Female Fridays

Rachel Keller
  • 5.0 (6)
  • PERSONAL JOURNALS

On Female Fridays, we go beyond the résumé to reveal the real stories of women leading with courage, complexity, and heart. Hosted by Rachel Keller — a journalist at heart and a Vice President by trade — this podcast features unfiltered conversations with extraordinary women in healthcare, senior living, entrepreneurship, and beyond. These are the stories behind the titles: breaking glass ceilings, navigating imposter syndrome, redefining power, and building legacy on their own terms. If you're craving deeper, more human stories of leadership — the doubt, the pivots, the quiet wins — you’re in the right place. Because true leadership was never just a title. Tune in each Friday for real talk, emotional insight, and the truth behind what it really takes to lead.

Episodes

  1. 11/07/2025

    When the Dream Changes: Mimi Godin on Outgrowing Your Plan and Finding a Bigger Purpose

    What happens when the dream you’ve been chasing for years no longer fits? After building a career across hundreds of dental practices, Mimi Godin landed the job she’d worked toward for years — only to realize six months later it wasn’t what she expected. In this honest conversation, she opens up about what it felt like to walk away from her “dream job,” navigate guilt and uncertainty, and follow curiosity into a completely new chapter of leadership. Today, as Senior Director of Dental Hygiene & Practice Development at Canada’s largest DSO, DentalCorp,  Mimi leads with a mindset that bridges clinical care and business outcomes — proving that success doesn’t mean climbing higher; it means staying aligned with what matters most. Whether you work in dentistry or not, this episode is for the high achiever with evolving dreams — the one wondering what’s next when the plan suddenly changes.  In This Episode The surprising reality of being the first hygienist in a practice — and what it taught her about leadershipHow curiosity (not planning) became Mimi’s greatest career strategyThe emotional truth of realizing your “dream job” isn’t the right fitNavigating the tension between patient care and business outcomesRedefining success as progress, not perfectionConnect Follow Mimi Godin, MBA on LinkedIn Follow Rachel on LinkedIn

    31 min

  2. 10/24/2025

    When Proving Yourself Is Exhausting: How to Reprioritize and Find Peace with Dr. Mariz Tanious

    What happens when the drive to prove yourself collides with the pressure to be perfect? In this episode of Female Fridays, I sit down with Dr. Mariz Tanious, Chief Dental Officer at Affinity Dental Management, who shares her deeply personal journey from struggling student to executive leader—and how learning to rest became her greatest act of resilience. From being an immigrant child navigating a new language to leading at the highest levels of dentistry, Dr. T’s story is one of faith, belief in herself, and grace. She opens up about what it means to lead as a woman in a male-dominated field, to parent a child with autism while building a demanding career, and to finally give herself permission to slow down. Resources & Mentions Cella & Rose CandlesConnect with Dr. Mariz Tanious on LinkedInLearn more about Affinity Dental Management

    43 min

  3. 10/10/2025

    She Took Care of Everyone Until She Finally Chose Herself: Roxy Couse on Building Half a Million Followers and Finding Freedom

    If you’ve ever felt the weight of holding everything together—at work, at home, and in your relationships—this episode is for you. This week on Female Fridays, I sit down with Roxy Couse, the creator known as The Millennial Manager. Roxy has built a community of nearly half a million followers across TikTok, Instagram, and LinkedIn by telling the truth about corporate life, burnout, and what it really means to choose yourself. Together, Roxy and I unpack what it looks like to: Build a personal brand that feels silly until it works—and embarrassing until it creates freedomLet go of being “superhuman” as a defense mechanismRedefine success outside of your 9-to-5Choose joy that isn’t tied to productivityTrust that what’s meant for you won’t miss youRoxy shares her journey from Senior Director in tech to full-time creator, her viral Love Letters to My 30s series, and the brave decision to walk away from a corporate job that no longer aligned with her peace. This episode is for the high achievers, the eldest daughters, and the corporate superwomen who feel like everyone else has permission to crumble—just not them. If you’ve ever wondered whether choosing yourself is too risky, Roxy’s story will feel like permission to breathe again. Key Themes: Personal branding for professionalsBurnout and boundaries in corporate cultureEldest daughter syndrome & perfectionismMillennial career transitionsMental health and therapy for high achieversFemale empowerment and leadershipGuest: Roxy Couse (@roxycouse) Creator, storyteller, and founder of The Millennial Manager brand. Follow Roxy on TikTok, Instagram, and LinkedIn for honest insights on career, creativity, and choosing joy in your 30s.

    35 min

  4. 09/26/2025

    She Jumped Out of Airplanes and Negotiated Million-Dollar Deals: Then Motherhood Brought Her to Her Knees. The Truth About Ambition & Motherhood with Priya Rednam-Waldo

    She jumped out of airplanes. Negotiated million-dollar public health deals. Graduated from Johns Hopkins. But when it came time to start her family, Priya Rednam-Waldo thought: how hard could a baby be? In this episode of Female Fridays, I sit down with Priya, a former Army officer, licensed perinatal therapist, and founder of Healing Home Counseling Group, a 7-figure practice supporting mothers and families. Priya opens up about her journey from West Point to postpartum, including traumatic pregnancies, adoption, and the identity shifts that shook her as a high-achieving woman.  Together, we dive into: ✨ The biggest lies we’ve been told about motherhood and career ✨ Why even top executives, surgeons, and founders struggle to feel worthy of support ✨ The truth behind buzzwords like work-life balance and work-life integration ✨ What it looks like to build your “motherhood playbook” before the storm hits ✨ How guilt, ambition, and invisible labor show up long after the newborn phase And for the first time, I’m bringing your voices in. I asked Priya the questions you sent me about balancing ambition and caregiving, traveling for work while parenting, and how to truly support mothers — even if you’re not one yourself. Whether you’re a mom, a leader, or someone who simply cares about mothers, this is a conversation I think you’ll carry with you. Website : www.priyarednamwaldo.com  Instagram: @priyarednamwaldo LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/priyarednamwaldo/

    45 min

  5. 09/11/2025

    When Life Comes Crashing Down: Katie Grant on Rebuilding After a Traumatic Brain Injury

    What happens when the identity you’ve worked your whole life to build disappears in an instant? That’s the story of Katie Grant, VP of Account Management at SafelyYou. A high-achieving nurse turned executive, Katie’s life was forever altered by a traumatic brain injury. Her world became small—confined to rehab, migraines, and uncertainty. But instead of staying small, Katie chose resilience. She rebuilt her life, her career, and her confidence—one vulnerable, courageous step at a time. In this unforgettable episode of Female Fridays, Katie opens up about: The wisdom seniors gave her as a young nurse (“live your life, say the things left unsaid”)How to grieve old identities—and why it’s essential for growthHow to grieve old identities—and why it’s essential for growthHow to move through loss and life-changing injuryHer battle with imposter syndrome, even as a VP leading a record-breaking teamWhy she pivoted into tech and joined SafelyYou (“any seat on a rocket ship is a good seat”)The launch of Halo, and how senior living technology is transforming careHer mission to mentor, sponsor, and advocate for women in leadershipKatie’s story is not just about surviving a setback. It’s about redefining leadership as authenticity, compassion, and courage. If you’ve faced a loss, a chronic illness, or a season where life hit harder than you could imagine, this episode will give you a roadmap to rise again. About Katie Grant:  Katie Grant is a seasoned leader in the senior living and health tech space, where she blends innovation with compassion to improve the lives of older adults. With a background that spans nursing, technology, and executive leadership, Katie has built a reputation for driving results while uplifting the people around her. She’s passionate about empowering women in leadership, openly sharing her own journey of overcoming health challenges and imposter syndrome to inspire others to rise with confidence. Today, she leads with resilience, heart, and a commitment to lifting up women at every stage of their careers, proving that when one woman’s voice grows stronger, we all move forward. If you loved this conversation, don’t miss Melissa’s episode, which Katie highlighted as one of her favorites.

    49 min

  6. 08/02/2025

    She Was a Dishwasher. Now She Runs the Room. Melissa Evraets on Power, Humility, and the Moment She Stopped Shrinking.

    Melissa Evraet’s story reads like a leadership masterclass in grit, humility, and reinvention. From a tiny town in Oklahoma to a high-rise office in Chicago, she rose through the ranks—starting as a dishwasher, becoming a nurse, and now serving as Chairwoman of Argentum’s Women in Leadership initiative and Chief Nursing Officer at Vi. In this episode of Female Fridays, we explore: How care and profitability can coexist in healthcare leadershipWhat happens when you stop asking “Why me?” and start owning your valueWhy nurses (and women) need to master the financial side of leadershipHer unexpected career pivot—and the recruiter who wouldn't give upThe mindset shift from imposter syndrome to impactHer advice to the young woman washing dishes—and to all the future leaders listening nowMelissa’s leadership is deeply human: equal parts data and heart, boldness and grace. This is a must-listen for anyone navigating self-doubt, climbing toward leadership, or redefining what’s possible in healthcare and senior living. Join Women In Leadership: https://www.argentum.org/research-and-initiatives/women-in-leadership/ Connect with Melissa on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-evraets-rn-msn-ne-bc-b375341b8/

    47 min

  7. 08/02/2025

    She Had the Harvard Degree and Dream Job—Then Walked Away from It All. Learning to Trust Yourself with Tama Kieves

    Have you ever done everything “right” — checked every box, landed the dream job, hit the big milestones — but still wondered, Is this really it? That’s exactly where my guest Tama Kieves found herself. She had the Harvard Law degree, the prestigious career, the life her family dreamed of… and she walked away from all of it to chase something she couldn’t ignore: her own voice. If you’ve ever felt stuck, burned out, or secretly longed for a different life, you’re not alone. In this episode, Tama gets honest about what it’s really like to leave behind expectations, face your fears, and finally trust yourself — even when it makes no sense on paper. You’ll hear us talk about: Why high achievers (especially women) are often the ones doubting themselves mostHow to tell the difference between intuition and anxietyThe unfiltered truth about starting over — with no plan, no safety net, and no regretsThe hidden cost of people-pleasing, perfectionism, and ignoring your inner voiceSimple, powerful tools Tama uses to help women get clear and take bold steps forwardIf you’re thinking about a career change, feeling overwhelmed, or just craving more meaning in your life, this conversation is for you. You’ll walk away with real strategies, plenty of “me too” moments, and (I hope) a renewed belief that your own dreams matter. This is for every ambitious woman who’s ever wondered if she’s allowed to want more. I can’t wait for you to listen. Learn more about Tama: https://tamakieves.com

    44 min

  8. 08/02/2025

    How to Lead When You’re the Youngest in the Room with Julianne Fries & Amy Robertson on Managing Older Employees

    If you're a younger manager leading older employees — or stepping into a leadership role before you feel ready — this episode is your go-to guide. I sat down with Julianne Fries and Amy Robertson of Cassia Life, two women who started in entry-level roles and are now shaping culture and leadership development across a multi-state senior care organization. We talk honestly about what it’s like to: Build trust when you’re managing people older than youLead teams with more experience than you — without faking it or shrinkingStep into leadership roles early in your career (and thrive)Create workplace culture programs that improve retention and moraleSupport burned-out staff in healthcare through empathy and systemsThis conversation is packed with real advice for young managers, especially women navigating leadership in senior care, healthcare, and intergenerational teams. Whether you’re wondering how to earn respect as a younger boss, how to lead older team members with confidence, or how to build a culture people actually want to be part of — this episode delivers. 🎧 Hit play for practical leadership tips, inspiring stories, and a fresh take on how to manage up, down, and across generational lines. Connect with Julianne: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julianne-fries-1615b560/ Learn more about Cassia: https://www.cassialife.org/

    42 min

  9. 08/02/2025

    This Is How Smart Women Are Using AI to Win at Work with Rachel Fuld-Cohen

    What does it really take to stay relevant in a world run by algorithms? This week on Female Fridays, I sat down with Rachel Fuld-Cohen — a brilliant, future-focused tech COO at Silicon Society who's helping people not just survive, but thrive in an AI-driven world. We covered everything from building all-female sales teams to the rise of micro-internships, to how to learn (and unlearn) when everything around you is shifting. If you're wondering how to adapt smart AI strategies, how to keep your human edge while everything automates, or how to lead with empathy and strategy — this episode is for you. We talked about: Why learning how to learn is your real superpowerThe theory of “planned happenstance” (and how it can shape your whole career)How prompt engineering, job shadowing, and curiosity are changing the gameWhat makes someone irreplaceable — even when AI is everywhereRachel doesn’t just talk about the future of work — she’s building it. And this conversation left me feeling what I think so many of us are craving right now: clear, capable, and ready. 📲 Connect with Rachel Fold-Cohen on LinkedIn Topics: AI in the workplace, women in tech, career transitions, learning new skills, future of work, workforce development, leadership in AI Connect with Rachel on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelfuldcohen/ Learn more about Silicon Society: https://www.siliconsociety.org/

    48 min

  10. 08/02/2025

    Pilar Carvajal Didn’t Just Ask for a Seat. She Started Redesigning the System.

    In this episode of Female Fridays, I talk with Pilar Carvajal — founder, CEO of Innovation Senior Living, and social impact entrepreneur — about what it really looks like to lead with vision, resilience, and purpose in the senior living space. Pilar shares her journey from corporate consulting to co-founding a company with her powerhouse mother, and eventually building Innovation Senior Living from the ground up. We talk about what it takes to leave a family business, navigate industry skepticism, and create space for truly mission-driven leadership. She also shares her next big leap: Longevity Day Communities — an innovative care model that blends scientific wellness, social connection, and aging in place. Think: proactive healthspan hubs for middle-market seniors, grounded in equity and purpose. ✨ In this conversation, we explore: What it means to be a social impact entrepreneurThe power (and pain) of leaving a family-run businessInnovation in affordable senior livingHer new longevity center model that’s changing the gameWhy she only hires women — and the radical clarity that bringsThe importance of gratitude in leadership cultureWhether you’re a leader, founder, innovator, or simply curious about the future of aging — this one is packed with bold ideas and grounded wisdom.

    32 min

  11. 08/02/2025

    Robin Rinke on What Happens When You Stop Pushing and Start Listening

    In this episode, I sit down with my friend Robin Rinke — a senior living executive, speaker, and newly published author — for a raw and soulful conversation about what it really means to lead with peace, purpose, and presence. Robin shares her personal journey through burnout, the moment she realized she needed to slow down, and how getting quiet led to a creative breakthrough. We talk about the pressure to perform, the cost of ignoring your intuition, and the inner voice that so many of us drown out in our busy lives. This one’s for any woman navigating a career pivot, recovering from burnout, or trying to reconnect with who she really is beneath the noise. ✨ We talk about: Authentic leadership in senior living and beyondGetting quiet enough to hear your next moveRecovering from burnout and redefining successWhy knowing yourself is the foundation of legacyHow to lead with energy that actually lifts a roomIf you’ve ever felt like you lost touch with yourself while climbing the ladder — this one’s for you. Connect with Robin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robin-r-rinke-15aa2131/ Get Robin's book on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/diVINE-Time-Robin-R-Rinke/dp/B0DTYW2M4Z

    37 min

  12. SEASON 1, EPISODE 1 TRAILER

    Trailer: Meet Female Fridays 👋 Real Stories. Bold Women. True Leadership.

    What Is Female Fridays? A Podcast for Women in Leadership, Healthcare & Entrepreneurship Welcome to the Female Fridays podcast — your weekly space for real conversations with women in leadership. This 60-second trailer gives you a quick feel for what we’re all about. Hosted by Rachel Keller, each episode features unfiltered stories from bold women in senior living, healthcare, entrepreneurship, and beyond. We go beyond the LinkedIn headline to talk about career pivots, breaking glass ceilings, imposter syndrome, and the quiet courage it takes to rise. If you’re searching for a podcast that blends leadership, authenticity, and legacy — you’re in the right place. Hit play to hear what Female Fridays is all about.

    1 min

Trailer

5
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

On Female Fridays, we go beyond the résumé to reveal the real stories of women leading with courage, complexity, and heart. Hosted by Rachel Keller — a journalist at heart and a Vice President by trade — this podcast features unfiltered conversations with extraordinary women in healthcare, senior living, entrepreneurship, and beyond. These are the stories behind the titles: breaking glass ceilings, navigating imposter syndrome, redefining power, and building legacy on their own terms. If you're craving deeper, more human stories of leadership — the doubt, the pivots, the quiet wins — you’re in the right place. Because true leadership was never just a title. Tune in each Friday for real talk, emotional insight, and the truth behind what it really takes to lead.

Information

  • Creator
    Rachel Keller
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    12
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Female Fridays
  • Show Website
    Female Fridays