In this inspiring episode of the Her Resources Podcast, host Linda Misegadis sits down with Cigdem Bildirici, a Senior Commercial Leader with deep expertise in scaling revenue and building international sales organizations across financial services, technology, and data analytics.

Cigdem shares her journey into sales, the challenges women face in sales leadership, and her powerful approach to leading with authenticity, empathy, clarity, and trust.

We dive into:

The evolution of the sales function from transactional to relationship-focused.

Navigating male-dominated industries and the importance of female representation.

Why authenticity means being genuine and its critical role in building trust with your team and customers.

The danger of overlooking bad behavior for the sake of hitting numbers and how to lead with integrity.

Pragmatic actions we can take to sponsor and elevate other women.

Cigdem's personal definition of success and her key leadership mantra: "Impact over Activity."

Connect with Cigdem Bildirici:

Connect with Her Resources Podcast:

Chapter Markers:

00:00:00 - Intro: Redefining Sales Beyond the Transaction

In this must-listen episode, we welcome Cathleen O'Sullivan, a leadership mentor, former high-level corporate leader, and host of the Legendary Leaders Podcast.

After years of 16-hour days and relentless pressure, Cathleen hit what she calls "the corporate wall"—a burnout so severe she had to leave her role.

She shares her deeply personal journey from high-functioning burnout—the stage where you still deliver and are seen as high-potential while cracking inside—to finding her boldness.

Cathleen opens up about the physical, mental, and emotional toll the burnout took, including neglecting herself, experiencing deep fatigue, developing unhealthy habits, and the constant feeling of "not doing enough."

Realized she was in burnout only after literally "cracking open" in a conversation with her manager.

Learned to stop seeking affirmation and acknowledgment from others.

Found her turning point by redefining success and letting go of control.

Discovered the power of choice and how to use her feminine energy to create positive impact.

Shares practical advice for high-achieving women on setting boundaries, tackling the mental load and "guilt cycle," and pursuing excellence without exhaustion.

This episode is your permission slip to pause, redefine, and embark on your own brand new, bolder journey.

Website: https://cathleenosullivan.com/

Website: https://herresourcespodcast.com/

00:00:00 | Introduction and Host Welcome

Episode 54: Gratitude & Goodbyes: Celebrating Our Journey & Future

In a truly special episode, hosts Linda Misegadis and Cyndi Manuel, along with producer Logan Misegadis, come together to celebrate the journey of the Her Resources Podcast as Cyndi makes the transition from co-host.

This episode is a thank you letter to our community. We reflect on the show's founding vision—to be a resourceful space for women in HR and working women—and how it exceeded all expectations, reaching milestones like 53 episodes, over 1,300 downloads, and 100,000 YouTube views.

Listen in as we discuss:

The unexpected origins of the podcast, which started with a different name!

The essential "village" of people—from our producer Logan, to intern Lauren Banas, and photographer Kylie—who helped bring the show to life.

The incredible guests we reconnected with, sharing stories of growth, resilience, and courage.

The power of vulnerability, authenticity, and connection that has become the heartbeat of the podcast.

Why the world needs more positive messaging and lifting each other up.

A New Chapter: Linda will continue as the solo host, dedicated to bringing the same powerful conversations, new voices, and deep dives into the topics that matter most, including leadership, entrepreneurship, and financial wellness.

This is not a final goodbye to Cyndi; she will return as a guest to share her expertise on change management with The Delta Principle.

We are so grateful for our guests, our listeners, and the entire production team for being a part of this amazing experience.

Links to Connect:

Podcast Website: https://www.herresourcespodcast.com/

Linktree (All Platforms): https://linktr.ee/hrpodcast

Cyndi Manuel & The Delta Principle: Email [email protected] and on LinkedIn.

Episode 53 – Building Connection Through “Anniversary Calls” with Tisha Deden

In this powerful conversation, Linda and Cyndi welcome back Tisha Deden, VP of Human Resources at Globus Family of Brands, to discuss her latest initiative — Anniversary Calls.

What started as a move away from exit interviews has grown into a structured, data-driven way to celebrate milestones, build trust, and strengthen retention. With engagement rising and turnover falling, Tisha shares exactly how HR teams can shift from reactive to proactive, transforming the employee experience from day one.

Why Tisha replaced exit interviews with anniversary calls

How data and AI reveal engagement trends

Creating transparency in compensation and career growth

The role of leadership and proactive communication

Building a culture of belonging and learning

Cyndi’s heartfelt announcement

00:00 – Honest HR Conversations

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tisha-deden-a388999/

Website: https://www.instagram.com/herresourcespodcast

In this inspiring episode, hosts Linda Misegadis and Cyndi Manuel talk with Micheal Abebe, founder of 3AM Media, about the heart of mentorship and how authentic relationships can change lives.

Micheal shares his journey from leading a diversity and inclusion nonprofit to mentoring others through life’s challenges — and how living simply, with purpose and empathy, can lead to deeper fulfillment. Together, they explore how HR professionals and leaders can foster authentic mentoring relationships in today’s hybrid workplace.

✅ How to create meaningful mentorships built on empathy and curiosity

00:00 – Introduction & Core Values: Leaving Things Better Than You Found Them

LinkedIn: Micheal Abebe

3AM Media: 3AM Media on LinkedIn

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HerResourcesPodcast

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/her-resources-podcast/?viewAsMember=true

Website: herresourcespodcast.com

Email: [email protected]

Instagram: herresourcespodcast

TikTok: @her.resources.pod

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/hrpodcast

In Episode 51 of the Her Resources Podcast, hosts Linda Misegadis & Cyndi Manuel welcome Shelie Gustafson, a powerhouse HR leader whose career has spanned industries, continents, and boardrooms. Shelie opens up about the evolving role of HR, the importance of clarity in purpose, and how HR professionals can balance influence, responsibility, and self-care.

You’ll learn:

Why HR’s purpose is to accelerate business strategy and elevate the employee experience.

The difference between “supporting” leaders and truly partnering with them.

Practical strategies for energy management, resilience, and work-life integration.

Insights for aspiring HR leaders aiming for the C-suite.

📌 Connect with Shelie on LinkedIn: Shelie Gustafson

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to follow, rate, and share the podcast to support our growing HR community!

Introduction (00:00)

Leading with heart in HR (02:30)

Shelie’s background & career highlights (04:35)

HR’s purpose defined (08:12)

Partnering with senior leaders (11:00)

The weight and honor of HR responsibility (13:50)

Protecting personal energy (18:30)

Habits & boundaries for resilience (21:30)

Work-life integration insights (24:20)

Micro-habits & energy renewal (27:20)

Leadership modeling & boundaries (31:05)

Advice for depleted HR professionals (33:50)

Shelie’s path into HR (36:40)

Rotations and career development (41:10)

How leaders can support HR (43:40)

Preparing for senior HR leadership (46:00)

Final reflections & closing (49:25)

This episode is all about money — not just earning it, but using it to build the life you truly want. Hosts Linda Misegadis and Cyndi Manuel are joined by Alana D’Angelica, a former Morgan Stanley finance professional turned tech leader and now a financial coach for women.

Alana shares how she overcame debt, navigated layoffs, and transformed her financial mindset to create a thriving coaching business that empowers women to take control of their money.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

How to create a vision for your finances and career

The three numbers every woman should know about her money

Why automation, negotiation, and investing early matter

How to shift your mindset around fear, math, and wealth building

Perfect for HR leaders, entrepreneurs, and women looking to build confidence with money and plan for their future.

🔗 Connect & Learn More

Follow, subscribe, and share this milestone Episode 50 — and let’s close the wealth gap together!

00:00 – Intro & Welcome to Episode 50

Episode 49 – Inside-Out Leadership with Margaret Andrews

In this insightful conversation, we explore the concept of "Inside-Out Leadership" with Margaret Andrews, Harvard instructor, speaker, and author of Manage Yourself to Lead Others. Margaret walks us through her own journey of receiving tough feedback, the inner work that transformed her leadership approach, and the six powerful questions every leader should reflect on to grow.

Key Takeaways:

Why great leadership begins with self-understanding

The six reflection questions to improve your leadership style

How HR can use these tools to build stronger programs

Tips for building trust, adapting to your team, and creating thriving cultures

How to build resilience and recover from setbacks

🔗 Connect & Learn More:

⏱ Timestamps:

Welcome to the last episode in our special crossover series with Tai Cochran of HerPM!

In this powerful conversation, Linda Misegadis and Cyndi Manuel of the Her Resources Podcast sit down with Tai to discuss what it means to become an “accidental HR professional,” the role of emotional intelligence in leadership, and how HR and project management intersect to shape the future of work.

From navigating compliance and balancing empathy with policy, to building credibility through certifications and continuous learning — this episode offers actionable advice for HR professionals, project managers, and anyone passionate about people-centered leadership.

🔗 Links & Resources:

Her Resources Podcast: linktr.ee/hrpodcast

Tai Cochran’s work: HerPM.com

📌 Chapter Markers:

Her Resources Podcast – Episode 47

This week, Linda Misegadis and Cyndi Manuel welcome Tammala Garner, CEO of Virtually At Your Service, to explore how women leaders and founders can stop doing it all, avoid burnout, and create stronger support systems.

Tammala shares her journey as a serial entrepreneur and offers practical tools for leaders: from identifying what tasks to delegate, to building alignment with new hires, and empowering teams for long-term success.

This episode is packed with insights for HR leaders, women leaders, women change makers, and young women leaders looking to thrive while leading authentically.

🔗 Guest website: https://virtuallyatyoursrvc.com/

📌 Timestamps