Shows
LeadHERShip Bytes™Season 4, Ep. 6: Purpose Driven Leadership - A Conversation with Dr. Alicia ConerlyKeywordsleadership, STEM, education, servant leadership,empowerment, purpose-driven, science education, workforce development, women in leadership, Dr. Alicia ConerlySummaryIn this episode of Leadership Bytes, host Cam Sanderssits down with Dr. Alicia Conerly, a trailblazer in science education and leadership. Dr. Conerly opens up about her path from a student still figuring out her future to a recognized leader in STEM education. Along the way, she highlights the power of servant leadership, the importance of leading with purpose, and the critical need to close workforce gaps in STEM.
2025-08-1729 minLeadHERShip Bytes™Season 4, Ep. 5: Transforming Events Through Intentional Design - A Conversation with Shameka JenningsKeywordsevent strategy, impact framework, intentionality, team leadership, inclusivity, audience engagement, event trends, professional development, leadership advice, community buildingSummaryIn this episode, Cam sits down with Shameka Jennings—an award-winning event strategist and advocate for inclusive experiences—to explore what it takes to craft events that truly resonate. Shamika unpacks her innovative approach to planning with purpose, leading with authenticity, and staying ahead of industry trends. She dives into the importance of intentional design, inclusive leadership, and audience engagement, while also offering real-world advice for emerging professionals looking to grow...
2025-07-2725 minLeadHERShip Bytes™Season 4, Ep. 4: Finding Your Voice: Leadership, Marketing, and Impact - A Conversation with Shauna PetersKeywordsleadership, audience engagement, women in business, strategic marketing, project management, personalization, relationship marketing, career development, mentorshipSummary In this episode of LeadHERShip Bytes, Cam is joined byShana Peters—an insightful strategist whose journey from English and Sociology student to powerhouse marketing leader is nothing short of inspiring, as Shana really pulls back the curtain and shares what it takes to lead with purpose in today’s fast-paced, ever-evolving marketing world.From championing audience-first strategies to harnessing the power of data and personalization, Shana shares actionable insights for anyone looking to driv...
2025-06-2334 min
LeadHERShip Bytes™Season 4, Ep. 3 - Curiosity, Courage & Community: A Conversation with Kiki L’ItalienKeywordsleadership, marketing, digital strategy, community engagement, trust, women leaders, AI, social offset, inspiration, balanceSummaryKiKi L’Italien—association marketing expert, digitalstrategist, and community-builder—joins Cam on the latest episode of LeadHERShip Bytes™ for a powerful conversation on modern leadership.KiKi shares her journey into leadership, the courage itrequires, and how AI is reshaping communication and digital strategy. She discusses the critical role of trust in building strong communities and offers real talk on work-life harmony for women leaders.You’ll also learn about Social Offset, a purpose-driven initiative...
2025-05-2635 min
LeadHERShip Bytes™Season 4, Ep. 2: Navigating Challenging Times in Nonprofit Leadership - A Conversation with Fatima Goss-Graves and Stefanie ReevesSummaryThis episode of the podcast packs a powerful punch as we dive into meaningful conversation with two women leaders in the nonprofit sector. With raw honesty and refreshing insight, our guests, Fatima Goss-Graves and Stefanie Reeves open up about the real challenges nonprofit leaders are facing right now—burnout and the weight of leadership in uncertain times. But it's not all heavy. There's laughter, strategy, and a whole lot of heart as they talk about the importance of self-care, leaning into community, and finding joy even in chaos. From bold moves to quiet resilience, this conversation is...
2025-05-0344 min
LeadHERShip Bytes™Season 4, Ep. 1 - The Bold and Uncommon Journey: A Conversation with Gwen Fortune-BlakelySummaryIn this episode of LeadHERShip Bytes, Cam interviews Gwen Fortune-Blakely, MBA, CAE, Chief Membership and Engagement Officer at the American Association of Immunologists (AAI). They discuss Gwen's journey through various leadership roles, her approach to strategic planning, and the importance of women leaders collaborating and supporting each other. Gwen shares her insights on navigating challenging times, the significance of effective communication, and the value of transferring skills from the corporate sector to nonprofit organizations. Cam and Gwen also have a fun conversation diving deeper into themes of personal growth, resilience, and the impact of community engagement...
2025-04-1637 min
LeadHERShip Bytes™Season 3, Ep. 5: Transforming Vision into Reality - A Conversation with Dr. Carletta S. HurtJust in time for Black History Month, we're back with another empowering episode of LeadHERShip Bytes! Join our host, Cam Sanders, as she chats with the incredible Dr. Carletta Hurt, an award-winning educator, counselor, and trailblazing entrepreneur.
In this engaging conversation, Dr. Hurt opens up about her journey into the nonprofit sector, driven by a deep-seated passion for youth development and her innovative approach to making a difference. She shares invaluable insights for aspiring entrepreneurs and highlights the essential skills women leaders need in today's ever-evolving landscape.
Dr. Hurt offers practical advice about how women...
2025-02-0222 min
LeadHERShip Bytes™Season 3, Ep. 4- The Blueprint for Successful Leadership: A Conversation with Dr. Nicole A. BryanSummary
In this episode of LeadHERShip Bytes, Cam sits down for an
insightful and profoundly engaging chat with Dr. Nicole A. Bryan, an executive leadership career strategist trained in psychology, human resources, business, and education. Dr. Bryan focuses on empowering women for leadership, with a
special interest in helping introverted women.
During their chat, Dr. Bryan shares her personal leadership
journey, the importance of mentorship and sponsorship, and how women can navigate specific challenges in the business environment. She emphasizes the need for women to define their leadership styles and offers insight into a growing...
2025-01-0545 min
LeadHERShip Bytes™Season 3, Ep. 3- Embracing Change and Impacting Lives: A Conversation with Dr. Erica Fischer-CartlidgeEpisode Summary
In this episode of Leadership Bytes, Cam engages in a
thought-provoking discussion with Dr. Erica Fisher-Cartlidge, the Chief Clinical Officer of the Oncology Nursing Society. They explore Dr. Fischer-Cartlidge's journey into oncology nursing, impactful milestones during her practice, and her eventual transition into association leadership.
The conversation highlights the critical role of data in
enhancing nursing practice and the ongoing challenges professional associations face in attracting and retaining members.
Dr. Fischer-Cartlidge passionately advocates for equity in cancer care and underscores the vital role of mentorship in developing future leaders. She also...
2024-12-1635 min
LeadHERShip Bytes™Season 3, Ep. 2 - Leading with Purpose & Heart: A Conversation with Dr. Sheila BaileyIn this episode of LeadHERShip Bytes, Cam sits down for an inspiring chat with our special guest, Sheila Bailey, Ph.D. Dr. Bailey spent over 40 years as an educator in public school and university systems. She earned undergraduate, master's, and doctorate degrees in education, and nearly a decade ago, Dr. Bailey retired from full-time her career as an educator and pivoted into association management.
Today, she serves as the Executive Director of the
Virginia Council of Administrators of Special Education (VCASE), a state unit of the Council of Administrators for Special Education (CASE).
Dr. Bailey's li...
2024-11-2426 min
LeadHERShip Bytes™Season 3, Ep. 1 - Empowering Leadership: A Conversation with Velma HartSummary
In this episode, Cam kicks off Season 3 of LeadHERShip Bytes with special guest, Velma Hart. Velma is a trailblazing leader who has decades of experience serving in chief finance and operational leadership roles, is a military veteran, CEO of Velma Hart & Associates, a past Chair of the American Society of Association Executives’ (ASAE) Board of Directors, and a founding pioneer of ASAE’s Diversity Executive Leadership Program (DELP). Her accomplishments are far too many to list, and most importantly, her commitment to service and the resulting impact on leaders is immeasurable.
Tune in to lear...
2024-11-1131 min
LeadHERShip Bytes™Season 2, Ep. 9: Evolving Leadership - Insights on HR, Professional Development and DEI: A Conversation with Samantha RosenburgSummary
In this episode of Leadership Bytes, our host, Cam Sanders, sits down for an insightful and fun chat with Samantha Rosenberg, Chief People and Governance Officer, about her extensive career in human resources and the evolving landscape of leadership, particularly for women. They discuss the dual role of HR in representing both employees and organizations, the importance of professional development, and the essential skills needed in today's workforce. Samantha shares insights on hiring challenges, the significance of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), and the need for women to advocate for themselves in leadership roles. The conversation...
2024-09-2332 min
LeadHERShip Bytes™Season 2, Ep. 8: Amplifying DEIA+ Still Matters - A Conversation with Samyuktha NeerajaSummary
Samyuktha Neeraja, State Associations Relations Manager II for the American Nurse Anesthesiology, joins Cam Sanders to discuss her journey into the association world and passion for DEI Amplified, stressing the significance of accessibility and inclusion within organizations. Samyuktha shares invaluable advice for leaders in the DEI space and sheds light on her personal experiences as a disabled woman of color. She advocates for diverse voices and perspectives, urging individuals to conquer internalized fears and advocate for their needs. Tune in to hear Samyuktha's inspiring story, including the impact of her mother's advocacy and the supportive communities...
2024-09-0832 min
LeadHERShip Bytes™Season 2, Ep.7: The Evolution of Leadership - A Conversation with Christine ShawSummary
In this episode, Cam sits down with Christine Shaw, President and CEO of Naylor Association Solutions, as she shares her journey to becoming a CEO and the evolution of her leadership style.
Christine emphasizes the importance of investing in career coaching, continuously learning and growing as a leader, and highlights the key skills needed in today's leadership climate, including effective communication, structure and discipline, and transparency.
She also delves deeper into essential topics for leaders, discussing the significance of creating a supportive and inclusive environment for teams and the value of finding...
2024-08-2535 min
LeadHERShip Bytes™Season 2, Ep. 6: Transformation Through Resilience - A Conversation with Lei WangSummary
Lei Wang, a trailblazing and celebrated keynote speaker, athlete, author, and executive coach, joins Cam to share her extraordinary journey from being the unlikeliest candidate for success to becoming the first Asian woman and Asian American to conquer the Explorer's Grand Slam, an adventure challenge where participants attempt to climb all of the famed seven summits and ski the North and South Poles.
With contagious energy, she underscores the significance of mental and physical transformation, pushing past comfort zones, and seeking guidance and mentorship. Lei also shines a spotlight on the essential leadership skills...
2024-08-1335 min
LeadHERShip Bytes™Season 2, Ep. 5: Passion, Purpose, and Leadership: A Conversation with Danielle Duran BaronSummary
In our latest episode of the Leadership Bytes podcast, host Cam Sanders dives into an inspiring conversation with Danielle Duran Baron, the Vice President of Marketing, Communications, and Industry Relations for the School Nutrition Association. Danielle takes us through her unconventional path to leadership, spanning from a career in journalism to her current role, stressing the significance of pursuing work aligned with one's values and passions. She also candidly shares the profound impact of her survivorship of cancer on her leadership approach, emphasizing the virtues of kindness, honesty, and vulnerability. Additionally, Danielle offers empowering advice to...
2024-07-3040 min
LeadHERShip Bytes™Season 2, Ep. 4: Embrace Challenges, Cultivate Joy - Desireè Knight Shares Keys to Leadership SuccessSummary
Desireè Knight, Senior Director of Meetings and Events at the American Psychological Association, shares her
inspiring leadership journey and insights gained from years in the meetings and events industry. Initially stumbling into the field, she discovered her true passion for event planning while working for various associations.
Through active participation in organizations like PCMA and later, through involvement in ASAE's Diversity Executive Leadership Program (Class of 2016-2018), she
honed her leadership skills, recognizing the significance of attentive listening and effective communication.
Desireè stresses the importance of leaders being open to fe...
2024-07-1446 min
LeadHERShip Bytes™Season 2, Ep. 3: Self-Love and Continuous Learning - Artesha Moore on Becoming an Effective LeaderSummary
Artesha Moore, President and CEO of Association Forum, shares her leadership journey and the importance of continuous learning and self-love. She emphasizes the importance of constant learning and shares her strategies for personal growth. Artesha also discusses her personal and professional challenges and triumphs, highlighting her transformative journey as a CEO. She emphasizes the importance of self-love and aligning with one's authentic self in leadership and shares her inspiration for uplifting and supporting other women, which stems from her mother's influence and the value she places on understanding each woman's story.
Keywords
...
2024-06-3050 min
LeadHERShip Bytes™Season 2, Ep. 2: Taking Up Space - Haley Jones on Finding Your Voice as a LeaderSummary
Cam sits down for an engaging chat with Haley Jones, Director of Member Engagement at the American Staffing Association, who inspires with her leadership journey, emphasizing the importance of women who will speak up and take their place as leaders. Haley shares a transformative experience with a life-threatening health crisis, which shaped her perspective on leadership.
She also emphasizes the need for leaders to prioritize well-being and set boundaries for a healthy work-life integration. And, through her personal experience with burnout, Haley advocates for self-care, transparency, and empathy in leadership, highlighting the impact of...
2024-06-1549 min
LeadHERShip Bytes™Season 2, Ep. 1: Taking Risks and Embracing Failure - Sheri Jacobs on a Leader's JourneySummary
In this episode, Cam sits down for a candid, insightful chat with Sheri Jacobs, FASAE, CAE, president and CEO of Avenue M Group. Sheri shares her leadership journey through various career pathways including photojournalism, association management, owner of a thriving consultancy, keynote speaker and more. She emphasizes the importance of taking risks, asking questions, and being true to oneself as a leader. Sheri also discusses the need for organizations to rethink their business models to provide equal opportunities for all. She shares her upcoming projects, including a keynote business.
Keywords
2024-06-0242 min
LeadHERShip Bytes™Episode 09: An Unconventional Journey - Alison Heron on Defining Your Leadership PathSummary
In this episode of the Leadership Bytes podcast, Cam interviews Alison Heron, CEO of the Association for Child Life Professionals. Alison shares her journey in the association management industry and the benefit of having a background in membership development as a CEO. She emphasizes the value of understanding the needs and preferences of association members and the organization's inner workings. Alison also discusses the challenges of being a single mom while pursuing her education and career and the importance of flexibility and intentionality in the work environment. She offers advice for women aspiring to leadership roles...
2024-04-2250 min
LeadHERShip Bytes™Episode 08: Owning Your Journey - Miranda Barrett on Leading as an EntrepreneurSummary
In episode 8 of LeadHERShip Bytes, Cam sits down with Miranda Barrett, founder of Capacity to Scale, to learn about her leadership journey and the inspiration behind starting her own business after 10 years working for
the Entrepreneurs Organization. Miranda emphasizes the importance of preparation and building a solid professional network before launching a business and discusses the mission of her company, Capacity to Scale.
She encourages women entrepreneurs to find supportive communities and surround themselves with people further along their entrepreneurial journey.
Miranda also shares insights on surrounding yourself with
intelligent people, hiring...
2024-04-0740 min
LeadHERShip Bytes™Episode 07: The Future of Leadership - Sarah Sladek on the Multigenerational WorkforceSarah Sladek, founder and CEO of XYZ University, discusses generational research and the challenges and opportunities of multiple generations in the workforce. She shares her leadership journey and the reasons
for starting her own business. Sarah emphasizes the importance of curiosity, self-awareness, and networking for aspiring leaders, particularly women. In this conversation, Sarah also discusses the importance of building relationships, staying visible, and finding one's niche. She highlights the challenges organizations face in engaging early career professionals and offers
advice on how to address this issue. Sarah emphasizes the need for organizations to adapt to the talent economy and...
2024-03-2354 min
LeadHERShip Bytes™Episode 06: Excerpt 2 - Jess O. on Experiences That Shaped Her Passion for Inclusion and EquityHere's another memorable 'byte' from Cam's conversation with NEWCO Strategies co-founder and CEO, Jess
O'Connell. In this second byte, Jess transparently shares a powerful memory that helped shape her passion for
inclusion and equity. Want to hear more? Listen to the full version of episode #6 ("The Impact Equation...").
2024-03-1401 min
LeadHERShip Bytes™Episode 06: Excerpt 1 - Jess O. on Challenges Nonprofit Leaders FaceHere's a memorable 'byte' from Cam's conversation with NEWCO Strategies co-founder and CEO, Jess
O'Connell. In this byte, Jess offers insights into the unique challenges nonprofit leaders face, and how leaders can
care for themselves and their teams. Want to hear more? Listen to the full version of episode #6 ("The Impact Equation...").
2024-03-1400 min
LeadHERShip Bytes™Episode 06: The Impact Equation: Jess O'Connell on Resiliency and LeadershipIn our 6th episode, Cam sits down with Jess O'Connell, a highly experienced leader with a diverse background in nonprofit leadership, politics, and strategic consulting. Jess shares the engaging story of her journey to leadership, highlighting the importance of lived experiences and self-awareness. She also discusses the value of developing leadership skills, and emphasizes the need for leaders to prioritize impact and make strategic decisions based on the desired outcomes.
Jess discusses the challenges faced by nonprofit leaders and the declining interest in nonprofit leadership. She emphasizes the importance of resilience, wellness, and creating a sense of...
2024-03-0349 min
LeadHERShip Bytes™Episode 05: A Beautifully Uncommon Journey: Stefanie Reeves on Finding Your Path to LeadershipSummary
In episode #5 of LeadHERShip Bytes, Stephanie Reeves transparently shares the leadership journey that led to her current role as Deputy Chief of Public Policy and Engagement for the American Psychological Association. She emphasizes the importance of promoting association management as a career option and offers advice about how women can develop their leadership skills and strive for career advancement. Stefanie also shares insights and advice for aspiring leaders and emphasizes the importance of visibility and finding comfort in showcasing
one's skills and expertise.
Takeaways
Create support systems and networks to provide
guidance and...
2024-02-1753 min
LeadHERShip Bytes™Episode 04: The Path to Meaningful Change: Mariama Boney on DEIA and LeadershipJoin me for an inspiring conversation with Mariama Boney, president and CEO of Achieve More LLC, as she shares her personal journey to leadership and experiences throughout two
decades of work advancing meaningful change in diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. Mariama emphasizes the need for ongoing efforts in this area and encourages organizations to prevent stagnation in their DEIA initiatives. She also discusses key leadership skills, such as emotional intelligence and effective communication, and offers advice for women desiring balance in their careers and personal lives.
Takeaways:
Diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility work is an
ongoing...
2024-02-0744 min
LeadHERShip Bytes™Episode 03: Find Your Calling & Design Your Dreams: Cynthia Mills on Personal Development and LeadershipIn this fun and engaging episode, Cam chats with Cynthia Mills, President and CEO of The Leaders Haven, who shares her insights on leadership and personal development. She discusses her
own leadership journey and the importance of stepping into opportunities, even when afraid. Cynthia emphasizes the value of building a strong network, continuous learning, and giving back. She also highlights the need for work-life balance and taking time for personal wellness. Overall, Cynthia's advice centers around authenticity, self-reflection, and embracing the journey
of personal and professional growth.
Takeaways
Step into opportunities, even when afraid, and
embrace...
2024-01-2142 min
LeadHERShip Bytes™Episode 02: Rising to the Top - Kimberly Jones on Education, Service, & LeadershipIn this episode, we welcome Kimberly (Kim) Jones, president of the Council for Opportunity in Education in Washington, DC. Kim shares her remarkable personal and professional journey to leadership and how she transitioned from a career as a corporate attorney to working in associations. We learn about Kim’s passion for serving low-income and first-generation students and hear her advice for aspiring leaders. Finally, Kim mindfully emphasizes the value of finding mentors and building connections, as well as the challenges and rewards of executive leadership.
Takeaways
Find mentors and build connections to support your professional growth.
A...
2024-01-1234 min
LeadHERShip Bytes™Episode 01: Pivot Like a Pro - A Conversation on Leadership and Change with Megan JafferIn this premiere episode, we welcome Megan Jaffer, co-founder of Iron Butterfly Media. Megan shares her exciting journey of working in nonprofits, then pivoting into a career in the intelligence community, before co-founding a successful podcast and media organization. She emphasizes the importance of embracing life's pivots and being open to new opportunities. Megan offers advice for women who want to start or expand a new venture and highlights the strategic approach of Iron Butterfly Media. She also discusses challenges faced by women in various industries and the importance of building community to overcome them. The episode concludes with...
2023-12-0146 min