.

Ginni Saraswati is a podcast producer, entrepreneur, and leadership expert known for building teams and brands that thrive in today’s media landscape. As founder of award-winning media agency Ginni Media, she has scaled the company into a global production powerhouse serving Fortune 500 companies, best-selling authors, and top creators alike.

Her leadership has been recognized on the OUTstanding LGBT+ Executive Role Model List and by the Australian Podcast Awards, with features in Forbes, Fast Company, and Entrepreneur. She is also the host of The Ginni Show, a top-ranked podcast where she leads conversations with cultural icons and industry leaders, including Paula Abdul, Sarah Shahi, Cynthia Rowley, and Gary Zukav.

Born in Sri Lanka and raised in Australia, Ginni is now based in New York City, where she built her business from the ground up and leads a remote team across 14 time zones. A sought-after speaker and strategist, she is recognized for blending creativity and business acumen to help executives and entrepreneurs turn ideas into award-winning content.

What if unlocking creativity was the key to solving your toughest challenges? In this episode of the Business Impact Lab, Angela Jackson sits down with Melissa Dinwiddie—Juilliard-trained dancer, professional artist, jazz singer-songwriter, improviser, and author of The Creative Sandbox Way.

Melissa has worked with companies like Google, Meta, and Salesforce to show leaders and teams how play, experimentation, and even imperfection can spark innovation. From her journey as an artist to her mission of helping people bring bold ideas to life, Melissa shares powerful insights on how creativity can transform the way we lead, collaborate, and thrive in uncertainty.

Tune in to discover how you can embrace your own creative sandbox—and start turning the impossible into possible.

Melissa's bio: 

Melissa Dinwiddie is on a mission to help leaders and teams turn the "impossible" into reality by uncovering their creative potential. A Juilliard-trained dancer, professional artist for 15 years, jazz singer-songwriter, and performing improviser, Melissa brings a wealth of creative experiences to her work with companies like Google, Meta, and Salesforce. As the author of The Creative Sandbox Way™, she’s passionate about showing people how to embrace play, imperfection, and experimentation as tools for innovation. Known for her engaging, interactive keynotes and workshops, Melissa empowers individuals and teams to unlock creativity, strengthen collaboration, and thrive in the face of uncertainty. When not leading transformations, she’s making art or attempting ukulele-and-bass duets with herself.

What does it take to deliver $350 million in aid—securely, quickly, and with dignity—to people who need it most?

In this episode, I’m joined by Brittany Christenson, CEO of AidKit, whose platform has processed over 500,000 applications and is redefining how public benefits are delivered.

We talk about why dignity must be at the heart of aid delivery, and Brittany’s incredible journey from mathematics and organic farming to leading one of Fast Company’s “World Changing Ideas.”

See her bio below: 

Brittany Christenson is the CEO of AidKit, a Public Benefits Corporation that helps government agencies and nonprofits administer aid programs efficiently and transparently. As CEO, she sets the company’s strategic direction, drives technology innovation and cultivates partnerships to transform aid delivery into an empowering act of community care.

Appointed CEO in 2023, Brittany previously served as AidKit’s director of partnerships and program development, where she played a key role in expanding the company’s impact through collaborations with governments and nonprofits nationwide. Recognized for her strategic vision and commitment to a people-centered approach, she has created a high-trust, data-driven culture that strengthens AidKit’s ability to provide critical relief in response to public health emergencies, natural disasters and financial hardships.

Since its founding in 2021, AidKit has helped over 200 agencies and nonprofits process over 500,000 applications and distribute more than $350 million in disaster relief, public benefits and cash assistance to more than 90,000 recipients.

Prior to joining AidKit, Brittany served as the executive director of AdkAction, a regional nonprofit focused on food security and community development. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she played a key role in launching one of the first pilots for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program’s (SNAP) online payments, expanding access to essential resources for low-income families. This experience sparked her passion for leveraging technology to drive systemic change.

Earlier in her career, Brittany managed a 90-acre organic vegetable farm, overseeing logistics and operations while deepening her commitment to food justice. Her journey into social impact began after pursuing graduate studies in epigenetics at McGill University. She also holds a degree in applied mathematics from Carroll College in Helena, Mont., where she developed a strong foundation in problem-solving and data analysis.

She currently serves as chair of the advisory board for the Cloudsplitter Foundation in New York, reinforcing her dedication to community-driven solutions.

“In this episode, Dr. Angela Jackson discusses why resilience might just be the new ROI with executive coach and author Beth Benatti Kennedy. Beth is the creator of the Benatti Resiliency Model®, a framework that has helped thousands of leaders recharge their careers, beat burnout, and thrive through change.

We’ll dive into powerful ideas like why burnout isn’t just exhaustion but identity erosion, how connection is both the antidote and the strategy, and why innovation isn’t optional—it’s the way forward. If you’re ready to recharge your career and lead with impact, this conversation is for you.”

*See her bio below: 

Beth Benatti Kennedy brings more than twenty-five years of experience to her work as a leadership and executive coach, resiliency-training expert, and speaker. Her Benatti Resiliency Model® has helped thousands of people develop the resilience to adapt to changing career circumstances, take responsibility for their career and personal growth, and remain productive, engaged, and committed to their organization’s success.

Beth has a diverse client portfolio including individuals, small businesses, and major corporations such as Takeda Pharmaceuticals USA, The Gillette Company, Nautilus Biotechnology, and Amtrak. She guides leaders in developing resilience habits that support peak performance, maximize their professional and personal impact, and positively influence the people they work with while building their leadership brand.

Her training programs equip employees with tools to stay resilient, navigate organizational change, manage transitions, and continue to be productive and engaged. Clients consistently credit her dynamic training design and facilitation for measurable results and successes.

As a speaker at conferences, seminars, and symposiums, Beth has presented the Benatti Resiliency Model® around the world, including at TEDxNortheasternU. Her interactive style and infectious enthusiasm engage audiences and inspire them to take action to recharge their careers. Because of her expertise in resilience and burnout, she has been quoted in numerous articles, interviewed on podcasts, and contributed to a variety of publications.

Beth is the author of Career ReCharge: Five Strategies to Boost Resilience and Beat Burnout, continuing her mission to help individuals re-energize their careers and lives. She is also the co-author of the best-selling ReThink Resilience: 99 Ways to ReCharge Your Career and Life, with Karthik Venkatakrishnan, PhD, FCP, and Songmao (Ben) Zheng, PhD.

Beth is designated as a qualified board candidate by Corporate Directors International and serves as a board member of PathWise, a multi-faceted career management company. She is a certified Executive and Leadership Development Coach, a 360Reach Analyst, and certified in the Leadership Circle Profile. She is also qualified to administer the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator® instrument, TypeCoach resources, and the Thomas-Kilmann Conflict Mode Instrument.

Beth holds a BS from Bethany College, an MS in Human Resource Counseling from Northeastern University, and a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies in Marriage & Family Therapy from the University of Massachusetts Boston.

On this episode, expert Christine Wzorek joins us for an in-depth conversation about amplifying impact in business leadership, advancing equity on governing boards, and empowering women and diverse professionals in the workplace. See her bio below. 

Christine Wzorek, awarded the prestigious 40 Over 40 designation in 2024 and named a Human Capital industry 'Disruptor' in 2019 by Utah Magazine, has redefined how Human Capital functions in modern business. Through her firm, White Label Advisors, which she founded in 2019, Christine helps companies design and implement human-centric people strategies that accelerate growth and increase valuation multiples.

Christine has successfully guided CEOs and executives through her methodology to optimize relationships, enhance cultural cohesion, and achieve critical financial milestones. Her unique approach integrates Human Capital systems with organizational goals, improving engagement, efficiency, and productivity. By aligning the employee experience with financial outcomes, her work delivers higher profits, sustainable growth, and expanded market share.

Beyond her industry impact, Christine is recognized for her commitment to female workforce development. As Chair of ACG Utah’s Women’s Professional Network, she is elevating transactions, deal-making, and investment opportunities for women in business throughout Utah. A former Women Business Highlight in Utah Valley Magazine, Christine has dedicated her career to inspiring and supporting the next generation of women leaders. Her personal experiences as a single mother fuel her mission to break down social and economic barriers, empowering women to achieve independence, drive revenue, and influence decision-making at the highest levels.

Christine’s coaching, training, and professional network encompass three key areas:

Christine holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Utah Valley University and earned her SPHR designation from the Society of Human Resource Management in Alexandria, VA. She serves on the Board of Directors for the Humane Society of Utah and is a former Forbes Human Resource Council member and contributor.

Christine lives in South Jordan, Utah, with her son and their adventurous 4 lb. MaltiPoo. She enjoys cycling, paddle boarding, hot yoga, skating, and alpine skiing in nearby Park City.

In this episode of the Business Impact Lab Podcast, host Angela Jackson sits down with Holly Oldham — a freelance writer, author, environmentalist, and proud LGBTQ+ entrepreneur from Hobe Sound, Florida. Holly shares her remarkable journey from selling Blow Pops in middle school to building PRMF Luxury Cleaning, a six-figure, eco-conscious business run entirely part-time.

Through candid storytelling, Holly opens up about overcoming a toxic marriage, navigating financial setbacks, and reinventing herself as a solopreneur with a signature service and a powerful mantra: Pause, Reflect, Move Forward. Tune in to hear how Holly built trust with clients, raised her rates with confidence, and turned personal adversity into entrepreneurial impact.

In this episode of the Impact Business Lab Podcast, Dr. Angela Jackson sits down with Dr. Lahana Vigliano, CEO and founder of Nuvitru Wellness, to explore how functional health can transform the way we can lead and thrive in business. From stress-induced health crashes to harnessing your energy, Dr. Vigliano shares science-backed strategies that help professionals protect their energy, prevent burnout, and redefine self-care. We dive into the connection between personal wellness and organizational success, and how leaders can foster environments that support holistic growth. Whether you're an entrepreneur, executive, or emerging leader, this conversation will inspire you to view health as your greatest asset in creating lasting impact.

Dr. Lahana Vigliano is the CEO and founder of Nuvitru, a leading concierge functional wellness practice. As a doctor of clinical nutrition, Dr. Vigliano specializes in women’s health, gut function, and metabolic optimization. At Nuvitru, she combines functional medicine lab testing with personalized care to uncover each patient’s unique health profile, aiming to enhance both well-bringing and longevity. Through a holistic, science-driven approach, Dr. Vigliano empowers her clients to achieve optimal health and balance.

In this podcast episode, Dr. Angela Schill and Dr. Jonathan H. Westover talk with Twanda Young about encouraging women to invest in themselves to strengthen their leadership acumen.

Retired Brigadier General Twanda Young is a widely recognized leader, coach, author, and speaker. A decorated veteran with over three decades of service focused in human resources. Twanda aims to empower others through leadership development, conflict management, and career coaching. As a sought-after speaker, she inspires audiences at prestigious institutions and leadership conferences, including the Leadership Experience Tour. She founded LT3 Leads to guide inspiring leaders. A graduate-level professor, her dedication extends to education with a focus on leadership excellence. Her extensive list of military honors highlights the Distinguished Service Medal. Outside of her military and professional achievements, Twanda’s impact has been recognized through the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award and the incorporation of her autobiography into the Library of Congress collection, cementing her legacy as a trailblazer in leadership and empowerment.