SheLEDBadass Podcast

Join Debi and Gabriela as they dive into the inspiring journey of Sheila Burkett, co-founder of Spry Digital. Sheila shares how a mentoring session led to the formation of her successful business, her unique approach to company culture, and the importance of mentorship in empowering others. Discover how Spry Digital empowers clients through technology and the challenges and triumphs of undergoing...

In this episode of She Led Badass, Gabriela and Debbie sit down with Luz Haberberger, founder and CEO of Luzco Technologies, to talk about building a thriving business without sacrificing family, authenticity, or purpose. Luz shares how becoming a mother inspired her to create a company that allowed her to be both the professional engineer and parent she wanted to be. She reflects on overcoming fe...

Shannon Shores shares her journey from social worker to entrepreneur, sales and business leader, and champion for women in the workplace. She explains how her people-first approach, willingness to say yes to opportunities, and ability to build trust have shaped her career. Shannon also discusses the importance of creating a healthy workplace culture, setting clear goals, surrounding yourself with...

Dr. Cynthia Bennett, founder of the nonprofit JADASA, shares her powerful journey from surviving domestic abuse to becoming a leader, advocate, educator, and champion for women and children. Drawing from her own lived experience, she explains why she dedicated her work to ensuring others have the resources, knowledge, and support they need to leave abusive situations and rebuild their lives. Cynth...

Kelli Risse shares how redefining success starts with leading yourself first. Drawing from her journey from elementary educator to executive coach, she explains why so many high-performing leaders struggle—not from a lack of ambition, but because stress, competing priorities, and burnout quietly erode their ability to think clearly, communicate effectively, and lead with intention. Through practic...

Sick of back-to-back meetings that leave you wondering when you'll actually get your work done? In this solo episode, Debi and Gabriela unpack why meetings often feel unproductive and share practical strategies to take control of your calendar. From time blocking and setting clear meeting purposes to creating space for follow-up, protecting focus time, and learning when to say "no," they offer act...

Debi and Gabriella are sitting down with Sabrina Westfall, founder of J West Electric.  She is a powerful reminder that leadership is built through curiosity, resilience, and a willingness to keep growing. In this episode, she shares how choosing the skilled trades transformed her life, why she believes apprenticeships offer incredible opportunities without the burden of college debt, and how step...

In this episode Debi and Gabriella sit down with attorney and business leader Katherine Flett to explore what it means to lead with confidence, resilience, and purpose. Katherine shares how growing up in a family-owned business shaped her work ethic, why she chose a career in law, and how serving as trusted outside counsel allows her to help business owners navigate challenges before they become c...

Debi and Gabriela sit down with leadership strategist Helen Jardine to explore how great leaders unlock potential in others through trust, coaching, and meaningful relationships. Drawing from her journey through entrepreneurship and financial services, Helen shares how intentional leadership, celebrating wins, and helping people recognize their strengths can transform individuals, teams, and organ...

In this episode, Debi and Gabriela welcome Shequana Hughes, founder of The SAVA Group, to discuss entrepreneurship, productivity, and building systems that help business owners reclaim their time. Drawing from her own experiences as a business owner, wife, and mother, Shaquana shares how she helps entrepreneurs move beyond overwhelm and create businesses that support their lives instead of consumi...

In this inspiring episode of SheLEDBadass, hosts Debi and Gabriela sit down with Mindy Mazur, owner of Mazur & Co., strategist, communicator, and champion of mission-driven leadership. Mindy shares how her background in government, public affairs, and communications has shaped her approach to helping organizations communicate with purpose, build strong cultures, and create meaningful impact. T...

In this episode Gabriela and Debi sit down with Coach Shaquan, leadership strategist and creator of the Check Your BS Coaching Framework. Together, they explore how self-awareness, mindset, and personal belief systems shape the way we lead, connect, and show up in every area of life. Coach Shaquan shares her journey from corporate America to entrepreneurship and explains why leadership begins with...

In this episode of She Led Badass, Debi Corrie and Gabriela Ramirez welcome Cynthia Kirkpatrick, Senior Advisor at Moneta and founder of The She Lift Project podcast. Cynthia shares how creating a platform for women to tell their authentic stories revealed common themes of self-discovery, resilience, and learning to trust yourself. The conversation explores leadership, the emotional side of financ...

In this episode of the SheLEDBadass podcast, Gabriela Debi explore the power of intentional relationships and meaningful conversations. Debi shares how she learned to move away from negativity, become intentional about who she spent time with, and build relationships that aligned with the life and success she wanted to create. Together, they discuss how curiosity, listening, and thoughtful follow-...

In this inspiring episode Debi and Gabriella sit down with the Senior Director of Culture Activation at Centene and President of the The St. Louis Forum Board of Directors: Dawn Gipson. Dawn shares her journey from a curious little girl inspired by Wonder Woman to a leader focused on culture, connection, communication, and measurable impact. With honesty, humor, and deep insight, she explores what...

This week Debi and Gabriella sit down with veteran, educator, author, and Latinas Rising co-founder Esmeralda Arohan for one of the most powerful conversations we’ve had yet. From unimaginable loss to military service, academia, advocacy, and amplifying Latina voices, Esmeralda shares how adversity shaped her leadership, why storytelling matters, and how women can reclaim their voices and rise tog...

In this episode of the SheLEDBadass podcast, Debi and Gabriela sit down with Betsy Cohen, a trailblazing leader known for building bridges between people, opportunity, and community impact. From her early career at Nestlé Purina to her transformative work as the founding executive director of the St. Louis Mosaic Project, Betsy shares powerful lessons on leadership, resilience, and evolving with p...

In this hosts only episode, Debi and Gabriela dive into the myriad of ways we can help or hinder our growth by the way we think about ourselves in the past, present, and future. Inspired by insights from Be Your Future Self Now by Benjamin Hardy, this conversation challenges the idea that our past defines us and instead invites listeners to use past experiences as fuel, not limitations, for what’s...

In this powerful and deeply honest conversation, Debi and Gabriela welcome Amy Latta, a leadership coach who helps visionary women build success without burning themselves out. Amy’s work lives at the intersection of leadership, nervous system regulation, and real-life patterns that many high-achieving women quietly struggle with. From undiagnosed ADHD to hormonal shifts and burnout, this episode...

In this episode of the SheLEDBadass, Debi and Gabriela sit down with Gisele Marcus, Vice Dean at Washington University’s Olin Business School and Professor of Practice in Organizational Behavior.   With a career spanning global leadership, P&L management, and team development across industries, Giselle shares powerful insights on how to drive results without losing the human side of leadership...

In this episode, Gabriela and Debi sit down with international bestselling author of Made in Vietnam: My Epic American Journey: Elaine Damschen.   She is also a professional speaker and an advocate for the trades and how they are the infrastructure for excellence. Elaine shares her deeply personal journey of identity, resilience, and transformation.  From growing up in a multicultural household to...

In this episode, Gabriela and Debi sit down with the executive director of the St. Louis Council of Construction Consumers, marketing expert, international best-selling author, and entrepreneur: Kelly Jackson. Kelly shares her powerful journey through the construction industry, her bold career pivots, and how she’s redefining leadership in a traditionally male-dominated space. From scaling an indu...

In this deeply powerful and vulnerable episode, Debi and Gabriela sit down with leadership coach and consultant Krysta Grangeno to explore what it truly means to lead from within. Krysta’s story is one of resilience, self-discovery, and transformation. From navigating a childhood marked by adversity to becoming a leader who empowers others to rise with purpose, she shares how healing, identity, an...

In this heartfelt and energizing episode, hosts Debi Corrie and Gabriela Ramirez Arellano sit down with Dr. Shawni Jackson: an entrepreneur, introverted powerhouse, and fierce champion for small businesses. As Regional Director of the Women’s Business Development Center (WBDC) in St. Louis, Dr. Jackson is leading efforts to empower entrepreneurs through access to capital, advising, education, and...