SheLEDBadass Podcast

This week Debi and Gabriella sit down with veteran, educator, author, and Latinas Rising co-founder Esmeralda Arohan for one of the most powerful conversations we’ve had yet. From unimaginable loss to military service, academia, advocacy, and amplifying Latina voices, Esmeralda shares how adversity shaped her leadership, why storytelling matters, and how women can reclaim their voices and rise together.   You can find our guest on LinkedIn here

In this episode of the SheLEDBadass podcast, Debi and Gabriela sit down with Betsy Cohen, a trailblazing leader known for building bridges between people, opportunity, and community impact. From her early career at Nestlé Purina to her transformative work as the founding executive director of the St. Louis Mosaic Project, Betsy shares powerful lessons on leadership, resilience, and evolving with purpose. Now stepping into her next chapter as a philanthropic futurist, she offers a compelling perspective on the intersection of humanity, technology, and the future of work.

In this hosts only episode, Debi and Gabriela dive into the myriad of ways we can help or hinder our growth by the way we think about ourselves in the past, present, and future. Inspired by insights from Be Your Future Self Now by Benjamin Hardy, this conversation challenges the idea that our past defines us and instead invites listeners to use past experiences as fuel, not limitations, for what’s ahead.

In this powerful and deeply honest conversation, Debi and Gabriela welcome Amy Latta, a leadership coach who helps visionary women build success without burning themselves out. Amy’s work lives at the intersection of leadership, nervous system regulation, and real-life patterns that many high-achieving women quietly struggle with. From undiagnosed ADHD to hormonal shifts and burnout, this episode unpacks what happens when traditional leadership advice simply doesn’t fit and how to create a path that actually works with you.

In this episode of the SheLEDBadass, Debi and Gabriela sit down with Gisele Marcus, Vice Dean at Washington University’s Olin Business School and Professor of Practice in Organizational Behavior.   With a career spanning global leadership, P&L management, and team development across industries, Giselle shares powerful insights on how to drive results without losing the human side of leadership.   This conversation offers real, actionable lessons on accountability, asking for what you want, and building meaningful relationships in the workplace.

In this episode, Gabriela and Debi sit down with international bestselling author of Made in Vietnam: My Epic American Journey: Elaine Damschen.   She is also a professional speaker and an advocate for the trades and how they are the infrastructure for excellence. Elaine shares her deeply personal journey of identity, resilience, and transformation.  From growing up in a multicultural household to co-building a successful family business and becoming a champion for human-centered leadership. This conversation dives into the power of rewriting your internal narrative, leading with love and gratitude in action, and embracing life’s unexpected turns as part of a greater plan. 

In this episode, Gabriela and Debi sit down with the executive director of the St. Louis Council of Construction Consumers, marketing expert, international best-selling author, and entrepreneur: Kelly Jackson. Kelly shares her powerful journey through the construction industry, her bold career pivots, and how she’s redefining leadership in a traditionally male-dominated space. From scaling an industry organization to launching a successful live-selling boutique, this conversation is packed with real-world insights on confidence, reinvention, and impact.

In this deeply powerful and vulnerable episode, Debi and Gabriela sit down with leadership coach and consultant Krysta Grangeno to explore what it truly means to lead from within. Krysta’s story is one of resilience, self-discovery, and transformation. From navigating a childhood marked by adversity to becoming a leader who empowers others to rise with purpose, she shares how healing, identity, and courage shape authentic leadership.

In this heartfelt and energizing episode, hosts Debi Corrie and Gabriela Ramirez Arellano sit down with Dr. Shawni Jackson: an entrepreneur, introverted powerhouse, and fierce champion for small businesses. As Regional Director of the Women’s Business Development Center (WBDC) in St. Louis, Dr. Jackson is leading efforts to empower entrepreneurs through access to capital, advising, education, and advocacy while navigating today’s shifting economic and policy landscape. This conversation is equal parts business strategy, leadership reflection, and deeply personal storytelling.

In this honest conversation, hosts Debi Corrie and Gabriela Ramirez sit down with Lauren Cohen: an executive coach, facilitator, and leadership strategist based in St. Louis. Lauren began her career as a business litigation attorney, spending a decade inside high-pressure law firms and corporate environments. On paper, she had achieved everything she set out to accomplish. But internally? Burnout. She shares the pivotal realization that she was co-participating in a culture that didn’t align with who she truly was and how that awareness launched a three-year journey of self-discovery that ultimately led her to create Cohen Leadership Group.

In this inspiring episode of She Led Badass, hosts Debi and Gabriela sit down with Karen Maurer, Certified Financial Planner and Partner at Krilogy. Karen shares her 25-year journey in the male-dominated financial industry and the pivotal transitions that shaped both her career and life. From building her own firm after a setback to empowering women through financial literacy and life changes, Karen’s story is one of resilience, reinvention, and purpose. Listeners will learn how to approach financial planning as a lifelong partnership, how to prepare for life’s inevitable transitions, and why money isn’t just about wealth, it’s also about freedom and options. Karen also explores the importance of mentorship, women supporting women, and how travel and curiosity continue to energize her personal journey.   Disclaimer: This communication is for information purposes only and should not be regarded as an offer, solicitation, or recommendation to sell or purchase any security or other financial product.’

In this inspiring episode of the She Led Badass Podcast, hosts Debi and Gabriella dive into a conversation with Beth Gunter, Co-owner of Spry Digital. Beth shares her unexpected journey into technology and entrepreneurship, emphasizing the importance of networking, resilience, and embracing life's non-linear path. She offers valuable insights on leadership, overcoming perfectionism, and the significance of mentorship. Beth also discusses how she balances her professional and personal life, advocates for women in business, and the power of storytelling in inspiring others.

In this engaging episode of the She LED Badass Podcast, hosts Gabriela Ramirez and Debi Corrie sit down with Susanne Evens, founder of AAA Translation. Susanne shares her inspiring journey from starting her translation company in her basement to building a global network of over 300 certified linguists and subject matter specialists. The discussion covers her entrepreneurial journey, the importance of mentorship, her commitment to language access during the pandemic, and her role in the St. Louis Stuttgart Sister Cities organization. Susanne also delves into her experiences with the Titan 100 and offers valuable advice for aspiring female entrepreneurs.

In this powerful episode of the She Led Badass Podcast, Debi Corrie and Gabriela Ramirez welcome Leslie Gill, President and CEO of Rung for Women, a nonprofit dedicated to helping women climb the economic opportunity ladder. Leslie shares her journey through public service and nonprofit leadership, the evolution of Rung for Women, and the real work required to empower women to move out of poverty and into sustainable, fulfilling careers. This conversation dives deep into leadership, confidence, imposter syndrome, mentorship, failure, and the mindset shifts women need to step into their power.

In this inspiring episode of the She Led Badass Podcast, Debi and Gabriela sit down with Crystal Allen-Dallas, a powerhouse entrepreneur, community leader, and the Founder and Chief Engagement Officer of Excel Business Concepts. Crystal has spent more than a decade building a thriving PR and engagement firm specializing in infrastructure, community outreach, and crisis communications while also becoming a respected philanthropist, arts advocate, and Titan 100 honoree. Crystal opens up about her leadership journey, starting a business as a young mother, navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship, finding alignment with her mission, and leaning into her worth after years of staying behind the scenes.

In this powerful and deeply inspiring episode of the She Led Badass Podcast, sit down with Kristen Tucker: managing partner at TDK Technologies, a Titan 100 Hall of Fame executive, trailblazer in the tech industry, and a woman whose resilience has shaped both her leadership and her life. Kristen brings a mix of wisdom, humility, and hard-earned perspective as she reflects on her 25-year journey in technology, co-founding a company during one of the most turbulent economic periods, navigating unimaginable personal loss, and discovering what it truly means to bet on yourself.

Debi and Gabriela sit down with Taryn Pulliam, a powerhouse leader in professional development and strategic partnerships. Taryn shares her unconventional career journey from cosmetologist to VP of Strategic Partnerships and the pivotal moments that shaped her leadership style. Her insights on courage, intentional living, and community impact remind us that fear shouldn’t stop us, because sometimes you just have to do it scared.

Today we’re bringing you a powerful interview with Kristy Jackson: an entrepreneur, educator, and visionary behind Harris-Stowe’s Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship.  From co-founding STL’s first Black-owned co-working space to launching global programs that take student entrepreneurs to Ghana and beyond.  Kristy is building equity, one bold move at a time.⁠ She shares how faith fuels her mission, why failure is part of the process, and how she's creating spaces for women to rise in business and leadership.⁠

Join hosts Debi Corrie and Gabriela Ramirez Arellano on the She Led Badass Podcast as they dive into the inspiring journey of Sheila Burkett, co-founder of Spry Digital. Sheila shares how a mentoring session led to the formation of her successful business, her unique approach to company culture, and the importance of mentorship in empowering others. Discover how Spry Digital empowers clients through technology and the challenges and triumphs of undergoing a company rebrand.  This episode is filled with valuable insights for aspiring entrepreneurs and leaders looking to break barriers and build their own empires.

In this inspiring episode of She Led Badass, Debbie Corey and Gabriela Ramirez Arellano sit down with Kris Rosser — a powerhouse entrepreneur whose career spans military service, real estate, accounting, and content creation. From auditing tanks in the Army to leading a boutique real estate brokerage and launching a tax firm, Kris opens up about what it really takes to succeed in business. Kris shares the power of leadership learned through the Boy Scouts of America, how she built a referral-based business as a self-described introvert, and how knowing your audience is key in business and life. She also gives us a peek into her creative life outside of work — from quilting and gardening to her food-focused YouTube channel, Is It Worth It, Y’all.

In this episode of the She Led Badass Podcast, hosts Debi and Gabriella interview Katie Schenck of Ballyhoo Workshop, an agency specializing in brand strategy and creative services. Katie shares her entrepreneurial journey, the importance of collaboration, and insights on leading a women-centric business that integrates flexibility and community support. From celebrating her recognition as a Titan 100 to discussing how men can complement women in a work environment, Katie provides valuable advice on business management, team dynamics, and work-life balance. Join us for an inspiring conversation on building empires, embracing change, and fostering a supportive work culture.

 Join us for an inspiring conversation with Bing Dempewolf, an accomplished HR consultant and business strategist. From her journey starting as a customer service representative to becoming a Chief People Officer and founding her own consulting firm, Bing shares valuable insights on leadership, resilience, and the importance of putting people first in business.

Our hosts Gabriella and Debi interview each other to learn about what led them both into the entrepreneurial world and their philosophies on business.  This format of interview is also how we will be interviewing our guests.  Next episode will be our first guest interview!  

Welcome to the SheLed Badass Podcast—where women rewrite the rules of leadership and step fully into their power. Listen to your hosts, Gabriela Ramirez Arellano and Debi Corrie, as they talk about their own experiences and what you’ll find in the interviews as our podcast starts ramping up. This isn’t your average leadership podcast. It’s a call to stop playing small, to speak up unapologetically, and to recognize the badass within. Gabriela and Debi dive into what they’re working on personally and professionally and why they want to talk with so many diverse people to get all the perspectives on being badass.

Welcome to the premiere episode of the SheLed Badass Podcast—where women rewrite the rules of leadership and step fully into their power. Meet your hosts, Gabriela Ramirez Arellano and Debi Corrie, as they kick off this bold new space for real talk, raw stories, and radical self-belief. This isn’t your average leadership podcast. It’s a call to stop playing small, to speak up unapologetically, and to recognize the badass within. Gabriela and Debi dive into why this show exists, what “badass” really means, and how women can stop second-guessing themselves and start showing up louder, braver, and bolder.

Just a bit of our intro to give you a feel for our show!  Hope to see you when the podcast launches July 22nd!