How'd Her Career Get There?

Lauren Asghari.BizGal

Entrepreneur Lauren Asghari talks with women of all backgrounds about their career paths and personal journeys. You get a little bit of everything from this podcast, including practical business advice and mentorship guidance. Discover how individual women knocked down personal barriers to find their work passion!

  1. Episode 64: Scaling with Clarity, Brooke Lively

    FEB 11

    Episode 64: Scaling with Clarity, Brooke Lively

    In this episode, Lauren talks with Brooke Lively, a serial entrepreneur, author, and longtime insider in the legal world who knows law firms from the inside out. Brooke shares a peek into her unique career path, from retail and finance to working in her family’s law firm and ultimately building companies that help attorneys grow smarter, calmer, and more profitable practices. With sharp insight, quick wit, and a refreshingly human approach to leadership, Brooke touches on how best to scale a business, what some professionals get wrong about growth, and how clarity can change everything. She also previews her upcoming book, Scaling Law, releasing in February 2026, available to order on Amazon! https://www.linkedin.com/company/scalinglaw/ https://linkedin.com/in/brookelively/ https://brookelively.com/ Pre-order Brooke's new book here! https://tinyurl.com/yx6xn2ub

    56 min
  2. Episode 63: Building Better Systems with Kim McKay

    JAN 13

    Episode 63: Building Better Systems with Kim McKay

    In this episode, Lauren speaks with Kim McKay, Assistant Secretary of Programs for the Maryland Department of Disabilities, whose career has been shaped by both professional experience and personal purpose. Although she grew up around medicine, Kim knew early on that her path was not clinical. While working in healthcare administration, her son’s autism diagnosis became a turning point that led her to focus on improving systems of support for families navigating disability services. From leading nonprofit initiatives to developing innovative employment and education programs, Kim has dedicated her career to making complex systems more accessible and effective. Recognized as one of Maryland’s Top 100 Women in 2025, Kim shares her deep knowledge, hard-earned insight, and commitment to building better pathways for individuals with disabilities and the families who support them. https://www.linkedin.com/in/kim-mckay-9242b994/ https://mdod.maryland.gov/Pages/Home.aspx https://mcie.org

    54 min
  3. Episode 62: Leading with Quiet Confidence, Christian Pulley

    11/18/2025

    Episode 62: Leading with Quiet Confidence, Christian Pulley

    In this episode, Lauren sits down with Christian Pulley, nicknamed as the “silent assassin.” A quiet yet confident leader, Christian has made history as the first African American City Administrator for the City of Laurel. Named one of Maryland’s Top 100 Women by The Daily Record, she is a Certified Public Manager who has spent her career shaping community growth and driving progress since joining the City in 2008. Her no-nonsense leadership style, fierce dedication to her work, and deep love for family and sports make her a force to be reckoned with and a conversation you will not want to miss. Links for Audience: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christian-l-pulley-1308073/ https://www.cityoflaurel.org https://www.cityoflaurel.org/list.aspx?Mode=Subscribe#newsFlash https://www.cityoflaurel.org/209/Social-Media-Center https://www.cityoflaurel.org/372/Volunteering

    40 min
  4. Episode 61: Purpose, Passion, and Community with Katie Collins-Ihrke

    10/28/2025

    Episode 61: Purpose, Passion, and Community with Katie Collins-Ihrke

    In this episode, Lauren speaks with Katie Collins-Ihrke, Executive Director of The Arc of Howard County, an organization dedicated to achieving full community life for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Katie’s passion for advocacy started early, shaped by her experiences growing up with an aunt who had cerebral palsy and later working with a family whose children had autism. With master’s degrees in nonprofit management and business administration, she’s built a career focused on creating meaningful change in the nonprofit world. Named one of Maryland’s Top 100 Women in 2025 and a Leading Woman Under 40 in 2023 by The Daily Record, Katie shares her insights on leadership, purpose, and the power of compassion in action. Links: https://archoward.org https://www.facebook.com/ArcHoward/

    44 min

  5. 09/23/2025

    Episode 60: Fast Talk, Big Moves with Kelsey Nicole Nelson

    Get ready for KNN! In this episode, Lauren chats with Kelsey Nicole Nelson, an award-winning sports broadcaster whose dynamic presence is immediately captivating. Known for her work with FOX Sports, the Atlantic 10 Conference, American University women's basketball, and MLBbro.com, Kelsey brings energy and expertise to every platform. She's also the creative force behind the award-winning Listen In With KNN podcast, where she mentors future professionals through collegiate internship programs and she also teaches sports reporting at George Washington University. Bubbly, bold, and incredibly driven, Kelsey remains grounded in her roots while passionately creating pathways for women and girls of color in sports media. Links for the Audience: **Check out The Power Huddle: Women in Sports Broadcasting** http://bit.ly/3Ipa7ha https://kelseynicolenelson.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/KelseyNNelson/ https://www.instagram.com/therealknelson/ https://www.facebook.com/KelseyNicoleNelson https://twitter.com/therealknelson

    58 min
  6. Episode 59: A Faceted Life with Yvette Diamond

    08/26/2025

    Episode 59: A Faceted Life with Yvette Diamond

    In this episode, Lauren speaks with Yvette Diamond, an entrepreneur whose career has been anything but ordinary. She went from selling computer components after a teacher sparked her interest in technology, to serving as COO of an international publishing company, to running a health and beauty enterprise, and now to leading operations at Project JumpStart, Inc. while heading her own company, Our Facets. Through it all, she has pursued work that is deeply fulfilling and aligned with her values, while cherishing the relationships that have shaped her path. She is a wife, mother, soon-to-be published author of a book designed to help people navigate healthcare with confidence, and the co-host of a new podcast with her daughter where they share life experiences and lessons learned. Yvette’s insight, warmth, and wisdom make this a conversation you will not want to miss!LINKS:www.ourfacets.comhttps://www.dyvettediamond.com/https://projectjumpstarttraining.org/https://www.linkedin.com/in/yvettediamond/https://youtube.com/@theunconditionalpodcast?si=n10jds04wmdJbnHBhttps://www.facebook.com/yvette.diamond2

    47 min
  7. Episode 58: Off the Page with Hannah Shuman

    07/01/2025

    Episode 58: Off the Page with Hannah Shuman

    Hannah Shuman is the President and CEO of Tricerat, but her journey to the top wasn’t about taking the easy road, it was about proving herself. Growing up with a logical, tech-driven father and a warm, empathetic mother, Hannah embodies both intellect and heart. Her dad sparked her early interest in STEM, and now she’s passionate about doing the same for the next generation of girls. A self-described shy kid with fierce determination, Hannah shares how she worked her way up from intern to CEO, with a clear sense of purpose and a commitment to leading with integrity. For more information about the company Tricerat: ⁠⁠https://www.tricerat.com⁠⁠ Like, Comment, and Subscribe to support and grow this podcast!!

    48 min
  8. Episode 57: Redefining "Normal" with Katie Babcock, MA, LCPC

    05/13/2025

    Episode 57: Redefining "Normal" with Katie Babcock, MA, LCPC

    *****Before we begin, please note that today’s episode contains discussions that may be sensitive or triggering for some listeners. If you're struggling with your mental health, we encourage you to seek support—you're not alone, and help is available. While we are joined by a licensed therapist, this conversation is for informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional therapy.****** In honor of May's Mental Health Awareness Month, we’re joined by Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor Katie Babcock, whose path to healing started in a childhood where she quickly learned to navigate uncertainty. She turned to sports and physical strength, but eventually realized that true safety comes from within. Today, Katie leads a therapy practice supporting high-achieving professionals grappling with burnout, unresolved trauma, attention difficulties, and substance difficulties. She’s on a mission to destigmatize mental health and reframe so-called “issues” as normal human responses to pain. This episode is an honest, empowering reminder that healing is possible and that we all deserve support along the way. ****If you're struggling or need support, please know that you're not alone—help is available. You can call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, or dial 211 to connect with local resources and support services in your area*** https://www.counselingforprofessionals.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/katie-babcock-cfp/ https://www.facebook.com/katie.babs.9

    1h 2m
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

Entrepreneur Lauren Asghari talks with women of all backgrounds about their career paths and personal journeys. You get a little bit of everything from this podcast, including practical business advice and mentorship guidance. Discover how individual women knocked down personal barriers to find their work passion!

Information

  • Creator
    Lauren Asghari.BizGal
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2026
  • Episodes
    64
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Lauren Asghari.BizGal
  • Show Website
    How'd Her Career Get There?