In this powerful episode of Words of Wisdom from Kick-Ass Women, hosts Liz Brohan and guest co-host Marie Newman sit down with journalist, political strategist, and firestarter Delmarie Cobb. Known as a “crusading journalist,” Delmarie shares her journey from producing on Sanford and Son to becoming a respected political operative and founder of Ida’s Legacy PAC.

She takes us inside her early political influences, working with Jesse Jackson’s 1988 presidential campaign, and launching her consultancy that has helped elect influential leaders like Bobby Rush. Delmarie speaks candidly about what it means to speak truth to power, why discipline wins campaigns, and how women can step into leadership without waiting to be asked.

Together, the trio tackles the structural and cultural barriers women face in politics—especially around confidence, fundraising, and public perception. Delmarie also makes a compelling case for the power of local politics as a launchpad for national influence, drawing inspiration from Kamala Harris’s trajectory.

This is a masterclass in unapologetic activism, strategic savvy, and courage to lead.

📚 Resources Mentioned

• Ida’s Legacy PAC — https://www.idaslegacypac.org
• Jesse Jackson 1988 Presidential Campaign Archive
• Kamala Harris — Official biography and career timeline

✨ Highlight Quotes 

1. “Everything is a campaign. Disciplined campaigns win, undisciplined ones lose.” — Delmarie Cobb
2. “Women can’t wait to be asked to run. Men don’t — they just decide and do it.” — Delmarie Cobb
3. “Local politics is the springboard to national power. That’s where change begins.” — Delmarie Cobb

You can find us wherever you listen to podcasts or watch us on YouTube.

In this episode of Words of Wisdom from Kick-Ass Women, host Liz Brohan sits down with Janet Vaan, publisher of Lincoln Way City Lifestyle and adjunct professor at Northern Illinois University, to explore how younger generations are redefining career growth. Instead of the traditional “climb the ladder” mindset, Janet introduces the concept of “crossing bridges”—a broader, more fluid way of navigating work, impact, and life. From Baby Boomers’ long-hour loyalty to Gen Z’s values-driven pursuit of impact, Janet shares her insights on shifting generational priorities, mental health awareness, and the merging of work and life. Together, Liz and Janet discuss why career progression today is less about rigid titles and more about building skills, embracing flexibility, and aligning work with purpose. Whether you’re early in your career or rethinking your path, this conversation will help you see new ways to define growth and success.

3 Resources/References Mentioned

1. Lincoln Way City Lifestyle – https://citylifestyle.com
2. Northern Illinois University MBA Program – https://www.niu.edu/mba
3. Inc. 5000 Fastest-Growing Companies List – https://www.inc.com/inc5000

3 Highlight Quotes

1. “Today’s careers aren’t about climbing the ladder—they’re about crossing bridges to new skills, roles, and impact.”
2. “Gen Z isn’t chasing titles—they’re chasing purpose, impact, and work that aligns with their values.”
3. “Leveraging human capital means more than filling roles—it’s about keeping people motivated, balanced, and inspired.”

You can find us wherever you listen to podcasts or watch us on YouTube.

On this powerful episode of Words of Wisdom from Kick Ass Women, host Liz Brohan welcomes guest co-host Marie Newman—former Congresswoman, activist, author, and marketing executive—for a timely conversation with trailblazing leader Anna Dutra.

Anna is a global board director, two-time CEO, and the first Latina and immigrant to serve on multiple Fortune 250 boards. With over 30 years of executive experience spanning public companies, private equity, and nonprofits, she brings unmatched insight into governance, strategy, and leading with courage.

Together, Liz, Marie, and Anna dig into the urgent question: How do women stick their necks out for other women in a moment when hard-won progress is at risk? The conversation spans:

• Why women can’t afford to retreat on pay equity, reproductive rights, and representation.
• How personal stories—like Anna reshaping maternity leave policy—can spark systemic change.
• The importance of shifting the DEI narrative from ideology to business impact.
• Why resilience, creativity, and asking for help are essential leadership tools.
• The power of paying it forward by lifting up women for board seats, leadership roles, and opportunities.

Marie shares lessons from her decades of activism and government leadership, while Anna underscores the urgency of unity, resilience, and showing that equity isn’t just the right thing—it’s good business.

This episode is a rallying cry for women at every level: speak up, innovate, advocate for one another, and never settle for silence when progress is on the line.

Resources & References

1. Harvard Business Review – featuring Anna Dora’s insights on leadership and governance.
2. Forbes – coverage of Anna’s work as a pioneering Latina executive.
3. Life Made From Scratch – Marie Newman’s prescriptive memoir on creating change from the ground up.

Highlight Quotes

1. “Helping another woman succeed isn’t charity—it’s leadership. Pay it forward, always.”
2. “Equity isn’t ideology. It’s smart business strategy that drives talent, growth, and resilience.”
3. “This is not the time to retreat. It’s the moment to double down, speak up, and stick your neck out.”

You can find us wherever you listen to podcasts or watch us on YouTube.

Life doesn’t always follow a straight path—and sometimes the biggest challenges come when you least expect them. In this episode of Words of Wisdom from Kick-Ass Women, hosts Liz Brohan and Mary Olivieri welcome former Congresswoman, nonprofit CEO, serial entrepreneur, and activist Marie Newman for a candid conversation about what it means to pivot when life throws you curveballs.

Marie’s journey is one of resilience and reinvention. She shares how deeply personal experiences—including her son’s struggles with bullying, her daughter’s journey as a transgender teen, and her own time in Congress—shaped not only her advocacy but also her leadership style. Each moment required a reset, a reevaluation, and a bold step forward.

The conversation dives into the parallels between fictional heroines and real women who must constantly adapt, highlighting how resilience isn’t about avoiding setbacks but about navigating them with clarity and courage. Marie offers tangible advice for anyone facing upheaval: how to start small, find your footing, and rebuild momentum after a setback.

Listeners will also hear insights from her new book, A Life Made from Scratch, which weaves together her personal story with lessons for women everywhere who’ve had to “pivot fast” when life had other plans. This episode is filled with wisdom, humor, and practical strategies for anyone who’s ever had to pick themselves up, dust themselves off, and keep going.

If you’ve ever wondered how to turn a “WTF moment” into a stepping stone, Marie’s words will inspire you to keep moving—even when the path is anything but straight.

Resources 

A Life Made from Scratch by Marie Newman – [Book link placeholder]

Highlight Quotes 

1. “Life doesn’t happen in straight lines—it happens in pivots. The power is in how we respond.” – Marie Newman
2. “You don’t need to move mountains overnight. Start small, but start real.” – Marie Newman
3. “Setbacks don’t define you—how you rebuild after them does.” – Marie Newman

You can find us wherever you listen to podcasts or watch us on YouTube.

In this inspiring episode, Liz and Mary chat with Lori McDonald—tech entrepreneur, risk-taker, and kidney donor. Lori shares her incredible journey from NASA to founding Brilliance Business Solutions, to owning a food manufacturing company.

She opens up about the fears she faced launching a business, raising prices, and asking her husband to leave his job to join her team.

Lori reflects on how identifying fear helped her take powerful steps forward, including donating a kidney to a near-stranger—an act she credits to divine guidance. 

With stories of ballroom dancing, mentorship, and building workplaces where people can thrive authentically, Lori exemplifies what it means to lead with heart and courage. Tune in for a deeply motivating conversation about growth, gratitude, and pushing past self-imposed limits.

Resources & Mentions:

1. Brilliance Business Solutions
2. Norland Lefe Food Manufacturing
3. Inc. 5000 Fastest-Growing Companies
4. Kick-Ass Women Website
5. Lori McDonald on LinkedIn

Highlight Quotes:

1. "What would you do if you weren’t afraid? I put that on my wall—and it changed everything."
2. "Delegation is growth—for you and the person you're trusting with the task."
3. "I donated a kidney because of a dream. Fear didn’t stop me—faith led me."

You can find us wherever you listen to podcasts or watch us on YouTube.