Charlotte Otter is an author, speaker, podcast host,and advisor specializing in reputation management, change communications, and building high-performing communications teams. With decades of experienceleading global communications for companies like SAP and Anglo American, she now helps organizations craft impactful narratives that resonate across diverseaudiences.Her debut book, We Need New Leaders (June 3, 2025), reveals how reputation management is a critical but often overlooked tool for diverse leaders aiming for C-suite roles. Combining her MSc research with 20+ years ofexperience, Charlotte provides a roadmap for emerging leaders to leverage their reputation as a competitive advantage. She explores the power of storytellingin leadership, the challenges of visibility in a noisy digital world, and why reputation equity is key to long-term success.Charlotte Otter shares her journey from South Africa to Germany, detailing her career transitions from journalism to PR, and ultimately to executive communications at SAP. She discusses the importance of self-belief, the challenges of work-life balance, and the nuances of reputation management in today's digital age. Charlotte emphasizes the role of emotional intelligence in leadership, the unique challenges faced by female leaders, and offers valuable advice for young women entrepreneurs. The discussion also touches on the creative process of writing fiction versus non-fiction, the significance of mentorship, and what inspires Charlotte in her current endeavors.Charlotte's Recommendations:Books The Authority Gap by Mary Ann SieghartWhy Do So Many Incompetent Men Become Leaders by Tomas  Chamorro-PremuzicPodcastsWe Can Do Hard Things with Glennon Doyle, Abby Wambach & Amanda DoyleHow to Fail with Elizabeth DayThe Shift with Sam BakerGet In Touch With Charlotte:1.      www.charlotteotter.com2.      http://www.instagram.com/charlotter19683.      https://bsky.app/profile/charlotteotter.bsky.social4. https://linkedin.com/in/charlotteeliseotter

Stephanie Holcombe serves as Senior Director of Events atMaxwell Leadership, where she has partnered strategically on events and experiences with both the for-profit and non-profits for the past decade. Previously, she held senior event roles at The Ritz-Carlton, Kimpton Hotels, and a third-party meeting planning agency. Stephanie holds a B.A. in SpeechCommunication from the University of Georgia and thus loves cheering for the Dawgs. She and her husband, Scott, have been married for 16 years and reside in Franklin, TN with their three children Isabella (15), Jacob (10), Sawyer (8)and their Australian Shepherd, Beckham.Stephanie Holcombe shares her journey in the event planning industry, highlighting her early influences, career transitions, and the importance of mentorship and support for women in leadership. She discusses the challenges of balancing work and family life, navigating gender dynamics in the workplace, and offers valuable advice for future generations of women. Stephanie emphasizes the significance of finding mentors, pursuing passions, and the inspiration she draws from her children and experiences in different cultures.Stephanie's Recommendations:Fans First  by Jesse ColeUnreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara, Failing Forward by John C. Maxwell The Five Levels of Leadership by John C. Maxwell. Podcasts – in addition to this one.. 😊 Maxwell Leadership PodcastCraig Groeschel Leadership PodcastThe Goal Digger Podcast (Jenna Kutcher)Leveraging AIThe Bible Recap.Get In Touch With Stephanie:Instagram: stephanieholcombeLinkedIn: Stephanie Holcombe

Danielle M. Reiff is a writer, peacebuilder, and Baha'i. For 20 years, Danielle advanced democracy, human rights, and peace around the world as a diplomat with the U.S.Agency for International Development (USAID). She is the founder of the non-partisan Peacebuilders initiative to promote empathy, dialogue, and other forms of nonviolence during this volatile time in the U.S. Her first book, an edited volume called “Overcoming Information Chaos: A Guide for Building Peaceful Communities in the Digital Age” will be published by Upriver Press in July 2025. In this engaging conversation, Danielle M Reiff shares her remarkable journey from a small town in Pennsylvania to becoming a diplomat and advocate for women's leadership globally. She discusses her experiences in the Peace Corps in Burkina Faso, the challenges and triumphs of promoting women's political participation, and the importance of community dialogue in overcoming polarization. Danielle emphasizes the need for confidence in leadership roles and the significance of building trust within diverse communities. She also recommends insightful resources for those interested in social change and personal growth.Information from the conversation:Beijing+30: Will it take another 30 years for gender equality?Danielle's Recommendations: Unbound: My Story of Liberation and the Birth of the Me Too Movement by Tarana BurkeBraver Angels PodcastGet In Touch With Danielle:www.peacebuildersunite.com Facebook personal profile (@Danielle Reiff) Facebook business page (@Peacebuilders) Vote for Love Facebook Group LinkedIn (@danielle-reiff) Instagram author page(@danielle.m.reiff) Instagram business page (@peacebuilders.unite) X (@d_reiff_citizen) Threads author profile (@danielle.m.reiff) Threads business profile (@peacebuilders.unite) 

Danielle Riddle is a visionary leader in corporate travel, redefining executive travel management with a human-centered approach. As the Co-Founder and CEO ofInspired Travel Group, she leads a niche firm specializing in high-touch, bespoke travel solutions tailored for executives. Recognizing the critical need to re-humanize corporate travel, Danielle is dedicated to bringing personalizedservice and thoughtful engagement back into the industry.A recognized leader in corporate travel, Danielle is a strong advocate for diversity, empathy-driven leadership, and relationship-focused service. She is known for designing seamless, high-quality itineraries that enhance leadership experiences and support business objectives.In this conversation, Danielle shares her journey from Australia to Canada, detailing her passion for travel and how she founded a niche corporate travel company focused on rehumanizing the industry. She discusses the importance of empathy in corporate travel, the challenges faced by business travelers, and her experiences as a female entrepreneur in a male-dominated industry. Danielle emphasizes the significance of work-life balance, especially as a mother, and how she adapted her business during the pandemic. She offers advice for young women entering the business world and reflects on her definition of success, which has evolved over time to prioritize time and freedom.Danielle's Recommendations:Diary of a CEOThe Knowledge ProjectTravel Genius by BloombergThe Travel DiariesThe Travel Business LoungeStart With Why: How GreatLeaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action by Simon SinekGood to Great: Why SomeCompanies Make the Leap… and Others Don’t by Jim CollinsLean In: Women, Work, and theWill to Lead by Sheryl SandbergGrit: The Power of Passion andPerseverance by Angela DuckworthGet In Touch With Danielle:WebsiteInstagramFacebook LinkedIn

Dr. Cynthia Rapaido has over 30 years of experience in K-12education, having served as a high school principal, assistant principal, and teacher across various schools and districts in California. A researcher, coach, and award-winning leader, Dr. Rapaido lives in San Leandro, California with her husband. When she’s not exploring and improving the world ofeducation, you can find her play the piano, making handcrafted jewelry, dancing, and skating. Cynthia Rapaido shares her extensive journey in education, discussing her passion for teaching and mentoring. She emphasizes the importance of courageous conversations around race and cultural sensitivity in schools. Cynthia also addresses the challenges teachers face today, including mental health issues among students and the need for support systems. She highlights the significance of mentorship in professional growth and offers practical advice for aspiring leaders in education.Cynthia's book recommendation:STEP UP YOUR SCHOOL LEADERSHIP GAME: THE NEW ADMINISTRATORS’ GUIDELessons to Navigate Big and Small Challenges withConfidence and Purpose Available on Amazon: paperback: https://www.amazon.com/Step-Your-School-Leadership-Game/dp/B0D6HLQZ2BGet In Touch With Cynthia:LinkedIn

As an experienced entrepreneur, corporate leader and global philanthropy expert, Kristina Joy Carlson is redefining what it means to lead with purpose. Through Outrageous Kindness, she helps individuals, businesses, and nonprofits achieve meaningful, lasting success.A sought-after speaker and best-selling author of Essential Principles for Fundraising Success, Kristina knows how to navigate change and turn challenges into opportunities. While leading businesses and driving global philanthropic growth, she managed nearly a decade of intense caregiving, profound grief, and her own cancer battle—an experience that reinforced the power of purpose, perspective, and action. In this episode, Kristina Joy Carlson shares her journey in philanthropy, discussing the importance of kindness, the challenges of fundraising, and the dynamics of wealth and giving. She introduces the 'Kind Method' as a framework for achieving purpose-driven success and emphasizes the need for connection and shared values in fundraising efforts. Kristina also reflects on the evolution of fundraising in the digital age and the importance of mentorship and community involvement. The discussion concludes with insights on inspiring the next generation to engage in philanthropy and the power of small acts of kindness.Get in Touch with Kristina Joy Carlson:www.outrageouskindness.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/kristinajcarlson/https://www.instagram.com/outrageous_kindness/Kristina's Book and Podcast Recommendations:Podcasts:   LiveHappyNowQuotableBooks:Everyone should give anyone they know betweenthe ages of 16 and 22 the book, The Talk (about Money) by Dale Alexander. This along with the message of Outrageous Kindness (book out in late 2025/early 2026) is a must.

 Toyin Crandell shares her inspiring journey from struggling with finances to becoming a successful entrepreneur and leader. She discusses the importance of identifying limiting beliefs, taking strategic action, and overcoming the fear of risk in business. Toyin emphasizes that everything in life involves risk and encourages women to embrace their calling in entrepreneurship. She provides practical steps for young entrepreneurs to identify what isn't working in their business and to uproot limiting beliefs about money. Toyin recounts a personal experience of jumping off a cliff to illustrate how taking action can combat fear. Toyin emphasizes the need for organization and support in managing her family and business, while also discussing the 'dance of life' and the imperfection that comes with it. The conversation highlights the critical role of mentorship in achieving success and the mindset required to thrive in both personal and professional realms.

Nellie Harden is a wife, mother of 4 daughters, former worth chaser, trauma survivor, and an author and speaker in the space of Family Life & Leadership. She focuses on helping women build a solid life foundation that allows them to know their worth, have a firm grasp on their value and truly believe in themselves so they can become self-disciplined leaders of their lives and positively impact the next generation. Her career in biology and psychology has spanned fromhumpbacks to humans, and she has invested decades of her life into personal, family, faith, and leadership development and believes the time has come for women to know how to build their custom foundation and not just rely on cookiecutter antics and one size fits all tactics. When Nellie is not writing and speaking, she loves being outside with her crazy #happyharden crew and adventuring through all life has to offer.Marcylle and Nellie discuss the challenges and triumphs of raising young women in today's world. Nellie shares her personal journey of self-discovery, the importance of understanding one's worth, and the impact of social media on young women's self-esteem. They explore practical advice for young women entering adulthood, the nuances of parenting, and the significance of mentorship and personal growth. The discussion emphasizes the need for open communication, listening, and the definition of success beyond societal expectations.Dare to Lead by Brene BrownEssentialism by Greg McKeowan 15 Invaluable Laws of Growth by John Maxwell Nellie's Podcast Recommendations: Emotionally Healthy LeadershipBecoming SomethingWhoa That's GoodMasterclassWebsite- https://www.nellieharden.comInstagram- https://www.instagram.com/nellie.a.harden/Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/nelliehardenwriterPinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/nellieharden/

Shannon Russell, a certified Career Transition/BusinessCoach, Author of Start Your Second Act: How to Change Careers, Launch a Business, and Create Your Best Life, and Host of the Second Act Success Career Podcast.Her mission in creating Second Act Success® is to support YOU as you "produce" your best life. If I can do it, YOU can do it! If you are ready to launch a "second act," ditch the 9-5, and build a business you love? Get in touch with Shannon!In this episode, Shannon Russell shares her journey from a television producer to a successful business and career coach. She discusses the challenges of balancing family life with a demanding career, the advantages of franchising versus starting an independent business, and the importance of empowering women in their career transitions. Shannon emphasizes the significance of relationships in business growth, the differences between coaching and consulting, and the need for self-reflection before making significant career changes. She also touches on the entrepreneurial mindset, overcoming fears, and the value of mentorship.Shannon's Recommendations:Start Your Second Act: How to Change Careers, Launch aBusiness, and Create Your Best Life (MAY 2025)Get in Touch with Shannon:Second Act SuccessCareer / Business Coaching for Womenhttps://www.tiktok.com/@secondactsuccesshttps://www.facebook.com/secondactsuccess.cohttps://instagram.com/secondactsuccess https://www.youtube.com/@secondactsuccess

Lisa Gibson shares her unique journey from criminology to a successful career in communications. She discusses the importance of adaptability in the workplace, especially during times of change, and offers insights into effective communication strategies for organizations undergoing transitions. Lisa emphasizes the significance of personal branding, overcoming imposter syndrome, and the role of AI in professional development. She also highlights the value of mentorship and the necessity of asking for what you want in your career. Lisa Gibson is the President & Founder of Ignite Communications. She is an award-winning and well-respected communications executive, best-selling author and speaker with thirty years of experience working forsome of the world’s largest brands. Prior to starting her consulting company, Lisa was the Chief of Staff and Head of Communications for Microsoft Canada.Lisa has a strong reputation for solving complex business problems through strategic communications and delivering best-in-class communication programs.The best-selling author of “Shine the Spotlight on You!” she regularly speaks about personal branding, overcoming imposter syndrome, AI & Comms, and women in STEM.With more than 25 years of experience, Lisa is an award-winning and well-respected communications executive and speaker. Lisa is a trusted advisor, who has more than a decade of experience working closely with CEO's and their executive teams from high profile organizations includingMicrosoft, Target and Canadian Tire.​Over the course of her career, she has built a reputation for solving complex business problems through strategic communications and delivering best-in-class public relations, employee and executive communication programs.  She is amember of the board of The Shine Foundation and volunteers her time to mentor new and budding PR talent.​When Lisa is not working, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, cooking, travelling and listening to podcasts. Book Recommendations:Atomic Habits by James ClearLet Them by Mel RobbinsGet In Touch With Lisa:Lisa Gibson's Websitehttps://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-gibson-ignite/