ConnectHER:The Bold Life Podcast
The ConnectHER Podcast is your go-to space for real, raw, and purpose-driven conversations that empower women to grow, lead, and thrive. Hosted by author and visionary founder, Kristy Jackson, this podcast brings together bold women of faith, business, and influence who are building powerful legacies while staying true to her purpose. Each episode dives into stories of resilience, entrepreneurship, innovation, and intentional living—featuring dynamic guests who are breaking barriers and lighting the way for others. Whether you're a faith-driven founder, a dreamer in transition, or a leader looking for authentic sisterhood and strategy—ConnectHER is where you belong. Get inspired. Get equipped. Get connected. New episodes dropping regularly. Tap in, share, and join the movement.
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Trailblazers in Commercial Real Estate – Bold Moves & Breaking Barriers
07/02/2025
Trailblazers in Commercial Real Estate – Bold Moves & Breaking Barriers
In this eye-opening episode, Kristy Jackson is joined by two trailblazing leaders in commercial real estate: Helen Lee and Sarah Luem of CREW St. Louis. CREW (Commercial Real Estate Women) is a global network focused on advancing women across every discipline in the commercial real estate industry. This episode uncovers the behind-the-scenes steps to breaking into commercial real estate, the importance of mentorship and sponsorship, and how women can build wealth and legacy through real estate. Whether you're dreaming of owning property, growing your firm, or entering a male-dominated field — this episode is a roadmap to rise. 💡 Key Topics: What CREW is and why it matters for women in commercial real estate How women can begin a career or business in the CRE space Barriers to entry and why representation and mentorship matter The difference between mentors and sponsors (and why you need both) How CREW supports members during career changes, transitions, and major deals The importance of nurturing community over competition The future of real estate in St. Louis and nationwide 🔑 Key Takeaways: Representation Changes Everything: Seeing women in real estate leadership makes it possible for others to imagine themselves there. Mentorship Is Powerful — But Sponsorship Is Game-Changing: Mentors help you grow; sponsors get you in the room and say your name when you’re not there. Community Over Competition: CREW creates a safe, supportive space where women advocate for each other and share opportunities. Knowledge Is Wealth: Understanding the real estate process — from architecture to law to brokerage — helps women build generational wealth. The Industry Is Evolving: Women are increasingly entering architecture, development, law, and brokerage — and we must support the next generation to stay. Life Happens — Support Helps: CREW members lean on one another through both career and personal transitions. Thriving Areas Require Collaboration: Development projects thrive when they combine housing, retail, innovation, and access — and women are shaping this future.
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The Innovation Factor – Reinventing Business & Breaking Barriers
06/25/2025
The Innovation Factor – Reinventing Business & Breaking Barriers
In this inspiring episode, Kristy Jackson sits down with powerhouse innovator Kay Wells to talk about breaking barriers, building bold businesses, and bringing childhood curiosity into world-changing innovation. As the founder of Posie Pots — a self-watering planter company rooted in sustainable tech — Kay shares how she took a spark of curiosity and turned it into a globally recognized brand. This conversation dives deep into the challenges of being a Black woman in STEM and advanced manufacturing, how to navigate imposter syndrome, and why your boldest ideas might be the ones you had barefoot in the backyard. 💡 Key Topics: Kay’s journey from childhood curiosity to engineering leadership The origin story of Posie Pots and its patented self-watering technology Representation in innovation and the power of Black women entrepreneurs Navigating corporate bias and imposter syndrome in STEM careers Global recognition and grants including Arch Grants, NASDAQ, and Tory Burch Foundation Creating access for youth through nonprofit STEM programming Building a business that centers God, family, and sustainability 🔑 Key Takeaways: Curiosity is the First Step Toward Innovation: Childhood play and wonder often hold the seeds for future inventions. Faith Leads Strategy: Kay credits her success to divine direction and obedience — G.O.D. before MBA. Representation Matters: Visibility in innovation and STEM spaces opens doors for future generations of women and youth. Don’t Sleep on Your Idea: A mosquito bite and a backyard gardening moment led to a patented product and global platform. Community Is Part of Innovation: Kay’s nonprofit work teaches youth how to explore 3D printing, CAD, and plant science through play. Imposter Syndrome Can’t Stay Where Confidence Grows: Success didn’t come without doubt, but staying curious and committed helped Kay thrive. Lead with Values: God. Family. Business. When aligned, this trio can build a life and legacy beyond imagination.
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Faith & Fearless Moves – Building a Business with God at the Center
06/18/2025
Faith & Fearless Moves – Building a Business with God at the Center
In this faith-filled and empowering episode, Kristy sits down with the radiant Yolanda Mercer, a preacher, licensed counselor, and coach who has built a bold business rooted in obedience and authenticity. From battling imposter syndrome to growing an audience of 30,000 on Instagram, Yolanda shares how trusting God’s voice — even in uncertainty — has led to remarkable growth in both ministry and entrepreneurship. They talk about faith-driven decision making, launching a business from your living room, and the weight (and wisdom) of waiting. This is an episode for anyone navigating transitions, holding tight to a promise, or needing a reminder that obedience is your superpower. 💡 Key Topics: Yolanda’s journey from quiet introvert to powerful preacher and entrepreneur How faith led her to launch her coaching business during COVID The difference between perfection and obedience Imposter syndrome and the trap of comparison on social media Why waiting seasons are not wasted seasons The importance of mentorship and seeing transition as a skill How introversion can be a leadership strength 🔑 Key Takeaways: Faith Moves First: You don’t need perfect clarity to begin — you just need to move. God will meet you on the way. Obedience Is Strategy: Yolanda built her business by listening to God’s specific instructions — from Instagram to coaching offers. Stop Idolizing Certainty: Requiring perfect conditions limits your capacity. Sometimes, a “maybe” is enough. There’s Power in the Wait: Being hidden is not being forgotten — it’s preparation for preservation. Transition Is a Skill: Change is inevitable, but how you walk through it determines what grows next. Quiet Doesn’t Mean Small: Yolanda reminds us that introverted doesn’t mean invisible — your quiet gifts still speak. Start with What You Have: She texted 20 people to see if they’d be clients — and that small bold move ignited a business.
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The AI Advantage – Coaching Women to Lead with Confidence
06/11/2025
The AI Advantage – Coaching Women to Lead with Confidence
In this dynamic and heartfelt episode, Kristy Jackson sits down with Dr. Stacy G. Hollins for a powerful conversation about AI, equity, and leadership. With a deep background in tech and education, Dr. Hollins breaks down the myths and magic of AI, helping women see it not as something to fear, but as a tool to amplify their purpose. They explore how AI can be a game-changer in business, education, and personal development — and how women, especially Black women, must move from being just consumers of technology to its creators. This is more than tech talk — it's a movement for visibility, equity, and innovation. 💡 Key Topics: How AI became a personal and professional tool for Dr. Hollins Equity, access, and representation in AI development The misconception of AI “replacing” human work vs. augmenting intelligence Using AI in leadership coaching, visioning, and self-assessment The role of community, mentorship, and peer support in women’s leadership The Leadership Lab: a hands-on program for women to integrate AI into their work How women can start exploring AI right now (yes, even if you’re a beginner!) 🔑 Key Takeaways: AI Is a Tool, Not the Enemy: From strategic planning to planning girls’ trips — AI can help, not replace you. It's here to work with you, not for you. Representation Matters in Tech: If we don’t show up in AI development, the default perspectives will exclude us. Diversity must be built into the data. Access Is Power: AI is more accessible than ever — if you have a phone, you can start. The digital divide can close if we learn together. Use AI to Identify Gaps: Feed your leadership assessments or business ideas into AI tools to spot blind spots and expand your impact. Community > Isolation: Tech is more approachable (and fun!) when you’re learning alongside like-minded women in a safe space. Automation Makes Room for Humanity: When tech handles the admin, you get time back for connection, strategy, and self-care. Start Where You Are: You don’t need to be an expert. Start with curiosity. Start with your voice. Start with a prompt.
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The Funding Formula – Grant Writing Secrets & Building Wealth for Big Wins
06/04/2025
The Funding Formula – Grant Writing Secrets & Building Wealth for Big Wins
This episode brings together powerhouse women in finance and funding to break down the truth behind building wealth, writing grants, and managing money with intention. Kristy Jackson is joined by Shannon James and Sheila Phillips for a vibrant, honest conversation on how personal money stories, business growth, and faith all intertwine to create financial clarity and purpose. They talk about the emotional side of money, how to avoid the biggest wealth-building mistakes, and how to become funding-ready whether you're running a business or nonprofit. If you've ever felt overwhelmed by budgets, grants, or just managing your personal finances — this one is a must-listen. 💡 Key Topics: Personal money stories and how they shape our financial behaviors How to begin building wealth — no matter your income level The myth of “free money” in the grant world Key strategies for grant readiness and nonprofit funding The importance of financial planning in business and personal life How faith and discipline align to create financial breakthrough Why community, mentorship, and structure are vital to sustainable success 🔑 Key Takeaways: Money Stories Matter: The way you were raised with money shapes your mindset. Awareness is the first step toward financial transformation. Planning Over Panic: Whether you're applying for grants or preparing for retirement, structure, vision, and clarity are essential. There’s No “Free” Money: Grant funding is not free—it’s a contract. Treat it with the same seriousness as earned income. Faith + Work = Breakthrough: Kristy shares a personal testimony about how discipline, prayer, and faith unlocked financial freedom through student loan forgiveness. Ask Boldly: Whether it’s donations, funding, or financial help — asking with intention and clarity opens doors. You Don’t Need to Be Rich to Get Advice: Financial advisors aren’t just for the wealthy — they’re for anyone who wants a strategy. Invest in Yourself: From managing your own books to hiring grant professionals, excellence in stewardship always starts with you.
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The Power of Purpose-Driven Leadership
05/28/2025
The Power of Purpose-Driven Leadership
In this heartfelt and empowering episode, Kristy sits down with her mentor and friend Kathy Lambert to explore the transformative power of purpose-driven leadership. Kathy shares her incredible journey of founding one of the most impactful nonprofits in the Midwest — a story that begins with a single red pair of shoes and grows into a life of legacy, innovation, and faith-led impact. Together, they unpack what it really means to lead with vision, create sustainable change, and boldly serve with heart — even in the face of uncertainty. Whether you’re building a nonprofit or a purpose-filled business, this episode is your blueprint for leading with grace, grit, and God-sized faith. 💡 Key Topics: How Kathy founded Connections to Success and the moment that changed everything Knowing the difference between for-profit and nonprofit purpose work The importance of structure and sustainability in impact-driven leadership How to move through imposter syndrome with faith and affirmations Legacy-building and raising up the next generation of leaders KBL Impact Partners and the Framework for Funding program Why mentorship, community, and transparency matter in women’s leadership 🔑 Key Takeaways: Legacy Starts with Obedience: Kathy followed a quiet nudge — and it turned into a movement. Your “yes” doesn’t have to make sense, but it will make impact. Do the Research: Whether launching a nonprofit or for-profit with impact, start by asking: Is someone already doing this? Can I partner or collaborate first? Serve with Dignity: Transformation starts when people feel seen and worthy. Design your services and systems to honor the humanity of the people you serve. Structure Fuels Sustainability: Vision is vital — but without budget plans, data collection, and operational structure, the mission won’t last. Fear Will Show Up — Pack It Away: Acknowledge your fear, then tuck it in the corner. Today, you are powerful. Today, you are called. Mentorship Multiplies Impact: The boldest leaders invest in others and honor the mentors who poured into them. Who are you bringing up with you? Purpose Isn’t Work — It’s a Calling: When you're aligned with your purpose, it won’t always feel like “work.” It becomes how you live and lead every day.
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Marketing Like a Boss — Power Plays from the Field
05/21/2025
Marketing Like a Boss — Power Plays from the Field
In this candid and energizing conversation, Kristy sits down with Mary Beth Howell, a marketing leader breaking barriers in the sports and entertainment industries. Marybeth shares her inspiring journey from first-gen Filipina American to building her own PR agency to leading marketing for a professional sports team — all with a whole lot of grit, strategy, and bold moves. They go deep into what it really means to build a personal and professional brand, how to connect with your audience in authentic ways, and the underrated power of relationships in business. This is not your average “marketing 101” — this is insider insight on owning your voice, moving the needle, and marketing like a boss. Key Topics: What marketing and branding actually mean (and how they’re different) How to define and evolve your personal brand across industries Insider PR tips for athletes, creatives, and entrepreneurs Why relationships and real conversations are your best marketing tools How to move the needle — even when you're not the “expected” voice in the room Lessons from working in male-dominated industries and how to lead with authenticity Key Takeaways: Brand is Perception: Your brand isn’t what you say it is — it’s how others experience you. Consistency and authenticity are key. Build Your Own Door: When no one would hire her, Marybeth created her own opportunities. Don’t wait for permission — be the solution. Marketing Is Human: It’s not just numbers or posts — it's people. Real connections, real conversations, and cultural awareness matter. Ask the Direct Questions: Stop guessing what others want. Ask. Clarity creates opportunity. Be the Needle: Don’t wait for others to value your community — be the one who shows up and makes the first move. Relationships Over Resumes: Most opportunities come from your network. Go to lunch. Be generous. Follow up. Clarity Over Cleverness: Know what you stand for and what problem you solve — that’s your brand’s true power.
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Unapologetically Bold - Overcoming Fear & Standing in Your Power with GRIT
05/14/2025
Unapologetically Bold - Overcoming Fear & Standing in Your Power with GRIT
In this episode, Kristy sits down with powerhouse publisher and community builder Jennifer Barto to dive deep into grit, sisterhood, and the transformational power of storytelling. From battling dyslexia to publishing bestselling books, Jennifer’s journey is one of raw authenticity and resilience. Together, Kristy and Jennifer explore how women can overcome self-doubt, build powerful communities, and amplify each other's voices. This episode is filled with wisdom for any woman ready to rewrite her story, find her tribe, and take bold action toward her purpose. Key Topics: The story behind the GRIT anthology series and how it empowers women worldwide Why storytelling matters and how personal pain becomes purpose Practical tips for publishing your first book or anthology Strategies to overcome people-pleasing and imposter syndrome Building intentional, supportive, and inclusive women’s communities Using your story to impact others and embrace your unique path Key Takeaways: You Are Not Alone: No matter your journey or struggle, there’s someone else who needs your story. Community is where healing and transformation begin. Your Pain Is Your Power: Jennifer’s journey with dyslexia has become a key part of her mission. What once felt like a limitation is now a cornerstone of her impact. Storytelling Sparks Change: One story has the power to shift careers, open hearts, and ignite purpose. It’s not just about writing — it’s about awakening someone else's bold move. Kill the Imposter Syndrome: Ask yourself — is this thought valid? Would I say this to someone I love? If not, it doesn’t deserve space in your mind. Don’t Wait for Perfect: Whether it’s publishing your first book, launching a community, or simply reaching out to a mentor — just start. Progress begins with action. Vulnerability Builds Sisterhood: Being real as a leader isn’t weakness — it’s leadership. Authenticity invites others to step into their truth. Joy is a Compass: Discovering your passions — from writing to interior design — is part of living a bold, fulfilled life.
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Welcome to the Connector Podcast — Bold Moves, Faith & Finding Purpose
05/07/2025
Welcome to the Connector Podcast — Bold Moves, Faith & Finding Purpose
In this powerful and deeply personal first episode, Kristy Jackson introduces the heart behind the ConnectHER Podcast. She shares her own journey through leadership, faith, entrepreneurship, and motherhood — revealing how these experiences shaped her bold life philosophy. Kristy opens up about her upbringing, her passion for helping women live unapologetically bold lives, and the real reason she created this platform. She’s joined by her daughter, Kelsie Johnson, for an inspiring conversation about purpose, identity, and how creativity is connected to faith and calling. Key Topics: The inspiration and mission behind the ConnectHER podcast Living a "Bold Life" through faith, innovation, and leadership The impact of Kristy’s parents — a dreamer and a disruptor — on her identity Why bold moves matter for women today The link between creativity, faith, and purpose Breaking free from imposter syndrome and fear-based living Rediscovering joy, identity, and self-worth at every life stage The ripple effect of authenticity and living in alignment with your truth Key Takeaways: Boldness is Contagious: One woman’s courage to be authentic invites others to do the same. Your bold move could be someone else’s breakthrough. Identity Precedes Impact: Living in alignment with who you truly are — not who the world expects you to be — is the foundation for meaningful impact. Faith Fuels Purpose: Kristy and Kelsey explore how spiritual grounding gives clarity and courage in both life and business. Purpose is a Journey, Not a Destination: Whether you're in your 20s or 50s, self-discovery is ongoing — and it’s never too late to rewrite your story. Creativity is Divine: We were made to create. Whether it's a business, a family, or a movement, creating is a reflection of the God within us. Be the ConnectHER: This podcast invites you to step into your power and pay it forward — to be the woman who lifts others as she climbs.
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