This is How She Did It with Bonnie Habyan: Top Women Podcast, Conversations for Women, GenX Women, MidLife Women on Claiming

Bonnie Habyan

Welcome to This is How She Did It—a bold, honest, and inspiring space for women who are building success on their own terms. Here, we spotlight real conversations with women who've faced big challenges, pushed through fear, and stepped into their worth with grit and authenticity. These are stories of persistence, reinvention, and those "finally me" moments that change everything—no fluff, just powerful insights, unfiltered wisdom, and hard-earned lessons from women who refused to be held back and created their path to find success and overcome adversity. If you're looking for authentic connection, courage, and practical takeaways for creating the life or career you want, you're in the right place. Because your story isn't over—it's unfolding with every step you take toward your goals and every time you truly know your worth. This podcast will answer questions like: What does success look like for women today—and how do we give ourselves permission to redefine it? How do women rebuild confidence after a career break, pivot, or setback? How do women overcome the fear of starting over—and what does it look like to push through when doubt and uncertainty arise? How can women know and own their worth—claiming their value and embracing their strengths? How can women not only own their dreams but also refuse to apologize for them? What are practical ways women can put themselves out there again—authentically and boldly? How do women quiet the inner critic and reclaim their voice and power? What does resilience really look like when life doesn't go according to plan? How can women turn life lessons and hard-earned wisdom into something meaningful? How do women surround themselves with others who get it—their tribe—those who accept them for who they are and support their ambitions and dreams? What small (but powerful) steps can women take today to move toward the life they want next? Most importantly, you'll hear the real stories of women who have faced fear head-on, pushed through, and emerged stronger. Because the world needs more women who know their worth, go after what they want, and aren't afraid to stand in it—no matter what. Let's build, rise, and do it together—unapologetically. 💪✨

  1. How to Reinvent Yourself: 5 Fearless Lessons from Joan Lunden

    Jun 3

    How to Reinvent Yourself: 5 Fearless Lessons from Joan Lunden

    Joan Lunden was the face of Good Morning America for 17 years. Then, at 46, she was let go. What followed became one of the most powerful stories of reinvention, resilience, and women's empowerment in modern media. In this deeply inspiring conversation, Joan Lunden opens up about breaking into a male-dominated television industry, rebuilding her identity after public career loss, and transforming a breast cancer diagnosis into a mission that changed women's healthcare advocacy forever. 💡 KEY TAKEAWAYS: Reinvention never retires Resilience is built through adversity Starting over is not failure — it's evolution Your purpose is bigger than your title Want it more than you're afraid of it She also reflects on the advice that shaped her career from Barbara Walters, her groundbreaking partnership with Charlie Gibson, and the mindset that helped her continue evolving through every chapter of life. Her message is unforgettable: "They can take you out of a job, but they can't fire you from your gift." This episode is a masterclass in self-improvement, intentional living, resilience, and how to succeed when life forces you to start over. 🎙️ IN THIS EPISODE: 00:00 Joan Lunden's reinvention story 03:43 Breaking barriers for women in television 05:28 Barbara Walters' career advice 08:36 Being a working mother before it was accepted 10:24 Leaving Good Morning America and redefining success 13:10 "You can't get fired from your gift" 19:45 Public scrutiny and staying grounded 24:37 Breast cancer and women's health advocacy 27:00 The fight for mandatory mammogram reporting 33:53 Advice for women afraid to start over This conversation is for anyone navigating: • Career transitions • Burnout or identity shifts • Women in leadership • Personal growth and healing • Breast cancer awareness • Reinvention after loss or change 🔔 Subscribe for conversations about resilience, reinvention, leadership, healing, and personal growth. Resources 🔔 Subscribe to my newsletter here for weekly conversations with people who refuse to be defined by their hardest moments. Visit my website here: www.meetbonnieh.com #WomenEmpowerment #MindsetMotivation #PersonalDevelopmentPodcast #OvercomingAdversity #SelfImprovementPodcast #BOLDMethod #AudaciousExpansion #Resilience #ErikaRothenberger #WomenInLeadership #PersonalGrowth #ResiliencePodcast #WomenEmpowermentPodcast #PersonalDevelopment #Podcast

    37 min
  2. How to Become Unbreakable and Rise After the Unthinkable

    May 6

    How to Become Unbreakable and Rise After the Unthinkable

    In 2022, civil engineer and entrepreneur Erika Rothenberger was violently attacked in her workplace parking lot — and it changed everything. In this powerful episode, Erika shares the 5-step framework she used to go from victim to advocate, from shattered to stronger. What you'll learn: → Why resilience isn't about being unbreakable → How to reclaim your sense of identity after trauma → The one mindset shift that turned her pain into purpose → How she's fighting to change strangulation laws in Pennsylvania → Why community is the #1 factor in trauma recovery Erika is a TEDx speaker, host of the "Grit, Grace & Glitz" podcast, founder of the Audacious Women's Summit, and author of the upcoming book "Audacious Expansion." ⏱ 00:00 – Introduction 02:15 – The attack that changed everything 07:30 – Rock bottom & the identity crisis 13:00 – The engineering mindset applied to trauma 19:45 – Step 1: Acknowledge but don't be defined 23:10 – Step 2: Redefine resilience 27:00 – Step 3: Build your support community 31:20 – Step 4: One small empowered action 35:50 – Step 5: Turn pain into purpose 41:00 – The Audacious Women's Summit & what's next                                                                                                                      🎧 Listen now to This Is How SHE Did It with Bonnie Habyan 👉 Follow Bonnie on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/bonnie-habyan Visit meetbonnieh.com #TraumaRecovery #WomenEmpowerment #ResilienceStory #SurvivorStory #AudaciousWomen #GritGraceGlitz #TedxSpeaker #WomenInEngineering #MentalHealthAwareness #PodcastForWomen

    34 min
  3. How She Built Build-A-Bear—and Changed Retail Forever

    Mar 4

    How She Built Build-A-Bear—and Changed Retail Forever

    She Built More Than a Bear—She Built a Movement. At 48, Maxine Clark left a top corporate role to follow a spark of "kid think"—and turned it into the global sensation, Build-A-Bear Workshop. In this inspiring episode, Maxine shares how she broke barriers, trusted her gut, and built an empire when few believed a woman—or a teddy bear—could. You'll learn how she faced down skeptics, raised millions, and took her company public—all without losing her heart or her vision. Her story is packed with real-life lessons on confidence, curiosity, and the power of persistence. If you're ready to stop waiting for permission and start building your dream, this is your blueprint. About Maxine Clark https://www.buildabear.com/brand-about-story-founder.html Resources  Build-A-Bear Workshop: https://www.buildabear.com Resources At 48, Maxine Clark walked away from a powerful corporate career to follow a spark of "kid think"—and turned it into Build-A-Bear Workshop, a global phenomenon. In this episode, she shares how she trusted her gut when few believed in the idea, faced down skeptics, raised millions, and took her company public—proving that joy can be a serious business strategy. This is a conversation about courage, reinvention, and betting on yourself when the odds say don't. Maxine opens up about the emotional stakes of starting over, the power of persistence, and why waiting for permission is the fastest way to stay stuck. If you're navigating change or sitting on a dream that feels "too late" or "too risky," this episode is your reminder: start building anyway. Resources - Check out Bonnie's website here.

    43 min
  4. How the Most Powerful Women Win — Fortune's Emma Hinchliffe Breaks It Down

    Feb 4

    How the Most Powerful Women Win — Fortune's Emma Hinchliffe Breaks It Down

    What do Kim Kardashian, Sara Blakely, and Melanie Perkins have in common—and can you have it too? In this episode of This Is How SHE Did It, Bonnie Habyan sits down with Emma Hinchliffe, Fortune's Most Powerful Women editor, who has personally interviewed each of these trailblazing founders and countless others redefining success on their own terms. From newsroom beginnings to front-row access to the world's most powerful women, Emma shares what she's learned about imposter syndrome, mentorship, and the unseen confidence that drives extraordinary achievement. Together, they explore the traits that unite top female leaders—and how owning your story just might be the key to joining their ranks. About Emma Hinchliffe Emma Hinchliffe is Fortune's Most Powerful Women editor, overseeing editorial for the longstanding franchise. As a senior writer at Fortune, Emma has covered women in business and gender-lens news across business, politics, and culture. She is the author of the Most Powerful Women Daily newsletter (formerly the Broadsheet), Fortune's daily missive for and about the women leading the business world. She is a co-chair of Fortune's Most Powerful Women Summit, where she's interviewed everyone from Fortune 500 CEOs and U.S. politicians to Hollywood stars, and previously co-chaired Fortune's MPW Next Gen Summit and the Fortune/U.S. Department of State Global Women's Mentoring Partnership. Her work, which includes magazine features with subjects ranging from Meta and CVS Health to Canva and the WNBA, has been honored by the Silurians Press Club and the Deadline Club. Before joining Fortune, she worked as a reporter for Mashable and the Houston Chronicle. She is a graduate of Georgetown University and lives in Brooklyn, N.Y. Emma Hinchliffe on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmahinchliffe/ Resources Fortune Magazine: https://fortune.com/author/emma-hinchliffe/ In this episode, Fortune's Emma Hinchliffe shares what she's learned from interviewing the most powerful women in business—and how those insights translate into real-world confidence, leadership, and career growth. From Fortune 500 CEOs to iconic founders, Emma breaks down the patterns she sees again and again among women who rise to the top. Drawing from conversations with leaders like Sarah Blakely, Melanie Perkins, and Kim Kardashian, we explore imposter syndrome, visibility, mentorship, and what it truly takes to own your story in today's professional landscape. If you're navigating leadership, building something meaningful, or stepping into rooms that feel bigger than you, this conversation will leave you grounded, inspired, and clear on what matters most. In this episode, we cover: - What the most powerful women have in common - Why hearing "no" is often a sign you're thinking big enough - How successful women reframe imposter syndrome - The importance of visibility and owning your story - Why mentorship and sponsorship still matter - Lessons from founders and CEOs who changed the game Guest: Emma Hinchliffe is a senior leader at Fortune and the voice behind Most Powerful Women Daily, spotlighting the challenges and triumphs of women shaping business, culture, and leadership worldwide. If you enjoyed this episode, please follow the show and leave a review—it helps more listeners find conversations like this. Your story isn't over. It's still unfolding. Let's rise together. Resources: Sign up for the This is how SHE did it Newsletter to stay up to date: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/worth-knowing-7236433935503618048/ Follow Bonnie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bonnie-habyan/ Check out Emma Hinchliffe's bio at https://www.emma-hinchliffe.com/ Check out Bonnie's website at www.meetbonnieh.com

    34 min
  5. From American Nightmare to Reclaiming Her Life: Denise Huskins' 5 Steps to Rise After Trauma"

    Jan 7

    From American Nightmare to Reclaiming Her Life: Denise Huskins' 5 Steps to Rise After Trauma"

    In one of the most gripping conversations I can remember, I sit down with Denise Huskins Quinn —a woman whose story captured headlines and inspired the 2024 Netflix documentary, American Nightmare. Kidnapped, disbelieved, and publicly vilified, Denise faced not only the trauma of a violent attack but also the crushing weight of community betrayal and media scrutiny. And yet, she found a way back—rebuilding her life, reclaiming her voice, and transforming her pain into purpose. In this powerful episode, Denise shares the five essential steps that helped her heal, trust herself again, and own her story without apology. From the emotional toll of surviving when no one believes you, to the courage it takes to write your truth in her memoir *Victim F*, Denise opens a raw, honest window into the realities of resilience. Whether you're navigating your own difficult chapter, searching for a way to speak your truth, or simply need a reminder that it's possible to rise after being broken, Denise's journey will stay with you. This is more than a survival story—it's a masterclass in reclaiming your life when the world gets it wrong. About Denise Huskins Quinn In 2015, Denise Huskins and Aaron Quinn found themselves at the center of a high-profile kidnapping and sexual assault case that not only shook their world but also captivated the nation. Their remarkable journey, as depicted in the Netflix show American Nightmare and chronicled in their acclaimed book Victim F: From Crime Victims to Suspects to Survivors, serves as a powerful testament to resilience, courage, and the unwavering human spirit.  Although the details of their ordeal are extreme, they came to realize they are not alone in much of what they suffered. Their case is an example of misogyny, tunnel vision, and confirmation bias in law enforcement; media misrepresentation and the dangers of rushing to judgment; the public's continued disbelief of women and victims of sexual violence; and the re-victimization that can happen within the criminal justice system.  Despite facing unimaginable challenges and public shaming, Huskins and Quinn emerged from this traumatic experience with grace, fortitude, and an unyielding determination to turn their pain into purpose, advocating for much-needed systemic changes and a better understanding of the victim's experience.  Denise Huskins Quinn on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/denise-huskins-quinn-dpt-b9810b250/ Resources https://victimf.com/ In Victim F, Aaron and Denise recount the horrific ordeal that almost cost them everything. Like too many victims of sexual violence, they were dismissed, disbelieved, and dragged through the mud. With no one to rely on except each other, they took on the victim blaming, harassment, misogyny, and abuse of power running rife in the criminal justice system. Their story is, in the end, a love story, but one that sheds necessary light on sexual assault and the abuse by law enforcement that all too frequently compounds crime victims' suffering. Resources Sign up for the "This is how SHE did it" newsletter to stay up to date: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/worth-knowing-7236433935503618048/ Follow Bonnie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bonnie-habyan/ Check out Bonnie Habyan on www.meetbonnieh.com

    50 min
  6. Five Ways to Power Up Your Dreams: Lessons from a Mother-Daughter PR Dynasty

    12/03/2025

    Five Ways to Power Up Your Dreams: Lessons from a Mother-Daughter PR Dynasty

    From hot pink power suits to pandemic pivots, Suzi McCoy and Katie Dubow have built more than a PR firm—they've grown a legacy. As the mother-daughter team behind Garden Media Group, they've transformed the green industry while redefining what it means to lead boldly and work across generations. Suzi turned a firing in the '80s into the launch of a scrappy PR agency, standing out in male-dominated rooms with fearless branding and a results-first mindset. Years later, Katie returned from New York with fresh vision and digital savvy, blending innovation with her mother's hard-earned wisdom to lead the business into a thriving international presence. Beyond business, Suzi champions Impact 100, a women-powered nonprofit funding transformative community projects. Together, they share timeless lessons: embrace change, guard your values, and never be afraid to take up space in the room. About Suzi McCoy Shriner and Katie McCoy Dubow Katie Dubow is president of Garden Media Group, a second-generation women-owned and run public relations firm specializing in the green industry. Author of the annual Garden Trends Report, Dubow presents the report worldwide – from Italy to Chicago.  Dubow is also a guest host on QVC for Cottage Farms, judge at the Philadelphia Flower Show, the inaugural recipient of the Emergent Communicator Award from GardenComm, serving her third term on the board of the Pennsylvania Landscape and Nursery Association, and a member of the Forty Under 40 from Greenhouse Product News.  Follow along @KatieGMG and on Facebook at KatieGardenGirl Suzi McCoy is a trailblazer in the green industry and the founder of Garden Media Group, the top public relations firm serving the lawn, garden, and outdoor living space. For more than 35 years, she shaped the branding behind some of horticulture's most iconic names—like The Knock Out® Rose, Endless Summer® hydrangeas, and the O2 for You® campaign promoting the benefits of houseplants. Her firm represented industry leaders including Home Depot Garden Club, terrain by Urban Outfitters, and Costa Farms. A longtime thought leader, Suzi authored articles, spoke on countless stages, and launched the Garden Trends Report®, one of the most anticipated annual reports in the industry. Now retired, Suzi devotes her energy to philanthropy through Impact 100 Indian River County, a collective giving nonprofit of nearly 500 women. She served as president, vice president, and membership chair, and continues to lead as past president. This episode is produced by Missing Link—a Latina-owned, strategy-driven, cratively fueled production co-op. From ideation to creation, they craft human connections through intelligent, engaging and informative content. https://www.missinglink.company

    40 min
  7. Amanda Knox Faces Her Accuser and Reclaims Her Agency PART 2

    11/05/2025

    Amanda Knox Faces Her Accuser and Reclaims Her Agency PART 2

    In Part 2 of this episode of "This is how SHE did it", Amanda Knox does the unthinkable: she meets her accuser face-to-face. Not for revenge—but to reclaim her agency. This bold move isn't about closure from someone else. It's about choosing to confront the story that was written for her—and rewriting it on her own terms. Amanda shares how this moment, years in the making, became a turning point. By walking into that room, grounded in truth and clarity, she stopped being the victim of a narrative and became the author of her own. This is how she took her power back—through presence, courage, and conscious choice. Her story is a masterclass in agency: not waiting to be freed, but choosing to be. About Amanda Knox Amanda Knox is an exoneree, journalist, public speaker, author of the New York Times best-selling memoir, Waiting to Be Heard, and host of the podcast Hard Knox. Her second book, FREE: My Search for Meaning came out in 2025.  Between 2007 and 2015, she spent nearly four years in an Italian prison and eight years on trial for a murder she didn't commit. She has since become an advocate for criminal justice reform and media ethics. She sits on the advisory council for the Frederick Douglass Project for Justice, serves as an Innocence Network Ambassador and is on The Innocence Center Board of Directors. And she is the recipient of the 2024 Innocence Network Impact Award and the 2025 Catalyst of Change Award from the Washington Innocence Project.

    26 min
5
out of 5
31 Ratings

About

Welcome to This is How She Did It—a bold, honest, and inspiring space for women who are building success on their own terms. Here, we spotlight real conversations with women who've faced big challenges, pushed through fear, and stepped into their worth with grit and authenticity. These are stories of persistence, reinvention, and those "finally me" moments that change everything—no fluff, just powerful insights, unfiltered wisdom, and hard-earned lessons from women who refused to be held back and created their path to find success and overcome adversity. If you're looking for authentic connection, courage, and practical takeaways for creating the life or career you want, you're in the right place. Because your story isn't over—it's unfolding with every step you take toward your goals and every time you truly know your worth. This podcast will answer questions like: What does success look like for women today—and how do we give ourselves permission to redefine it? How do women rebuild confidence after a career break, pivot, or setback? How do women overcome the fear of starting over—and what does it look like to push through when doubt and uncertainty arise? How can women know and own their worth—claiming their value and embracing their strengths? How can women not only own their dreams but also refuse to apologize for them? What are practical ways women can put themselves out there again—authentically and boldly? How do women quiet the inner critic and reclaim their voice and power? What does resilience really look like when life doesn't go according to plan? How can women turn life lessons and hard-earned wisdom into something meaningful? How do women surround themselves with others who get it—their tribe—those who accept them for who they are and support their ambitions and dreams? What small (but powerful) steps can women take today to move toward the life they want next? Most importantly, you'll hear the real stories of women who have faced fear head-on, pushed through, and emerged stronger. Because the world needs more women who know their worth, go after what they want, and aren't afraid to stand in it—no matter what. Let's build, rise, and do it together—unapologetically. 💪✨

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