What does it take to lead with both excellence and empathy in one of medicine's most demanding fields?

In this inspiring episode of the Women2Women Podcast, host Peggy Geisler sits down with Dr. Dawn Walton, an accomplished neonatologist and Chief Medical Officer, to explore a career defined by resilience, purpose, and unwavering compassion.

From discovering her calling in medicine to caring for the most vulnerable patients in the neonatal intensive care unit, Dr. Walton shares the experiences that shaped her leadership journey. She opens up about the challenges of fellowship, navigating fertility struggles while building a demanding career, becoming a mother, and the delicate balance between professional ambition and personal fulfillment.

The conversation also explores the future of healthcare through the lens of artificial intelligence, discussing how innovation is transforming medicine while reinforcing the irreplaceable value of human connection and compassionate care.

Throughout the episode, Dr. Walton offers powerful insights on persistence, mentorship, fearless leadership, and creating opportunities for the next generation of healthcare professionals.

Whether you're pursuing a career in medicine, leading a team, balancing family and ambition, or simply looking for inspiration to persevere through life's challenges, this conversation is a reminder that purpose, compassion, and courage can leave a lasting impact.

Listen now and discover how leading with heart can transform lives, careers, and communities.

Chapters

00:00 Journey to Medicine

15:15 Choosing Neonatology

22:06 The Impact of AI in Medicine

26:44 Leadership and Fellowship

28:08 Fertility Journey and Clinical Role

29:21 Becoming a Mother and Neonatology

35:18 Transition to a New Career Phase

46:18 Mentorship and Leadership in Healthcare

What happens when you choose courage over comfort and possibility over fear?

In this inspiring episode of the Women2Women Podcast, host Peggy Geisler sits down with Michelle Ponto, a trailblazing leader whose career has taken her from pioneering digital newsrooms in the United States to navigating new cultural landscapes in Jeddah and Dubai. Michelle shares the defining moments that challenged her to step beyond familiar boundaries, embrace uncertainty, and pursue opportunities others might have overlooked.

Through candid stories and powerful insights, Michelle reflects on the lessons she's learned about leadership, resilience, empathy, and the importance of staying open to growth at every stage of life. Her journey is a testament to what can happen when women dare to trust themselves, take bold risks, and redefine what success can look like.

Join us for a conversation that will encourage you to move beyond fear, embrace change, and discover what's possible when courage leads the way.

Listen now and be inspired to take your next brave step.

What happens when the battle finally quiets down and you’re left asking, What does peace look like for me?

In this powerful episode of Women2Women, Desa Burton shares her journey through life’s challenges, the pressure of constant achievement, and the deeper realization that success without alignment can still leave you searching. Through honest reflection and hard-earned wisdom, Desa opens up about redefining fulfillment, embracing intention, and choosing a life rooted in purpose rather than survival.

This conversation is a reminder that bliss is not something we stumble upon after the storm. It is something we intentionally create by honoring who we are, what we need, and the life we are truly meant to live

In this episode of Women 2 Women, Peggy Geisler sits down with Natasha Panduwawala for a conversation rooted in purpose, leadership, and the power of using your voice to create meaningful change.

Natasha shares her journey of discovering where passion meets impact, reflecting on the experiences that shaped her commitment to organizing, advocacy, and community-centered work. From navigating challenges to finding confidence in her own voice, this episode explores what it means to lead with values while building spaces where others can thrive.

Together, Peggy and Natasha discuss:
• Finding purpose through service and advocacy
• The importance of authentic leadership
• Building confidence in your voice and perspective
• Creating impact through community organizing
• Lessons learned while navigating personal and professional growth

This conversation is a reminder that when your values lead the way, your work has the power to inspire change far beyond yourself.

Tune in now and join the conversation.

Sheila Bravo shares her journey from growing up on a farm to working in global business development for Godiva Chocolatier, highlighting her career transitions and experiences in the corporate world. Sheila Bravo shares her journey of career transitions, sacrifices, and the importance of aligning work with values. Her experiences highlight the significance of networking, taking risks, and making tough choices. The journey reflects the evolving nature of work and the impact of personal values on career decisions.

Takeaways

• Career transitions driven by personal reasons
• Navigating male-dominated work environments
• Learning from female leaders
• International business expansion
• Innovation and product development Career transitions
• Aligning work with values

Chapters

• 00:00 From Farm to Corporate World
• 09:12 Professional Growth and Leadership
• 18:34 Memorable Experiences and Reflections
• 43:06 Reflections and Takeaways

Tune in and ask yourself: Is the work I’m doing aligned with the life I want to live?

Rita Landgraf shares her life journey, from serving as a cabinet secretary to finding her voice and advocating for marginalized communities. She emphasizes the importance of servant leadership and the power of diversity of thought in solving challenging issues. The conversation covers themes of leadership, resilience, and self-compassion. It delves into the importance of aligning purpose and passion with work, navigating life's challenges, and the power of self-reflection and grace.

Takeaways

• Servant leadership and advocacy
• Finding one's voice
• Diversity of thought and values Leadership through alignment of purpose and passion
• Resilience in navigating life's challenges

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to Rita Landgraf
• 06:33 Defining Moments and Advocacy
• 19:27 Becoming a Cabinet Secretary
• 32:30 Aligning Purpose and Passion with Work
• 46:19 Challenges of Navigating Healthcare and Ageism