Special Bonus Episode! The tables are turned as host Kellie Sbrocchi joins host Heather Sumlin on the She Wins podcast for an honest conversation about building a life that refuses to fit into just one box.

How do you balance military service, leadership, content creation, entrepreneurship, public speaking, and the dreams that make you feel most like yourself? Kellie shares the story behind the Why Not #DoBoth movement, how one disappointing pageant outcome became the catalyst for launching her podcast and personal brand, and why she believes women were never meant to choose between their passions.

From serving as a U.S. Navy Lieutenant Commander to competing in pageantry, growing a social media platform, speaking at Harvard, and building a community that empowers women to chase more than one dream, Kellie opens up about the setbacks, lessons, and mindset shifts that shaped her journey.

In this special bonus episode, you'll hear about:

• Why rejection often becomes the beginning of something even better
• The pageant lessons that shaped Kellie's confidence and leadership
• How to stop feeling like you have to choose one version of yourself
• Balancing big dreams with the responsibilities of everyday life
• Navigating criticism, comparison, and negativity online
• Why the Why Not #DoBoth philosophy is about building a life that's authentically yours

Whether you're chasing a promotion, building a business, competing for a title, serving your country, or simply trying to figure out what's next, this conversation is a reminder that you don't have to shrink yourself to fit someone else's definition of success.

Because maybe the question was never, "Which dream do I choose?"

Maybe it's always been, Why not do both?

Show Notes~

Want even more? Join the She Wins Solutions for Pageantry Patreon community for exclusive access to our extended interview with Kellie, plus hundreds of additional videos, trainings, and resources designed to help you succeed.   / kellie-shares-160670853  

Join here:   / shewins_solutionsandstories7  

Heather SumlinPatreon -   / shewins_solutionsandstories7  

Website - https://www.heathersumlin.com/

Instagram -   / heathersumlin  

FaceBook -   / heathersumlinmentalcoach  

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What if the best leaders aren't the ones with all the answers, but the ones who care enough to ask the right questions?

Leadership isn't about having a title. It's about how you show up for people every single day. In this annual catch-up conversation, Kellie sits down with returning guest, mentor, and friend Lieutenant Colonel Amanda Pelkowski for one of their most candid and practical leadership conversations yet. As the Air Force ROTC Detachment Commander at the University of Texas, Amanda is responsible for developing the next generation of military officers, but the lessons she shares apply to anyone stepping into leadership for the first time.

Together, Kellie and Amanda unpack the leadership advice they wish someone had given them earlier in their careers, from regulating your emotions and building trust to asking better questions, holding people accountable with compassion, and earning credibility long before you have experience. Whether you're a new manager, a young professional, a college student, or someone who hopes to lead one day, this episode is filled with practical strategies you can start using immediately. This conversation feels less like an interview and more like two friends catching up over happy hour, full of honest stories, lessons learned the hard way, plenty of laughs, and leadership advice that will stay with you long after the episode ends.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Why "just freaking care" may be the most important leadership principle you'll ever hear.
• The leadership habits every young professional should develop early.
• How emotional intelligence separates good leaders from exceptional ones.
• Why asking thoughtful questions builds more respect than pretending to know everything.
• How to hold people accountable without losing their trust.
• Why mastering your own emotions is the foundation of leading others well.
• How reliability, preparation, and consistency help you stand out early in your career.
• Why your passions outside of work actually make you a stronger leader.
• Practical leadership lessons that apply whether you're in the military, corporate world, or anywhere in between.

If you're looking for actionable leadership advice, want to grow your confidence as a young leader, or simply become the kind of person others genuinely want to follow, this episode is for you.

Show Notes~

Amanda's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amanda.pelkowski

What is ROTC? https://www.usnews.com/education/best-colleges/what-rotc-programs-are-and-how-they-work

Start your Navy ROTC application here: https://www.netc.navy.mil/Commands/Naval-Service-Training-Command/NROTC/Program-Information/Navy-ROTC-Schools/

Enjoyed this episode? Check out kelliesbrocchi.com and follow me on IG at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@kellie.sbrocchi⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠! Loved the show ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@doboth.podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠?

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Plot twist: You're already doing both.

We're stuck in outdated either/or thinking—especially women navigating “career or family” expectations, and younger generations pressured to maintain one-dimensional personal brands. This black-and-white mindset fuels creativity.

In this episode of Why Not #DoBoth Podcast, I talk with Calle Foster, a 3x Certified Life & Leadership Coach, about how to stop worrying about how you do both—because chances are, you already are. We explore why the #DoBoth formula allows you to do both without compromising your identity.

Calle brings over 12 years of experience in Corporate Learning & Development, helping Millennial and Gen-Z professionals rise into leadership without leaving their values behind. She reminds us:
"I can advance my career and be present for my family."
"I can be kind and hold people accountable."
"I can speak my truth and maintain relationships."

This conversation is your permission slip to stop choosing and start integrating. When you embrace your complexity, you s

Ready to explore what a values-aligned, fulfilling career could look like for you? Calle is offering a complimentary discovery session exclusively for our community—don't hesitate to reach out and schedule a time.

Episode originally aired June 18, 2025.

Show Notes~

Instagram @millennialleadershipcoach

www.linkedin.com/in/calle-foster

www.CalleFoster.com

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Grab your coffee- let’s catch up!! Kellie sits down for what feels less like a podcast and more like an audio note to a friend aka YOU!! From finishing her MBA and preparing for a major career transition to navigating IVF, family planning, and the reality of balancing ambition with personal priorities, Kellie shares an honest update on the season of life she's currently navigating.

Over the past six months, she's learned that "doing both" doesn't mean saying yes to everything. It means being intentional about where you invest your time, energy, and focus. Through candid reflections on fertility, social media, military leadership, personal growth, and the power of letting go of perfectionism, Kellie shares the lessons she's carrying into the second half of the year.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Why doing both is different from doing it all
• How to navigate seasons where priorities shift
• The importance of being intentional with your time & energy
• What Kellie has learned through her IVF journey so far
• Why growth often requires saying "no" more often
• How to balance ambition, family, & personal well-being
• The mindset shift that can help you navigate uncertainty and change

This episode is for anyone who feels like they're in a season of transition, carrying big goals while also trying to make space for what matters most. Because sometimes the most important thing you can do is focus on what you can control, trust the process, and bloom where you're planted (but you already knew that!). 

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FLASHBACK FRIDAY! Originally aired June 7, 2020. Some conversations age well because the lessons behind them are timeless.

In this episode, Kellie reflects on the importance of listening, empathy, and taking the time to understand experiences different from our own. While this conversation was recorded during a pivotal moment in our nation's history, the message remains just as relevant today.

Growth begins when we become curious about other people—their backgrounds, perspectives, beliefs, challenges, and experiences. Meaningful connection doesn't come from having all the answers. It comes from asking thoughtful questions, listening with an open mind, and being willing to learn.

As a military officer, creator, and someone who has lived all over the world, Kellie shares why conversations with people from different walks of life have shaped her perspective and helped her become a better leader, friend, and human being.

Five years later, this question still stands:

Are we listening as much as we're talking?

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What if the circumstances you were born into didn't determine the future you were capable of creating?

This week's episode is a special one. As Brittany Putman, Miss Ohio Volunteer 2026, takes the stage at Miss Volunteer America this week, I couldn't think of a better time to share her story! Brittany is the kind of woman every young girl should look up to and every mom should encourage her daughter to listen to. Her journey is proof that your circumstances do not have to define your future.

This conversation is especially meaningful to me because I had the honor of serving on the judging panel when Brittany was crowned Miss Ohio Volunteer. Watching her use her platform to serve others, advocate for families impacted by addiction, and inspire those around her has been incredible. As a first-generation college student, entrepreneur, advocate, future attorney, and founder of You're Important Too, Brittany has dedicated her life to helping others realize that their story is still being written.

In this episode, you'll learn:
• How to break generational cycles and rewrite your story
• Why your beginning doesn't define your becoming
• The power of advocating for yourself when others doubt you
• How pageantry can build confidence, leadership, and purpose
• Why authenticity matters more than perfection
• How to balance ambition, service, education, and personal growth

Tune in for a conversation about resilience, purpose, confidence, and creating a future bigger than the one you were handed, and join me in cheering Brittany on as she competes for the Miss Volunteer America crown this week!

Show Notes~

Connect with Brittany!

Personal Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebrittneyputman/

Miss Ohio Volunteer: https://www.instagram.com/missohvol/?hl=en

Tune in to Miss Volunteer Nationals: https://missvolunteeramerica.net/

Miss Ohio Volunteer Website: https://missohiovolunteer.net/?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQPOTM2NjE5NzQzMzkyNDU5AAGnEXIw6HGjTqK9WDe8c4hzK8K_mvHsUXVJoR0lC8R6gmex9ZWDhbO0uL8kVEg_aem_gZashRewe5itM_TM5ZaKJg

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We all do it—compare. Whether it’s careers, relationships, or milestones, it’s easy to feel like you’re falling behind when you measure your worth against someone else’s highlight reel. But what if confidence isn’t about keeping up—it’s about showing up as you?

Originally aired April 2020 from her previous show, MissUnderstood, this "flashback Friday" Kellie opens up about how she learned to build confidence from the ground up. She often gets asked, “How did you get so confident?” and her answer is simple: you build it, one intentional step at a time.

Kellie shares practical, go-to methods you can start using today to quiet self-doubt, stop comparing, and finally start believing in your own power.

It’s time to stop measuring yourself against others and start mastering your confidence instead.

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BONUS EPISODE! This week on Why Not #DoBoth, we're sharing a special bonus episode featuring Kellie's recent appearance on "Mission Matters" with host Adam Torres.

In this candid 17-minute conversation, Kellie shares the story behind the Why Not #DoBoth Podcast, how a disappointing setback unexpectedly launched her podcasting journey, and the lessons she's learned balancing a 12-year active-duty Navy career with content creation, entrepreneurship, public speaking, and creative pursuits.

Listeners will hear Kellie discuss the evolution of her personal brand, the inspiration behind the "Do Both" message, and why she believes you don't have to choose between responsibility and ambition, service and creativity, or purpose and passion. She also shares practical insights on time management, overcoming fear, staying authentic in male-dominated spaces, and creating opportunities by simply continuing to show up.

Whether you're feeling stuck, pursuing a dream alongside a demanding career, or looking for encouragement to take the first step toward something bigger, this conversation is a reminder that your passions don't have to take a backseat to your responsibilities.

Tune in for a quick dose of inspiration and proof that sometimes the most powerful question you can ask yourself is: Why not do both?

Show notes~

Mission Matters Blogpost Link: https://missionmatters.com/how-kellie-sbrocchi-is-inspiring-others-to-do-both

Mission Matters podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mission-matters-business-podcast-with-adam-torres/id1498253396

What if the biggest thing standing between you and healthier relationships isn't the conflict itself—but how you respond to it?

In this flashback episode originally aired in November 2022, Kellie sits down with Associate Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Samantha Hardy to unpack 5 powerful strategies that can transform the way you communicate, navigate disagreements, and strengthen your relationships.

In this conversation, Samantha shares practical tools for understanding emotional triggers, recognizing when you've "flipped your lid," using time-outs effectively, validating instead of immediately problem-solving, and why seeking therapy early can make all the difference. These aren't just relationship tips—they're skills that can improve communication with your spouse, partner, family members, friends, roommates, and coworkers.

Whether you're trying to repair a strained relationship, prevent small disagreements from escalating, or simply become a better communicator, this episode delivers actionable advice you can start using today. Listeners will walk away with a deeper understanding of themselves, stronger conflict-resolution skills, and a clear roadmap for building healthier, more connected relationships.

Show Notes~

Sam’s Therapy Profile at CCRC: https://chicagocenterforrelationshipcounseling.com/sam-hardy 

Sam Hardy Portraits: https://www.samhardyportraits.com/ & @samhardyportraits 

More About Dr. Alexandra Solomon: https://dralexandrasolomon.com/

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What if one of the most important roles you'll ever have isthe one nobody sees?

In this episode, Kellie sits down with Jessica Cunningham, military spouse, mom of four, content creator, and co-founder of the viral social media platform @theCaptandJess, for a candid conversation about marriage, motherhood, militarylife, identity, and finding purpose in unexpected seasons. As the wife of a retired Navy SEAL, Jessica opens up about the realities of supporting a career that often demands sacrifice, endures uncertainty and deployments, and requires constant transitions, all while carrying the weight of family life behind the scenes. She shares what it's really like to be married to someone whose profession demands so much while still building a life, identity, and purpose of your own.
But this conversation goes far beyond military life.
Over what feels like a happy hour conversation between two women navigating ambitious lives, Kellie and Jessica discuss reinvention, supportive partnerships, motherhood, content creation, balancing dreams with family responsibilities, and how "doing both" continues to evolve throughdifferent seasons of life.

In this episode, you'll learn:
-What life is really like as a Navy SEAL spouse
-How to support your partner's dreams without losing yourself
-Why every season of life requires a different definition of success
-How military spouses build resilience, leadership, and community
-The importance of having a partner who supports your growth
-Why reinvention is often a sign of growth, not failure
-How to embrace the chapter you're in instead of constantly chasing the next one
Jessica also shares how an unexpected viral video launched a thriving social media platform, why she believes military spouses should stop saying they're "just" spouses, and how she learned to fully embrace each season of life, from politics and event marketing to motherhood, military life, entrepreneurship, and beyond.

At its core, this episode feels less like an interview and more like two women catching up over happy hour, sharing the honest realities of marriage, military life, motherhood, ambition, reinvention, and what it means to build a life you're proud of, even when it doesn't look exactly as you planned.

Show Notes ~

Connect: https://www.instagram.com/thecaptandjess/

Jessica's IG: https://www.instagram.com/jessicateevb/

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