UNITED State of Women

Kalena James & Julie Deem

UNITED State of Women is a personal leadership development podcast focused on educating and elevating women's ability to have it all and teach them how to get it! Our USW Podcast transforms personal and professional leadership frustrations for progress into visions for a better one. Women are uniting, starting businesses, and growing companies at a pace faster than ever before. They are at the table in more executive boardrooms, speaking out on more important personal and business issues and becoming key contenders and players in our state and local gov.

  1. 6d ago

    343 - Leading Through Ministry with Jessica Robinson *GLS Special*

    What does it look like to lead when you never planned on becoming a leader?In this episode of UNITED State of Women, Julie Deem sits down with Jessica Robinson at Global Leadership Summit. For Jessica Robinson, leadership began in the classroom and unexpectedly grew into a ministry director role at Crossroads Learning Corner, where she now leads a team of approximately 40 adults while serving children from six weeks old through 12 years old. This episode is a reminder that leadership isn't always about being the person with all the answers. Sometimes the most influential thing a leader can do is notice the gifts already present in the people around them and give them room to grow. What You Will Learn: How leading through relationships can transform workplace culture. Why authenticity and genuine connection are powerful leadership tools. How to influence people who may be older or more experienced than you. Why leaders should identify and empower the strengths of the people around them. How to help team members recognize that they are leaders, even when they don't have a leadership title. Why effective meetings need clear ownership and accountability. How asking who is doing what and by when can turn conversations into action. Why leaders should resist the urge to personally fix every problem. How changing small patterns can create meaningful improvements over time. Why leaders should look for opportunities to empower others instead of micromanaging. How recognizing an employee's unique strengths can lead to better organizational solutions. Why community involvement can expand an organization's impact. How leaders can identify resistance when introducing meaningful change. Why successful change often requires patience, consistency, and reinforcement. How the principle of finding reasons to like people can strengthen relationships. Why influence begins with seeing and valuing the people around you. FAQ: What does it mean to lead through influence? Leading through influence means positively impacting people through relationships, authenticity, trust, communication, and empowerment rather than relying only on a leadership title or position. How can you influence people who are older or more experienced than you? You can influence people who are older or more experienced by getting to know them personally, being authentic, understanding their strengths, listening to them, and building genuine relationships. Jessica Robinson found that connecting with her team as people helped her influence and strengthen the culture at Crossroads Learning Corner. How can leaders empower their employees? Leaders can empower employees by identifying their individual strengths, giving them ownership of responsibilities, encouraging professional development, and creating opportunities for them to become leaders themselves. Thank you Crossroads for hosting Global Leadership Summit in Kokomo and for inviting UNITED State of Women to record live at the conference!! Crossroads Community Church: https://ecrossroads.org/ Global Leadership Summit: https://www.globalleadership.org/summit Learn more about the latest tool for dynamic professionals in the self-improvement industry, LyfQuest. A mobile CRM platform that's uniquely made for you! Learn more at: https://lyfquest.io/ Instagram: USW Podcast ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@uswkokomo⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Kalena James ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@yesitskalenajames⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Julie Deem ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@indymompreneur⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ -------------------------------------------------- USW Kokomo ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Production by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Business Podcast Editor⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

  2. Aug 12

    342 - Your Calling Is Bigger Than Your Current Role *GLS Special*

    What if your calling was never about a specific job, title, or role, but about the impact you are uniquely called to make? In this special birthday episode of UNITED State of Women, Kalena James and Julie Deem celebrate from the Global Leadership Summit 2026 while reflecting on purpose, influence, faith, leadership, and the unexpected ways our lives and careers evolve. They explore the importance of knowing your why, asking God boldly for what you want, and paying attention to the doors that begin to open. Whether you are questioning your current path, trying to clarify your purpose, or wondering what your next season might look like, thisis your invitation to slow down, pay attention, and consider where your influence can make the greatest impact. What You Will Learn: Why your calling may be bigger than your current job, title, business, or role. How to identify the common thread connecting the different seasons of your life. Why knowing your why can help you avoid saying yes to everything and losing your direction. How your purpose can remain consistent even when the vehicle you use to fulfill it changes. Why asking better questions can create opportunities for progress and growth. How to become more intentional about asking God for what you want while remaining open to His timing and direction. Why effective leadership includes preparing for what happens after you leave. How succession planning can become part of your leadership strategy long before a transition occurs. Why influence is connected to helping other people see themselves clearly. How to identify the people you feel called to support and the problems you feel compelled to solve. Why the things you naturally notice in other people may provide clues about your own calling. FAQ: How do I figure out what my calling is? Look for the common denominator throughout the different roles, jobs, relationships, and seasons of your life. Pay attention to the problems you repeatedly feel drawn to solve, the people you naturally want to support, and what you are able to see in others that they may not see in themselves. What is the difference between a calling and a career? A career is one vehicle through which you can use your gifts and skills, while a calling can remain consistent even as your career, role, or circumstances change. The conversation describes calling as being connected to the impact you are meant to make rather than a specific title. How can I find my why? Slow down and examine the patterns and common threads throughout your life. Consider what you are passionate about, what experiences have shaped you, what problems you feel compelled to address, and why those things matter so deeply to you. Thank you Crossroads for hosting Global Leadership Summit in Kokomo and for inviting UNITED State of Women to record live at the conference!! Crossroads Community Church: https://ecrossroads.org/ Global Leadership Summit: https://www.globalleadership.org/summit Learn more about the latest tool for dynamic professionals in the self-improvement industry, LyfQuest. A mobile CRM platform that's uniquely made for you! Learn more at: https://lyfquest.io/ Instagram: USW Podcast ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@uswkokomo⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Kalena James ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@yesitskalenajames⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Julie Deem ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@indymompreneur⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ -------------------------------------------------- USW Kokomo ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Production by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Business Podcast Editor⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

  3. Aug 5

    341 - Building a Thriving Community Through Purpose-Driven Leadership with Marah Lago

    What does it take to build something that brings people together around a shared mission? In this episode of UNITED State of Women, Julie Deem sits down with Marah Lago, COO and co-creator of Military Creator Con, to discuss her remarkable entrepreneurial journey. From leading HR in corporate America and building an eight-figure jewelry business to launching a conference dedicated to military-connected creators, Marah shares the lessons she's learned about leadership, resilience, community, and taking calculated risks. Whether you're an entrepreneur, creative, event organizer, or someone building a community, Mara's insights offer practical wisdom for growing something that makes a lasting impact. What You Will Learn: Why business setbacks can become the foundation for your next opportunity. How to recognize transferable skills across completely different industries. The importance of building community before focusing on growth. What it takes to successfully launch and scale a live event. Why creating value for attendees, sponsors, and speakers matters equally. How networking can unexpectedly change both your career and personal life. The challenges and rewards of serving a niche audience. Why collaboration creates stronger businesses than competition. How intentional community building leads to long-term success. What military creators need most to grow their businesses and creative work. FAQ: What is Military Creator Con? Military Creator Con is an annual conference that brings together military-connected creators, entrepreneurs, artists, authors, filmmakers, podcasters, and innovators to learn, collaborate, and grow their businesses through education, networking, and community. How do you successfully build a conference from the ground up? Building a successful conference requires balancing the needs of attendees, sponsors, and speakers while creating valuable experiences, meaningful networking opportunities, and a clear mission that attracts the right audience. Why is community important for entrepreneurs? A strong community provides collaboration opportunities, accountability, referrals, education, and emotional support. Entrepreneurs who build relationships often create stronger businesses than those who work in isolation. Connect with Marah Lago and Military Creator Con https://www.militarycreatorcon.com/ Learn more about the latest tool for dynamic professionals in the self-improvement industry, LyfQuest. A mobile CRM platform that's uniquely made for you! Learn more at: https://lyfquest.io/ Instagram: USW Podcast ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@uswkokomo⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Kalena James ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@yesitskalenajames⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Julie Deem ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@indymompreneur⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ -------------------------------------------------- USW Kokomo ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Production by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Business Podcast Editor⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

  4. Jul 22

    339 - Loneliness and Mental Health with Stacey Sanderson of Inquire Within *Best of Episode*

    Pulling from the archives for this best of interview! Julie Deem invites Stacey Sanderson to the show. Stacey is a heart-centred Certified Holistic Life Coach and Registered Psychotherapist who specializes in helping people heal and release unhealthy patterns that come from narcissistic relational abuse. Connect with Stacey Sanderson Website: ⁠https://www.staceysanderson.ca/⁠ ⁠https://www.facebook.com/staceysandersonpsychotherapy/⁠ Instagram:   Stacey @inquirewithin YouTube:   ⁠@StaceySandersonInquireWithin⁠ Learn more about the latest tool for dynamic professionals in the self-improvement industry, LyfQuest. A mobile CRM platform that's uniquely made for you! Learn more at: https://lyfquest.io/ Instagram: USW Podcast ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@uswkokomo⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Kalena James ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@yesitskalenajames⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Julie Deem ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@indymompreneur⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ -------------------------------------------------- USW Kokomo ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Production by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Business Podcast Editor⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

  5. Jul 15

    338 - Turning Fear into Fuel *Best of Episode*

    Julie Deem shares how to turn your fears into fuel. Learn more about how she navigated her own personal fears in 2020. Episode Highlights: Fear is natural.Acknowledge your fear by asking yourself questions.Reframe your mindset around the fear.Learn more about the latest tool for dynamic professionals in the self-improvement industry, LyfQuest. A mobile CRM platform that's uniquely made for you! Learn more at: https://lyfquest.io/ Instagram: USW Podcast ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@uswkokomo⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Kalena James ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@yesitskalenajames⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Julie Deem ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@indymompreneur⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ -------------------------------------------------- USW Kokomo ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Production by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Business Podcast Editor⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

  6. Jul 8

    337 - Breaking Free from Abuse with Jen Lee

    What if the abuse you experienced never left a bruise, but still changed everything about who you believed you were? In this episode of UNITED State of Women, Julie Deem sits down with Jen Lee, founder of Healing in Sharing, author of Why I Survived, and advocate for women healing from trauma. Jen courageously shares her personal story of surviving emotional and psychological abuse, the subtle manipulation that kept her trapped, and the long road toward reclaiming her identity. If you've ever questioned your worth, struggled to trust yourself, or felt invisible, this episode will remind you that your voice matters, your story has value, and healing is always possible. What You Will Learn: How emotional abuse often develops slowly, making it difficult to recognize. Why trusting your intuition can become one of your greatest sources of protection. How manipulation, isolation, and codependency can quietly reshape your identity. Why survivors often stay longer than others expect—and why compassion matters. How unresolved childhood trauma can influence adult relationships. The role journaling and storytelling play in emotional healing. Why finding the right community can accelerate your healing journey. How to begin rebuilding confidence after experiencing emotional abuse. Why healing isn't linear and looks different for every survivor. How sharing your story can become part of your purpose. FAQ: Why is it so difficult to leave an emotionally abusive relationship? Emotional abuse often creates trauma bonds, dependency, fear, and confusion over time. Many survivors experience cycles of affection and manipulation that make leaving incredibly difficult. The decision to leave is often one of the most dangerous and emotionally complex parts of the relationship. How do you begin healing after emotional abuse? Healing often begins by acknowledging what happened, seeking safe support, working with qualified professionals when needed, practicing self-compassion, journaling, building healthy relationships, and allowing yourself time to process the experience without rushing recovery. What is Healing in Sharing? Healing in Sharing is an organization founded by Jen Lee that creates safe spaces for women to heal through storytelling, community, speaking events, journals, and one-on-one listening sessions. Its mission is to help women feel seen, heard, and empowered on their healing journey. Connect with Jen Lee https://www.thehealinginsharing.com/ Learn more about the latest tool for dynamic professionals in the self-improvement industry, LyfQuest. A mobile CRM platform that's uniquely made for you! Learn more at: https://lyfquest.io/ Instagram: USW Podcast ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@uswkokomo⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Kalena James ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@yesitskalenajames⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Julie Deem ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@indymompreneur⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ -------------------------------------------------- USW Kokomo ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Production by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Business Podcast Editor⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

4.8
out of 5
26 Ratings

About

UNITED State of Women is a personal leadership development podcast focused on educating and elevating women's ability to have it all and teach them how to get it! Our USW Podcast transforms personal and professional leadership frustrations for progress into visions for a better one. Women are uniting, starting businesses, and growing companies at a pace faster than ever before. They are at the table in more executive boardrooms, speaking out on more important personal and business issues and becoming key contenders and players in our state and local gov.