WIE Rise Together: Charting Pathways to STEM Careers

What does it take to become a leader worth following?
In this episode, we welcome Randy Hain, founder of Serviam Partners, co-founder of Leadership Foundry, executive coach, speaker, and author of 13 award-winning books. Drawing on more than three decades of experience in senior leadership, executive search, and talent development, Randy shares insights gained from coaching leaders at some of the world's most respected organizations.
Inspired by Stephen Covey's definition of leadership as "communicating to another person their worth and potential so clearly they are inspired to see it themselves," Randy discusses the powerful role leaders, mentors, and coaches play in helping others grow.
We explore whether leaders are born or made, the importance of virtues and character in leadership, the concept of life's "fourth quarter," executive coaching at different career stages, and how major disruptions such as COVID-19 and AI are reshaping leadership conversations. Randy also shares practical advice on building trust, giving candid feedback, embracing change, and creating a lasting impact through service to others.
Whether you're an aspiring professional, an experienced executive, or a leader looking to elevate others, this conversation offers actionable insights and inspiration for every stage of your leadership journey.

 In this episode, we sit down with Caroline Tanis, a leading financial advisor and Certified Divorce Financial Analyst, who has dedicated her career to advancing financial literacy and empowerment for women. She shares the pivotal moment that sparked her passion for financial planning—realizing how little women are taught about managing, protecting, and growing their wealth.  Our conversation explores how financial plans differ across genders, the unique challenges faced by high-performing women in diverse professions, and the impact of major life transitions such as divorce, career changes, and parenthood. We examine how financial strategies evolve through every stage of life—from student years to entrepreneurship, family building, retirement, and legacy planning.  Listeners will gain practical insight into navigating taxes, avoiding common money traps, and teaching children healthy financial habits. We also discuss how to prepare for unexpected life events, build generational wealth, and make intentional choices today that secure your financial future.  Finally, Caroline reflects on her professional journey, sharing lessons learned and advice for professionals who aspire to build independent, purpose-driven practices.  This episode offers clear, actionable guidance for anyone seeking financial confidence, resilience, and long-term prosperity.
Guest: Caroline TanisHost: LaRhonda Julien

Guest - Kim Meninger, Leadership Coach, Consultant & Keynote SpeakerHost - LaRhonda Julien
In this episode, we explore what it truly means to “make it easier to be human at work” in today’s fast-paced, technology-driven landscape. Our guest, an experienced leader turned executive coach, shares how a successful corporate career evolved into a mission-driven practice focused on helping individuals and organizations thrive. The conversation highlights how real-world experience can be transformed into meaningful impact for others.We dive into the ever-present challenge of imposter syndrome, what it is, who it affects, and how the rise of AI and rapid technological change is reshaping self-doubt in the workplace.
From Mary Oliver’s The Journey to practical advice for navigating internal criticism, our guest offers actionable insights for professionals at all levels, especially women and underrepresented groups who experience imposter syndrome at higher rates.
 Listeners will also gain perspective on leadership in action, from first-day mindset strategies to trust-building techniques, from overcoming burnout-inducing “reactive habits” to adopting grounded, intentional behaviors. We explore how leaders influence team culture through their presence, and how high performers can better access their “best selves” when it matters most.
 The episode introduces the LEADS framework, Listen, Examine, Align, Develop, Support, as a practical guide for personal and professional growth, alongside foundational techniques for managing stress, triggers, and overthinking. We also touch on leadership differences across genders, the evolving expectations of modern teams, and insights from work with organizations such as the Council for Women of Boston College, Women Accelerators, and WITI.
 Whether you’re a seasoned executive, an emerging leader, or simply striving to grow, this conversation offers powerful tools to help you lead with clarity, resilience, and humanity in an increasingly complex world.
Guest Bio
Kim Meninger is a leadership coach, consultant and TEDx speaker who is on a mission to make it easier to be human at work. She believes that what holds us back in the workplace is rarely our ability to do the work itself. It’s the fears, doubts and insecurities we bring to our interactions with others. Kim strives to reveal the messy human side of the workplace and provide actionable strategies to help us more confidently navigate our work environments. Because when we are more confident, we are more innovative, collaborative and inclusive and that's better for everyone!
Kim previously held leadership positions managing strategic relationships at EMC and Monster. She holds a BA in psychology and an MBA from Boston College. She is also an ICF Professional Certified Coach. Kim hosts the Impostor Syndrome Files podcast and leads a weekly Leading Humans discussion forum, which is free and open to all. 
To learn more about Kim and her work, visit: KimMeninger.

In this special Mother's Day episode, Wendy Anderson-Cocke speaks about how technical professionals can take ownership of their careers with intention. Wendy shares lessons from moving from corporate engineering to entrepreneurship, why professionals should treat their careers like a business, and how flexible work can support both performance and personal priorities. This episode offers practical strategies for flexible work, personal branding, burnout prevention, and creating a personal “board of directors” to guide career growth. Listeners will learn how small changes, clearer boundaries, and engineering-style problem-solving can help them show up more fully at work and in life.
Host: LaRhonda Julien
 

In this episode, we sit down with Cynthia Kane—CEO and Founder of the Kane Intentional Communication™ Institute, mindfulness instructor, and author of The Pause Principle—to explore how intentional communication can elevate leadership, confidence, and career growth in STEM. Cynthia shares her personal journey and how mindfulness and communication work together to help leaders show up with clarity, calm, and purpose.We dive into the everyday challenges women in STEM face—from finding their voice in high-pressure environments to navigating interruptions, bias, and self-doubt. Cynthia offers practical strategies to stay grounded in difficult conversations, reframe negative self-talk, and communicate with confidence when it matters most.Listeners will gain insight into the power of “the pause” as a leadership tool, the role of mindfulness in shaping workplace culture, and the habits that set effective leaders apart. This empowering conversation provides actionable guidance for anyone looking to strengthen their voice, expand their impact, and lead with intention.
Host: Rawan Alghamdi

In this episode, we dive deep with Distinguished Lecturer John McDonald, a globally recognized leader whose career is defined by technical excellence, extensive publications, and a lifelong commitment to volunteering and mentorship. John shares how an early spark of curiosity grew into a purpose-driven path—one shaped by service, professional communities, and intentional leadership.
 
Together, we unpack the real challenges facing today’s students and young professionals: balancing demanding academic pressures, building confidence, developing communication and emotional intelligence, and cultivating networks that truly matter.
John offers practical, actionable strategies to thrive in school while preparing for the complex dynamics of the modern workplace.Listeners will gain rare insight into the discipline behind authoring more than 150 technical publications, the impact of mentorship on career trajectory, and the mindset required to make meaningful, long-term contributions to the engineering profession. This candid and inspiring conversation is essential listening for anyone seeking not just a job in STEM—but a purpose-filled, resilient, and influential career.
Guest: John  McDonald, Founder & CEO, Electric Power System Engineer
JDM Associates, LLCAbstract
Host: La Rhonda Julien
Inspection Performance Specialist, Georgia Transmission Corporation
 

What happens when a software engineer follows her curiosity … and ends up redefining what cybersecurity research can look like?
She started in software, pivoted to research, and landed on the IEEE Top 30 list. This month on WIE RISE TOGETHER, we are "Tech Unplugged" with Anastasija  Collen, a Senior Cybersecurity Researcher and Associate Professor pushing the boundaries of digital defense.From spotting the next big security trends to mastering the art of the career pivot, Anastasija shares the roadmap to success in cybersecurity. Plus, we get real about the power of mentorship and why rest is a non-negotiable part of the job.Tune in now to hear how she’s charting pathways to STEM  and securing our connected world!

Bobbie Carlton on Creating Success with Clarity, Confidence & CompassionExecutive coach Bobbie Carlton joins host Abinaya Inbamani in this empowering episode of WIE RISE TOGETHER. Together, they explore how women can rest intentionally, rise purposefully, and show up fully in their careers and lives. Bobbie shares practical insights on visibility, wellness, money mindset, and navigating the emotional load of leadership and family.This conversation is packed with encouragement, truth, and actionable strategies to help you stay grounded, claim your voice, and set aligned goals. A thoughtful playbook for anyone seeking balance, purpose, and empowered growth.
 

Ever wondered how dual-career couples keep it all together when life feels like a high-wire act? Hosted by Geetika Tandon, this episode features Jenifer Castillo Rodriguez, IEEE Region 9 Director and aviation industry leader, and Francisco Carrero, Chair of IEEE MOVE Puerto Rico, chemical engineer, and humanitarian volunteer. 
 
Together, they share candid insights into managing morning chaos, coping with unpredictability, and balancing the invisible mental load while sustaining professional growth and family harmony. Through personal stories and practical tips, this episode offers inspiration and actionable advice for thriving amid the beautiful chaos of work-life integration.
 
Guests: 
Jenifer Castillo Rodriguez, Director,  Aircraft Parts Repair & Overhaul Services,  Lufthansa Technik.
Francisco Carrero, Product Sales Manager, Biopharmaceutical Filtration.
 
Host: Geetika Tandon
 Managing Director, Deloitte Consulting Cloud, AI and Digital
 
 
 

Is Artificial Intelligence (AI) replacing jobs? How can you grow from a Data Analyst to a Director in the tech industry? In this episode of Tech Unplugged: Spotlighting Women in AI, host Kelly Onu, Cybersecurity Consultant, sits down with Nimisha Morkonda Gnanasekaran, Director of Data Science at Western Digital and Advisory Board Member for ML/AI.Nimisha shares her journey from analyst to leadership, insights on Machine Learning (ML), Generative AI, and strategies for thriving in a rapidly evolving tech landscape. We discuss:
AI and job security – myth or reality?Career growth tips for women in technologyThe role of mentorship and community in breaking barriersHow to bridge business and technology effectively
If you’re passionate about AI, Data Science, and Women in Tech, this episode is packed with actionable advice and inspiration.