Join us on March 13th at Brooklyn Brewery for a day of transformation, connection, and celebration. Like Laura Kavanagh, who you’ll meet in today’s episode, every woman in our community has a story that can light the way for others. Whether you're navigating your own reinvention, seeking deeper purpose, or ready to create meaningful change, you'll find your people here.

This isn't your typical networking event. It's an intimate gathering of purpose-driven women who understand that real magic happens when we drop the masks and share our authentic journeys. Through interactive workshops, a live podcast recording, and facilitated connections, we'll explore what it means to break through barriers and lift others as we climb.

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Today’s Featured Uplifter: Laura Kavanagh

When we first dreamed up The Uplifters podcast, I made a shortlist of ten women I was most eager to talk to. At the very top of that list was Laura Kavanagh, the first woman to serve as Fire Commissioner of the FDNY in its 157-year history.

Then Reverend Ann Kansfield from episode 26 nominated Laura - not for breaking that glass ceiling, but for being her emergency contact, her trusted advisor, the person she'd call if her kids were in trouble. In that moment, I realized this conversation would be even more meaningful than I'd imagined. Laura's story isn't just about being first, it's about being human in a role where humanity is often hidden behind titles and expectations.

"It's one thing to hike a trail that's already been carved. It's still hard. You're still marching uphill and you're still hot and sweaty and exhausted. But it's another thing if there is no trail. It takes you 10 times as long. You often have to turn around. You have often gone the wrong way and there's a river in the way and you have to turn back. And you're often more bloody and tired by the time you get to the top. You've been scratched and bruised and it’s taken you twice as long."

What unfolded in our conversation was an honest exploration of what it really takes to support women in leadership - not just getting them into positions of power, but helping them thrive and create lasting change once they're there. Her story arrives at a crucial moment when conversations about women in power feel both more urgent and more fragile than ever. I really, really hope you’ll listen to this episode and share it with others.

Laura’s Courage Practice: Curiosity in the Face of Resistance

When facing opposition at the FDNY, Laura chose curiosity over defensiveness. Rather than viewing resistance as a battle to be won, she approached it with genuine interest in understanding the underlying concerns driving pushback against change.

"Curiosity is counter to fear," she reflects, explaining how this mindset helped her uncover that many concerns about diversity initiatives stemmed from fears about job security rather than outright prejudice. By taking the time to truly listen and understand, she found ways to address these deeper worries while still moving forward with necessary changes.

Listen to This Episode If:

- You're navigating uncharted territory as a leader

- You want honest talk about the real challenges women face in leadership

- You're looking for ways to support women leaders more effectively

5 Ways Laura Shows Us How to Build Our Courage Capital:

1. Ask the Questions Others Are Afraid to Ask: Genuine curiosity about resistance often reveals shared concerns and opens paths to solutions.

2. Build Networks That Go Beyond Emotional Support: Learn from how men use their networks tactically while maintaining authentic connections.

3. Take Real Breaks Without Apology: Recognize that sustaining leadership requires periods of genuine rest and renewal.

4. Share the Whole Truth of Leadership: Talk openly about both the victories and the very real costs of being first.

5. Make Space for Dimensionality: Remember that effective leaders need room to be fully human, with all the messiness that entails.

The Uplifters Chain

Laura was nominated for The Uplifters by Ann Kansfield, who was nominated by Beth Carroll who was nominated by Lisa Crozier.

Today’s opening is by Sara Axelbaum.

Listen to all of their stories on The Uplifters Podcast.