Women Who Open Doors

Women Who Open Doors is a podcast where we discover how the lives of extraordinary women intersect and impact others to not only influence their careers but their personal growth as well. Every episode promotes the gifts of these superb women and let's them "shout out" to others that have impacted their life as well.

Julie Cosich Collins 11/21/2024

Julie Cosich Collins For this special episode, Julie Cosich Collins is in the hot seat! Guest host Jennifer Makary sits down with Julie to celebrate two major milestones: 5 years of KnotMagic and over 40 podcast episodes recorded. Julie reflects on her entrepreneurial journey, sharing how she navigated sleepless nights and the importance of intentionally building the right team. She also highlights the impact of her podcast and why vulnerability is essential for leadership. /episode/index/show/womenwhoopendoors/id/34047321

Dr. Joan Prince 10/30/2024

Dr. Joan Prince Dr. Joan Prince served on her first board at just 10 years old. As the Citizens Representative for the "Build the Bookworm Club" at Milwaukee Public Library, this early experience ignited her lifelong passion for service and literacy. Joan, now CEO of Executive Strategies Elite, talks about the power of early mentorship and her two decades at UW-Milwaukee, which she described as feeling like home. Joan also shared highlights of her trailblazing career, including serving as a U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations. Today, she's still making an impact, marking a milestone birthday with 70 acts of service. /episode/index/show/womenwhoopendoors/id/33601977

Peggy Williams-Smith 10/10/2024

Peggy Williams-Smith Peggy Williams-Smith's, President & CEO of Visit Milwaukee, mission is to share what makes Milwaukee and its people special, and it's the best job she's ever had! She discusses VISIT Milwaukee's essential role as storytellers, how she and her exceptional team have transformed Milwaukee's national image, and shares her experiences and the impact of filming Top Chef Season 21 and hosting the Republican National Convention. /episode/index/show/womenwhoopendoors/id/33097352

Jen Dirks 09/19/2024

Jen Dirks Jen Dirks, President & CEO of TEMPO, understands the significance of taking career risks. She shares her journey of how her passion and purpose aligned, leading her to become the first President & CEO of TEMPO. Over the past decade, Jen has worked diligently to build upon TEMPO's mission. She also emphasizes the importance of active board membership, the vital role of mentors, and her hopes for the future of women in the workplace. /episode/index/show/womenwhoopendoors/id/32350312

Nicole Sullivan 08/29/2024

Nicole Sullivan Nicole Sullivan, President of Youth Frontiers, is dedicated to cultivating the next generation of leaders through a focus on character development. She reflects on her personal journey to becoming the president of a non-profit, attributing her success to curiosity and a passion for making a difference. Nicole also highlights the mission of Youth Frontiers, emphasizing the importance of being a present leader and providing youth with the necessary tools, resources, and support to thrive. /episode/index/show/womenwhoopendoors/id/32350107

Ana Simpson 08/07/2024

Ana Simpson Ana Simpson, CEO of Girl Scouts of Wisconsin Southeast, is dedicated to creating a brighter future for girls. She shares insights into the evolving purpose of her career, the impact of her family's sacrifices, and the true essence of Girl Scouts beyond just cookies — focusing on the skills, responsibilities, and community spirit that help girls flourish. As a leader driven by both head and heart, Ana also reflects on the significance of being acknowledged by the community for her accomplishments. /episode/index/show/womenwhoopendoors/id/31900512

Megan Tzanoukakis 07/17/2024

Megan Tzanoukakis Megan Tzanoukakis, President and CEO of Sussex IM, is a CPA turned manufacturing and supply chain leader. Megan discusses her crash course in manufacturing, what it takes to successfully transition a family business to the next generation, and sustainability in the plastics industry. She also shares one of her biggest lessons learned – you can't plan everything, and it's okay to pivot! /episode/index/show/womenwhoopendoors/id/31900492

Dr. Tiffany Tardy 04/02/2024

Dr. Tiffany Tardy Dr. Tiffany Tardy, President and CEO of PEARLS For Teen Girls, has learned to embrace the discomfort throughout her journey. Tiffany Tardy discusses how, through her struggle, she found her passion for making a positive impact, the importance of finding your community, and the bravery it takes to follow your heart in decision-making. She also shares her vision for the future of PEARLS For Teen Girls, believing the sky is the limit! /episode/index/show/womenwhoopendoors/id/30479233

Amanda Nowak 03/19/2024

Amanda Nowak Amanda Nowak, Founder of Element Eight, has experienced burnout and triumphed. Amanda discusses her journey as a serial entrepreneur, emphasizing the importance of aligning personal values with professional endeavors. She also shares insights into her current role in empowering women entrepreneurs and leaders, helping them cultivate resilience, set boundaries, and achieve success without the overwhelm. /episode/index/show/womenwhoopendoors/id/30391733

Kareeda Chones Aguam 10/04/2023

Kareeda Chones Aguam Kareeda Chones Aguam, Senior Vice President of Partner Strategy and Management for the Milwaukee Bucks and Fiserv Forum, LOVES her job, from working with her team to those amazing nights in Fiserv Forum. Kareeda discusses how her simple practice of just being a good human has helped in her professional career, where her passion for basketball comes from, and how she "drips" on her clients to build successful relationships. /episode/index/show/womenwhoopendoors/id/28201514

Morgan Phelps 08/02/2023

Morgan Phelps Morgan Phelps, Founder and CEO of Colorful Connections, discusses what it means to her to be a part of Milwaukee Business Journal's 40under40 class of 2023, the early start of Colorful Connections, and the importance of market research. Morgan also shares her 3-legged stool approach and opinion on the constantly evolving DEI environment. /episode/index/show/womenwhoopendoors/id/27514353

Shawntell Taylor 07/13/2023

Shawntell Taylor Shawntell Taylor, Principal Consultant of Midwest Advantage Holdings Company, discusses how she got life totally twisted as an entrepreneur, the importance of being a lifelong learner, and how she helps women business owners achieve their business and financial dreams. Shawntell’s story is one of strength, vulnerability, and being positive in the face of adversity. /episode/index/show/womenwhoopendoors/id/27455673

Terry Tuttle 05/18/2023

Terry Tuttle Terry Tuttle, President of HellermannTyton, discusses her connection to the Girl Scouts and how she strongly believes in their mission of "building girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place." She shares the importance of investing in people early and seeing the results of growth while telling the story of her own journey in manufacturing, sharing the barriers and mentors who helped her along the way! /episode/index/show/womenwhoopendoors/id/26614425

Joy Vertz 04/27/2023

Joy Vertz Joy Vertz, Drybar Franchise Operator in Milwaukee & Chicago, shares her journey and where she gets her serial entrepreneurial spirit from. In this episode, she discusses the importance of learning from and leaning on your community to find success, the experience of owning salons in two different markets, and how she builds culture within her organization that affects both customers and employees. She also shares her lessons learned about the process of stepping back to let your team own the business. /episode/index/show/womenwhoopendoors/id/26119923

Adonica Randall 04/06/2023

Adonica Randall Adonica Randall, President & Chief Problem Solver of Abaxent, LLC, discusses her path into the technology industry and becoming a business owner (even though she totally didn't intend to!) Adonica credits her love and representation in Star Trek and sci-fi for pursuing a career in engineering. She is a really big Nichelle Nichols fan, and even got to meet her once! Adonica also talks about her disruptive business model, why it works, and her philosophy on team building and diversity. /episode/index/show/womenwhoopendoors/id/25958226

Beth Ridley 03/16/2023

Beth Ridley Beth Ridley, Founder and CEO of Ridley Consulting Group, challenges us to find the simple joys in work and be more involved in the process. In this episode, Beth discusses the importance of evaluating the tone you are setting as a leader, why people leaders should be valued and encouraged in organizations, and the benefits of applying positive psychology. And while Beth is a leadership and workplace expert, she is also a speed skater, has lived worldwide, and is a very exclusive part-time chauffeur of two. /episode/index/show/womenwhoopendoors/id/25892682

Julie Hoover 02/23/2023

Julie Hoover Julie Hoover, Executive Director of Family Sharing of Ozaukee County, has worked as a commercial pilot, been in sales, and is now leading a non-profit. It only makes sense she describes her career as a patchwork quilt! In this episode, she shares how her quilt came together, ultimately finding her way to Family Sharing. She discusses the challenges, joys, and importance of community. Hoover's passions also include greyhound adoption. You might find her Lizzy hanging out in the office on quiet days! /episode/index/show/womenwhoopendoors/id/25958166

Emerald Mills 02/02/2023

Emerald Mills Emerald Mills of Diverse Dining is the founder and lead visionary behind the Turning Tables initiative. She aims to break barriers faced by food entrepreneurs in the Milwaukee area with her restaurant and teaching kitchen. In this episode, she shares her transformative journey and gets honest about learning to trust the process and the challenges of opening a new business. She also shares the dynamics of how she and her fiance work side-by-side. Her inspiration to impact the community is endless, and we can't wait to see where she goes from here! /episode/index/show/womenwhoopendoors/id/25804101

Marissa Kalkman 11/30/2022

Marissa Kalkman Marissa Kalkman, Executive Director of the Wellness Council of Wisconsin (WCWI), leads from the core belief that inclusive wellbeing is vital for all - individuals, the workforce, organizations, and our communities. She shares her road trip through the midwest, ultimately finding her way to Wisconsin and becoming a part of WCWI. Marissa discusses WCWI's role in changing the narrative and leading the discussion for the wellbeing of Wisconsin's workforce. Also, learn how Marissa's core beliefs help her juggle this crazy thing we call life! /episode/index/show/womenwhoopendoors/id/25156638

Lori Highby 10/05/2022

Lori Highby Lori Highby, CEO and Founder of Keystone Click, is the definition of a doer. She began her entrepreneurial journey in 2008 at the start of the recession by sending snail mail! She has been able to build a thriving business since, crediting culture, growth, and education to her and her team’s success. Lori discusses why she decided to start her own business, what it was like being a woman business owner starting out, and her passion for manufacturers! She also shares how her dad has been an impactful figure in her life and how her community involvement honors his memory. /episode/index/show/womenwhoopendoors/id/24522432

Kathleen O'Leary 08/17/2022

Kathleen O'Leary Kathleen O'Leary, Retired CEO of Wisconsin State Fair Park, shares how her journey in life has been colorful, from getting her start in the beer industry to becoming Wisconsin State Fair's first female CEO. Kathleen discusses how she navigated being a woman in leadership, the legacy she has left, and the importance of finally stepping back while sharing advice for the next generation of women taking the helm. However, her story isn't over yet as she steps into the next chapter of her life. /episode/index/show/womenwhoopendoors/id/24030846

Kelley Kempel 07/27/2022

Kelley Kempel Kelley Kempel, Owner & Creative Director of Hidden Path Creative, shares how she never pictured herself as an entrepreneur but over time found that it fit her passions and lifestyle. Kelley discusses how she finds joy in bringing her "big brand knowledge" and experience to help small to medium-sized, product-based businesses with their brand and packaging needs. She also talks about how she has found community by being a member of TEMPO Milwaukee, and shares her love for hiking. /episode/index/show/womenwhoopendoors/id/23534624

Tara Laatsch & Christin Cilento 07/06/2022

Tara Laatsch & Christin Cilento Tara Laatsch & Christin Cilento, Co-Owners of CityTins, LLC, share how their company was born from a casual meeting on a playground and a yearning for more fun and interesting fundraising options for their daughters’ elementary school. In this episode, not only will you learn about their entrepreneurial journey but also the impact they have made in the community. Get a more intimate peek into the amazing friendship and partnership that makes CityTins tick! /episode/index/show/womenwhoopendoors/id/23534600

Brittany Ballweg 06/15/2022

Brittany Ballweg Brittany Ballweg, Founder & Owner of Dolphin Swim Academy, shares her inspiring journey from jumping in the pool at age 8 to overcoming hurdles to build her own million-dollar pool facility where she teaches swim safety to children and adults. This is an amazing story of perseverance, finding one's passion, achieving dreams, and giving back to the community. /episode/index/show/womenwhoopendoors/id/23368766

Marjorie Rucker 05/11/2022

Marjorie Rucker Marjorie Rucker, Executive Director of The Business Council, is a power connector! She shares how her role allows her to bridge the gap between minority-owned enterprises and large corporations. She also chats about her experience being named a Women of Influence by the Milwaukee Business Journal, and her advice to small businesses. /episode/index/show/womenwhoopendoors/id/22942055

Janette Thornley 03/30/2022

Janette Thornley Janette Thornley, Retired Nitro Harley Pilot, Author, Speaker, and Coach, sits down with Julie this week to share her experiences on being a woman in a male-dominated sport, finding her life's passion, and not letting titles or society's expectations weigh her down. /episode/index/show/womenwhoopendoors/id/21708041

Deirdra Lambright 03/16/2022

Deirdra Lambright Deirdra Lambright, Owner & Baker of Sweets 4 Dayz, truly embodies the entrepreneurial spirit. Deirdra shares her experience about how she found her passion at a young age and has carried that into her adulthood by taking the leap to start her own business. /episode/index/show/womenwhoopendoors/id/21708095

Bridget Lazlo 02/09/2022

Bridget Lazlo Bridget Lazlo, President/CEO of Guardian Business Solutions, talks about problem-solving in the manufacturing industry, her own journey of becoming a business owner, and offers nuggets of wisdom for our listeners. Listen now to dive into the world of manufacturing! /episode/index/show/womenwhoopendoors/id/21707951

Christina Wegner 01/19/2022

Christina Wegner Christina Wegner, VP of Marketing for the Vollrath Company, shares her words of wisdom for small businesses embarking on their marketing journey, but she is so much more than just her title and expertise. Christina is an advocate, outdoors person, and active community member. Listen now to learn what gives her the energy to work hard and play hard. /episode/index/show/womenwhoopendoors/id/21707864

LaTasha Langdon 06/02/2021

LaTasha Langdon LaTasha Langdon, Creative Owner & Founder of Divine Destinies Life Skills, LLC, sits down with Julie this week to share how she empowers and helps youth and young adults achieve their personal and professional goals through her entrepreneurship. Listen now to learn about the power and influence of one! /episode/index/show/womenwhoopendoors/id/19318574

Women Who Open Doors

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