Uplifting Women

“Where do we put our energy, every moment, every day, now? I did a lot of “I should do this, I should do that”. And those are somebody else's rules. They're not my rules.”

– Stephanie O’Connell

In this episode, Stephanie talks about:

• What it takes to become a more authentic you

Key Takeaways

• Your timetable is not someone else’s timetable

Stephanie O’Connell is an intuitive change coach. She has over 30 years of experience consulting, mentoring, and teaching in change communication and transformation. She has worked with major corporations such as Harley Davidson Motor Company, Baxter International C. C. C. Information Services, and Andersen Consulting. She is a master coach and energy healer with authentic living. She holds an M. S. Degree from Pepperdine University and organizational development and a B. S. In communications from Northwestern University. 

Stephanie specializes in helping women identify and achieve their goals by shining light on their challenges and developing step-by-step approaches to helping them get unstuck and learn how to use their strength to move forward and realize their full potential.

Stephanie O’Connell on LinkedIn:

 linkedin.com/in/stephanieoconnell

UPLIFTING WOMEN HOSTS Kristin Strunk and Holly Teska

Your co-hosts of the UPLIFTING WOMEN PODCAST, Holly Teska & Kristin Strunk, are women who UPLIFT other women at work and in the world.  Every other week they bring uplifting women guests to share their personal stories of challenge and triumph to inform and inspire their listeners.  The podcast also features guests who have played a significant role in honoring women and their place in the world by serving as promoters, sponsors, and coaches to the many women in their personal and professional lives.

Join Holly and Kristin as they hear how their guests navigate the world of career aspirations, life, love, and family. Get advice from successful women who have figured out their own version of "secret sauce" to create the life they love.

Holly believes the world needs the best leaders it can build; those who demonstrate integrity, empathy, humility, vision, positivity, and confidence. This type of leader brings out the best in others and delivers outstanding results. Holly feels we need everyone to perform at 100% to making our world a better place. Holly's experience in leadership, executive coaching, and talent development is the foundation of her career.  She has helped bright and motivated leaders become the very best versions of themselves. Through direct feedback, reflection, experimentation, and honest conversation, she will push you to excel at what you were called to do. Holly is especially committed to helping women navigate the choppy waters of today's fast-paced workplace and evolving world conditions but works with many different individuals and situations.  She welcomes inquiries for leadership and executive coaching and speaking engagements.

Kristin's experiences have led her to the simple conclusion that leadership is simple - maybe not always easy, but simple.  Her work supporting leaders in finding their voices inspired her to find her own voice in the space of employee experience and leadership development.  She often hears the question that isn't being asked and is skilled at facilitating conversations and building relationships.  She has helped executives lead organizational transformations involving employee engagement, technology, and the new "Future of Work." 

Follow her hashtag #responsibleleadership on social media to learn more about simple things leaders can do to build relationships and have a lasting positive impact.

Website:         www.upliftingwomen.net

Connect with Holly:

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

Twitter:           https://twitter.com/HollyTeska

Facebook:       https://www.facebook.com/holly.teska

Instagram:      https://instagram.com/HollyTeska

Personal

Website:         www.hollyteska.com

Email:              [email protected]

Connect with Kristin:

LinkedIn:         https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristin-strunk

Twitter:           https://twitter.com/leadadvisor

Facebook:       https://www.facebook.com/kristin.t.strunk

Instagram:      https://instagram.com/ktuttlestrunk

Personal

Website:         https://regentleadershipgroup.com/

Email:              [email protected]

“Humility is a mixture of one, keeping your vanity in check that you can't be the best for everybody, and then also keeping your self-loathing in check that you also are good enough.” – Stephanie Thomas 

In this episode, Stephanie talks about:

• Tapping into your own unique personal energy

Key Takeaways

• Success is a frame of mind

Stephanie Thomas is an organizational psychologist, developer of leaders, and constant study of what it means to be human in the workplace.

In her current role as the Management Training Lead at Phaidon International (a staffing and recruitment firm), she works with leaders at all stages of their careers, from helping first-time managers take on player-coach roles with confidence all the way up to Managing Directors aligning large goals with healthy workplace cultures.

Stephanie lives in New York City with her partner of 10 years and can be found on the weekend cooking with her non-profit group; East Village Loves NYC.

Stephanie Thomas on LinkedIn:

                        https://www.linkedin.com/in/sjthom/

UPLIFTING WOMEN HOSTS Kristin Strunk and Holly Teska

Your co-hosts of the UPLIFTING WOMEN PODCAST, Holly Teska & Kristin Strunk, are women who UPLIFT other women at work and in the world.  Every other week they bring uplifting women guests to share their personal stories of challenge and triumph to inform and inspire their listeners.  The podcast also features guests who have played a significant role in honoring women and their place in the world by serving as promoters, sponsors, and coaches to the many women in their personal and professional lives.

Join Holly and Kristin as they hear how their guests navigate the world of career aspirations, life, love, and family. Get advice from successful women who have figured out their own version of "secret sauce" to create the life they love.

Holly believes the world needs the best leaders it can build; those who demonstrate integrity, empathy, humility, vision, positivity, and confidence. This type of leader brings out the best in others and delivers outstanding results. Holly feels we need everyone to perform at 100% to making our world a better place. Holly's experience in leadership, executive coaching, and talent development is the foundation of her career.  She has helped bright and motivated leaders become the very best versions of themselves. Through direct feedback, reflection, experimentation, and honest conversation, she will push you to excel at what you were called to do. Holly is especially committed to helping women navigate the choppy waters of today's fast-paced workplace and evolving world conditions but works with many different individuals and situations.  She welcomes inquiries for leadership and executive coaching and speaking engagements.

Kristin's experiences have led her to the simple conclusion that leadership is simple - maybe not always easy, but simple.  Her work supporting leaders in finding their voices inspired her to find her own voice in the space of employee experience and leadership development.  She often hears the question that isn't being asked and is skilled at facilitating conversations and building relationships.  She has helped executives lead organizational transformations involving employee engagement, technology, and the new "Future of Work." 

Follow her hashtag #responsibleleadership on social media to learn more about simple things leaders can do to build relationships and have a lasting positive impact.

Website:         www.upliftingwomen.net

Connect with Holly:

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

Twitter:           https://twitter.com/HollyTeska

Facebook:       https://www.facebook.com/holly.teska

Instagram:      https://instagram.com/HollyTeska

Personal

Website:         www.hollyteska.com

Email:              [email protected]

Connect with Kristin:

LinkedIn:         https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristin-strunk

Twitter:           https://twitter.com/leadadvisor

Facebook:       https://www.facebook.com/kristin.t.strunk

Instagram:      https://instagram.com/ktuttlestrunk

Personal

Website:         https://regentleadershipgroup.com/

Email:              [email protected]

“That was really crazy, and I remember looking at these people and there was this moment in space where I felt everything was possible.” – Christine Billy

In this episode, Christine talks about:

• Being open to the little voice in your head that seeks change

 Key Takeaways

• Be open to new opportunities

Christine Billy is a Master Certified Coach, who is highly engaged in leadership coaching and training.  She has more than 20 years experience fostering innovation in global organizations.

Christine is a passionate catalyst of change, she thrives at developing and implementing new strategic capabilities. She demonstrates excellence in business development, cross-functional collaboration and talent development, and has extensive experience leading global organizational projects in the pharmaceutical industry.

With both internal and external coaching experience since 2009, she has supported more than 2000 individuals and teams to move from dissatisfaction to action. She uses a fully customized approach, allowing her to achieve sustainable success. Her motto: ambitious and easy!

Christine is a trainer, mentor and supervisor for global accredited coaching training schools, has been a member of the Board of the International Coach Federation (ICF) Switzerland and is the Ambassador for the Association of Corporate Executive Coaches (ACEC).

Connect with Christine Billy on LinkedIn:

                        https://www.linkedin.com/in/christinebilly/

UPLIFTING WOMEN HOSTS Kristin Strunk and Holly Teska

Your co-hosts of the UPLIFTING WOMEN PODCAST, Holly Teska & Kristin Strunk, are women who UPLIFT other women at work and in the world.  Every other week they bring uplifting women guests to share their personal stories of challenge and triumph to inform and inspire their listeners.  The podcast also features guests who have played a significant role in honoring women and their place in the world by serving as promoters, sponsors, and coaches to the many women in their personal and professional lives.

Join Holly and Kristin as they hear how their guests navigate the world of career aspirations, life, love, and family. Get advice from successful women who have figured out their own version of "secret sauce" to create the life they love.

Holly believes the world needs the best leaders it can build; those who demonstrate integrity, empathy, humility, vision, positivity, and confidence. This type of leader brings out the best in others and delivers outstanding results. Holly feels we need everyone to perform at 100% to making our world a better place. Holly's experience in leadership, executive coaching, and talent development is the foundation of her career.  She has helped bright and motivated leaders become the very best versions of themselves. Through direct feedback, reflection, experimentation, and honest conversation, she will push you to excel at what you were called to do. Holly is especially committed to helping women navigate the choppy waters of today's fast-paced workplace and evolving world conditions but works with many different individuals and situations.  She welcomes inquiries for leadership and executive coaching and speaking engagements.

Kristin's experiences have led her to the simple conclusion that leadership is simple - maybe not always easy, but simple.  Her work supporting leaders in finding their voices inspired her to find her own voice in the space of employee experience and leadership development.  She often hears the question that isn't being asked and is skilled at facilitating conversations and building relationships.  She has helped executives lead organizational transformations involving employee engagement, technology, and the new "Future of Work." 

Follow her hashtag #responsibleleadership on social media to learn more about simple things leaders can do to build relationships and have a lasting positive impact.

Website:         www.upliftingwomen.net

Connect with Holly:

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

Twitter:           https://twitter.com/HollyTeska

Facebook:       https://www.facebook.com/holly.teska

Instagram:      https://instagram.com/HollyTeska

Personal

Website:         www.hollyteska.com

Email:              [email protected]

Connect with Kristin:

LinkedIn:         https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristin-strunk

Twitter:           https://twitter.com/leadadvisor

Facebook:       https://www.facebook.com/kristin.t.strunk

Instagram:      https://instagram.com/ktuttlestrunk

Personal

Website:         https://regentleadershipgroup.com/

Email:              [email protected]

“2022 was a year full of surprises, good and bad. The work we do uplifting women is more important than we ever imagined when we first started the podcast.” – Holly & Kristin

In this episode, Holly & Kristin talk about:

• A recap of 2022 Uplifting Women Podcast guests

 Key Takeaways

• We LOVE our guests

UPLIFTING WOMEN HOSTS Kristin Strunk and Holly Teska

Your co-hosts of the UPLIFTING WOMEN PODCAST, Holly Teska & Kristin Strunk, are women who UPLIFT other women at work and in the world.  Every other week they bring uplifting women guests to share their personal stories of challenge and triumph to inform and inspire their listeners.  The podcast also features guests who have played a significant role in honoring women and their place in the world by serving as promoters, sponsors, and coaches to the many women in their personal and professional lives.

Join Holly and Kristin as they hear how their guests navigate the world of career aspirations, life, love, and family. Get advice from successful women who have figured out their own version of "secret sauce" to create the life they love.

Holly believes the world needs the best leaders it can build; those who demonstrate integrity, empathy, humility, vision, positivity, and confidence. This type of leader brings out the best in others and delivers outstanding results. Holly feels we need everyone to perform at 100% to making our world a better place. Holly's experience in leadership, executive coaching, and talent development is the foundation of her career.  She has helped bright and motivated leaders become the very best versions of themselves. Through direct feedback, reflection, experimentation, and honest conversation, she will push you to excel at what you were called to do. Holly is especially committed to helping women navigate the choppy waters of today's fast-paced workplace and evolving world conditions but works with many different individuals and situations.  She welcomes inquiries for leadership and executive coaching and speaking engagements.

Kristin's experiences have led her to the simple conclusion that leadership is simple - maybe not always easy, but simple.  Her work supporting leaders in finding their voices inspired her to find her own voice in the space of employee experience and leadership development.  She often hears the question that isn't being asked and is skilled at facilitating conversations and building relationships.  She has helped executives lead organizational transformations involving employee engagement, technology, and the new "Future of Work." 

Follow her hashtag #responsibleleadership on social media to learn more about simple things leaders can do to build relationships and have a lasting positive impact.

Website:         www.upliftingwomen.net

Connect with Holly:

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

Twitter:           https://twitter.com/HollyTeska

Facebook:       https://www.facebook.com/holly.teska

Instagram:      https://instagram.com/HollyTeska

Personal

Website:         www.hollyteska.com

Email:              [email protected]

Connect with Kristin:

LinkedIn:         https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristin-strunk

Twitter:           https://twitter.com/leadadvisor

Facebook:       https://www.facebook.com/kristin.t.strunk

Instagram:      https://instagram.com/ktuttlestrunk

Personal

Website:         https://regentleadershipgroup.com/

Email:              [email protected]

Your Roots, Experiences, and Being Authentic

Season Two - Episode 29

"A lot of time is spent on how to have more improved relationships, whether it's a small family owned business and they're working on the succession, passing it from one family member to the other, or a Fortune 500 company that's trying to figure out all the shifts and changes that seem to be happening in our world just about every other minute. Stay true to yourself, stay authentic, and promote positive relationships, reciprocity, looking out for others, and having a safe, healthy, and happy workplace.”   – Sarah Scala

 In this episode, Holly & Kristin talk with Sarah about:

• How a high school physical education ropes course drove early interest in adventure recreation, in combination with a business degree it eventually led to corporate work with leaders and their teams

 Key Takeaways

• Everything you experience and learn throughout your life creates the foundation for whatever is to come in your future

Sarah Scala is a consultant, coach, and educator, Sarah Scala’s experiential and high-energy

approach increases client revenue, reduces turnover, creates business value, and transforms

performance of executives, leaders, and teams, helping them reach their highest potential. She

provides organization and leadership development, executive coaching, change management,

public speaking facilitation, and team development solutions. She supports US-based and

global clients across cultures, generations, geographies, and diverse industries. She has

extensive experience working with organizations that strive to balance excellent performance,

in addition to supporting LGBTQ+ leaders.

Connect with Sarah:

Email:              [email protected]

Website:         https://www.sarahscala.com/

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

Twitter:           https://twitter.com/SarahAScala

Sarah welcomes connection to those that wish to explore:

• Executive Coaching

UPLIFTING WOMEN HOSTS Kristin Strunk and Holly Teska

Your co-hosts of the UPLIFTING WOMEN PODCAST, Holly Teska & Kristin Strunk, are women who UPLIFT other women at work and in the world. Every other week they bring uplifting women guests to share their personal stories of challenge and triumph to inform and inspire their listeners. The podcast also features guests who have played a significant role in honoring women and their place in the world by serving as promoters, sponsors, and coaches to the many women in their personal and professional lives.

Join Holly and Kristin as they hear how their guests navigate the world of career aspirations, life, love, and family. Get advice from successful women who have figured out their own version of "secret sauce" to create the life they love.

Holly believes the world needs the best leaders it can build; those who demonstrate integrity, empathy, humility, vision, positivity, and confidence. This type of leader brings out the best in others and delivers outstanding results. Holly feels we need everyone to perform at 100% to making our world a better place. Holly's experience in leadership, executive coaching, and talent development is the foundation of her career. She has helped bright and motivated leaders become the very best versions of themselves. Through direct feedback, reflection, experimentation, and honest conversation, she will push you to excel at what you were called to do. Holly is especially committed to helping women navigate the choppy waters of today's fast-paced workplace and evolving world conditions but works with many different individuals and situations. She welcomes inquiries for leadership and executive coaching and speaking engagements.

Kristin's experiences have led her to the simple conclusion that leadership is simple - maybe not always easy, but simple.  Her work supporting leaders in finding their voices inspired her to find her own voice in the space of employee experience and leadership development.  She often hears the question that isn't being asked and is skilled at facilitating conversations and building relationships.  She has helped executives lead organizational transformations involving employee engagement, technology, and the new "Future of Work." 

Follow her hashtag #responsibleleadership on social media to learn more about simple things leaders can do to build relationships and have a lasting positive impact.

Website:         www.upliftingwomen.net

Connect with Holly:

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

Twitter:           https://twitter.com/HollyTeska

Facebook:       https://www.facebook.com/holly.teska

Instagram:      https://instagram.com/HollyTeska

Personal

Website:         www.hollyteska.com

Email:              [email protected]

Connect with Kristin:

LinkedIn:         https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristin-strunk

Twitter:           https://twitter.com/leadadvisor

Facebook:       https://www.facebook.com/kristin.t.strunk

Instagram:      https://instagram.com/ktuttlestrunk

Personal

Website:         https://regentleadershipgroup.com/

Email:              [email protected]

You’ve Gotta Be You!

Season Two - Episode 28

"It's only me who's responsible for what I do and how I get there.” – Laurie Schmidt

In this episode, Holly & Kristin talk with Laurie about:

• How a series of perceived failures had her doubting herself

 Key Takeaways

• The importance of positivity in your life. We are all going to make some mistakes in life, learn from those mistakes.

 Laurie Schmidt is an expert in the Recruitment Process Outsourcing (RPO) space. She has 17 years of experience managing recruitment teams and serves as a strategic partner to her clients by finding the right talent for their teams. Currently, Laurie is the Client Services Director for Cielo, the world's leading strategic Recruitment Process Outsourcing (RPO) partner. Cielo is committed to helping their clients attract and hire better talent faster, all while providing a world-class candidate experience. Laurie has also worked as a corporate recruiter for companies such as Schneider National, WE Energies, GE, Manpower, and Johnson Controls.

Throughout her career and personal life, Laurie has had numerous experiences that have molded her into not just a survivor, but a “thriver.”  She lost her job three times due to poor fit, eliminations, and the economic downturn in 2009 (where she spent 10 months unemployed). She also struggled with two marriages that resulted in divorce.

Despite facing such adversity in her life, Laurie chose to learn and grow from those experiences. She realized there are “things” in life that are out of our control. We choose how we will respond to those situations. We choose if we will let these obstacles consume us or if we will rise above. Laurie chose the latter and allowed those experiences to guide her toward her authentic self. During her search for her authentic self, she has built a strong career as an enthusiastic leader who is transparent, holds people accountable, and helps others to realize their potential. Recently, she celebrated her eighth wedding anniversary by choosing to stay true to what is important to her in her marriage. She believes that when people connect to their authentic selves and lead from a place of honesty, their lives naturally improve and become more fulfilling in all areas.

Connect with Laurie:

Email:              [email protected]

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

UPLIFTING WOMEN HOSTS Kristin Strunk and Holly Teska

Your co-hosts of the UPLIFTING WOMEN PODCAST, Holly Teska & Kristin Strunk, are women who UPLIFT other women at work and in the world. Every other week they bring uplifting women guests to share their personal stories of challenge and triumph to inform and inspire their listeners. The podcast also features guests who have played a significant role in honoring women and their place in the world by serving as promoters, sponsors, and coaches to the many women in their personal and professional lives.

Join Holly and Kristin as they hear how their guests navigate the world of career aspirations, life, love, and family. Get advice from successful women who have figured out their own version of "secret sauce" to create the life they love.

Holly believes the world needs the best leaders it can build; those who demonstrate integrity, empathy, humility, vision, positivity, and confidence. This type of leader brings out the best in others and delivers outstanding results. Holly feels we need everyone to perform at 100% to making our world a better place. Holly's experience in leadership, executive coaching, and talent development is the foundation of her career. She has helped bright and motivated leaders become the very best versions of themselves. Through direct feedback, reflection, experimentation, and honest conversation, she will push you to excel at what you were called to do. Holly is especially committed to helping women navigate the choppy waters of today's fast-paced workplace and evolving world conditions but works with many different individuals and situations. She welcomes inquiries for leadership and executive coaching and speaking engagements.

Kristin's experiences have led her to the simple conclusion that leadership is simple - maybe not always easy, but simple.  Her work supporting leaders in finding their voices inspired her to find her own voice in the space of employee experience and leadership development.  She often hears the question that isn't being asked and is skilled at facilitating conversations and building relationships.  She has helped executives lead organizational transformations involving employee engagement, technology, and the new "Future of Work." 

Follow her hashtag #responsibleleadership on social media to learn more about simple things leaders can do to build relationships and have a lasting positive impact.

Website:         www.upliftingwomen.net

Connect with Holly:

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

Twitter:           https://twitter.com/HollyTeska

Facebook:       https://www.facebook.com/holly.teska

Instagram:      https://instagram.com/HollyTeska

Personal

Website:         www.hollyteska.com

Email:              [email protected]

Connect with Kristin:

LinkedIn:         https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristin-strunk

Twitter:           https://twitter.com/leadadvisor

Facebook:       https://www.facebook.com/kristin.t.strunk

Instagram:      https://instagram.com/ktuttlestrunk

Personal

Website:         https://regentleadershipgroup.com/

Email:              [email protected]

"My story is trying to advance women in every way that I can." – Rebecca Sive

 In this episode, Holly & Kristin talk with Rebecca about:

• Rebecca's parents as important role models in her early life

 Key Takeaways

• The importance of civic engagement. There's so much public work that needs to be done, and it can start at a very young age

Rebecca Sive is the author of three books on American women's politics and power; a motivational speaker, experienced media analyst, and admired women's leadership strategist; as well as a past lecturer at the University of Chicago Harris School of Public Policy and statewide governmental official. Sive originated, co-produced, and co-hosted the podcast, #VoteHerIn, with Two Broads Talking Politics, itself a "best political podcast," according to Parade magazine.

Sive's books include:

• Make Herstory Your Story: Your Guided Journal to Justice Every Day for Every Woman ("It will motivate and inspire you…" Jill Wine-Banks, author, The Watergate Girl) Make Herstory Your Story: Your Guided Journal to Justice Every Day for Every Woman: Sive, Rebecca: 9781947492585: Amazon.com: Books

Sive's articles and op-eds have appeared in The Huffington Post, Crain's Chicago Business, The Hill, at MSNBC, in The Chronicle of Philanthropy, and elsewhere.

Sive's audiences call her "a visionary, deeply thoughtful speaker on women's leadership" and "profoundly radiant; delightful; lively; brilliant." Sive has spoken at: Starbucks HQ, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law, University of Washington Law School, the Women's Funding Network, National Council of State Boards of Nursing, The Ohio State University, University of Texas, and the Association for Women Journalists, among many others. Her speaking topics include:

• Every day really is Election Day: Proven strategies for success for women seeking political power and influence in American public life

Founder of one of the nation's first women's centers; a leader of the campaign to elect Chicago's first African American mayor (Harold Washington), and an advisor to him, Sive was among the national decision-makers who developed women's issues agendas for presidents Bill Clinton and Barack Obama. Sive holds an M.A. in American History and is the recipient of many awards for her public leadership.

About Sive, Cecile Richards, best-selling author, and co-founder of Supermajority, wrote: "Advocates like you, Rebecca–dedicated to educating and empowering the next generation of women leaders –make me so confident in our country's future. I applaud the important work you are doing."

Connect with Rebecca:

Website:         https://www.rebeccasive.com/

Email:              [email protected]

LinkedIn:             https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-sive-2597b78/

Twitter:           https://twitter.com/RebeccaSive

UPLIFTING WOMEN HOSTS Kristin Strunk and Holly Teska

Your co-hosts of the UPLIFTING WOMEN PODCAST, Holly Teska & Kristin Strunk, are women who UPLIFT other women at work and in the world. Every other week they bring uplifting women guests to share their personal stories of challenge and triumph to inform and inspire their listeners. The podcast also features guests who have played a significant role in honoring women and their place in the world by serving as promoters, sponsors, and coaches to the many women in their personal and professional lives.

Join Holly and Kristin as they hear how their guests navigate the world of career aspirations, life, love, and family. Get advice from successful women who have figured out their own version of "secret sauce" to create the life they love.

Holly believes the world needs the best leaders it can build; those who demonstrate integrity, empathy, humility, vision, positivity, and confidence. This type of leader brings out the best in others and delivers outstanding results. Holly feels we need everyone to perform at 100% to making our world a better place. Holly's experience in leadership, executive coaching, and talent development is the foundation of her career. She has helped bright and motivated leaders become the very best versions of themselves. Through direct feedback, reflection, experimentation, and honest conversation, she will push you to excel at what you were called to do. Holly is especially committed to helping women navigate the choppy waters of today's fast-paced workplace and evolving world conditions but works with many different individuals and situations. She welcomes inquiries for leadership and executive coaching and speaking engagements.

Kristin's experiences have led her to the simple conclusion that leadership is simple - maybe not always easy, but simple.  Her work supporting leaders in finding their voices inspired her to find her own voice in the space of employee experience and leadership development.  She often hears the question that isn't being asked and is skilled at facilitating conversations and building relationships.  She has helped executives lead organizational transformations involving employee engagement, technology, and the new "Future of Work." 

Follow her hashtag #responsibleleadership on social media to learn more about simple things leaders can do to build relationships and have a lasting positive impact.

Website:         www.upliftingwomen.net

Connect with Holly:

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

Twitter:           https://twitter.com/HollyTeska

Facebook:       https://www.facebook.com/holly.teska

Instagram:      https://instagram.com/HollyTeska

Personal

Website:         www.hollyteska.com

Email:              [email protected]

Connect with Kristin:

LinkedIn:         https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristin-strunk

Twitter:           https://twitter.com/leadadvisor

Facebook:       https://www.facebook.com/kristin.t.strunk

Instagram:      https://instagram.com/ktuttlestrunk

Personal

Website:         https://regentleadershipgroup.com/

Email:              [email protected]

" We don't need to change the world tomorrow. I wish we could… We've proven that isn't happening right now, but there are some wins and we need to continue to walk in that direction. So that there is more meaningful impactful and systemic change.” – Megan McCann

In this episode, Holly & Kristin talk with Megan about:

• The path to our future selves is often not a straight line

Key Takeaways

• Macro change is needed, but don’t underestimate the power of small actions

Megan McCann is an established IT recruitment and technology services leader known for building and leading highly successful IT services firms, and for the work she does to advance diversity and cultivate talent across the technology industry.

Megan is the CEO of leading IT recruitment firm McCann Partners, which she founded in 2011. She and her team deliver IT recruitment with intention and integrity to a growing portfolio of innovative organizations—from Chicago-based startups to companies with a global footprint. McCann Partners is dedicated to creating a more equitable and diverse workforce, and proud that more than 70% of their talent placements in the past two years have been diverse hires. Prior to McCann Partners, Megan co-founded and helped build Geneva Technical Services (GTS), and was a strategic force in growing SelecTech—both premier IT recruitment firms.

Megan’s impact on the tech community far exceeds her day-to-day work as CEO of her own firm. Passionate about attracting, retaining, and advancing women in technology, Megan is a proud co-founder of ARA, a national organization that seeks to promote women in technology and leadership through mentorship, events, and programs. Her additional industry and leadership affiliations include membership in the American Staffing Association, CHIEF, and the TechServe Alliance.

She is also a founding partner of the Chicago Executive Women’s Networking Group and an active member of Chicago Innovation’s Women’s Mentoring Co-Op. In addition, she’s been recognized as a Chicago Business Journal Bizwomen Headliner in Technology, Chicago Business Journal Women of Influence, a three-time Midwest Women in Tech Awards finalist, and an Illinois Technology Association CityLIGHTS finalist. In 2021, Megan was named to Staffing Industry Analysts inaugural Top 50 DE&I Influencers list and selected as a ChiTech Academy Young Women's Leadership Society Ambassador of the Year.

Connect with Megan:

Email:              [email protected]

LinkedIn:          Megan McCann | LinkedIn

Twitter:              @meganpmccann

                           @McCannPartners

                           @ARAMentors

McCann Partners’ Website:       mccannpartners.com

ARA Website:                               aramentors.com

UPLIFTING WOMEN HOSTS Kristin Strunk and Holly Teska

Your co-hosts of the UPLIFTING WOMEN PODCAST, Holly Teska & Kristin Strunk, are women who UPLIFT other women at work and in the world. Every other week they bring uplifting women guests to share their personal stories of challenge and triumph to inform and inspire their listeners. The podcast also features guests who have played a significant role in honoring women and their place in the world by serving as promoters, sponsors, and coaches to the many women in their personal and professional lives.

Join Holly and Kristin as they hear how their guests navigate the world of career aspirations, life, love, and family. Get advice from successful women who have figured out their own version of "secret sauce" to create the life they love.

Holly believes the world needs the best leaders it can build; those who demonstrate integrity, empathy, humility, vision, positivity, and confidence. This type of leader brings out the best in others and delivers outstanding results. Holly feels we need everyone to perform at 100% to making our world a better place. Holly's experience in leadership, executive coaching, and talent development is the foundation of her career. She has helped bright and motivated leaders become the very best versions of themselves.

Through direct feedback, reflection, experimentation, and honest conversation, she will push you to excel at what you were called to do. Holly is especially committed to helping women navigate the choppy waters of today's fast-paced workplace and evolving world conditions but works with many different individuals and situations. She welcomes inquiries for leadership and executive coaching and speaking engagements.

Kristin's experiences have led her to the simple conclusion that leadership is simple - maybe not always easy, but simple.  Her work supporting leaders in finding their voices inspired her to find her own voice in the space of employee experience and leadership development.  She often hears the question that isn't being asked and is skilled at facilitating conversations and building relationships.  She has helped executives lead organizational transformations involving employee engagement, technology, and the new "Future of Work." 

Follow her hashtag #responsibleleadership on social media to learn more about simple things leaders can do to build relationships and have a lasting positive impact.

Website:         www.upliftingwomen.net

Connect with Holly:

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

Twitter:           https://twitter.com/HollyTeska

Facebook:       https://www.facebook.com/holly.teska

Instagram:      https://instagram.com/HollyTeska

Personal

Website:         www.hollyteska.com

Email:              [email protected]

Connect with Kristin:

 LinkedIn:         https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristin-strunk

Twitter:           https://twitter.com/leadadvisor

Facebook:       https://www.facebook.com/kristin.t.strunk

Instagram:      https://instagram.com/ktuttlestrunk

Personal

Website:         https://regentleadershipgroup.com/

Email:              [email protected]

Baking is Therapy

Season Two - Episode 25

 "I'm always where I need to be when I need to be there." – Jobea Murray

In this episode, Holly & Kristin talk with Jobea about:

• From Crocs, Inc. to Jobea Bakes, LLC, home-based baker

Key Takeaways

• Listen to the universe and what it brings to you – You are where you need to be when you need to be there

Jobea Murray – From engineering, to helping make Tinkerbell fly, to driving a box truck full of Crocs across the country, and living overseas. All these things have given Jobea a desire for knowledge and a sense of adventure in her life and very little risk of failure (for better or worse!)

After 15 years in retail management and operations, a move back to the US from living in Singapore, and the birth of her first child, (phew!), Jobea made the decision to follow her passion for baking. She always loved to bake, but during her years living overseas, she realized that it was also a form of therapy for her.

Knowing her extensive retail experience gave her the knowledge and ability to run a business, and she wanted to advance her baking skills. Jobea studied Baking and Pastry Arts at Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, receiving her degree shortly after my daughter's 1st birthday.

Jobea then started her first business, Smash-A-Cake, in Colorado in 2014. While making her child's first smash cake, she realized that this was something other parents might appreciate, an adorable, one-of-a-kind smash cake for their little one.

Plans changed, however, when she and her family moved across the country and their second child was born. Due to restrictions in the state of Wisconsin, the business was put on hold. But Jobea is not the type of mom to sit at home with young children, so they jumped into social activities like storytimes and exploring our new city. They quickly found Toddlers on a Mission (now Kids Impact Community) and knew they had all found the supportive, empowering group they were looking for. Through the engaging and creative community service projects designed for even the youngest of participants, they integrated service into something they now do as a family. Jobea quickly saw the need for behind-the-scenes support for the organization beyond the monthly activities, and she volunteered to be the communications manager, setting up systems and processes to help the organization grow and expand.

In January of 2019, Jobea relaunched her cake business. By this time, her kids were starting school, and she had more freedom to find a new direction. She wanted to find her design style, build clients strategically, and most importantly to find a balance between work and life that fit her family.

While creating a supportive local baking community and continuing to promote and support Kids Impact Community, she became the President of the Board of Directors. Most recently, Jobea has become a founding member of the Wisconsin Cottage Food Association, and she is working closely with some inspiring women to advance cottage baking in the state and nationwide.

Guest Resources:

Kids Impact Community:                    www.kicmke.org

The Honeycomb Project, Chicago:     https://www.thehoneycombproject.org/

Little Hands Can:                                https://littlehandscan.org/

Connect with Jobea:

Websites:        www.jobeabakes.com

                        www.kicmke.org

Email:              [email protected]

[email protected]

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

                                https://www.linkedin.com/company/toddlers-and-kids-on-a-mission/

UPLIFTING WOMEN HOSTS Kristin Strunk and Holly Teska

Your co-hosts of the UPLIFTING WOMEN PODCAST, Holly Teska & Kristin Strunk, are women who UPLIFT other women at work and in the world. Every other week they bring uplifting women guests to share their personal stories of challenge and triumph to inform and inspire their listeners. The podcast also features guests who have played a significant role in honoring women and their place in the world by serving as promoters, sponsors, and coaches to the many women in their personal and professional lives.

Join Holly and Kristin as they hear how their guests navigate the world of career aspirations, life, love, and family. Get advice from successful women who have figured out their own version of "secret sauce" to create the life they love.

Holly believes the world needs the best leaders it can build; those who demonstrate integrity, empathy, humility, vision, positivity, and confidence. This type of leader brings out the best in others and delivers outstanding results. Holly feels we need everyone to perform at 100% to making our world a better place. Holly's experience in leadership, executive coaching, and talent development is the foundation of her career. She has helped bright and motivated leaders become the very best versions of themselves. Through direct feedback, reflection, experimentation, and honest conversation, she will push you to excel at what you were called to do. Holly is especially committed to helping women navigate the choppy waters of today's fast-paced workplace and evolving world conditions but works with many different individuals and situations. She welcomes inquiries for leadership and executive coaching and speaking engagements.

Kristin's experiences have led her to the simple conclusion that leadership is simple - maybe not always easy, but simple.  Her work supporting leaders in finding their voices inspired her to find her own voice in the space of employee experience and leadership development.  She often hears the question that isn't being asked and is skilled at facilitating conversations and building relationships.  She has helped executives lead organizational transformations involving employee engagement, technology, and the new "Future of Work." 

Follow her hashtag #responsibleleadership on social media to learn more about simple things leaders can do to build relationships and have a lasting positive impact.

Website:         www.upliftingwomen.net

Connect with Holly:

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

Twitter:           https://twitter.com/HollyTeska

Facebook:       https://www.facebook.com/holly.teska

Instagram:      https://instagram.com/HollyTeska

Personal

Website:         www.hollyteska.com

Email:              [email protected]

Connect with Kristin:

LinkedIn:         https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristin-strunk

Twitter:           https://twitter.com/leadadvisor

Facebook:       https://www.facebook.com/kristin.t.strunk

Instagram:      https://instagram.com/ktuttlestrunk

Personal

Website:         https://regentleadershipgroup.com/

Email:              [email protected]

Right In the Middle of Things

Season Two - Episode 24

" I will figure it out. And I will learn all of it at the same time. You will. You never know what's going to happen if you just start saying yes to stuff, regardless of whether it makes you scared. Whether, you know everything about it, whether you know nothing about it, you have to trust that you're in the room for a reason.” – Liz Motta

In this episode, Holly & Kristin talk with Liz about:

• What is important as you start your career and how to propel yourself quickly

Key Takeaways

• Curiosity is a “superfood”

Liz Motta -- With a nearly 15-year career so far, which has spanned media planning & buying, social media, data analytics, sports entertainment marketing & strategy, and more...Liz would say she's "right in the middle of it."

A true beneficiary of the women who were trailblazers, Liz has achieved what many of those

trailblazers hoped for those that followed. Lately, she's been realizing that women have so

much further to go...and that she and her peers have a job to do now.

Liz is curious, intuitive, driven, and passionate about people. Liz gets excited about listening, hearing, and then acting. She is the mother of two sons, 7 and 5. She is currently a Vice President, overseeing Insights & Analytics.

Guest Resources:

WSJ Article:  Where Are All the Women CEO’s?  https://www.wsj.com/articles/why-so-few-ceos-are-women-you-can-have-a-seat-at-the-table-and-not-be-a-player-11581003276

Connect with Liz:

Email:              [email protected]

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

UPLIFTING WOMEN HOSTS Kristin Strunk and Holly Teska

Your co-hosts of the UPLIFTING WOMEN PODCAST, Holly Teska & Kristin Strunk, are women who UPLIFT other women at work and in the world. Every other week they bring uplifting women guests to share their personal stories of challenge and triumph to inform and inspire their listeners. The podcast also features guests who have played a significant role in honoring women and their place in the world by serving as promoters, sponsors, and coaches to the many women in their personal and professional lives.

Join Holly and Kristin as they hear how their guests navigate the world of career aspirations, life, love, and family. Get advice from successful women who have figured out their own version of "secret sauce" to create the life they love.

Holly believes the world needs the best leaders it can build; those who demonstrate integrity, empathy, humility, vision, positivity, and confidence. This type of leader brings out the best in others and delivers outstanding results. Holly feels we need everyone to perform at 100% to making our world a better place. Holly's experience in leadership, executive coaching, and talent development is the foundation of her career. She has helped bright and motivated leaders become the very best versions of themselves. Through direct feedback, reflection, experimentation, and honest conversation, she will push you to excel at what you were called to do. Holly is especially committed to helping women navigate the choppy waters of today's fast-paced workplace and evolving world conditions but works with many different individuals and situations. She welcomes inquiries for leadership and executive coaching and speaking engagements.

Kristin's experiences have led her to the simple conclusion that leadership is simple - maybe not always easy, but simple.  Her work supporting leaders in finding their voices inspired her to find her own voice in the space of employee experience and leadership development.  She often hears the question that isn't being asked and is skilled at facilitating conversations and building relationships.  She has helped executives lead organizational transformations involving employee engagement, technology, and the new "Future of Work." 

Follow her hashtag #responsibleleadership on social media to learn more about simple things leaders can do to build relationships and have a lasting positive impact.

Website:         www.upliftingwomen.net

Connect with Holly:

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

Twitter:           https://twitter.com/HollyTeska

Facebook:       https://www.facebook.com/holly.teska

Instagram:      https://instagram.com/HollyTeska

Personal

Website:         www.hollyteska.com

Email:              [email protected]

Connect with Kristin:

LinkedIn:         https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristin-strunk

Twitter:           https://twitter.com/leadadvisor

Facebook:       https://www.facebook.com/kristin.t.strunk

Instagram:      https://instagram.com/ktuttlestrunk

Personal

Website:         https://regentleadershipgroup.com/

Email:              [email protected]