Women Advancing

Are you successful on paper, but feel like something is missing inside? In this episode, we sit down with Danielle Finch, Founder and CEO of Equera.ai. Danielle made the bold career pivot from twenty years of corporate success—including roles at GE, Michelin, and as Director of Customer Experience at HomeToGo—to become a social entrepreneur in the impact tech space.Her story isn’t one of impulsive reinvention, but a thoughtful reorientation from chasing profit to pursuing equity as the ultimate outcome. Danielle recognized that ‘staying is also a choice’ and realized she ‘had to get off her path’ to follow a greater purpose.We dive into how Danielle is leveraging systems thinking to disrupt the extractive tourism industry, turning it into a powerful lever for addressing wealth inequality by redirecting capital back into local communities. Discover how she built a practical runway for her leap and how she redefined success by shifting her focus from the what to the why.If you’re contemplating a big move or want to learn how to find real leverage inside broken systems, tune in to understand what it truly takes to build something that shifts, not just scales.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! Visit katherinebyrne.com

Are you overlooking the unseen systems that cost us the most? In the U.S., a staggering 12.2 million tons of furniture waste is discarded annually—enough to furnish 8.8 million one-bedroom apartments. This isn’t just a waste problem; it’s a crisis of sustainable design, mindset, and leadership.Today, we welcome Kathryn Soter, Executive Director of the Good Future Design Alliance, who has spent decades at the intersection of media, design, and sustainability. We dive into how to tackle overwhelming problems with “simple baby steps”, why the focus must shift to residential design (which accounts for two-thirds of US building square footage), and how connecting creativity, cost, and impact is the invisible work of modern leadership.Tune in to learn why the future depends on making the unseen impossible to ignore, and how you can embrace progress, not perfection, to build a truly good future.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! Visit katherinebyrne.com

What if the secret to scaling your business wasn’t more hustle, but more humanity? In this episode of Women Advancing, Olivia Cleary, Founder of The Clearly Collective and Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree, joins us to flip the script on traditional career growth. We’re moving beyond the "more, more, more" mentality to explore wellness as infrastructure—not a reward for hard work, but the very foundation that makes it sustainable. Join us as we discuss how to redefine ambition, set radical boundaries, and design a version of success that supports the human doing the work, all without the cost of self-abandonment. It’s time to opt into a career that actually works for your life.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! Visit katherinebyrne.com

In a world rapidly reshaped by Artificial Intelligence, the conversation often centers on the tools. But what if we shifted the focus to the people?Join host Kate Byrne on Women Advancing as she dives deep with global thought leader Snjezana Slabek into the timely intersection of AI, human-centered learning, and organizational effectiveness. Snjezana—an expert in human-centered AI learning, gamification, and design thinking—reveals why traditional learning and leadership models are failing in the AI era, and how we can adapt, unlearn, and relearn alongside technology.Discover:Why the biggest challenge in the AI era is not technology, but creating organizations capable of continuous adaptation.How gamification and human-centered design turn “consequences” into safe “trade-offs,” encouraging the experimentation vital for innovation.Why the “power of the query” is the new essential skill, shifting our focus from getting answers to asking the right questions.How communities like She STEAMS are empowering women to embrace playfulness, collaboration, and bolder leadership in an AI-driven future.Stop focusing on keeping up with AI and start focusing on leading the loop. Read on to explore how we can build a future where work truly works for humans.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! Visit katherinebyrne.com

What is the true cost of courage in speaking up? In a world riddled with resistant systems and uncomfortable truths, Cece Jones-Davis, an extraordinary spiritual leader, artist, and relentless advocate for justice, has consistently chosen voice over silence. Known for her tireless work on the Justice for Julius Jones campaign—a movement that successfully fought against a man’s execution—Cece steps into spaces many of us avoid, armed with both courage and deep compassion.Join us as we explore the journey of a leader who wrestled with her faith, stood firm against political backlash, and discovered that her greatest passions were often fueled by the things she hated. This conversation is an unfiltered look at what it takes to speak truth to power, how spiritual conviction sustains leadership, and the profound, life-altering difference one woman’s voice can make. Read on to uncover the powerful lessons on why, for the sake of justice and your own well-being, the moment for silence is no longer an option.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! Visit katherinebyrne.com

What does leadership look like in a world of climate urgency, rapid tech change, and systemic upheaval? We spoke with Terry Slavin, Editor-in-Chief of Reuters’ sustainable business magazine, The Ethical Corporation, for a deep dive into the 2026 Reuters Trailblazing Women Report. More than a list, it signals where innovation and influence are headed.Key insights from this year’s report:The rise of relational “Trail Finders” connecting finance, business, and civil society.Women-led climate tech teams driving holistic solutions to urban water and heat risks.Breakthrough innovations—like coal-free steelmaking—powered by resilient optimism despite funding gaps and “climate hushing.”Discover the women shaping a sustainable future and the trends every sector and community needs to watch.

The University of Virginia did not accept women until coeducation was introduced in 1970. This institutional transformation was made possible through the grit of its first class of women. Kate Byrne sits down with one of them, author Gail Burrell Gerry, who shares the inspiring story behind this historic milestone for UVA and the education systems as a whole. Gail talks about what it takes to challenge the status quo, the power of speaking up, and being comfortable with discomfort – even things that are considered taboo by most people. She also explains why there is no single path to achieving success in your journey and why you do not have to feel guilty about your accomplishments, especially women bombarded with constant pressure.

Money isn’t just math. It’s memory.In this conversation, I’m joined by Scarlett Stanhope – also known as The Biz Hippie – for a refreshingly honest exploration of money, power, and the stories so many women have quietly inherited about both.Scarlett’s work lives at the intersection of financial planning and intuition, helping women move beyond either/or thinking and into a relationship with money that’s both practical and expansive. Because for many women, money isn’t just about budgets or bank accounts. It’s about safety. Permission. Nervous systems. And the deeply embedded belief that wanting wealth somehow conflicts with being values-driven, ethical, or spiritually grounded.Together, we unpack the most common money misconceptions women carry, how to tell the difference between a mindset block and a systems problem, and what it really takes to feel safe holding more not just earning more. We talk about money wounds, abundance that shows up on a spreadsheet (not just a vision board), and what a more feminine, collaborative, sustainable financial system could actually look like in practice.This is a conversation for anyone who’s ever felt too juju for finance or too practical for the spiritual world and suspected there might be a more integrated way. Thoughtful, grounded, and deeply human, this episode is about rewriting your money story with clarity, confidence, and zero apology.Check out her class too!I’m so glad you’re here for it.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! Visit katherinebyrne.com

We often talk about the glass ceiling in business, but what if the true barrier to a woman’s full potential starts much lower—at the most basic level of her health and healthcare access? Imagine trying to lead a meeting, ace an exam, or secure funding when you can’t access essential menstrual products. This is the reality of “period poverty,” a silent struggle that affects millions and is rooted in shame and lack of access.In this powerful conversation, we dive deep with Avery Bruen and Brooke Blankenship, the dynamic young founders of EmpowerHer. They started their mission in high school, tackling period poverty head-on by providing quality products and crucial education to underserved communities. Discover why access to period products is fundamentally a leadership and equity issue, not just a side note. Avery and Brooke share their journey—from neighborhood drives to a thriving organization serving over 11,000 students—and reveal the business savvy, resilience, and intergenerational wisdom required to build a mission-driven movement from the ground up.If you’ve ever wondered how small, practical interventions can unlock enormous change and shatter assumptions, don’t miss this episode. Their story is a powerful metaphor for overcoming any professional obstacle.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! Visit katherinebyrne.com

The way we work is seemingly broken and does not serve us at all. To ensure that the future of work is way better than today, a couple of things we are so used to right now must be vastly transformed. Kate Byrne chats with Jena McGregor, Managing Editor of Charter, who sheds light on how most businesses are trying to fix the workplace using the wrong tools. She explains what it takes for workplaces to improve people retention, how leaders can lead with authenticity and adaptability, and how to prioritize human sustainability when it comes to work. Find out the roadmap to creating truly dynamic workplaces and help change the future of work for good.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! Visit katherinebyrne.com

When words fail to clearly convey what you feel or what you want to say, using a different medium may be more effective. Kate Byrne sits down with artist Tamara Garvey, who uses art to confront misogyny in this day and age, when women are attacked even by people in positions of power. She talks about her upcoming multimedia art show, The Winter of Discontent, featuring paintings of the Log Lady from Twin Peaks and recordings of real-life women responding to J.D. Vance’s infamous “childless cat ladies” statements. Discover how art can be an avenue of advocacy and bring empowerment to every single woman in the world.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! Visit katebyrne.co

On today’s Women Advancing, I’m joined by Katie Begando, Founder and CEO of Bluubird—a brand built on the idea that influence isn’t just for people with massive platforms or loud megaphones. It’s something we grow, collectively, through trust, community, and showing up consistently.Katie’s story reflects a real shift in how brands are built today. Not top-down. Not alone. But with a village—customers, creators, partners, and believers—who help shape the brand as it grows. In our conversation, we talk about democratizing influence, listening closely to the people you serve, and what it really looks like to build momentum without losing your center.We also dig into the realities of founding and scaling a consumer brand—the scrappy decisions, the resilience required, and the leadership it takes to keep going when the path isn’t linear.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! Visit katebyrne.co

It’s time to start minding the gap—specifically the one where a fast-growing market is quietly being left out. Join us as we sit down with the remarkable mother-daughter founding team behind Featherie, a golf apparel company, to talk about spotting an overlooked opportunity in a male-dominated industry. Founder Kate Korngold, a high school sophomore, and her mom and ops person, Kristy Korngold, share the journey of building a brand that refuses to “shrink it and pink it” for female golfers. They explore how trusting lived experience as market insight, embracing intergenerational leadership, and having the courage to build something new expands choice, belonging, and possibility for the women and girls who come next.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! Visit katebyrne.co

The old models of success—all grit, grind, and self-sacrifice—are crumbling. Enter the cultural catalyst, the new breed of female leader who isn't just building a business; she's architecting a movement. In this paradigm-shifting conversation, we dive deep with Jaclyn Orent, Co-founder and Frequency Architect behind the Cultural Catalysts Network. Discover how to transform your wisdom into legacy, not through depletion, but through ease, grace, and an energetically aligned community. Learn the science behind leading from desire instead of fear, why your consciousness is the ultimate growth hack, and how personal transformation is the first step toward cultural revolution. If you're a female founder or leader ready to step out of the old frameworks and activate your highest impact, tune in. Your next evolution starts here.

When you walk out of a meeting questioning your own sanity, you need to know the truth about gaslighting at work. Attorney Alreen Haeggquist, founder and managing partner of Haeggquist & Eck, LLP, is a powerhouse advocate who digs right into this pervasive and psychologically damaging workplace issue, breaking down what it is—and what it absolutely is not. Discover the subtle red flags often missed, how gender and power dynamics amplify the abuse, and the critical steps you must take to reclaim your self-trust, including exactly when to document, speak up, or call a lawyer. This is your masterclass in protecting your mental clarity, emotional boundaries, and professional rights to truly heal after being undermined. Take your negative trauma and turn it into power.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! Visit katebyrne.co

What does it take to rise above and silence doubt when the world sets a low bar of expectation for you? Host Kate Byrne welcomes the ultimate ladder-builder, Michelle Gervais, a Partner at Blank Rome LLP, Adjunct Professor, Co-chair of the Sports Industry Group, and President of WISE Tampa Bay. Michelle shares her powerful story of being underestimated from a young age and how she navigates the high-stakes world of matrimonial and commercial litigation with “steel and grace,” proving her worth not with revenge, but with result. They dig into how to stay grounded under pressure, the value of authenticity over “pretzeling” yourself for others, and why having a “big, bad table of everybody” is crucial for growth and building conviction in rooms that “weren’t built for you.”Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! Visit katebyrne.co

In a rapidly changing world shaped by automation and AI, the power of being indispensable takes on new meaning. Uma Subramanian, founder of The Limitless Leaders and former Microsoft executive, joins host Kate Byrne to explore what it truly means to lead with influence, integrity, and adaptability. Drawing from her Human Advantage framework, Uma breaks down the five traits that define modern leadership—holistic thinking, understanding others, magnetic communication, adaptability, and navigating complexity. She also redefines visibility as a form of service, not self-promotion, and explains how building authentic influence helps leaders stay relevant through disruption. From mentoring versus sponsorship to leading with love and impact, Uma shares practical insights for becoming invaluable in ways that truly matter.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! Visit katebyrne.co

From the corner office to the pages of a children’s book, learn how to redefine your personal brand and leadership by following your purpose. Host Kate Byrne welcomes Julie Keshmiry, the accomplished author of Princess Shmincess and former Chief of Staff for tech and finance giants like Intel, Visa, and Microsoft. Julie shares her inspiring journey of transitioning from a corporate executive to an author, driven by her passion to help girls and women reimagine their futures and recognize their uniqueness as their greatest superpower. Tune in as she reveals her secrets to operational excellence, leading with influence over authority, and how she navigates a meaningful life by integrating her corporate success, family, and values.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! Visit katebyrne.co

Far too many take freedom for granted. For wrongfully convicted individuals, freedom is just the beginning—life after exoneration is full of hidden obstacles. In this episode of Women Advancing, host Kate Byrne speaks with Joi Thomas Adams, Executive Director of Life After Justice (LAJ), which centers the voices of exonerees and their loved ones. Learn how LAJ uses research to drive empathy, why the crisis affects many women, and the role of holistic healing. If you believe justice doesn’t end at release, tune in to see how you can help advance change. Listen now to uncover hard truths and hear why all ships rise when women lead.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! Visit katebyrne.co

Breaking barriers in baseball isn’t for the faint of heart, and Justine Siegal has made a life of doing just that. The co-founder of the new Women’s Pro Baseball League and founder of Baseball For All joins host Kate Byrne to share her journey from being told “girls don’t play baseball” to becoming the first woman to coach for a Major League Baseball team. Justine reflects on resilience, purpose, and the courage it takes to keep showing up when you’re the only one on the field. Justine and Kate dive into what it means to turn “no” into motivation, how confidence grows through preparation, and why inclusion and visibility remain the real game changers. As she readies for the League’s first player draft, Justine reminds us that every swing at the plate is a step toward lasting change.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! Visit katebyrne.co

In The Price of Nice, Amira Barger—author and Executive Vice President at Edelman—reveals why courage, not compliance, defines true leadership. Through stories that blend honesty with heart, she challenges the cultural myth that being agreeable equals being kind, showing how “nice” can come at the expense of truth and progress. In this powerful conversation with Kate Byrne, Amira explores the three languages of communication, the myth of harmony in teams, and what it really means to practice nerve as a daily act of integrity.Socials:LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/amirabargerYouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@amirabargerInstagram – https://www.instagram.com/amirabargerTikTok – https://www.tiktok.com/@amirabargerBluesky – https://bsky.app/profile/amirabarger.bsky.socialLove the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! Visit katebyrne.co

The NFL Wives Association is rewriting the rules for spouses of professional athletes, proving that influence off the field can be just as powerful as on it. Tenisha Patterson Brown, President of the Off The Field NFL Wives Association, corporate counsel, business strategist, and brand builder, reveals how these remarkable women are taking control of their careers, protecting their families legally, and creating lasting legacies for their daughters. They are redefining what it means to be a partner in professional sports, championing leadership, financial independence, and cultural impact. From building powerful networks to driving meaningful change, these “boss ladies” are inspiring a new generation of empowered women and transforming the narrative for athletes’ spouses everywhere.Socials:Instagram: @offthefieldnflwivesFacebook: Off The Field NFL Wives AssociationLinkedIn: Off The Field NFL Wives AssociationTenisha Patterson Brown:Instagram: @tpattbrownLinkedIn: LinkedIn.com/in/tenishapattersonbrownLove the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! Visit katebyrne.co

Reinvention is never easy, but it’s often the key to resilience and future success. In this episode, founder and CEO Johanna Danaher shares her journey of navigating career transitions, adapting to new challenges, and building Anchor to Aspire to help leaders and organizations thrive in a changing world of work. From embracing bold career pivots to reframing setbacks as opportunities, Johanna reveals the mindset shifts that fuel resilience and the strategies leaders need to prepare for the future of work. She also explores the importance of cultivating personal purpose alongside professional growth, offering listeners both inspiration and practical insights for their own journeys of reinvention.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! Visit katebyrne.co

At its best, mission-driven storytelling connects purpose with impact—and that’s exactly what sisters Sharron Todd and Brenda Todd, co-founders of Todd Films, set out to do. When Sharron’s breast cancer diagnosis became a life-altering wake-up call, she and Brenda turned their experience in venture capital and marketing into a creative force for good. Together, they’re redefining how film can amplify the voices of nonprofits and social innovators, transforming empathy into visibility and visibility into action. In honor of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, this episode celebrates resilience, reinvention, and purpose. Through humor, honesty, and courage, they remind us that purpose can be the most powerful return of all—a true Return on Integrity.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! Visit katebyrne.co

Revolutionizing blood collection isn’t just a technical breakthrough — it’s a lifeline for millions navigating cancer care. Rachelle Turiello, CEO, and Renna Nouwairi, COO of Avant Genomics, share how they are building a technology that improves DNA preparation, strengthens the accuracy of liquid biopsy testing, and makes early detection and treatment monitoring more accessible for patients. From their unexpected partnership in the lab to co-founding a biotech startup during pregnancy, their story blends hard science with human empathy, resilience, and purpose. This conversation uncovers the courage it takes to disrupt healthcare, the discipline required to listen to patients and partners, and the vision driving two women to transform what personalized medicine can mean for families worldwide.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! Visit katebyrne.co

Burnout doesn’t have to be inevitable for high-performing leaders. In this insightful conversation with ZaaS founder Maryam Sharifzadeh and The Workplace Psychologist founder Dr. Candice Balluru, we explore how women leaders can recognize the early signs of burnout, build resilience, and realign their work with their deepest values. Maryam draws on lessons from swimming the English Channel and founding a B Corp wellness company, while Candice brings her experience creating psychologically safe workplaces for organizations without in-house resources. Together they offer actionable strategies—from proactively scheduling rest and diversifying identity beyond work, to embracing imperfect conditions and leveraging AI as a supportive tool—and preview their 2026 Burnout Retreat in Texas, designed to help professionals recenter, strategize, and prevent future burnout cycles.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! Visit katebyrne.co

Have you ever felt like the world’s biggest problems are just too massive to solve—that there isn’t enough capital to truly make a difference? Prepare to have your financial perspective transformed. In this episode of Women Advancing, we sit down with Dr. Stephanie Gripne, founder of the Impact Finance Center and a true force in impact investing. She challenges the very foundation of financial thinking, shifting us from a mindset of scarcity to one of abundance. With powerful data and inspiring stories, Dr. Gripne shows how even seemingly insurmountable challenges—like housing entire communities—are within reach and shaped by every dollar we spend. Discover the “magic money” approach that delivers both market-rate returns and vital community support, and learn how women, in particular, can reclaim their power to shape the future of finance. Get ready to ditch outdated systems and embrace a new era of values-aligned, actionable investing. This isn’t just about money—it’s about purpose, community, and unlocking the immense potential within us all.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! Visit katebyrne.co

Leading in crisis requires more than quick decisions—it demands integrity, trust, and the courage to show up when chaos hits. Selena Strandberg, founder and CEO of The Know, shares how her AI-powered platform helps executives navigate complex social issues, protect information integrity, and make values-driven choices under pressure. From her early career in political science and Deloitte Consulting to building a company that equips leaders to handle crises with clarity, Selena reveals what it takes to pivot boldly, communicate authentically, and turn disruption into an opportunity for stronger leadership.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! Visit katebyrne.co

What if the key to better leadership and teamwork was sitting in a box of LEGO bricks? Jolynn Ledgerwood, principal of Elevate Your Talent and a certified LEGO® Serious Play® facilitator, joins Kate Byrne to reveal how this playful yet powerful methodology transforms boardrooms into spaces of creativity, communication, and problem-solving. From unlocking subconscious insights to creating psychologically safe spaces where all voices are heard, Jolynn shares stories of breakthroughs—from school districts to leadership teams—that prove “hard play” can drive serious impact. Discover how LEGO® Serious Play® challenges old ways of thinking and empowers leaders to build ideas brick by brick.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! Visit katebyrne.co

The future of journalism is evolving fast, and Sarah Holder is helping shape it. As a Bloomberg reporter and co-host of The Big Take podcast, Sarah shares her journey from internships at Politico and CityLab to covering global forces that impact our daily lives. She offers practical tips for navigating today’s news landscape—like which sources to trust and why audio storytelling matters—while reflecting on the responsibility and privilege of journalism. From debunking the myth of apathetic youth to exploring diversity and AI in the newsroom, Sarah brings clarity to a noisy media world and hope for the future of informed storytelling.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! Visit katebyrne.co

Impact investing and social entrepreneurship are reshaping the way we tackle global challenges. Christine Mahoney, professor, author, and Chief Innovation Officer at the Frank Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy, shares how aligning financial success with social and environmental missions creates powerful change. She breaks down the differences between impact investing, traditional philanthropy, and socially responsible investing, offering practical steps to get started. Christine also shares her journey from policy work to founding a regenerative flower farm that sequesters carbon, supports biodiversity, and provides jobs for resettled refugees. From leveraging capital markets for good to empowering the next generation of women in impact, this episode is a roadmap for turning values into action.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! Visit katebyrne.co

Experience the fast-growing zero-proof movement and what it takes to be an early market trendsetter in the ready-to-drink sector. Join us as we sit down with Pauline Idogho, the visionary Founder and CEO behind Mocktail Club, as she shares her journey from former Global Development Strategist at the World Bank to a beverages innovator, redefining celebration, connection, and community in the competitive beverage market. Discover the behind-the-scenes creation of Mocktail Club and how Pauline developed her sophisticated non-alcoholic drink brand, infusing global travel and cultural shifts into each unique flavor. She discusses purpose, pleasure, pivots, and her collaboration with Pharrell Williams and Black Ambition, revealing why pleasure, presence, and purpose are the new power trio and how to navigate the entrepreneurial path with courage and intentionality.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! Visit katebyrne.co

Discover the incredible power of Gen Z youth engagement and why their voices are not just a side show, but a smart strategy for the future. Kelli Peterson, author of Gen Z Teens Take Action and founder of The Change Project, joins us to reveal what this generation is getting right, what adults still don’t grasp, and how we can all better support the next wave of leaders. Kelli shares her insights on purpose-driven leadership, the importance of believing in yourself, and the transformative power of civic engagement, proving that global influence can indeed meet kitchen-table wisdom. Get ready to be inspired by the fresh perspectives and impactful actions of Gen Z.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! Visit katebyrne.co

Personal connections and consistent support can truly alter the trajectory of a student’s life, a fact explored in depth with Leah Guesman, COO of College Contact, and Alinor Smith, a dedicated mentor. In this engaging episode, we delve into the transformative power of mentorship, revealing how it goes beyond simply providing information to building genuine, lasting relationships. Leah discusses College Contact’s commitment to human connection and matching students with mentors who understand their experiences, while Ali shares her personal journey and the impact of having one trusted adult believe in her. Together, they highlight how consistent showing up, active listening, and vulnerability can make all the difference for first-generation and underrepresented students, ultimately shaping lives and creating a ripple effect of positive change in education.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! Visit katebyrne.co

Step into the dynamic world of media leadership, as we dive into what it truly takes to drive innovation and lead through monumental change in the ever-evolving landscape of news. Joining us is the trailblazing Audrey Cooper, the award-winning Editor-in-Chief at New York Public Radio, and the first woman to lead that newsroom in its 100-year history, following her pioneering role as the first female to lead the San Francisco Chronicle newsroom. Audrey shares her unfiltered insights on navigating disruption, balancing mission with business, and why curiosity and encouragement are non-negotiable for leaders at every level, offering a compelling look at building inclusive newsrooms that genuinely reflect the communities they serve.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! Visit katebyrne.co

In an era driven by automation and digital detachment, interpersonal leadership is more powerful—and more necessary—than ever. Tina Fox, Founder and CEO of TERN Mentoring, offers a deeply personal and practical perspective on how mentorship can be reimagined as a daily, living legacy. She opens up about how vulnerability, intentional connection, and service to others aren’t soft skills—they’re core leadership tools for creating meaningful, long-term impact. This conversation dives into what it means to truly live a legacy, why networks are more valuable than résumés, and how mentorship can help us build trust, confidence, and community in a world hungry for human connection.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! Visit katebyrne.co

What does courageous leadership actually look like in a world of nonstop disruption? Cindy Solomon, founder of the Courageous Leadership Institute, brings fire and clarity to a conversation about leading when conditions are uncertain, expectations are high, and change is constant. With insights on resilience, perception vs. reality, and why women are uniquely equipped to lead in times like these, this episode is a wake-up call for anyone ready to lead with more boldness, skill, and intention.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! Visit katebyrne.co

Unlocking sustainable growth in your business is not a task for a single person. It can only be achieved with the help of other people, especially from your most trusted circles. Kate Byrne chats with Megan Riggs, who shares how she brought success to her company, Crunchy Hydration, by putting community at the top of her priorities. She explains why long-term growth is not just about creating enticing offers but building a way of life where your target audience can discover and understand their purpose. Megan also opens up about what it is like to deal with external pressures as a female founder and why you should always pay attention to what your gut is telling you.

With technology continuously evolving every single day, it offers an almost limitless potential to come up with something innovative to transform the broken education system. This has been Akshita Tiwari’s mission: to democratize quantum tech and make it easily accessible to the young generation. She joins Kate Byrne to talk about her work as co-founder of qMe, dedicated to reshaping education by simplifying quantum computing for teaching purposes. Akshita explains how shaping quantum tech around the passions and interests of children can vastly redesign the future of learning, making classroom dynamics highly interesting and impactful.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! Visit katebyrne.co

Are you ready to redefine your relationship with food? This powerful conversation uncovers how to rewrite your food story, moving beyond diets to a place of true transformation. Join author, speaker, and food story whisperer Michelle Petties, who shares insights from her book, Leaving Large, revealing how emotional eating became a survival tactic and why understanding the “why” behind what we eat is key to a healthier, more conscious life. Discover how separating food from feeling can lead to lasting change, as Michelle challenges common beliefs and exposes the hidden truths behind our eating habits. This episode will empower you to make intentional choices, transforming your relationship with food from a struggle into a journey of self-discovery and lasting well-being.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! Visit katebyrne.co

Stepping into your purpose and leaving the comfort of a major media brand like Fox or Paramount takes immense courage, a topic we dive into with Jyoti Sarda, founder of Nimble Media and producer of impactful films. Jyoti shares her journey of transitioning from the corporate world to independent filmmaking, covering the realities of fundraising and launching your own venture with eyes wide open. Her projects, such as And She Could Be Next and the recently launched LILLY, starring Patricia Clarkson, are impactful. LILLY notably chronicles the story behind the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, which became Obama’s first law during his first term. Together, these films underscore the vital importance of female voices, votes, and candidates in politics, proving that film and media are powerful platforms for driving change and lasting impact.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! Visit katebyrne.co

The future of education is a topic of crucial importance in today's rapidly evolving world. In this episode, Kate Byrne chats with Dr. Dawn Sizemore, CEO and Founder of iCurric, to explore this very topic. Dr. Dawn envisions the future of education, where digital learning and human-centered design converge to create impactful and accessible experiences. She dives into the critical roles of digital literacy, AI, and diverse perspectives in shaping how we learn, emphasizing the urgent need for equitable access and human-centered instructional design. Tune in to discover how we can all play a part in building a more equitable and impactful learning landscape.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! Visit katebyrne.co

The intersection of technology and social impact is ripe with possibilities, but many non-profits struggle to keep pace with the rapidly evolving digital landscape. In this insightful episode, Kate Byrne welcomes Bourgogne Kinlaw, Senior Business Program Manager at Microsoft, to shed light on navigating this complexity. From corporate to non-profit to entrepreneur, Bourgogne shares how to get it done on her own terms. She unveils her extensive experience in connecting tech companies with the social sector, offering practical strategies for non-profits to leverage technology effectively and bridge the digital divide. We delve into the power of genuine connection, the importance of staying relevant in an ever-evolving tech world, and Bourgogne’s tips for transitioning between corporate and social impact roles. Tune in for a warm and informative discussion packed with actionable insights, a reminder that with good intentions, you'll always land on your feet, and the inspiration to chart your own unique career path.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! Visit katebyrne.co

Public media isn't stuck in the past; it's a dynamic force shaping our present and future, especially in building community trust and critical thinking. In this episode, join Kate Byrne in conversation with Jayme Swain, CEO of Virginia Public Media (VPM), as they dive deep into the evolving world of public broadcasting. This is not your grandparents' public media! Jayme shares how VPM is driving innovation and creative execution, playing a huge role in community and civic engagement. Discover why public media remains vital in fostering trust, critical thought, and meaningful connections in our society. Prepare to have your perceptions challenged and see the powerful, modern face of public media.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! Visit katebyrne.co

The convergence of women and Artificial Intelligence is not just a trend, it’s a revolution, and Shubhi Rao, Founder and CEO of Uplevyl, is leading the charge to close the AI gap with a platform built for women, by women. In this episode, host Kate Byrne sits down with Shubhi to unpack the game-changing work of Uplevyl, diving deep into how a “female forward lens” can transform the tech landscape and empower women across industries. Discover the realities of building with limited resources and high stakes, the nuances of leading in the AI age with both bots and humans in the mix, and why listening is just as crucial as serving when creating innovative platforms. We’ll also uncover practical advice for staying relevant in an AI-driven world, explore the importance of ethical AI, and get a sneak peek at the emerging jobs that will shape the future of work. This is an essential conversation for anyone passionate about seeing women thrive in the age of AI and shaping a more inclusive tech future.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! Visit katebyrne.co

Why does the word “midlife” make so many of us want to crawl under the nearest weighted blanket? It’s often framed as a crisis, a downhill slide of hot flashes, self-doubt, and questionable decisions. But what if it’s actually the most liberating chapter of all?In this refreshing and deeply insightful episode, I’m joined by clinical psychologist, award-winning author, and Zen practitioner Dr. Shayna Kaufmann, founder of Embrace the Middle. She’s on a mission to rewrite the narrative around midlife, not as something to survive, but as a time to wake up, reconnect, and get clear on what really matters.We talk about how to let go of outdated scripts, make peace with aging (and even celebrate it), and turn what’s often called a “midlife crisis” into a moment of realignment, purpose, and yes, joy.This isn’t about fighting time. It’s about finally giving yourself permission to live it fully.

The return on AI is not what you might think. It is more than just traditional metrics. Kate Byrne talks all about it with Vivekam founder Divya Agarwal. Divya reframes the return on AI by focusing on advanced introspection and human potential. They delve into crucial concepts like discernment, naming discomfort, and self-management, especially during high-stakes moments. Divya also presents her vision of a future where her ROI framework becomes a cornerstone of leadership development with a measurable impact on individuals and organizations. Tune in to discover how advanced introspection can unleash your true power.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! Visit katebyrne.co

What if reinvention wasn’t about becoming someone else, but finally becoming you? In this energizing episode, we sit down with Suzy Welch, three-time New York Times bestselling author, professor and leadership powerhouse to talk about her new passion project: Becoming You. It’s a program designed to help you get radically clear on your values, your aptitudes, and your real purpose, not the one you inherited, but the one you own.Suzy also shares her signature 10-10-10 Decision Making Tool, a deceptively simple framework that makes hard choices a lot less paralyzing. We get real about leadership, the challenge of managing “Lanagers” (yep, it’s a thing), and why work-life balance is out and work-life choice is in.If you’re ready to become the person your next chapter demands, start here.  Extra bonus: her book comes out on May 6!Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! Visit katebyrne.co

Entrepreneurship isn’t just about building a business, it’s about building wealth that can ripple through generations. And no one gets that quite like Farah Allen.In this episode, I sit down with the powerhouse founder of The Labz, a platform that helps companies like Netflix, Delta, and Microsoft craft immersive digital experiences, minus the budget blowout. Farah’s journey from corporate life to full-on entrepreneurship is driven by one core belief: the power of knowing who you are. And it shows—in her business model, in how she shows up as a leader, and in her unapologetic approach to building wealth on her terms.We talk fundraising, self-discovery, and the kind of innovation that’s rooted not in trend-chasing, but in truth. Farah doesn’t just talk about access, she builds it, offering the tools and templates so others can create, pitch, and thrive without gatekeepers.If you’ve ever wondered what it looks like to turn purpose into power and a business into a legacy, this one’s for you.

College admissions are often mired with controversy and difficulties, making the process extremely complicated and unfair. In this age where college access is becoming more stressful than ever before, two amazing women are leading the charge to make this process more humane and even data-smart. In another episode of the Founder Series, Kaye Byrne sits down with Sophie English Smith and Leah Guesman of College Contact, a nationally recognized EdTech platform transforming college and career advising. Together, they share their experiences in running a business, emphasizing the importance of embracing humility, being comfortable with discomfort, and planning months ahead with the worst-case scenarios in mind.