Leadership Episodes

Lisa Fennell shares her non-linear career path—from studying police science at a technical college, to restaurant work and administrative roles, to becoming a business analyst and eventually a sales and marketing leader in utility tech. Along the way, she opens up about confidence, mentorship, being “the only woman at the table,” and what it’s like building a career without a traditional four-year degree. What you’ll hear in this episode What Lisa does today Lisa explains Ping Things and the nee...

In this episode, Kathy and Linda LaTourelle sit down with Linda Rhodes, a former large-animal veterinarian, pharmaceutical executive, entrepreneur, and author, to explore an extraordinary career path rooted in agriculture, science, and perseverance. Linda shares her journey from being one of the few women working as a large-animal veterinarian to building a groundbreaking career in veterinary pharmaceuticals, biotech startups, and executive leadership. Along the way, she reflects honestly on the...

In this episode, Kathy and Linda talk with Manyphay Viengkham , an accomplished technology leader whose career spans energy innovation, systems engineering, and entrepreneurship. With degrees in biochemistry and computer science , Manyphay has built a career defined by curiosity, continuous learning, and resilience—navigating roles in major companies like GE and Honeywell before launching her own consulting business. Together, they explore: How following her curiosity led from science to technol...

In this episode of Ordinarily Extraordinary – Conversations with Women in STEM , Kathy and Linda sit down with Lawanda Parnell , a retired technology and utility leader whose career began at IBM in the early 1980s and spanned decades of innovation and leadership. Lawanda shares her journey from studying business administration with a strong math and computer science foundation at the University of Florida, to becoming one of the few Black women in tech during her era, to leading large-scale proj...

After almost a year away, Ordinarily Extraordinary: Conversations with Women in STEM is back — and we’re relaunching with something new: a co-host! In this episode, Kathy is joined by her longtime friend and new co-host, Linda LaTourelle , to talk with Stacy Cluff , IT and Broadband Manager at Mille Lacs Energy Cooperative. Stacy has worked at Mille Lacs for 28 years, wearing many hats in technology, IT, and now leading the co-op’s broadband program — bringing critical fiber broadband service to...

This episode of Ordinarily Extraordinary Conversations with Women in STEM' features Charli Matthews, a champion for empowering women in STEM fields and trades. Charli Matthews is a visionary leader with a mission to Connect, Inform, and Educate the Global Pump Industry. Charli's groundbreaking online information and connection hub has reshaped industry communication. As a well-recognized and respected figure in key industry events, Charli bridges the gap between traditional practices ...

Pamela Kellert is a strategic leadership coach focusing on women in STEM. She works with individuals and organizations to elevate their leadership skills, confidence and organizational impact. She is the Founder of Women Leading in STEM. Prior to starting her own business, she spent 16 years in the corporate world leading strategy within technical companies in the transportation sector. What do we talk about in this episode? Pamela's work as a career coach and strategist. The importance of mento...

This is a recording from a keynote speech I gave at a women in energy forum in 2017. I talk about the importance of: Showing up - especially as your authentic self Signing up, or just say "yes" if an opportunity comes up Speaking up - use your voice, even when it shakes Giving a hand up - to women who come behind you - we need to support each other. Music used in the podcast: Higher Up , Silverman Sound Studio

Sherry Shannon - Vanstone is a serial entrepreneur. She started her career as a cryptology mathematician in the US government, then went on to work at a start up in Silicon Valley. She then went on to co-found and found companies specializing in security and her latest company, Profound Impact, a female-founded, Canadian data analytics company that leverages AI and machine learning to provide solutions for the higher education and research sectors. She has a BS degree in Mathematics and an Honor...

D Sangeeta is the Founder and CEO of GOTARA whose mission is to offer career support and advice to women in STEM professions. Their goal is to help close the gender gap at all levels, and to make this service available to women around the world who are working in STEM fields as individuals, or as leaders in a variety of organizations. D. Sangeeta has held leadership and science/research positions in a variety of organizations throughout her career. She has a Master's Degree in Chemistry and a Ph...

Dr. Angelique Adams is an entrepreneur, scientist, engineer, mother, and philanthropist. She recently started her own company - Angelique Adams Media Solutions, LLC and is passionate about leadership and developing her team and now clients. She holds a PhD in Fuel Science, MS in Fuel Science, BS in Chemical Engineering, and an MBA from MIT. Episode Notes Dr. Angelique Adams brings multiple decades of leadership experience and knowledge to our conversation. She shares her journey from being a sci...

Jayshree Seth is a Corporate Scientist and Chief Science Advocate at 3M. She has Bachelor's and Master's Degrees and a PhD, all in Chemical Engineering. She holds 72 patents! She was recently featured in the documentary "Not the Science Type", a documentary that premiered during the Tribeca Film Festival this summer. She is the author of "The Heart of Science: Engineering Footprints, Fingerprints, and Imprints". Episode Notes Jayshree Seth didn't think she wanted to be an engineer or scienti...

Jodi Bednar is an Energy & Utility consulting practice leader. She has been in the telecommunications and consulting industries for 30 years. She has a bachelor's degree in Telecommunications Management and a degree in Executive Management in the Women's Leadership Program at Yale University. She shares her vast work and life experiences and the importance of being able to bring your whole self to work. Episode Notes Music used in the podcast: Higher Up , Silverman Sound Studio Acronyms, Definit...

Kelly Ireland is the founder and CEO of CBT, formerly CB Technologies. Her company focuses on providing premier customer service while simultaneously providing true work life balance and creating an environment that brings out the best in her team, both personally and professionally. She shares her experience and passions as a CEO in the technology industry. Episode Notes Music used in the podcast: Higher Up , Silverman Sound Studio Acronyms, Definitions, and Fact Check CBT , founded by Kelly Ir...

Dr. Vivian Chan is the founder and CEO of Sparrho, a platform that democratizes science using augmented intelligence. Dr. Chan has a PhD in biochemistry, and degrees in biotech. She has addressed the EU Ministers of Research and Innovation and keynoted the "Next Unicorn" series at Mobile World Congress. Episode Notes Music used in the podcast: Higher Up , Silverman Sound Studio Were there fines in UK for leaving lock down in early COVID? Are there now? Under current regulations, organisers and f...

Monika leads a product management team for a global company in the energy industry. She started her career in embedded programming, which is still a passion she has. She is a mentor, a coach, a keynote speaker, and an entrepreneur. Monika is passionate about her work and about encouraging women in their careers and career development. Episode Notes Music used in the podcast: Higher Up , Silverman Sound Studio Acronyms, Definitions, and Fact Check Embedded Software Engineer - Embedded software is...

Cassie is an electrical engineer, working in substation design at a consulting firm. She moved into engineering management after getting a master's degree in Science and Technology Management. Cassie shares her experiences and perspectives and the importance of women supporting each other and the importance of mentors. Episode Notes Music used in the podcast: Higher Up , Silverman Sound Studio Acronyms, Definitions, and Fact Check How many pounds of chemicals do women absorb into their bodies in...

Naadiya is a major global advocate for women in engineering. She is a civil engineer and a serial entrepreneur. She co-founded WomEng, an organization to promote women and girls going into engineering, and WomHub, an organization to support women entrepreneurs in STEM (science, technology, Engineering, and Manufacturing) in Africa. She is on boards of Unicef, B20, World Economic Forum, among others. She is a strong voice and advocate for women engineers globally. Episode Notes Music used in the ...