Root to Rising

Leaving college is supposed to feel exciting.

For many graduates, it feels overwhelming instead.

In this episode of Root to Rising, Christine Hummel sits down with recent University of Tennessee graduate Hannah Dettmann for an honest conversation about navigating life after college, overcoming self-doubt, and redefining success on your own terms.

Hannah opens up about moving away from home, learning to "fake confidence until it became real," struggling after graduation, and finding unexpected purpose in a career she never planned for. Together, Christine and Hannah discuss why comparison steals joy, how social media shapes unrealistic expectations, and why the strongest confidence comes from knowing who you are—not what you do.

• Why confidence is built through action—not before it
• How to navigate uncertainty after graduation
• What "fake it until you make it" really looks like
• Why your first job doesn't define your future
• How comparison can keep you stuck
• The importance of developing a strong sense of self
• Why happiness isn't always found on the path you expected

• You don't need your life figured out at 22.

• Success is personal—not something defined by a job title.

• Comparison often distracts you from discovering what actually fulfills you.

• Authenticity creates stronger relationships than trying to impress others.

• Your career path is allowed to change as you grow.

"The second I stopped thinking about confidence and started becoming the person I wanted to be... that's when confidence showed up."

If this conversation encouraged you, subscribe to Root to Rising for more conversations with women sharing honest stories about leadership, purpose, growth, and navigating life's transitions.

In this episode of Root to Rising, Christine Hummel sits down with leadership strategist, coach, author, and podcast host Gia Lacqua to explore what happens when outward success no longer matches internal fulfillment.

Gia shares her transition from a Fortune 100 Vice President in ethics and compliance to becoming a coach, speaker, and creator of What the Shift. The conversation explores identity, burnout, perfectionism, and the moment many women begin questioning the path they were told to follow.

At the heart of this episode is a central theme: success evolves, and identity is something we continuously redefine—not something we arrive at once and keep forever.

From corporate success to reinvention
Gia reflects on her career as a VP in the pharmaceutical industry and how, despite external achievement, she began to feel an internal misalignment with her identity and purpose.

The “chameleon” effect in leadership
She describes adapting to high-performing, often male-dominated environments—becoming highly effective while gradually losing touch with her own voice.

Identity vs. external validation
A major theme of the conversation is shifting from external approval to internal alignment and self-definition.

Midlife reflection and reinvention
Christine and Gia explore the “second half” of life and career, when many women reassess fulfillment after achieving traditional success markers.

Fear of failure & the “prover” archetype
Gia shares how she operated as a “prover,” where achievement was driven by fear of failure, perfectionism, and identity protection.

Arrival fallacy
The idea that achieving a goal will lead to lasting fulfillment is challenged. Instead, goals constantly shift, and fulfillment must come from within.

Redefining success at every stage
Both discuss how success, purpose, and even joy evolve over time—and why that evolution is not a setback but a natural progression.

• “Most women are executing a blueprint someone else handed them.”
• “Identity is not how others see us—it’s how we see ourselves.”
• “Failure is just an experiment.”
• “We arrive… and then immediately raise the bar again.”
• “Your greatest strength can also be your biggest liability.”

Gia Lacqua is a leadership strategist, trauma-informed certified coach, speaker, and author of Power Shift: From Balancing It All to the Pursuit of What Matters Most. She also hosts the podcast What the Shift, focused on identity shifts, burnout recovery, and personal reinvention.

• Podcast: What the Shift (available on all major platforms)
• Book: Power Shift: From Balancing It All to the Pursuit of What Matters Most

Guest Links:

• Website: https://gialacqua.com/
• Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/what-the-shift/id1726441669

What if the key to career success isn’t climbing the next rung of the ladder—but finding work that truly aligns with who you are?

In this episode of Root to Rising, Christine Hummel sits down with career and leadership coach Melissa Lawrence, founder of Your Worthy Career, to discuss the power of purpose, confidence, and creating a career path that feels meaningful—not just successful. Melissa shares her unconventional journey from child welfare to leadership development in Pharma and Biotech, the lessons she learned along the way, and why some of the best career advice can come from unexpected places.

Together, they explore career pivots, overcoming self-doubt, navigating workplace feedback, building influence, and preparing for a future shaped by AI. Whether you're feeling stuck, considering a career change, or looking to grow into your next leadership role, this conversation offers practical wisdom and inspiration to help you move forward with confidence.

• Why your career path doesn’t have to be linear
• How to turn feedback into career growth
• The importance of networking and relationship-building
• What women often misunderstand about advancement and leadership
• Why communication skills will become even more valuable in the age of AI
• How to identify work that aligns with your strengths and values
• The mindset shift that helped Melissa launch her own business
• Why "there are no wasted experiences" in your career journey

"If you’re connected to why you’re doing what you’re doing, you can find the motivation to do anything."

"People’s perception becomes your reality in the workplace."

"You can cry a river, then build a bridge and get over it."

"Communication, leadership, and influence are the skills AI can't replace."

Melissa Lawrence is the founder of Your Worthy Career and an experienced career and leadership coach specializing in women working in Pharma and Biotech. With a background in organizational psychology, leadership development, and talent strategy, Melissa helps women create careers that align with their values, strengths, and long-term goals.

Her book, Your Worthy Career: A Science-Backed Method to Build a Meaningful Career in Pharma and Biotech, provides actionable tools and insights for professionals looking to take control of their career growth and find greater fulfillment in their work.

🌐 Learn more about Melissa and Your Worthy Career: yourworthycareer.com

💼 Connect with Melissa on LinkedIn

📖 Get Your Worthy Career on:

• Amazon
• Barnes & Noble

Root to Rising is a platform dedicated to empowering women through authentic conversations, shared experiences, and actionable insights that inspire confidence, growth, and purpose.

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who could benefit from this conversation. ✨

What does it really feel like to graduate high school and step into the unknown?

In this special graduation edition of Root to Rising, Christine Hummel sits down with three recent high school graduates—Kate, Sam, and Megan—to talk about the excitement, stress, uncertainty, and opportunities that come with starting a new chapter. From choosing colleges and majors to navigating the admissions process and preparing for life away from home, this conversation offers an honest look at the transition from high school to college.

The three graduates share how they selected their schools, what influenced their career paths, lessons learned from the application process, and the advice they would give their freshman-year selves. They also discuss friendship, stress management, personal growth, and how emerging technologies like AI may shape their futures.

Whether you're a student preparing for college, a parent supporting your child through the process, or someone reflecting on your own journey, this episode is full of relatable insights and inspiring perspectives.

✨ Choosing a major based on interests, strengths, and curiosity

✨ The reality of the college application process—and what students wish would change

✨ Managing stress, uncertainty, and waiting for admissions decisions

✨ The importance of friendships and support systems during major life transitions

✨ Why trying new things can open unexpected doors

✨ How today's students view AI and its impact on future careers

✨ Advice every high school student should hear before graduation

✨ The emotions shaping their futures: excitement, curiosity, and anticipation

• "Give yourself grace. Everyone is going through it."
• "Quality over quantity when it comes to friendships."
• "Try everything—you never know what opportunity it might lead to."
• "Nothing beats personal connections and conversations."
• "Be excited about the future, even when it's uncertain."

🎓 Kate – Future Psychology Major, University of South Carolina

🎓 Sam – Future Chemistry Major, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

🎓 Megan – Future Engineering Student, University of Tennessee Knoxville

Follow along for more conversations that empower women to grow with confidence, embrace change, and rise into their next chapter.

What if confidence isn't something you find—but something you build?

In this inspiring episode of Root to Rising, Christine Hummel sits down with confidence coach, speaker, and founder of Inspire Her Coaching, Tricia Conyers, for a powerful conversation about self-doubt, personal growth, career transitions, and the courage it takes to create the life you truly want.

Drawing from her own journey from engineering and organizational development into coaching and entrepreneurship, Tricia shares how women can move beyond fear, stop waiting for permission, and begin taking intentional action toward the goals they've been putting off for years.

Together, Christine and Tricia explore one of the biggest questions many women face: How do you trust yourself enough to take the next step when you don't feel ready?

They discuss the importance of self-reflection, building an evidence bank of your accomplishments, overcoming limiting beliefs, and why confidence isn't about being fearless—it's about learning to fear less.

Tricia also shares insights from her upcoming book, Confidence Is Action, launching this September, and explains why every experience—even the ones that don't work out—is helping shape the person you're becoming.

• Why confidence is built through action, not perfection
• How to overcome self-doubt and stop holding yourself back
• The difference between confidence, courage, and certainty
• Why women often downplay their accomplishments
• How to identify your strengths and trust your abilities
• The role mentors and leaders play in helping us grow
• How to navigate career pivots and life transitions
• The power of self-reflection and personal awareness
• Why asking for what you want matters
• Practical ways to build confidence every day

"Nothing is ever wasted. Every experience teaches us something."

"If you don't ask, the answer is already no."

"Confidence is not about being fearless. It's about learning to fear less."

"Confidence isn't a feeling. Confidence is action."

Tricia Conyers is a personal and professional development coach and the founder of Inspire Her Coaching. After more than two decades helping organizations develop leaders and improve performance, she now works primarily with women who are navigating transitions, pursuing new goals, and building confidence from the inside out.

Her work focuses on helping women uncover their strengths, trust themselves, and take meaningful action toward the life they want to create.

📖 Confidence Is Action (Launching September 2026)

Learn more about Tricia's upcoming book:
https://confidenceisaction.com/home

✨ Discover Your Confidence Superpower

Take Tricia's free Confidence Superpower Survey:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdZqQ16VCv3F41Gi9j31gYZCpFvx4kbtjNSZwQFIHPJi_SgmA/viewform

📱 Connect with Tricia

Instagram: @inspireher.tt

LinkedIn: Tricia Conyers

SPECIAL GUEST CO-HOST: RORY LATORIA
Guest hosting this special Root to Rising episode, continuing the meaningful conversations Christine Hummel built this platform around.

Most people don’t end up where they originally planned.

For Jenna Cordaro, that meant navigating childhood loss, identity shifts, career pivots, imposter syndrome, and ultimately discovering a purpose bigger than she imagined.

In this deeply honest conversation, guest host Rory Latoria sits down with Jenna to explore how adversity can become fuel—and why the hardest chapters of life often shape the strongest people.

From losing her father at a young age to becoming a leader, mentor, and educator in the wellness space, Jenna shares the mindset shifts that helped her keep moving forward.

In this episode:

• The childhood loss that changed Jenna’s life forever
• Why she became obsessed with understanding grief, healing, and human behavior
• The mentor who completely shifted her future
• Why your first career plan probably won’t be your last
• Overcoming imposter syndrome and stepping into leadership
• How movement became a tool for healing—not just fitness
• Why teaching others became her true purpose
• The role authenticity plays in confidence and success
• Building mental endurance through discomfort
• Learning to trust life’s pivots instead of resisting them

If you’ve ever felt behind, uncertain, or stuck between who you were and who you’re becoming—this conversation is for you.

Because growth rarely happens in comfort.

In this episode of Root to Rising, host Christine Hummel sits down with AJ, a corporate controller in the automotive industry, to unpack a powerful story of resilience, identity, and growth.

AJ shares her journey of becoming a mother at 15, navigating life without a traditional education path, and rising through a male-dominated industry—all while learning how to balance ambition, self-worth, and personal well-being.

This conversation is a raw and honest look at what it means to grow through adversity, redefine success, and ultimately choose yourself.

• Becoming a mother at 15 and navigating early responsibility
• Building a career without a traditional education
• Breaking barriers as a Black woman in corporate America
• The importance of mentorship and representation
• Learning to balance ambition with self-care
• Overcoming societal expectations and stereotypes
• Finding identity beyond career and motherhood
• Why success doesn’t follow a “perfect path”

1. You don’t need a perfect plan to succeed
AJ’s journey shows that saying “yes” and figuring things out along the way can be more powerful than waiting for the perfect opportunity.

2. Authenticity creates opportunity
Her first job came from simply being honest and real—proof that connection matters more than credentials.

3. Hard work matters—but so does balance
While hustle helped her succeed, she emphasizes the importance of not sacrificing your health or identity.

4. Representation builds confidence
Seeing strong women in leadership helped AJ believe she could achieve more.

5. Your path is your own
College, career, and life decisions don’t look the same for everyone—and that’s okay.

6. Give yourself grace
Mistakes, setbacks, and uncertainty are part of growth—not signs of failure.

“I didn’t know what I was doing—but I said yes and figured it out.”

“You don’t have to prove your worth to everyone else—just yourself.”

“There has to be more to life than working yourself into the ground.”

“Learn your kids. Don’t live your life through them.”

• Young women navigating uncertainty
• Anyone feeling behind in life or career
• Parents trying to guide their children’s future
• Professionals dealing with burnout
• Listeners looking for real, relatable life stories

• Say yes to opportunities—even if you’re not fully ready
• Find a mentor or someone you can learn from
• Prioritize your well-being alongside your goals
• Be honest about where you are in life
• Stop comparing your path to others

AJ is a corporate controller in the automotive industry who built her career from the ground up. Without a traditional education path, she worked her way through the ranks while raising kids, becoming a strong voice for resilience, authenticity, and self-growth.

In this episode of Root to Rising, Christine sits down with national and international correspondent Robert Ray—someone who’s not only covered some of the world’s most intense moments, but also happens to be a father of four daughters.

From war zones to natural disasters, Robert shares what it really takes to report under pressure—and how those experiences shape the way he shows up at home. This conversation goes beyond journalism, diving into perspective, resilience, parenting, and what it means to raise confident young women in a fast-changing world.

• The reality of modern journalism—and why the industry is evolving fast
• What it takes to report in high-pressure, real-world situations
• Separating truth from noise in the age of AI and social media
• Why perspective is everything (and how to build it)
• Raising four daughters: confidence, independence, and real-world exposure
• The importance of discomfort, failure, and resilience in growth
• Career advice for the next generation entering media
• Why long-term thinking matters more than quick success

• “The shortage isn’t opportunity—it’s responsibility. You have to build the pipeline.” (optional swap if using your earlier theme)
• “You can’t change the world overnight—it happens in the trenches, over decades.”
• “Your phone won’t give you purpose. Real life will.”
• “Everything ends—you just don’t know when. That’s what keeps you going.”
• “This isn’t just a job. It’s who you are when no one’s watching.”

• Success in any field requires long-term commitment, not short-term thinking
• Exposure to real-world challenges builds resilience faster than comfort ever will
• Trust must be earned—especially in today’s media landscape
• Parenting isn’t about protecting kids from discomfort—it’s about preparing them for it
• The most important legacy isn’t your career—it’s who you are to others

Robert Ray is a national and international correspondent with Fox Weather, reporting from the front lines of major weather events and global crises. With over 30 years in journalism, he brings a rare blend of field experience, storytelling, and perspective—both professionally and as a father of four daughters.

(https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-ray-61022824)

In this episode, Christine sits down with Sandy Loreaux, a seasoned biopharma executive turned executive coach, to explore her journey through high-stakes leadership, personal evolution, and redefining success. From being known as a “crisis manager” in corporate America to stepping away at the peak of her career, Sandy shares powerful insights on confidence, leadership, motherhood, and making intentional life choices.

1. The “Crisis Manager” Mindset

• Sandy built her reputation by stepping into high-pressure, complex business challenges.
• She embraced uncertainty with a “why not me?” attitude.
• Growth often comes from taking on roles others avoid.

2. Leadership Rooted in Trust & Transparency

• Building strong teams starts with trust and authentic connection.
• Great leaders prioritize people—not just performance metrics.
• Hiring for team chemistry is just as important as hiring for skill.

3. The Power of Team Dynamics

• Who you work with matters more than what you do.
• High-performing teams thrive on mutual respect, open communication, and shared purpose.
• Feedback culture is essential for both individual and team growth.
• Don’t wait until you feel “ready”—growth happens in the stretch.

4. Work, Life, and Reality (Not “Balance”)

• There is no perfect balance—only constant recalibration.
• Success at home and work requires partnership, communication, and flexibility.
• Choosing the right life partner can significantly impact career trajectory.

5. The Importance of Asking for What You Need

• Advocating for flexibility and support is critical—and often respected.
• Performance earns you the right to ask for accommodations.
• Vulnerability as a leader fosters stronger team relationships.

• “Why not me?”
• “You can’t live on beef jerky and coffee forever.”
• “Who you work with matters more than the job itself.”
• “Actions speak louder than words—especially in partnerships.”
• “Sometimes you just have to jump into the deep end and figure it out.”
• “You should never stop working on yourself.”

For Early Career Professionals:

• Show up with confidence—your presence matters.
• Speak clearly and assertively.
• Don’t underestimate the importance of professionalism and communication style.

For Mid-Career Professionals:

• Stay open to feedback and continuous growth.
• Reevaluate what success means to you.
• Prioritize environments and people that energize you.

For Everyone:

• It’s okay to change direction.
• Your definition of success can evolve.
• Build a life—not just a career..

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandy-loreaux-6567997
• Email: [email protected]

• Jen’s journey: math/science → journalism → software → biopharma
• No “perfect plan”—careers evolve through exploration
• Important takeaway: Your path doesn’t need to make sense upfront

• Started as a temp answering phones → taught herself coding
• Took initiative by learning beyond her role
• Lesson: Growth comes from curiosity and action, not job titles

• Entry-level roles can open unexpected doors
• Jen made herself “too valuable to ignore”
• Advice: Focus on learning and contribution, not prestige

• Logic, problem-solving, and storytelling carried across industries
• Transitioned from software → pharma using niche expertise
• Insight: Skills > industry experience (in many cases)

• Took a lower title to enter a new industry
• Prioritized long-term growth over short-term status
• Key idea: Don’t get stuck chasing titles—chase opportunity

• Experienced imposter syndrome despite success
• “Fake it till you make it” is real
• Advice:
  • Control your inner dialogue
  • Everyone else is dealing with insecurities too

• “Always raise your hand”
• Speak up about what you want
• Be intentional about your career direction

• Mentoring others clarifies your own story
• Helps build communication and self-awareness
• Insight: Teaching = learning about yourself

• College can still matter—but isn’t everything
• Trades and alternative paths are valid
• Gap identified:
  • Lack of real-life skills (communication, independence)

• Jen rarely asked: “Do I actually want this?”
• High achievers tend to overcommit
• Advice:
  • Pause and reflect
  • It’s okay to rest or pivot

• Don’t wait for the “perfect job”—start somewhere
• Be adaptable and open to unexpected opportunities
• Build a strong personal narrative (don’t rely fully on AI)
• Focus on what:
  • Energizes you
  • You’re naturally good at
• Take risks—even if they feel uncomfortable

• “Don’t let yourself be trapped in something below your potential.”
• “Figure out what makes you special—and learn how to tell that story.”
• “Your inner monologue should build you up, not tear you down.”
• “Every job has something to teach you.”

Success isn’t about a straight line—it’s about:

• Trying things
• Learning continuously
• Taking risks
• Staying self-aware