Momentum Matters

Momentum Leaders

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. 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
  2. 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
  3. 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

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.

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