Empowering Women to Lead

rutheasterling
  • 5.0 (2)
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Empowering Women to Lead is a podcast dedicated to inspiring and equipping women to step boldly into leadership. Hosted by Ruth Easterling, each episode features real conversations with women who are breaking barriers, leading with purpose, and paving the way for the next generation—especially in underrepresented fields like STEM, business, and education. Whether you’re leading in the boardroom, classroom, or community, this show will encourage you to rise, lead, and empower others along the way

Episodes

  1. MAR 17

    Episode 009- Mentorship, Mindset, and Momentum with Urmi Hossain

    In Episode 9 of this podcast, Urmi Hossain joins the Empowering Women to Lead podcast to discuss mentorship, leadership, and the importance of building supportive communities for women. Drawing from her experiences mentoring women across different cultures and career stages, Urmi shares practical insights on finding mentors, developing confidence, and overcoming imposter syndrome. The conversation highlights how meaningful relationships, accountability, and self-belief can empower women to pursue their goals and grow both personally and professionally. Urmi also has a podcast of her own, Stories Beyond Borders, so check it out!  🎙 Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/stories-beyond-borders/id1831413373 📖 Book: Discovering Your Identity: A Rebirth from Interracial Struggle (Available on Amazon)

    24 min

  2. MAR 8

    Episode 008- Designing Your Life with Wendy Mann

    In this episode, Wendee Mann, founder of Wendee Jane Designs and known as the “Perennial Plant Lady,” shares her 30-year journey as a garden and landscape designer in Western Washington. She reflects on entrepreneurship, the power of networking, and how connecting with nature can help people design homes and lives that truly reflect who they are. Wendee also discusses the importance of believing in yourself and finding supportive communities that empower women to lead. Learn more or connect with Wendee at https://www.wendeejanedesigns.com/contact.

    31 min

  3. FEB 17

    Episode 007: Guilt Is Running Your Life (Here’s How to Take It Back)

    Guilt is a silent constant in many of our lives, but it holds so much power in our decisions. Follow along with this worksheet below: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Qk9o47HTOXNo8pCN5wRSfrUnCCmtU-Nk12Hf7VL3B9A/copy Fresh off leading a women’s retreat on letting go of guilt, our host unpacks the difference between true guilt and false guilt, why guilt feels so pervasive for women today, and how it subtly drives our choices, relationships, and sense of self. Through real-life stories, coaching insights, and practical reflection tools, you’ll learn how to pause, reframe your thoughts, and stop letting guilt run your life. This episode is an invitation to step off the guilt trip, reclaim your peace, and start making decisions led by your values rather than your guilt.

    23 min

  4. JAN 16

    Episode 006: Walking Through Open Doors with Dr. Porterfield

    In this powerful episode, we’re joined by Dr. Dina Porterfield, President of Seattle Pacific University, for an honest and inspiring conversation about leadership, faith, and the responsibility that comes with opportunity. Dr. Porterfield shares her remarkable journey—from being a first-generation college student who wasn’t “supposed” to go to college, to serving as president of two universities and a seminary. Along the way, she reflects on the importance of sponsorship over mentorship, the role men play in opening doors for women, and why leadership requires both confidence and deep humility. To learn more about Dr. Dina Porterfield, her journey, and her leadership at Seattle Pacific University, please visit the link below. https://spu.edu/university-leadership/president/president-deana-porterfield

    26 min

  5. JAN 15

    Episode 005- The First Step: Awakening Your Purpose

    In the fifth episode of "Empowering Women to Lead," host Ruth Easterling invites listeners to embark on a transformative journey toward purpose. Charting Your Course: A Journey Toward Purpose explores the moment many of us face when the familiar path no longer feels fulfilling—and the quiet inner voice calling us toward something more meaningful. Using the metaphor of climbing a mountain, Ruth encourages listeners to take that first courageous step, even when the path ahead feels uncertain or intimidating. She shares her intention to walk alongside listeners throughout 2026, offering guidance, clarity, and tools to help navigate obstacles, rediscover identity, and stay aligned with one’s “north star.” This episode is a powerful invitation to stop feeling stuck, step into your calling, and begin building a life rooted in confidence, purpose, and intention.

    8 min

  6. 12/18/2025

    Episode 004: Lifting as We Lead with Samantha Le

    In this episode, we sit down with Sammy, CEO of the Seattle Southside Chamber of Commerce, to explore her journey from growing up in a Vietnamese refugee camp to becoming a leader shaping regional economic and workforce development. Sammy reflects on the mentors and resources—such as the College Success Foundation—that helped bridge gaps for students without strong professional networks. She shares her transition from a profit-driven mindset to mission-focused nonprofit leadership and explains how initiatives like the Workforce Discovery Lab connect students to local career pathways and mentors. Sammy also speaks candidly about the realities women face in leadership, from being talked over in professional spaces to the urgent need for childcare support for working mothers. Throughout the conversation, Sammy emphasizes lowering barriers to access, uplifting diverse voices, and fostering a culture of mentorship, flexibility, and abundance. This episode is a powerful reflection on leadership rooted in community, advocacy, and creating systems where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. For more information, visit Seattle Southside Chamber of Commerce: https://www.seattlesouthsidechamber.com/

    25 min
  7. Episoide 003: Saying Yes to Leadership with Therese Tipton

    12/12/2025

    Episoide 003: Saying Yes to Leadership with Therese Tipton

    Welcome to the third episode of Empowering Women to Lead! In this powerful conversation, host Ruth Easterling sits down with Therese Tipton, principal of Raisbeck Aviation High School in Seattle, TEDx speaker, and President of the National Association of Secondary STEM Schools. Together, they explore what it truly means to empower young women, especially in male-dominated spaces like aviation and STEM. Therese shares her journey into leadership, the impact of mentorship, and how confidence often begins with one small “yes.” 💡 In This Episode, You'll Learn: How Therese’s mother quietly modeled strong leadership after personal tragedy Why representation and mentorship matter for girls in STEM The importance of taking risks, even when you feel uncertain The challenges women face when their leadership is misunderstood or underestimated How persistence, self-talk, and community build long-term resilience Highlight: Leading in a Male-Dominated Space As principal at a STEM high school located on Boeing Field, Therese has seen firsthand how girls thrive when given opportunity, encouragement, and a place to lead. With only about one-third of the student population being female, Raisbeck is actively working to close the gender gap in STEM leadership. 🎧 Listen if You: Are a woman navigating leadership or stepping into new opportunities Want to support the next generation of female leaders in your school, company, or community Need inspiration to say "yes" to that next big challenge Believe that mentorship and visibility change lives 📎 Resources & Links: Connect with Therese Tipton therese.tipton@highlineschools.org Learn more about The Purpose Journey Program https://www.rutheasterling.org/copy-of-productivity-coaching  Sign up for Ruth's upcoming Live2Lead Women’s Business Conference – October 24 https://www.rutheasterling.org/live2lead 🔁 Let’s Keep the Conversation Going If this episode encouraged or inspired you, share it with a friend. Tag @RuthEasterling and tell us: What does empowering women to lead mean to you? And don’t forget to subscribe so you won’t miss future episodes with trailblazing women who are making a difference in leadership, STEM, business, education, and beyond.

    23 min

  8. 11/27/2025

    Episode 002: From the Tarmac to the Top with Judy McMurtry

    In this powerful episode of Empowering Women to Lead, we sit down with Judy McMurtry, a trailblazing leader who rose through the ranks of the airline industry with relentless determination, a people-first leadership style, and unshakable confidence. From her childhood in Detroit during the 1967 riots to managing major U.S. airports, Judy shares how persistence, personal growth, and a refusal to give up helped her break barriers in a male-dominated field. She opens up about what it takes to lead in high-pressure environments, how to bring people together across differences, and why women must stop waiting for permission and make their own seat at the table. Quote Worth Remembering: “You don't have to wait for a seat at the table—you make the table and bring others with you.” – Judy Phenomenal Listeners will walk away inspired to lead with purpose, challenge limiting beliefs, and step confidently into positions of influence—no matter where they start. To connect with Judy: https://excelwithjudy.com/ To connect with our website and find out more information on the Purpose Journey, go to www.rutheasterling.org

    33 min

  9. 11/20/2025

    Episode 001: Beyond Imposter Syndrome

    In our debut episode, we dive into the quiet but powerful force that affects so many women in leadership: imposter syndrome. Together, we unpack why even the most capable women question their worth, how these doubts show up in our personal and professional lives, and what it looks like to lead with confidence anyway. This episode sets the tone for the journey ahead—one rooted in authenticity, courage, and the belief that you belong in every room you step into.

    33 min

  10. 08/29/2025

    Empowering Women to Lead: Women Leading in IT with Elizabeth Whiteside

    Elizabeth shares her journey from starting in a call center to leading major technology projects, and the pivotal moment when she realized leadership meant not just identifying problems but stepping forward with solutions. She opens up about navigating male-dominated spaces, the importance of raising your hand and using your voice, and the need for women to step into decision-making with confidence. We also dive into the challenges of mentorship in IT, how the pandemic reshaped opportunities for women, and the ways Elizabeth is mentoring the next generation of women in STEM. Her story is both practical and inspiring—a reminder that leadership grows when we step up, speak out, and support others along the way. “In the last 10 years, the idea that you can be your authentic self—and that the world needs your authentic self—means everything to me. Show up as you, because you are important.” To find out more about Elizabeth and the Purpose Journey, go to www.rutheasterling.org/purposecoaching

    27 min

  11. 08/15/2025

    Empowering Women to Lead – With Kristen Becker

    In this episode, I sit down with architect and entrepreneur Kristen Becker, founder of Mutuus Studio in Seattle. Kristen shares her powerful journey from childhood adversity to a career in professional dance, and ultimately to becoming a successful female business owner in the male-dominated field of architecture. We dive into how her background in teaching dance has shaped her unique communication style as a leader, how she built a holistic, people-first studio model that supports families and promotes work-life balance, and why mentorship—especially for women—is essential to creating change. Kristen also opens up about the moment she realized she didn’t need to hide motherhood to be professional and how bringing her whole self to work became a game-changer. “Our biggest challenge is often ourselves holding us back… You don’t have to have it all figured out to take the first step.” – Kristen Becker She leaves us with a nautical mantra: “Sailing full and by”—a beautiful metaphor for pushing to the edge of your potential and staying open to the wind of life, even when it doesn’t take you in a straight line. Key Topics: Leading in male-dominated industries Embracing authenticity in business and leadership Work-life integration, not just balance The power of mentorship and modeling leadership Starting before you're ready This episode is a must-listen for any woman navigating leadership, entrepreneurship, or the decision to step fully into who she is, without compromise. 🎧 Listen now, share with a friend, and don’t forget to subscribe to empower more women to lead boldly and authentically.

    27 min

  12. 08/08/2025

    Empowering Women to Lead with Ndidi Musa

    In this inspiring episode, I sit down with Dr. Ndidi Musa, pediatric cardiac intensive care specialist, professor at the University of Washington, and director of the new internal coaching program at Seattle Children’s Hospital. We dive into her powerful journey through medicine, leadership, and her calling to build a coaching culture in healthcare. Dr. Musa opens up about breaking barriers as a woman and minority in academic medicine, the critical role of mentors, sponsors, and coaches, and how cultivating a growth mindset transformed her career path. She shares eye-opening insights about the gender gap in surgery and leadership, the importance of deliberate effort, and how women can advocate for themselves and others. Whether you're in medicine, leadership, or simply looking for motivation to step into your own potential, this episode offers wisdom, encouragement, and real-world strategies for growth. Key Takeaways: Why every leader needs a coach, mentor, and sponsor The power of sponsorship and speaking names in rooms where others aren’t yet invited How gratitude and a growth mindset create lasting transformation How women can rise—and help others rise—with confidence and purpose Quotes: "You have to have a coach, a mentor, and a sponsor to thrive in medicine—and in life." – Dr. Ndidi Musa  "Sometimes we underestimate our potential. But when we write down what we’ve actually accomplished, we surprise ourselves." – Dr. Ndidi Musa "Gratitude fuels growth. When you’re thankful for the small steps, the next opportunity reveals itself." – Dr. Nidi Musa Contact: Dr. Musa website: https://www.seattlechildrens.org/directory/ndidi-musa/ Purpose Journey: www.rutheasterling.org Tune in and be empowered to lead—wherever you are.

    27 min
  • 12 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Empowering Women to Lead is a podcast dedicated to inspiring and equipping women to step boldly into leadership. Hosted by Ruth Easterling, each episode features real conversations with women who are breaking barriers, leading with purpose, and paving the way for the next generation—especially in underrepresented fields like STEM, business, and education. Whether you’re leading in the boardroom, classroom, or community, this show will encourage you to rise, lead, and empower others along the way

Information

  • Creator
    rutheasterling
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    12
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 All Rights Reserved
  • Show Website
    Empowering Women to Lead