She Lift Project Podcast

#45 - Kelly Kirkpatrick: If the Light Go Out, Keep Dancing

Kelly Kirkpatrick is more than just a dance studio owner—she’s a mentor, entrepreneur, and community builder. As the owner of On Your Toes Dance Studio and On Pointe Dancewear, Kelly has spent 27 years shaping young dancers, not just in technique but in confidence, resilience, and character. In this episode, she shares how she turned a childhood side hustle into a thriving business, her journey through pivots and self-doubt, and why teaching kids life lessons is at the core of everything she does.
This episode is for entrepreneurs, parents, coaches, and anyone striving to make an impact. You’ll learn how to build a strong team, create a lasting culture, and push past fear and self-doubt—whether in business, leadership, or personal growth. Kelly’s story will inspire you to embrace resilience, trust the process, and remember that anything worth having requires hard work. Tune in and get ready to be motivated!

#44 - Shannon Shores: From People Pleaser to Power Player

In this episode, Shannon Shores shares her incredible transformation from a quiet, people-pleasing young girl to a bold, unapologetic leader, entrepreneur, and kind-hearted powerhouse. Shannon dives deep into her journey of overcoming childhood struggles, setting boundaries, and facing the "monsters under the bed" that held her back for years. Through humor, raw honesty, and empowering insights, Shannon inspires listeners to embrace their authentic selves, manifest confidence, and step fully into their power.
If you’re a woman who struggles with self-doubt, people-pleasing, or finding the confidence to speak up and take control of your life, this episode is for you. Shannon’s journey will show you how to set boundaries, build resilience, and turn your setbacks into stepping stones for growth. By listening, you’ll gain the tools and inspiration to let go of what’s holding you back, embrace your inner strength, and take bold, unapologetic steps toward becoming the person you’re meant to be.

#43 - April Porter: The Secret Sauce (SOS) For Startup Success

This episode of The She Lift Project Podcast features April Porter, a successful entrepreneur, business strategist, and franchising expert. April shares her insights on helping small business owners bridge the gap between passion and profitability by uncovering the "Secret Sauce" for sustainable success. Through candid conversations, April highlights the importance of mindset, resilience, and practical strategies to overcome common challenges faced by entrepreneurs.
This episode is a must-listen for aspiring entrepreneurs, small business owners, and anyone looking to refine their approach to scaling a business while maintaining balance in life. Listeners will gain actionable advice on navigating the complexities of business ownership, avoiding common pitfalls, and leveraging expert guidance to achieve their goals. By the end of the episode, you'll have fresh perspectives and practical tips to align your vision, passion, and strategies for long-term success.

#42 - Jane Megown: How a House Fire Ignited Success

In this episode of The She Lift Project, host Cynthia Kirkpatrick welcomes Jane Megown, President and Owner of Elastizell, who shares her remarkable journey from a career in marketing to leading a construction company specializing in lightweight cellular concrete. Jane's company is behind critical infrastructure projects, often unseen but essential, such as filling spaces under stadiums and bridges with lightweight, custom-formulated concrete. Despite entering the male-dominated construction field with no prior experience, Jane credits her success to values she learned early on from her father: honesty, integrity, and putting people first.
 
Jane’s path was far from linear—she initially avoided construction, only to be drawn back in due to a series of life-altering events, including a devastating house fire. The fire not only tested her resilience but also prompted her to re-enter the workforce, leading to her eventual ownership of Elastizell. Jane’s leadership philosophy centers on transparency, teamwork, and focusing on long-term relationships rather than short-term gains. Her ability to build trust through honesty, even when it meant admitting she didn’t know all the answers, has been key to her success. Through her story, Jane offers inspiration on how to navigate career pivots, embrace challenges, and turn hardships into opportunities for growth.

#41- Sylvia Owens: Basketball & Boardrooms

Join host Cynthia Kirkpatrick in a deeply inspiring conversation with Sylvia Owens, the Director IT Revenue Cycle Systems at BJC Healthcare. With over 27 years of experience in healthcare, 18 of them in IT, Sylvia shares her incredible journey from growing up in East St. Louis to playing professional basketball in Europe and eventually transitioning into a leadership role in healthcare technology. Sylvia's story is one of resilience, reinvention, and the power of hard work.
In this episode, we dive into:
Sylvia's Early Life: Growing up in East St. Louis with limited resources, Sylvia learned the value of perseverance and grit from a young age.
The Role of Sports in Shaping Leadership: Sylvia reflects on how basketball saved her life and taught her the importance of teamwork, discipline, and resilience, qualities she later applied in her career.
Navigating Career Pivots: Sylvia opens up about the tough decisions she made throughout her life, including leaving her basketball career after a knee injury and finding new purpose in the field of healthcare IT.
Leadership in Healthcare IT: With 18 years of experience in implementing Epic electronic health records, Sylvia discusses her approach to leadership, including how she builds trust, motivates teams, and creates a culture of inclusion.
The Importance of Mentorship: Sylvia shares how her network of mentors, or “angels,” helped guide her through difficult times and how she now mentors others, especially women in tech.
Resilience and Reinvention: Sylvia’s story is a testament to the power of starting over, as she reflects on her personal and professional challenges, including a 20-year marriage, a life-changing divorce, and the courage to start fresh multiple times.
Key Takeaways:
The importance of building resilience in the face of obstacles.
How to embrace career pivots and turn setbacks into opportunities.
The value of mentorship and surrounding yourself with a network of support.
Sylvia’s strategies for leading successful teams by understanding and motivating individuals.
Lessons from sports that apply to leadership and life.
Memorable Quotes:
“Basketball saved my life.” – Sylvia Owens
“Leadership is not about the leader; it’s about getting work done through others.” – Sylvia Owens
“You can always start over—don’t stay down.” – Sylvia Owens
About Our Guest: Sylvia Owens is the Director of IT at BJC Healthcare, where she focuses on software change management and business process design. She has an 18-year background in healthcare IT, implementing Epic electronic health records across large healthcare systems. Before transitioning into healthcare, Sylvia played professional basketball in Europe and has continuously demonstrated courage and resilience throughout her life.

#40 - Debi Corrie: Failures Fuel Future Success

In this episode of the She Lift Project Podcast, host Cynthia Kirkpatrick sits down with Debi Corrie, founder of Acumaxum, a strategic CFO company that specializes in helping businesses optimize cash flow, scale, and drive profitability. Debi shares her journey from accounting to becoming a pivotal force in helping small businesses break through barriers, navigate challenges, and achieve lasting success. Through personal stories and professional expertise, Debi talks about the importance of failure, leadership, and the impact of a positive company culture on profitability.
Key Topics Discussed:
Debi’s Journey: How Debi transitioned from accounting to operations and ultimately founded her CFO strategy company.
The Power of Failure: Why Debi believes failure is essential to learning, growth, and long-term success.
Cash Flow Optimization & Scaling: Practical advice on how business owners can improve cash flow, hire the right team members, and break through growth barriers.
The Role of Leadership: How leaders can foster a culture of respect, listen to their teams, and empower employees to take ownership.
The Importance of Employee Culture: How a positive company culture can boost profitability by 25% and why happy employees are critical to success.
Risk Mitigation Strategies: How to assess risk in business decisions and mitigate potential downsides.
EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System): The benefits of using EOS to simplify processes, set goals, and ensure accountability across the company.
Lessons from Debi’s Personal Experiences: Insights from Debi's time in transportation, restructuring, and navigating business challenges during the pandemic.
Letting Go to Grow: The hard lessons Debi learned about letting go of non-profitable business lines and focusing on what works best.
Key Takeaways:
Embrace Failure: Failure is not the end but a critical part of learning and growing in business. It's how you handle failure that determines your future success.
Happy Employees Drive Success: A strong company culture where employees feel valued can increase profitability and foster innovation.
Know When to Let Go: Sometimes business owners need to let go of certain services or ideas that aren’t working to focus on more profitable areas.
Sales Pipeline is Crucial: Understanding your sales pipeline and its probability can guide better decision-making and resource allocation.
Listen to Your Team: Engaging with employees and listening to their insights can reveal opportunities for improvement and growth.
Don’t Be Afraid to Pivot: Whether in business or life, being open to new ideas and changes is key to long-term success.

#39 - Shalia Ford: Transforming Trauma Into Triumph

In this powerful episode of the She Lift Project podcast, host Cynthia Kirkpatrick is joined by Shalia Ford, a seasoned leader and director of leadership programs at Focus St. Louis. Together, they dive into Shalia's inspiring journey from a challenging childhood to becoming a community leader who empowers women and youth to discover their true potential. Shalia shares profound insights on personal growth, the importance of self-reflection, and the courage to choose yourself.
The conversation explores themes of transformation, healing, and the significance of building supportive communities among women. Shalia's story is a testament to the strength that comes from embracing your own power and purpose, making this episode a must-listen for anyone seeking inspiration and guidance on their own path to leadership and fulfillment.

#38 - Sara Stock: Making a Bold Career Pivot

In this episode of the She Lift Project Podcast, host Cynthia Kirkpatrick sits down with Sara Stock, a dynamic business owner and legal expert who has redefined what it means to balance a thriving career with the demands of motherhood and entrepreneurship. Sara shares her journey from working in a prestigious law firm to venturing out on her own, building successful businesses like Stock Legal and Legal Back Office.
Sara discusses the challenges and triumphs she faced along the way, including the importance of finding your purpose, the power of networking, and the value of creating a supportive work culture. She also delves into the unique obstacles women face in business and offers insightful advice on how to overcome them.
Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a seasoned business owner, or someone looking to find more balance in life, this episode is packed with valuable lessons on growth, leadership, and resilience.

#37: Kelley Lamm - Break Negativity, Build Success

In this episode of the She Lift Project podcast, host Cynthia Kirkpatrick sits down with Kelley Lamm, a dynamic magazine publisher, author, and community advocate who has dedicated her life to spreading joy and positivity. Kelley shares her deeply personal journey of overcoming adversity, including the challenges that once left her feeling lost and defeated. Through candid storytelling, she reveals how she transformed her life by embracing gratitude, cutting out negativity, and building a life filled with purpose and happiness.
 
Kelley also discusses her latest venture, the Oh Olive children’s book series, which is designed to inspire courage and positivity in young readers. She offers practical advice on how to maintain a positive mindset, even in the face of life’s toughest challenges, and highlights the importance of community and supportive relationships. This episode is an uplifting and empowering conversation that will resonate with anyone seeking to break free from negativity and create the life they’ve always dreamed of.

#36 - Amy Post: Out of the Gray, Into the Light

In this episode of the She Lift Project podcast, Cynthia Kirkpatrick is thrilled to introduce Amy Post, a multifaceted individual with an extraordinary story. With over 20 years in medical sales, Amy has not only achieved remarkable success in her career but also navigated the challenging roles of being a wife, mother, author, podcaster, and nonprofit founder. Her journey is nothing short of awe-inspiring, and today's live session with an audience promises to delve deep into her experiences, lessons, and the incredible impact she has had on those around her.
 
Amy's story is a testament to resilience and adaptability. She began her career in veterinary sales, which sparked her passion for helping others and improving their businesses. Her transition to medical aesthetic sales brought her into contact with a diverse range of professionals, from plastic surgeons to cardiologists, highlighting her ability to thrive in various environments. Despite her professional success, Amy's life took a dramatic turn when her daughter was diagnosed with malignant liver cancer. This life-altering event propelled Amy into the role of a fierce advocate, fighting not only for her daughter's health but also for systemic changes within the healthcare system.
 
Throughout the episode, Amy shares her journey of navigating the healthcare system, the emotional toll of her daughter's illness, and the transformative power of faith and community. Her book, "Out of the Gray, Into the Light," captures these experiences, offering hope and guidance to others facing similar challenges. Amy's advocacy extends beyond her personal story as she builds a community focused on support, self-care, and positive mindset. Her message is clear: by sharing our stories and standing up for ourselves and others, we can create ripples of change and find light even in the darkest times. This episode is a powerful reminder of the strength of the human spirit and the impact of living with purpose and compassion.