The Empowering Women Podcast

Empowering Women in Industry
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Interviews with successful career women from a variety of industries. We hope to empower women in their career aspirations, whether that's climbing a corporate ladder or becoming an entrepreneur.

  1. 4d ago

    Manufacturing Reimagined with Catherine Hayes

    What comes to mind when you hear the word manufacturing? A factory floor? Machines? Assembly lines? Maybe something dirty, loud, and decidedly old school? It might be time to reimagine that picture. In this special Manufacturing Day episode of the Empowering Women Podcast, Shannon sits down with Catherine Hayes, Director of Industry Solutions at the South Carolina Research Authority (SCRA), to explore what modern manufacturing really looks like and where it may be headed next. From AI and robotics to reshoring and new approaches to workforce development, manufacturing is changing quickly. But this conversation isn't only about technology. Shannon and Catherine explore the people, leadership, and culture needed to turn all that possibility into progress. They talk about breaking down silos, creating room for experimentation, learning across generations, and the wide range of careers available in manufacturing today. Because while the tools may be changing, one thing hasn't: People still matter. As Catherine puts it, even in an increasingly AI-powered world, “You still need a human.” This Manufacturing Day, we're looking beyond the outdated picture of the factory floor and exploring an industry full of technology, creativity, opportunity, and possibility. Welcome to Manufacturing Reimagined. If you are looking for a place to learn more, attend the upcoming 2026 Southeast Manufacturing Conference and Expo!  It is November 3 through 5 in Greenville, SC at the Greenville Convention Center. Find out more info here:  https://scmanufacturingconference.com/ 💬Gems from Catherine: “AI in manufacturing is going to be the game changer.” “You still need a human.” “The human in the loop is critical, especially now with AI.” “You need to empower people to learn…. empowering them to be able to look outside of the four walls” “Fail fast, fail cheap.” “The right to fail is critical.” Advice:  “If I had to put it in two words, I would say, stay curious.”  👋Meet Catherine Hayes: Catherine Hayes brings more than 20 years of international industrial experience across manufacturing, engineering, operations, and technology adoption. As Director of Industry Solutions at the South Carolina Research Authority (SCRA), Catherine works across industry, academia, and technology companies to advance innovation and support industry growth. She also serves as Director of Cross-Sector Partnerships for the NSF Grid Modernization Engine in the Carolinas, helping connect more than 100 partners working to accelerate technology adoption and expand manufacturing capabilities across the region. Throughout her career, Catherine has been a champion for Industry 4.0, digital transformation, and the continued evolution of manufacturing.   🌐Connect with Catherine ·       South Carolina Research Authority: https://www.scra.org/ ·       NSF Grid Modernization Engine in the Carolinas:  https://carolinasgridengine.com/ ·       LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/catherine-hayes-83a11638/ ·       Email:  catherine.hayes@scra.org ·       Kalamazoo Wings:  https://kwings.com/   EMPOWERING WOMEN IN INDUSTRY LINKS Empowering Women in Industry Membership Empowering Women in Industry Magazine Empowering Women in Industry Website Empowering Women in Industry Virtual Events

  2. Sep 23

    Rebellious Success with Toni Will

    What if the life that looks successful on paper… doesn't actually feel successful anymore? For many women, particularly in midlife, that question can be unsettling. We've spent years building careers, checking boxes, meeting expectations, and following paths we were told would lead somewhere meaningful. Then one day, we find ourselves wondering: Is this still the life I want? In this episode of the Empowering Women Podcast, Shannon sits down with Toni Will, General Manager and Governor of the Kalamazoo Wings, TEDx speaker, executive coach, podcast host, and author of Rebellious Success. Toni's own path has been anything but conventional. From banking to professional hockey, through difficult relationships, career setbacks, sobriety, leadership, and reinvention, she has learned that there isn't one right way to build a successful life. And that is exactly the point of Rebellious Success. Shannon and Toni talk about recognizing when you've outgrown a version of success that once worked for you, questioning the expectations we've inherited, knowing when to push and when to pull back, and finding the courage to follow a path that other people may not understand. They also explore why setbacks can sometimes redirect us toward opportunities we never would have chosen for ourselves, why Toni believes in "mission over money," and why women need to stop waiting until they feel completely ready before trying something new. This conversation is an invitation to get curious about the rules you've been following — and whether they still belong in the life you're building. Because rebellious success isn't about rebelling simply for the sake of it. It's about defining your own path — and being willing to own it. 💬 Gems from Toni: “I feel like the definition of success can be whatever we want it to be... There's no one right path.” “Rebellious success means define your own path, and... really embrace it, and be okay with it.” “Just be who you are.” “We want to be ready, we want the blueprint, we want the certainty.” “Mission over money. If I love what I do, the money will follow.” “My greatest wish in this is that women are showing up exactly how they are.” “There's enough room for all of us to do whatever it is we dream to do. The only thing that is scarce is time.” “We're not competition, ladies... there's more than enough for all of us.” “Become a learner.” “That is how you continue to truly grow, and not get stagnant, and you can see there's possibility in other people's stories.” 🔗 Episode Resources & Links: 🌐 Connect with Toni ·       Website: https://www.toniwill.com/ ·       Toni’s LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/tonildaniels/ ·       Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tonilentini ·       IG:  https://www.instagram.com/imtoniwill/?hl=en ·       Kalamazoo Wings:  https://kwings.com/   📚 Resources Recently Released Book!  Strategic Visibility, Rebellious Success: Six Truths to Release Perceived Weaknesses and Become UnstoppableWomen In Podcast: https://www.toniwill.com/women-in-podcastThis Naked Mind:  https://thisnakedmind.com/  EMPOWERING WOMEN IN INDUSTRY LINKS Empowering Women in Industry Annual Conference Sept 30_New Orleans Empowering Women in Industry Membership Empowering Women in Industry Magazine Empowering Women in Industry Website Empowering Women in Industry Virtual Events

  3. Aug 26

    Game-Changing Influence with Stacy Cassio

    Getting a seat at the table matters. But what happens once you're there? In this special Women's Equality Day episode of the Empowering Women Podcast, Shannon reunites with Stacy Cassio, Founder and CEO of Pink Mentor Network - and the very first guest to join the podcast back in 2021. This time, they're talking about game-changing influence: how we build it, how we use it, and why you don't need a certain title or position to start making an impact. Stacy challenges us to think differently about where influence really comes from. It is not simply authority. It is understanding the value you bring.  It is using your expertise, building meaningful relationships, speaking up from where you sit, and connecting your work to the bigger picture. Shannon and Stacy explore what it means to be seen, known, and remembered; why mentorship and sponsorship matter throughout our careers; how to create opportunities instead of waiting for them; and why women shouldn't just have a seat in the rooms where decisions are made.  We should be helping shape those decisions. Whether you're just beginning your career, navigating a transition, or thinking about the legacy you want to leave behind, this conversation is an invitation to recognize something you may be underestimating: Your influence starts right where you are. Watch the interview on YouTube. 💬 Gems from Stacy: “It's not a pressure to carry it forward, it's a responsibility.” “In strategic influence and strategic thinking, you are a key player no matter where you sit.” [On strategic influence] “It's like a muscle. When you flex it, it's going to get stronger, and you're going to start to see your influence expand.” “Your voice might not be at the same volume as mine today... it starts with a whisper.” “There is a mentor's voice in us all.” “We have to take responsibility of who sees, knows, and remembers us when we're not in the room.” “You can be the one who asks the thing that nobody has considered, or the one that asks the thing that nobody is speaking up about.” “[Knowing your impact] is transformational, because you know your value in every room.” 🔗 Episode Resources & Links: 🌐 Connect with Stacy and Pink Mentor Network ·       Website: https://www.pinkmentornetwork.com/ ·       Stacy’s LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/stacycassio/ ·       Pink Mentor LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pinkmentornetwork/posts/?feedView=all     📚  Resources Strategic Influence Template:  Strategic Visibility, The Path to InfluenceBrene Brown List of Values: https://brenebrown.com/resources/dare-to-lead-list-of-values/Subscribe to Stacy’s Mentoring Moments Newsletter:  https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/6864250463529787393/    EMPOWERING WOMEN IN INDUSTRY LINKS Empowering Women in Industry Annual Conference Sept 30_New Orleans Empowering Women in Industry Membership Empowering Women in Industry Magazine Empowering Women in Industry Website Empowering Women in Industry Virtual Events

  4. Aug 5

    Rise on Purpose with Kelly Mooney

    What if the biggest thing holding your career back... ...is waiting for someone else to choose you? In this episode of the Empowering Women Podcast, Shannon sits down with leadership expert, former CEO, and Equipt Women founder Kelly Mooney, co-author of the newly released book UP!: The Playbook for Every Woman on the Rise. But this conversation isn't just about career advancement. It's about choosing yourself before someone else does. It's about letting go of perfection, building the courage to take the next step, and creating a career - and a life - with intention instead of waiting for opportunity to arrive. Together, Shannon and Kelly explore why so many women hesitate to raise their hands, how to navigate workplaces that weren't always designed for them, the power of champions and sponsors, and why the smallest move today can change the trajectory of tomorrow. Whether you're considering a new opportunity, feeling stuck where you are, or simply wondering what comes next, this episode is a reminder that you don't have to have the entire journey figured out. Sometimes... The most important move is simply deciding to move. Watch on YouTube. 💬 Gems from Kelly: "Why not me?"  “It never occurred to me that I was capable and qualified. That I should raise my hand.” "You have to work with people whose values you respect. You are much happier and more fulfilled at work when you do.”  "Opportunities don't come to you when you're sitting comfortably in your comfort zone."  "Being a role model is important, but being perfect isn't."  "Make a move." 🔗 Episode Resources & Links: 🌐 Connect with Kelly Website: https://equiptwomen.com/ LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/pkmooney/   📚  Books and Resources Kelly’s New Book: https://equiptwomen.com/upbook/ Subscribe to Kelly’s Newsletter:  https://equiptwomen.com/get-equipt/   🏔️ Learn More Equipt Women Programs https://equiptwomen.com/programs/  Equipt Essentials:  Free Career and Life Tools https://equiptwomen.com/essentials/     EMPOWERING WOMEN IN INDUSTRY LINKS Empowering Women in Industry Annual Conference Sept 30_October 1 New Orleans Empowering Women in Industry Membership Empowering Women in Industry Magazine Empowering Women in Industry Website Empowering Women in Industry Virtual Events

  5. Jul 15

    Choose Your Climb with Alexandra Nemeth

    What if the biggest adventure of your life isn't standing on top of a mountain... ...but taking the first step toward something that scares you? In this episode of the Empowering Women Podcast, Shannon sits down with international mountain leader, polar guide, photographer, and author Alexandra Nemeth—the first Hungarian to climb the highest mountain on every continent, including Mount Everest.  But this conversation isn't just about mountaineering. It's about choosing courage when certainty would feel easier. It's about finding purpose through unexpected twists, embracing discomfort as a path to growth, and discovering that resilience is built one step at a time. Together, Shannon and Alexandra explore the risks worth taking, the lessons hidden inside failure, the confidence that comes from doing hard things, and why adventure looks different for every one of us. Whether your next climb is changing careers, chasing a dream, speaking up, or simply trying something new, this episode will remind you that growth rarely happens inside your comfort zone. Because sometimes... The greatest summit you'll ever reach is the one you choose to climb. Watch the fill interview on YouTube. 💬 Gems from Alexandra: "I would rather adjust along the way than never know if it would have worked or not."  "Less about avoiding risk, but more about understanding what matters."  "Adventure is stepping slightly beyond what feels comfortable."  "I think people regret things they didn't do far more than the mistakes that they made along the way."  "If there is the spark, that curiosity, then listen to it." 🔗 Episode Resources & Links: 🌐 Connect with Alexandra ·       Website: https://alex7summits.com  ·       Instagram: @alex7summits  ·       Email: alex7summits@gmail.com   📚  Books and Resources Alex’s New Book: https://www.alex7summits.com/the-book  🏔️ Learn More Speaking and Keynotes https://www.alex7summits.com/speakingAlpine Seasons Series https://www.alex7summits.com/alpine-seasons-seriesPrivate Alpine Tours: https://www.alex7summits.com/alpine-tours    EMPOWERING WOMEN IN INDUSTRY LINKS NEW Empowering Women in Industry Annual Conference Sept 30_October 1 New Orleans Empowering Women in Industry Membership Empowering Women in Industry Magazine Empowering Women in Industry Website Empowering Women in Industry Virtual Events

  6. Jun 23

    Engineering Your Future with Jossie Haines

    June 23 marks International Women in Engineering Day (INWED), a global celebration of the women designing, building, and shaping the future around us. In this episode of the Empowering Women Podcast, Shannon sits down with Jossie Haines - Princeton-educated engineer, technical Emmy Award winner, former VP of Engineering at Tile, and executive coach for women in technology leadership. With more than 25 years of experience spanning Apple, Zynga, and Tile, Jossie has seen both the incredible opportunities and very real challenges that come with building a career in engineering. From navigating burnout and imposter syndrome to creating her own executive role and helping leaders thrive in the age of AI, Jossie shares an honest and refreshing perspective on what it means to lead with both ambition and humanity. Together, Shannon and Jossie explore belonging, career reinvention, workplace culture, networking, and why the most valuable skills in an AI-powered world may be the most human ones. Whether you're an engineer, a leader, or simply someone wondering what's next in your career, this conversation is packed with practical wisdom and encouragement to help you define success on your own terms. Because the future isn't something that happens to us. It's something we help create. Watch this interview on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JbbBtRJ_Z9A 💬 Gems from Jossie: “I truly believe that with inclusive cultures, we can actually build technology that fulfills the needs of our diverse world.” “Don't gaslight yourself.” “What you can control is staying open to looking at the possibilities.” “Only you can connect the dots based on the perspective you have.” “The best leaders in the AI world are the ones who are leaning into the human-centric skills that they can uniquely use.” “You get to define what your version of success is. You get to own that.” 🔗 Episode Resources & Links: 🌐 Connect with Jossie Website LinkedIn Email  💼 Media to Explore Past Podcast InterviewsWomen in Tech Guide   International Women in Engineering Day   EMPOWERING WOMEN IN INDUSTRY LINKS Empowering Women in Industry Membership Empowering Women in Industry Magazine Empowering Women in Industry Website Empowering Women in Industry Carolinas Conference Empowering Women in Industry Virtual Events

  7. Jun 5 ·  Bonus

    Community in the Carolinas with Charli Matthews Carruth

    What happens when women find a community that truly sees them? In this special bonus episode of the Empowering Women Podcast, host Shannon Bumgarner sits down with Empowering Women in Industry founder Charli Matthews Carruth to talk about the vision behind the inaugural Carolinas Conference and the power of connection in industry. Together, they explore why community matters, how mentorship and advocacy help women grow, and what makes Empowering Women events feel different from other professional conferences. They also discuss leadership lessons, the importance of investing in yourself, and why the next generation of women in manufacturing, engineering, and skilled trades gives them so much hope. Whether you're attending the Carolinas Conference on July 9th or simply looking for encouragement in your career journey, this conversation is a reminder that you belong, your voice matters, and you don't have to go it alone. Watch this interview on YouTube. 💬 Gems from Charli: “We're really just putting up a mirror to show them that they already have it within themselves to accomplish.” “You absolutely belong in the room.” “It's amazing how much you can do when you're not letting the pressures of work, family, or friends direct your steps.” “Allow people to help you. Allow people to use their gifts and support you.” “You're not leaving alone anymore. You have a whole community, a whole network of resources.”   EMPOWERING WOMEN IN INDUSTRY LINKS Empowering Women in Industry Carolinas Conference Empowering Women in Industry Membership Empowering Women in Industry Magazine Empowering Women in Industry Website Empowering Women in Industry Virtual Events

  8. May 20

    Hope is a Leadership Skill with Jen Fisher

    May is Mental Health Awareness Month - a time to pause and rethink how we care for ourselves and the people around us. Because the truth is, many of us are running fast… and, let’s be honest, running tired. In this episode of the Empowering Women Podcast, Shannon sits down with workplace wellbeing expert, keynote speaker, and author Jen Fisher to explore a powerful idea: hope isn’t just a feeling—it’s a leadership skill. Jen shaped the conversation around wellbeing as the first-ever Chief Wellbeing Officer at Deloitte, helping organizations rethink burnout, human sustainability, and what it truly means to lead people—not just manage performance. But Jen’s work didn’t start in a boardroom. It started with her own experience navigating burnout and discovering that real hope is not passive. It’s intentional. It’s actionable. And it can transform the way we lead, work, and live. Together, Shannon and Jen unpack why hope matters more than ever in today’s world of work, how leaders can cultivate it within their teams, and why the smallest steps forward often create the biggest change. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, burned out, or unsure how to keep moving forward - this conversation the breath of fresh air you’ve been looking for. And maybe a reminder that hope isn’t naïve. It’s strategic. Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Kuz0wuf9NKY 💬 Gems from Jen: “I want you to behave and lead in a way that inspires hope.” “Do you want to be the leader of a hopeful organization or a hopeless organization?” “Hope requires three things. It requires a goal, clarity around that goal, pathways to reach it, and the agency to actually impact change.” “Real hope requires action.” “Eleven years ago we weren't having these conversations in the workplace—we weren’t talking about well-being, and we certainly weren’t talking about burnout.” “If one pathway is blocked, you can switch and say: that didn’t work, what did I learn? I’m going to move to the next pathway.” 🔗 Episode Resources & Links: 🌐 Connect with Jen Fisher Website LinkedIn Instagram  💼 Media to Explore TEDx Talk: The Future of WorkThe WorkWell Podcast   📚 Books & Research Mentioned Hope Is the Strategy — Jen Fisher Hope Theory Research — C.R. Snyder  EMPOWERING WOMEN IN INDUSTRY LINKS Empowering Women in Industry Membership Empowering Women in Industry Magazine Empowering Women in Industry Website Empowering Women in Industry Carolinas Conference Empowering Women in Industry Virtual Events

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About

Interviews with successful career women from a variety of industries. We hope to empower women in their career aspirations, whether that's climbing a corporate ladder or becoming an entrepreneur.

Information

  • Creator
    Empowering Women in Industry
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    116
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Empowering Women Podcast
  • Show Website
    The Empowering Women Podcast