http://www.sherylkline.com/blog

In the latest Fearless Female Leadership interview, I had the honor of speaking with Jen Kirkpatrick, VP Americas Networking Sales at Cisco, about creating a cohesive culture for larger organizations. At the core, it’s about finding your voice and leading with heart.

Jen’s leadership journey is rooted in early encouragement from her mother, who instilled a fearless “why not me?” mindset that’s stayed with her throughout her career. From being the only girl playing quarterback with the neighborhood boys to the only woman in executive tech rooms, Jen has built her career by stepping forward—even when she didn’t feel ready.

She shared how her mindset has evolved over time, from doubting her seat at the table to walking confidently into rooms and sitting squarely at the center. Jen emphasized the importance of speaking up, not apologizing for your voice, and realizing that leadership is a journey of continuous learning.

We also explored what it takes to build a cohesive culture in large organizations—something Jen has done masterfully at Cisco. She believes creating unity isn’t just a “nice to have”—it’s essential to business performance. Her approach focuses on transparency, listening, shared agendas, and infusing joy and celebration into everyday work.

Key takeaways from the interview:

0:01:22 – Jen’s mother encouraged limitless thinking early on, telling her she could be anything—even president.

0:03:25 – Sheryl Sandberg’s Lean In and Option B played a pivotal role in helping Jen find her voice and resilience in her early tech career.

0:05:00 – Growing up as the only girl among boys helped Jen feel comfortable being “the only” in male-dominated rooms.

0:08:32 – Jen remembers the moment she spoke up in a critical meeting—and realized the value of her voice and perspective.

0:09:43 – Over time, she stopped apologizing for being direct and began owning her seat and her power at the table.

0:12:39 – A cohesive culture starts with alignment toward a shared North Star—even if each person’s path there looks different.

0:13:41 – Culture transformation begins when everyone openly shares their agendas, history, and experiences—it breaks down walls and builds empathy.

0:15:00 – True cultural change requires both top-down support and bottom-up ownership—leaders and team members must meet in the middle.

0:20:00 – Culture isn’t just about execution—it’s about fun. Teams that enjoy working together are more productive and resilient.

0:21:05 – Celebrating wins, big or small, is vital to building a thriving, cohesive, and sustainable high-performance culture.

If you’re interested in being featured on the Fearless Female Leadership podcast, or you’re a leader looking to gain clarity on ‘what’s next’, how to build more cohesive and high-performing teams, and lead with greater confidence and influence, let’s have a confidential conversation.

Cheering you on always!
– Sheryl

http://www.sherylkline.com/blog

In the latest Fearless Female Leadership interview, I had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with Erika Irby, the Director, GTM Small Medium and Corporate Business, Americas at Microsoft, to explore how embracing your personal story can fuel your professional impact. Erika's energy, authenticity, and strategic insight lit up the conversation as we discussed storytelling, visibility, and fearless leadership—especially as women in tech.

Erika’s leadership journey began early—at just 17, she chose to stay behind and start college while her military family moved overseas. That moment, powered by grit and independence, set the tone for her lifelong mantra: "I will figure it out." Erika’s resilience, her trust in the universe, and her ability to turn obstacles into growth moments have shaped an inspiring career across education, tech, and executive leadership.

We also dug into the challenges women face with visibility, self-advocacy, and storytelling—especially in corporate environments. Erika emphasized the power of proactively sharing wins, creating a “walking deck” of your professional narrative, and boldly reaching out to people who can open new doors. Her message? Stop waiting. Own your story. Be strategic. Be seen.

Key takeaways from the interview:

• 0:01:15 – Erika’s early independence—staying in the U.S. while her family moved abroad—instilled a lifelong sense of self-reliance and adaptability.
• 0:02:25 – Her two personal mantras: “The universe provides” and “I will figure it out.” These guide her through both triumphs and setbacks.
• 0:04:02 – Even when things fall apart—like losing a job or a relationship—there’s purpose in the pain. Stay open to the redirection.
• 0:07:01 – Erika’s career path from teacher to tech leader highlights the power of transferable skills and trusting your evolution.
• 0:09:23 – Confidence is built on owning your unique journey. Even a nontraditional background has tremendous value.
• 0:12:01 – Diversity in leadership (gender, race, and background) isn’t just fair—it’s essential for innovation and AI inclusivity.
• 0:14:33 – “Your work won’t speak for itself.” Erika recommends monthly impact recaps to leadership—even if it feels bold.
• 0:17:29 – Use AI tools like Copilot to amplify your voice—but remember, you are the pilot.
• 0:18:55 – Don’t just “like” on LinkedIn—add thoughtful context, tag mentors, and share your expertise to establish thought leadership.
• 0:21:11 – Be bold and reach out to people, even if they’re senior or don’t know you. 80% of the time, they’ll say yes.
• 0:24:15 – Always have a “walking deck”—a personal presentation that shares your career highlights, aspirations, and values.

If you’re interested in being featured on the Fearless Female Leadership podcast, or you’re a leader looking to gain clarity on ‘what’s next’, how to build more cohesive and high-performing teams, and lead with greater confidence and influence, let’s have a confidential conversation.

Cheering you on always!
– Sheryl

http://www.sherylkline.com/blog

In the latest Fearless Female Leadership interview, I had the privilege of speaking with Melissa DiMuro, the Chief People, Culture & Marketing Officer at Limbach, about leading with resilience during times of change and the importance of evolving alongside the businesses we serve.

Melissa’s journey started in a blue-collar household and was shaped by the strength and grit of her grandmother—a farmer’s daughter who raised twelve siblings and worked multiple jobs just to keep food on the table. That legacy of resilience deeply influenced Melissa’s leadership style and commitment to growth through discomfort.

Though her path wasn’t linear—initially aspiring to be a psychologist—Melissa leaned into her natural strengths and built a career across multiple male-dominated industries including printing, aviation, and construction. Her ability to navigate change and adapt through uncertainty positioned her as a transformational leader who prioritizes systems thinking, emotional intelligence, and authenticity.

Melissa emphasized that today’s leaders must lead with calm confidence, agility, and vision—even when the future is unclear. She urges emerging leaders to develop their emotional intelligence, stay informed, and most importantly, lead with intention no matter their title.

Key takeaways from the interview:

0:01:58 – Melissa’s hardworking grandmother served as a model for persistence, strength, and self-determination.
0:05:13 – Her career path wasn’t a straight line—she pivoted from psychology to HR, learning to embrace discomfort as a growth driver.
0:06:47 – Melissa chose to take on tough roles and switch industries, believing that growth happens when you lean into the uncomfortable.
0:09:57 – Evolving leadership means practicing systems thinking and being agile amidst constant change.
0:11:29 – Emotional intelligence and intentionality are essential for leading people through disruption.
0:13:21 – Great leaders manage fear by preparing their teams and working themselves out of a job—developing others is key.
0:15:13 – Change leadership is not just about strategy, but the how—transparency and empathy build trust.
0:18:13 – Melissa shares how Limbach is deepening customer relationships by leading with purpose and service—not just transactions.
0:21:18 – A leader’s long-term success depends on relationships, context, and empowering teams with shared vision.
0:26:11 – Her final advice: compete only with yourself. Be better than yesterday and seek inspiration—not comparison—from others.

If you’re interested in being featured on the Fearless Female Leadership podcast, or you’re a leader looking to gain clarity on ‘what’s next’, how to build more cohesive and high-performing teams, and lead with greater confidence and influence, let’s have a confidential conversation (http://www.sherylkline.com/meeting).

Cheering you on always!
– Sheryl

http://www.sherylkline.com/blog

In the latest Fearless Female Leadership interview, I had the true pleasure of speaking with Sara Connell, bestselling author, TEDx speaker, coach, and Founder of Thought Leader Academy, about the transformative journey from corporate leader to thought leader. Sara’s story is one of resilience, reinvention, and the power of claiming your voice — and using it to create meaningful, lasting impact.

Sara’s career began in the corporate world at a top advertising agency, where she quickly realized that while the training was invaluable, the culture was toxic. It took a mental and physical health crisis for Sara to finally make the leap out of corporate life — a leap inspired by a chance encounter with a life-changing book she discovered in an airport bookstore. That single book inspired her to commit to writing the stories and messages she wished had existed for her, and ultimately to empower other leaders to do the same.

Throughout our conversation, Sara spoke candidly about the mindset shifts required to leave a traditional corporate path and build a thriving thought leadership business. She emphasized the importance of creating a clear “flag in the ground” — your core message or movement — and then choosing one meaningful platform to start sharing it, whether that’s a book, a talk, or a podcast.

Sara also shared her wisdom on managing imposter syndrome, embracing discomfort, and remembering that legacy-level impact rarely comes from comfort zones.

Key takeaways from the interview:

• 0:01:10 – Sara’s career pivot from corporate advertising was born out of both desperation and inspiration, sparked by a book she discovered during a personal crisis.
• 0:03:52 – The toxic myth that “if you leave, you’ll fail” keeps many leaders stuck — Sara debunks this through her own story.
• 0:06:24 – Mindset is 100% of the game; it either keeps you in the game or takes you out.
• 0:08:16 – Every thought leader faces self-doubt and imposter syndrome — even icons like Maya Angelou and Elizabeth Gilbert.
• 0:10:44 – Act “as if” when your confidence wavers. Pretend to believe in yourself until your actions prove you right.
• 0:12:14 – Start by identifying your “flag in the ground” — your signature message, idea, or movement you want to be known for.
• 0:14:57 – Choose one thought leadership platform to begin with — speaking, writing, podcasting — based on what lights you up.
• 0:18:26 – Find the intersection of your corporate expertise, your untapped passions, and the audience you most want to serve.
• 0:20:33 – Great marketing starts with listening; have real conversations with your ideal audience to learn what they need.
• 0:23:45 – Often our greatest superpowers feel invisible to us — fresh eyes and mentors can help uncover your unique brilliance.

If you’re interested in being featured on the Fearless Female Leadership podcast, or you’re a leader looking to gain clarity on ‘what’s next’, how to build more cohesive and high-performing teams, and lead with greater confidence and influence, let’s have a confidential conversation.

Cheering you on always!
– Sheryl

http://www.sherylkline.com/blog

In the latest Fearless Female Leadership interview, I had the privilege of speaking with Sandy Ball, Chief People Officer at Aspida, about navigating leadership in times of rapid change, standing firm in your values, and leading with authenticity. Sandy’s candor and warmth made this conversation feel like a masterclass in people-centered leadership.

Sandy’s leadership journey is rooted in her natural curiosity about people and what drives them. She credits her early experience working at Disney for shaping her people philosophy — recognizing that every individual, no matter their role, wants to feel seen, heard, and valued. This belief has guided her through a career spanning multiple industries and leadership transitions.

We talked about what it means to lead in today’s environment where uncertainty is constant, and the courage it takes to stay aligned with your values when navigating tough organizational dynamics. Sandy spoke openly about the importance of creating psychological safety, building cultures of accountability without fear, and knowing when to take the risk of speaking up.

Sandy also highlighted how, as women leaders, we often feel the pressure to prove ourselves in every room. Her advice? Prepare relentlessly, trust your instincts, and build genuine relationships — the kind where you can be both strong and vulnerable.

Key take-aways from the interview:

0:01:48 – Sandy’s early career at GE taught her the foundational importance of making people feel valued at every level of an organization.
0:05:54 – Leadership is about building trust and creating psychological safety so people can speak up, make mistakes, and learn.
0:09:09 – Leading through change requires relentless clarity about your values and a willingness to have difficult conversations.
0:12:57 – In moments of fear or doubt, preparation and surrounding yourself with trusted advisors are critical.
0:16:21 – Building accountability cultures isn’t about fear; it’s about clear expectations, consistency, and kindness.
0:19:34 – Navigating organizational politics with integrity means knowing when to stay quiet, when to push, and when to walk away.
0:22:53 – As a woman in executive leadership, you don’t have to over-prove yourself — show up prepared, be curious, and let your results speak.
0:27:26 – The best leaders create personal connections with their teams, seeing people as whole humans, not just job titles.
0:31:19 – Saying “I don’t know” as a leader is a strength, not a weakness; it models vulnerability and invites collaboration.
0:35:07 – Personal growth often comes from the moments you say yes to what scares you most.

If you’re interested in being featured on the Fearless Female Leadership podcast, or you’re a leader looking to gain clarity on ‘what’s next’, how to build more cohesive and high-performing teams, and lead with greater confidence and influence, let’s have a confidential conversation.

Cheering you on always!
– Sheryl

http://www.sherylkline.com/blog

In the latest Fearless Female Leadership interview, I had the true pleasure of sitting down with Liz Almeida, Chief Human Resources Officer at Panasonic North America. Liz shared an inspiring story of resilience, curiosity, and leadership transformation — and a much-needed reminder that success rarely follows a straight line.

Liz’s career didn’t start in HR. She originally aspired to be a mechanical engineer at NASA, but a tough academic setback in college and the support of a powerful mentor helped her pivot, embrace curiosity, and lean into unexpected opportunities. That openness not only changed her career trajectory but shaped her leadership philosophy today.

Throughout our conversation, Liz reflected on the critical importance of culture transformation, psychological safety, and co-creation — especially during times of disruption. She believes the best cultures are intentionally built around clear values and inclusive leadership that invites vulnerability, innovation, and diverse perspectives.

Liz is a fierce advocate for mentorship, reverse mentoring, and creating organizations where people feel safe bringing their whole selves to work.

Key takeaways from the interview:

🔹 0:01:31 – Liz’s leadership journey began after a college setback and a mentor’s tough love, which sparked a lifelong commitment to curiosity and growth.

🔹 0:03:44 – Mentorship, both formal and informal, has been crucial to her success — and she now makes it a leadership responsibility to pay that forward.

🔹 0:05:42 – Liz’s career path felt more like a “jungle gym” than a ladder — driven by curiosity and opportunities for intellectual growth, not titles.

🔹 0:08:45 – The encouragement of her mother instilled a fearless mindset: if no one’s done it before, be the first.

🔹 0:11:03 – Psychological safety is the foundation for innovation and high performance — leaders must create spaces where people feel safe being themselves.

🔹 0:14:28 – Leaders should actively work to build cultures where even “crazy” ideas are welcomed — because those ideas often lead to breakthrough innovation.

🔹 0:17:06 – Reverse mentoring has been a valuable leadership tool for Liz, helping challenge her assumptions and stay sharp in a fast-changing world.

🔹 0:19:42 – Culture must be intentionally aligned to company values, with leaders modeling the way and being transparent about what those values look like in action.

🔹 0:21:32 – Listening with curiosity is one of the most underrated leadership skills — the best ideas and solutions often come from unexpected places.

🔹 0:23:11 – Co-creation is essential for engagement and performance; people support what they help build.

If you’re interested in being featured on the Fearless Female Leadership podcast, or you’re a leader looking to gain clarity on ‘what’s next’, how to build more cohesive and high-performing teams, and lead with greater confidence and influence, let’s have a confidential conversation.

Cheering you on always!
– Sheryl

Watch the interview video here: http://www.sherylkline.com/blog

In the latest Fearless Female Leadership interview, I had the absolute pleasure of speaking with Lori Borg, Vice President of Americas Go-To-Market Strategy for Global Partner Solutions at Microsoft. In this heartfelt conversation, Lori opened up about her leadership journey, the transformative power of organizational health, and why leading with vulnerability and transparency matters now more than ever.

Lori’s leadership story began with overcoming stereotypes. Growing up, she found herself boxed in by limiting labels, only to later reject them by leaning into her passion for business and performing. A pivotal moment came in high school when she shifted her focus from piano performance to business competitions, discovering her true love for leadership, influence, and growth.

She shared how embracing her unique strengths has helped shape her career—from founding successful businesses to now leading at Microsoft. Lori emphasized that organizational health is the secret sauce behind high-performing, resilient teams, especially during times of rapid change and uncertainty. Her practical wisdom on fostering trust, gathering honest feedback, and building strength-based cultures is advice every leader needs right now.

Key takeaways from my interview with Lori:

🔹 0:01:18 – Lori overcame early stereotypes and shifted her self-belief through a pivotal high school experience in business leadership.

🔹 0:04:31 – She credits understanding and leaning into her unique strengths as the foundation for scaling businesses and leading corporate teams.

🔹 0:06:57 – Organizational health is critical for sustainable success and breakthrough moments; it’s more than short-term wins.

🔹 0:07:52 – A strengths-based approach turns a diverse team into a high-functioning, cohesive unit where one plus one is greater than two.

🔹 0:10:13 – Feedback is a gift—but only if you create the psychological safety for people to give it honestly.

🔹 0:12:43 – Lori prioritizes vulnerability and transparency as the fastest way to build trust and credibility with new teams.

🔹 0:13:58 – Actioning feedback is non-negotiable. Listening without follow-through erodes trust faster than silence.

🔹 0:15:13 – Leaders must regularly check their own motivations: am I seeking truth, or seeking to look good?

🔹 0:17:08 – Know your strengths, own them, and seek opportunities that let you lead from those superpowers.

🔹 0:17:43 – Even when organizational trust feels shaky, being the light by voicing concerns and suggesting solutions can ignite change.

If you’re interested in being featured on the Fearless Female Leadership podcast, or you’re a leader looking to gain clarity on “what’s next,” how to build more cohesive and high-performing teams, and lead with greater confidence and influence, let’s have a confidential conversation.

Cheering you on always!
– Sheryl

http://www.sherylkline.com/blog

In the latest Fearless Female Leadership interview, I had the absolute pleasure of speaking with Kim Dorsett, Chief Human Resources Officer for Capital Impact Partners and CDC Small Business Finance, both part of the Momentus Capital branded family of organizations. Kim and I spoke about what it really means to believe you're good enough to go for greatness. This episode was a powerful reminder that mindset, boundaries, and bold action are the cornerstones of breakthrough leadership.

Kim’s leadership journey is grounded in the lessons she learned from her mother, who always expected excellence and taught her to strive five times harder. That relentless commitment to personal growth has carried Kim from early career milestones to her current executive seat. With a nod to her children for encouraging her to share her story, Kim spoke openly about how structure, discipline, and saying no have been critical to her success.

She highlighted the importance of essentialism—focusing only on what truly matters—and of building a network that reflects a diversity of thought and experience. Perhaps most powerfully, Kim urged women to stop competing with each other and start uplifting one another, reminding us there is more than one seat at the table.

This conversation is for anyone who's ever looked at a list of job qualifications and hesitated—Kim's message is clear: You don’t have to check every box to go for greatness.

Key takeaways from the interview:

0:01:18 – Kim credits her mother with instilling a mindset of excellence and perseverance from an early age.
0:02:40 – Discipline and essentialism have helped her avoid burnout and stay focused on what truly matters.
0:03:52 – Saying no and setting boundaries are crucial leadership skills—especially for women.
0:04:31 – You don’t have to meet 100% of job requirements to be qualified. Let others be the judge—just try.
0:05:26 – Women must stop competing with each other and instead build supportive networks.
0:06:07 – Confidence is built through action—even when it feels uncomfortable.
0:06:59 – Kim embraces the confidence-competence loop: the more you try, the more you grow.
0:07:30 – Failure is just feedback. Every experience, win or setback, teaches something valuable.
0:07:48 – Build a diverse network that challenges your thinking—not just people who agree with you.
0:08:53 – Lifelong learning is part of leadership. Kim recently completed a certificate at Wharton to continue evolving.

If you’re interested in being featured on the Fearless Female Leadership podcast, or you’re a leader looking to gain clarity on “what’s next,” how to build more cohesive and high-performing teams, and lead with greater confidence and influence, let’s have a confidential conversation.

Cheering you on always!
– Sheryl