LeadHERShip Bytes™

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LeadHERShip Bytes™ empowers listeners to reach their potential and make a positive difference in the world by sharing the inspirational stories and insights of women leaders.

  1. 08/17/2025

    Season 4, Ep. 6: Purpose Driven Leadership - A Conversation with Dr. Alicia Conerly

    Keywords leadership, STEM, education, servant leadership,empowerment, purpose-driven, science education, workforce development, women in leadership, Dr. Alicia Conerly Summary In this episode of Leadership Bytes, host Cam Sanderssits down with Dr. Alicia Conerly, a trailblazer in science education and leadership. Dr. Conerly opens up about her path from a student still figuring out her future to a recognized leader in STEM education. Along the way, she highlights the power of servant leadership, the importance of leading with purpose, and the critical need to close workforce gaps in STEM. Their conversation also explores how we can uplift voices in education, navigate the dynamics of power and authority, and think intentionally about the legacies we leave behind. With warmth and wisdom, Dr. Conerly offers practical guidance for emerging leaders and educators—encouraging them to build strong networks, learn from one another, and stay grounded in their integrity and mission. Takeaways ·     Dr. Conerly journey into education was influenced by a passionate teacher. ·      Purpose-driven leadership is crucial in the current STEM landscape. ·      The workforce gap in STEM requires intentional efforts to engage the next generation. ·       Empowering voices in education is essential for change. ·       Understanding the difference between power and authority is key for leaders. ·       Teaching emerging leaders involves guiding themto find their own voice. ·       Legacy is about inspiring others to believe they can succeed. ·       Networking is essential for growth and opportunity in education.

    29 min
  2. 07/27/2025

    Season 4, Ep. 5: Transforming Events Through Intentional Design - A Conversation with Shameka Jennings

    Keywords event strategy, impact framework, intentionality, team leadership, inclusivity, audience engagement, event trends, professional development, leadership advice, community building Summary In this episode, Cam sits down with Shameka Jennings—an award-winning event strategist and advocate for inclusive experiences—to explore what it takes to craft events that truly resonate. Shamika unpacks her innovative approach to planning with purpose, leading with authenticity, and staying ahead of industry trends. She dives into the importance of intentional design, inclusive leadership, and audience engagement, while also offering real-world advice for emerging professionals looking to grow in the events space. Whether you're a seasoned planner or just stepping into the world of event strategy, Shameka's insights on community-building, professional development, and visionary leadership are not to be missed. Takeaways The magic of event planning lies in intentionality.Creating events with a purpose leads to greater impact.Every team member plays a critical role in event success.Inclusivity should be a standard practice, not an afterthought.Engaging audiences through surveys fosters a sense of belonging.Emerging trends focus on personalized experiences and community building.Aspiring professionals should actively engage in industry organizations.Innovation in events can start with small, bold ideas.Leadership involves being true to oneself and embracing uniqueness.Building trust within teams enhances collaboration and creativity. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Shameka Jennings and Events Noire 02:40 Designing Experiential Events with Intentionality 05:13 Shifting Perspectives: From Associations to Service Provider 07:29 Leading Cross-Functional Teams in High-Stakes Environments 10:21 Navigating Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Events 12:57 Creating a Sense of Belonging in Event Experiences 15:46 Emerging Trends in Event Planning 18:21 Advice for Emerging Leaders in the Event Industry 20:55 Building a Business in Event Planning 23:26 Leadership Mantras and Personal Insights

    25 min
  3. 06/22/2025

    Season 4, Ep. 4: Finding Your Voice: Leadership, Marketing, and Impact - A Conversation with Shauna Peters

    Keywords leadership, audience engagement, women in business, strategic marketing, project management, personalization, relationship marketing, career development, mentorship Summary In this episode of LeadHERShip Bytes, Cam is joined byShana Peters—an insightful strategist whose journey from English and Sociology student to powerhouse marketing leader is nothing short of inspiring, as Shana really pulls back the curtain and shares what it takes to lead with purpose in today’s fast-paced, ever-evolving marketing world. From championing audience-first strategies to harnessing the power of data and personalization, Shana shares actionable insights for anyone looking to drive meaningful engagement. She also opens up about the challengesand rewards of leading cross-functional teams, the value of mentorship, and how women can confidently discover and own their leadership voice. Whether you're navigating your own leadership path orlooking to elevate your organization's marketing impact, this conversation is full of real talk, bold ideas, and practical takeaways you won’t want to miss. Tune in for a fresh perspective on what it means to lead with strategy, heart, and authenticity. Takeaways Shana Peters combines storytelling with strategic marketing.Understanding audience needs is crucial for effectivemarketing.Data should inform, but not solely dictate, marketing strategies.Personalization is key in engaging diverse audiences.Women leaders can benefit from mentorship and role models.Project management tools help keep teams organized andaligned.Marketing should be involved from the start of strategydevelopment.Testing new marketing approaches can build trust withclients.Successful marketing requires collaboration across teams.Leadership is about supporting your team's success. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Leadership Bytes and Shana Peters 02:07 Shana's Journey: From English and Sociology toMarketing 03:52 Audience-Centric Marketing: The Key to Success 09:51 Navigating Marketing Challenges and Client Engagement 12:48 The Importance of Team Alignment and ProjectManagement 17:21 Strategic Changes in Marketing Approaches 20:33 Personalization in Marketing: Understanding YourAudience 24:58 Finding Your Leadership Voice as a Woman 28:41 The Role of Relationship Marketing in Today's Economy 32:30 Final Thoughts and Leadership Principles

    35 min
  4. Season 4, Ep. 3 - Curiosity, Courage & Community: A Conversation with Kiki L’Italien

    05/26/2025

    Season 4, Ep. 3 - Curiosity, Courage & Community: A Conversation with Kiki L’Italien

    Keywords leadership, marketing, digital strategy, community engagement, trust, women leaders, AI, social offset, inspiration, balance Summary KiKi L’Italien—association marketing expert, digitalstrategist, and community-builder—joins Cam on the latest episode of LeadHERShip Bytes™ for a powerful conversation on modern leadership. KiKi shares her journey into leadership, the courage itrequires, and how AI is reshaping communication and digital strategy. She discusses the critical role of trust in building strong communities and offers real talk on work-life harmony for women leaders. You’ll also learn about Social Offset, a purpose-driven initiative blending business with social impact, and Association Chat, KiKi’s media platform empowering association professionals. Tune in to and listen to this episode packed with inspiration, insights, and fresh perspectives on leading with curiosity, purpose, and heart! Takeaways KiKi's journey into marketing began with a passion for writing and communication.Courage is essential for leaders to push boundaries and innovate.Fear often holds organizations back from taking risks.AI is reshaping communication, raising questionsabout trust and authenticity.Building trust requires transparency andconsistent communication.Balancing work and personal life is a challengefor many leaders.Women leaders face unique challenges in today'svolatile environment.Curiosity is a vital leadership trait thatfosters growth and understanding.Social Offset was created to support socialcauses while conducting business.Finding beauty in everyday life can inspire andmotivate leaders. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to KiKi L’Italien and Her Journey 02:02 The Evolution of Marketing and Digital Strategy 04:30 Courage in Leadership and Overcoming Fear 06:38 Shifts in Digital Strategy and Trust 09:00 Building Trust in Community Engagement 10:22 Balancing Work, Family, and Self-Care 12:03 Advice for Women Leaders 15:08 Trusted Leadership in Digital Spaces 17:43 Curiosity as a Leadership Philosophy 19:38 The Origin of Social Offset 24:29 Finding Inspiration and Beauty in Life 27:26 Future Aspirations and Learning 30:26 Final Advice for Leaders

    35 min
  5. Season 4, Ep. 2: Navigating Challenging Times in Nonprofit Leadership - A Conversation with Fatima Goss-Graves and Stefanie Reeves

    05/03/2025

    Season 4, Ep. 2: Navigating Challenging Times in Nonprofit Leadership - A Conversation with Fatima Goss-Graves and Stefanie Reeves

    Summary This episode of the podcast packs a powerful punch as we dive into meaningful conversation with two women leaders in the nonprofit sector. With raw honesty and refreshing insight, our guests, Fatima Goss-Graves and Stefanie Reeves open up about the real challenges nonprofit leaders are facing right now—burnout and the weight of leadership in uncertain times. But it's not all heavy. There's laughter, strategy, and a whole lot of heart as they talk about the importance of self-care, leaning into community, and finding joy even in chaos. From bold moves to quiet resilience, this conversation is a rallying cry for purpose-driven leaders ready to rise, adapt, and lead with courage. Keywords leadership, nonprofit, women leaders, advocacy, mental health, community support, resilience, strategic planning, courage, joy Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Nonprofit Leadership Challenges 03:11 Current Roles and Missions in Nonprofits 06:10 Motivations for Nonprofit Leadership 09:13 Impact of Social and Political Changes on Nonprofits 12:39 Staying Connected with Stakeholders 15:18 Resilient Leadership in Challenging Times 18:30 Self-Care and Mental Health for Leaders 21:22 Finding Joy Amidst Challenges 24:14 The Growing Demand for Mental Health Services 30:18 Impact of Provider Shortages on Mental Health Services 31:32 Strategic Planning in Uncertain Times 34:37 Leadership Lessons from Current Challenges 39:39 Balancing Reactivity and Innovation in Leadership 44:41 Courageous Leadership in a Changing Landscape 51:06 Finding Hope in Community and Courageous Actions 54:10 Advice for Emerging Leaders

    44 min
  6. Season 4, Ep. 1 - The Bold and Uncommon Journey: A Conversation with Gwen Fortune-Blakely

    04/15/2025

    Season 4, Ep. 1 - The Bold and Uncommon Journey: A Conversation with Gwen Fortune-Blakely

    Summary In this episode of LeadHERShip Bytes, Cam interviews Gwen Fortune-Blakely, MBA, CAE, Chief Membership and Engagement Officer at the American Association of Immunologists (AAI). They discuss Gwen's journey through various leadership roles, her approach to strategic planning, and the importance of women leaders collaborating and supporting each other. Gwen shares her insights on navigating challenging times, the significance of effective communication, and the value of transferring skills from the corporate sector to nonprofit organizations. Cam and Gwen also have a fun conversation diving deeper into themes of personal growth, resilience, and the impact of community engagement in leadership. Keywords leadership, women in leadership, mentorship, nonprofit, strategic planning, communication, career development, women empowerment, professional growth, organizational success Takeaways Inspiring teams requires a clear vision and understanding of their roles.Listening and engaging in conversations before meetings is crucial for success.Translating corporate skills to the nonprofit sector can enhance effectiveness.Women leaders often support each other more than compete against one another.Mentorship can take many forms, including peer relationships and project collaborations.Being transparent and vulnerable can foster connection and support during challenging times.Strategic communication is essential in a rapidly changing environment.Understanding member needs is vital for organizational success.It's important to embrace change and follow what excites you in your career.Self-care and seeking support are key to maintaining resilience in leadership. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Leadership and Vision 03:33 Building Consensus and Mobilizing Teams 06:27 Transformational Projects and Knowledge Transfer 09:23 Navigating Resistance as a Woman Leader 12:18 The Importance of Mentorship 15:20 Busting Myths About Women in Leadership 16:17 The Journey of Writing a Book 19:31 Current Learning and Leadership Challenges 22:32 Navigating Economic Challenges in Membership Organizations 25:16 Advice for Women Leaders in a Shifting Landscape 30:26 Staying Grounded and Motivated 34:37 Advice to Younger Self and Leadership Style

    37 min
  7. Season 3, Ep. 5: Transforming Vision into Reality - A Conversation with Dr. Carletta S. Hurt

    02/02/2025

    Season 3, Ep. 5: Transforming Vision into Reality - A Conversation with Dr. Carletta S. Hurt

    Just in time for Black History Month, we're back with another empowering episode of LeadHERShip Bytes! Join our host, Cam Sanders, as she chats with the incredible Dr. Carletta Hurt, an award-winning educator, counselor, and trailblazing entrepreneur. In this engaging conversation, Dr. Hurt opens up about her journey into the nonprofit sector, driven by a deep-seated passion for youth development and her innovative approach to making a difference. She shares invaluable insights for aspiring entrepreneurs and highlights the essential skills women leaders need in today's ever-evolving landscape. Dr. Hurt offers practical advice about how women leaders can LEAP forward and transform dreams into reality. From balancing multiple entrepreneurial ventures to serving as President of the National Black MBA Association—DC Chapter to her directorial debut with the thought-provoking documentary 'Clothed Minds,' which explores the social and educational impacts of uniform and dress code policies on Black girls, Dr. Hurt's story is one of determination and vision. Tune in and be inspired by Dr. Hurt's unwavering commitment to improving her community by empowering women, leaders, and youth. Don't miss out on this opportunity to soak up wisdom and motivation—your journey to leadership empowerment starts here! Keywords leadership, women leaders, youth development, entrepreneurship, nonprofit, empowerment, Black MBA Association, documentary, Clothed Minds, professional development Takeaways ·      Starting small is crucial for aspiring entrepreneurs. ·      Trusting yourself and others is key in leadership. ·      Investing in personal development is essential for women leaders. ·      The National Black MBA Association – Washington DC Chapter focuses on economic empowerment, training, resource development and partnerships for members. ·      Balancing multiple roles requires effective time management. ·      The documentary “Clothed Minds” addresses important social issues impact Black girls. ·      Acknowledgment among women leaders fosters support and empowerment. ·      Dr. Hurt encourages women to actively support each other. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Dr. Carletta Hurt 02:23 Empowering Youth through “In The Loop of Success” Program 04:45 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs 06:20 Navigating Trust in Entrepreneurship 07:11 Essential Skills for Women Leaders 07:46 The Role of Leaders in Cultivating Understanding 08:12 Initiatives for Black Business Professionals 09:56 Balancing Multiple Roles and Self-Care 11:43 Directorial Debut: Clothed Minds 19:21 Supporting Future Generations of Women Leaders

    23 min
  8. Season 3, Ep. 4- The Blueprint for Successful Leadership: A Conversation with Dr. Nicole A. Bryan

    01/05/2025

    Season 3, Ep. 4- The Blueprint for Successful Leadership: A Conversation with Dr. Nicole A. Bryan

    Summary In this episode of LeadHERShip Bytes, Cam sits down for an insightful and profoundly engaging chat with Dr. Nicole A. Bryan, an executive leadership career strategist trained in psychology, human resources, business, and education. Dr. Bryan focuses on empowering women for leadership, with a special interest in helping introverted women. During their chat, Dr. Bryan shares her personal leadership journey, the importance of mentorship and sponsorship, and how women can navigate specific challenges in the business environment. She emphasizes the need for women to define their leadership styles and offers insight into a growing demand for 'feminine' leadership skills in today's workforce. The conversation also touches on the significance of understanding business dynamics and building strong business cases to advance in leadership roles. Keywords leadership, women leaders, introverted women, mentorship, sponsorship, career development, feminine leadership, corporate culture, empowerment, professional growth Takeaways -Empowering introverted women is a personal passion for Dr. Bryan. -Women still face significant inequality in leadership roles. - Current leaders must work to leadership and dismantle the mystique around getting into the C-Suite (no gatekeeping!). -Understanding business dynamics is crucial for effective leadership. -Feminine leadership skills are increasingly in demand. -Women should define leadership on their own terms. -Building a business case is essential for advancing ideas. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Dr. Nicole Bryan 01:52 The Origins of Leadership Journey 03:52 Empowering Introverted Women 07:06 Memorable Moments in Leadership 09:37 Reflections on Leadership Responsibilities 11:16 The Value of Education vs. Experience 15:59 The Importance of Mentorship and Sponsorship 20:37 Securing Sponsors for Career Advancement 27:33 Supporting Emerging Leaders 31:14 Advice for Women in Leadership 34:57 Current Trends in Leadership Development

    45 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

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LeadHERShip Bytes™ empowers listeners to reach their potential and make a positive difference in the world by sharing the inspirational stories and insights of women leaders.