Momentum Matters

In this episode of Momentum Matters, host April Benetollo welcomes Velera Wilson, leadership expert, author, and keynote speaker, for a powerful conversation on confidence, communication, and authentic leadership.

With more than 20 years of executive experience leading global teams and driving large-scale results, Velera shares how women leaders can overcome self-doubt, strengthen their mindset, and communicate with clarity and influence. She explores why confidence starts internally, how lived experience shapes leadership, and what it takes to show up authentically in high-stakes environments.

Listeners will gain practical strategies for improving communication with senior leaders, peers, and teams, along with tools for building credibility, emotional intelligence, and resilience. Velera also reflects on her own leadership journey, from being the first in her family to graduate from college to becoming a sought-after leadership speaker and advisor.

This episode is ideal for women leaders, emerging executives, entrepreneurs, and professionals seeking to strengthen their leadership presence, build confidence, and lead with greater purpose and impact.

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 Magie Cook, visionary entrepreneur, internationally recognized speaker, and keynote for the Momentum Leaders Annual Leadership Conference.

Magie’s story is one of extraordinary resilience. After spending the first 18 years of her life in an orphanage in Mexico, she immigrated to the United States, earned a college basketball scholarship, experienced homelessness after graduation, and ultimately founded a fresh salsa company with just $800. That company later sold alongside Garden Fresh to Campbell’s Soup for $231 million.

In this powerful conversation, Magie shares how adversity shaped her leadership mindset and led her to develop her 3R Framework—Resilience, Resourcefulness, and Relentlessness. Together, April and Magie explore what it truly takes to build something lasting: from cultivating purpose and aligning values, to leading teams with clarity, courage, and compassion.

Listeners will hear practical leadership lessons, real-world entrepreneurship insights, and reflections on how women leaders can navigate challenge, rejection, and growth without losing themselves in the process. Magie also discusses her work today as a philanthropist and leadership advisor, collaborating with Fortune 100 and 500 companies and supporting orphanages and vulnerable communities in Mexico.

This episode is a must-listen for women leaders, entrepreneurs, and anyone seeking to turn adversity into meaningful impact.

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 mean to define your legacy while you’re still living it? In this episode of Momentum Matters, host Raven sits down with Andrea McCaskey, former statewide director of Momentum Leaders, for a powerful conversation about leadership, purpose, and influence.

Andrea shares insights from her journey through corporate leadership, nonprofit work, and personal loss—revealing how faith, connection, and the practice of pausing to breathe have shaped her leadership philosophy. Together, they explore why legacy is built in the present and how leaders can pivot with clarity, intention, and courage.

This episode is for women leaders, executives, and changemakers who want to lead with authenticity and impact. Tune in for inspiration, reflection, and a reminder that leadership is stronger when we are connected—and that Momentum Matters.

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 inspiring episode of Momentum Matters, Raven Holloway sits down with Kathy Boswell, Chief Encouragement Officer and founder of B.Intentional. Kathy shares her unique approach to leadership, focusing on the power of encouragement and leaving a lasting legacy through intentional actions. She explains how being mindful in how we show up—whether in business or personal life—can make a profound impact on others.

Kathy also delves into the importance of emotional intelligence and self-awareness in leadership. She emphasizes that true leadership isn’t about titles but about understanding our emotions and how they influence our actions. In a world filled with distractions, she encourages us to be intentional in every decision we make.

Kathy’s shares her journey through grief, after losing her son Parker, and how it has deeply shaped her philosophy of living with purpose. Despite her pain, she continues to encourage others, embodying the power of faith, resilience, and love. This episode is a heartfelt reminder that intention truly matters in both leadership and life.

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 sits down with Maureen Zappala—former NASA propulsion engineer, award-winning speaker, and keynote for the upcoming Momentum Leadership Conference—for an inspiring conversation about imposter syndrome, confidence, and unlocking your full potential.

Maureen shares the unlikely childhood moment that sparked her career in engineering, what it was really like stepping into NASA as the youngest and first female manager in her lab, and how self-doubt shaped her early career. She breaks down the psychology of imposter syndrome, why high achievers are especially vulnerable, and the practical tools she now teaches to help people challenge distorted thinking and step boldly into their strengths.

Whether you’re navigating a new role, leading teams, or striving to grow into your brilliance, this episode offers both clarity and encouragement.

Tune in for a powerful preview of Maureen’s upcoming keynote for Rise 2026, Momentum's Leadership Conference—and learn how to quiet the inner critic so your confidence can rise. Learn more about our conference, here: https://conference.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, host April Benetello sits down with Janet King, founder of The Gathering Lab, for a powerful conversation about why meaningful relationships feel harder to build today—and what we can do to change that.

Janet shares how motherhood, remote work, and the pandemic shaped her passion for rebuilding authentic community. She breaks down the science of human connection, the hidden costs of social media and AI companionship, and why intentional gathering design is key to creating spaces where people feel depth, trust, and belonging.

Whether you’re craving richer friendships, leading teams, or simply longing for more connection in an increasingly disconnected world, this episode offers both insight and hope.

Tune in and explore how real relationships can thrive again—one intentional gathering at a time.

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

Closing the Confidence Gap—at work and beyond.

In this episode of Momentum Matters, CEO/cohost April Benetollo sits down with Kelli Thompson—award-winning author of Closing the Confidence Gap, TEDx speaker, and executive coach—to unpack how high achievers become influential leaders.

Kelli shares:

• Her path from banking & HR to entrepreneurship and executive coaching
• Why confidence is a side effect of action—and how to swap “but first” for “while also”
• The difference between achiever and strategic leader (and how to make the jump)
• A practical framework to speak up with authenticity (not a one-size “executive presence”)
• Navigating systemic barriers: non-promotable work, the “helper’s high,” and delegation that sticks
• Insights from her TEDx “Pedestal Problem” on authority bias and trusting your own voice

About Kelli Thompson
Kelli is an award-winning author, keynote speaker, and executive coach whose work appears in Harvard Business Review, Fast Company, MarketWatch, Quartz, and Business Insider; she’s been profiled in Forbes and is a Stevie Award winner for Women in Business (Coach of the Year).

Resources & Next Steps

• Book: Closing The Confidence Gap: Boost Your Peace, Your Potential & Your Paycheck
• Watch her TEDx by searching “Kelli Thompson TEDx”
• Learn more about Momentum Leaders: momentumleaders.org

Enjoying the show?
Subscribe, rate, and share to amplify women’s leadership stories.

Credits & 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. A full list of corporate partners is at momentumleaders.org.
Special thanks to our Momentum members, donors, and volunteers.

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

Legacy. Leadership. Influence. In this episode of Momentum Matters, cohost Raven Holloway sits down with Tonya Hill Mitchell—former HR executive, founder & executive director of Diane’s Heart, and Inspire Action coach—to talk about transforming loss into purpose, building a living legacy, and why women leaders must “act brand new” to step fully into their power.

Tonya shares:

• The origin story of Diane’s Heart and the moment she chose purpose over a lucrative corporate path
• Her three core coaching questions: Who am I? What do I want? Who am I here to serve?
• The difference between brand and reputation—and how to show up consistently
• “On the Cusp”: a new body of work about pouring out, being filled up, and moving beyond hesitation
• The radical self-care practices that fuel resilience and clarity
• How inspired action (not duty) moves us forward

Connect with Tonya
Inspired Action Coaching and Consulting: myinspiredaction.com
Email: [email protected]
Diane’s Heart: https://dianesheart.org 

Enjoying the show?
Subscribe, rate, and share to amplify women’s leadership stories.

Credits & 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. A full list of corporate partners is available at momentumleaders.org.

 Special thanks to our Momentum members, donors, and volunteers.

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 sits down with Dr. Kate McCombs, professor of leadership at Samford University and alumna of Momentum’s Upward Class 4. Kate shares her journey from finance to academia and dives deep into what it means to lead yourself before leading others. From defining self-leadership and emotional intelligence to discussing the changing nature of work, burnout, and the role of AI in leadership—this episode is full of insights for anyone striving to lead with purpose, adaptability, and heart.

Tune in to learn:

1. Why self-leadership is the foundation of effective leadership
2. How the next generation defines success differently
3. The balance between efficiency and effectiveness in the age of AI
4. How women can set healthy boundaries without guilt

🎙️ Presented by Momentum Leaders — empowering women to advance in leadership.

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, Katie sits down with Selena Rodgers Dickerson, a trailblazing entrepreneur from Birmingham, Alabama. Selena opens up about her journey in a male-dominated field, sharing how resilience, mentorship, and purpose shaped her path.

From building a company rooted in equity and community voices to balancing career and family, Selena offers powerful lessons on leadership, personal branding, and creating supportive workplaces.

A must-listen for anyone passionate about leadership, equity, and inspiring the next generation.

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