By Carolina Campos Ruiz Episode 10 of the Speaking of Phenomenal Podcast features Meghann Conter, the founder and chief visionary officer of The Dames, a global online network that supports businesswomen from 6 continents. Through this incubator, Meghann helps women grow to the seven or eight-figure mark in revenue or get to the C-suite in corporate while fostering work-life balance. Meghann Conter's journey with The Dames began in 2015 in Denver. She identified a gap in support for women transitioning from six to seven figures in their businesses. Her mission was to establish a community to promote higher-level positions and revenue among women, thereby increasing the number of female leaders. "When we have more money and more resources, we can make bigger differences. We can really achieve our epic missions a lot easier." With her unique blend of boldness and humor, Meghann shares her vision of reinventing leadership through vulnerability, fun and horizontal collaboration. After spending a year at improv school, she learned how to use sketch comedy to communicate complex concepts. Combining those strategies with her theatrical background from her youth and with the help of a coach, Meghann writes sketches and performs as different characters at events organized by The Dames, like its annual "funference," using edutainment to address critical issues affecting women leaders. She also teaches members how to embrace vulnerability and ask for concrete help. "We should all be able to ask for what it is that we need to take our missions to the next level." She shares inspiring stories of how The Dames' network has facilitated connections, leading to significant opportunities for its members, like one of her members, an author, who will be able to turn her book into a movie. As for the future, she dreams of creating in-person chapters in countries where it is tough for businesswomen to find support from other women who have run or led big businesses. "It's my belief that women are here to change the paradigm of business, and we are gonna change it in a big way, in a really positive way." As a woman without heroes or heroines who has been constantly encouraged to embrace her uniqueness, Meghann shows how blending courage and vulnerability and striving to become a "fuller version" of ourselves is crucial for those who want to make a difference. It's not an easy task, but it's so worth it. Carolina Baldin is a freelance journalist from Brazil. Having worked in law, policy and regulation, she is passionate about everyday stories that illustrate larger issues. She graduated from a master's program at Northwestern University in 2023 and became a guest blogger on the "Speaking of Phenomenal" podcast blog in March 2024.

In the latest episode of the Speaking of Phenomenal Podcast, host Amy Boyle talks to mindfulness champion Alessandra Chiareli, Ph.D. Alessandra, a 2018 original Phenomenal Woman, shares her journey from stress, burnout and heart issues to finding healing through daily meditation. "I learned so much about myself and about the power of presence to help us make the most of the life that is in front of us." She describes how this experience inspired her to blend mindfulness and leadership at 3M, where she worked for 30 years. With her unique perspective as a trained scientist and a self-proclaimed “eclipse chaser,” Alessandra shows how events like the recent solar eclipse on April 8 can serve as powerful opportunities to practice mindfulness. She reminds us that only by mastering the art of being present can we effectively manage stress, heal from past and future anxieties and connect with our best selves. "That's what it's all about. How can we be our best to make a difference?" But Alessandra's path to witnessing the eclipse was not without its challenges. She and her husband, who had also seen the 2017 eclipse in Nashville, faced an Airbnb cancellation in Mazatlán, Mexico (a popular viewing spot this year), unpredictable weather conditions and an 11-hour last-minute trip to another town. Despite these difficulties, they were able to witness and document the eclipse. "You just keep remembering that it was so worth it." She also gives practical tips on how to enjoy eclipses: Book your flights and hotel in advance (for her, hotels are more reliable than Airbnb). Research the path of totality and cloud coverage. Don't let the effort to document the phenomenon distract you from what is happening right before your eyes. Be flexible. As Alessandra prepares for another eclipse adventure, which will take place in Spain in 2026 and should last about a minute, she becomes less worried about documenting it and more focused on the experience. She wants to see the "diamond ring," a flash of light right before the moon covers the sun. She missed it in Nashville and Mexico. "That power of presence to be in the moment, to be there enjoying each second of that amazing experience is going to be something that I'll be cultivating so that I can be my best self open to that incredible phenomenon." For Alessandra, a solar eclipse is "a moment that pulls all of our attention to being present." But she has also learned how to find those moments in her daily life, regardless of extraordinary phenomena. She practices meditation and breathing exercises every day. "When you're present, you pay attention to your life…and experiencing life is how we enrich our soul, how we feel more joy." How do you find those moments in your routine? Carolina Baldin is a freelance journalist from Brazil. Having worked in law, policy and regulation, she is passionate about everyday stories that illustrate larger issues. She graduated from a master's program at Northwestern University in 2023 and became a guest blogger on the "Speaking of Phenomenal" podcast blog in March 2024.

In this episode of the Speaking of Phenomenal Podcast, we delve into the extraordinary journey of Precious Williams, a pitch master, international professional speaker, best-selling author, and the founder and CEO of the Perfect Pitch Group. Her story is one of resilience and transformation, as she went from battling severe financial, personal, and health struggles to winning half a million dollars at Shark Tank with a 54-second pitch and becoming the # KillerPitchMaster. In this masterclass, Precious shares with host Amy Boyle the invaluable lessons she learned from her unique life experiences. From being an unwanted child to becoming a lawyer in New York, she ultimately discovered her talent for pitching, communicating, and helping others "unlock the gift of speaking and pitching." "I want to do all the things that no one expects the little girl from the hood to be able to do," was her thought as a child, which led her to leave Saint Louis and pursue a career as an attorney. She attended Georgetown University Law Center on a full scholarship, then finished her studies at Rutgers School of Law in Newark and passed the bar exam. While applying to Georgetown, Precious learned how to make people see she deserved to be there, "to be able to articulate and to put it down on paper." But being in the courtroom for 40 years wasn't exactly her dream, and Precious eventually "embraced being the killer." She abandoned her career and decided to pitch an idea for a plus-size lingerie company at Shark Tank, winning half a million dollars. But she had challenges. Her boyfriend died, she couldn't take care of the company on her own and eventually lost everything. She struggled with homelessness and alcoholism (she is now seven years sober). "I am glad that no matter how dark it got, that I kept moving forward. And I dreamed bigger." Precious's mission is to empower her clients to recognize and articulate their unique values. She encourages them to step into their 'zone of genius,' to be innovative and creative. "We're witnessing people living their dreams. And can we do it? Yes," she says. As for the future of pitching, she reminds the listener about the importance of seeing beyond today to come up with creative and groundbreaking ideas, highlights how a personal touch can make a difference in everything we do, even in the AI era, and encourages us to foster narratives that are inspiring and realistic at the same time. Just like hers. "Everything isn't perfect. But you know what? I'm not going to give up." Carolina Baldin is a freelance journalist from Brazil. Having worked in law, policy and regulation, she is passionate about everyday stories that illustrate larger issues. She graduated from a master's program at Northwestern University in 2023 and became a guest blogger on the "Speaking of Phenomenal" podcast blog in March 2024.

For Episode 7 of the Speaking of Phenomenal Podcast, host Amy Boyle interviews Illinois-based therapist Jennifer Froemel, a bilingual Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) passionate about holistic healing, bilingualism and pro bono therapy. In 2014, Jennifer founded Innovative Counseling Partners, PLCC, where she integrates medical, alternative, and spiritual approaches to support her clients' well-being. Last year, after hiking to Mount Everest Base Camp and falling in love with the Nepali people, Jennifer started to plan an expansion of her services to Kathmandu and Nepal to provide free mental health support for their underserved communities. Jennifer, who began her journey as a therapist in community mental health centers, shares how her role as a parent and challenges with her son's well-being and performance at school made her want to learn more about different methodologies. She became familiar with methods like somatic-based intervention, which helps clients shift their way of thinking, and started to apply those strategies in the treatment of her clients. Logistic and funding difficulties in community mental health made her found Innovative Counseling Partners, PLCC, in partnership with a pediatric occupational therapist and a nutrition response physician. For Jennifer, therapy is more than a space to discuss relationships. In this episode, she explains how factors like our food habits, sleep hygiene and financial situation can affect our well-being. Regarding food, she described the hard work it takes to make clients believe in the importance of diet for mental health. She enjoys the challenge and doesn't mind spending 45 minutes discussing how consuming almond butter is better than peanut butter for a child with ADHD. She also highlights the importance of pro bono therapy and discusses her work with communities like Cicero, Aurora and Glendale Heights and her recent partnership with CommunityHealth, a volunteer-based health center that, among other initiatives, assesses the needs of immigrant communities. "I believe everyone deserves access to good mental health care providers," Jennifer says, adding that having Spanish-speaking therapists helps clients who are immigrants feel understood and welcomed. "I am bilingual myself and it's so important to me, I think, to realize that the world is bigger than just English speaking." As a final piece of advice, Jennifer invites us to listen to ourselves. "You have the answers. And even if it seems like it's scary, the reality is, when you lean into it, it's usually the best thing you could have ever done." Carolina Baldin is a freelance journalist from Brazil. Having worked in law, policy and regulation, she is passionate about everyday stories that illustrate larger issues. She graduated from a master's program at Northwestern University in 2023 and became a guest blogger on the "Speaking of Phenomenal" podcast blog in March 2024.

Episode 6 of the Speaking of Phenomenal podcast brings Carolyn Federman, the founder of the Charlie Cart Project, a non-profit that helps children across the U.S. access food education through innovative mobile kitchens. Having started as a solution for the cooking classes Carolyn was giving as a volunteer at her children's school, the Charlie Cart Project now has almost 500 carts spread throughout U.S. schools, libraries and community organizations and has recently started collaborating with the White House to end childhood hunger in the country by 2030. Coming from a family that loved to eat and cook, Carolyn got inspired by the chuckwagon of the American prairie, mobile kitchens used by the French during World War I, and, most importantly, by the work she had done previously at the Edible Schoolyard Project, a program founded by her mentor Alice Waters, a chef and activist focused on helping people understand where their food comes from. During this episode, Carolyn passionately describes to host Amy Boyle the Charlie Cart Project's goal to empower educators throughout the country so they can help children make important decisions about food, which involves tasting new produce and making the most of them. "We have such a challenge with malnourishment in this country," she reminds us, listing challenges like racism, social inequity and lack of knowledge, which prevent adults and children from eating well. "What we want to provide with the Charlie Cart Project is an antidote," she says. When educators purchase the program, they get access to the mobile kitchen and a curriculum containing 54 lessons with seasonal recipes that use universally accessible produce. Every time a cart enters a room, children and educators push desks together and improvise a prep kitchen. "While they may not be using a hot plate or a burner, they are still measuring, mixing, tasting, smelling, chopping, so they're doing all the really critical components of putting these recipes together," Carolyn says. From the challenges with manufacturing the mobile kitchen to the Charlie Cart Project's recent partnership with the Vita-Mix Corporation to help the White House end childhood hunger in the U.S. by 2030, Carolyn shares how this journey of almost 10 years has taught and inspired her as a professional and at a personal level. Having traveled to many states and meeting people who care about their communities, she acknowledges the beauty and goodness present in the world, even during difficult times. Carolina Baldin is a freelance journalist from Brazil. Having worked in law, policy and regulation, she is passionate about everyday stories that illustrate larger issues. She graduated from a master's program at Northwestern University in 2023 and became a guest blogger on the "Speaking of Phenomenal" podcast blog in March 2024.

In this solo episode, after an unexpected and uncomfortable dental procedure, host Amy Boyle reflects on the power of pause. In our complex and dynamic world, we can easily forget the reasons behind our actions, and many of us start to work and live on autopilot. Only by pausing can we find the clarity, silence and perspective we need to reassess our priorities and goals and move forward. Amy reminds us that whenever we stop for a moment, we are able to acknowledge what matters in our lives and discover new things about ourselves, including our limits. She encourages us to see these limits not as restrictions but as tools that help us reroute. Then, we can continue to work and live with a renewed and clearer purpose. But it’s not only about us. How we treat ourselves directly impacts our care for others. Amy stresses the importance of addressing our needs to become better instruments of service to those we love. She invites us to pause and profoundly examine ourselves: Do we know how to acknowledge our limits within our dynamic routines? What are we doing for our self-care? Carolina Baldin is a freelance journalist from Brazil. Having worked in law, policy and regulation, she is passionate about everyday stories that illustrate larger issues. She graduated from a master's program at Northwestern University in 2023 and became a guest blogger on the "Speaking of Phenomenal" podcast blog in March 2024.

In the latest episode of the "Speaking of Phenomenal" podcast, host Amy Boyle interviews Lisa Dietlin, a philanthropy expert, author and keynote speaker who is transforming the nonprofit sector in the U.S. by helping people and organizations make a difference every day. Having decided to move from political fundraising to philanthropy on a day she was supposed to distribute yard signs in the rain, Lisa founded "The Institute Of Transformational Philanthropy" and became one of the most influential philanthropy advisors in the nation. The U.S. Department of State named her a Fulbright Specialist last year. Between laughs and meaningful reflections, Lisa joyfully shares her path from being a political fundraiser to helping innovate the nonprofit sector's status. She also highlights the importance of giving from the heart, which can transform the lives of the giver and the receiver. With a positive tone, Lisa gives practical tips on how to make giving more human-centric in our lives and describes accessible steps like discovering our passions and creating a concrete plan of action that can be more elaborate or simply infused in our everyday lives. Her creativity, boldness and passion for giving prompted her to form a committee with experts from all over the U.S. to help build a national framework for the nonprofit sector so that all employees in this field can receive fair wages and benefits while they work to solve some of the country's hardest issues. A woman who chooses happiness daily, Lisa reveals her recipe for joy: to get out of her own way and think of the needs of others without sacrificing her own self-care and hour-long walks by herself. Inspired by the advice she gives in her book "The Power of Three: How to Achieve Your Goals by Simply Doing Three Things a Day," she encourages the listener to be audacious and vulnerable in their enterprises and not to be afraid of the "no" but excited with the possibility of the "yes." Carolina Baldin is a freelance journalist from Brazil. Having worked in law, policy and regulation, she is passionate about everyday stories that illustrate larger issues. She graduated from a master's program at Northwestern University in 2023 and became a guest blogger on the "Speaking of Phenomenal" podcast blog in March 2024.

In celebrating International Women's Day, our latest episode of the "Speaking of Phenomenal" podcast features an enriching dialogue with Jessica Buchleitner, an esteemed journalist and the visionary behind the impactful "50 Women Anthology Series." Her remarkable series, in synergy with the ethos of our "52 Phenomenal Women" project spearheaded by Amy Boyle, highlights the narratives of women from diverse backgrounds and experiences, illustrating the resilience and courage that bind women's stories across the globe. Jessica's insightful journey into women's advocacy and her determination to share the untold stories of women worldwide resonate deeply with the mission of the "52 Phenomenal Women" series. Through our respective projects, we shine a light on the power of individual stories to inspire change and foster a deeper understanding of the myriad challenges and triumphs that women face. During our conversation, Jessica shared her path to creating the "50 Women Anthology Series," which celebrates its 10th anniversary this year. This series, serves as a testament to the strength and perseverance of women around the world, offering readers a window into the lives of women who have overcome significant obstacles to make their voices heard. We also explored the importance of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) and its critical role in advancing women's rights. Jessica's advocacy work with Cities for CEDAW underscores the significance of local action in effecting global change, highlighting the ongoing need for engagement and activism in the fight for gender equality. As we reflect on the compelling stories shared by Jessica, we are reminded of the power of storytelling in bridging divides and building communities. These narratives not only celebrate the achievements of women but also serve as a call to action, urging us to support and elevate the voices of women everywhere. We encourage our listeners to immerse themselves in Jessica's "50 Women Anthology Series" These collections of stories are a source of inspiration and a reminder of the impact that individual stories can have in shaping our understanding of the world. Tune in to this special International Women's Day episode on Apple Podcasts or wherever you enjoy your podcasts, and join us in honoring the extraordinary women who continue to inspire, challenge, and change the world for the better. Let their stories motivate us to take action in our communities and beyond, as we strive for a more equitable and just society for all women.

In the most recent installment of the "Speaking of Phenomenal" podcast, host Amy Boyle discusses the compelling tale of Anya Cheng, a symbol of the blend of insatiable curiosity, diligence, and a desire for innovation. The episode, "Code to Couture: Anya Cheng's Silicon Valley to Style Maven Transformation via Taelor.style," explores the journey of a woman who progressed from learning English at a senior center to achieving substantial technological advancements at Facebook and elsewhere. Cheng's story extends beyond her impressive career path to delve into how seizing every learning opportunity can lead to extraordinary accomplishments. Her initial days featured a zeal for learning and adapting, qualities that helped her master English in a unique setting among older adults, alongside her formal education. This unusual beginning established a mindset that appreciates growth, flexibility, and community significance. The episode skillfully covers Cheng's career evolution, from a curious learner to a tech and marketing leader. At Facebook, Cheng spearheaded teams that expanded tech limits, focusing on projects that used data to improve user experiences. However, her drive didn't end there. Her entrepreneurial spirit gave rise to a groundbreaking AI-driven men's rental service, demonstrating her knack for identifying and addressing market needs with inventive solutions. Cheng's commitment to imparting her knowledge and experiences is also highlighted. As a Northwestern University instructor, she shares her marketing and project management expertise, serving as a mentor for future leaders. This aspect underscores the value of mentorship and creating an environment that promotes learning and curiosity. The dialogue with Amy Boyle further uncovers Cheng's strategy towards challenges and opportunities, emphasizing a philosophy of welcoming change and openness to new possibilities. This approach, along with a solid base of hard work and commitment, has been crucial to her success in various career and personal ventures. This "Speaking of Phenomenal" episode not only showcases Anya Cheng's achievements but also acts as motivation for listeners. It celebrates the essence of curiosity, the significance of embracing every growth opportunity, and the role of technology and innovation in transforming our lives. Cheng's narrative is an inspiration for those aiming to leave a mark, illustrating that with the appropriate mindset, endless opportunities await.

Welcome back to the Speaking of Phenomenal Podcast, where stories of motivation, resilience, and the human spirit come alive through the voices of extraordinary women. As we launch Season 2, we're thrilled to introduce our first guest, Shannon Gomes, a marketing and branding maven with a deep-rooted passion for promoting women, exploring the world, and sharing culinary delights. Shannon, a dynamic force in the food and beverage industry, brings over two decades of experience, creativity, and a zest for life that's truly infectious. From her beginnings in tech PR to representing renowned brands like Haagen-Dazs and the National Honey Board, Shannon's journey is a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and the drive to make a difference. Her story is not just about career success; it's about embracing change, championing women in leadership, and redefining the narrative around Gen X as "The Adaptable Generation." In this episode, Shannon shares her insights on the evolution of marketing, the importance of authenticity, and the joy of empowering women through her weekly LinkedIn empowerment series. Her perspective as a Gen Xer in today's fast-paced, often youth-centric world, offers a refreshing take on the value of experience, wisdom, and the unique contributions of every generation. But Shannon's influence extends beyond her professional achievements. Her passion for travel and her commitment to volunteering reflect a life lived with purpose and intention. Through the Gomes Guide, Shannon invites us to explore the world with curiosity and an open heart, reminding us that travel is not just about the places we visit but the connections we make and the perspectives we gain. As we dive into this new season, Shannon's story serves as a beacon of inspiration. It's a call to action for all of us to pursue our passions, embrace our unique paths, and support one another in our journeys. Whether you're a seasoned professional, a budding entrepreneur, or someone looking for a spark of motivation, this episode is a reminder that you, too, are phenomenal. We invite you to join us on this journey of celebration, inspiration, and empowerment. Share your stories, support your fellow phenomenal women, and let's make this season even more impactful than the last. Because speaking of phenomenal, remember, you are!

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Celebrating Unyielding Spirit: A Reflection on “Phenomenal Impact” Embarking on a journey often reveals more about the traveler than the destination itself. This proverbial truth stands as the bedrock of the evocative visual journey I have had the privilege to craft in “Phenomenal Impact”, a documentary that charts the remarkable trajectories of three spirited women, revisiting the narratives originally told in the “52 Phenomenal Women” project that concluded in September 2020. After being captivated by a collective 104 heartwarming and gutsy stories, it was an endeavor close to my heart to narrow the lens to three awe-inspiring women who have only further flourished in their indomitable spirit since we last heard from them. Revisiting them was not just a continuation, but a deeper dive, an intimate portrayal mapped through the contours of their evolving journeys. I would love to continue this project and show more of what the Phenoms are up to now. Meet Dr. Kim Lloyd: The Liberator through Literacy Kim Lloyd © Amy Boyle Photography 2019 In the world sculpted by Dr. Kim Lloyd, the founder of “We Got You Covered (WGYC),” literacy is not just a skill, but a lifeline, a portal to liberty and empowerment. The non-profit organization, born out of a palpable urgency to safeguard the futures of African American boys, stands as a fortress of hope and a resuscitation of literacy. With a vision as boundless as hers, Lloyd has taken formidable strides in revolutionizing education, bearing the torch of enlightenment into communities where it is most needed, revealing to us the true potential of a determined spirit. Meet Sarah Harris: The Chronicler of Mindful Living Sarah Harris © Amy Boyle Photography 2020 To enter the world of Sarah Harris is to be invited into a nurturing space where baby steps meet blind leaps, a place where every moment is a meditation, a conscious endeavor to chase the elusive center. Through her reflective writings, Harris presents us a tapestry of life woven with mindfulness, a journey of self-discovery in midlife narrated with an endearing honesty that resounds with many. In “Phenomenal Impact”, Harris invites us over a cup of coffee, sharing with us her relentless pursuit of balance, her brave forays into the unknown and her role as a mentor to her fellow Korean adoptee community. Meet Joyce Marter: The Nurturer of Resilient Minds Joyce Marter © Amy Boyle Photography 2019 Joyce Marter has been a beacon of wisdom and guidance, embodying the very essence of a phenomenal woman. Through her role as a psychotherapist, keynote speaker, corporate trainer and the successful author of The Financial Mindset Fix, Marter has demonstrated a tireless commitment to empowering individuals in finding their equilibrium in life and financial well-being. As we follow her journey, we witness an influential figure, a woman of stature who stands as a living testimony to the change one can forge through resilience and expertise. As I bid adieu to a significant chapter of my academic journey at the Northwestern Medill School of Journalism, “Phenomenal Impact” stands as the proud finale of my Master’s project. It is a homage to resilience, to spirit, to the tireless contributions of phenomenal women across walks of life. This documentary, my maiden venture, is more than a visual tapestry; it is a testimony to the dynamic journey of self-empowerment and encouraging us to keep moving forward by being phenomenal in our unique way. As I share this piece of my heart with you, I invite you to witness the phenomenal impact created by Sarah, Kim and Joyce to embrace the journey of evolving narratives. -Amy WATCH THE DOCUMENTARY (11 minutes)