With a family motto of “Power in Progress” and personal motto of “Work hard, Play hard,” Executive Vice President of FAMBrands - Sales, Marketing and E-commerce - Wholesale Division, Carrie Henley, has experienced tremendous career, life, and community success. Carrie climbed the corporate ladder from personal assistant to EVP responsible for global corporate growth, with FAMBrands’ revenue over her tenure increasing to almost $600M in annual retail sales. Over what she describes as three distinct career leaps, Carrie shares some of the keys to the E-suite, including: the benefits of literally envisioning your future (and periodically changing it up!), goal setting, learning work-life lessons from Millennials, establishing clear communication and expectations, listening to yourself even when others question your decisions, exercise, prayer and meditation. Oh, and plenty of hard work. Beyond Carrie’s continuing corporate success, her devotion as a wife, mother, daughter, and friend help keep her a humble -- yet formidable -- powerhouse.

“You wouldn't let a stranger into your home to watch your child undress. So why should you let your child have a cell phone where they have unlimited access?” asks our guest, criminal defense trial lawyer and former Los Angeles County prosecutor, Lisa Houlé. Lisa handles all types of serious criminal cases, including: theft, rape, other sex crimes, and murder. Besides being a skilled and powerful litigator, Lisa uses her expertise in sex crimes to educate parents and youth on ‘teen sexting.’ As the mother of two who’s seen the damage that social media “errors” can make in young people’s lives, Lisa teaches how teens can use their phones more wisely. She shares her message that ‘empowerment comes through education’ with teens, professional sports teams, and media appearances. Lisa also shares how she made the entrepreneurial and career leap from a secure position as a prosecutor for 15 years into establishing her own private law practice. Learn how Lisa balances exposure to the “darkness” of violent crime, being a wife, mother, and preventing the destruction of lives.

Our early life leaps, failures, and wins help shape us into who we are today. Get to know “Melanie & Dr. Michele” as we talk about how our early life experiences, role models, and mentors empowered our most challenging life leaps. Feel empowered by your own experiences and recognize how overcoming your early life challenges continue to help you make leaps every day. Melanie encourages you to ask yourself the question: “if I don’t do this now - will I always regret it?” and Michele inspires us to "have gratitude in all things and at all times, especially during the challenging ones." Join us for this up close and intimate conversation.

We know that an apple a day keeps the doctor away, but our guest, Dr. Beth Ricanati, takes that adage a step -- or leap! -- further. She says, “When we take care of ourselves, then we are better caregivers,” especially knowing “that 75% of chronic disease is lifestyle driven.” Dr. Beth is an enterprising mother, physician, community volunteer, and award-winning author of, “Braided: A Journey of a Thousand Challahs.” With a busy medical practice and three small children, she realized that something needed to change. Listen to how Dr. Beth followed her own advice as a specialist in women’s health and wellness. Through the art of slowing down to make Challah each week, she learned what she needed for herself, her family, and her true purpose. Dr. Beth’s story resonates with those experiencing professional burnout and personal stress, and is an example of how to pivot -- with or without support -- to a lifestyle that is healthy, meaningful, and fulfilling.

“If you can hold the mirror up to yourself and be as honest as possible when you're thinking about career and other leaps in life, you'll end up making the right choice,” says Kim Withee. And she should know. Kim’s amassed much wisdom, skill, and humor over her lengthy career at Team One, TBWA/Chiat/Day, and now as Senior Vice-President, Group Account Director at Deutsch advertising agency. Having clients like McDonald's, Lexus, Infinity and Volkswagen, Kim’s become a widely-respected industry expert in growing and promoting brands, human behavior, and purchasing decisions. Listen, learn, and laugh. You’ll get better at knowing your audience, growing your brand, gaining more clients, future proofing yourself, and perfecting your “side hustle.” 

“You have to be able to put yourself out there and just try,” says Audra Steller. She has spent her career in male dominated industries, including media sales at Fox Latin America, Telemundo and launching the Hispanic radio division for the L.A. Dodger Stadium. After a “Mommy Hiatus,” Audra now serves as Founder and CEO of Steller Painting & Contracting and knows what it takes to become an industry pioneer. Audra says, “Realize what you have accomplished to this point and -- even though you might be scared and stressed -- decide to do it. Believe in yourself, use your support system, and fake it till you make it.” Listen to Audra Steller to be inspired.

How do you stay innovative? “You have to keep looking for the magic,” says Cynthia Desser - Founder / CEO / Creative Director of the globally-inspired, sustainable, chic jewelry and accessory line “Cynthia Desser Accessories.” From the haute couture runways in Paris to upscale retailers around the globe, her designs are found in top fashion magazines, runways, and celebrity styling. Learn how she felt a “push” to enter the world of fashion and jewelry design, then became a self-taught entrepreneur. Cynthia’s creative, inspirational journey includes adventures, international moves, and -- as we like to say -- leaps. Learn what’s possible in your own life and career when you find “your” magic. 

If you've worked long enough, you've probably made a regrettable career mistake or two. It happens to the best of us. In fact, President James Madison said, “Let the worst be known, that the best may be made of it.” Today we're talking about how to avoid making business mistakes...or at least how to make the most out of our missteps. Learn how our experiences have taught the biggest lessons and learn the best approaches to fix them.

“Trust the process. Nothing happens overnight but if you focus on numbers, have tenacity, and a good work ethic, you’ll get there,” says the incredible business and tech entrepreneur, Dr. Jacqueline Shaffer. She’s author of the international best seller - “Irresistible You,” founder of natural skincare product line, Schique, and is launching her newest tech endeavor - Natural Glam. Join us for a conversation you don’t want to miss with this innovative business powerhouse.

Public education is critical for every single person on this planet,” says Allison Holdorff Polhill, Senior Advisor to Los Angeles Unified School Board Vice-President Nick Melvoin. With a nearly $8B annual budget, Los Angeles Unified School District is the second largest in the nation. Get to know how Allison went from feminist first-generation college student, to environmental rights litigator, to public school volunteer, to running local school boards, to her position today. There have been unanticipated career pivots and life choices as wife, mother, attorney, public servant, and friend. Learn how she -- and perhaps you too -- can have it all... albeit in an order or timing that’s different than originally planned.