Inspiring Women with Betty Collins

You don’t need to change who you are to lead effectively—just bring your whole self to the table.

I’m thrilled to bring you an encore presentation where I talk about what truly makes a successful leader—and, more importantly, how you can thrive by using your own unique leadership style.

In a world that craves authentic, open, and effective leadership, I believe it’s time to move away from a one-size-fits-all mentality and start embracing what makes each of us unique.

I share some of my own stories and experiences to illustrate how your personality, values, and strengths—not to mention your weaknesses—can become some of your most valuable assets. I discuss why being honest with yourself, understanding your core motivations, and even accepting your areas of weakness can help you stand out as a leader. I also offer practical strategies, like practicing radical transparency and creating a sense of purpose within your team, so you can empower others as well as yourself.

Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a manager, or just someone who wants to make a bigger impact, there’s something here for you.

Moments

00:00 Successful Leadership: Impact and Openness

04:39 "Finding Your Leadership Style"

08:33 "Passion + Brilliance = Impact"

10:49 "Why Pursue Health and Fitness?"

14:36 Collaborative Leadership and Transparency

17:21 "Reevaluating Spiritual Practices"

19:54 Leadership: Influence Through Authentic Style

Here’s what you’ll learn in this episode:

What Does Successful Leadership Really Look Like?

You'll hear the characteristics of outstanding leaders—from being open and honest, to encouraging growth, setting clear goals, and focusing on impact beyond their own achievements.

How to Develop Your Leadership Style

You don’t have to lead like anyone else. I encourage you to discover your unique strengths and values.

Get Real About Values & Motivation

Dig deep and examine what truly motivates you. Sometimes your core motivation—like wanting to support your family or make a real impact—will drive your greatest growth and success. Keep asking “why” until you get to the heart of what fuels you.

Forward our podcast along to other Inspiring Women in your life.

This is THE podcast that advances women toward economic, social, and political achievement.

Hosted by Betty Collins, CPA, and Director at Brady Ware and Company. Betty also serves as the Committee Chair for Empowering Women, and Director of the Brady Ware Women’s Initiative.

Each episode is presented by Brady Ware and Company, committed to empowering women to go their distance in the workplace and at home.

For more information, Brady Ware and Company.

Remember to follow this podcast on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.  And forward our podcast along to other Inspiring Women in your life.

Brady Ware and Company

Whether you’re aiming for progress over perfection or learning to say “no,” this episode is packed with relatable insights, inspiration, and encouragement to help you face stress head-on—and come out stronger.

This is a topic that touches all of us: stress. As women, we juggle countless demands—from our careers and caregiving roles to the pressure to be everything to everyone. I know firsthand what it’s like to navigate 60-hour work weeks during tax season, all while trying to keep everything else afloat. In this episode, I share some light-hearted moments, as well as practical strategies that have helped me manage the inevitable stress that comes my way.

I’ll talk about the importance of pinpointing your core stressors, setting healthy boundaries, and breaking big tasks into smaller, manageable pieces. I’ll also look at how reframing negative self-talk and choosing progress over perfection can make a world of difference.

More than anything, I want to encourage you—stress isn’t something we can avoid, but it is something we can learn to navigate and even use as a catalyst for growth. Let’s tackle stress together, so we can show up as our best selves for ourselves and those we care about.

Here are my 3 key takeaways:

• Identify Your Core Stressors: Whether it’s caregiving, perfectionism, or overcommitment, recognizing what triggers your stress is the first essential step to managing it effectively.
• Progress Over Perfection: Betty reminds us that striving for perfection often causes more harm than good; making progress—even if it isn’t perfect—is what really matters.
• Set Boundaries & Prioritize: Audit your commitments, block time for yourself in permanent ink, and don’t be afraid to graciously say "no." Protecting your priorities is critical for your well-being.

Moments

00:00 Managing Stress During CPA Peak Season

04:53 Empowered by Modern Female Role Models

07:40 Managing Difficult Client Encounters

10:05 Efficient Email Management Strategies

13:27 Regular Reflection and Reevaluation

19:23 Perfectionism Causes Self-Induced Stress

20:49 Perfect Yet Stressful Celebration

25:20 Perfectionism's Costly Consequences

28:45 Regularly Reflect and Adjust Commitments

30:11 Challenge Assumptions, Seek Reality

33:58 "Confronting Unavoidable Stress"

Forward our podcast along to other Inspiring Women in your life.

This is THE podcast that advances women toward economic, social, and political achievement.

Hosted by Betty Collins, CPA, and Director at Brady Ware and Company. Betty also serves as the Committee Chair for Empowering Women, and Director of the Brady Ware Women’s Initiative.

Each episode is presented by Brady Ware and Company, committed to empowering women to go their distance in the workplace and at home.

For more information, Brady Ware and Company.

Remember to follow this podcast on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.  And forward our podcast along to other Inspiring Women in your life.

Brady Ware and Company

This episode is packed with inspiring advice for women at every stage of their careers, especially those ready to step into leadership roles and empower the next generation. If you’re looking for a dose of courage and actionable strategies, you won’t want to miss this conversation!

I welcome Michelle Madden, CEO of Epic. Michelle’s journey is nothing short of remarkable—from her humble beginnings as a young woman facing homelessness at 17, to leading an organization that provides 24/7 care for individuals with disabilities. I have known Michelle for years, and our conversation is filled with wisdom on what it truly means to scale up as a woman in leadership.

Michelle shares candidly about the importance of taking initiative, creating your own seat at the table, and fostering a culture of innovation and belonging at Epic.

You'll hear how her lived experiences shaped her compassionate but bold leadership style, and why advocating for yourself and others—especially in tough moments—can lead to real change.

This episode is packed with inspiring advice for women at every stage of their careers, especially those ready to step into leadership roles and empower the next generation.

Here are my top 3 takeaways for any woman striving to claim their seat at the table:

Lead Without Waiting for Permission: Don’t wait to be asked! Michelle’s advice: See a problem? Step up and solve it. Initiative and solutions-focused thinking earn that seat at the table.

Build a Culture of Belonging: Epic’s success is rooted in its inclusive culture, which values authentic voices and tough conversations. True innovation happens when everyone feels they belong and can contribute.

Prepare Others for the Table: Real leadership is about succession—investing in future leaders and making space for others to rise. Michelle’s approach to mentorship ensures others have the chance to scale up, too.

Moments

00:00 From Park Bench to CEO

04:26 Intuition and Decision-Making Discomfort

06:36 "Initiative Leads to Recognition"

11:45 "Epic's Rebranding and Mission Focus"

16:05 "Mentor's Retirement Concerns"

19:02 Persistence in Political Ambitions

22:25 "Listening and Confidence in Asking"

22:57 Empowering Frontline Female Leaders

27:38 Empowering Women Through Mentorship

30:07 "Embrace Change, Evolve Consciously"

32:49 "Embracing the Journey"

Forward our podcast along to other Inspiring Women in your life.

This is THE podcast that advances women toward economic, social, and political achievement.

Hosted by Betty Collins, CPA, and Director at Brady Ware and Company. Betty also serves as the Committee Chair for Empowering Women, and Director of the Brady Ware Women’s Initiative.

Each episode is presented by Brady Ware and Company, committed to empowering women to go their distance in the workplace and at home.

For more information, Brady Ware and Company.

Remember to follow this podcast on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.  And forward our podcast along to other Inspiring Women in your life.

Brady Ware and Company

I’m so excited to bring you part two of our Visionary Awards series, an episode all about what it means to be a visionary, or to support one, in today’s ever-changing world.

I’m joined once again by two incredible guests: Jill Frey and Purba Majumbder, women who are not only visionaries themselves but who have also been deeply impacted by the women who’ve supported their journeys.

In this conversation, we dig into how Jill and Purba stay ahead of industry trends, embrace new technologies like robotics and AI, and make a real difference through projects such as STEM programs for girls.

We get honest about the challenges along the way—from navigating self-doubt and skepticism to keeping up with rapid change. And we don’t shy away from the truth: sometimes, your biggest obstacle is your own mindset.

In this episode, I share my journey, how I learned to step into my role as a visionary leader, often with the help and encouragement of others who saw more in me than I saw in myself.

Together, we swap stories, lessons, and practical advice for anyone who wants to pursue a big idea, empower others, or make a lasting impact.

Inspiring Moments

00:00 "Smart Buildings & Sustainability Goals"

03:40 Visionaries and The Future of Robotics

07:12 "Finding My Own Vision"

12:36 "Inspiring Girls in STEM"

16:02 Launching the Women's Initiative

17:40 "Challenges of Being a Visionary"

21:55 Hybrid Work Revolution Unfolds

25:55 Empowering Women in Swift Tech

26:42 Tech's Fast-Paced Adaptation Challenge

30:56 Empowering Leadership and Influence

35:51 Building Confidence and Realizing Potential

38:55 Supporting Visionaries and Helping Others

Here are my top 3 takeaways:

Embrace Fearlessness & Resilience

Both Jill and Purba stress the importance of believing in yourself, especially on tough days. Push through doubts, value self-talk, and be your own biggest fan, even when the world isn’t quite ready for your vision.

Stay Ahead of the Curve

Visionaries like Jill and Purba are always thinking 5 years ahead, anticipating industry shifts and adapting technology like AI and automation—not just to keep up, but to lead the change.

Support & Elevate Each Other

Whether you’re driving the vision or helping implement it, your role matters. Sometimes, all it takes is the right nudge, encouragement, or honest feedback to help someone unlock their full potential.

Forward our podcast along to other Inspiring Women in your life.

This is THE podcast that advances women toward economic, social, and political achievement.

Hosted by Betty Collins, CPA, and Director at Brady Ware and Company. Betty also serves as the Committee Chair for Empowering Women, and Director of the Brady Ware Women’s Initiative.

Each episode is presented by Brady Ware and Company, committed to empowering women to go their distance in the workplace and at home.

For more information, Brady Ware and Company.

Remember to follow this podcast on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.  And forward our podcast along to other Inspiring Women in your life.

Brady Ware and Company

I’m so excited to bring you part one of our special Visionary Awards series, where we honor incredible women who have scaled their businesses and brought their visions to life. Today, I’m joined by two outstanding guests—Jill Frey, president and CEO of Cummins Facility Services, and Purba Majumder, an inspiring immigrant founder and CEO of Cybervation Inc., both of whom were finalists alongside me for the NAWBO Columbus Visionary Award.

In this episode, we share our personal stories about what it really takes to scale a company, the winding journey of becoming a visionary, and why the people who support us along the way are just as important as the vision itself. We open up about our challenges, our proudest moments, and the vital roles of those who stand beside us—whether they’re cheering us on, pouring into our growth, or simply helping us keep going.

If you’re a woman in business—whether you see yourself as a visionary or you’re the one making things happen behind the scenes—there’s something here for you. Join us for honest conversations, practical wisdom, and a big dose of inspiration from women who understand what it takes. Let’s keep lifting each other up and helping one another rise.

Inspiring Moments

00:00 Scaling Visionary Women

04:59 Grateful for NAWBO Visionary Award

06:31 Trailblazer Staffing & Bistro ux Ventures

10:25 Nabo's Impact on My Journey

13:27 "Guiding Through Support and Wisdom"

19:09 Supporting Fellow Entrepreneurs

22:23 Founding Cool Tech Girls

24:43 Collective Support Fuels Cool Tech Girls

28:43 Women Supporting Visionary Women

Here are my top 3 takeaways for anyone passionate about leadership, growth, and supporting women in business:

• Scaling is a journey, not a sprint: We emphasize that true success doesn’t happen overnight. Steady, thoughtful scaling, supported by a strong team, is the sustainable path forward.
• Visionaries aren’t alone: Whether you are the one with the big dream, or the one who supports that dream, both roles are vital. Community, mentors, and even those who “put up with” your quirks help turn vision into reality.
• Celebrating and elevating others multiplies impact: The stories from the NAWBO Visionary Awards remind me how group celebrations, meaningful connections, and championing others’ successes fuel long-term growth for all.

Forward our podcast along to other Inspiring Women in your life.

This is THE podcast that advances women toward economic, social, and political achievement.

Hosted by Betty Collins, CPA, and Director at Brady Ware and Company. Betty also serves as the Committee Chair for Empowering Women, and Director of the Brady Ware Women’s Initiative.

Each episode is presented by Brady Ware and Company, committed to empowering women to go their distance in the workplace and at home.

For more information, Brady Ware and Company.

Remember to follow this podcast on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.  And forward our podcast along to other Inspiring Women in your life.

Brady Ware and Company

I have the absolute pleasure of sitting down with the incredible Judy Carter. Judy is not only a trailblazing comedian and author, but she’s also our keynote speaker for the upcoming Brady Ware Women’s Leadership Conference.

Judy’s journey is fascinating—from breaking into the male-dominated world of stand-up comedy to building her unique message that our “mess” can become our greatest source of success and leadership. Judy opens up about how humor, authenticity, and honest storytelling are powerful tools for any woman striving to make a difference, whether in her career, business, or community.

Judy talks about turning stress into strength, using your stories to connect with others, and how vulnerability is a superpower. Judy shares practical exercises and a fresh perspective on leading with laughter, resilience, and what it means to own every part of your journey—mess and all.

If you’re looking for inspiration, a few laughs, and real strategies to help you stand out and connect as a leader, you’re in the right place. Let’s dive in and discover together how your story can become your most powerful tool for leadership and impact.

2025 Women's Leadership Conference

Inspiring Moments

00:00 Comedian's Journey in Male Industry

06:56 Coaching CEOs for Engaging Speeches

09:20 "Leader's Relatable Transformation Inspires Team"

13:43 The Turning Point: Hopelessness Origins

14:28 "Defining Resolve and New Purpose"

20:31 "Comedy Techniques & Success Stories"

21:24 Agenda: Balancing Serious and Light

33:01 "Embrace Your Messy Success"

37:18 "Facing Reality with Optimism"

37:46 "Resilient Amid Chaos"

Here are my top 3 takeaways you can put into action right now:

Your story matters – Don’t underestimate the power of sharing your journey, including the tough moments. Your mess isn’t weakness—it’s your message, and people relate far more to your challenges than your titles.

Lead with humor and authenticity – Humor isn’t just for the stage; it builds connection and resilience. Judy shared practical ways to bring lightness (and even laughter) to stressful situations—and how that actually makes us stronger leaders.

Own your vulnerabilities – Being honest about stress and setbacks makes you relatable and trustworthy. Judy urges us to answer “How are you?” with realness (and maybe a little comic relief!) to create a culture of transparency and positivity.

Forward our podcast along to other Inspiring Women in your life.

This is THE podcast that advances women toward economic, social, and political achievement.

Hosted by Betty Collins, CPA, and Director at Brady Ware and Company. Betty also serves as the Committee Chair for Empowering Women, and Director of the Brady Ware Women’s Initiative.

Each episode is presented by Brady Ware and Company, committed to empowering women to go their distance in the workplace and at home.

For more information, Brady Ware and Company.

Remember to follow this podcast on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.  And forward our podcast along to other Inspiring Women in your life.

Brady Ware and Company

I welcome Danielle Roach to the podcast, Brady Ware's Recruiting & Engagement Specialist. We talk about our reactions to the previous episode featuring the incredible Pat LaLama, a story that left a significant impact with its energy and insight.

Danielle shares her own journey of overcoming personal demons and using them as drivers to success, much like Pat's experience. Together, we explore the power of women supporting women in their careers and personal lives.

Hear how stepping out of her comfort zone and heeding wise advice has shaped Danielle's path, all while celebrating the essence of fearless ambition and genuine connection. I know this inspiring conversation will encourage you to chase meaningful fulfillment over money. J

Here are some key Inspiring Takeaways from our conversation:

1. Embracing Your Demons as Drivers: Danielle opens up about finding common ground with Pat's stories of overcoming a dysfunctional upbringing and using those experiences as fuel for personal and professional growth.
2. The Importance of Women Supporting Women: Danielle and I explore the profound impact of women lifting each other up in their respective journeys. Together, we share personal anecdotes that underline the strength found in community and empathy.
3. Stepping Out of Comfort Zones: Danielle shares her own adventures and how stepping away from familiarity paved the way for meaningful connections and personal growth. A true testament to being fearless in pursuit of one’s goals!
4. Advice from Influential Voices: Reflecting on Pat's relationship with her father, Danielle emphasizes following one’s heart and passion over the allure of money—a reminder to all of us that fulfillment often guides success.
5. A Passionate Push for Adventure: We both highlight the value of embracing change and seeking new experiences. It's these steps that often lead us to the most rewarding and unexpected paths.

Inspiring Moments

00:00 "Relating to Shared Upbringing Struggles"

03:04 Fearless Drive Amidst Adversity

07:52 Empowering Women's Leadership Stories

09:24 Women Supporting Women in Choices

13:02 Embracing Change: A Personal Journey

17:57 Money-Driven Decision's Consequences

19:54 "Mom's Voice as Guiding Force"

Forward our podcast along to other Inspiring Women in your life.

This is THE podcast that advances women toward economic, social, and political achievement.

Hosted by Betty Collins, CPA, and Director at Brady Ware and Company. Betty also serves as the Committee Chair for Empowering Women, and Director of the Brady Ware Women’s Initiative.

Each episode is presented by Brady Ware and Company, committed to empowering women to go their distance in the workplace and at home.

For more information, Brady Ware and Company.

Remember to follow this podcast on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.  And forward our podcast along to other Inspiring Women in your life.

Brady Ware and Company

Pat LaLama, an Emmy Award-winning journalist, investigative reporter, and advocate for empowering women, shared her remarkable journey. Her career, defined by fearless storytelling and a commitment to uncovering the truth, offers valuable lessons for us all.

Here are three key takeaways from our conversation.

Turning Demons into Drivers: Pat emphasized how she turned personal challenges and insecurities into a driving force for success. She encourages us to take the negatives in our lives and use them as fuel for pursuing our passions and reaching our goals.

Find Your Voice and Purpose: It's vital for young women aspiring to make their mark in journalism or any field to find what truly drives them. Pat advises connecting with your passions, whether it's pursuing politics or storytelling, and relentlessly pursue your dreams.

Women Supporting Women: Throughout her career, Pat made a conscious effort to open doors for other women and remain true to her values. She insists on the importance of women supporting and uplifting each other, ensuring that success is shared.

Empowering Moments

11:11 Unintimidated Women in Broadcast News

14:04 Women's Empowerment and Confidence Building

16:21 Overcoming Loss to Improve Journalism

20:13 Exploring Human Nature Through Crime

23:44 "No-Nonsense Approach to Accountability"

27:02 Interviewing George H.W. Bush

29:42 Breaking into Radio: A Bold Approach

36:08 "Relating to Her: A Journalist's Journey"

43:29 "Moving On and Supporting Others"

46:46 "Embracing Unexpected Opportunities"

48:38 Dad's Unexpected Mentorship

Forward our podcast along to other Inspiring Women in your life.

This is THE podcast that advances women toward economic, social, and political achievement.

Hosted by Betty Collins, CPA, and Director at Brady Ware and Company. Betty also serves as the Committee Chair for Empowering Women, and Director of the Brady Ware Women’s Initiative.

Each episode is presented by Brady Ware and Company, committed to empowering women to go their distance in the workplace and at home.

For more information, Brady Ware and Company.

Remember to follow this podcast on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.  And forward our podcast along to other Inspiring Women in your life.

Brady Ware and Company

How do YOU approach knowing your worth and establishing boundaries in professional settings?

The microphone is in the hands of the Brady Ware's Katie Humphries, who sits down with Jessica Kenimer, Program Manager at The Women's Small Business Accelerator, for a spirited conversation about the incredible journey of our beloved host, Betty Collins.

They both talk about tales of mentorship, career evolution, and family ties as Jessica, who knows Betty both professionally and personally as her niece, shares unique insights into Betty's impactful career and the legacy she is building.

They reflect on past episodes, discuss the themes of change and growth across different life stages, and explore the art of scaling professionally.

Jessica also gives us a sneak peek into the highly anticipated Columbus Women's Leadership Conference, a testament to Betty's enduring influence and commitment to fostering empowering communities.

Whether you're a budding professional or a seasoned leader, this episode promises a wealth of inspiration and practical wisdom to fuel your journey.

Inspiring Takeaways

• Scaling Isn't One-Dimensional: Whether it's growing a business or broadening personal experiences, scaling can take on various forms and shouldn't be confined to a single path.
• Embrace Short and Long-Term Goals: It's crucial to balance short-term needs, like rest, with long-term aspirations, drawing on both tangible goals and guiding values.
• Creating Impact through Community: Events like the Columbus Women's Leadership Conference demonstrate the power of grassroots initiatives in bringing together and uplifting communities.

Inspiring Moments

00:00 Reflecting on Betty Collins' Inspiration

05:55 "Admirable Resilience Amid Challenges"

09:08 Career Transition and Self-Reflection

10:24 Reflecting on Unexpected Life Directions

13:52 Unlocking Potential Through Conversation

19:23 Betty's Career Reflections

20:50 Balancing Priorities Across Life Stages

25:50 Empowering Women's Conference Experience

27:04 "Betty's Uplifting Conference Legacy"

Forward our podcast along to other Inspiring Women in your life.

This is THE podcast that advances women toward economic, social, and political achievement.

Hosted by Betty Collins, CPA, and Director at Brady Ware and Company. Betty also serves as the Committee Chair for Empowering Women, and Director of the Brady Ware Women’s Initiative.

Each episode is presented by Brady Ware and Company, committed to empowering women to go their distance in the workplace and at home.

For more information, Brady Ware and Company.

Remember to follow this podcast on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.  And forward our podcast along to other Inspiring Women in your life.

Brady Ware and Company

What are some surprising achievements in your own life that you never initially aimed for? How did you reach them?

In this episode, I reflect on my unexpected journey from a modest beginning as an everyday accountant to becoming a shareholder and managing partner at a regional CPA firm. I share my insights and personal stories that reveal how I overcame self-doubt and embraced opportunities I once thought were impossible.

Scaling Heights: I talk about my evolution from just wanting a job with a paycheck in 1988 to managing a significant book of business and directing a women's initiative that holds an annual conference with 250-300 women.

Valuable Lessons: I emphasize the importance of viewing one's journey with gratitude and learning from each experience, whether it's a success or a failure. My path was filled with valuable lessons, mindset changes, and the importance of embracing opportunities — even those I initially deterred.

Support Systems: I talk about how critical support systems have been in my journey. My biggest fan, my husband Rob Collins, provides unwavering support and encouragement, which plays a pivotal role in my career growth and personal development.

Learning from Others: I speak about the influence of various individuals, some I have never met but learned from, such as Lady Gaga and Queen Elizabeth. Their diverse approaches to life and work provide me with different perspectives that enriches my own journey.

Future Legacy: I also touch on the importance of legacy and mentoring the next generation. I believe in empowering younger generations to continue the work she started and the importance of letting them take the lead while providing guidance.

Inspiring Moments

00:00 Unexpected Success: Betty Collins' Journey

06:37 "Mentorship: See Potential, Don't Settle"

08:12 "Working With, Not For"

13:01 "Choosing Restoration Over Ruin"

16:14 Embracing Growth and Evolution

18:07 Legacy and Resilience Realized

23:19 Learning from Queens and Talent

27:05 Inspiration from Ageless Performance

28:29 Embrace Courage in Action

Forward our podcast along to other Inspiring Women in your life.

This is THE podcast that advances women toward economic, social, and political achievement.

Hosted by Betty Collins, CPA, and Director at Brady Ware and Company. Betty also serves as the Committee Chair for Empowering Women, and Director of the Brady Ware Women’s Initiative.

Each episode is presented by Brady Ware and Company, committed to empowering women to go their distance in the workplace and at home.

For more information, Brady Ware and Company.

Remember to follow this podcast on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.  And forward our podcast along to other Inspiring Women in your life.

Brady Ware and Company