March brings us International Women’s Day—and with it, this year’s powerful theme: Give to Gain. 

In this special episode of the Empowering Women Podcast, Shannon is joined by Emily Lampkin, a trusted advisor to women leaders and Founder of the Women Leaders Series, whose new book Duct Tape and White Lies delivers the honest, practical leadership advice women have been craving. 

Together, they explore what it really means to lead with confidence, ask for what you want, stop apologizing, set healthy boundaries, and build meaningful relationships—without burning out or shrinking yourself. 

Emily shares behind-the-scenes stories from her decades of work in politics, public service, and coaching women across industries, along with simple, actionable tools you can start using today. From networking with intention, to overcoming “dream slashing,” to learning when—and how—to say no, this conversation is a masterclass in giving boldly so we can grow stronger—together. 

If you’re ready to stop waiting, start trusting yourself, and step fully into the leader you already are, this episode is for you. 

💬 Gems from Emily Lampkin: 

“It is okay for us to want things for ourselves. It does not make us selfish.” 

“If we want to be women succeeding in life, we have to start asking for what we want.” 

“Every time we [over] apologize, we lose a little bit of power. It needs to stop and it’s easy to do.” 

“Decided, in your mind, that you belong in whatever space you’re in.” 

“Take risks. Women who are thriving in their lives and living without regret, take risks.” 

“Nobody dictates my character but me.” 

“We have got to go now. This waiting for things to happen, it leads to women living a life of regret.” 

WATCH ON YOUTUBE

🔗 Episode Resources & Links: 

📘 Duct Tape and White Lies by Emily Lampkin 

🌐 Emily Lampkin Website
💼 Connect with Emily Lampkin on social media 

 LinkedIn
Facebook 

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 February is a month that calls us to lead with heart and purpose—and this conversation delivers both. 

In this episode of the Empowering Women Podcast, Shannon is joined by Dr. Natoshia Anderson, engineer turned educator, CEO and Founder of The Anderson Strategy Group, and host of the STEMming in Stilettos™ podcast. Together, they explore what it really takes to build STEM programs that last—programs rooted in community, equity, and intentional leadership. 

Dr. Anderson shares her journey from being “the only” in many rooms to designing culturally responsive STEM initiatives that engage not just students, but families, educators, and entire communities. From busting the myth that “exposure is enough,” to redefining what it means to scale with integrity, this episode is a powerful reminder that STEM isn’t just about technology—it’s about people. 

✨ If you care about education, leadership, equity, or building programs with purpose and heart, this conversation will stay with you long after it ends. 

💬 Gems from Dr. Natoshia Anderson: 

“You’re in the room because you deserve to be in the room.” 

“Failure is first attempt in learning.” 

“What lights me up is the opportunity STEM programs afford to kids who otherwise might not get it.” 

“The myth that I wish we would go away from is that exposure is enough. We’ve been exposing for like 20 years. We gotta get past exposure.” 

“STEM is simple… you don’t have to have coding and robots and all that other stuff to do STEM.” 

“When you’re walking in your purpose, it’s not always easy… but it is meaningful and impactful.” 

Watch on YouTube

🔗 Episode Resources & Links: 

🌐 STEMming in Stilettos™ Podcast
💼 Connect with Dr. Natoshia Anderson on social media 

 LinkedIn
Instagram 

 TikTok 

 WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/OjEkckeVOkA

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January is National Mentoring Month, and we’re kicking off Season 8 of the Empowering Women Podcast with a powerful conversation on what mentoring really means today. 

Shannon is joined by Kathryn Spitznagle, author of Rock Star Millennials, leadership coach, speaker, and founder of Mentoring Women Millennials. Kathryn shares her journey from a “self-proclaimed lousy leader with a quick temper and a sharp tongue” to becoming a passionate mentor who believes developing people for life is the true work of leadership. 

Together, they explore 360 mentoring, debunk myths about millennials, and unpack why connection, purpose, and freedom matter more than ever. Kathryn also shares why “at best, mentors are mirrors”—and how great mentors help others see what’s already inside them. 

✨ Whether you’re a mentor, a mentee, or a leader navigating a multigenerational workplace, this episode will leave you inspired to invest in people and lead with intention. 

Watch on YouTube

💬 Gems from Kathryn Spitnagle: 

“Never confuse what we make with why we’re here… why we’re here is to develop people for life.” 

“They (Millennials) are driven by purpose. They want to connect. They want you to know them. They want to know you.” 

“At best, mentors are mirrors. We don’t create what isn’t already there.” 

“Don’t judge. Find out. Go deeper.” 

🔗 Episode Resources & Links: 

📘 Rock Star Millennials: Developing the Next Generation of Leaders
🌐 Mentoring Women Millennials
💼 Connect with Kathryn on social media: LinkedIn  Facebook Instagram
💼 Connect with Mentoring and Rockstar Millennials on social media: Facebook  Instagram 

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 It’s the season of giving—and today, we’re unwrapping one of the most transformative gifts of all: the gift of mirrors. 

In this episode, Shannon sits down with Dr. Sheila Gujrathi, biotech entrepreneur, physician, and trailblazer whose career has taken her from Harvard to the helm of Gossamer Bio—and into the heart of human-centric leadership. You may know her from her TED Talk, “Shattering the Glass Ceiling by Finding the Right Mirrors,” and her book, The Mirror Effect, which helps leaders everywhere see themselves—and each other—more clearly. 

Together, Shannon and Sheila explore how to shatter the glass ceilings not only above us, but within us. They discuss how fear, insecurity, doubt, and shame—the “FIDS,” as Sheila calls them—can quietly hold us back, and how surrounding ourselves with mirrors who see our brilliance can change everything. 

From learning to “have your own back,” to creating your personal board of directors, this episode is a reminder that confidence begins when we start believing the reflections that lift us higher. 

✨ This December, give yourself the gift of belonging—and pass it on. 

💖 Host Note from Shannon: 

As I wrapped this conversation, one moment stood out—when Sheila said that our deepest fear isn’t inadequacy, but our own light. That line still gives me chills. 

This episode reminded me that being human-fueled isn’t about perfection; it’s about presence. It’s about seeing the fire in others and fanning it with encouragement. 

So as you gather around your own tables this holiday season, may you remember: we all belong. And sometimes, the best gift we can give is simply to hold up a mirror and say, “I see you.” 

💬 Gems from Dr. Sheila Gujrathi: 

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us.” 

“I realized the glass ceiling I had heard about since I was a little girl wasn’t just above me—it was inside of me.” 

“We all have FIDS: fear, insecurity, doubt, and shame. Just naming them is freeing—because once you see them, they no longer have to rule you.” 

“Having your own back is precious—because once you find it, no one can take that away from you.” 

“Leadership is independent of position or title. We’re all leaders in our own lives, and we can all be mirrors for someone else.” 

“If I could bottle up that feeling of belonging, I would take it every day—and give it to everyone I know.” 

🔗 Episode Resources & Links: 

🌐 Dr. Sheila Gujrathi Website
📘 The Mirror Effect: A Transformative Approach to Growth for the Next Generation of Female Leaders – https://sheilagujrathimd.com/book/ 

🎥 TED Talk: “Shattering the Glass Ceiling by Finding the Right Mirrors”
💼 Connect with Dr. Sheila Gujrathi on LinkedIn
💼 Follow Dr. Sheila Gujrathi on Instagram 

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This Veterans Day, we’re honoring those who’ve served—and continuing the conversation on what service looks like after the uniform comes off. 

Shannon is joined by Lt. Col. (Ret.) Kathy Lowrey Gallowitz, Founder and CEO of Vanguard Veteran, an organization dedicated to equipping civilians to become Veteran Champions. Kathy’s mission is clear: bridge the gap between military and civilian life and empower veterans to thrive in the workplace, community, and beyond. 

From leading teams in uniform to leading a movement of understanding, Kathy shares her insight on building “vanguard” communities—those at the front of meaningful change. You’ll hear leadership lessons born from service, the truth behind common misconceptions, and how we can all be part of reshaping what veteran employment looks like today. 

🔥 Whether you’re a veteran, a leader, or simply someone who believes in the power of purpose—this episode will remind you that service never ends. It just evolves. 

💖 Host Note from Shannon: 

As I wrapped this conversation with Kathy, one thing stuck with me—leadership, at its core, is about service. Whether that’s to our teams, our communities, or our country, the call to lead is also the call to lift others. 

Kathy reminded me that being “human-fueled” means seeing the person behind the title and the story behind the salute. This Veterans Day, I hope you’ll take a moment to do just that—to connect, to listen, and to thank those who serve not just with words, but with opportunity and understanding. 

Because together, we are the vanguard of change. 

Watch On YouTube: https://youtu.be/85h1sIh5uM8

💬 Quotes from Kathy in this episode: 

“Do it afraid.” 

“Listen to that small, still voice inside of you that says, ‘This is important. I need to do this.’ Step into your voice.” 

“We need to go beyond thank you for our service and be purposeful, intentional, with substantive actions.” 

“Lead with your heart. Go outside your comfort zone. Be willing to say, ‘I don’t understand, but I’d like to learn more.’ 

‘The great news is that veteran unemployment is consistently lower than non-veteran employment... but about one-third of veterans in your company are underemployed.” 

“I believe that when veterans thrive, America prospers.” 

🔗 Episode Resources & Links: 

🌐 Vanguard Veteran Website
💼 Connect with Kathy Gallowitz on LinkedIn
💼 Follow Vanguard Veteran on LinkedIn
📘 Beyond “Thank You for Your Service” by Kathy Lowrey Gallowitz
📈 U.S. Department of Labor Veteran Employment Data 

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🔊 Description 

It’s Women in AI Month — and we’re diving into the human side of artificial intelligence. 

 Shannon is joined by Lei Comerford, an award-winning executive coach, certified AI consultant, and leadership facilitator who brings 25+ years of experience in healthcare, hospitality, and professional services. In this fast-paced and thought-provoking conversation, Lei unpacks what it means to become an “AI-powered professional,” and why the future of leadership is both human and machine. 

 From mindset shifts to mental load relief, and from prompt engineering to cognitive assistants (available 24/7/365!), this episode is a must-listen for anyone curious about integrating AI into their work—without losing their humanity. 

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/9X8Gkfl1IsY

💬 Quotes from Lei in this episode: 

“Women don’t need to code to belong in this AI era. We simply need visibility, access, and spaces to learn with confidence.” 

“Learning is wonderful, but it’s when you move it forward to impact that you really begin to make a difference.” 

“When we begin to build that fluency, you can start to use AI as a trusted tool. Ultimately, it transforms yourself, how you do your role, how it impacts your team as well as your organization for the better.” 

“Transformation changes curiosity—changes what’s possible.” 

“AI won’t replace adaptable leaders, but those who ignore it may be replaced by others who don’t.” 

“Think of AI as augmenting the human. It doesn’t replace our human intelligence.” 

🔗 Episode Resources & Links: 

🌐 Lei Comerford’s Website 

💼 Connect with Lei on LinkedIn 

💼 Connect with Lei on Instagram 

📨 Sign up for Lei’s Monthly Newsletter 

🔧 Short list of AI Tools: 

o   ChatGPT 

o   Claude 

o   Perplexity 

o   Gamma 

o   Canva 

o   Ideogram 

o   Descript 

o   Microsoft Copilot 

🔥 Whether you're AI-curious, tech-hesitant, or just wondering what “prompt engineering” actually means—this episode will expand your thinking, ease your fears, and remind you that the future of work needs more women with both courage and curiosity. 

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🔊 Description: 

What really powers manufacturing? People. 

In this Manufacturing Day episode, Shannon is joined by Ellen Sieminski, a lean expert, continuous improvement coach, and board member of the Association for Manufacturing Excellence (AME). With 25+ years in the industry, Ellen brings deep experience and fresh perspective on how women, allies, and curious leaders are shaping the future of manufacturing. 

From the shop floor to the boardroom, Ellen shares why lean is never just about process—it’s about engagement, culture, and people. 

💬 Quotes from Ellen in this episode: 

• “If you’re not engaging the people doing the work, you’re missing the point of lean.”
• “I want to be the person who brings the energy and says—let's not be afraid to try something new.”
• “Women bring a level of awareness and perspective that is essential to long-term improvement and innovation.”
• “Manufacturing doesn’t look like it did 30 years ago. And it shouldn’t.”

🔗 Episode Resources & Links: 

• AME Website: https://www.ame.org
• AME International Conference (St. Louis | Oct 6–9, 2025): AME St. Louis 2025 International Conference | Association for Manufacturing Excellence
• Books Mentioned: Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead by Sheryl Sandberg 
• Connect with Ellen on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ellen-sieminski-364b54

🔥 Whether you're deep in manufacturing or just love a good leadership story—this episode is your reminder that excellence doesn’t start with machines… it starts with us.

Watch on YouTube

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September has us juggling back-to-school, conferences, fall festivals, and holiday prep before we can even say “pumpkin spice.” Feeling like you’re already running on fumes? You’re not alone. And that’s why today’s episode is pure gold. 

I’m joined by Marisa Wheeling Ciesluk—burnout survivor, recovering perfectionist, and Chief Firestarter at MWC Leadership. With over 20 years of experience in leadership development, she helps ambitious women and people-centered leaders grow without burning out, lead without losing themselves, and want more—without compromise. 

Marisa doesn’t just talk theory. She knows firsthand the cost of burnout and how to build self-trust, clarity, and that inner fire that keeps us leading strong. 

✨ What You’ll Hear in This Episode: 

• Why September is basically a “second January” (and how burnout sneaks in the back door).
• Practical, no-fluff strategies to stay grounded while life is spinning.
• How to want more—career growth, family time, personal fulfillment—without playing tug-of-war with yourself.
• What it really means to “lead without losing yourself.”

💡 Quotes from Marisa in this episode:
 

“You can grow without burning out. You can lead without losing yourself. You can want more—without compromise.”

• “If I just push harder, I’ll get through this season—that’s the lie so many leaders tell themselves. But that mindset always backfires.”
• “The smallest step, taken with clarity, has a ripple effect that changes everything.”

This conversation is equal parts wisdom, laughter, and a gentle nudge to put down the Superwoman cape and pick up something better: clarity, courage, and joy.
 
📚 Books Mentioned in This Episode:
 

• Sacred Rest by Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith — exploring the 7 types of rest we all need.
• Playing Big by Tara Mohr — a must-read for women ready to step fully into their leadership.

🔗 Connect with Marisa:
Website: mwcleadership.com
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/mwheelingciesluk

Watch On YouTube: https://youtu.be/HljvFIRmuiY 

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On this special Women’s Equality Day episode, host Shannon Bumgarner sits down with Maria Brinck—leadership advisor, founder of Zynergy International, and author of The Leadership We Need: A New Mindset for a Brighter Future. 

Maria’s career has spanned continents and boardrooms, but her mission is simple: to transform the way we lead. In this conversation, she shares why the leaders of today cannot be the leaders of tomorrow, how unconscious bias still shapes who gets a seat at the table, and why feminine values like compassion and inclusion are the leadership superpowers we need right now. 

If you’re ready to challenge outdated leadership models and imagine a brighter, more human-centered future, this episode will leave you inspired, motivated, and ready to take action. 

💡Listen in, be inspired, and let’s rewrite the leadership playbook—together. 

 Watch on YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FDVxLsosGxY

CONNECT WITH MARIA 

Social Media: LinkedIn 

Zynergy International: Website  

✨Highlights & Takeaways from Maria Brinck 

“We are in a polycrisis, and the leadership that got us here is not the leadership that will get us out.” 

“The leaders of today should not be the leaders of tomorrow—because tomorrow requires a completely different mindset.” 

“Masculine monoculture in leadership is costing us 8.8 trillion dollars in disengagement. That is not sustainable—financially or humanly.” 

“Diversity of thought isn’t just a nice-to-have. It’s the only way to solve the complex problems we face today.” 

“GDP is not a prerequisite for happiness, nor does it guarantee it. We have to stop confusing growth with well-being.” 

“Primitive subconscious bias still tells us what a leader is supposed to look like—and it keeps too many women out of the room.” 

“It’s not about women leading like men. It’s about integrating feminine values—like compassion, inclusion, and sustainability—into leadership everywhere.” 

EPISODE AND EMPOWERING WOMEN IN INDUSTRY LINKS 

Upcoming Book: The Leadership We Need Releasing on Oct 7 2025 

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ABOUT OUR GUEST:  

With several decades of leadership experience in the staffing sector, Todd Warner recognized the need to disrupt the status quo and create a full-service staffing deliverable that meets the needs of today’s hourly workers while delivering a reliable flexible workforce at some of the largest manufacturing and distribution facilities in the U.S.  

Prior to joining MyWorkChoice, Todd held executive leadership positions at Select Staffing, Clearpoint, Weststaff, Acsys, and Adecco while overseeing multiple IPOs and M&As. With over 35 years of expertise in business development, strategic planning, and operations, Todd has been a leader in innovation and growth in the staffing and human capital management industry and continues to position MyWorkChoice as a trailblazer in flexible staffing solutions. 

CONNECT WITH TODD 

Personal Social Media: LinkedIn 

MyWorkChoice: Website  

MyWorkChoice Social Media: LinkedIn   

WATCH ON YOUTUBE

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QUOTES AND KEY TAKEAWAYS 

“Flexibility isn’t a perk. It’s a necessity.” 

“Let’s stop making people choose between a paycheck and their life.” 

“I just spent a whole career really in and around this idea of trying to make work better—for both companies and people.” 

“Driven by trying to be successful. [In staffing], that's trying to make two sides of the world—business needs and human needs—actually work together, not against each other.” 

“Maybe I can make the job a little bit more flexible, a little more human—so people don’t have to choose between a paycheck and their life.” 

“I can make working in manufacturing cool.  Not sure cool, I can make it viable and that leads to more women in the industry.  Manufacturing has a 32% female population, distribution is 28%.  Both of these numbers include office staff.” 

“We’ve created flexible offerings and have opened [manufacturing] up to new workers.  One of the great sideline workers that we have discovered is the female worker who has to have built-in flexibility. Necessary for single family homes who are raising children.  82% of those are female.” 

“There is the unnecessary churn we see—people who could thrive in these jobs, but the policies or culture push them out."