She Lift Project Podcast

#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.

#35 - Johanna Schuessler - The Magic of Adventure Unknown

In this episode of The She Lift Project Podcast, host Cynthia Kirkpatrick sits down with Johanna Schuessler, co-owner and co-creator of Adventure Unknown. Johanna shares the inspiration behind her unique co-working and social club, which combines professional networking with curated travel experiences. She delves into how a life-changing trip to Africa with her husband sparked the idea for Adventure Unknown, aiming to connect like-minded individuals through transformative journeys.
Johanna opens up about her multifaceted career as a physician's assistant and travel agent, discussing the challenges and rewards of balancing these roles. She recounts personal stories of overcoming significant losses, including the tragic passing of her mother and brother-in-law, and how these experiences shaped her resilience and empathy. Johanna's journey highlights the importance of being authentic, building meaningful connections, and supporting one another in both personal and professional spheres.
Listeners will also hear about the future aspirations for Adventure Unknown, including plans for expansion and the launch of the Adventure Unknown Travel Club. Johanna's advice for advocating for oneself in healthcare, as well as her encouragement for women to pursue their passions and take chances, provides valuable insights for anyone seeking inspiration and growth. Don't miss this empowering and heartfelt episode filled with wisdom and practical advice.

#34 - Nicki Ball: The Power of Pivots

In this episode of the She Lift Project Podcast, host Cynthia Kirkpatrick sits down with Nicki Ball, the Chief Operating Officer at Mary Engelbreit, to explore the fascinating journey of her multifaceted career. From her beginnings in hospitality and wine expertise to healthcare and art licensing, Nicki shares her experiences of navigating through various industries and the lessons learned along the way.
Nicki highlights the importance of self-advocacy, work-life balance, and the courage to pivot when necessary. She discusses the challenges of working in male-dominated environments and the significance of mentorship and supportive leadership. With anecdotes about her time in restaurants, healthcare, and the corporate world, Nicki emphasizes the value of adaptability, continuous learning, and finding joy in one’s career.
Join us as Nicki Ball provides insights on overcoming imposter syndrome, the power of being genuine, and the critical role of collaboration and open communication in achieving professional success. Whether you're at the start of your career or considering a change, this episode offers valuable takeaways on embracing the power of pivots and pursuing your passion.

#33 - Whitney Toates: Building a Business Club

In this episode of the She Lift Project podcast, host Cynthia Kirkpatrick sits down with Whitney Toates, a dynamic businesswoman who relocated to St. Louis and successfully established a chapter of the ACA Business Club. Whitney shares her inspiring journey of building a thriving business community amidst personal and professional challenges. From her extensive background in sales and marketing to the unique networking culture of St. Louis, Whitney offers invaluable insights on entrepreneurship, relationship-building, and overcoming adversity.
Listeners will learn about the transformative power of the ACA Business Club, a private, invitation-only organization focused on fostering meaningful relationships, professional development, and marketing strategies. Whitney's story includes navigating a major career pivot, the birth of her daughter Bishop, and the unwavering support of her business community during difficult times.
Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a seasoned business owner, or simply looking for motivation, this episode is packed with practical advice, heartfelt stories, and lessons on the importance of community and resilience in the business world. Tune in to discover how Whitney's faith, determination, and the power of connections helped her and her members achieve remarkable success.

#32 - Kristin Thompson: Juggling Fertility & Finance

This episode of the She Lift Project podcast features Kristin Thompson, a Financial Advisor at Renaissance Financial. Host Cynthia Kirkpatrick talks with Kristin about the intersection of her professional life and personal challenges, including motherhood and fertility struggles, shedding light on how these experiences shape women's careers.
Kristin candidly shares her experiences with fertility treatments providing listeners with insights into balancing personal adversity with professional growth. She also addresses the broader implications of gender stereotypes and the importance of authentic communication in building meaningful business relationships.
Embracing diversity was discussed to gain unique perspectives, with a focus on female representation contributing to success in business settings. She shared experiences on mentorship, learning from failures, and promoting inclusivity in male-dominated industries. They talked about personal growth, authenticity, and the value of advocating for individuality while navigating work-life dynamics and overcoming professional challenges.
 

#31 - Debbie Champion: The Jury Whisperer

In this episode of the She Lift Project Podcast, Cynthia Kirkpatrick talks with Debbie Champion, a successful litigator. They explore Debbie's journey, highlighting effective communication in litigation and trial dynamics.
 
Debbie's unconventional path to law, rooted in psychology and diverse education, shapes her approach to connecting with jurors authentically. She navigates trials with humor and insight, leveraging counseling background to understand juror behavior, emphasizing reading people effectively.
 
Discussions delve into Debbie's experiences of being underestimated and her strategy of gradually expressing personality through attire and jewelry in court. She emphasizes understanding jurors' intelligence and emotions, learning from losses, and detaching self-worth from case outcomes. Debbie discusses managing challenging facts with empathy, advocating for authentic interactions and personal growth through failures.
 
Lessons from setbacks lead to improvements, emphasizing communication in legal disputes and respecting diverse perspectives while upholding core values. Through embracing resilience and authenticity, Debbie's insights extend beyond litigation, providing valuable lessons for personal and professional development across different life endeavors.

#30 - Cathy L. Davis: Somebody Needs to Hear Your Story

"Somebody needs to hear your story," is an earnest call to action from Cathy L. Davis, an experienced book publisher and strategist. She and her authors have received countless reviews and thank you notes that express the life changing effects of the stories shared. We may not think our story matters, but Cathy says that's not true. No matter who you are, she insists that you have some sort of wisdom that needs to be shared. 
In this episode, Cathy L Davis, explains how she helps people share their stories and wisdom through books and anthologies. They discuss how everyone has a story to tell and the power of storytelling in creating connections and providing hope. Cathy shares her journey of starting Davis Creative and explains what an anthology is—a collection of stories written by multiple authors on the same subject. She also highlights the importance of community and how anthologies can fill the need for hope and connection, especially during challenging times like COVID-19. Cathy's team includes writing coaches who support authors throughout their writing process, whether they have little writing experience or need assistance with emotional topics. She emphasizes that sharing one's story can lift both oneself and others up while creating positive ripples in the world. Additionally, Cathy reveals her wish list for future book ideas, including more male contributors sharing their experiences as fathers or sons. Overall, she encourages people to overcome their fears about writing by recognizing that everyone has wisdom worth sharing.
They discuss the logistics, economics, and benefits of writing a chapter in an anthology. The cost of writing a chapter for the anthology is one-tenth of the cost of writing a solo book. Authors retain ownership of their own words, but the sponsor retains ownership of the theme and title of the book. Authors can sell their books individually or as part of the anthology, but Amazon takes most of the money from sales made by solo authors. The program also teaches authors how to buy books at cost and distribute them through various channels, such as local printing companies or global distributors like Ingram. It emphasizes that self-publishing allows authors to keep 100% royalties and copyright control. Cathy explains the strategy of using books as marketing tools, additional income streams, and ways to promote oneself as an author through speaking engagements, social media, and networking events. Overall, it encourages individuals to take a chance on themselves and share their stories with others.