Awkward moments are inevitable but they can leave us feeling self-critical and ready to hide. Henna Pryor, a workplace performance expert and author of "Good Awkward," rejects the notion that cringey-ness is something to avoid. She challenges us to embrace awkward moments and use them to find human connection and self-compassion.
Rachel Koretsky, founder of Upace app and DC Tech and Start-up Week, shares a unifying starting point for anyone considering launching a business and reflects on the many ways entrepreneurs sustain and grow their ventures over time—reminding us that there is no single path to building a successful business.
Rachel Dunlap spent much of her career working alongside some of the most influential leaders in government, serving as the connective tissue between senior leadership and personnel. Rachel talks managing large-scale strategic initiatives, being the voice of the workforce, and driving innovation inside some of the world’s most complex institutions.
Is being nice a virtue or does it uphold the status quo? Amira Barger unpacks the concepts in her book, "The Price of Nice," about how choosing comfort over nerve keep systems running even when we know that something is wrong.
Lara Jordan talks about her non-linear career path which spurred her to branch out into her own consultancy, and how she prioritizes flexibility for herself and team in her work structure.
With high demand and limited resources, the Greater DC Diaper Bank has been been addressing an invisible health crisis. Executive Director, Liz Schurgin, stays focused on fostering resilient teams, strengthening partnerships, and serving the mission.
Kim “KC” Campbell is a retired Colonel who served in the Air Force for over 24 years as a fighter pilot and senior military leader. Her journey is not just about flying combat missions; it’s a lesson in courage, leadership, and the importance of human connection.
Angelina “Strike” Stephens reflects on her leadership growth during her decades of active service in the Air Force, why transitions are especially challenging for high performers, and what real leadership looks like when honesty meets forward motion.
During her decades long career in the CIA, Cathe Hargenrader saw and spearheaded cultural changes within the agency to improve flexibility and support for staff. She emphasizes the importance of networking, flexibility in the workplace, and the value of self-promotion for women.
Hannah Cooper-Klein shares her journey from the U.S. State Department to building Cooper/Smith, a mission-driven data company operating in some of the world’s most complex settings. Along the way, she offers an honest look at the things no one tells you about starting a business.
Karen Kelly, founder of Launch by Lunch, explains how she helps AI-first, non-technical founders move from idea to launch in weeks, not years. A practical conversation about using your domain expertise, starting small, and building alongside real life.
Claire Duarte shares her story of personal and professional transformation after grappling with her postpartum mental health, and how it led her to creating The Columbia Mom.
Christina Martin-Kenney’s journey from development director to nonprofit consultant took ample consideration and smart use of social media.
Ariel Galipeau, Co-Founder of Confidante, talks about the courses that helped her create an app with no prior coding experience and how the latest technology is allowing Confidante to solve for problems women face throughout motherhood.
