Women Leaders on the Move - by HerCsuite® Radio

How do you create impactful change? Deanna Singh is the Founder and Chief Change Agent of Flying Elephant, an umbrella organization for four social enterprises, with a mission to shift power to marginalized communities. Deanna is an award-winning author, educator, business leader, and social justice champion who speaks to over 50,000 people, annually giving audiences the tools and courage to imagine activate and impact the world as change agents.

Listen to this interview with host Natalie Benamou and Deanna Singh as they discuss, how "You Have the Power to Make an Impact".  Deanna shares details from her TEDx Talk growing up.

"My mom is African-American from McGee, Mississippi, and my dad's family comes from a very small village in Punjab India, and I got to watch them build a bridge and bring other people alongside them."-Deanna Singh

Actions Speak Louder
Deanna's upcoming book is a step-by-step guide for managers, teams, and DEI leaders looking to create impactful, lasting change in their organization.

Challenges with Diversity Equity Inclusion
>> Fear prevents people from asking questions.
>> Big and small companies run into similar issues.

"Everybody has the power...the question is how are we going to use it?" -Deanna Singh

Uplifting Impact | Flying Elephant | Uplifting Impact Podcast Attend the Ally Summit

Thank you Deanna Singh, for being on the show and shoutout to Bobbie Carlton of Innovation Women for connecting us!

Natalie Benamou is the Founder of HerCsuite™, transforming the way organizations retain and advance women in every career phase.  HerCsuite™ Solutions include: All-In-One Platform and app- Corporate Portal for Employee Resource Groups and Women's Organizations, Networking, Programs, Mastermind Advisory Circles and Group Mentoring with Coaches. Visit HerCsuite™ and schedule a demo to see how companies like Coupa and Terumo BCT use the platform for their ERGs and Mentoring Women. Have a question? Reach out to Natalie at HerCsuite™ or send a text to 224-209-6424.

LinkedIn: Natalie Benamou | HerCsuite™ | HerPower2 Lead

This podcast is sponsored by Aaptiv, our favorite health and wellness app with over 3,000 videos. Listeners can get your free 30-day trial here. Credits: Thanks to Julie Deem and the Business Podcast Editor for editing our podcast!

In today's episode, special guest Tara Spalding and host Natalie Benamou discuss how to get your startup funded. Learn strategies for pitch competitions, how to research the competitive market, and more.

About Our Guest:

Tara Spalding is the Managing Director of BoomStartup Accelerator and has helped over 40 different startups to help them with their go to market strategy as well as funding when appropriate. BoomStartup is a global mentorship driven angel stage growth and investment program for startups. Tara is a serial entrepreneur where she got her startup in the software industry from Silicon Valley.

Connect with Tara Spalding:

• Boom StartUp
• LinkedIn

Thank you Tara Spalding for being on the show and shoutout to Judy Robinett for connecting us! 

Keep shining your light bright. The world needs you.

HerCsuite® is a leadership network where women build what's next. Our members land board roles, grow businesses, lead the AI conversation, and live their best portfolio career with our programs. Join us at HerCsuite.com, or connect with host Natalie Benamou on LinkedIn.

Are you looking for Funding strategies? Tara Spalding is the Managing Director of BoomStartup Accelerator and has helped over 40 different startups to help them with their go to market strategy as well as funding when appropriate. BoomStartup is a global mentorship driven angel stage growth and investment program for startups. Tara is a serial entrepreneur where she got her startup in the software industry from Silicon Valley. She has been a guiding light for HerPower2, Inc., learning about creating funding opportunities and building pitch decks, and so much more.

Listen to this interview with host Natalie Benamou and Tara Spalding as they discuss, "An Inside Look at Startup Funding".

5 Tips Founders Need to Know:
1. Viability and the preparation of creating a sustainable business.
2. Entity formation.
3. Investment planning.
4. How to do you attain capital?
5. Post close activities such as cap table changes

Strategies for Pitch Competitions:
>> Give background around the product and why it is important.
>> Explain the current market and who is buying this and how they are buying it.
>> Understand why they are buying it and how profitable it is.
>> Research the competitive market and leverage what differentiates you from existing solutions that are on the market now.
>> Know how your numbers are converting.

"I love the phrase that we're betting on the jockey and not the horse.  The person we are betting on, is this person going to be able to lead in unexpected and unknown situations. And that can absolutely come out in their ability to communicate as well as persuade the audience into what they're doing." -Tara Spalding

More info on Boom StartUp and @Boomstartup on Twitter.

Thank you Tara Spalding, for being on the show and shoutout to Judy Robinett for connecting us! 

Natalie Benamou is the Founder of HerCsuite™, transforming the way organizations retain and advance women in every career phase.  HerCsuite™ Solutions include: All-In-One Platform and app- Corporate Portal for Employee Resource Groups and Women's Organizations, Networking, Programs, Mastermind Advisory Circles and Group Mentoring with Coaches. Visit HerCsuite™ and schedule a demo to see how companies like Coupa and Terumo BCT use the platform for their ERGs and Mentoring Women. Have a question? Reach out to Natalie at HerCsuite™ or send a text to 224-209-6424.

LinkedIn: Natalie Benamou | HerCsuite™ | HerPower2 Lead

This podcast is sponsored by Aaptiv, our favorite health and wellness app with over 3,000 videos. Listeners can get your free 30-day trial here. Credits: Thanks to Julie Deem and the Business Podcast Editor for editing our podcast!

In today's episode, special guest Rayona Sharpnack shares her three "P"s with host Natalie Benamou. Learn how to be an ally by Pushing, Promoting, and Protecting.

About Our Guest:

For over 35 years, Rayona Sharpnack, Founder/CEO at Institute for Gender Partnership and Women's Leadership, Inc. has helped 35,000 people and has had a significant impact on Fortune 100 companies. Rayona works closely with organizations like Cardinal Health and leaders like Cardinal Health CEO Mike Kaufmann.

Connect with Rayona Sharpnack:

• LinkedIn

Resource: “Showing Up: How Men Can Become Effective Allies in the Workplace" by Ray Arata

Thank you Rayona Sharpnack for your amazing leadership and for being on the show!

Keep shining your light bright. The world needs you.

HerCsuite® is a leadership network where women build what's next. Our members land board roles, grow businesses, lead the AI conversation, and live their best portfolio career with our programs. Join us at HerCsuite.com, or connect with host Natalie Benamou on LinkedIn.

For over 35 years, Rayona Sharpnack, Founder/CEO at Institute for Gender Partnership and Women's Leadership, Inc. has helped 35,000 people and has had a significant impact on Fortune 100 companies.  Rayona works closely with organizations like Cardinal Health and leaders like Cardinal Health CEO Mike Kaufmann.  She shares how being an Ally can have a lasting impact, when they implement the 3 P's- Push, Promote and Protect.

Listen to this interview with host Natalie Benamou and Rayona Sharpnack as they discuss "Leadership Strategies for Effective Allyship".

Why Being a Sponsor and Ally is so Important:
>> Having a sponsor, means that person is willing to support and protect their high potential employee.
>> Being an Ally includes letting a female candidate choose if a role is right for them without choosing for them based on assumptions.
>> When there is a reduction in head count, the sponsor is there to protect that person's job.

How to be an Ally:
>> Be Curious and check in. Ask how you can lighten that person's load.
>> Offer to bargain for time off if that is what they need.  

"In today's world, allies need to really pour on the attention and have a weekly conversation, be diligent and authentic." - Rayona Sharpnack

Resource: “Showing Up How Men Can Become Effective Allies in the Workplace" by Ray Arata. "Ray has been through all the paces of what it takes to be in an organization where there's no awareness all the way up to working with me and Cardinal Health, where there was great awareness and actually Mike Kaufmann is featured in the book.

Thank you Rayona Sharpnack, for your amazing leadership and for being on the show! Find out more at Institute for Women's Leadership

Natalie Benamou is the Founder of HerCsuite™, transforming the way organizations retain and advance women in every career phase.  HerCsuite™ Solutions include: All-In-One Platform and app- Corporate Portal for Employee Resource Groups and Women's Organizations, Networking, Programs, Mastermind Advisory Circles and Group Mentoring with Coaches. Visit HerCsuite™ and schedule a demo to see how companies like Coupa and Terumo BCT use the platform for their ERGs and Mentoring Women. Have a question? Reach out to Natalie at HerCsuite™ or send a text to 224-209-6424.

LinkedIn: Natalie Benamou | HerCsuite™ | HerPower2 Lead

This podcast is sponsored by Aaptiv, our favorite health and wellness app with over 3,000 videos. Listeners can get your free 30-day trial here. Credits: Thanks to Julie Deem and the Business Podcast Editor for editing our podcast!

In today's episode, special guest Cari Rutkoskie discusses her career transformation with host Natalie Benamou. They contemplate what good communication looks like and how flexibility matters.

About Our Guest:

Cari Rutkoskie is an incredible leader and has helped organizations, mid-sized companies, small businesses and nonprofits communicate clearly and tell compelling stories to shape cultures, attract talent, drive engagement, strengthen brands and clarify their vision, mission, goals, and strategy. Cari has over 25 years of brand and communication experience with special expertise in executive and organizational communications and employer branding. Her successes include creating a communications function for several companies and propelling a leading medical technology company from number 80 to number 11, on Fortune's 100 best "Companies to Work For" list and number 10, on Fortune's "World's Best Company to Work For" list.

Connect with Cari Rutkoskie:

• LinkedIn
• Words Matter Consulting LLC

Keep shining your light bright. The world needs you.

HerCsuite® is a leadership network where women build what's next. Our members land board roles, grow businesses, lead the AI conversation, and live their best portfolio career with our programs. Join us at HerCsuite.com, or connect with host Natalie Benamou on LinkedIn.

 Today's guest, Cari Rutkoskie, is an incredible leader and has helped organizations, mid-sized companies, small businesses and nonprofits communicate clearly and tell compelling stories to shape cultures, attract talent, drive engagement, strengthen brands and clarify their vision, mission, goals, and strategy. Cari has over 25 years of brand and communication experience with special expertise in executive and organizational communications and employer branding. Her successes include creating a communications function for several companies and propelling a leading medical technology company from number 80 to number 11, on Fortune's 100 best "Companies to Work For" list and number 10, on Fortune's "World's Best Company to Work For" list.

Listen to this interview with host Natalie Benamou and Cari Rutkoskie as they discuss her career transformation and "When Words Matter".

Be Open To New Opportunities:
>> Ask yourself, how can I serve, how can I help others get to where they want to go?
>> What is the best way to apply what I've learned?
>> Find ways to shift your mindset. 

Best Practices When Someone Leaves:
>> Be gracious and show kindness and care.
>> Treat people with dignity and respect.
>> Do not burn bridges.
>> Help employees exit into their next role.

Great Communication Includes Listening and Asking the Right Questions:
>> Tell me what is going on how you decided that you wanted to take this approach.
>> Rephrase what you heard in your own words to show you understood.

"I actually like to lead with my strength around asking questions and showing up and listening. I've learned a lot about how to ask good questions, to get people to process and help them figure out what their message is." -Cari Rutkoskie

Thank you Cari Rutkoskie for being on the show! Connect with Cari Rutkoskie on LinkedIn and Words Matter Consulting LLC

Natalie Benamou is the Founder of HerCsuite™, transforming the way organizations retain and advance women in every career phase.  HerCsuite™ Solutions include: All-In-One Platform and app- Corporate Portal for Employee Resource Groups and Women's Organizations, Networking, Programs, Mastermind Advisory Circles and Group Mentoring with Coaches. Visit HerCsuite™ and schedule a demo to see how companies like Coupa and Terumo BCT use the platform for their ERGs and Mentoring Women. Have a question? Reach out to Natalie at HerCsuite™ or send a text to 224-209-6424.

LinkedIn: Natalie Benamou | HerCsuite™ | HerPower2 Lead

This podcast is sponsored by Aaptiv, our favorite health and wellness app with over 3,000 videos. Listeners can get your free 30-day trial here. Credits: Thanks to Julie Deem and the Business Podcast Editor for editing our podcast!

In today's episode, special guest Amber Webb and host Natalie Benamou discuss career transitions. They contemplate how to embrace change fearlessly.

About Our Guest

Amber Webb is a seasoned executive and shines her light out on the world and has been in the boardroom and advisory and many different roles, including membership committees. Amber has served in a variety of roles in fortune 100 healthcare companies, including Abbot Baxter, Merck, ITW. She transitioned from being on the corporate side to pivoting and going into a purpose driven social impact role being in the nonprofit sector after she got her MBA at Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University.

Connect with Amber Webb:

• LinkedIn

Keep shining your light bright. The world needs you.

HerCsuite® is a leadership network where women build what's next. Our members land board roles, grow businesses, lead the AI conversation, and live their best portfolio career with our programs. Join us at HerCsuite.com, or connect with host Natalie Benamou on LinkedIn.

How do you effectively transition into a new role that continues to fuel your purpose? Today's guest, Amber Webb is a member of HerCsuite™ and an amazing Social Impact Accelerator. She's a seasoned executive and shines her light out on the world and has been in the boardroom and advisory and many different roles, including membership committees. Amber has served in a variety of roles in fortune 100 healthcare companies, including Abbot Baxter, Merck, ITW. She transitioned from being on the corporate side to pivoting and going into a purpose driven social impact role being in the nonprofit sector after she got her MBA at Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University.

Listen to this interview with host Natalie Benamou and Amber Webb as they discuss "Pivoting with a Purpose".  

Get Over the Fear of Change Inspired by Gustavo Razzetti:
>> One chapter of your life is not the whole book.
>> Your storyline is full of choices.
>> Embrace being imperfect.
>> You can't control others.
>> Be ready for the unexpected twists and turns.
>> Failure is just a temporary stop, it's not a destination.
>> Let go and see what happens.

You are the Author of Your Story:
>> Make it resonate with whoever you're talking to.
>> What's unique about you?

"We all fear change because we can't anticipate the outcome, but staying put can be riskier than not changing. Whether it's your career or relationship, you risk being left behind, if you don't continue to grow. If you want a different outcome, start by changing how you think."- Amber Webb

Thank you Amber Webb for being on the show!
Connect with Amber Webb on LinkedIn

Natalie Benamou is the Founder of HerCsuite™, transforming the way organizations retain and advance women in every career phase.  HerCsuite™ Solutions include: All-In-One Platform and app- Corporate Portal for Employee Resource Groups and Women's Organizations, Networking, Programs, Immersive Events, Connected Mentoring- Expert Speakers with Breakouts - Engage and Learn with speakers. Visit HerCsuite™ and schedule a demo. Have a question? Reach out to Natalie at HerCsuite™ or send a text to 224-209-6424.

LinkedIn: Natalie Benamou | HerCsuite™ | HerPower2 Lead

This podcast is sponsored by Aaptiv, our favorite health and wellness app with over 3,000 videos. Listeners can get your free 30-day trial here. Credits: Thanks to Julie Deem and the Business Podcast Editor for editing our podcast!

In today's episode, special guest Lori Harris shares with host Natalie Benamou all the factors that go into helping organizations thrive. Learn how to evaluate your team to best optimize their talents and get results.

About Our Guest:

Lori Harris is the Co-Founder of Harris Whitesell Consulting. Lori has helped successful and committed people, teams, and organizations become more successful maximizing leadership impact and developing organizational health and vitality utilizing evidence-based and proven organizational and human resource methods, theory and concepts realizing collective results and business success.

Connect with Lori Harris:

• LinkedIn
• Harris Whitesell Consulting on LinkedIn
• Website

Resources Mentioned:

• Marshall Goldsmith
• Patrick Lencioni
• Brene Brown

Keep shining your light bright. The world needs you.

HerCsuite® is a leadership network where women build what's next. Our members land board roles, grow businesses, lead the AI conversation, and live their best portfolio career with our programs. Join us at HerCsuite.com, or connect with host Natalie Benamou on LinkedIn.