The Feminist Exec

In this episode of The Feminist Exec, KP sits down with Annie Kell, a sustainability leader whose career spans astrophysics, renewable energy research, consulting, and large-scale climate impact. Annie shares how she built a purpose-driven path rooted in systems thinking, human-centered design, and the belief that sustainability is ultimately about protecting the people and places we care about.

She opens up about navigating male-dominated fields, being labeled “intimidating” simply for holding boundaries, and growing into a leadership style that is direct, kind, and grounded in whole-person humanity. Annie also reflects on the realities of work-life tradeoffs, the “glass balls vs. rubber balls” framework that keeps her grounded, and what it means to raise two young girls in a world shaped by climate risk and evolving opportunities for women.

Together, we explore how sustainability intersects with leadership, motherhood, and the choices that shape a meaningful life. Annie’s story is a reminder that you don’t have to do it all—but you can do the work that truly matters, both at home and at scale.

Key Topics We Cover:

• What sustainability really means—and why it’s human, not just environmental

• How astrophysics led Annie to a purpose-driven career in climate and buildings

• The realities of male-dominated industries and gendered labels like “intimidating”

• Leadership that blends directness, kindness, boundaries, and full-person humanity

• The power of female networks and community in sustainability

• Work-life tradeoffs, the “glass vs. rubber balls” framework, and managing burnout

• Raising strong girls in a changing world, and modeling confidence and impact

• Why sustainability is good for business, and why structural change matters

• Navigating rapid industry shifts like AI, data centers, and resource demands

• How to define success through impact, balance, and continuous growth
  

Books Recommended:

The Overstory by Richard Powers: https://www.richardpowers.net/the-overstory/ 

Drawdown:The Most Comprehensive Plan Ever Proposed to Reverse Global Warming edited by Paul Hawken https://drawdown.org/the-book 

Sound Bites

"Sustainability is good for business."

"Believe in yourself a bit more."

"We need to assign value to nature."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Sustainability and Personal Journey

05:18 Defining Success in Sustainability

10:50 The Role of AI in Sustainability

16:16 Work-Life Balance and Corporate Culture

28:03 Navigating Work-Life Balance Post-COVID

33:35 Establishing Boundaries and Support Networks

41:22 Advice for Career Growth

45:39 The Reality of Balancing Parenthood and Career

50:31 The Value of Nature in Sustainability

Keywords

sustainability, leadership, women in business, work-life balance, consulting, AI, environmental impact, career development, personal growth, community support, sustainability consulting, motherhood, raising girls, boundaries, whole-person leadership, feminism, executive, the feminist exec

In this episode of The Feminist Exec, host KP sits down with Cailin Radcliffe, VP of Revenue Operations and Marketing, whose journey from studying the history of warfare to leading growth in robotics and automation is anything but conventional. Cailin shares how she blends the strategy and resilience of warfare with the power of empathy and kindness—challenging the outdated notion that women in leadership should “be nice.”

Throughout the conversation, Cailin emphasizes intentionality in career choices, the art and science of marketing, and the transformative role of mentorship. She reflects on her leadership style—open, supportive, and demanding of growth—while candidly addressing the emotional burdens women often carry in male-dominated industries.

Key topics include:

• The art and science of marketing: why creativity and data must coexist

• Mentorship as a cornerstone of leadership development

• Authentic leadership: support, transparency, and high standards

• The myth of “niceness” and why kindness and respect matter more

• Work-life balance: intentional parenting choices and redefining partnership at home

• Women supporting women: shifting from competition to community

• Success and growth: why ambition and continuous learning are essential
  

Cailin also shares powerful reflections on being underestimated, thriving in male-dominated rooms, and making space at the table for others. With memorable takeaways like “You have to meet them where they are” and “There’s power in people coming together”, this episode is a candid blueprint for women navigating leadership, resilience, and empowerment.

Books Recommended:

Women and Leadership by Julia Gillard and Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala https://mitpress.mit.edu/9780262543828/women-and-leadership/ 

Unapologetically Ambitious by Shellye Archambeau https://shellyearchambeau.com/books

Guns, Germs, and Steel by Jared Diamond https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/guns-germs-and-steel-jared-diamond/1100290895

Sound Bites

"You have to meet them where they are."

"There's power in people coming together."

"I want to take up a lot of space."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Cailin Radcliffe

03:15 The Art and Science of Marketing

06:08 The Importance of Mentorship

07:01 Leadership Style and Team Dynamics

08:33 Navigating Challenging Situations

10:28 Embracing Authenticity in Leadership

11:30 Taking a Seat at the Table

12:50 Thriving in a Male-Dominated Industry

14:23 Overcoming Underestimation

16:30 The Concept of 'Nice' in the Workplace

18:50 Respect vs. Niceness

19:58 Emotional Burden in the Workplace

21:01 Intentional Parenting and Career Choices

22:26 The Decision to Keep One's Name

24:01 Supporting Each Other as Women

26:35 Changing Dynamics Among Women in the Workplace

28:19 Mentoring and Empowering Women

30:06 Navigating Leadership Challenges

34:03 Finding Motivation and Defining Success

37:17 Book Recommendations and Final Thoughts

Keywords

Cailin Radcliffe, The Feminist Exec, Feminist, Executive, KP, women in leadership, women in robotics, women in automation women empowerment, women in business, female executives, leadership development, marketing strategy, data-driven marketing, authentic leadership, emotional intelligence, mentorship, career growth, work-life balance, women supporting women, male-dominated industry, robotics leadership, intentional career choices, redefining success, imposter syndrome, career resilience, workplace equality, leadership style, female leaders in STEM, revenue operations, women in tech, emotional burden, leadership authenticity, mentorship programs, leadership advice

In this milestone episode of The Feminist Exec, host KP sits down with David Houser — global supply chain technologist, executive leader, and the first male ally guest on the podcast — for a rich conversation on what it really takes to lead with equity on a global scale.

With experience doing business in over 50 countries, David brings an unfiltered, thoughtful perspective on the evolution of leadership across cultures, the power of reverse mentorship, and what it means to move from words to deeds in the pursuit of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Together, they unpack:

• The realities of running global operations in China, Brazil, EMEA, and beyond

• How David’s own journey shifted from high-stakes tech executive to active ally for women and underrepresented voices

• What “firm, honest, and fair” leadership looks like in fast-growth, multicultural environments

• How AI and automation are transforming leadership, ethics, and the future of work

• Why continuous learning — not ego — is the key to staying relevant

Whether you’re an aspiring executive, a DEI champion, or a leader navigating global complexity, this episode offers hard-won insights and practical examples of how real allyship shows up at work — and why inclusive leadership isn’t a trend, it’s a requirement.

Takeaways

• David Houser emphasizes the importance of cultural awareness in leadership.
• Traveling internationally enhances understanding of diverse perspectives.
• A firm, honest, and fair leadership style is essential.
• Being a male ally involves actively supporting women's voices in business.
• Reverse mentorship can provide valuable insights for leaders.
• Continuous learning is crucial for staying relevant in today's workforce.
• AI is transforming business practices and requires ethical considerations.
• Organizations should focus on intentional DEI efforts to create inclusive environments.
• Investing in personal development is key to professional growth.
• Leadership decisions often involve navigating complex cultural dynamics.

Mentioned in the episode:

• Hofstede Cultural Dimensions: https://geerthofstede.com/culture-geert-hofstede-gert-jan-hofstede/6d-model-of-national-culture/
• Center for Creative Leadership: https://www.ccl.org/

Sound Bites

• "Words to deeds."
• "Firm, honest, and fair."
• "Humans buy from humans."
• "Take time, breathe."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to David Hauser and His Career Journey

02:51 Leadership Lessons from Global Experience

05:43 Cultural Awareness and Leadership Style

08:26 Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Perspectives

11:28 The Role of Male Allies in Leadership

14:08 Pivotal Moments in Becoming an Ally

16:58 Understanding Reverse Mentorship

19:54 Learning from Women and Underrepresented Voices

22:52 Advice for Supporting DEI in Organizations

25:48 Navigating Tough Decisions in Leadership

32:03 The Expanding Pie: Collaboration Over Competition

34:28 Private Equity and the Human Element

37:10 AI's Impact on Business and Ethics

41:58 Navigating the Future of Work with AI

49:45 Continuous Learning in a Changing Landscape

57:02 Reflections and Advice for Future Leaders

Keywords

leadership, DEI, diversity, equity, inclusion, male allyship, global business, AI, supply chain, reverse mentorship, continuous learning, ethics in AI, global leadership, international executive, cross-cultural leadership, supply chain technology, global operations, DEI leadership, inclusive leadership, diversity in tech, equity in business, reverse mentorship, mentorship in leadership, continuous learning, leadership development, AI in leadership, ethical AI, AI workforce, AI transformation, future of work, Words to Deeds, Humans buy from humans, The Feminist Exec, David Houser, global allyship

In this episode of the Feminist Exec podcast, Shari Christofferson shares her journey from a geology background to a leadership role in supply chain technology. She discusses the importance of understanding customer needs, navigating company culture, and the challenges women face in tech. Shari emphasizes the significance of building supportive communities, maintaining a proactive approach in business, and the necessity of resilience in the face of setbacks. She also highlights the value of leadership traits such as calmness under pressure and the importance of appreciating team contributions. The conversation concludes with advice for women in tech and the importance of staying true to one's vision.

Takeaways

• Shari Christofferson transitioned from geology to tech, emphasizing the importance of understanding customer needs.

• Navigating company culture is often more challenging than the technology itself.

• Success is often perceived as overnight, but it requires consistent hard work and resilience.

• Leadership involves maintaining calmness under pressure and supporting team members.

• Building a supportive community is crucial for overcoming challenges, especially for women in tech.

• Proactive strategies in business can lead to better outcomes than reactive ones.

• Crisis of confidence is common, and having a support system can help individuals navigate it.

• Appreciating team members for their unique contributions fosters a positive work culture.

• Women in tech should focus on their strengths and not let gender biases deter them.

• Staying true to one's vision and values is key to long-term success.

Sound bites

"The hard part is company culture."

"You have to keep trying to do that."

"You gotta keep going, right?"

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Shari Christofferson

02:01 Career Journey and Leadership in Tech

04:05 Navigating Challenges in Business

08:38 Evolving Definition of Success

11:41 Long-Term Vision and Company Culture

16:15 Underrated Leadership Traits

18:09 Creating an Inclusive Team Culture

22:46 Challenges as a Woman in Tech

25:49 Navigating Crises of Confidence

28:03 Supporting Women in Leadership

30:49 Advice for Women in Tech and Operations

32:42 Men as Allies in Male-Dominated Industries

36:18 Staying Grounded Under Pressure

38:51 Lessons from Leadership Journeys

43:23 Owning Your Power and Agency

Keywords

Shari Christofferson, Feminist Exec, leadership, women in tech, supply chain, business challenges, crisis of confidence, team culture, proactive strategies, gender equality,, Women in Leadership, Grit and Growth, Female Founder, Leadership Journey, Inclusive Leadership, Problem Solving, Women in Supply Chain, Personal Growth, Leadership Advice, Confidence at Work, Career Resilience, Female Executives, Tech Leadership, Women in Logistics, Family Business Leadership, Human-Centered Innovation, Digital Transformation, Career Motivation, How women overcome confidence issues, Female leaders in tech and supply chain, Leadership lessons from women in business, Overcoming doubt and owning your power, Grit growth and getting back up, Navigating leadership as a woman in tech, What leadership really looks like for women, Confidence-building for mid-career professionals, Solving real business problems with empathy, Female leadership in male-dominated industries

In this episode of The Feminist Exec, host KP sits down with Kristi Hemmer—educator, author of Quit Being So Good, founder of the Academy for Women’s Empowerment, and solo traveler to 77 countries—for a bold conversation on leadership, identity, and choosing your own path.

Kristi shares her journey from classroom teacher to social entrepreneur, reflecting on the moment she left a six-figure job in Tokyo to launch her own empowerment academy. She opens up about the “moxie moments” that shaped her story, the invisible systems that cause girls and women to shrink, and the urgency of rediscovering our childhood dreams.

To learn more about Kristi, visit https://kristihemmer.com/

To get Kristi's "Love Heals" shirt, visit https://thistlefarms.org/

Summary

In this episode of the Feminist Exec Podcast, Kristi Hemmer shares her journey of empowering women through her Academy for Women's Empowerment and her concept of 'Moxie.' She discusses the importance of confidence in young girls, the impact of travel on personal growth, and the significance of sponsorship over mentorship in advancing women's careers. Kristi emphasizes the need for safe environments for women to thrive and the power of community support. She also reflects on her choice to remain child-free while being a supportive aunt and the lessons learned throughout her career.

Takeaways

• Moxie means having the guts to be your best self.
• Women often lose confidence around the age of six.
• Traveling can empower women and provide valuable life lessons.
• Social entrepreneurship allows for solving social problems while generating revenue.
• Women are often judged on productivity rather than potential.
• Sponsorship is more impactful than mentorship for women.
• Creating safe environments is crucial for women's success.
• Women can change the narrative by supporting each other.
• Being an aunt can be a fulfilling role without having children.
• Reflecting on childhood dreams can guide career paths.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Kristi Hemmer and Her Mission

01:19 Understanding Moxie and Its Significance

02:45 Childhood Dreams and Their Influence on Career

04:05 The Journey to Founding the Academy for Women's Empowerment

05:24 Defining Social Entrepreneurship

07:51 The Shrinking of Women and Girls: A Deep Dive

10:34 Identity Years: The Impact on Women and Girls

11:15 Rediscovering Self: The Second Career

13:33 Traveling the World: Lessons in Empowerment

16:42 Negotiation and Safety in Travel

20:18 Challenging Situations and Decision-Making

21:29 The Power of Community and Small Groups

26:16 Overcoming Challenges: The Female Experience

29:15 The Power of Sponsorship vs. Mentorship

32:56 Building Supportive Networks

37:45 Changing the Narrative: Women Supporting Women

43:14 The Role of the Child-Free Aunt

48:23 Lessons Learned: Embracing Agency and Community

Keywords

women empowerment, moxie, social entrepreneurship, confidence, mentorship, sponsorship, travel, leadership, community, child-free

Summary

In this episode of the Feminist Exec podcast, host KP speaks with Natalia Gerasina, a logistics technology expert and entrepreneur. They discuss Natalia's journey into the logistics field, her decision to start her own business, and the importance of mentorship and networking in her career. Natalia shares insights on creating inclusive work environments, understanding neurodiversity, and the challenges women face in male-dominated industries. The conversation emphasizes the need for women to support each other and offers advice for young women aspiring to leadership roles in logistics and technology. Natalia also shares her future plans and the importance of lifelong learning in her career. The episode wraps up with a discussion on the meaning of feminism.

Takeaways

• Natalia's entry into logistics was a happy accident.
• She believes in the importance of mentorship and networking.
• Creating an inclusive environment is crucial for success.
• Understanding neurodiversity can enhance workplace dynamics.
• Women often face pressure from other women in the workplace.
• Small changes can lead to significant impacts in organizations.
• Authenticity is key for young women in male-dominated industries.
• Support from peers can provide essential motivation.
• Lifelong learning is vital for personal and professional growth.
• Feminism is about equality and acceptance of diverse roles.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Natalia Gerasina

01:46 Journey into Logistics and Entrepreneurship

05:51 The Importance of Networking and Mentorship

10:43 Creating Inclusive Work Environments

17:39 Understanding Neurodiversity in the Workplace

26:21 Navigating Operational Challenges

26:44 The Role of Will and Determination

27:59 Gender Dynamics in the Workplace

29:25 Empowering Women in Male-Dominated Industries

30:17 Creating a Supportive Environment

32:13 Holistic Approaches to Leadership

34:04 Advice for Aspiring Female Leaders

36:21 Future Aspirations and Growth

40:06 Embracing Lifelong Learning

42:20 Creating Psychological Safety

44:58 Redefining Feminism and Equality

Keywords

logistics, entrepreneurship, mentorship, neurodiversity, women in business, leadership, inclusive environments, networking, career advice, feminism, Natalia Gerasina

Summary

In this episode of the Feminist Exec podcast, host KP interviews Erin Horst, a technical consultant for Elanco Animal Health. Erin shares her journey from growing up on a swine farm to becoming a leader in the dairy industry, discussing her educational background, the importance of mentorship, and the challenges she faces as a woman in a male-dominated field. The conversation explores themes of success, leadership, and the evolving dynamics of women in STEM, particularly in agriculture. Erin emphasizes the significance of stepping outside one's comfort zone, the impact of child-free choices in the workplace, and the importance of empathy and understanding in professional interactions. She concludes with valuable advice for personal growth and career development.

Takeaways

• Erin's journey from a swine farm to dairy technical consulting is inspiring.
• Mentorship played a crucial role in Erin's career development.
• Success is defined by team contributions rather than individual achievements.
• The dairy industry is seeing a positive shift towards more women in leadership roles.
• Women often face challenges in being taken seriously in male-dominated fields.
• Feedback and constructive criticism are essential for growth.
• Child-free choices can impact perceptions in the workplace.
• Empathy is vital in professional conversations about personal choices.
• Stepping outside of comfort zones leads to personal and professional growth.
• Erin emphasizes the importance of being prepared and informed in her role.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Erin Horst and Her Journey

02:28 Career Path and Transition to Industry

05:23 The Importance of Mentorship and Networking

08:01 Defining Success in a Collaborative Environment

10:41 Shifting Dynamics in the Dairy Industry

13:05 Challenges Faced as a Woman in a Male-Dominated Field

15:53 Leadership Qualities and the Role of Feedback

18:20 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

20:55 Child-Free Choices and Their Impact on Careers

23:26 Personal Growth and Future Aspirations

26:03 Parting Advice and Conclusion

29:52 Outro

Keywords

Erin Horst, dairy industry, women in STEM, mentorship, imposter syndrome, career development, leadership, child-free choices, success, personal growth, feminist, empowerment, the feminist exec

Summary

In this episode of The Feminist Exec podcast, Bern Datka shares her extensive career journey, highlighting her experiences in the corporate world, particularly in event management and marketing. She discusses the challenges of navigating a male-dominated industry, the impact of ageism, and the importance of flexibility in leadership. Bern emphasizes the significance of DEI initiatives and shares personal anecdotes about her leadership style, memorable experiences, and the lessons learned from career mistakes. The conversation concludes with valuable advice for women in business and reflections on the evolving landscape of leadership roles.

Takeaways

• Bern Datka has a diverse career spanning companies like Disney and Delta Airlines.
• Flexibility is crucial in adapting to the ever-changing landscape of events and marketing.
• Ageism can be a significant challenge for young leaders, especially women.
• Women are often held to higher standards in male-dominated industries.
• DEI initiatives are essential for fostering inclusivity in the workplace.
• Personal experiences with DEI policies can vary widely among individuals.
• Building respect in the event industry requires knowledge and confidence.
• Leading with love and positivity can be an effective leadership style.
• Mistakes in one's career can lead to valuable lessons and growth.
• It's important to remember that business decisions are not personal.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Bern Datka's Career Journey

03:12 Navigating Challenges in a Male-Dominated Industry

05:28 The Impact of Ageism and Gender in Leadership

08:10 The Evolution of Women in Leadership Roles

10:45 The Importance of DEI Initiatives

13:22 Personal Experiences with DEI Policies

16:06 Leadership Style and the Power of Positivity

18:32 Learning from Mistakes and Staying Motivated

21:16 Advice for Women in Business

23:58 Crazy Experiences in Event Management

26:28 Reflections on Career Choices and Opportunities

29:10 The Role of Representation in Empowerment

31:34 Final Thoughts and Key Takeaways

34:50 Outro

Keywords

Bern Datka, leadership, women in business, event management, DEI, ageism, career advice, male-dominated industries, corporate culture, personal growth, feminist, exec