Lori Hall is the SVP of Assortment, Planning, & Allocation, for BJ's Wholesale Club. She joined BJ's in 1990 as an entry-level replenishment specialist and held various positions within merchandising and supply chain, advancing to her current role. Lori has now worked for BJ's for 31 years, transforming the supply chain as the company has grown from 22 clubs to 222. Kathryn Hall is a current MBA student at Bryant University. Kathryn has participated in multiple internships at both BJ's Wholesale Club and CVS Health. In September, Kathryn will be pursuing a full-time career at CVS as a Supply Chain Consultant.  Both Lori and Kathryn received their undergraduate degrees from Bryant University. Today, they will be sharing their story on how Lori's career success has impacted Kathryn's ambition to pursue a career in leadership. Both women are passionate about empowering others to achieve their goals and build confidence.

Episode Highlights:

Key Takeaway:

"Even if your confidence may be low at times, you must persevere. Moreover, you must discover it within yourself; don't let setbacks knock you down; how you bounce back is what matters. It is the way you pick yourself up, reclaim your inner confidence, and always move forward."

Resources:

LinkedIn

Ginny currently works at FIRST - The World's Leading Youth-Serving Nonprofit Advancing STEM Education for youths globally. During her time with FIRST, she has also been a Keynote speaker and serves as a mentor to her two youngest sons’ robotics team. This follows successful careers in other fields including international and domestic real estate, mortgage lending, and non-profit management. Ginny also spent time serving in the US Army as a Medical Specialist, where she met her husband of over 32 years. She is the mother of five children, mother-in-law to two, and soon-to-be first-time grandmother. Her story will teach us everything about patience and perseverance during adversity. 

Episode Highlights:

Key Takeaway:

"Spend some time getting to know yourself. It's also vital to delve deeply into your objective. Given that, once you recognize it, everything else makes sense."

Resources:

LinkedIn

Facebook

Twitter

Outside of her responsibilities at ACCC Sue is also a small business owner and has an understanding of how the economy and proper budgeting can affect one’s business and personal finances. She shares with us her passion for helping others, her journey as a woman on SBA , and how her battle with cancer made her gain a new perspective. 

Episode Highlights:

Key Takeaway:

"Forge a profession that aligns with your ideals by listening to your heart and your passion."

In this episode, Aislyn talks to us about the importance of finding empowerment within yourself, how important self-care is, and how two very significant episodes in her life made her realize how important is to find balance.

Episode Highlights:

Key Takeaway:

"No matter what people say, have confidence in yourself and always do what is best for you."

Resources:

LinkedIn

LeAnn Sanderson grew up in southwest MN and moved to Oklahoma with her children seven years ago. As she has navigated raising a family on her own and creating a fulfilling career, her North Star has been grateful. Her passion is fueled by building relationships; using empathy, creativity, and authenticity to lead, nurture, and hold herself and others accountable. She has a reputation for creative ideas, problem resolution, and being a culture champion, which has led her to her current role as an executive for One General Agency as their Director of Communications and Culture in Oklahoma City.

Episode Highlights:

Key Takeaway:

"I firmly believe that authenticity and gratitude have the remarkable power to profoundly enrich our lives. It all begins with staying true to ourselves, embracing who we are, and acknowledging our limitations. By doing so, we pave the way for personal growth and a deeper understanding of the world" around us.

Resources:

LinkedIn

Although Dustyne's story is still in its infancy and is still developing, she has had great success. In this episode, we discussed effective leadership and how a single turning point altered the path of her life and career in insurance forever.

Episode Highlights:

Key Takeaway:

"My triumphs are not entirely my own, as I stated at the outset. Of course, I've always put up the effort, but they have never existed, and I could not have arrived at where I am now on my own. Even if it was a bad event, something or someone has always changed my perspective or helped me comprehend along the road."

Resources:

LinkedIn

Website

Podcast

Instagram

On this week's episode, we welcome Nicole Dicello Owner & Founder of Bedlam Book Café at Crompton Place in the Canal District of Worcester. Bedlam is one of Veronica’s & my favorite places to visit in the Canal District. It has a curated selection of used books, and a small selection of new books, from the academic to the esoteric. You'll also find a cafe that offers organic smoothies (made with local ingredients when possible), loose-leaf teas, chai, matcha, and specialty French Press coffee. Bedlam is different, a gem, and I am extremely honored to have Nicole here with us to share her story and to tell us more about Why Bedlam was a turning point and life-changing event for her.

Episode Highlights:

Key Takeaway:

"Pay attention to your identity and goals. Nurture self-awareness set meaningful objectives, and align actions with authenticity. Self-reflection leads to purpose and fulfillment. Embrace uniqueness and pursue aspirations wholeheartedly."

Resources:

LinkedIn

Ilhiana is a Diversity & Inclusion Catalyst, Transformation Strategy Coach & Consultant, Hispanic advocate, and international motivational speaker. She has worked as a global executive for more than 20 years in leading, coaching, and transforming professionals and businesses into successful enterprises in top Fortune 500 companies. By embracing their purpose, elevating their voice, and expanding their potential, she aims to give professionals the tools they need to transform themselves into extraordinary people and transform their lives in meaningful ways. We discuss Ilihana's journey to discovering her passion and how she uses her experience to help others succeed in this episode.

Episode Highlights:

Key Takeaway:

"In order to pursue your goals, you must firmly believe that they are within your reach. This self-belief provides you with the motivation and determination necessary to overcome obstacles and persevere in the face of challenges. When you trust in yourself, you unleash your potential and unlock the power to turn your dreams into reality."

Resources:

LinkedIn

Website

Consultation

Resources

Rosa discusses how being in a "Machista" environment helped her focus, achieve success, and develop into a supporter of women's equality in this episode. Rosa leads us on an unexpected journey and aids in dispelling the misconception that "women in business" aren't entertaining or imaginative. She has been successful in the financial business community thanks to her expertise in the arts, making her a useful member and champion.

Episode Highlights:

Key Takeaway:

"Don't restrict yourself, and most importantly, don't question your abilities."

Resources:

LinkedIn

Tiffany is a political activist that supports democracy and believes that everyone has the right to equal rights. In this episode, she reveals to us how she came here, why it matters and why we have a social responsibility for all humans.

Episode Highlights:

Key Takeaway:

"Be who you are, that is my empowering message. Don't allow anyone steal your thunder. Don't let anyone take your sunshine. You are who you are, and you have a place in this world."