In Her Land

In this episode of In Her Land, hosts Carrie Aguilar and Mara Kamat sit down with Denise Shade, corporate executive turned entrepreneur and CEO of Audit One, to explore her journey from a 20+ year career at KeyBank to acquiring and leading her own company. Denise shares how a long-standing goal of business ownership guided her career decisions, the realities of leaving a stable leadership role to take a calculated risk, and what it actually takes to find and buy a business. From the power of networking and mentorship to navigating failed deals and building the right team, this conversation offers a candid look at entrepreneurship through acquisition and the mindset required to make the leap.

In this episode of In Her Land, hosts Carrie Aguilar and Mara Kamat sit down with Mara’s mother, Susan Nash, CFO of Helix Linear Technologies, for a deeply personal conversation on career, motherhood, and the reality of navigating life without a perfect plan. From building her career in a male-dominated manufacturing industry to making pivotal decisions for her family, Susan reflects on the chapters that shaped her path and the lessons she learned along the way. She shares insights on leadership, resilience, embracing change, and why living life in the moment often matters more than trying to control it. This episode is an honest look at what it means to grow, adapt, and lead with both strength and perspective.

In this episode of In Her Land, hosts Carrie Aguilar and Mara Kamat sit down with Jennifer Scheel, Executive Attraction Officer for the City of Cleveland, to talk about her journey from consulting in aerospace and defense to leading efforts that bring new businesses and jobs to the region. Jennifer shares what inspired her to pivot into civic leadership, how she balances career ambition with motherhood and personal challenges, and why creating meaningful economic opportunity is central to her work. This conversation explores reinvention, resilience, and the importance of choosing purpose-driven work that strengthens both communities and careers.

In this episode of In Her Land, hosts Carrie Aguilar and Mara Kamat sit down with Christina Breen, Head of School at Laurel, to explore her journey from a large family in Massachusetts to leading one of Cleveland’s most beloved institutions. Christina reflects on the resilience she built through setbacks, the lessons she learned from hearing “no” before stepping into headship, and her belief that girls must learn to be brave rather than perfect. From navigating AI in education to fostering civil discourse and launching innovative programs like Laurel Leads, she shares her vision for preparing young women to lead with confidence, curiosity, and courage. This conversation is a powerful reminder that growth often begins with failure and that leadership starts with finding and honoring your voice.

In this episode of In Her Land, hosts Carrie Aguilar and Mara Kamat step away from guest interviews to share a candid life and leadership update. Carrie opens up about her potential transition from consulting to an in-house role and her personal health journey, while Mara reflects on expanding her consulting practice and managing growing client demands. Together, they discuss the realities of family logistics, travel schedules, and the emotional weight that comes with major life transitions. From intentional couple time to digital boundaries and wellness goals, this conversation offers an honest look at navigating career evolution, motherhood, and personal growth in real time.

In this episode of In Her Land, hosts Carrie Aguilar and Mara Kamat sit down with Valentina Khoury Dubasik to explore her journey of building a naturopathic practice in Ohio while navigating limited scope, entrepreneurship, and motherhood. Valentina shares how strategic growth, flexible scheduling, and strong support systems have shaped both her business and her life. She discusses her holistic, patient-centered approach that blends natural therapies with collaboration from Western medicine, and why personalized care and education are key to building trust and long-term wellness. This conversation offers thoughtful insight into resilience, leadership, and redefining success in healthcare.

In this episode of In Her Land, hosts Carrie Aguilar and Mara Kamat sit down with Madison Riddell, President of VividFront, to explore her nine-year journey from unpaid intern to executive leadership. Madison shares how hands-on experience across every part of the business shaped her results-driven leadership style, why direct communication builds trust, and how a people-first culture drives sustainable growth. She also reflects on how motherhood has deepened her empathy and reshaped her priorities, while offering insights on modern marketing strategy, balancing AI with creativity, and leading with persistence, clarity, and heart.

In this episode of In Her Land, hosts Carrie Aguilar and Mara Kamat sit down with their daughters to explore how family traditions, community service, and personal goals shape the next generation of leaders. From supporting children through the Bellefaire holiday wish list and volunteering at the food bank to navigating gymnastics dreams, Jiu Jitsu milestones, and camp friendships, the conversation highlights how values like empathy, resilience, and curiosity take root at home. The family reflects on the benefits of digital detox moments, the future of AI and human leadership, and the joy found in seasonal rituals like latke making and sledding. This warm and honest episode celebrates growth, connection, and the everyday choices that help young people build confidence and character.

In this episode of In Her Land, hosts Carrie Aguilar and Mara Kamat sit down with Rosemary Mudry to explore how she is driving community resilience through transparent leadership, intentional communication, and a deep commitment to place. Rosemary shares her strategic vision for the $70 million transformation of Cleveland’s West Side Market, highlighting how thoughtful modernization can honor tradition while expanding access, education, and economic opportunity. She reflects on her path from teaching to urban planning, the mentors who shaped her in male-dominated spaces, and why embracing uncertainty leads to more authentic, values-aligned careers. Grounded, optimistic, and community-focused, Rosemary offers a powerful look at what it means to invest in people and place for long-term impact.

In this episode of In Her Land, hosts Carrie Aguilar and Mara Kamat sit down with Kelli Hanley Potts, founder of Cleveland Field Kitchen, to explore how she’s redefining hospitality through connection, creativity, and community care. Kelli shares how restructuring her team allowed her to focus on strategy and sustainability, all while nurturing a culture built on fair pay and trust. From nine years of Nomad Dinners and local sourcing to launching the Field Kitchen Feeds nonprofit to fight food insecurity, Kelli’s story is a masterclass in balancing growth with grounded leadership.

In this episode of In Her Land, hosts Carrie Aguilar and Mara Kamat sit down with Erika Rudin-Luria, the first female President & CEO of the Jewish Federation of Cleveland. Erika reflects on her leadership journey and the role mentorship, collaboration, and courage have played in shaping her path. She discusses reimagining community safety, supporting youth and trauma victims abroad, and leading one of Cleveland’s most impactful philanthropic organizations with transparency, empathy, and a deep commitment to inclusion. Her story is a powerful reminder of what’s possible when values lead the way.

In this episode of In Her Land, hosts Carrie Aguilar and Mara Kamat sit down with Sonia Winner, the trailblazing President & CEO of the Cleveland Museum of Natural History. Sonia shares her unconventional path from retail and law to leading one of the nation’s most recognized museums. She reflects on navigating a $60 million renovation ahead of schedule, implementing work-life balance policies for her team, and designing a visitor-first experience rooted in sustainability, science, and community. With transparency, empathy, and vision, Sonia is redefining what it means to lead boldly and build with purpose.

In this episode of In Her Land, co-hosts Carrie Aguilar and Mara Kamat sit down with Simone Jelks, the seventh woman and second Black woman to hold a full-time NBA officiating role. Simone shares her journey after leaving basketball as a player to building confidence in male-dominated spaces and using empathy to lead under pressure. She opens up about pushing for more opportunities for women in sports, balancing motherhood with an intense NBA schedule, and how grief and partnership have shaped her resilience. Tune in for a powerful story of breaking barriers, finding purpose, and leading with heart.

In this special kickoff to Season 2 of In Her Land, hosts Carrie Aguilar and Mara Kamat reflect on their summer, sharing stories from camp life, family adventures, and the lessons they are carrying into fall. From rediscovering the joy of community to embracing nonlinear choices that fill life’s many buckets, they set the stage for an inspiring new season. Carrie and Mara also preview conversations with women leaders in sports, museums, and community organizations who are redefining leadership with heart, resilience, and authenticity.

In this special episode of In Her Land, host Carrie Aguilar partners with Sarah Barrick and Shanna Greathouse of Ohio Startup Network (OSN) and highlights the energy, innovation, and grit fueling Ohio’s growing startup ecosystem. Recorded on the Ohio Startup Network's Hustle Bus—a rolling showcase of emerging founders—listeners get a front-row seat to the bold ideas and underestimated voices driving change across the region. Grounded in authenticity and equity, this episode explores how real stories—and real solutions—are reshaping what’s possible in the Midwest.

In this episode of In Her Land, husbands Aaron Kamat and James Aguilar join hosts Carrie and Mara for a thoughtful conversation about raising strong daughters, building equitable partnerships, and leading with intention at home and in the classroom. They reflect on how parenthood has shifted their perspectives—balancing protection with independence—and share how they’ve leaned into each other’s strengths during life’s unexpected moments. This episode is an honest look at showing up with intention—at home, in relationships, and in leadership.

In this episode of In Her Land, hosts Carrie and Mara sit down with author and entrepreneur Raquel Eatmon for a powerful conversation on self-leadership, growth, and owning your story. Raquel opens up about her memoir journey, from growing up in a multi-generational household to reconnecting with her biological father. She introduces her transformative "Never Next Now" framework—an actionable guide to help women stop delaying their goals and start living with intention. Raquel shares lessons from her career in media and hospitality, emphasizing the power of vulnerability, setting boundaries, and rejecting perfectionism. It’s a conversation filled with wisdom, warmth, and practical steps for becoming the most grounded version of yourself.

In this episode of In Her Land, hosts Carrie and Mara sit down with Dr. Margaret Richards Frankel, a trailblazing dentist and entrepreneur, to explore her path in a male-dominated field. Margaret shares how she’s redefining dentistry with her focus on airway health, the role of mentorship and continuing education in her success, and why oral health is essential to whole-body wellness. From co-leading a household with her ENT surgeon husband to balancing business and motherhood, Margaret offers honest insight on embracing life’s seasons and pursuing passion with courage.

In this episode of In Her Land, hosts Carrie and Mara explore self-doubt, confidence, and the importance of building a life filled with purpose and joy. They introduce their new segment, Gals with Good News, and share personal reflections—Mara recounts an empowering NYC trip with college students, while Carrie offers insight from Amy Cuddy on body language and self-assurance. Together, they offer practical strategies for overcoming imposter syndrome, reframing failure, and prioritizing self-care through hobbies, gratitude, and community. Tune in for a thoughtful reminder to show up for yourself and embrace your growth journey.

In this episode of In Her Land, co-hosts Carrie Aguilar and Mara Kamat sit down with guest Carrie Murphy to explore her remarkable leadership journey. Carrie reflects on her early career in recruitment during times of economic uncertainty, her transformative tenure as CEO of Venture for America, and the importance of mentorship, sponsorship, and self-reflection in career development. She opens up about the real challenges of leadership, her passion for supporting Cleveland’s tech and talent renaissance, and the inspiration behind her newest venture, Aurelia, as well as her role as an Entrepreneur-in-Residence with Encore Venture Labs. Tune in for an insightful episode on resilience, reinvention, and leading with purpose.

Entrepreneurship thrives on innovation and support. In this episode of In Her Land, host Carrie Aguilar sits down with Shanna Greathouse, founder and CEO of PigyBak, a social home services platform revolutionizing contractor connections. Shanna shares how her own renovation struggles led to the creation of her business, the importance of community-driven solutions, and her journey as a woman entrepreneur in the Cleveland startup scene. She also opens up about her upbringing, her past involvement with the Jehovah’s Witness community, and her passion for empowering fellow founders. Join us for an inspiring conversation on resilience, collaboration, and turning challenges into opportunities.

Felicia Williams Johnson—entrepreneur, technologist, and mother—joins In Her Land to share her inspiring journey of resilience and self-discovery. From growing up in a biracial family to navigating a career in tech and consulting, Felicia opens up about the power of authenticity, mentorship, and building a supportive community for women. She also reflects on motherhood, LGBTQ+ advocacy, and her aspirations to coach and uplift the next generation. Tune in for a conversation on embracing who you are, fostering connection, and paving the way for future leaders.

Authenticity and community are the foundation of true empowerment. On this episode of In Her Land, Rachel DesRochers — entrepreneur, author, and women’s activist — joins hosts Carrie and Mara to share her journey of resilience, motherhood, and the power of connection. As the founder of Power to Pursue, Rachel is on a mission to create safe spaces for women to uplift and support one another. She opens up about navigating grief, embracing vulnerability, and finding gratitude in every step of the journey. Please join Power to Pursue for a Vision Board Workshop at the Van Aken District on March 13th. Tickets can be purchased here.

In the inaugural episode of In Her Land, hosts Carrie and Mara introduce themselves and the heartfelt mission behind their podcast—a space where women’s stories take center stage. They share their backgrounds, unpacking the experiences that led them to create this community-driven platform. With a focus on authenticity, respect, and connection, Carrie and Mara discuss the power of women supporting women through career shifts, personal growth, and life’s unexpected turns. Tune in to hear their vision for In Her Land and discover how you can be part of a growing community built on storytelling, sisterhood, and solidarity.