Lead Like a Woman

Lou Cysewski is an activist, innovative strategist, and the Co-founder and CEO of the world's first and only climate-neutral marketing and merchandise agency, Coolperx. The company was born out of her conviction to transform the corporate gifting industry from a toxic environmental polluter to a conscious connector of people and values. Lou served as a nurse in the US Army and speaks regularly about her experiences building her business as a woman and a veteran. She has been featured in Fortune 500, Business Magazine, The Economist, Forbes, and MoneyGeek. She has also been listed as one of the top 100 trailblazing entrepreneurs of 2021. She lives in Seattle with her husband and daughter and currently serves on the board of the Kirkland Art Center. In her spare time, she loves swimming, playing tennis, and has recently begun learning to speak French. In this episode… For Lou Cysewski, building a value-based business is not only important but also meaningful. Her interest in entrepreneurship pulled her from nursing and took her to the merchandising industry, where she started working with her husband. However, she soon was concerned with the types of products people bought for gifting — and the toxicity found in many of those products. Lou set out to provide a solution to these issues and curate better products for people (and for the environment). Lou founded Coolperx in a bid to promote sustainability both in her business and in the industry at large. She also created a flexible and fulfilling workplace for her employees that provided inclusivity and matched her values. Want to learn more about how Coolperx is changing the corporate gifting industry? In this episode of the Lead Like A Woman Show, Lou Cysewski, the Co-founder and CEO of Coolperx, is interviewed by Andrea Heuston about promoting sustainability and building a value-based marketing and merchandise agency. Lou explains how her agency employs carbon offset programs, how she built a fully remote company, and her support of minority-owned businesses. Plus, Lou shares how Coolperx is positively impacting communities across the globe.

Donna Childs is the Founder and CEO of Prisere LLC, which she founded to develop capacity for climate and disaster risk resilience. Building on her previous experience as a senior executive in the reinsurance industry, Prisere was named one of the 50 most innovative startups by the Kauffman Foundation. Donna and Prisere have led projects for the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction and the Asian Development Bank. She serves as the Risk Partnership Advisor to the Climate Change Group of the World Bank's Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery. Donna began her career as a Research Associate at Harvard Business School, where she contributed to research and case development on insurance and risk management topics. She then worked on capital strategies and capital raising for global insurance companies as an investment banker on Wall Street. She subsequently served as a Senior Columnist for Dow Jones, where her commentary on insurance and risk were featured in The Wall Street Journal. Donna is also the author of an acclaimed book on small business disaster preparation and recovery, a past winner at the International Women's Entrepreneurial Challenge, and recipient of the Woman Business Owner of the Year award by the National Association of Women Business Owners. She holds a BS from Yale University, an MBA from Columbia Business School, and is a graduate of the Owner/President Management Program at Harvard Business School. In this episode… Regardless of how much people prepare for possible future disasters, sometimes the unexpected happens and tragedy strikes. This always leads to major shifts in people's lives, and in most cases, people experience long-term effects of the disaster. After the 9/11 tragedy, Donna Childs' life changed. She was left homeless and had to close her business. Her emotional and physical being were affected, and she often had nightmares months after the disaster. She, however, was able to get back on track and help other people and businesses with disaster management through her company, Prisere LLC. Donna Childs, the Founder and CEO of Prisere LLC, is Andrea Heuston's guest in this episode of the Lead Like A Woman Show, where she talks about her experience overcoming tragedy and helping others prepare for disaster management. Donna also explains how Prisere LLC was founded, her process of writing a book, and her advice for those working through a life change or disaster. Stay tuned.

Adrienne Smith is a Team USA football star leading the charge for the new AFL women's division. She is among the best performing wide receivers in women's tackle football history. Adrienne is a Boston Renegades wide receiver, football advocate and spokesperson, Orange is the New Black actress, and entrepreneur. She is also the creator of Blitz Champz, a fun and competitive game that teaches and tests football knowledge, strategy, and critical math skills. Adrienne's professional career began in Japan where she worked as a translator and coordinator of international relations for the Japanese Board of Education. During her two years in this position, she produced and co-hosted a local television show geared towards educating Japanese people about American culture. Adrienne started her football career in 2006 as a member of the New York Sharks and went on to compete internationally, bringing home silver medals in Sweden and Canada as a member of the US Women's National Flag Football team. In 2010 and 2013, Adrienne helped the US National Women's Football team bring home the gold medal in the International Federation of American Football's Women's World Championship. Since 2011, she has played for the Boston Renegades, a tackle football team in the Women's Football Alliance and winner of national championships in 2011, 2014, and 2019. In this episode… Working in male-dominated fields is often a challenge many women face, even when they are highly skilled and qualified. They frequently face backlash and pressure from society — which can kill their dreams. When Adrienne Smith decided to go into football, she knew she would face such challenges. However, she did not quit, and her determination helped her excel in not only football but also in her career as an actress, entrepreneur, and leader. Adrienne Smith, an entrepreneur and football star, is Andrea Heuston's guest in this episode of the Lead Like A Woman Show. Adrienne talks about her professional career in football and her journey to become an entrepreneur. She also talks about her football card game for kids, her work as an actress, organizing hip hop tours, and how she leads like a woman. Stay tuned.

Andrea Heuston is the CEO and Creative Principal of Artitudes Design, an award-winning creative agency. She has over 20 years of experience in the design industry and has won several awards such as the Puget Sound Business Journal's 40 under 40, the Annual Enterprising Women of the Year Awards for Enterprising Women Magazine, Cambridge Who's Who, and the Key4Women Achieve Award. Andrea holds a degree in Communications and Design from the University of Washington. She is a speaker, author, and a volunteer who helps plan, purchase, prepare, and serve meals for the members of The Matt Talbot Center. Andrea is also the host of the Lead Like a Woman Show where she features top women leaders in order to share their inspirational stories on life and leadership. In this episode… Andrea Heuston recently launched her new book, Stronger on the Other Side: The Power to Choose. For Andrea, the process of writing the book was both a challenging and very fulfilling undertaking. She had to relive some of the most painful events from her past like dealing with the loss of a loved one, losing her house to fire, the challenges of infertility, and rebuilding her life after being in a coma. However, Andrea was also able to relive the positive lessons she took from those experiences and turn them into something she could share. With the book, Andrea hopes to teach other women about the power to choose. No one can control everything that happens to them, but we all have the power to decide how to react to our circumstances. Andrea's book helps people learn how to harness the power of their past experiences to come out stronger on the other side. For Andrea, it's about learning how to create beauty out of life's scars. In this week's episode of the Lead Like A Woman Show, host Andrea Heuston is interviewed by Dr. Kristin Kahle, the CEO and Founder of NavigateHCR, about her new book, Stronger on the Other Side: The Power to Choose. Andrea shares her reasons for writing the book, her favorite quotes and stories from the book, and why women should read it. Stay tuned!

Deirdre Breakenridge is an author, entrepreneur, and CEO of Pure Performance Communications. As a 30-year veteran in PR, marketing, and branding, she has worked with senior leaders at many Fortune 500 companies. She is a career-long storyteller and strategist helping brands and professionals to ignite more energy around their communication, lead pressing media conversations, and grow influence in the market. Deirdre has been working with leaders for decades to create award-winning PR and marketing programs and building relationships based on loyalty and advocacy. Deirdre is also the author of seven business books sharing stories and advice to navigate changing consumer behavior and an evolving media landscape. Her most recent book, Answers for Ethical Marketers, was released in April 2021. Her other book, Answers for Modern Communicators, was recently named by BookAuthority as one of the "100 Best Storytelling Books of All Time." As an international speaker, Deirdre shares her research and career journey in PR, marketing, branding, and social media communications. She has been blogging at PR Strategies for over 10 years and is also the host of the Women Worldwide podcast, which is in its sixth year with nearly two million downloads. In this episode… Finding the way to your destination is important, but so is the journey you take to get there. For matters that fall outside of simple navigation, how do you determine the best way forward? And, if you find yourself in a leadership role, how can you be sure that you're staying true to yourself as you lead others? For Deirdre Breakenridge, leading like a woman means embracing who you are, believing in yourself, and using that as a gift to lead others. She suggests that if you take the time to listen to your inner GPS and learn to trust it, it will guide you to new opportunities. Deirdre also recommends having well-defined values so that your inner GPS can guide you on ethical matters as well. In this episode of the Lead Like A Woman Show, Andrea Heuston interviews Deirdre Breakenridge, the CEO of Pure Performance Communications, about the need for women to trust in their inner GPS. Deirdre also talks about building her business, dealing with a family tragedy, and writing several books. Plus, Deirdre explains why the FEEL model that she created is helping leaders and brands form better relationships.

Lisa L. Meredith is the Regional Director at ProVisors, an invitation-only community of over 6,600 experienced advisors that's been around for more than 30 years. At ProVisors, Lisa's role is to support connections, seek prospective candidates, and lead groups of experienced business owners and advisors by functioning as a resource and guide in leadership development. Lisa is a creative problem solver who can drive revenue growth, consult on conflict resolution, improve organizational morale, and provide hands-on training in developing negotiation skills and cultivating strategic business partnerships. She is accomplished in the areas of management, marketing, team building, and communication. In this episode… One of the most common mistakes many women make in careers and leadership roles is to try to please everyone. A desire for approval can dictate your decisions and negatively impact your personal and professional life. It can even lead to choices you'll later come to regret. Lisa L. Meredith's advice to fellow women leaders, young and old, is to be brave and do everything with grace. She believes women can be bold without being aggressive and insists that women need to believe in themselves, be confident in their skills, and never compromise their values. Lisa L. Meredith, a Regional Director at ProVisors, is Andrea Heuston's guest in this episode of the Lead Like A Woman Show. Together, they discuss what it takes to lead as a woman without compromising what you believe in. Lisa also shares what she learned from 2020, how she has found success in her career, and why women shouldn't try to please everyone. Stay tuned!

Jessica Moseley is the Chief Executive Officer of iYellow Group, a conglomerate of organizations (TCS Interpreting, TCSAccess, and iYellow Captions) working to provide equitable access to people with disabilities. As a social entrepreneur and the CEO of iYellow Group, Jessica brings together her passion for people and stories as she endeavors to make access something that is available to everyone. Jessica has been featured in Kiplinger, Forbes, Inc. Magazine, and SUCCESS Magazine. She's also an active mentor and coach to hearing and deaf entrepreneurs and has been a judge for many pitch competitions. Jessica learned early on, as the daughter of deaf parents, about the realities of not having language access and the barriers that deaf individuals regularly have to navigate. These early life lessons not only shaped her communication methods but have also informed her outlook on life. In this episode… One thing about life that you can't deny is that everyone has a story to tell. Our various journeys shape everything from how we interpret our experiences to the types of lives we lead. And, those stories tend to impact other lives when we figure out how to share them. For Jessica Moseley, being a leader isn't about being the biggest or the best at something—it's about being you. You have to learn how to be relatable, approachable, and honest in your endeavors. If you pursue your goals with authenticity and know what you have to offer the world, the difference you make in people's lives will live in your story and theirs. Jessica Moseley, the Chief Executive Officer of the iYellow Group, is Andrea Heuston's guest in this episode of the Lead Like A Woman Show, where she shares her life's journey and the lessons she learned along the way. Jessica describes how being brought up by deaf parents has shaped her experience and explains how she expanded her family's computer-based business into several organizations that provide interpretation and assistive technology.

Erika Flora is the Co-founder and CEO of Beyond20, a woman and minority-owned small business services firm focused on transformative IT service management solutions. She has always had a passion for improving how companies manage workflows, deliver products, and serve customers. Erika specializes in many services throughout the IT industry, including digital strategy consulting, training, cybersecurity, program and project management, and software development. In addition to having over 20 years of IT and project management experience, Erika is also an avid blogger and speaker who champions expanding the opportunities for women and minorities in technology. She lives in Washington, DC, has a background in microbiology, and enjoys biking, reading, sailing, and performing improv comedy when she's not at work. In this episode… Despite all the current hype around diversity and inclusion, many women still don't take an active role in going for what they want, especially for those who work in male-dominated fields. Therefore, many leadership positions end up going to men even when there are women who are equally qualified, skilled, and talented. After working in two predominantly male fields, entrepreneur Erika Flora advises women to speak up and embrace new opportunities as they come along. According to Erika, women deserve a seat at the table as much as the men they work with—so don't be afraid to pull up a chair. She also encourages women to embrace their curiosity and accumulate as much knowledge as they can. In this episode of the Lead Like A Woman Show, Andrea Heuston is joined by Erika Flora, the Co-founder and CEO of Beyond20, to talk about supporting women in IT and giving back. Erika shares what it was like starting a company with her husband, how providing training services affected her business's growth, and why storytelling is important for your brand. Plus, she offers up her tips for women working in male-dominated occupations. Stay tuned!

Alice Tang is a Partner and Vice President at BPG Wealth Management, a full-service, multi-generational financial planning firm in Oregon. As a top female producer in the financial industry and a sought-after speaker, Alice has formed her business and success by focusing on creating and deepening relationships one connection at a time. Alice realized that relationships are the key to success by watching her father build a business out of his humble beginnings in Hong Kong. Alice was the first in her family to earn a college degree when she graduated from the University of London, where she met her husband. She emigrated to the US without a network, family, or community and started a career in financial advising. When it became clear that the time-tested methods for running a business weren't scalable, Alice created her own system. She now helps other professionals catapult their success and networks through her no-nonsense approach to developing connections. In this episode… Life can sometimes be challenging. And no matter how much you might wish things were different, reality perseveres. However, you can still make the best of a bad situation. By accepting what you can't change, you'll be able to refocus your energy where it's needed. When Alice Tang moved to the US with her husband, adapting to the new environment was difficult. She couldn't work, didn't have a safety net, and could feel the tension building at home. Instead of giving up, Alice sought out solutions. Eventually, she changed her visa status, went back to school, and started a new career. Instead of allowing her circumstances to hold her back, she used them to push herself forward. In this episode of the Lead Like A Woman Show, Andrea Heuston is joined by Alice Tang, a Partner and Vice President at BPG Wealth Management, to talk about the value of networking and building a business through good relationships. Alice shares her experience of starting over after immigrating to the US, how she got into professional speaking, and her advice to women wishing to jump-start their lives.

Jane F. Bolin is the Mayor of Oakland Park, Florida, and serves as the global Governance Chair for the Entrepreneurs' Organization. She is also the Founding Partner and Chief Marketing Officer of the real estate law firm, PeytonBolin, as well as the Co-founder of Giannell Title. Jane has earned numerous accolades for her work and was named to the South Florida Business Journal "40 Under 40" list. She is deeply involved in the community and serves on many boards and committees that are dedicated to making the world a better place for all. Jane has a B.A. in Political Science from Radford University, a Master of Sports Management from the United States Sports Academy, and a J.D. from St. Thomas University School of Law. A true renaissance woman, Jane is also a published author, a renowned speaker, and the host of the podcast, Association Nation. Before this, she played linebacker for the Women's Professional Football League and has worked as a culinary producer for both MasterChef and Top Chef. In this episode… Leading doesn't always mean calling the shots. In fact, a good leader regularly changes roles. So, how do you know if it's time to take charge or if it's best to hold back and pivot in a different direction? According to Jane F. Bolin, the first step is getting to know yourself. She suggests that it's easier to embrace change if you're not struggling to fit your goals and interests into an inauthentic narrative. And, once you know who you are and what you want, the second step is giving it to yourself—whether that means more time with family or a new path for your career. As Jane says, the more you're aligned with yourself, the more everything else will fall into place. In this week's episode of the Lead Like A Woman Show, Andrea Heuston interviews Jane F. Bolin, the Founding Partner and Chief Marketing Officer of PeytonBolin and the Mayor of Oakland Park, Florida, about her role as a leader in politics and business. Together, they discuss the EO Accelerator program, the importance of civic engagement, and the value of stepping outside of your story. Plus, Jane shares lessons from her days in the Women's Professional Football League and her stint in Hollywood.