She Lights the Way

Ever wonder who's behind your favorite foods and drinks? Meet Dr. Mary Wagner, the powerhouse who's shaped everything from Hamburger Helper to Starbucks' Nitro Cold Brew. With a career spanning over 45 years and encompassing roles at industry giants like General Mills, Taco Bell, Gallo Winery, Mars and Starbucks, food scientist Dr. Mary Wagner takes us on a whirlwind tour at the forefront of food innovation, crisis management, and leadership.

- Discover how a chance college course led to a career transforming global food giants

Whether you're a foodie, an aspiring leader, or just curious about the science behind your daily cup of joe, Mary's story will leave you hungry for more. Dive into a world where science meets business, and one woman's vision changed how we all eat and drink.

Show Notes: 

• Introductions

Guest Bio: 

Dr. Mary Wagner is a recognized executive leader and board director with a reputation for creating innovative products, managing risks, handling crises, and leading food quality and safety initiatives. She has a track record in a range of branded global retail and consumer packaged goods (CPG) companies, including Starbucks, Mars, Gallo, YUM and General Mills. Mary is known for her ability to engage people around a common goal, with a history of transforming organizations, building departments from the ground up, and creating an R&D culture of innovation. She holds significant leadership roles on industry and non-profit boards of directors.

Learn more about Mary’s work and connect with her:

LinkedIn

In this inspiring and deeply personal interview, Michelle Lequin opens her heart to share the courageous journey that led her to fully embrace her creative passions after retirement from her 35-year career as a technical writer. From drumming as a young girl against the tides of societal expectations, to finding her voice through singing on stage, Michelle's story is a powerful testament to the transformative magic of self-expression. 

We delve into the lineage of strong women who shaped Michelle's unshakeable spirit - her grandmother, who couldn't fathom a female drummer in her era, and her warm yet resilient mother, who blazed the trail for Michelle to forge her own adventurous path. With refreshing candor, Michelle reflects on the pivotal moments, mindset shifts, and helping hands that empowered her adventures, offering incredible insights for those yearning to reignite their inner spark.

We explore:

• Pursuing unconventional interests from a young age

Whether you're feeling the tug of an unrealized dream or simply seeking doses of inspiration, Michelle’s story will fill your heart with warmth and courage to light the way for your own journey.

Show Notes: 

Guest Bio: 

Since her retirement, Michelle has found her voice through creative expression. Accustomed to occupying the back of the stage as a drummer in local performances, she has courageously moved to the front of the stage as a singer.

Learn more about Michelle’s work and connect with her:

Refer to the "Featured" section in Michelle's LinkedIn profile for:

- Hallmark greeting card winning entry

- Humor essay written for The Oregonian's "The Edge" column

- Freelance article written for EBSCO Publishing

Lauren Maffeo's journey shatters the myth that you need a STEM degree to thrive in tech. This former journalist pivoted from covering tech startups in London to working as an industry analyst focused on AI and business intelligence to designing data governance systems - an unlikely path that proves the sky's the limit for those willing to embrace lifelong learning.

Sujata Tibrewala's life is a shining example of the transformative power of pursuing one's authentic path. In our discussion, she shares her courageous journey, from defying societal norms to becoming the first-generation engineer in her family and finding her authentic voice through art and community. Through it all, Sujata is guided by an unbreakable will to find her own corners in our world.

You're about to meet a true trailblazer whose journey will stir your soul. From the humblest of beginnings to the bright lights of the cosplay world, Beverly Downen's path is one of perseverance, resilience and an unwavering belief in herself.

Prepare to be moved as Beverly shares pivotal moments that shaped her unconventional journey - like the day her single mother gave her "permission" to chase artistic dreams despite their modest means. You'll be inspired by how Beverly alchemized pain into power after 9/11 by pivoting with courage.

But Beverly's story transcends the personal. This visionary created SheProp, a thriving community empowering underrepresented voices and providing them with a safe space. She also triumphs over vulnerability to publish a daring book on cosplay artistry.

More than a maker, Beverly is a torch-bearer, illuminating the way for others to boldly embrace their passion and potential. Let her powerfully poignant storytelling ignite your spirit to craft your own audacious journey.

In the corporate world, women have often found themselves navigating a labyrinth of challenges, fighting against invisible barriers, and striving for recognition. Yet amidst the shadows, there are those who carry torches, lighting the way for others to follow. Beth Corbett is one such beacon of light, illuminating paths for women in the male-dominated world of packaging.

From shy overachiever to unstoppable force as the President of the Enterprise Group at AE Global, Beth Corbett talks about battling sexism and self-doubt as she shatters glass ceilings and uplifts those around her. In our conversation, she reflects on her early years when female mentorship was scarce and women were often held to different standards. In the face of adversity, Beth remains steadfast in her commitment to support other women, recognizing the importance of lifting each other up in a world where the odds are often stacked against us.

From confronting raucous boardroom behavior to advocating for fair compensation, her candid anecdotes offer a poignant reminder of the ongoing struggle for gender equality in the workplace. Her philosophy of fostering open communication, valuing honesty, and building strong, supportive teams resonates deeply. Through her leadership, Beth creates spaces where women are empowered to thrive, where their voices are heard, and where their contributions are valued.

Beyond the boardroom, Beth's commitment to giving back is evident. From mentoring young women to championing causes related to women's wellness, she remains dedicated to lighting the way for future generations. Her pledge to perform 57 acts of kindness before her 57th birthday is a testament to her unwavering commitment to making a positive impact in the world.

As Beth's story unfolds, it serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration for women everywhere, reminding us that while the journey may be fraught with challenges, it is also illuminated by the collective strength and resilience of those who dare to defy the status quo. Beth's journey is not just her own—it is a testament to the power of women supporting women, lighting the way for a brighter, more equitable future.

Show Notes: 

00:00 Welcome and Introduction

00:10 Empowering Women Through Networking and Mentorship

02:21 Challenges and Triumphs in a Male-Dominated Industry

07:25 Navigating Career and Self-Worth

10:15 The Impact of Education and Early Influences

11:52 Career Journey: From PR to Packaging Leadership

15:08 Building Effective Teams and Leadership Philosophy

19:58 Career Advice and Personal Growth

23:06 Looking Ahead: Goals and Acts of Kindness

Guest Bio: 

Beth Corbett, a passionate and knowledgeable leader in sustainable packaging and supply chain solutions, excels at developing complete solutions for the pharma, cannabis, health & beauty, consumer electronics, natural products & supplements, and retail market segments.

As a sales leader with experience building and managing $100mm+ teams, developing growth strategies, and training and motivating sales staff, she wields a strong record of achieving and beating sales targets and revenue goals.

Today, Beth leads a high-performing team as the President of Enterprise Sales at packaging firm AE Global. During her earlier tenure at Neenah Papers, one of the world’s preeminent paper manufacturers, she worked with premium brands including Tiffany, Estee Lauder, L’Oreal and Starbucks. 

Beth is a Founding Member of the Seattle Women in Business for Good, contributes to the National Cannabis Industry Association as a member of its Packaging/Labeling and Sustainability committees, and holds a B.A. in Journalism and Business from the University of Oregon.

Learn more about Beth’s work and connect with her:

LinkedIn  

Article: From Different Packaging For Different Distribution To Low-pH Products, Trends Behind-The-Scenes Beauty Companies See Bubbling Up

Article: Meet Elizabeth Corbett | Passionate Cook, Gardener and Developer of Sustainable Cannabis Packaging & Supply Chain Solutions

Think you know what to expect from an open source leader? Think again! Ruth Suehle is a kaleidoscope of passions - from software to Scottish dancing, embroidery to mermaiding.

In this inspiring interview, Ruth shares her delightfully zigzag journey from journalism grad to open source pioneer at major tech companies. Along the way, you'll discover her unexpected forays into baking, cosplaying, crafting, and more!

Ruth's story shatters preconceptions about having just "one passion." Instead, she'll inspire you to embrace all your curiosities and interests. You'll get her refreshing take on what true success means and tips for "doing all the things" that light YOU up.

Whether you're a techie, maker, dancer or aspiring "kaleidoscope" yourself, don't miss this captivating look at Ruth's colorful, unconventional life. Her authenticity and zest will make you rethink what's possible!

Show Notes:

She is executive vice-president of the Apache Software Foundation, a producer of the ApacheCon conference, and serves on the Open@RIT (Rochester Institute of Technology) advisory board. In the past, Ruth served on the governing board and TSC of the Open 3D Foundation. Co-author of Raspberry Pi Hacks (O’Reilly, December 2013) and former editor of Red Hat Magazine and opensource.com, she is a frequent writer, currently as core contributor at GeekMom.com (previously of WIRED), where she covers the adventures of motherhood and fandom.

In this episode, host Nicole Huesman talks with Dr. Dawn Foster, director of data science at the CHAOSS Project, about her unexpected career journey from a farm in Ohio to becoming a leader in the tech industry. Despite initially pursuing teaching, Dawn changed course to computer science and found her passion in open source and data science. 

Dawn has 20+ years of experience working in open source positions at companies like VMware, Intel and Puppet Labs with expertise in managing people, open source strategy, building new communities, and managing existing communities with a particular emphasis on developer and open source communities. She has held a wide range of roles over the years, including UNIX system administrator, researcher, consultant, strategist, director / manager, and more.

Dawn holds a PhD from the University of Greenwich, an MBA from Ashland University, and a BS in Computer Science from Kent State University. Dawn blogs about online communities as the author of the Fast Wonder Blog, and she's blogged for The New Stack, Linux.com, GigaOM’s WebWorkerDaily, and in various other places.

She has done over a hundred talks at industry events, including many Linux Foundation events, KubeCon, OSCON, SXSW, FOSDEM and more. In her spare time, she enjoys reading science fiction, running, traveling and finding the best vegan delicacies in the many places she visits. 

Jen Wike Huger, content strategist, editor and community builder, shares her 15+ year journey through the tech world. With refreshing authenticity, she delves into the challenges of not having a technical background, yet carving out a successful career at the intersection of community, marketing, and open source software. 

In this empowering interview with accomplished architect Karen Freeman, she radiates hope amid the challenges of the healthcare field, where we’ve witnessed an alarming exodus of workers. Karen shares her personal journey from a small town to becoming a leader in healthcare design and architecture, with a balanced focus on young patients and the workers who care for them, while illuminating her mission to support women in advancing their careers.

With passion, she shares her own winding journey into pediatric design. An architect molded from a childhood love of Legos, she found clarity and purpose in healing spaces for little ones. She discusses the importance of inclusivity in healthcare design, particularly in creating supportive environments for healthcare workers with neurodiversity. Now a leader in her field, she avows to lift other women through the Women in Healthcare organization as its national president. She urges - be a sponsor - don't just mentor, speak their names, clear their way. 

As she steps into a thrilling new role leading a global pediatric practice, Karen stays grounded in purpose. With exciting new projects on the horizon, Karen's vision for the future of pediatric healthcare design shines brightly. Her authenticity, compassion, and wealth of knowledge shine through. This is a must-watch for anyone interested in architecture, healthcare, women in leadership, or making a difference in the world. Karen's story and perspective will motivate and empower you.

Show Notes: 

Guest Bio: 

Karen is a founding member and the national president of Women in Healthcare, a national nonprofit that empowers and supports the mentorship and growth of women in healthcare leadership roles. She holds a Six Sigma Lean Black Belt in Healthcare (LBBH) and is one of fewer than 450 board-certified healthcare architects in the U.S. per the American College of Healthcare Architects (ACHA). As a frequent speaker and author, Karen’s thought leadership has been featured internationally in media outlets including Healthcare Design, Building Better Healthcare Magazine and Hospitencia.com.

Learn more about Karen’s work and connect with her:

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