Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 25:51 — 35.5MB) | Embed

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | Android | Pandora | iHeartRadio | JioSaavn | Podchaser | Gaana | Podcast Index | TuneIn | RSS | More

I have an incredible guest, Lisa Gutierrez, who turned her and her husband’s vision into a reality by launching a humble food truck business that would eventually become a local sensation. Lisa’s story isn’t just about entrepreneurship—it’s about passion, resilience, and the tenacity to build something remarkable from the ground up.

As a former manager at The Cheesecake Factory and through her husband’s experiences with Cameron Mitchell Restaurants, Lisa brought a wealth of industry knowledge to their venture. However, their path wasn’t paved with ease. Bootstrapping their way from a borrowed truck to a powerhouse with multiple locations and nearly a hundred employees, Lisa’s tale is a masterclass in navigating the business landscape with determination and grace.

From branding mishaps to challenges in securing capital, Lisa candidly shares the lessons she has learned and emphasizes the importance of building a solid team, understanding your “why,” and the value of community involvement in business growth.

Hear how Lisa’s entrepreneurial drive and her commitment to her staff and community have made Dos Hermanos Taco Truck a thriving brand and a source of inspiration for all.

The Power of Entrepreneurial Support Networks: “You know there’s always someone in those organizations that you can reach out to. There’s always information there and it’s a safe place which I think is amazing.”— Lisa Gutierrez 

Memorable Moments

00:00   Lessons learned in life shape giving back.
04:52   Overcame challenges, built successful thriving business.
06:26   Importance of understanding one’s purpose and motivations.
13:40   Seeking surgeon’s advice led to x-rays.
19:00   Unexpected burrito purchase due to bus issue.
21:32   Share advice and support others’ growth.
24:12   Navigating uncertainty, small businesses demonstrate resilience.

Top Takeaways

1. **Embrace Lessons Learned**: Recognizing the value of the lessons you’ve learned through your journey and sharing them with others can inspire and help them navigate similar situations.
2. **Seek Advice and Mentorship**: Surrounding yourself with like-minded individuals and experts in your field can provide critical guidance and prevent common mistakes.
3. **Passion Drives Success**: Whether it’s a passion for people, food, or service, finding your “why” is essential to staying motivated and overcoming obstacles in business.
4. **Challenges as Opportunities**: Facing and overcoming challenges can lead to unexpected opportunities, such as Lisa’s commissary kitchen providing crucial food access to an underserved community during the pandemic.
5. **The Importance of Building Your Team Early**: Getting the right people in place, especially in finance and bookkeeping, is key to establishing a solid foundation for your business.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 31:42 — 43.6MB) | Embed

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | Android | Pandora | iHeartRadio | JioSaavn | Podchaser | Gaana | Podcast Index | TuneIn | RSS | More

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 41:55 — 57.6MB) | Embed

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | Android | Pandora | iHeartRadio | JioSaavn | Podchaser | Gaana | Podcast Index | TuneIn | RSS | More

In a particularly uplifting episode titled “Hidden In Plain View, Lessons Learned with Eileen McDargh pt 1,” we soaked in the wisdom of speaker and author Eileen McDargh, whose own journey from hardship to growth personifies the treasures tucked within trials.

Taking lessons from life’s playbook is a craft that Eileen McDargh has mastered. Her insightful books, available on her website (www.eileenmcdargh.com) and Amazon, come highly recommended for their depth wrapped in simple wisdom. Eileen’s engaging conversation anticipates further enlightening discussions, hinting at a wildly anticipated part 2.

Eileen McDargh’s chronicle reveals the resilience she’s honed from Georgia to California—through divorce, a fresh marital chapter, and career shifts from healthcare to PR, culminating in a cathartic break from the inauthentic grind of press release fabrication. The ensuing path Eileen carved out as a speaker and writer underlines a central theme: the power of stories and the potency of personal experiences as guiding instruments for others.

Joy—often mistaken for happiness—is a conscious choice in the darkest hours, as Eileen McDargh stresses. Whether navigating the turbulent waters of a dysfunctional relationship or facing job loss head-on, joy becomes the compass that guides us through adversity, imbuing our reality with purpose and direction.

Challenges of Success: “Downhill is more dangerous than uphill. And when you think about that, if you are climbing the corporate ladder, it’s one thing when you get to the top of the mountain, but there’s something on the other side, and it’s more dangerous because we become cocky. We know it all. We’re not as careful as we were, and that’s what happened to me.” — Eileen McDargh

Every episode of joblessness, every stumble in our professional walks, houses a lesson waiting to be unearthed—an opportunity to unearth latent talents and to cultivate them. Eileen and Betty highlight the necessity of embracing our errors as catalysts for immense personal growth and the discovery of gifts that were concealed in plain view.

In a world where negativity can seem like second nature to some, changing perspectives may pose a significant challenge. Yet, Eileen McDargh recalls turning arduous moments into lessons of ingenuity—how a challenging climb can reward the persistent with unexpected spices to life’s mundane flavors, like wild onions to a simple ramen.

One of the most uplifting takeaways from Eileen’s inspiring career trajectory is the anecdote of her initial foray into public speaking—doubling her suggested speaking fee by client’s offer, an invaluable lesson in self-worth. Eileen has since grown into a captivating keynote speaker, coach, and facilitator, inspiring countless others to claim their value.

Eileen’s book “Gifts from the Mountain” is a testament to life’s raw teachings, spawned from a personal undertaking she shared with her husband. Inspired by this robust journey, “Hidden in Plain View” evolved, hinging on the ideology that within every tumble lies a teaching moment, guiding us towards revelatory personal and professional development.

Top Takeaways

1. The Art of Reframing: Transforming challenges into opportunities for growth through a change in perspective.

2. Valuing Personal Worth: Learning the importance of recognizing and asserting one’s value in professional negotiations.

3. Hidden Lessons Everywhere: Emphasizing the concept that valuable lessons can often be found in everyday experiences if we look closely.

4. Choosing Joy Over Happiness: Understanding the distinction between joy as a deeper, more resilient state, versus the fleeting nature of happiness.

5. Growth from Discomfort: Encouraging listeners to embrace uncomfortable situations as they often lead to personal development and unexpected discoveries.

6. Recognizing Dysfunction: The importance of identifying signs of dysfunction in relationships or work environments and using them to foster life improvements.

7. Embracing Life’s Interruptions: A reminder that disruptions, like a phone notification during an important call, can teach us the value of being present and focused.

8. The Value of Sharing Life Lessons: Betty and Eileen discuss how sharing personal experiences and challenges can inspire and provide valuable insight to others.

9. Joy Amid Adversity: The conversation highlights methods for finding moments of joy even in the most trying of circumstances.

10. The Power of Communication: Eileen McDargh’s career trajectory highlights how effective communication and public speaking can lead to impactful opportunities and convey life lessons to a broader audience.

Memorable Moments

04:25 Women sharing lessons, embracing loss, need for learning.
07:56 Celebrate monthly, stay in relationships, avoid monotony.
11:51 Surviving challenges, learning and embracing adventure.
15:28 View mistakes as lessons and teachers.
17:52 Reframe to see things differently, it’s fascinating.
22:14 Choosing life after tough divorce decision.
25:24 Hidden red flags, later seen, relationship impact.
29:09 Learned valuable lessons from dysfunctional leadership experiences.
30:30 Discovering my gift of making people smile.
33:42 Helping others see through negativity’s spiral.
37:52 Find inspiration in unexpected places, spice up.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 16:55 — 23.2MB) | Embed

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | Android | Pandora | iHeartRadio | JioSaavn | Podchaser | Gaana | Podcast Index | TuneIn | RSS | More

In this episode, Betty Collins has a captivating conversation with Kristin Krabacher, a senior tax accountant manager at Brady Ware, who is on the path to becoming a key leader within the firm. Kristin shares her journey to her current role and discusses the impact of Anita Anand, the Managing Partner of Brady Ware’s Executive Committee, and the inspiration she provides to the women at the firm.

Through their discussion, Kristin and Betty dive into the key takeaways from Anita’s recent podcast episode on “Inspiring Women.” They explore Anita’s leadership qualities, her journey to the top, and the valuable lessons she imparts. Anita’s insights on embracing the reality of making mistakes, seeking support, and giving yourself grace are particularly valuable for women navigating their professional journeys.

Kristin also reflects on how Anita’s leadership style has inspired her to be relatable, supportive, and uplifting to the women around her. She shares her own experiences and how she has applied Anita’s wisdom in her career and personal life.

Leadership and Support Systems: “First of all, it’s just it’s kinda nice to see that everyone has the same fears and insecurities, whether you’re at the top or where wherever you are along the organization, and that we’re all kind of seeking that support from people within our family, our friends, and just the surrounding ourselves with good people is what helps us to be good leaders.” — Kristin Krabacher

Top Takeaways

• The importance of sharing life lessons: Betty emphasizes the obligation and responsibility to share our journeys and the impactful lessons learned.
• Inspiration from leaders: Kristin shares how Anita Anand inspires women in the firm with her leadership qualities, vision, and relatability.
• Learning from challenges: Anita’s reflection on fears and insecurities resonates with everyone, demonstrating that seeking support and surrounding ourselves with good people can help us be better leaders.
• It’s okay to fail: Kristin highlights the importance of embracing mistakes and giving ourselves grace. This resonates with women as they navigate demanding careers and emphasizes the significance of self-compassion.
• Mentorship and guidance: Kristin’s approach to working with younger women involves putting herself in their shoes and sharing her experiences to help them adapt and grow.
• Attainable leadership: Anita’s leadership looks attainable, and Kristin parallels this approach by making herself relatable and showcasing that achieving a successful career and balancing motherhood is possible.
• Supporting working mothers: Kristin underscores the significance of having a strong support system with family and colleagues, emphasizing the role of understanding and collaborative support in helping working mothers manage their careers and family responsibilities.
• Prioritization and flexibility: Kristin’s approach to reprioritizing based on present demands highlights the importance of staying flexible and focused to navigate the multiple responsibilities and challenges women often encounter in their professional and personal lives.
• Be relatable and supportive: Kristin emphasizes the importance of being relatable and empathetic to understand and support others, indicating the value of women uplifting and guiding each other through relatability and understanding.
• Women’s leadership and collaboration: Betty’s message encourages women to fulfill their roles and play to their strengths in leadership, addressing the diverse talents that women bring.

Empowerment in Leadership: “We all have roles to play, and we all need to be that for other women.”— Betty Collins

Memorable Moments

04:13 Kristin Moore’s impressive career and future leadership.
07:50 Anita is inspiring. Generations inspire each other.
10:40 Kristin: balancing career, family, and priorities.
15:37 Embrace your talents and support other women.
16:25 Inspiring women, join the conversation on bradyware.com.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 34:31 — 47.4MB) | Embed

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | Android | Pandora | iHeartRadio | JioSaavn | Podchaser | Gaana | Podcast Index | TuneIn | RSS | More

We are joined by Anita Anand, the managing director at Brady Ware. Anita discusses the challenges of balancing work and personal life, emphasizing the support she receives from her family. The conversation touches on setting healthy boundaries, appreciating unexpected support, and the ongoing process of learning and leading with grace.

Anita and Betty also talk about the importance of building strong support systems, acknowledging the impact of mentorship, and vocalizing support for one another. They explore the significance of finding support in unexpected places and the value of prioritizing tasks to avoid burnout.

“And then sometimes we can learn from other people’s, you know, mistakes and journeys and challenges, and, you know, we don’t have to necessarily reinvent the wheel ourselves, so that’s always encouraging.”

— Anita Anand

Top Takeaways

1. Building a support system is essential for navigating the challenges of work-life balance and professional growth. Anita Anand’s advocacy for support from her family and community underscores the significance of surrounding oneself with a strong network.
2. Embracing change and self-discovery is a continuous journey. Anita Anand’s career pivots and emphasis on being open to change and taking leaps of faith underscore the importance of adapting to new opportunities and experiences.
3. Setting healthy boundaries is crucial for maintaining personal well-being and managing professional responsibilities. Both Betty Collins and Anita Anand stress the importance of prioritizing tasks and commitments to avoid burnout.
4. Learning to accept failure and make mistakes is a vital aspect of personal and professional development. Acknowledging the role of failure and accepting it as part of the learning process is essential for growth and resilience.
5. Support can emerge from unexpected places and individuals. Anita Anand’s reflection on the impact of mentors like Beth Blake highlights the value of seeking and recognizing support in diverse forms.
6. Teamwork and collaboration play a significant role in business success. Anita Anand’s emphasis on the value of building a supportive team underscores the impact of collaboration and communication within professional environments.
7. Recognizing the support available and vocalizing support for others is essential, especially within the context of women empowering each other. Both Betty Collins and Anita Anand stress the importance of verbalizing and appreciating the support received and given.
8. Prioritizing tasks and commitments can guide professional decisions and personal growth. The emphasis on focusing on the 20% that will produce the 80% highlights the significance of setting clear priorities.
9. Being present in personal interactions and significant moments is crucial for fostering meaningful connections and maintaining personal well-being. Anita Anand’s reflection on the importance of being present underscores the value of cherishing significant moments.
10. Self-grace and self-care are integral for managing personal and professional challenges. Acknowledging the need for self-grace and the emphasis on self-discovery highlight the significance of prioritizing personal well-being amidst professional pursuits.

Memorable Moments

05:40 Progressed from intern to senior manager.
06:20 Continued role growth at Brady Ware firm.
10:58 Values ground and define me, shaping my identity.
14:58 Appreciate global perspective, support, and understanding.
18:57 Balancing work and personal life for success.
22:15 Balancing family and work, focusing on presence.
25:16 Natural evolution, appreciating supportive people, building support.
26:11 Building an unexpected support system brings unexpected joy.
31:46 Setting boundaries is essential for personal success.
33:53 Brady Ware announces women’s initiative

Anita Anand has dedicated over 17 years to her career in accounting, spending the first decade with a national firm before joining Brady Ware. She values learning from the experiences of others and believes in the power of sharing knowledge and lessons. In her 7 years at Brady Ware, Anita has enjoyed her time and the challenges that have come with it and looks forward to continuing her professional journey.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 29:40 — 40.7MB) | Embed

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | Android | Pandora | iHeartRadio | JioSaavn | Podchaser | Gaana | Podcast Index | TuneIn | RSS | More

In this episode of “Inspiring Women with Betty Collins,” host Betty Collins and a diverse group of guests engage in a thought-provoking discussion centered around the valuable lessons learned through political campaign experiences. The insightful dialogue covers Betty’s personal reflections, experiences, and the influential female figures in her life, along with the impact of external factors on decision-making and outcomes.

The podcast episode opens with Betty Collins reflecting on her journey of running for office and the profound lessons she gleaned from the experience. She shares the importance of authentic engagement over mere quantity and the impact of meaningful interactions within her community.

Throughout the discussion, Betty emphasizes the significance of taking responsibility and learning from experiences, attributing her resilient mindset and values to her upbringing.

The episode also delves into early career lessons, with a focus on understanding one’s purpose and motivations, and the pivotal role of strategizing for professional success. It provides a platform for guests to share their perspectives on the multifaceted nature of decision-making, resilience, and influence, particularly within the context of political campaigns and life experiences.

6 takeaways from this episode

1. Using Real Data for Understanding Voter Behavior: Betty Collins stresses the importance of using real data to understand voter behavior and the impact it has on election outcomes.
2. Authentic Engagement: Betty prefers authentic engagement and discusses impactful interactions she had in her community, highlighting the importance of genuine connections in political campaigning.
3. Taking Personal Responsibility: Betty reflects on taking personal responsibility and learning from experiences, emphasizing the need to own and control one’s life.
4. Tenacity and Perseverance: Betty discusses her tenacity in running for a position despite challenges and emphasizes the importance of resilience and determination in the face of adversity.
5. Understanding Competition: The conversation delves into understanding competition and the long-term approach to effecting political change, highlighting the importance of strategic thinking and perseverance.
6. Inspirational Impact: Betty discusses the inspirational impact of her campaign on those around her, emphasizing the ripple effect of personal actions and the ability to inspire others to positive change.

Memorable Moments

00:00 Betty Collins inspires women to achieve success.
08:26 Respect constituents’ choice despite personal preference.
22:45 Reflecting on lessons learned, overcoming challenges, and persevering.
26:52 Hesitant to ask for support, but successful.

Hosted by Betty Collins, CPA, and Director at Brady Ware and Company. Betty also serves as the Committee Chair for Empowering Women, and Director of the Brady Ware Women Initiative. Each episode is presented by Brady Ware and Company, committed to empowering women to go their distance in the workplace and at home.

For more information, go to the Insights page at Brady Ware and Company.

Remember to follow this podcast on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.  And forward our podcast along to other Inspiring Women in your life.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 41:00 — 56.3MB) | Embed

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | Android | Pandora | iHeartRadio | JioSaavn | Podchaser | Gaana | Podcast Index | TuneIn | RSS | More

In this episode, Betty shares her personal journey of running for city council in her hometown and the lessons she learned from losing the election. She points out 10 lessons learned from losing an election.

Lesson 1: Betty highlights the importance of knowing and articulating your “why” in any pursuit. Whether it’s in business, relationships, or politics, having a clear purpose and passion is key to staying focused and motivated. Finding your “why” can provide direction and strength in the face of challenges.

Lesson 2: Betty emphasizes the need to expand your network and efforts when trying to reach new audiences or clients. In the political arena, as in business, building meaningful connections and leveraging diverse networks is essential for success.

Lesson 3: Running for office humbled Betty, as she realized her small influence in a larger community. Adapting to different environments and understanding the breadth of impact is a crucial lesson in any ambitious pursuit.

Lesson 4: Betty gained a new respect for those who run for office, acknowledging the immense challenges and diverse skill set required. It’s a reminder to admire and support those who step up to serve their communities.

Lesson 5: Influence, credibility, and a supportive inner circle are essential ingredients for ambitious goals. Betty learned the power of building a strong support system for navigating the complexities of political campaigns and decision-making.

Lesson 6: Strategy and execution are paramount for success. Working hard is critical, but it’s not always enough. Betty highlights the importance of smart, strategic moves in achieving goals in politics and business.

Lesson 7: Outworking and outspending the competition can play a key role in winning elections and business battles. As Betty learned, allocating resources strategically can make a significant difference in a competitive landscape.

Lesson 8: Dealing with defeat gracefully, learning from the experience, and moving forward are vital aspects of personal and professional growth. Betty emphasizes the importance of resilience and the capacity to bounce back from setbacks.

Lesson 9: Recognizing the significance of learning and applying lessons from past experiences is crucial for growth. Betty’s candid reflection on the lessons learned from her electoral campaign underscores the importance of self-reflection and assessment.

Lesson 10: Betty Collins encourages looking back only to learn while moving forward and seizing the opportunities that come in life and career advancement. Her insightful perspective captures the essence of growth and aspiring for new heights.

Betty Collins’ experience in running for city council is a valuable source of wisdom for anyone navigating ambitious pursuits. Her story underscores the importance of strategy, tenacity, and the support of a strong inner circle.

Hosted by Betty Collins, CPA, and Director at Brady Ware and Company. Betty also serves as the Committee Chair for Empowering Women, and Director of the Brady Ware Women Initiative. Each episode is presented by Brady Ware and Company, committed to empowering women to go their distance in the workplace and at home.

For more information, go to the Insights page at Brady Ware and Company.

Remember to follow this podcast on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.  And forward our podcast along to other Inspiring Women in your life.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 27:34 — 37.9MB) | Embed

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | Android | Pandora | iHeartRadio | JioSaavn | Podchaser | Gaana | Podcast Index | TuneIn | RSS | More

For five years, I have been hosting the podcast Inspiring Women with Betty Collins. In this episode, I sit down with my podcast team, Betty Clark of CPMedia and Brett Johnson of Circle270Media, to discuss the importance of having a purpose and meaningful topics for a successful podcast.

Planning out each year’s podcast schedule is crucial for success, including choosing topics and themes, batch recording, and making it fun for both the host and listener. Interviewing guests can also be a valuable way to provide different perspectives and keep the content fresh.

Through our discussion, we provide valuable insights into the world of podcasting and what it takes to create a successful show. From having a purpose and meaningful topics to promoting the podcast through social media and having a team around you, these tips can help any aspiring podcaster achieve success.

Hosted by Betty Collins, CPA, and Director at Brady Ware and Company. Betty also serves as the Committee Chair for Empowering Women, and Director of the Brady Ware Women Initiative. Each episode is presented by Brady Ware and Company, committed to empowering women to go their distance in the workplace and at home.

For more information, go to the Insights page at Brady Ware and Company.

Remember to follow this podcast on Apple Podcasts and Google Podcasts.  And forward our podcast along to other Inspiring Women in your life.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 34:54 — 48.0MB) | Embed

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | Android | Pandora | iHeartRadio | JioSaavn | Podchaser | Gaana | Podcast Index | TuneIn | RSS | More

I interview Sandy Doyle-Ahern, a pioneer for women in the male-dominated industry of construction and housing. From facing sexist comments to becoming the first female shareholder in her company, Sandy Doyle-Ahern shares her experiences and insights on leadership, risk-taking, and advocating for affordable housing in Central Ohio.

Through her inspiring message, women are encouraged to take small steps toward success and to make a positive impact in their communities. Listeners will be inspired to take risks, find ways to be impactful for others and strive for success in their careers while making a positive impact in their communities. This podcast is a must-listen for anyone looking for inspiration and practical advice on achieving career goals and creating change.

Hosted by Betty Collins, CPA, and Director at Brady Ware and Company. Betty also serves as the Committee Chair for Empowering Women, and Director of the Brady Ware Women Initiative. Each episode is presented by Brady Ware and Company, committed to empowering women to go their distance in the workplace and at home.

For more information, go to the Insights page at Brady Ware and Company.

Remember to follow this podcast on Apple Podcasts and Google Podcasts.  And forward our podcast along to other Inspiring Women in your life.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 32:48 — 45.1MB) | Embed

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | Android | Pandora | iHeartRadio | JioSaavn | Podchaser | Gaana | Podcast Index | TuneIn | RSS | More

Suzanne Kianpour is a journalist who has covered war zones and international events for the BBC. Fluent in multiple languages, she has made it a priority to highlight the stories of women in conflict zones. Her most recent project looks at the hidden power and politics of women in the Middle East. Kianpour believes that women in the region are often underestimated and that there are lessons to be learned from them.

In this episode, Kianpour discusses her experiences as a woman in a male-dominated field. She recounts a time when a senior female correspondent got in her way, preventing her from getting a job that would have put her on the Secretary of State’s plane. But Kianpour is determined to be a woman who supports other women, not one who blocks their progress. “Somebody has to take a chance on you,” she says.

Kianpour also talks about the importance of journalism and the responsibility of journalists to hold those in power accountable. She recognizes the seductive nature of those in power and the importance of maintaining objectivity, impartiality, and integrity.

Kianpour’s work in elevating women’s voices throughout the Middle East through the Center for New American Security’s Middle East security program highlights the importance of representation and storytelling in bringing about change. She emphasizes the need for more women in positions of real power.

As Kianpour continues her work, it is clear that she is a woman who believes in the power of journalism and the importance of supporting other women. Her dedication to highlighting the stories of women in conflict zones and her commitment to holding those in power accountable make her an inspiring figure in the world of journalism.

Hosted by Betty Collins, CPA, and Director at Brady Ware and Company. Betty also serves as the Committee Chair for Empowering Women, and Director of the Brady Ware Women Initiative. Each episode is presented by Brady Ware and Company, committed to empowering women to go their distance in the workplace and at home.

For more information, go to the Insights page at Brady Ware and Company.

Remember to follow this podcast on Apple Podcasts and Google Podcasts.  And forward our podcast along to other Inspiring Women in your life.