She Lift Project Podcast

#49 - Amy Rivera: Training Lymphedema Ninjas Worldwide

This episode features Amy Rivera, who shares her remarkable journey with primary lymphedema - a rare disease she was born with that caused her right leg to grow 200% larger than her left.  Amy recounts her decades-long struggle without a proper diagnosis, the pivotal moment when she finally discovered what she had in 2013, and how she transformed her pain into purpose by creating multiple businesses and a non-profit to serve the lymphedema community globally.
This episode is ideal for listeners facing health challenges, entrepreneurs looking to build purpose-driven businesses, and healthcare professionals wanting to better understand lymphedema from a patient perspective. Listeners will learn about lymphedema's physical and emotional impacts, the importance of self-advocacy in healthcare, and how to transform personal struggles into meaningful work. The insights Amy shares about resilience, business-building, and creating community around a medical condition can inspire anyone to find purpose in their pain and take actionable steps toward both personal healing and helping others.

#48 - Alara LaPlante: The Sacred Journey Home to Yourself

In this enlightening episode of The She Lift Project Podcast, host Cynthia Kirkpatrick sits down with Alara LaPlante, a healer, guide, and what one client aptly called an "illuminator." Alara shares her remarkable journey from serious illness to vibrant health and spiritual awakening.
The conversation explores how our physical "dis-eases" often reflect deeper spiritual and emotional misalignments. Alara discusses her approach to healing—helping people shed dense emotional energies, reconnect with their authentic selves, and integrate forgotten or fragmented parts of their being. She explains how neurodivergence can be a gift rather than something to suppress, and shares insights about consciousness, Christ consciousness, and the multi-dimensional nature of human existence.
Listeners will be fascinated by Alara's discussion of various healing modalities, from modern medical sciences to ancient esoteric traditions, and how she integrates these approaches to help clients discover their true purpose. The episode also touches on the healing power of cacao ceremonies, the importance of play in healing generational trauma, and how something as simple as learning to receive a proper hug can be transformative.
Whether you're on your own healing journey or simply curious about expanded consciousness, this conversation offers wisdom, compassion, and practical insights on becoming more fully yourself and living with greater joy and authenticity.

#47 - Jana Franklin: Stop Doing It All And Win With Outsourcing

Jana Franklin is a serial entrepreneur who has mastered the art of scaling businesses efficiently. From owning multiple Fantastic Sams and Jimmy John’s franchises to founding CEO Concierge, she helps business owners leverage virtual assistants to regain time and focus. Her journey of growth, setbacks, and strategic delegation has made her an expert in building businesses that thrive without burnout.
This episode is for entrepreneurs and professionals feeling overwhelmed by their workload. Listeners will learn why doing it all is hurting their success and how outsourcing can create more efficiency and balance. Jana shares practical tips on delegation, finding the right support, and shifting from managing everything to leading smarter.

#46 - Dr. Rachel Feinberg - Decoding Pain: Understanding Your Body's Signals

In this episode of The She Lift Project Podcast, Dr. Rachel Feinberg shares her remarkable journey from anesthesiology to becoming a leader in pain management. She opens up about the challenges she faced as a woman in medicine, the pivotal moments that shaped her career, and the innovative approaches she uses to help patients truly heal. With decades of experience, she offers a fresh perspective on how understanding the body’s signals can lead to more effective and compassionate medical care.
This episode is for anyone struggling with chronic pain, those frustrated by traditional medical treatments, or individuals seeking a deeper understanding of how their body communicates discomfort. Listeners will learn how pain is more than just a symptom—it’s a message that requires attention, analysis, and the right approach to treatment. Whether you're a patient, a healthcare professional, or someone interested in advocating for better care, Dr. Feinberg’s insights will empower you to take control of your health and explore new paths to healing.

#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.