Momentum Matters

Nobody tells you that the moment right before you speak up is the exact moment your leadership actually starts.

In this episode of Momentum Matters, we dive into takeaways from the Momentum Leaders Upward Program in Huntsville, Alabama—a leadership development program designed for early- to mid-career women ready to step into their full potential.

We break down the 6 subtle voice-diminishing habits that quietly undercut your authority, along with practical ways to reframe them.

Plus, hear insights from an Upward alum on how self-reflection and community build confidence both professionally and personally.

Connect & Subscribe:

• Follow along for updates and clips on Instagram: @momentumleaders
• Learn more about our programs and partners at momentumleaders.org

Visit our website: www.MomentumLeaders.org 

Follow us on Social Media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MomentumLeaders
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/momentumleaders
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/momentumleaders
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@momentumleaders

In this episode of Momentum Matters, we dive into the intersection of artificial intelligence and human resilience with Tacita Thompson. While tools like Claude, Gemini, and custom agents are transforming how organizations operate and scale, Tacita shares why human validation, trust, and authentic connection remain indispensable for true leadership. 

Tune in as Tacita shares practical strategies on using AI to streamline daily tasks, avoid decision fatigue, and enhance efficiency, all without losing your personal voice or replacing human judgment. 

Key Topics Covered:

• AI Frameworks: Breaking down AI into three functional buckets: Assistant, Advisor, and Agent. 
• Practical Productivity: How tools like Claude and Gemini help organize daily tasks and reduce anxiety around missed details. 
• Guardrails & Best Practices: Setting boundaries for AI tools and ensuring critical human checkpoints remain in business processes. 
• Maintaining the Human Element: Leveraging AI to handle repetitive tasks so leaders can focus on revenue generation, relationships, and human connection. 
• Personal & Creative Applications: From devotional studies and navigating complex processes to learning music production. 

Connect & Learn More:

• More about FastSlowMotion: https://www.fastslowmotion.com/
• FastSlowMotion Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@FastslowmotionConsulting
• Connect with Tacita on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tacita-mae-2b044915/

Visit our website: www.MomentumLeaders.org 

Follow us on Social Media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MomentumLeaders
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/momentumleaders
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/momentumleaders
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@momentumleaders

What does leadership look like beyond job titles, promotions, and congratulatory LinkedIn posts?

In the kickoff episode of this special Momentum Matters fall mini-series, host Ria, Impact & Insights Intern at Momentum, dives into the real stories behind the numbers. Sitting with grant reports, program data, and spreadsheets from Alabama’s leading women’s leadership organization, Ria offers a fresh, data-backed lens on how true success manifests in women's lives.

Connect with Momentum:

• Website: momentumleaders.org
• Social Media: Follow @momentumleaders across all platforms for weekly episode drops and updates.

Visit our website: www.MomentumLeaders.org 

Follow us on Social Media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MomentumLeaders
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/momentumleaders
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/momentumleaders
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@momentumleaders

What does it take to lead an organization of 2,100 people without losing sight of the individual? In this episode of Momentum Matters, host April Benetollo sits down with Chris Homewood, CEO of America’s Thrift Stores and a longtime Momentum partner.

Chris brings a unique, people-first perspective built on an impressive career spanning retail giants like Target, Ross Stores, Circuit City, and TriMark USA—as well as six and a half years as an officer in the United States Marine Corps. From the drill field to the executive suite, Chris shares how the Marine Corps mantra "Mission first, Marines always" transformed into his personal leadership philosophy: "Mission first, people always".

Tune in as April and Chris discuss:

• The "Walker Arounder" Philosophy: Why real executive insight comes from talking directly to front-line employees rather than sitting in a corner office.
• Frisbee vs. Boomerang Communication: How to ensure your message actually lands across distributed, multi-region teams.
• Building a Culture of Belonging: How evaluating talent holistically unlocks unseen potential across departments.
• The Girl Dad Effect: How raising a confident daughter influences his vision for workplace equity and opportunity.
• Upcycling at Scale: The massive impact of moving 75 to 80 million pounds of inventory a year out of landfills and into communities.

Whether you're leading a small team or managing thousands, this candid, energy-packed conversation is full of practical wisdom on resilience, listening, and lead-by-example accountability.

Connect & Learn More:

• Website: AmericasThrift.com
• LinkedIn: Connect with Chris Homewood
• Momentum: Learn more about how we empower leaders at Momentum Leaders

Visit our website: www.MomentumLeaders.org 

Follow us on Social Media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MomentumLeaders
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/momentumleaders
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/momentumleaders
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@momentumleaders

Episode Title: Reclaiming Physical Power with Anne Marie Chaker

Episode Description: In this episode of Momentum Matters, host April Taylor sits down with Anne Marie Chaker, former Wall Street Journal reporter and author of LIFT: How Women Can Reclaim Their Physical Power and Transform Their Lives.

Together, they dive into why strength training is far more than just a workout; it’s a transformative tool for building confidence, resilience, and personal autonomy. Anne Marie shares insights from her journalism background and personal fitness journey, revealing how women of all ages can break free from physical limitations, step into their strength, and carry that momentum into every area of their lives.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• The inspiration behind Anne Marie’s book, LIFT, and her journey from reporter to strength advocate.
• Why reclaiming physical strength is essential for mental and emotional empowerment.
• Practical advice for women looking to overcome gym intimidation and start building real physical power.
• How building physical strength creates a ripple effect across your career, relationships, and mindset.

Visit our website: www.MomentumLeaders.org 

Follow us on Social Media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MomentumLeaders
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/momentumleaders
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/momentumleaders
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@momentumleaders

In this episode of Momentum Matters, host Katie Hannah welcomes Charles Baughman, Chief Innovation Officer and Vice President of Sales at ITAC Solutions.

With more than 20 years of experience in recruiting, talent strategy, and workforce development, Charles shares insights on what he calls the "purpose gap"—the disconnect between how organizations define a role and how employees ultimately experience it. Together, they explore why purpose has become a critical factor in employee engagement, retention, and long-term success.

Charles discusses how companies can create more meaningful hiring processes, the importance of aligning job responsibilities with organizational impact, and what today's workforce is truly seeking beyond salary. The conversation also examines the evolving role of flexibility, leadership, workplace culture, and artificial intelligence in shaping the future of work.

Whether you're a business leader, hiring manager, HR professional, or someone navigating your own career journey, this episode offers practical strategies for building stronger connections between people, purpose, and performance.

Key topics include:
• The purpose gap in hiring and retention
• Employee engagement and workplace culture
• Leadership and manager impact
• Recruitment and talent acquisition strategies
• Flexibility, trust, and the future of work
• AI's growing influence on hiring and business
• Creating meaningful career experiences

Learn more about Momentum at momentumleaders.org.

Visit our website: www.MomentumLeaders.org 

Follow us on Social Media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MomentumLeaders
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/momentumleaders
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/momentumleaders
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@momentumleaders

In this episode of Momentum Matters, we sit down with executive facilitator Vitali Harden to explore how perfectionism impacts leadership, trust, and team culture—and what to do about it.

Vitali shares her personal journey from high-achieving perfectionist to trust-centered leader, revealing how perfectionism is often rooted in fear—and how it shows up in subtle but powerful ways like overthinking, people-pleasing, burnout, and stalled innovation.

Together, we unpack how leaders can let go of unrealistic standards, build healthier habits, and create high-trust environments where individuals and teams can thrive.

We also dive into the modern pressures fueling perfectionism—from AI-driven productivity to social media comparison—and how to reclaim space, presence, and self-trust in a constantly moving world.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

•  Why perfectionism is rooted in fear 
•  How it shows up in leadership and team dynamics 
•  The connection between perfectionism and low-trust cultures 
•  Practical ways to reduce overthinking and people-pleasing 
•  How to build “self-trust anchors” and sustainable habits 
•  The impact of AI and social media on focus and well-being 
•  How to lead with transparency and build trust during uncertainty 

If you’re a high performer, leader, or someone who struggles with “getting it just right,” this conversation will give you practical tools and powerful mindset shifts to lead with confidence—not perfection.

Visit our website: www.MomentumLeaders.org 

Follow us on Social Media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MomentumLeaders
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/momentumleaders
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/momentumleaders
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@momentumleaders

In this episode of Momentum Matters, we sit down with Cristy LeAnne Swint and Ryan Walker Graham, founders of RamLea Partners and creators of Connection Growth Corporate Coaching™.

Cristy and Ryan share a powerful conversation on what it truly means to lead with authenticity, align with core values, and bring the human element back into today’s workplace. Drawing from their diverse backgrounds in wellness, entrepreneurship, advocacy, and corporate coaching, they explore how organizations can strengthen trust, improve communication, and build cultures that drive sustainable growth.

Together, they unpack the concept of Connection Growth™, the process of becoming authentically aware of who we are in order to strengthen how we relate to others, and how this framework helps leaders and teams navigate challenges, bridge generational gaps, and create meaningful impact.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

- How authenticity shapes stronger leadership and workplace culture
- Why core values are essential for decision-making and long-term success
- The role of emotional intelligence in building trust and engagement
- How AI can support (not replace) human connection at work
- Practical ways to foster communication, feedback, and team alignment

Cristy and Ryan also share insights from their three-phase coaching approach—assessment, collaborative coaching, and ongoing feedback—designed to help organizations grow with clarity, purpose, and connection.

Whether you’re a leader, emerging professional, or someone passionate about building healthier workplaces, this conversation offers actionable insights to help you lead with intention and authenticity.

About Our Guests
Cristy LeAnne Swint and Ryan Walker Graham are entrepreneurs, certified life coaches, and corporate consultants with decades of combined experience across industries. As co-founders of RamLea Partners, they equip organizations with the tools to foster trust, strengthen leadership, and create cultures where people—and businesses—thrive.

About Momentum Leaders
Momentum Leaders is a nonprofit women’s leadership organization empowering women at all career stages. Learn more: https://www.momentumleaders.org

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Production & Partners
Produced by Social U. Brought to you by America’s Thrift Stores, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama, Protective Life, and Regions Bank. See all partners at momentumleaders.org.

Visit our website: www.MomentumLeaders.org 

Follow us on Social Media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MomentumLeaders
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/momentumleaders
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/momentumleaders
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@momentumleaders

What does it take to transform a city—and build spaces that bring people together?

In this episode of Momentum Matters, host Katie sits down with Cathy Sloss Jones, President and CEO of Sloss Real Estate, to explore her lifelong connection to Birmingham and the role she has played in shaping the city’s revitalization.

Growing up in Birmingham during the 1950s and 60s, Cathy witnessed a city navigating both profound challenges and historic change. Those early experiences, combined with a deep love for architecture and the built environment, inspired her commitment to restoring historic spaces and reimagining how cities can serve their communities.

As a third-generation leader in her family’s real estate business, Cathy shares the story behind Sloss Real Estate, her family’s longstanding connection to Birmingham’s growth, and the vision that led to the transformation of Pepper Place—once an abandoned industrial area and now one of the city’s most vibrant neighborhoods.

Throughout the conversation, Cathy reflects on the power of community-centered development, the importance of preserving historic buildings, and how thoughtful urban design can encourage connection, walkability, and shared experiences.

She also discusses the influence of strong women mentors in her life, Birmingham’s unique legacy of women leaders, and why she believes the city’s future is filled with possibility.

You’ll also hear Cathy’s thoughts on Birmingham’s nationally recognized food culture, the farmers market movement, and the chefs and farmers who helped shape the city’s culinary identity.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Growing up in Birmingham during a pivotal time in the city’s history
 • The origins of Sloss Real Estate and Cathy’s family legacy
 • Revitalizing historic buildings and the transformation of Pepper Place
 • Why walkable, people-centered spaces matter for thriving communities
 • Mentorship, leadership, and the impact of strong women leaders
 • Birmingham’s food culture and the connection between chefs and local farmers
 • Why the future of Birmingham is full of opportunity

Whether you're passionate about urban revitalization, leadership, community building, or the future of cities, this conversation offers insight from one of Birmingham’s most influential civic leaders.

Visit our website: www.MomentumLeaders.org 

Follow us on Social Media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MomentumLeaders
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/momentumleaders
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/momentumleaders
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@momentumleaders

In this episode of Momentum Matters, host April Benetollo welcomes Ashley Sutton for a meaningful conversation on rest, boundaries, and sustainable leadership.

In a culture that often glorifies hustle and burnout, Ashley challenges leaders—especially women—to rethink productivity and embrace rest as a strategic leadership tool. She shares practical insights on recognizing burnout, creating healthy rhythms, and leading in ways that support long-term growth, clarity, and well-being.

Together, they explore how intentional rest improves focus, emotional intelligence, creativity, and resilience, empowering leaders to show up more fully in both their professional and personal lives. Ashley offers simple, actionable strategies for setting boundaries, managing energy, and cultivating balance in demanding seasons.

This episode is ideal for women leaders, entrepreneurs, and professionals seeking sustainable success, greater clarity, and healthier leadership habits.

Visit our website: www.MomentumLeaders.org 

Follow us on Social Media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MomentumLeaders
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/momentumleaders
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/momentumleaders
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@momentumleaders