Momentum Matters

Momentum Leaders
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Momentum Matters is the official podcast of Momentum, Alabama’s premier leadership organization advancing women in leadership. Hosted by April Benetollo, Katie Hannah, and Raven Holloway, this podcast raises awareness about the barriers women face on the path to leadership—and the skills, stories, and strategies that help move past them. Each episode features courageous conversations with changemakers across industries, sharing insights on leadership, equity, purpose, and personal growth. Whether you're navigating your own leadership journey or working to build a more inclusive workplace, Momentum Matters offers inspiration and tools to lead with impact. Tune in, turn it up, and lead with Momentum.

  1. Finding Your Voice: Leadership, Confidence & Communication with Velera Wilson

    18H AGO

    Finding Your Voice: Leadership, Confidence & Communication with Velera Wilson

    In this episode of Momentum Matters, host April Benetollo welcomes Velera Wilson, leadership expert, author, and keynote speaker, for a powerful conversation on confidence, communication, and authentic leadership. With more than 20 years of executive experience leading global teams and driving large-scale results, Velera shares how women leaders can overcome self-doubt, strengthen their mindset, and communicate with clarity and influence. She explores why confidence starts internally, how lived experience shapes leadership, and what it takes to show up authentically in high-stakes environments. Listeners will gain practical strategies for improving communication with senior leaders, peers, and teams, along with tools for building credibility, emotional intelligence, and resilience. Velera also reflects on her own leadership journey, from being the first in her family to graduate from college to becoming a sought-after leadership speaker and advisor. This episode is ideal for women leaders, emerging executives, entrepreneurs, and professionals seeking to strengthen their leadership presence, build confidence, and lead with greater purpose and impact. Visit our website: www.MomentumLeaders.org Follow us on Social Media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MomentumLeaders Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/momentumleaders LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/momentumleaders YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@momentumleaders

    30 min

  2. JAN 28

    The Power of Resilience in Leadership with Magie Cook

    In this episode of Momentum Matters, host April Benetollo welcomes Magie Cook, visionary entrepreneur, internationally recognized speaker, and keynote for the Momentum Leaders Annual Leadership Conference. Magie’s story is one of extraordinary resilience. After spending the first 18 years of her life in an orphanage in Mexico, she immigrated to the United States, earned a college basketball scholarship, experienced homelessness after graduation, and ultimately founded a fresh salsa company with just $800. That company later sold alongside Garden Fresh to Campbell’s Soup for $231 million. In this powerful conversation, Magie shares how adversity shaped her leadership mindset and led her to develop her 3R Framework—Resilience, Resourcefulness, and Relentlessness. Together, April and Magie explore what it truly takes to build something lasting: from cultivating purpose and aligning values, to leading teams with clarity, courage, and compassion. Listeners will hear practical leadership lessons, real-world entrepreneurship insights, and reflections on how women leaders can navigate challenge, rejection, and growth without losing themselves in the process. Magie also discusses her work today as a philanthropist and leadership advisor, collaborating with Fortune 100 and 500 companies and supporting orphanages and vulnerable communities in Mexico. This episode is a must-listen for women leaders, entrepreneurs, and anyone seeking to turn adversity into meaningful impact. Visit our website: www.MomentumLeaders.org Follow us on Social Media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MomentumLeaders Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/momentumleaders LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/momentumleaders YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@momentumleaders

    35 min
  3. Defining Your Legacy: Leadership, Living, and Being the Light with Andrea McCaskey Momentum Matters

    JAN 14

    Defining Your Legacy: Leadership, Living, and Being the Light with Andrea McCaskey Momentum Matters

    What does it mean to define your legacy while you’re still living it? In this episode of Momentum Matters, host Raven sits down with Andrea McCaskey, former statewide director of Momentum Leaders, for a powerful conversation about leadership, purpose, and influence. Andrea shares insights from her journey through corporate leadership, nonprofit work, and personal loss—revealing how faith, connection, and the practice of pausing to breathe have shaped her leadership philosophy. Together, they explore why legacy is built in the present and how leaders can pivot with clarity, intention, and courage. This episode is for women leaders, executives, and changemakers who want to lead with authenticity and impact. Tune in for inspiration, reflection, and a reminder that leadership is stronger when we are connected—and that Momentum Matters. Visit our website: www.MomentumLeaders.org Follow us on Social Media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MomentumLeaders Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/momentumleaders LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/momentumleaders YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@momentumleaders

    33 min
  4. Chief Encouragement Officer: Leading with Intentionality with Kathy Boswell

    12/17/2025

    Chief Encouragement Officer: Leading with Intentionality with Kathy Boswell

    In this inspiring episode of Momentum Matters, Raven Holloway sits down with Kathy Boswell, Chief Encouragement Officer and founder of B.Intentional. Kathy shares her unique approach to leadership, focusing on the power of encouragement and leaving a lasting legacy through intentional actions. She explains how being mindful in how we show up—whether in business or personal life—can make a profound impact on others. Kathy also delves into the importance of emotional intelligence and self-awareness in leadership. She emphasizes that true leadership isn’t about titles but about understanding our emotions and how they influence our actions. In a world filled with distractions, she encourages us to be intentional in every decision we make. Kathy’s shares her journey through grief, after losing her son Parker, and how it has deeply shaped her philosophy of living with purpose. Despite her pain, she continues to encourage others, embodying the power of faith, resilience, and love. This episode is a heartfelt reminder that intention truly matters in both leadership and life. Visit our website: www.MomentumLeaders.org Follow us on Social Media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MomentumLeaders Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/momentumleaders LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/momentumleaders YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@momentumleaders

    40 min
  5. Making Peace with the Imposter to Live Courageously with Maureen Zappala

    12/03/2025

    Making Peace with the Imposter to Live Courageously with Maureen Zappala

    In this episode of Momentum Matters, host April Benetollo sits down with Maureen Zappala—former NASA propulsion engineer, award-winning speaker, and keynote for the upcoming Momentum Leadership Conference—for an inspiring conversation about imposter syndrome, confidence, and unlocking your full potential. Maureen shares the unlikely childhood moment that sparked her career in engineering, what it was really like stepping into NASA as the youngest and first female manager in her lab, and how self-doubt shaped her early career. She breaks down the psychology of imposter syndrome, why high achievers are especially vulnerable, and the practical tools she now teaches to help people challenge distorted thinking and step boldly into their strengths. Whether you’re navigating a new role, leading teams, or striving to grow into your brilliance, this episode offers both clarity and encouragement. Tune in for a powerful preview of Maureen’s upcoming keynote for Rise 2026, Momentum's Leadership Conference—and learn how to quiet the inner critic so your confidence can rise. Learn more about our conference, here: https://conference.momentumleaders.org/ Visit our website: www.MomentumLeaders.org Follow us on Social Media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MomentumLeaders Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/momentumleaders LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/momentumleaders YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@momentumleaders

    31 min
  6. The Gathering Lab: On Building Meaningful Relationships with Janet King

    11/19/2025

    The Gathering Lab: On Building Meaningful Relationships with Janet King

    In this episode of Momentum Matters, host April Benetello sits down with Janet King, founder of The Gathering Lab, for a powerful conversation about why meaningful relationships feel harder to build today—and what we can do to change that. Janet shares how motherhood, remote work, and the pandemic shaped her passion for rebuilding authentic community. She breaks down the science of human connection, the hidden costs of social media and AI companionship, and why intentional gathering design is key to creating spaces where people feel depth, trust, and belonging. Whether you’re craving richer friendships, leading teams, or simply longing for more connection in an increasingly disconnected world, this episode offers both insight and hope. Tune in and explore how real relationships can thrive again—one intentional gathering at a time. Visit our website: www.MomentumLeaders.org Follow us on Social Media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MomentumLeaders Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/momentumleaders LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/momentumleaders YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@momentumleaders

    47 min
  7. Closing the Confidence Gap to Build Resilience with Kelli Thompson

    11/05/2025

    Closing the Confidence Gap to Build Resilience with Kelli Thompson

    Closing the Confidence Gap—at work and beyond. In this episode of Momentum Matters, CEO/cohost April Benetollo sits down with Kelli Thompson—award-winning author of Closing the Confidence Gap, TEDx speaker, and executive coach—to unpack how high achievers become influential leaders. Kelli shares: Her path from banking & HR to entrepreneurship and executive coachingWhy confidence is a side effect of action—and how to swap “but first” for “while also”The difference between achiever and strategic leader (and how to make the jump)A practical framework to speak up with authenticity (not a one-size “executive presence”)Navigating systemic barriers: non-promotable work, the “helper’s high,” and delegation that sticksInsights from her TEDx “Pedestal Problem” on authority bias and trusting your own voiceAbout Kelli Thompson Kelli is an award-winning author, keynote speaker, and executive coach whose work appears in Harvard Business Review, Fast Company, MarketWatch, Quartz, and Business Insider; she’s been profiled in Forbes and is a Stevie Award winner for Women in Business (Coach of the Year). Resources & Next Steps Book: Closing The Confidence Gap: Boost Your Peace, Your Potential & Your PaycheckWatch her TEDx by searching “Kelli Thompson TEDx”Learn more about Momentum Leaders: momentumleaders.orgEnjoying the show? Subscribe, rate, and share to amplify women’s leadership stories. Credits & Partners Produced by Social U. Brought to you by America’s Thrift Stores, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama, Protective Life, and Regions Bank. A full list of corporate partners is at momentumleaders.org. Special thanks to our Momentum members, donors, and volunteers. Visit our website: www.MomentumLeaders.org Follow us on Social Media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MomentumLeaders Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/momentumleaders LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/momentumleaders YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@momentumleaders

    32 min
  8. Understanding Legacy, Leadership, and Influence with Tonya Hill Mitchell

    10/22/2025

    Understanding Legacy, Leadership, and Influence with Tonya Hill Mitchell

    Legacy. Leadership. Influence. In this episode of Momentum Matters, cohost Raven Holloway sits down with Tonya Hill Mitchell—former HR executive, founder & executive director of Diane’s Heart, and Inspire Action coach—to talk about transforming loss into purpose, building a living legacy, and why women leaders must “act brand new” to step fully into their power. Tonya shares: The origin story of Diane’s Heart and the moment she chose purpose over a lucrative corporate pathHer three core coaching questions: Who am I? What do I want? Who am I here to serve?The difference between brand and reputation—and how to show up consistently“On the Cusp”: a new body of work about pouring out, being filled up, and moving beyond hesitationThe radical self-care practices that fuel resilience and clarityHow inspired action (not duty) moves us forwardConnect with Tonya Inspired Action Coaching and Consulting: myinspiredaction.com Email: tonya@myinspiredaction.com Diane’s Heart: https://dianesheart.org  Enjoying the show? Subscribe, rate, and share to amplify women’s leadership stories. Credits & Partners:  Produced by Social U Brought to you by America’s Thrift Stores, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama, Protective Life, and Regions Bank. A full list of corporate partners is available at momentumleaders.org.  Special thanks to our Momentum members, donors, and volunteers. Visit our website: www.MomentumLeaders.org Follow us on Social Media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MomentumLeaders Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/momentumleaders LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/momentumleaders YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@momentumleaders

    52 min
See All (42)

About

Momentum Matters is the official podcast of Momentum, Alabama’s premier leadership organization advancing women in leadership. Hosted by April Benetollo, Katie Hannah, and Raven Holloway, this podcast raises awareness about the barriers women face on the path to leadership—and the skills, stories, and strategies that help move past them. Each episode features courageous conversations with changemakers across industries, sharing insights on leadership, equity, purpose, and personal growth. Whether you're navigating your own leadership journey or working to build a more inclusive workplace, Momentum Matters offers inspiration and tools to lead with impact. Tune in, turn it up, and lead with Momentum.

Information

  • Creator
    Momentum Leaders
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    42
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Momentum Matters
  • Show Website
    Momentum Matters

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