Ever been in a room where everyone's thinking the same thing, but no one's brave enough to say it out loud?

If you've found yourself staying quiet when you knew something needed to be said, or wondered how to speak up without creating drama or being labeled as "difficult," this episode will give you the roadmap for finding your voice.

In this episode of Being Relatable, host Erica Castner chats with Lennise Germany, CEO and founder of Livy O's Catering, who has mastered the art of speaking truth with authority while maintaining respect and relationships.

MEET OUR GUEST:

• Lennise Germany - CEO & Founder, Livy O's Catering (11+ years), Author of upcoming memoir cookbook "(Eat)Motional Intelligence," and founder of Culture Kitchen restaurant opening fall 2026

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE:

• Why leadership means protecting authenticity and calling out toxic behavior
• When being the "outsider" permits you to say what insiders can't
• How to approach difficult conversations from a place of care, not judgment
• The value of surrounding yourself with people who challenge your comfort zone

KEY TIMESTAMPS:

• 10:11 - Lennise shares how she confronted isolation tactics in her women's organization
• 19:27 - The Puerto Rico girls' trip moment that made everyone stop and stare
• 23:34 - How she learned to give difficult feedback to her former supervisor
• 28:22 - Her approach to delivering hard truths to team members and family
• 35:30 - Learning from friends who speak with authority in male-dominated spaces
• 42:07 - The importance of reciprocity in professional and personal relationships
• 47:34 - HYPE SESSION: Celebrating Ryan Halo's consistent excellence and ambition

QUOTABLE MOMENTS:

"If I come to you calm, I expect, and 9 chances out of 10, it's going to be reciprocated. But if I come in rage or anger, that's also what you're gonna get in return."

"Leaders train leaders. And for me to develop a good or a great leader, I must give them the hard truth."

"Every healthy relationship requires reciprocity. You cannot be in a healthy relationship with anyone without giving and receiving."

ACTION STEPS TO TAKE AFTER LISTENING:

This Week:

• Identify one situation where you've been staying silent when something needs to be said
• Practice reciprocity in your professional relationships, giving and receiving equally

WOMAN WE'RE HYPING UP:

Ryann Halo - Owner of Halo Salons and Halo Consulting, recently launched a jewelry line, is a serial entrepreneur in the Tampa Bay area, known for treating everyone with consistency and having a philanthropic heart.

CONNECT WITH LENNISE Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn RATE + REVIEW

If this episode gave you the courage to speak up when it matters most, leave a review wherever you listen to Being Relatable. Your review helps other women find their voice in difficult situations.

STAY CONNECTED

Follow host Erica Castner on LinkedIn for behind-the-scenes content and more conversations about building authentic relationships in work, life, and leadership.

Ready to stop staying silent when your voice is needed most? Remember: sometimes the hard truth, delivered with care and authority, is exactly what creates positive change. Get Erica's Weekly "Pep Talks" directly to your inbox HERE!