She Said / She Said

Latest Episodes:

Finding the courage to change lives one bead at a time: Brittany Underwood, CEO, The AKOLA Project, Episode 63 Jul 15, 2019

Show notes

Brittany Underwood is the CEO of global impact jewelry company The Akola Project. Her life trajectory was altered forever when, in college, she met a Ugandan woman named Sarah. The power of that meeting inspired Brittany’s passion for not only helping women in Uganda, but led her on a journey to create a social impact model to challenge the way we think about philanthropy, and how we help the neediest of populations.

Brittany talks about her big break — a 10 minute meeting with then Neiman Marcus CEO Karen Katz. That brief pitch (and the power of the Akola story and Brittany’s passion) led to AKOLA becoming a top 10 jewelry brand for NM in their first season — something unheard of for an otherwise known brand. Brittany talks about the difficulty of learning to pivot when she realized her original idea didn’t fully address the challenges she was trying to solve and having to go back to school to find the answers she was looking for. She talks about listening to tough feedback from a mentor who told her in no uncertain terms to “grown up” and “put on her big girl panties!” Brittany talks about how hard it can be to recognize limitations, how to get through burnout, how to be true to yourself and your family, and the role faith has played for her. Her story is both incredibly inspiring and instructive.

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**Building grit and perseverance with Nancie McDonnell Ruder, CEO, Noetic Consultants (Episode 62)** Jul 06, 2019
Show notes

Nancie McDonnell Ruder, CEO of marketing firm Noetic Consultants, set out to write a book to help marketers learn from those who were thriving in an increasingly complex and ever changing marketing landscape. In the process, she discovered several important takeaways critical to success in any field, and, most importantly to a happy and fulfilled life.

Nancie, whose career started at the legendary Leo Burnett Company, Inc., interviewed highly successful marketers and found that the key to true innovation requires leaning in to learning with unquenchable curiosity. She talks about how these values have informed her own journey — from agency exec, to entrepreneur, to CEO, to mom — and how this perspective has helped her to raise kids with grit. She also talks about how to dig deep, how to evaluate potential talent for grit, and the importance of “refilling your bucket” after major setback.

While Nancie’s work and her book (Jack and Jill Went Up the Hill: How Senior Marketers Scale the Heights Through Art and Science) isn’t gender specific, she found important and instructive takeaways from the women marketers she interviewed. Many of them touched on themes all too familiar in our She Said/She Said conversations. Nancie shares their perspective, as well as her own story of how she recovered from a series of major life setbacks. A key piece of her recovery: learning to ask for help.

Nancie is a shining example of the grit and perseverance for which she advocates. You’ll be inspired by her empowered perspective!

The post Building grit and perseverance with Nancie McDonnell Ruder, CEO, Noetic Consultants (Episode 62) appeared first on She Said / She Said.

**Empowering others and working to break the cycle of domestic violence: Jan Langbein, CEO, Genesis Women’s Shelter and Support, Episode 61** Jun 25, 2019
Show notes

Jan Langbein is the fiercely passionate, powerhouse CEO of Genesis Women’s Shelter and Support in Dallas, Texas. She has grown Genesis from a seven-bed emergency facility to a multi-faceted treatment center and program for victims of domestic abuse and their children. Jan’s journey is an inspiring one. She went from stay-at-home-mom to trailblazing domestic violence victims’ advocate, fueled by a commitment to break a cycle of violence that can continue indefinitely without intervention. She reminds us of the power and impact each of us can have when we are passionate and driven to solve a problem. In Jan’s case, the problem of domestic violence, which impacts a shockingly large percentage of the population and costs society some $8.3 billion every year. Jan reminds us that pretending the problem doesn’t exist, assuming it doesn’t happen in our own communities, or not asking how we can help when we suspect a friend or colleague is suffering doesn’t make the problem go away, but actually helps the abuser more than the victim. Jan is an incredibly thoughtful voice whose story and perspective will inspire you. Our conversation is episode 61.

If you or someone you know needs help, please contact Genesis Women’s Shelter and Support or the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233.

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**The Importance of Change, Creativity, & Learning to Tell Your Story: Beth Comstock, former Vice Chair GE; Author “Imagine It Forward” (Episode 60)** Jun 17, 2019
Show notes

Change can be difficult. But in a world that continues to grow more and more complex our ability to embrace change and to think more creatively has never been more important. Beth Comstock is the former Vice Chair of Business and Innovation at GE. She was the first woman to hold that role in GE’s 127 year history). As her former title conveys, Beth is one of the most accomplished women to rise up the ranks in corporate America, and she fully embraces this notion of change and has led efforts to successfully challenge the status quo at the highest levels of business and media.

Her story provides incredible perspective on leading in business. As a self-described, introvert Beth talks about how to navigate in a world that often seems created for extroverts. She challenges us to get comfortable with the uncomfortable, to give ourselves permission to think creatively, and to embrace change. Since leaving GE, Beth has taken her significant knowledge about what she learned including the qualities and capabilities she says we need to face the future and has written a terrific book – her first – entitled “Imagine It Forward: Courage, Creativity and the power of change.” There has never been a time when change was occurring faster nor the need for staying ahead of it more important. Beth’s story is inspiring and her impact on the world unquestionable.

Big thanks to our new friends at CityVox studios in NYC for their production assistance with this episode.

The post The Importance of Change, Creativity, & Learning to Tell Your Story: Beth Comstock, former Vice Chair GE; Author “Imagine It Forward” (Episode 60) appeared first on She Said / She Said.

**Embracing the unexpected, and inspiring others through motherhood and service: Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (Episode 59)** Jun 11, 2019
Show notes

We don’t know how life will challenge us, or how those challenges will shape our journey. Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers is a terrific example of taking what life throws at you – including doors that open for you — and making the most of them, even in spite of some fear and trepidation along the way.

Cathy has a significant track record of policy accomplishment, with much of her career in the US House of Representatives spent leading the Republican Conference as Vice Chair and later Chair. Elected in 2004, her public service career actually started in Washington state politics when she was just 24. But, it was difficult news she received 12 years ago that clarified her focus and, in some way, shifted her perspective. After marrying Brian in her late 30s, Cathy recognized the challenges biology can present when starting a family. The couple became pregnant with their first child, a son, but were told he would be born with Down Syndrome. Cathy talks openly about how she felt upon hearing this news, but how the birth of Cole, who is now 12, renewed her commitment to serving others, and reinforced for her the value and potential of every person, including and especially those with disabilities or special needs. Cathy is now the mother of three, and she’s the first to give birth three times while serving in Congress. As she has authentically embraced both motherhood and service–simultaneously, she’s become a tremendous recruitment asset for other moms who are considering running for public office.

Cathy boldly crosses the political aisle to engage those who have a different point of view and perspective. Her desire to build understanding has never been more important. You don’t need to be a Republican to appreciate the tremendous value she brings to her role, or the example she sets for others. Her perspective and her commitment to service is inspiring, as is her positive impact on others.

The post Embracing the unexpected, and inspiring others through motherhood and service: Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (Episode 59) appeared first on She Said / She Said.

**How we win against hate and extremism: A conversation with author and diplomatic entrepreneur Farah Pandith (Episode 58)** May 28, 2019
Show notes

“There is a war being fought and we are losing,” Farah Pandith tells me in our conversation about what drives hate and radical extremism. Farah, who is often described as a “diplomatic entrepreneur,” has worked across political lines for three presidential administrations, has covered the globe meeting with young people and community leaders, and has developed a clear understanding of not only the challenge, but how she believes we need to address it comprehensively and effectively.

Farah provides constructive advice for governments, corporations, and non-profits and emphasizes the importance we as individuals can play in countering this growing threat.

A Kashmir-born, Muslim American, Farah is taking her passion for global peace and her understanding of Islamic culture to make American and the world a safer place. Her new book “How We Win: How Cutting Edge Entrepreneurs, Political Visionaries, Enlightened Business Leaders, and Social Media Mavens Can Defeat the Extremist Threat” is a must read for anyone hoping to gain a better understanding of the treat we face and what each of us can do about it.

The post How we win against hate and extremism: A conversation with author and diplomatic entrepreneur Farah Pandith (Episode 58) appeared first on She Said / She Said.

**From trailblazing CEO to leadership teacher and coach, Carly Fiorina is running toward challenges and helping others lead and “find their way” (Episode #57)** May 18, 2019
Show notes

Carly Fiorina is the former CEO of Hewlett Packard, and the first woman to lead a Fortune 20 company. She also oversaw the largest technology sector merger in history. Her passion for problem solving led her to run for the Republican nomination for president in 2016. She’s a trailblazer who has often found herself the only woman on the stage, in the boardroom, and in the meeting. That didn’t hold her back – far from it! She’ll explain why in this terrific and inspiring episode. Today, Carly is using her talents and perspectives to help others and to alter the way we think about finding our way. Her new book entitled “Find Your Way” along with her podcast By Example, her foundation Unlocking Potential, and her work at www.CarlyFiorina.com she is helping people to lead, and to empower themselves and others.

Carly is a powerful and inspiring example of running toward the challenge, battling through fear and loss, and not allowing yourself to fall victim of your circumstances.

The post From trailblazing CEO to leadership teacher and coach, Carly Fiorina is running toward challenges and helping others lead and “find their way” (Episode #57) appeared first on She Said / She Said.

Part 3: Three-Part Series on Women, Politics & Power and how women are depicted in film and covered in the media: A.B. Stoddard (Episode #56) May 10, 2019

Show notes

A.B. Stoddard has covered politics and Capitol Hill for more than two decades. Currently, she is the associate editor of Real Clear Politics. A.B. joins me for Part 3 of our three-part series on women in politics and power. As a backdrop for our conversation, we discuss the political thriller “An Acceptable Loss,” starring Jamie Lee Curtis and Tiki Sumpter, which challenges our assumptions about women in powerful political roles.

Our guest for Part 1 (Episode #54) is Colleen Griffen, the producer of An Acceptable Loss, who, together with her writer/director husband Joe Chappelle are the founders of Corrado Moon Coin productions. It was Colleen’s idea to take roles originally written for men (a vice president who becomes president and her national security adviser) and cast women instead. Colleen talks about women in film more broadly, as well as about her own career and journey including the value her experience as a mom brings to all of her projects.

Part 2 of the series (Episode #55) features former Congresswoman Barbara Comstock. Barbara talks about her own journey — including being accidentally pushed into her first House race, as well as the benefits she saw in having more female members — from both sides of the political aisle — at the table. She also talks about her life after Congress, recovering from her loss, and how she’s living her commitment to service in new ways.

Part 3 of the series (Episode #56) features A.B. Stoddard, associate editor of Real Clear Politics who talks about the evolution she’s seen in women leading on Capitol Hill, as well as the current political environment and how it impacts women.

These thoughtful, accomplished women bring tremendous perspective to the topic of women in politics and power.

Our thanks to Corrado Mooncoin, Colleen Griffen, Joe Chappell, and Candy Straight for making this three-part series possible, and for their support of She Said/She Said and efforts to think more broadly about women in leadership.

Rent or purchase “An Acceptable Loss” on Amazon Prime, Netflicks, Hulu, or other streaming platforms.

Photo credits: Corrado Mooncoin, LLC

The post Part 3: Three-Part Series on Women, Politics & Power and how women are depicted in film and covered in the media: A.B. Stoddard (Episode #56) appeared first on She Said / She Said.

Part 2: Three-part series on Women, Politics & Power and the film “An Acceptable Loss;” Former Congresswoman Barbara Comstock (Episode #55) May 10, 2019

Show notes

Former Congresswoman Barbara Comstock. joins me for Part 2 (Episode #55) of our three-part series on women, power and politics and the political thriller “An Acceptable Loss,” starring Jamie Lee Curtis and Tika Sumpter. Barbara talks about her own journey — including being “accidentally” pushed into her first House race, as well as the benefits she saw in having more women members — from both sides of the political aisle — at the table. She also talks about her life after Congress, recovering from her loss, and how she’s living her commitment to service in new ways.

These thoughtful, accomplished women bring tremendous perspective to the topic of women in politics and power.

Rent or purchase “An Acceptable Loss” on Amazon Prime, Netflicks, Hulu, or other streaming platforms.

The post Part 2: Three-part series on Women, Politics & Power and the film “An Acceptable Loss;” Former Congresswoman Barbara Comstock (Episode #55) appeared first on She Said / She Said.

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