(un)conversations: Leadership lessons from the pivotal moments of global CEOs, founders and execs

From Aerospace Engineer to Unapologetic Changemaker | Adriana Ocampo Senior’s (UN)scripted Journey

What happens when a Latina aerospace engineer climbs to the top of a global defense company—then makes the bold, (UN)CONVENTIONAL decision to walk away?

In this must-listen episode of (un)conversations®, Dr. Alison sits down with Adriana Ocampo Senior, founder of Transcend Influence Ascend (T.I.A.), to explore her extraordinary 30-year leadership journey from Colombia to BOEING—and beyond.

Adriana opens up about breaking barriers as one of the youngest female engineers in manufacturing in the 1990s, navigating corporate identity, and redefining what authentic success looks like. Through the lens of the three defining “UN” words—UNSTOPPABLE, UNCONVENTIONAL, UNAPOLOGETIC—she reveals the mindset shifts that drove her career, confidence, and calling.

Now, after leaving corporate life, Adriana is empowering minority and women-owned businesses to win government contracts, expand their influence, and build generational legacy through T.I.A.

This episode is a powerful blueprint for leaders, women in STEM, corporate trailblazers, and anyone ready to lead with courage, authenticity, and impact.

✨ Themes & Takeaways

• UNSTOPPABLE: Turning childhood dreams into a global aerospace career

• UNCONVENTIONAL: Breaking rules, boxes, and barriers as a Latina engineer

• UNAPOLOGETIC: Owning your brilliance and leading with authenticity

• DEI & Inclusion: Real talk about the future of equity and representation

• Life After Corporate: Reinventing identity after leaving BOEING

• Empowering Small Business: Helping MWBEs secure government contracts

• Legacy Building: What it means to lead boldly, visibly, and purposefully

Timestamps:

(00:00) Welcome to (un)conversations®
(00:48) Meet Adriana Ocampo Senior
(03:02) The (UN)word Effect
(06:40) UNSTOPPABLE: Resilience & Early Career
(15:26) UNCONVENTIONAL: Being the Youngest Female Engineer
(21:00) Mentorship, Allies & Breaking Barriers
(31:04) UNAPOLOGETIC: Authenticity & Confidence
(35:58) Why I Quit Boeing: The Unscripted Journey
(37:00) Redefining Identity Beyond Corporate Titles
(45:30) Life After Corporate: Starting T.I.A.
(50:00) The Future of DEI
(57:20) Small Business Innovation & Legacy
(1:02:50) Final Reflections
(1:04:57) The (UN)wrap Up & Outro

About the Host & Guest:

Dr. Alison L. Schmidt, Founder of Unconvention and host of (un)conversations®, Dr. Alison helps leaders and organizations unlearn what no longer serves them—and lead with authenticity, courage, and purpose.
Website: www.unconventionllc.com

Adriana Ocampo Senior, founder of Transcend Influence Ascend (T.I.A.), Adriana leverages 30+ years of engineering leadership to help minority and women-owned businesses secure government contracts, scale sustainably, and lead with unapologetic influence.
Website: www.adrianaocamposenior.com

#AuthenticLeadership #LatinaVoices #LeadershipPodcast #PurposeDrivenWork #WomenInSTEM #TheUNwordEffect #DrAlisonSchmidt #unconversationspodcast #TIALtdCo #InspiringStories #Boeing #DEI #Diversity #EquityInclusion
#ExecutiveToEntrepreneur #UnconventionalPath #Unstoppable #UnapologeticSuccess #LeadershipLessons #LatinaLeader #AerospaceEngineer #WomenInBusiness #EntrepreneurJourney #MinorityOwnedBusiness #GovernmentContracts

The Wine Heir Changing a 150-Year Legacy | Cristina Torres

In this episode, Dr. Alison sits down with Cristina Torres — general manager of Marimar Estate and daughter of a legendary California winemaker — for an inspiring conversation about legacy, leadership, and innovation in the wine industry.

Cristina shares how she's honoring her family's rich winemaking heritage while forging her own path and modernizing one of California's most iconic legacy wineries. From championing sustainability to embracing bold new wine styles, she offers a refreshing take on what it means to lead in today’s wine world.

Whether you're a wine enthusiast, aspiring entrepreneur, or simply love a great story of growth and purpose, this episode delivers powerful insights on navigating tradition while embracing change.

🍷 Tune in now to explore the future of winemaking through the eyes of a next-gen trailblazer.

🎙 Episode Highlights:

• Generational Leadership: Cristina reflects on stepping into leadership with vision, heart, and authenticity.

• The (UN)word Effect™: Discover the three “un” words that define Cristina’s personal and professional journey.

• Tradition vs. Innovation: How Cristina balances respecting legacy while driving bold, modern changes.

• Family & Influence: The pivotal role her mother played in shaping her values and leadership approach.

• Unifying Leadership: Building a collaborative, people-first culture in a family-run business.

💡 Key Takeaways:

• Embracing both tradition and innovation is key to evolving a family business.

• Strong support systems — especially family — fuel leadership and personal growth.

• Unconventional paths often lead to the most fulfilling outcomes.

👍 Like, Comment & Subscribe for more inspiring conversations on leadership and purpose.

🎧 Listen & Subscribe @(un)conversationsSpotify | Apple Podcasts | Amazon Music | iHeart Radio
📺 Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/VUNIm00t4mE
🔔 New episodes every month — turn on notifications so you never miss out!

Connect with Us
🔹 Creator & Host Dr. Alison Schmidt, CEO of Unconvention
IG: @alsphdbcc | @unconventionllc | @unconversationspodcast
LinkedIn: Alison L. Schmidt, PhD, BCC
TikTok: @alschmidtphd
Website: unconventionllc.com

🔹 Guest Cristina Torres, GM at Marimar Estate Vineyards & Winery
Website: marimarestate.com
IG: @marimarestate | FB: Marimar Estate
📍 Book a Visit: Our Tasting Room
📍 Events: Wine Club Events

📍 Episode Chapters:
0:00 – Intro
1:21 – The Torres Legacy
3:08 – Cristina's Leadership Journey
19:27 – Challenges & Innovation
30:10 – Family & Business
46:22 – Reflections & Future Vision
52:02 – Closing Notes

#unconversationspodcast #CristinaTorres #LegacyWinery #WomenInWine #WineLeadership #SustainableWinemaking #WineInnovation #TheUNwordEffect #ModernWinemaking #DrAlisonSchmidt

(un)conversations podcast | S1.E15 - Beauty Brands on the Rise: From Billion-to-Million to Growth Phase Companies & Success Secrets

Join Dr. Alison as she sits down with Stacey Tank, CEO of Bespoke Beauty Brands, to explore her remarkable journey—from nuclear power and finance to communications, beer, and finally the vibrant world of beauty. Through the lens of 'the (UN)word effect™', Stacey reflects on the empowering "(un)words" that have fueled her growth both a leader and personally. As a mother of two boys, she shares how her diverse experiences shaped her leadership style and helped her balance family life along with an executive-level career with significant responsibilities.

About Our Guest:Stacey Tank is a visionary leader behind Bespoke Beauty Brands, home to high-growth beauty brands such as JasonWu Beauty & KimChiChic Beauty. She has led companies from billion-to-million to growth phase, pioneered social commerce strategies on TikTok, and has emphasized inclusive leadership, radical transparency, and innovation. Stacey is also a devoted mother who has navigated long-distance relationships while pursuing ambitious career goals, offering unique insights on resilience and personal choices.

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In this episode, Stacey dives into leadership challenges including:

💄 Transitioning from corporate experience to growth phase business

💄 Leveraging social media platforms like TikTok for retail success

💄 Creating psychologically safe and innovative work environments

💄 Advocating for radical transparency and diversity in business

💄 Managing long-distance relationships while nurturing personal and professional goals

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Key Takeaways:

🪞 How to build a successful, inclusive, and body-positive beauty brand

🪞Balancing motherhood with a high-level career

🪞Navigating the challenges of social media and fast-paced business

🪞The importance of radical transparency, innovation, and diversity

🪞Lessons from leading billion-dollar corporations and growing a gazelle company

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💡 Don’t miss our upcoming episodes! Turn on notifications to stay updated on new episodes.

👉 LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE for more episodes on leadership and personal growth! Listen to the (un)conversations podcast while you're on-the-go!

🎧 Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@unconversations?sub_confirmation=1🎧 @(un)conversations available wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts: Spotify, Apple Podcast, Amazon Music & iHeart Radio. New episodes dropping every month.💬 Comment on your favorite insight from this episode!

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Learn more about Dr. Alison Schmidt, CEO of Unconvention & Host of (un)conversations podcast.

Instagram: / @alsphdbcc /@unconventionllc / @unconversationspodcast

Personal LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alison-l-schmidt-phd-bcc/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@alschmidtphd

The (un)conversations podcast: https://www.unconventionllc.com/podcast

Website: https://www.unconventionllc.com/

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Learn more about Stacey Tank, CEO of Bespoke Beauty Brands

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/staceytank/

Bespoke Beauty Brands LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bespoke-beauty-brands/posts/

Instagram: @StaceyTank / @TankTalksGo / @KimChiChicBeauty / @JasonWuBeauty

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Episode Chapters:

0:00 -Introduction

2:15 - Stacey’s eclectic career journey

6:50 -Lessons from corporate to startup

12:30 - Balancing family and leadership

18:45 - Growth strategies for beauty brands

25:00 - TikTok and social commerce insights

32:10 - Inclusive leadership and workplace culture

40:00 - Advice for aspiring entrepreneurs

44:30 – Closing thoughts

#DrAlisonSchmidt #unconvention #unconversationspocast #theUNwordeffect #StaceyTank #undeterred #unafraid #unconventional #BespokeBeautyBrands #theUNwordeffect #SocialMediaMarketing #jasonwubeauty #kimchichicbeauty #WomenCEO #leadershipexcellence #executivecoaching #executiveconsulting #growthphasecompanies

(un)conversations podcast | S1.E14 - Investing in Women: Julie Castro Abrams on Leadership & Empowering Change | (un)conversations

Join us for a powerful episode of (un)conversations with Julie Castro Abrams, founder and managing partner of How Women Invest. In this inspiring discussion, we explore what it truly means to invest in women, build confidence as leaders, and create long-lasting impact through values-driven investment strategies.

🌟 What you’ll learn in this episode:

Why embracing visibility and unapologetic leadership is critical for women, especially at pivotal stages like turning 50. The biggest funding challenges small businesses face — and practical solutions like microloans, credit cards, and alternative funding options.The risks of venture capital include how founders can lose control of their business if they’re not careful. The disparities women of color face in venture capital and why diverse investment matters for innovation. How aligning investment strategies with personal values can create more sustainable success.Actionable tips for new angel investors on how to evaluate risks, build networks, and get started in venture capital.

💡 Pro Tips & Tricks for Entrepreneurs and Investors:

1. Always research funding options before committing—sometimes smaller, flexible loans are better than large-scale VC deals.

2. Build a support system of mentors and peers who can guide you in both leadership and financial decisions.

3. If you’re new to investing, start small but strategic — don’t chase trends, focus on long-term value.

4. Visibility is power: Don’t hide your achievements. Share your story to inspire others and attract opportunities.

5. For women in leadership: Confidence grows with action. The more you take up space, the more influence you create.

✨ This episode is not just about money — it’s about personal growth, leadership, and redefining success on your own terms. Julie also shares how sports, self-awareness, and supportive relationships play a vital role in shaping effective leaders.

🔑 Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a small business owner, or a future angel investor, this conversation will leave you with the tools and mindset to invest wisely, lead boldly, and make a difference.

👉 Don’t forget to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE for more episodes on leadership, investment, and personal growth!

#WomenInLeadership #InvestInWomen #VentureCapital #SmallBusinessFunding #WomenOfColor #AngelInvesting #LeadershipDevelopment #FinancialFreedom #Entrepreneurship #UnapologeticLeadership #InvestingInWomen #WomenEmpowerment #FemaleEntrepreneurs #WomenSupportingWomen #humannatureandyourenough #InvestingInWomen#JulieCastroAbrams #LeadershipTips #VentureCapital #WomenInBusiness#EmpoweringChange #PersonalGrowth #FemaleEntrepreneurs #LeadershipAndInvestment#BusinessLeadership

---Learn more about Dr. Alison Schmidt, CEO of Unconvention & (un)conversations podcast

Instagram: / @alsphdbcc /@unconventionllc / @unconversationspodcast

Personal LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alison-l-schmidt-phd-bcc/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@alschmidtphd

Facebook: @Alison L Schmidt

The (un)conversations podcast: https://www.unconventionllc.com/podcast

Website: https://www.unconventionllc.com/

---Learn more about Julie Castro Abrams, Founder of How Women Invest & Women Who Lead

The sites: https://www.howwomenlead.com/the-movement & https://www.howwomeninvest.com

Personal LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-castro-abrams/

Business LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/howwomeninvest/

Business LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/howwomenlead/

Instagram:IG:  @howwomenlead 

(un)conversations podcast | S1.E13 - Overcoming Trauma & Betrayal: How to Rebuild Trust | Dr. Debi SilberHave you ever felt broken by someone you trusted?In this powerful episode, Dr. Debi Silber, founder of The PBT Institute, uncovers the truth about Post-Betrayal Syndrome. This unique and harrowing trauma affects your mind, body, relationships, and identity.

How to heal after betrayal, emotional recovery journey, scientifically backed stages, regain confidence and self-worth, relationship trauma, identity recovery after betrayal, trust issues after emotional traumaThrough her own story of heartbreak and healing, Dr. Debi shares the "3 (UN)words" — (UN)expected, (UN)healed, and (UN)imaginable — and explains how they keep people stuck in survival mode. More importantly, she outlines a proven 5-stage process to help you recover, rebuild trust, and experience real transformation.🎙️ In this episode, you’ll learn:✅ The 5 stages of betrayal recovery✅ Why survival mode is not true healing✅ How to rebuild trust with others — and with yourself✅ How to grow stronger through pain and rise above betrayal💬 Whether you’ve experienced betrayal or know someone who has, this episode is for you.It’s time to stop surviving — and start healing. 🦋🔔 Subscribe for more episodes on emotional healing, personal growth, and wellness.👇 Comment below: Have you or someone you love faced betrayal? How did you start healing?#BetrayalRecovery, #EmotionalHealing, #DrDebiSilber #DrAlisonSchmidt #unconvention #unconversationspodcast #theunwordeffect #executivecoaching #ceo #executives #womanownedbusiness #OvercomingBetrayal #DrDebiSilber #PostBetrayalSyndrome #TraumaRecovery #EmotionalHealing #HealingJourney #RebuildTrust #MindBodyHealing #PodcastEpisode--Learn more about Dr. Alison Schmidt, CEO of Unconvention & (un)conversations podcast Instagram: / @alsphdbcc /@unconventionllc / @unconversationspodcastPersonal LinkedIn:   / alison-l-schmidt-phd-bcc  TikTok:   / alschmidtphd   Facebook: @Alison L SchmidtThe (un)conversations podcast: https://www.unconventionllc.com/podcastWebsite: https://www.unconventionllc.com/--Learn more about Dr. Debi Silber and The PBT® InstituteThe site: https://thepbtinstitute.comThe From Betrayal to Breakthrough podcast: https://thepbtinstitute.com/podcast/TikTok:   / debisilber  Facebook:   / inspireempowertransform  Linkedin:   / debisilber  Instagram:   / debisilber   --Episode Chapters(00:05) Betrayal and Transformation(11:28) Overcoming Betrayal and Finding Strength(20:31) Healing From Betrayal and Transformation(25:43) Understanding the Journey Through Betrayal(37:35) Navigating Betrayal and Transformation Stages(52:43) (un)conversations Wrap Up

(un)conversations podcast | S1.E12 - The Future of Battery Tech & Climate ImpactIf you're ready to challenge the status quo, champion women in leadership, and dive deep into the future of climate tech—don’t miss this episode. Tune in, get inspired, and be part of the movement driving bold innovation for a more sustainable world.Join us for a powerful conversation with Virginia Klausmeier, visionary founder and CEO of Sylvatex Inc., as we explore what it takes to lead the future of climate tech and drive bold innovation in the clean energy space. Virginia is pioneering smarter, cleaner battery and manufacturing solutions—and in this episode, she opens up about the urgency of the global energy transition, the necessity of being unapologetically ambitious, and how transformational leadership begins by questioning the status quo.Together, we dive into the realities of building an environmentally conscious business, the complexities of cathode production in North America, and the critical need for collaboration and effective system design to avoid replicating outdated models. Virginia shares her personal journey and the challenges she’s faced as a woman CEO in a male-dominated industry—offering insights into the grit, vision, and support required to lead with purpose.We also explore the power of strategic pivots in navigating market disruptions and scaling innovation. Virginia recounts a pivotal shift in her company—from alternative fuels to lithium-ion battery materials—made possible through the National Science Foundation funding and a deep understanding of market timing. Our conversation reveals how adaptability and clarity of mission drive long-term growth.Whether you're a CEO, founder, or purpose-driven leader, this episode is a blueprint for leading with intention, challenging norms, and building what’s next.You will Learn:*How to navigate rapid market shifts and make strategic pivots that keep your business ahead—essential for CEOs and founders in fast-evolving industries.*What it takes to lead through disruption, including how Virginia handled funding challenges, market resistance, and organizational transformation.*How climate tech innovation is reshaping outdated systems, and how you can adopt similar bold thinking within your own company or sector.*Why purpose-driven leadership fuels long-term, scalable growth, especially in high-impact industries like energy, tech, and manufacturing.*What inclusive, resilient leadership looks like in action, through the lens of a trailblazing woman CEO breaking barriers in a male-dominated space.

Catch full episodes of the (un)conversations podcast playlist here on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYM7hRUlXcb3mIe7sGrws-NxOac8lUufv 📺Listen to the (un)conversations podcast while you're on-the-go! https://open.spotify.com/show/5xkI3Kg3e4VCUY5hXFGUaS?si=c51de07f1d8d4665 🎧 Available wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts: Apple podcast, Amazon Music & iHeart Radio. New episodes dropping every month.

Follow Dr. Alison Schmidt, CEO of Unconvention & (un)conversations podcast Instagram: / @alsphdbcc /@unconventionllc / @unconversationspodcastPersonal Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alison-l-schmidt-phd-bcc/TikTok: / @alschmidtphd Facebook: / Alison L. SchmidtWebsite: http://unconventionllc.com

Learn more about Virginia Klausmeier and Sylvatex, Inc.

Website: www.sylvatex.comEmail: [email protected] Virginia Klausmeier Personal LinkedIn: https://www.linkedIn.com/in/virginia-klausmeier-2a34ab9/Sylvatex LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/virginia-klausmeier-2a34ab9/

Episode Chapters

(0:00:10) - Intro

(0:00:11) - Unconventional Leaders in Energy Transition

(0:15:05) - Leadership in Sustainable Energy Innovation

(0:24:14) - Overcoming Barriers to Innovation Leadership

(0:32:02) - Navigating Strategic Pivots in Business

(0:48:36) - Empowering Conversations on Future Voices

(un)conversations podcast | S1.E11 - (Un)Heard Voices: Power of Inclusive Leadership

In this powerful episode of (un)conversations, we explore what it truly means to lead, live, and build through what’s (un)common, (un)comfortable, and (un)stoppable. Meet Dylan Rafaty, MADR, CPD (deaf/HOH), who is the President and CEO of the North Texas Disability Chamber—and a powerful voice for disability rights nationwide. With a personal mission to open doors and expand opportunities for all people with disabilities, Dylan brings heart, vision, and action to everything he does.What does it take to challenge the (un)questioned norms and rebuild them in a way that’s more inclusive, equitable, and human-centered?It takes leading with empathy, joining forces across all communities, and committing to real, systemic change—not just performative progress.Dylan isn’t just an advocate—he’s a connector. From corporate social responsibility to workforce development, his work spans education, sports, government, and beyond and has been recognized with the North Texas Commission’s Diversity Champion Award and a spot in D Magazine CEO’s Dallas 500 list of 2025.What You Need to Know::✅ The hidden cost of leading: owning missteps, evolving through discomfort, and learning to lead with vulnerability✅ Mental health and momentum: navigating burnout, intense schedules, and the power of stepping back✅ The story behind the North Texas Disability Chamber: one of only six in the U.S., and the only one centered on housing, healthcare, and transportation✅ How strategic partnerships, equity, and community are reshaping what inclusion really looks like✅ A bold call to redefine disability work — not as charity, but as investment✅ The vision to create the first Chief Accessibility Officer role in professional sports—and what it’ll take to get there✅ A reminder that progress isn’t linear: one day you leap, another you fall back—but the work continues✅ Why collaboration over silos, values over performance, and purpose over perfection are the future of leadership❓ Are you ready to challenge what's been (un)questioned for far too long?Ask yourself:👍 Am I leading with empathy in every room I enter?👍 What does true inclusion look like in my workplace or community?👍 How am I investing—not just performing—when it comes to disability rights?👍 Am I building systems that serve everyone, not just the majority?👍 What would it take for me to become (un)stoppable in creating change?If you felt The (UN)word Effect™, unleash your support. Unsubscribe from silence. Hit that ✅ follow, 💬 drop a like, and ⌨️ leave a comment to keep the (un)conversations going and 🗣️amplifying the voices that are shaping the future:

@unconversations

📺 YouTube

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🎧 Amazon Music⁠

📺 ⁠Substack⁠

🌐 ⁠Learn more about Unconvention⁠

Learn more about the ⁠NTXDC⁠: Support equity and inclusion today. Donate to the North Texas Disability Chamber of Commerce. Your donation helps amplify the voices of people with disabilities across Texas and beyond.

Connect with Dylan M. Rafaty, MADR, CDP, President & CEO of North Texas Disability Chamber.

#DylanRafaty #unconversationspodcast #NorthTexasDisabilityChamber #DisabilityAdvocate #LeadershipWithEmpathy #DisabilityRights #AccessibilityForAll #EquityInAction #InclusiveLeadership #DisabilityInclusion #unconventionalexcellence #PurposeDrivenLeadership #VoicesForChange #CorporateSocialResponsibility #InclusiveWorkplaces #BreakTheNorms #SystemicChange #EmpathyInAction #CommunityDrivenChange #RedefineDisability #unconvention #CxO #Founders #industrydisruptors

(un)conversations podcast | S1.E10 - From CBS to CEO: Purpose Was Her Only Guide

In this energetic, no excuse episode of the (un)conversations podcast, host Dr. Alison sits down with Cathy Murphy, Founder and CEO of Venus Media, to explore her inspiring journey from a high-powered media career to becoming a trailblazing Latina entrepreneur. Cathy shares how she walked away from corporate life, confronted misogyny and racism, and launched her own women-led, Latina-owned advertising agency — all fueled by purpose, resilience, and the desire to create inclusive spaces for underrepresented voices.Hear Cathy open up about what it means to be unafraid, unstoppable, and unapologetic, how she became a single mom by choice, and why she believes real leadership means prioritizing diversity, authenticity, and genuine connection. Learn the story behind the name Venus Media, how she won over her cofounder, persuading them to turn down an opportunity with Meta and build a venture that defied the norm, and why staying true to her values sometimes meant turning down business.This episode dives deep into reshaping business culture, evolving the conversation around diversity, and building a brand that reflects the true, multi-dimensional face of America. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, creative, or simply someone hungry for authentic stories of leadership, resilience, and purpose, this conversation is packed with insights and inspiration.(UN)stoppable Shifts: ✅ Be Unafraid: Embrace bold decisions and navigate challenges with courage. ✅ Prioritize Diversity and Inclusion: Build a business that supports and values diverse voices. ✅ Redefine Leadership: Create inclusive spaces and prioritize genuine connections. ✅ Balance Work and Life: Ensure that team members do not have to sacrifice important family moments. ✅ Embrace Curiosity: Ask questions and seek advice to overcome entrepreneurial challenges. ✅ Maintain Authenticity: Work with clients who share your values and commit to genuine representation.Ask yourself:🧐 Are you willing to take bold risks for the sake of purpose?🧐 Can you balance ambition with authenticity?🧐 What mold are you ready to break?
If you felt The (UN)word Effect™, unleash your support. Unsubscribe from silence. Hit that ✅ follow, 💬 drop a like, and ⌨️ leave a comment to keep the (un)conversations going and 🗣️amplifying the voices that are shaping the future:

@unconversations

📺 ⁠YouTube⁠

🎧 ⁠Spotify⁠

🎧 ⁠Apple Podcast⁠

🎧 ⁠iHeart Podcast⁠

🎧 ⁠Amazon Music⁠

📺 ⁠Substack⁠

🌐 ⁠Learn more about Unconvention⁠

Learn more about the ⁠Venus Media⁠ and connect with⁠ Cathy Murphy, Founder and CEOof Venus Media.

#cxo #unconversationspodcast #unstoppable #unapologetic #unafraid #Junepodcast #WomenInMedia #ChallengeTheNorm #VenusMedia #BoldMoves #RepresentationMatters #highachievers #trailblazers #speakerseries #unconvention #CEO #forwardthinkers #executives #uncoaches #gamechangers #executivecoaches #boldmoves #getuncomfortable #beyondthenorm #unconventionalsuccess #leadershipunscripted #innovativeinsights #storytelling #industryleaders #visionaryvoices #rawrevelations #dosomethingdifferent

(un)conversations podcast | S1.E09 - No Timeouts Left: From Pro Sports Exec to (UN)convinced Entrepreneur| (un)conversations Podcast

What drives someone to walk away from two executive roles in professional sports to launch a women's luxury fashion brand?Meet Alana C. Matthews, former EVP of Business Operations and the youngest General Counsel for the NHL's Dallas Stars— Founder & CEO of Alautus, a purpose-driven women's fashion brand. In this episode of the (un)conversations podcast, Alana shares the raw truth behind leaving a high-level sports executive career to pursue entrepreneurship.From breaking barriers in the NHL to getting in the game and redefining women’s workwear, Alana’s story is packed with lessons on risk-taking, self-belief, and building from the ground up.🎙️In this (un)relenting conversation, we (un)pack what it really takes to burn the rulebook and build your own success:👠 The courage it takes to walk away from prestige to follow purpose🏒 The mindset of being (un)wavering, (un)relenting, and (un)convinced👠 Real talk about leading as a woman in male-dominated industries🏒 The grit (not just glam) of building a business from the ground up👠 A reminder that sometimes, the only thing holding you back is waiting for permissionWhether you're a high level executive, first-time founder, career changer, or a woman navigating leadership—this conversation will leave you inspired to build boldly and lead (un)apologetically.

If you felt The (UN)word Effect™ unleash your support. Unsubscribe from silence. Hit that ✅ follow, 💬 drop a like, and ⌨️ leave a comment to keep the (un)conversations going and 🗣️amplifying the voices that are shaping the future:

@unconversations

📺 ⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠

🎧 ⁠Spotify⁠⁠

🎧 ⁠⁠Apple Podcast⁠⁠

🎧 ⁠⁠iHeart Podcast⁠⁠

🎧 Amazon Music⁠⁠

📺 ⁠⁠Substack⁠⁠

🌐 ⁠Learn more about Unconvention⁠⁠

Learn more about the⁠ ⁠Alautus⁠⁠ and connect with⁠⁠ Alana C. Matthews, Founder and CEO⁠⁠ of Alautus.

#unconversationspodcast #Alautus #womenentrepreneurs #beunconventional #unrelenting #unconvinced #ceo #cxos #LuxuryFashionBrand #femalefounders #SportsExecutive #entrepreneurshipjourney #ProSportsToStartup #podcastinterview #womeninleadership #Unconvention #unconventionalexcellence #executives #podcast #unapologetically #unfazed #theUNwordEffect #uncoaching #unconsulting #unscripted

(un)conversations podcast | S1.E08 - An (un)selfish AI World: A Misfit's Quest for Purpose

Welcome to another episode of (un)conversations, the podcast where groundbreaking change and bold innovation collide. In this episode, Dr. Alison chats with Veronica Orvalho, a trailblazing leader in tech innovation and digital inclusion. As the founder and CEO of DIDIMO, Veronica is pioneering the creation of digital avatars for virtual realities, promoting ethical tech and diversity in a rapidly evolving industry. She fully engaged with doing a self discovery exercise and identified three introspective words that begin with "un" that define her philosophy in life and work: (un)yielding, (un)selfish, and (un)conventional.With over 20 years of experience in research and development, Veronica shares her journey of blending empathy with technology to build a future that's inclusive, compassionate, and human-centered. She opens up about the challenges of being a woman in tech, the balance between extroversion and introspection, and how her global perspective — from Argentina to Portugal — shapes her innovative approach.Key insights from this episode include:💡 Empathy in Technology: Why creating tech that resonates emotionally with users is critical for the future of AI and virtual experiences.💡 Empowerment through Education: How Veronica’s Paper Wings initiative is providing tech education to underprivileged students, fostering the next generation of innovators.💡 Resilience in Entrepreneurship: Comparing the challenges of entrepreneurship to skiing, Veronica emphasizes the importance of resilience and focus in overcoming obstacles.💡 Self-Care for Leaders: Why setting boundaries and prioritizing mental health is essential for long-term success.💡 Diversity in Digital Avatars: The need for greater representation in virtual worlds and how inclusivity impacts user experiences.💡 Authentic Leadership: Veronica’s leadership style is rooted in empowerment, understanding when to step back, and cultivating a positive team culture that drives innovation.💡 The Ripple Effect of Kindness: How small acts of kindness and mentorship can spark lasting change in communities and industries.This (un)conversation is an inspiring journey into the heart of ethical tech, leadership, and personal growth. Veronica’s story is a powerful reminder that technology should serve humanity, and that each of us can contribute to building a more inclusive, compassionate, and empowering future.Take a moment to reflect on your own (un)journey, embrace your uniqueness, and make kindness and inclusivity a priority in your life and company. Join us in shaping a future where technology elevates humanity, not just serves it. Take a moment to reflect on your own (un)journey, embrace your uniqueness, and make kindness and inclusivity a priority in your life and company. Join us in shaping a future where technology elevates humanity, not just serves it.

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