The Business of Belonging: NAWBO Columbus Conversations

Check out resources and events here Bethany George, VP of Roundtables for NAWBO Columbus and founder of The Sales Mystique, sits down with Amy Lahmers, founder and president of Flourishes Consulting, to explore leadership, team alignment, and the realities of building a business. Amy shares her journey from higher education and nonprofit leadership into entrepreneurship, along with the mindset shifts required to grow a people-centered organization. The conversation highlights the importance of aligned teams, the value of community for entrepreneurs, and how intentional leadership practices can create sustainable growth and stronger cultures. Key Points Careers aren’t linear, they’re journeys shaped by passion, purpose, and evolving opportunities Starting a business can feel like jumping off a cliff, but leaning into possibility creates growth Aligned teams are built by getting everyone moving toward shared goals with clarity and trust HR audits can serve as a powerful tool for understanding and improving people practices Entrepreneurs often wait too long to bring in support and try to do too much themselves Strong culture comes from shared wins, recognition, and involving teams in the mission Community is essential for business owners to avoid isolation and gain mutual support Leadership growth accelerates when women collaborate and learn from each other This episode reinforces that leadership isn’t just about strategy, it’s about people, clarity, and connection. When leaders invest in alignment and community, growth becomes a natural outcome rather than a constant struggle. Connect with Bethany Website LinkedIn Connect with Amy Website LinkedIn

Check out resources and events here  In this episode of The Business of Belonging, host Maritza “Shay” Nelson sits down with Sheila A. Mixon, President and CEO of The SASH Effect, to explore her decades-long journey in business development, advocacy, and entrepreneurship. Sheila shares how her early experiences shaped her leadership philosophy and why empowering women entrepreneurs remains her life’s work. Together, they discuss the importance of advocacy, financial literacy, and community, along with practical insights on navigating growth, leveraging networks, and adapting to rapid changes like AI. Key Points Sheila’s journey to launching The SASH Effect was rooted in a lifetime of advocacy and recognizing her impact on others Early mentorship and advocacy played a critical role in shaping her leadership mindset and career trajectory Women entrepreneurs continue to face challenges with access to capital and understanding their financial numbers Being “in the right room” and actively participating in networks like NAWBO is essential for growth and opportunity Community and collaboration are critical, especially among women business owners who are more likely to support and partner with one another Many entrepreneurs hold themselves back by overthinking, avoiding asking for help, or trying to do everything alone Certification programs like WBENC are valuable not just for contracts, but for access to powerful networks and partnerships Understanding your purpose and aligning it with your business is key to sustainable success Technology and AI are here to stay, and business owners must stay informed and adaptable Self-care, delegation, and building the right team are essential to avoid burnout and enable growth This conversation reinforces that success in business is not just about strategy, but about community, self-awareness, and execution. Sheila’s perspective is a powerful reminder that when women entrepreneurs know their value, build strong networks, and take care of themselves, they are positioned to thrive and create lasting impact. Resources:  NAWBO Columbus Connect with Sheila Website

Check out resources and events here  On this episode of The Business of Belonging, host Dr. Courtney sits down with Monica L. Womack, MPA, founder and CEO of MLW Solutions LLC. Their conversation explores Monica’s journey from public service to entrepreneurship, her work strengthening systems that support women-owned businesses, and how intentional infrastructure, partnerships, and access to capital help entrepreneurs grow sustainably.  The discussion highlights the importance of community ecosystems, leadership clarity, and building businesses that create long-term economic impact. Key Points Monica launched MLW Solutions after years of leading initiatives in Ohio’s Minority Business Development Division, where she focused on building systems that expand access to resources, capital, and contracting opportunities for under-resourced entrepreneurs. Strong infrastructure and systems are essential for sustainable business growth. Monica emphasizes that communities cannot be effectively supported by under-resourced providers and that both human and financial capital must be aligned to create meaningful outcomes. Women entrepreneurs often feel pressure to do everything themselves. Monica encourages founders to build systems, delegate effectively, and bring others into their vision in order to scale and grow further. Partnerships and networks such as NAWBO Columbus play a critical role in connecting entrepreneurs to capital, mentorship, and opportunities that accelerate growth. Looking ahead, Monica sees major opportunities for women entrepreneurs to leverage AI, collaboration, and ecosystem partnerships to expand their businesses and drive broader economic impact. Monica’s journey illustrates how intentional leadership, strong systems, and collaborative ecosystems can unlock opportunity for women entrepreneurs. Her work through MLW Solutions and NAWBO demonstrates the power of building infrastructure that helps businesses move from vision to sustainable growth. Resources:  NAWBO Columbus Connect with Monica Website LinkedIn Facebook

Check out resources and events here  On this episode of The Business of Belonging, Yasmine Robles welcomes Kerri Mollard, founder and CEO of Mollard Consulting, for a conversation about nonprofit leadership, board governance, and the role women entrepreneurs play in strengthening communities. Drawing from more than two decades of consulting experience, Kerri shares how strong boards, intentional leadership, and aligned service create healthier organizations and more resilient communities. Together, they explore the realities of nonprofit board service, common misconceptions women face when stepping into leadership roles, and how entrepreneurs can choose opportunities that align with both purpose and capacity. The discussion highlights governance as the foundation of sustainable nonprofits and emphasizes courage, clarity, and community engagement as essential leadership traits. Nonprofit boards succeed when mission clarity and trust between leadership and boards are strong Women often underestimate the value of their skills and hesitate to pursue board service Governance challenges frequently sit at the root of fundraising and organizational struggles Choosing the right board requires alignment across passion, time, resources, skills, and growth goals Community leadership, including local public service, strengthens both organizations and society Taking measured risks is essential for leadership growth and personal fulfillment Leadership begins with service and intention. By aligning purpose with action and stepping into opportunities with confidence, women leaders can shape stronger nonprofits, healthier communities, and more meaningful professional journeys. Resources:  NAWBO Columbus  Connect with Yasmine LinkedIn Website Connect with Kerri LinkedIn Website

Check out resources and events here Host Maritza “Shay” Nelson welcomes Karen Sullivan, Founder of Sullivan Solutions, to “put marketing on trial” and unpack Karen’s Marketing from the C-Suite™ framework, an approach that treats marketing as a leadership function, not a department. Together, they explore why founders get stuck chasing “what everyone else is doing,” how clarity and culture drive revenue, and why community (especially NAWBO Columbus) is a strategic advantage, not just a nice-to-have. Key points Marketing isn’t a task to delegate; it’s how the business makes decisions. It shows up in priorities, people, processes, customer experience, and ultimately revenue. One-size-fits-all marketing fails. Karen emphasizes custom-fit strategy based on the owner’s real goals (scale/exit vs. “a job I love”). The biggest barrier to sales is lack of clarity. If the business can’t clearly articulate what it sells and why it matters, customers assume the wrong thing. Emotion sells. Karen’s “lipstick” example illustrates that buyers aren’t purchasing features, they’re buying the feeling and outcome. Social media is validation. Be present, then be intentional. Being absent hurts trust; being active without strategy wastes effort. AI/ChatGPT is a powerful tool, not a fix. Karen compares it to a “jackhammer”: effective with the right input, risky without training and brand clarity. Operational improvements can be marketing. Examples like fixing phone/POS systems reduce stress, improve service, and build team pride, impacting the customer experience. The “hats” metaphor: entrepreneurs shift between firefighter, police, sales, and wizard (creative) roles; each requires different behaviors and tools. NAWBO Columbus as a belonging engine. Karen shares how the chapter’s culture creates support, accountability, and connections you’re “two phone calls away” from.  Marketing from the C-Suite™ reframes marketing as the glue that aligns vision, culture, operations, and sales, so businesses stop spinning their wheels and start getting measurable results. The takeaway: get clear, measure what matters, and be intentional about whose advice you’re following.

Check out resources and events here On this episode of Business of Belonging, Bethany George welcomes Tonya Tiggett, author, facilitator, and global advocate for women’s leadership. Their conversation explores what it truly means to belong in business, redefining success beyond revenue, and why boldness, communication, and community are essential for women leaders at every stage. Together, Bethany and Tonya unpack fear, confidence, and identity in entrepreneurship, Tonya’s unconventional leadership journey within NAWBO, and how women can take small, courageous actions to move forward even when doubt is present. Key points discussed Redefining success beyond revenue numbers and titles Why communication, connection, and “soft skills” are actually the hardest—and most valuable—skills The role of fear, boldness, and curiosity in leadership growth How community and belonging empower women entrepreneurs at every level Tonya’s journey from solopreneur to NAWBO president and what saying “yes” unlocked for her This episode is a powerful reminder that leadership doesn’t come from fitting a mold—it comes from authenticity, courage, and choosing growth even when it feels uncomfortable. Belonging, connection, and unapologetic boldness are catalysts for both personal and professional transformation. Connect with Tonya Website LinkedIn Connect with Bethany Website LinkedIn

Check out resources and events here In this episode of The Business of Belonging, host Shara Hutchinson sits down with entrepreneur, author, and thought leader Catherine Lang-Cline to explore the realities of navigating “the game of business” as a woman. Catherine shares her path from marketing and creative work to co-founding Portfolio Creative, building a multimillion-dollar brand, earning numerous awards, and ultimately launching her own consultancy and book. Throughout the conversation, she delivers actionable insights on self-advocacy, confidence, credibility, and how women can position themselves strategically—without compromising authenticity. Key Points Discussed Catherine shares how Portfolio Creative began as a simple idea between two freelancers—and grew through timing, collaboration, and operating within their expertise. The early years required grit and consistency; establishing credibility within the first five years helped them gain trust, awards, and market recognition. Catherine emphasizes that women must champion themselves: apply for awards, speak to their accomplishments, and proactively build networks instead of waiting to be noticed. She explains how “the game of business” often follows rules created in male-dominated environments—and how women can navigate meetings, communication dynamics, and visibility with confidence. Authentic leadership, whole-brained thinking, and creative outlets help women remain energized, grounded, and effective in business. Catherine encourages women to start businesses boldly, tap into community, and embrace advocates, mentors, and role models. Her book, The Rules of the Game for Women in Business, shares scripts, strategies, and mindset shifts to accelerate women’s growth and influence. This episode delivers both inspiration and practical tools for women ready to lead with confidence and strategy. Catherine’s experiences demonstrate that success comes from self-advocacy, visibility, authenticity, and community—and that women have every opportunity to thrive when they understand and embrace the rules of the game. Connect with Catherine Website LinkedIn Connect with Shara  Website  LinkedIn

Check out resources and events here In this episode of Business of Belonging, Christine Kotic sits down with Jill Frey, second-generation CEO of Cummins Facility Services and founder of multiple ventures driving innovation in facility management. Jill shares her journey of unexpectedly taking over the family business, scaling it nationally, and pioneering smart building technologies. Key Points: Jill’s story of being handed the family business at age 22 and learning through resilience. How she grew Cummins Facility Services from a small-town operation into a national, 100% women-owned company. The role of technology and innovation—sensors, robotics, AI—in shaping the future of facility management. The importance of community and advocacy through NAWBO Columbus, and how collaboration with women leaders has fueled her growth. Personal insights on balance, stress management, and staying adaptable as a leader. Jill’s story is a powerful reminder that adaptability, vision, and courage to embrace innovation can transform industries. From cleaning floors with her father to leading cutting-edge tech adoption, Jill demonstrates how women leaders can reshape business while supporting employees and community. Connect with Jill Cummins Facility Services LinkedIn Connect with Christine CK ADHD Coaching and Consulting  Christine Kotik LinkedIn

Check out resources and events here Christine Kotik, owner of CK ADHD Coaching and Consulting sits down with emotional-intelligence innovator Chelsea Elliott to explore how emotionally healthy, safe spaces can transform families, classrooms, workplaces, and communities.  Chelsea shares the personal journey behind Somocom Lab, why EQ outperforms IQ in the real world, and how belonging through NAWBO Columbus accelerated her impact. Their conversation includes:  Origin story & mission: After a traumatic cross-country move and later diagnoses of ADHD, depression, and anxiety, Chelsea turned curiosity about emotions into Somocom Lab, helping people create emotionally safe spaces at home, at school, and at work. ( From kids to adults: Her children’s books and EQ Kids Crew card deck revealed a bigger need, teaching adults to model emotional intelligence so kids’ skills are supported, not dismissed.  Workplace EQ matters: Emotional intelligence must be modeled by leadership, normalize PTO, set/hold boundaries, and acknowledge humanity at work to improve culture and performance.  Community Care Collective: A four-week cohort that builds capacity across organizations with topics like EQ fundamentals, mental health first aid, QPR suicide prevention, financial trauma awareness, and trauma-informed care, aimed at retention and better client experience.  NAWBO Columbus impact: Belonging led to real partnerships including the “Eight Domains of Wellness” workshop co-facilitated with NAWBO member Faith Rivera. delivered with KeyBank programs. She also found a supportive network that encouraged Chelsea to try new things.  Do the thing: Education is valuable, but action beats procrastination, apply, test, learn, iterate.  Vision & grounding: Chelsea’s long-term vision is a world where emotional safety is the norm, and her work is no longer needed. She stays grounded through faith and a strong village.  This conversation shows how emotional intelligence, when modeled by adults and leaders, creates safer, more productive spaces everywhere. Chelsea offers practical pathways to build that culture, from kids’ tools to companywide training, all fueled by community and action. Resources:  NAWBO Columbus  EQ Kids Crew books and games  Connect with Chelsea Somocom Lab  Chelsea Elliott LinkedIn Connect with Christine CK ADHD Coaching and Consulting  Christine Kotik LinkedIn

Check out resources and events here In this inspiring episode of The Business of Belonging, host Dr. Courtney welcomes multi-passionate entrepreneur and community builder Fatima Bouyer, founder of the Bouyer & Associates brands. Together they explore wellness, leadership, aligned purpose, and the power of community for women in business. Fatima shares what drives her, how she built three thriving brands, and why creating safe, empowering spaces for women is her life’s mission. Key Points Fatima’s Entrepreneurial BeginningHer journey began with a desire to create spaces where women feel seen, supported, and empowered to show up fully as themselves. Three Brands, One MissionWhole You Wellness Studio focuses on movement and mindset;Office Badass builds structure, clarity, and confidence for women entrepreneurs;Badass Mobile Bartending creates community and joy through curated beverage experiences. Visibility as ImpactBeing featured in major media outlets allows Fatima to inspire women and girls by showing them what’s possible. NAWBO Columbus & Community SupportNAWBO Columbus opened doors for collaboration, connection, and mentorship—reinforcing that community and shared wins are essential for women in business. Challenges Women Face When ScalingMany struggle with clarity, systems, structure, and delegation. Fatima helps women build foundations that support growth and balance. Wellness + Leadership Fatima believes wellness and leadership go hand-in-hand; women cannot lead effectively when running on empty. What’s AheadShe shares upcoming plans including expanded wellness programs, mentorship series, and new community partnerships. This episode highlights Fatima’s mission to empower women through community, clarity, and wellness-centered leadership. Her story offers actionable insight for entrepreneurs committed to building aligned, sustainable businesses. Resources:  NAWBO Columbus  Connect with Fatima Website LinkedIn Instagram Facebook

Check out resources and events here In this episode of Business of Belonging, host Ekima Smith, VP of DEIB for NAWBO Columbus, sits down with her longtime friend and powerhouse procurement leader Makeda Matthews, Senior Manager of Supplier Diversity at Delta Air Lines. Together, they unpack what women business owners need to know about procurement, sourcing, supplier diversity, and how to win, and keep corporate contracts. Makeda offers a behind-the-scenes look at how sourcing teams are structured, how decisions are made, and the most effective ways for diverse suppliers to build relationships that lead to opportunity. Key Points Procurement structures vary widely: centralized vs. decentralized teams, category managers, business partners, and supplier diversity all play different roles. Supplier diversity advocates influence the process but are not the final decision-makers, the business writes the check. Engagement matters before and after the RFP, suppliers who stay connected, share ideas, and demonstrate ongoing value rise to the top of the list. Research is essential, read the 10K, listen to earnings calls, understand the company’s priorities, so you can be proactive when talking with the procurement team. Cold outreach must be specific and strategic: include metrics, relevant experience, and show you understand the company’s needs. Supplier professionals are juggling a lot, emails, internal meetings, metrics, conferences, pipeline development, so make sure your communication provide value and is respectful of the supplier’s time.  Choose an industry and specialize, understanding one industry deeply (e.g., transportation) is more effective than trying to target many at once and can give you an advantage when you are up against larger companies.  This conversation demystifies corporate procurement and gives women entrepreneurs the clarity, strategy, and confidence to better navigate supplier diversity, build meaningful relationships, and position themselves for long-term partnership, not just a one-time contract. Connect with Ekima LinkedIn The Five Collective   Connect with Makeda LinkedIn Delta Supplier Diversity Information

In this inspiring episode of The Business of Belonging, host Zulene Adams, CEO and co-founder of Z Promotions, sits down with Deonna Barnett, CEO and Director of Consulting at Aventi Enterprises. Deonna shares her entrepreneurial journey from college ventures to leading a successful consulting firm that helps small and micro businesses secure government and corporate contracts. Together, they discuss the importance of strategic planning, embracing technology, and how organizations like NAWBO Columbus empower women business owners to scale with confidence and clarity. Key Points Entrepreneurial Roots: Deonna’s first taste of business came from creating a student-led magazine at The Ohio State University, which ignited her passion for entrepreneurship and problem-solving. Family Influence: Growing up with entrepreneurial parents, she learned early lessons in creativity, independence, and work-life balance. Leadership and NAWBO Impact: Through her roles in NAWBO Columbus, including VP of Programming and Public Policy, Deonna gained valuable leadership experience and forged strong community connections that helped grow Aventi Enterprises. Empowering Microbusinesses: Deonna advocates for microbusinesses to explore government and corporate contracting opportunities, emphasizing that even small teams can win substantial contracts with the right strategy. Strategic Planning Essentials: Deonna explains how helpful it is to conduct market research annually and review strategic plans quarterly to stay aligned with shifting trends, another part of her business strategy and support services.  Success Stories: Aventi’s strategic guidance helped clients secure funding and contracts, including one that evolved from a side hustle into a million-dollar company within five years. Looking Ahead: Aventi is developing a SaaS platform to help clients streamline their contracting processes and is embracing AI and technology as key growth drivers. Deonna’s story is a powerful example of how vision, strategy, and community can turn small beginnings into sustainable success, and how women entrepreneurs can thrive by embracing innovation and connection.

Check out resources and events here In this episode of The Business of Belonging, host Dr. Courtney, Vice President of Corporate Partners at NAWBO Columbus and CEO of The Higher Standard Consulting, welcomes Purba Majumder, founder and CEO of Cybervation, Trailblazer Staffing, Bistro UX, and the nonprofit Cool Tech Girls. Together, they explore Purba’s entrepreneurial journey, her passion for innovation, and how she’s empowering women and youth in technology. Key Highlights: Entrepreneurial Evolution: From software development to IT and healthcare staffing, Purba’s pivot-driven approach shows how innovation and diversification sustain long-term growth. Community and NAWBO Impact: Purba credits NAWBO Columbus for helping her transition from corporate to entrepreneurial leadership and for providing authentic peer support. Industry Insights: AI, cybersecurity, and data analytics are shaping tech staffing, while healthcare staffing remains vital amid ongoing shortages. Advice for Entrepreneurs: Start small, stay curious, and focus on solving real problems, not just creating products. Core Values for Success: Resilience, purposeful innovation, continuous learning, and empowering others through mentorship and community impact. Looking Ahead: Cybervation continues expanding its healthcare staffing division, while Cool Tech Girls is growing its STEM programs through partnerships and grants. In Short:Purba Majumder exemplifies innovation with purpose—blending technology, leadership, and community to build businesses that solve real problems and create lasting impact. Connect with Purba Majumder Website LinkedIn  Connect with Dr. Courtney  Website  LinkedIn

Host Shara Hutchinson sits down with Casey Brown, TEDx speaker, pricing expert, and author of Fearless Pricing, to unpack how women business owners can stop undercharging and start commanding prices that match their value. They dig into the mindset shifts behind confident pricing, practical frameworks for communicating value, and when (and how) to say yes to discounts without eroding your brand. Key points Pricing power is yours: Most entrepreneurs overestimate “the market” and underestimate their own ability to set and secure higher prices based on value delivered. From fear to confidence: Move from “pricing not to lose” to pricing to win, anchored in your outcomes and differentiation. Define + Tell = Earn: Clearly define your specific value, then tell it in ways customers feel; price becomes “a bargain” when wrapped in the right context. Value > cost or time: Don’t tether price to hours or inputs. tie it to results, risk removed, speed, and impact. Perfection trap (especially for women): Over-indexing on “it must be perfect” suppresses asks; model confidence to raise the bar for others. Discounts with discipline: If you do pro bono/low-bono, set tight criteria and limits (quantity, audience, purpose) and require some skin in the game” (e.g., a short application). Test your ceiling: Treat the market like a petri dish, raise, observe, iterate. Five straight yeses? Prices may still be low. Your most profitable hour: Steal one hour weekly to review where you’re underpriced and plan a concrete increase and comms. AI as a sales ally: Use AI to role-play tough negotiations, pressure-test objections, and sharpen value messaging. Ripple effect: When women charge what they’re worth, they hire more, pay better, and invest in communities. Real dollars, real impact. This conversation reframes pricing as a confident, value-driven choice—not a reactive guess. Start small if you must, but start now: define your value, tell it boldly, and raise your prices with intention. Connect with Casey  Website LinkedIn  Connect with Shara  Website  LinkedIn

Check out resources and events here In this episode of Business of Belonging, host Tiffany Meyer sits down with Sharon DeLay, founder of GoHR, to talk about the evolving role of HR in small businesses and how NAWBO Columbus has shaped her entrepreneurial journey.  Sharon shares how she discovered a gap in HR support for small and micro businesses, why investing in managers is essential, and how flexible and creative benefits can transform recruiting and retention. They discussed:  Sharon’s path from corporate communications to building GoHR, sparked by NABO connections and a need for small business HR support. The importance of developing managers and supervisors instead of relying on HR to manage employees. Why small businesses should build relationships with HR before a crisis—and how GoHR often provides “crisis HR” support. Recruiting challenges in 2025: the need to articulate an employee value proposition and adopt technology to ease workforce gaps. Examples of creative, non-traditional employee benefits that boost retention, like flexible schedules, paid volunteer time, Amazon Prime memberships, and telehealth options. How assessments like DISC can be useful tools for team communication—when applied correctly. Sharon’s long-term involvement with NABO Columbus, where relationships and visibility directly impacted her business growth. Insights on balancing introversion with entrepreneurship and the importance of setting boundaries around networking. Sharon shares how small businesses can thrive by investing in their managers, adopting creative HR practices, and building strong relationships, both inside their teams and through communities like NAWBO Columbus. Resources:  NAWBO Columbus  Connect with Sharon  GoHR  Sharon DeLay LinkedIn Connect with Tiffany Heights Insurance Company  Tiffany Meyer LinkedIn

Check out resources and events here In this episode of The Business of Belonging, host Shay Nelson sits down with Andrea Harless, Senior Director of Government Affairs at G2G Consulting, to talk about the power of advocacy and how policy directly impacts women-owned businesses. Andrea shares her journey into public service, her role in advancing microbusiness legislation, and why women entrepreneurs must get involved in shaping public policy. Here’s what they discussed:  Andrea’s personal story of how her grandfather inspired her passion for politics and advocacy. The role of G2G Consulting in connecting businesses and nonprofits to government resources and opportunities. Recent advocacy wins, including Ohio’s new definition of “microbusiness” (20 or fewer employees). Misconceptions about politics and how bipartisan collaboration often goes unseen. Why women business owners are the “experts in the room” when talking to legislators. Practical ways for entrepreneurs to get engaged in advocacy, from joining associations to sharing personal stories. The importance of persistence, even when the political process feels discouraging. Shay and Andrea highlight how advocacy creates real change for women entrepreneurs and microbusinesses. Andrea encourages business owners to embrace their role as experts, get involved in public policy, and use their voices to influence meaningful progress. Resources:  NAWBO Columbus  Andrea Harless LinkedIn G2G Consulting

Check out resources and events here Bethany George sits down with Betty Collins, CPA and community leader, to discuss the power of leading where you live. Betty shares her journey from joining NAWBO Columbus and the Gahanna Chamber of Commerce to serving as NAWBO president during the challenging 2019–2020 term. Her practical advice on how to choose the right organizations to get involved in, when to step into leadership roles, and when to pass the baton to the next generation is helpful for the new and seasoned business owner.  Key Points Start with alignment: Choose one or two organizations that match your values, goals, and energy, and commit deeply instead of spreading yourself too thin. Leadership mindset: Leadership isn’t always about being the president—it can mean being a strong committee member or behind-the-scenes driver of success. Know when to step down: Recognize signs of burnout, stagnation, or lack of growth, and create space for new leaders to bring fresh energy. Seasons of life: Career and leadership involvement will ebb and flow depending on personal and professional seasons—don’t quit too soon during challenging phases. Community investment: Treat your community like something you own—invest your time, talents, and presence for the greater good. Networking with purpose: Go beyond selling—build authentic relationships, focus on giving, and the opportunities will follow. Women in leadership: More women are needed in politics, on boards, and in professional service leadership roles, bringing essential perspectives to decision-making tables. Betty’s leadership journey is a testament to the long-term impact of showing up, investing in your community, and aligning with organizations that fit your values. Her perspective blends practical networking advice with an inspiring call for more women to step into leadership roles, adapt to life’s seasons, and know when to lead, when to follow, and when to hand over the reins. Resources:  NAWBO Columbus Brady Ware CPA and Advisory Firm Betty Collins LinkedIn The Follow Up Boss  Bethany George LinkedIn

NAWBO Columbus In this energizing episode of The Business of Belonging: NAWBO Columbus Conversations, host Yasmine Robles welcomes powerhouse speaker, author, and founder of LBB Edutainment, Lachandra "La" Baker, for a dynamic discussion on leadership, culture, and the power of being your own biggest cheerleader. La shares her journey from corporate burnout to purpose-driven entrepreneurship, emphasizing the importance of radical resilience, people-centered business practices, and building authentic relationships. LBB Edutainment Lachandra Baker LinkedIn Your Own Biggest Cheerleader Rebel Marketing Yasmine Robles LinkedIn

NAWBO Columbus In this episode of The Business of Belonging: NAWBO Columbus Conversations, host Yasmine Robles sits down with Jennifer Sconyers, founder of Abundance Leadership Consulting, to explore the intersection of leadership, systems change, and the power of values-driven business. Jennifer shares her entrepreneurial journey, lessons learned in building a people-centered consulting practice, and why storytelling, community, and clarity are critical in today’s ever-changing business landscape. Resources: Abundance Leadership Consulting Jennifer Sconyers on LinkedIn Rebel Marketing Yasmine Robles LinkedIn

NAWBO Columbus In this episode of The Business of Belonging: NAWBO Columbus Conversations, host Yasmine Robles sits down with Rhonda Peterson, incoming president of NAWBO Columbus and an accomplished executive coach, speaker, and facilitator. Rhonda shares her leadership journey, her vision for the chapter, and the importance of intentional engagement, partnerships, and storytelling in strengthening the community of women business owners. RKP Ventures Rhonda Peterson LinkedIn Rebel Marketing  Yasmine Robles LinkedIn

Welcome to the NAWBO Columbus Podcast where women business owners rise together. This podcast is your front-row seat to the stories, successes, and strategies of the powerhouse women behind the Columbus chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners. Each episode features dynamic conversations with NAWBO members, entrepreneurs, leaders, and change-makers who are growing businesses, building community, and driving advocacy for women in business. Whether you’re a current member, a curious listener, or a woman ready to take the leap into entrepreneurship, you’ll find inspiration, insight, and connection here. Tune in for behind-the-scenes stories, real talk about running a business, and the powerful network that helps make it all possible. Together, we’re not just building businesses, we’re shaping the future for women entrepreneurs.