Root to Rising

From Curiosity to Confidence: Taking Risks, Leading with People, and Building a Life That Grows With You

Host: Christine Hummel
Guest: Kam (Kathy Anne) McManus, Chief Customer Officer at CDK Global

In this episode of Root to Rising, host Christine Hummel sits down with Kam McManus—global leader, mentor, and Chief Customer Officer at CDK Global—for an honest and powerful conversation about career pivots, leadership, risk-taking, and redefining success on your own terms.

From starting her career in media and entertainment in Australia to leading customer experience organizations across multiple industries and continents, Kam shares how curiosity, connection, and courage shaped her professional journey. This episode is a must-listen for women navigating career transitions, leadership roles, and the realities of balancing ambition with family life.

• Why skills and characteristics matter more than industry experience
• How taking risks—even when they feel uncomfortable—can unlock unexpected growth
• The importance of listening as a leadership skill
• How to build confidence when stepping into roles you don’t feel “fully ready” for
• What it really looks like to balance career, motherhood, and partnership
• Why mentorship isn’t something you wait for—it’s something you practice early
• How resilience and adaptability shape long-term success

• Leadership is a privilege, not a rite of passage
• You don’t need to check every box to be qualified—growth happens in the gaps
• Confidence often comes after courage, not before
• Strong partnerships—at work and at home—are game changers
• Listening deeply creates stronger teams, better outcomes, and meaningful connection
• Failure isn’t the end of the story; it’s part of the process

• Born and raised in Sydney, Australia; now based in the U.S.
• Career spanning media, technology, telecommunications, and automotive industries
• Led global teams across Asia-Pacific, Australia, and the United States
• Former entrepreneur who built and ran her own consulting practice
• Passionate mentor and advocate for women in leadership
• Proud mom of three adult children and proof that there’s no single “right” path

“Leadership is a privilege, not a rite of passage.”

“If someone offers you an opportunity, it’s because they see something in you—believe them.”

“You can have both a career and a family, but you can’t be perfect at both—and that’s okay.”

“Listen more than you speak. That’s where real connection happens.”

In this inspiring conversation, host Christine Hummel welcomes guest Elizabeth — a recent chemical-engineering graduate turned project engineer — to share her journey from middle school science-lover, through college and internship challenges, into a professional career. Together they explore the pressures women face in STEM and career building, the value of mentorship and support, and the importance of balancing ambition with self-care and personal fulfillment.

• Elizabeth always enjoyed math and science throughout school; a high-school chemistry class helped solidify her decision to study chemical engineering.
  
• She credits early teachers — even from elementary school — who recognized her potential and encouraged her academically and personally.
  

• In college, while presenting undergraduate research at a conference, Elizabeth encountered intimidating, in-depth technical questions — many from graduate students and senior engineers. The experience was overwhelming and made her question if she “fit” in STEM.
  
  
• In hindsight, she sees it as part of the learning process: using feedback, leaning on peers, and growing confidence over time.
  

• While the field is male-dominated, having mentors and female peers helped her navigate sexism, uncertainty, and self-doubt.
  
  
• Her support network (family, friends, teammates) was crucial during college and in transitioning to the workforce.
  
  

• Alongside her rigorous major, Elizabeth played club softball — even serving as team president — which offered a much-needed break from academics.
  
  
• She learned not to strive for perfection constantly; instead, balance work with hobbies, rest, social life, and personal growth.
  

• Work hard and stay dedicated, but don’t sacrifice mental health or personal happiness for perfection.
  
  
• Get involved in activities you genuinely enjoy — don’t just pad your résumé.
  
  
• Build a support network — mentors, peers, friends — especially valuable when entering competitive or male-dominated fields.
  
  
• Define success broadly: career achievements are just one piece; personal fulfillment, joy, and relationships matter too.
  
  
• Set both professional and personal goals so you stay grounded and balanced.
  
  

“You don’t have to be perfect in college to succeed.” — Elizabeth

“There will always be people who question what you do … but at the end of the day, you have to believe in yourself.” — Elizabeth

“Your success isn’t defined by your grades.” — Elizabeth

• Highlights the real, often invisible emotional and psychological challenges women face when entering STEM and male-dominated industries.
  
  
• Offers relatable insight for anyone navigating education → internships → career transitions.
  
  
• Serves as encouragement: ambition and hard work matter — but so does self-awareness, balance, and connection.
  
  
• Provides a blueprint for younger women (or anyone) striving to build a meaningful career without sacrificing well-being.
  
  

In this episode of Root to Rising, Christine sits down with Hannah Palumbo, a single mom of two boys whose vulnerable TikTok about going from a “10/10 wife” to “0/10” and rebuilding herself back up quietly went viral.

Hannah opens up about the rating scale that started as a TikTok trend but became a powerful reflection tool for her own life: how she slowly went from feeling like a 10/10 wife to feeling like she was a zero, why that number was never actually real, and the rebuilding process that followed her divorce four years ago.

Together, Christine and Hannah unpack the expectations women carry as wives, mothers, and professionals; the subtle ways we lose ourselves in the role; and the courageous, messy, step-by-step path to becoming a 10/10 version of yourself—not just someone else’s idea of a “good wife.”

This conversation is honest, tender, and deeply practical for any woman standing at a crossroads, wondering, “Is it selfish to want more?” (Spoiler: it’s not.)

• Your rating is not your reality. How someone makes you feel doesn’t define your worth.
• You’re allowed to evolve. Seasons change. Interests change. You are not “wrong” for needing more than you did five years ago.
• Motherhood and selfhood can coexist. Filling your own cup isn’t selfish—it’s the only way to pour into others sustainably.
• Stepping stones > perfect plans. You don’t need a 10-year strategy. You just need the courage to take the next right step.
• Vulnerability creates village. The moment you’re honest, women show up. We just have to be brave enough to tell the truth.

• Women quietly asking themselves, “Is this all there is?”
• Moms who feel guilty for wanting something for themselves.
• Anyone navigating divorce, separation, or a major life pivot.
• Friends, sisters, and partners who want to better support the women they love.

In this inspiring conversation, Christine welcomes Monica, a dynamic leader, mother of two, and purpose-driven professional who shares her winding path from aspiring physician to corporate VP and mom. Monica opens up about the pivots in her life, the fears she had to face, the mentors who shaped her, and the intentional choices that led her to personal and professional fulfillment.

This episode dives into identity, courage, authenticity, and the evolving definition of success for women—especially those juggling career, motherhood, purpose, and self-care.

Monica started her journey believing she was destined for medical school—until a profound shift in her senior year made her reevaluate her motivations.
➡️ Lesson: Your “plan” doesn’t have to be permanent. A pivot can be the exact step you need.

Whether it was changing careers, leading for the first time, or stepping into motherhood, Monica describes moments of feeling unprepared or intimidated.
➡️ Her approach: Feel the fear, acknowledge it, and still move forward.

Early Monica equated success with titles, achievements, and checking every box. Today, success looks like happiness, family, impact, and alignment with her purpose.
➡️ We evolve; so should our definitions of success.

Monica’s transformation from shy new hire to confident leader was fueled by people who saw potential in her—even when she didn’t see it herself.
➡️ Curiosity, courage, and willingness to raise your hand attract mentors.

Monica and Christine explore why women often feel they must check every box before stepping up—while men will throw their name in the ring with just half the qualifications.
➡️ Challenge the narrative: courage > perfection.

Monica shares her beautiful journey into motherhood as a single mom by choice—and how “organized chaos” became her new normal.
➡️ Her wisdom: You will drop balls. Give yourself grace. Focus on impact, not perfection.

From early-morning quiet to full self-care days (YES—even when the kids are at daycare), Monica emphasizes that restoration is not selfish—it’s essential.
➡️ You can’t pour from an empty cup.

Monica credits her faith as the anchor that fuels her purpose, resilience, and desire to impact others.

Your dreams at 16 don’t have to dictate your future at 26—or 46. Pivoting isn’t failure; it’s growth.

Fear is a signal that something important is ahead. Take the jump.

Apply for the job. Volunteer for the project. Raise your hand. Perfect is a myth; progress is power.

Look around: who inspires you? Learn from them, even if they’re not in your direct circle.

You’ll be surprised what you learn when you revisit it later.
(Challenge issued by Christine!)

Your “S” might glow in the dark—and that’s your strength, not your limitation.

Take the day off. Do nothing. Restore. Your future self will thank you.

Balancing Lab Coats & Crowns: Olivia Pura Zbihley, PHD on Curiosity, Pageantry, and Redefining ‘Perfect’

A first-generation American and biochemist who became Miss Illinois shares how to push your bubble, fail on purpose, and build confidence one intentional step at a time.

In this candid conversation, Christine sits down with Olivia Pura Zbihley—first-gen American, PhD in biochemistry (UChicago), and former Miss Illinois—to unpack the tension between achievement and authenticity. They explore women in STEM, networking for introverts, the pressure to be “perfect,” and how to navigate gut-punch setbacks with a simple therapy tool. Olivia’s playbook for “doing less, more intentionally” will help you set better boundaries, grow real confidence, and pursue purpose without burning out.

1. Do less, more intentionally. Say yes to fewer rooms; show up fully and consistently.
2. Push your bubble. Confidence grows via small adjacent risks, not giant leaps.
3. Separate worth from wins. Your value isn’t your GPA, job title, or likes.
4. Practice useful catastrophizing. Write the real “worst-case chain” to deflate anxiety.
5. Design support on purpose. Mentors, routines, and non-work hobbies refill your tank.
6. Own your preparation. Don’t label excellence as “luck”—claim the work.
7. Permitted to play. Pick a safe arena to be terrible at something—and enjoy it.

• “Sometimes growth isn’t leaving your bubble—it’s pushing it.”
• “Do less, but do it intentionally. That’s how you avoid burnout and build momentum.”
• “I had to learn that my value isn’t my performance.”
• “Perfection stops where real experiments begin.”
• “Confidence is built in baby steps off what you’re already good at.”

1. Pick one ‘bubble-push’ this week that’s adjacent to a strength (15–30 min max).
2. Catastrophize on paper: Write the step-by-step worst-case chain for something you’re avoiding—then a best-case chain.
3. Schedule ‘play’—join a rec league/class where you’re happily a beginner.
4. Audit your yeses: Circle one commitment to drop, one to double-down on.

Olivia is a first-generation American, PhD in Biochemistry from the University of Chicago, and former Miss Illinois. Her work and platform live at the intersection of science, community, and empowering women to pursue purpose with confidence. She starts a new corporate role in 2026 and advocates for intentional growth, mentorship, and embracing “productive imperfection.”

• Catastrophizing Exercise (therapy tool): Write the linear chain of “if X, then Y” to the actual end point.
• Women in STEM Mentorship: Seek mixed-seniority mentors; create non-work social bonds.
• "So Good They Can't Ignore You" by Cal Newport

• Share this episode with a woman in STEM or a first-gen student who needs a confidence nudge.
• Tell us your ‘bubble-push’ this week—comment or DM on IG/LinkedIn. We’ll feature a few next episode.
• Subscribe & Review to help more women find the show.

Christine sits down with Jennifer Seyler to trace a winding path from AP Physics and pre-med to nutrition research, PR, and ultimately organizational leadership. They unpack confidence as a practice (not a feeling), why “work-life balance” is a myth, how to network when you hate small talk, and what today’s grads should do this week to get unstuck. Jennifer shares vivid stories—from calling her engineer dad for physics help to white-water cliff jumps—that become frameworks for risk, resilience, and growth. The result is a roadmap for younger women navigating noisy expectations, social media pressure, and their first (or next) career move.

• Core idea: Confidence comes from action; do it scared, learn, then iterate.
• Career engine: Relationships > résumés; value exchange over cold asks.
• Mindset shift: Be uncomfortable on purpose—growth lives there.
• Tactical tip: Search job descriptions, not job titles. Titles are subjective.
• Teaching lens: You’re here to learn—permission granted to not know everything.

• “If it’s in a book, it’s old news.” (07:01)
• “If something doesn’t go your way, change your strategy.” (02:46)
• “Confidence shows up when you jump—then you figure it out.” (17:42)
• “Work-life balance? It’s an oxymoron.” (29:04)
• “Don’t look for job titles; look at what the work actually is.” (38:21)
• “If you don’t believe in you, no one will—people see right through it.” (36:24)
• “Networking works when you ask, ‘What can I do for them?’” (25:54)

Christine Hummel sits down with Andressa—editor, mom of three, wife, and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) clinician—to unpack self-reinvention, faith transitions, and the courage to take up space. They trace Andressa’s journey from a mission in Belgium/Netherlands to early marriage, career pivots, discovering TMS, leaving the LDS Church, and reclaiming creativity through writing and community theater. If you’ve ever felt paralyzed by “being wrong,” this conversation is a blueprint for moving anyway.

Andressa is a Utah-based editor who splits time between motherhood, graphic design, and administering TMS therapy for depression/anxiety. A lifelong reader and journaler, she’s rediscovering her creative voice while navigating a major faith transition and leaning into “Why not me?” as a life mantra.

This episode discusses religious belief and faith transitions, mental-health treatments (TMS), and anxiety/depression in a supportive, non-graphic way.

1. Action precedes confidence. Andressa’s career breaks came from volunteering when no one else raised a hand.
2. Safety ≠ comfort. She distinguishes discomfort (growth) from unsafety (don’t do it).
3. Multiple truths can coexist. Gratitude for her upbringing and clarity to choose different.
4. “Why not me?” A practical reframe for auditions, jobs, and creative risks.
5. Parenting through transition. Model curiosity, invite questions, and emphasize agency.
6. Writing as return. Returning to early loves (reading/journaling) reignites purpose.
7. TMS 101. A non-chemical, non-invasive option for treatment-resistant depression/anxiety.

On this episode of Root to Rising, host Christine Hummel talks with Katherine (University of Kentucky) and MacKenna (Ole Miss) about making bold college choices, building real confidence, and sustaining long-distance relationships. They unpack the pressure of prestige and acceptance rates, why “fit over prestige” wins, how competitive dance shaped discipline, and practical strategies for communicating needs in love and friendship. Katherine shares her journey overcoming anorexia and the role of therapy and community in healing. Christine offers her simple 5-Rule decision framework to de-dramatize big choices. Perfect for high-school seniors, college students, and anyone navigating major life pivots.

Two college women share how they chose fit over prestige, built real confidence (even on days it’s “faked”), navigated competitive dance cultures, healed after hardship, and made long-distance love work. Christine adds a simple decision framework—the “5-Rule”—you can use for any big life choice.

• Fit > prestige. Acceptance rates don’t define you; daily environment does.
• Confidence is built. Boundaries, practice—and yes, sometimes “faking it” until your body remembers.
• Ask for help early. Therapy and community are strength multipliers.
• Teams build leaders. Dance/sports = discipline, feedback tolerance, execution.
• Treat choices like leases, not mortgages. Iterate as you learn.
• Long-distance works with systems. Communicate needs, celebrate each other’s wins, keep independent lives healthy.

• “Fake confidence is still confidence. Sometimes it gets you in the room—and you figure the rest out.” —MacKenna
• “I didn’t want to follow the trend. I wanted to prove I could do different.” —Katherine
• “It’s a lease, not a mortgage. You can change paths without shame.” —Christine

Purpose Over Pressure — How A Clemson Senior Found Her Why

In this week’s inspiring episode, host Christine Hummel sits down with Elle Thomas, a 20-year-old senior at Clemson University studying Biomedical Engineering. Elle’s story is a masterclass in courage, pivoting, and finding purpose — from graduating high school early to changing her entire career path after a powerful personal experience.

What happens when the “plan” no longer lights your fire?
Elle shares how she went from chasing law school dreams to preparing for the MCAT and pursuing medicine — and why listening to your gut is sometimes the bravest move of all.

This episode reminds every woman — from high schoolers to executives — that confidence isn’t built overnight. It’s built through small acts of courage, daily self-talk, and the grace to start over.

• Finding Purpose: Why Elle chose engineering without wanting to be an engineer — and how that decision gave her freedom.
• The Pivot Moment: The emotional family event that changed her entire direction and inspired her move toward medicine.
• Pushing Through Pushback: How Elle navigates the comments and doubts that women in STEM — especially aspiring doctors — still hear today.
• Confidence 101: Elle’s unique take on self-talk, being your own best friend, and the power of saying yes to opportunities.
• Reputation + Brand: Christine and Elle unpack how your “personal brand” starts in high school — and how every interaction builds (or breaks) it.
• Female Support vs. Competition: A candid conversation on why women must champion each other instead of compete.
• Purpose > Perfection: The simple mindset shift that keeps Elle grounded while balancing pressure, expectations, and future goals.

“If I can make even one person feel the gratitude I felt for my family’s doctor — that’s the kind of career I want.” — Elle Thomas

“No one thinks about you as much as you think about you. So stop holding yourself back.” — Elle Thomas

“We’re all writing our own definition of success. There isn’t one version — and that’s the beauty of it.” — Christine Hummel

“Elle reminds us that purpose isn’t something you stumble into — it’s something you build through curiosity, courage, and consistency. Whether you’re 20 or 60, there’s no ‘too late’ or ‘too early’ to start following what fuels you.”

• Follow Root to Rising on Instagram for daily inspiration.
• Connect with host Christine Hummel on LinkedIn.

• Subscribe and leave a 5-star review if this episode moved you — it helps other women find our growing community.

In this inspiring conversation, Christine sits down with Phyllis, a pharmacist, mother, grandmother, and lifelong learner who has redefined success through every season of life. From growing up during an era that told women “you can’t,” to leading in corporate healthcare and mentoring others, Phyllis’s story is a masterclass in resilience, reinvention, and courage.

They discuss:

• Breaking barriers in male-dominated fields
• Building confidence when you’re told “no”
• Navigating work, motherhood, and identity through changing eras
• The power of mentors, networks, and saying yes before you’re ready

1. Believe in your potential, even when others don’t.
As a teen, Phyllis was told women couldn’t be physicians — a comment that altered her path. Her story reminds us how powerful a single voice of doubt can be, and how reclaiming that narrative is part of every woman’s journey.

2. Your “brand” is who you already are.
Christine points out that when Phyllis lists her roles — wife, mother, friend, consultant, volunteer — she’s defining her brand through authenticity and purpose.

3. Ambition is not arrogance.
Phyllis shares how her drive for “the next job” shaped her unconventional career in pharmacy, management, and corporate leadership — a call for women to pursue growth without apology.

4. Networking isn’t luck — it’s intentional connection.
From a chemistry teacher’s encouragement to mentors who opened doors, Phyllis’s success is built on relationships she nurtured with honesty, curiosity, and gratitude.

5. Work-life balance doesn’t exist — but work-life management does.
She reflects on motherhood, guilt, and the myth of balance, offering practical wisdom: “Some weeks you’re all in at work; some weeks you’re all in at home. Over time, it balances out.”

6. Confidence comes from action, not perfection.
Phyllis urges young women to put themselves in uncomfortable spaces — academic, social, or professional — because discomfort is where growth lives.

7. Don’t let one person define your path.
The words that once derailed her dream of medicine became her greatest lesson: never let someone outside of you talk you out of your potential.

With three daughters now navigating careers and motherhood, Phyllis brings perspective on how the challenges facing young women today — social media pressure, competitive job markets, and comparison culture — echo old limitations in new forms. Her advice:

“Find what motivates you, stay true to it, and surround yourself with people who lift you up — not limit you.”

Christine connects Phyllis’ journey to the heart of the Root to Rising mission — creating a space for women to share stories that teach, heal, and empower. “Phyllis’s courage to be open, to shift directions, and to keep showing up — that’s what rising looks like,” Christine says.

“It’s not about if you’ll go to college — it’s where you’ll go.”
“I didn’t have a brand… until I realized my life was my brand.”
“You need a cheerleader. You need someone who believes in you even when you don’t.”
“Don’t chase balance. Chase meaning.”
“Be uncomfortable. That’s when you grow.”