The Empowering Women Podcast

National Event - Registration Link!!

https://youtu.be/ky1aimARPa0

QUOTES AND KEY TAKEAWAYS

“One of the things I’ve gotten really good at is problem solving—because I have to be. The world isn’t built for me, so I figure it out.”

"I am living my life powerfully with a disability, not in spite of having one."

“"There isn’t one right way to do anything. We all have different abilities and different ways of doing things."

“It’s a privilege to work with students. They really move me. They give me the perspective of trying and taking risks.”

"Helping students discover careers they love is a privilege. I get to live a billion different dreams through them."

"Universal design doesn’t just help people with disabilities—it makes life easier for everyone."

On failure: “My mode is to just power through and prove that I can. I didn't really see how it impacted me from a failure perspective. I had no idea that it had crept into that part of my life.”

Dealing with your faceplant moment: “Deal with whatever's going on. Deal with yourself. But have self-compassion. You're human. You're going to make a mistake.”

Grit Fueled Fire with Jennifer Black

ABOUT OUR GUEST:

Jennifer Black is a powerhouse of grit, strategy, and results. With decades of experience leading cross-functional teams for multi-billion-dollar companies, she’s known for driving innovation, building strong teams, and moving complex initiatives forward with clarity and confidence.

She currently serves as Mission Critical Senior Principal Program Manager at Trane Technologies, leading high-stakes projects in the Commercial HVAC business. From concept to execution, Jennifer brings teams together to deliver global, multimillion-dollar solutions that raise the bar.

In previous roles, she led new product development for major HVAC platforms, unlocking $20M+ in investments and pushing for energy-efficient, sustainable innovations. She’s also tackled roles in equipment finance and pricing strategy, all while delivering measurable, mission-aligned value.

Jennifer holds a mechanical engineering degree from Gannon University and is a certified Project Management Professional. She’s passionate about developing the next generation of talent, serving on advisory boards for Women in STEM and Women in Science & Engineering. Her leadership has earned her multiple awards—including the 2024 Commercial HVAC President’s Award and the 2014 Latin America President’s Award for Operational Excellence.

CONNECT WITH JENNIFER

Social Media: LinkedIn

WATCH ON YOUTUBE

EPISODE AND EMPOWERING WOMEN IN INDUSTRY LINKS

Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance | Angela Lee Duckworth | TED

GRIT by Angela Duckworth | Animated CORE Message

The three secrets of resilient people | Lucy Hone | TEDxChristchurch

National Event - Registration Link!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0JVaMGdfZXY

QUOTES AND KEY TAKEAWAYS

“Grit isn’t a solo sport. It takes a team—your project team, your support system, your people.”

“Never give up. There's always a different path.

“Every time I get into a difficult place, I remember that conversation with my dad… because that was devastating to me. But it shaped how I handle things. I never give up—I just might have to find a different way to do it.”

“If you come in saying, ‘Well, I don’t know how we’re going to get this done,’ everyone starts believing that it can’t be done. But when you’re positive, people start believing in themselves.”

“I wasn’t going to give up. I was just going to redo it.” (—on disassembling and rebuilding a crib solo. Grit in action!)

“You have to have passion in what you’re doing. If you don’t enjoy it, you might not be as positive—and you might not be as persistent—because you don’t like what you’re doing.”

“I love going onto those campuses... I like seeing all this enthusiasm for what their next steps are. That, to me, is really exciting. It brings me back to bei

Designing a Better Future with Sameedha Mahajan

ABOUT OUR GUEST:

Sameedha Mahajan, Assoc. AIA, LEED AP ND, is an Architectural Designer at HDR, currently involved in critical infrastructure projects and aviation architecture in the USA. As a graduate of KRVIA, India, and Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, her journey as a first-generation immigrant and a woman of color in the Architecture-Engineering-Construction industry has been both challenging and rewarding. Recently, she was honored to receive the O-1 visa, which is awarded to professionals for extraordinary ability in their fields.

Sameedha is deeply committed to mentoring students and emerging professionals and fostering inclusive growth within the design community. She also writes about architecture and urban design for various print and digital publications, contributing to the broader discourse on the built environment.

WATCH SAMEEDHA'S INTERVIEW ON YOUTUBE

CONNECT WITH SAMEEDHA

Social Media: LinkedIn

EPISODE AND EMPOWERING WOMEN IN INDUSTRY LINKS

Sameedha's Design Observer Article Link

Allyship Episode with H.J. Dewes

National Event - Registration Link!!

QUOTES AND KEY TAKEAWAYS

“You don’t need to wait until you feel ready to take up space. Please take up space—because if you wait for the perfect moment, you may never begin.”

“Even small, everyday actions can make someone feel seen and valued—and that makes a big difference.”

“My story begins in India, where I was raised in a household deeply influenced by design. My father is an architect and an urban designer, so I was surrounded by drawings, construction sites, and conversations about design.”

“I was struck by the messy beauty of Indian urban life.”

“As a first-generation immigrant, navigating a new country, new people, new experiences—it was exciting... and kind of scary.”

“India is like a melting pot of different cultures and settlements. I realized how good design can elevate your life—by giving access to resources like healthcare and education.”

“This role of design was highlighted for me early on, and I knew I wanted to help people shape their lives through it.”

“Given how the world is changing—with data science, sustainability, and public policy touching everything—I wanted to explore how those forces impact design.”

Powering the Trades with Shannon Tymosko

ABOUT OUR GUEST:

Shannon Tymosko is a driven, enthusiastic Electrical Apprentice and proud member of IBEW Local 105. With a passion for learning and a thirst for new challenges, she brings a unique combination of attention to detail and diverse skills to every project.

As a skilled trades ambassador, Shannon advocates for alternative career paths, educating and mentoring individuals on the benefits of trades. Her greatest passion lies in teaching and empowering others to succeed.

Shannon’s own journey in the trades has been transformative - boosting her self-confidence, physical health, and financial stability. She is living proof that doing what you love can lead to a thriving career.

CONNECT WITH SHANNON

Website: https://www.shannontymosko.com/

Social Media: LinkedIn Instagram Twitter (X)

Watch Shannon's Interview on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ypD3bG-yPc

EPISODE AND EMPOWERING WOMEN IN INDUSTRY LINKS

Book: Embracing Ambition – Empowering Women to Step Out, Be Seen, and Lead

QUOTES AND KEY TAKEAWAYS

"You don’t have to have it all figured out — you just have to take the first step."

“Your past experience doesn’t define you. It's what you do next that matters most."

"Skilled trades don’t just build things — they build confidence, community, and real opportunities."

"It wasn’t until I was about 29 that I realized the trades could be a real career for me — and it all started with saying yes to helping a friend renovate a house."

"Representation matters. Growing up, it wasn’t that I was discouraged from building or fixing things — it just wasn’t shown to me as a real career path."

"I realized I wasn’t thriving — I was just surviving. And the skilled trades offered me a way to build a life, not just make a living."

"Sometimes it’s not about having the perfect background — it’s about being willing to learn, being resourceful, and saying yes to new opportunities."

"Free programs that help women transition into the trades are life-changing. They open doors that many of us didn’t even know existed."

Embracing Ambition with Jenny Mitchell

ABOUT OUR GUEST:

Jenny Mitchell is an executive coach, a podcaster, and a published author who is on a mission to help people have more meaningful conversations. She is a lifelong learner who holds an executive coaching degree from Royal Roads University, a CFRE fundraising designation, and a Doctor of Musical Arts from SUNY Stony Brook in piano performance.

Jenny is the Founder & CEO of Chavender, a sought-after partner for companies in Canada and the U.S. in the areas of executive coaching, mentorship, talent development, succession planning and group coaching in both non-profit and corporate settings. Jenny’s engaging style makes her a sought-after keynote speaker, having presented at major Fundraising Leadership Conferences (AFP, CAGP, AHP, Planet Philanthropy, bbcon) across North America as well as for the Government of Canada and corporate America. She fulfills her mission to help #2s become #1’s in work and life through both one-on-one and group coaching experiences for women leaders.

CONNECT WITH JENNY

Website: https://chavender.com/

Personal Social Media: LinkedIn Twitter(X)

Business Social Media: Facebook YouTube

Watch Jenny's Interview on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iQSf21jq5NE

EPISODE AND EMPOWERING WOMEN IN INDUSTRY LINKS

Embrace Ambition Conference

Book: The Big Leap

Book Link: Strategic Leader's Mindset

QUOTES AND KEY TAKEAWAYS

“I have never gone wrong on betting on myself.”

“Confidence is having the trust and knowing in your abilities that even when you’re in a situation that you don’t understand that you can trust yourself to figure it out.”

“Helping Number 2s become Number 1s in work and life. They get some competent as a Number 2 they never get to access their place of genius. They get stuck or pigeonholed.”

“As soon as you identify something as a problem, it’s attached to a threat. Versus calling it ‘solution strategy’ which immediately puts it in their prefrontal cortex. Immediately has it as ‘What options do I have?’ “

Glass Cliff Assignment: “Brought in as a last chance candidate to a position because no one else in their right mind would take it.”

Visionary: “Successful women tend to be able to see something with potential before others see it and be able to bring others along.”

“We need to find a way to use and leverage our social capital (our political capital) for our own uses because we are really good at doing it for others.”

“How can you change your relationship to self doubt? If you accepted from

Transforming Gender Equity with Daryl Anne Estill and Jill Miller

ABOUT OUR GUESTS:

Daryl Anne Estill is an experienced Project Manager and Leader in the commercial MEP construction industry; spanning semiconductor, pharmaceutical, offices, CNG stations, and multifamily markets.

In addition to her direct role as a PM, she is integral to strategic planning, training and development, process improvements, and mentorship for her organization.

As a public speaker, mentor, and industry leader, her advocacy work focuses on Women in Construction/Industry, Gender Equity and Equity in general, Mental Health, and Servant Leadership. Daryl is recognized as Empowering Women in Industry’s 2024 Mentor of the Year.

Watch Daryl Anne and Jill on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oPMhkdDnT1E

CONNECT WITH DARYL ANNE

Website: https://linktr.ee/darylanneestill

Social Media: LinkedIn

Jill Miller is a visionary leader making work human again, dedicated to advancing economic mobility for workers. As the Founder & CEO of Lunum, Jill is transforming how businesses measure workforce investments, driving economic growth and stronger ecosystems where everyone is valued.

Jill has a proven history of fostering partnerships and creating solutions that align operational excellence with workforce advancement. She previously founded Below the Line, an advisory firm that supported employee ownership transitions and developed entrepreneurship programs for underserved communities.

Jill serves on the Board of Directors for the Spondylitis Association of America and hosts Spondycast. She is a member of the National Small Business Association Leadership Council and was named the 2024 Innovator of the Year by Empowering Women in Industry.

CONNECT WITH JILL

Website: https://lunum.io/

Social Media: LinkedIn

EPISODE LINKS

DEI Deconstructed Book

Reconstructing DEI Book

QUOTES AND KEY TAKEAWAYS

Equity: “Giving people what they need when they need it.”

“First one through the door opens the door for the rest.”

“We need to start talking in terms of individuals and talking in systems. We’re here because it was designed for us to be here.”

Overlooked Potential Effect: Men tend to be promoted based on potential. Women tend to be promoted based on demonstrated performance.

“You have to be looking right through a telescope and through a microscope.”

“Your intention does not override impact.”

Accelerate Strategic Action with Janet Polach

ABOUT OUR GUEST:

Dr. Janet Polach is a global authority in executive coaching, team development, and leadership. With her unique ability to elevate leaders from the minutiae to drive unparalleled organizational success, she serves as a trusted strategist and advisor to senior executives worldwide. Janet has expertly coached an array of executive and frontline leaders across the U.S., Europe, and Asia. Her expertise in guiding diverse, cross-geography teams to uncover their core purpose and align for success is unparalleled.

CONNECT WITH JANET

Website: www.janetpolach.com

Social Media: LinkedIn

Watch Janet's Interviews on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EfgmfLDlw-c

EPISODE AND EMPOWERING WOMEN IN INDUSTRY LINKS

Book Link: The Seven Mistakes New Managers Make

The Covey Time Management Matrix Explained

HBR Blog Why Strategic Leadership Matters

BCG Work: Enjoying Work Matters More Than You May Realize

QUOTES AND KEY TAKEAWAYS

“What I have found on where I could be successful was figuring out who I was and how I wanted to show up.”

“As women we tend to overwork issues. We are afraid to make mistakes. We feel the spotlight is particularly on us as women. So we want everything to be right. When we do that, we miss opportunities.”

“Women sometimes struggle with going up against the grain because they’ve worked so hard to get where they are at and they don’t want to mess anything up. And yet the great women we all know are the ones who broke the mold.”

“When a business is growing, it is so easy to get insulated.”

Strategic Mindset: “It’s really about thinking differently not just acting differently.”

“Your value becomes the ability to look beyond the here and now.”

Strategic Thinking: “You’re much more outward focused from your organization than inward focused to getting things done.”

“It’s nearly impossible for us to switch in the moment from tactical to strategic.”

“At an executive level, it’s all about people leadership. It’s about developing your team, helping them learn more, and getting them excite

Building the Business Case for Joy with Bose Akadiri

ABOUT OUR GUEST:

Bose Akadiri is a Motivational Speaker, Corporate Trainer and founder of Goal and Grind LLC where she partners with high achievers to turn their dreams into their reality using her 5 step Vision and Goals Method(™). Renowned for her dynamic corporate workshops where Bose empowers dreams, elevates teams and transforms organizations. In addition to Goal and Grind, she has led a distinguished career in Corporate Social Responsibility at Boeing, Salesforce, and JPMorgan Chase.

Bose is an IMPACT Fellow with the Chicago Urban League, Ladies of Virtue Board Member, She Shines Honoree by Girls Inc. of Chicago, 40 under 40 honoree by OKC Biz Magazine, Leadership Oklahoma City alumnae and was named by ionOklahoma Magazine as a 30/30 Next Generation of Leaders.

TO GET YOUR COPY OF THE ROADMAP: https://talk.ac/bose?code=EWPODCAST2025

CONNECT WITH BOSE & GOAL AND GRIND

Website: https://www.goalandgrind.com

Keynote Speaking & Corporate Workshop Topics: https://www.goalandgrind.com/speaking

Email: bose@goalandgrind.com

IG Page: @goalandgrind

LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/boseakadiri/

LinkedIn Company Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/goalandgrind/

YouTube Channel: @goalandgrind

Watch Bose's Interview on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gHFZZhs4XCg

EPISODE AND EMPOWERING WOMEN IN INDUSTRY LINKS