Women Who Lead: Real Stories of Purpose & Power

Oh, hi!

If you’re leading with purpose, whether it’s in government, media, business, or at home, you know leadership isn’t just about plans and policies. It’s personal. It’s emotional. And it’s often shaped by the people we learn from along the way.

So if you’re looking for a little inspiration during the long holiday weekend, I’ve got you. The Oh, hi! Stories Podcast has given me a front-row seat to bold, brilliant women who’ve led with clarity, courage, and heart. Their stories stay with me—not because they were polished, but because they were real.

This week, I’m sharing what I’ve learned from their words and their work. These aren’t just soundbites. They’re playbook material.

Meet the Women Who Lit the Way:

Peabody and Emmy Award-Winning Storyteller

Lesson: Say yes—even when you feel unready.

Backstory: Betsy handed me the reins at MTV in my 20s. That yes changed everything.

Quote: “Storytelling is always going to be needed. It’s a human need. It’s gonna manifest somehow.”

🎧 iTunes | Spotify | Web

CMO, Mentor, Visionary

Lesson: Sometimes the most strategic move is stepping back.

Mic-drop: Sherice left the C-suite and took a “radical sabbatical” to rethink success.

Quote: “I found myself asking the question, did I give away so much of my life and life force just for this title?”

🎧 iTunes | Spotify | Web

Journalist, Anchor, Truth-Teller

Lesson: Journalism is a calling—and a cornerstone of democracy.

Voice: From MSNBC to CNBC, Contessa reminds us that real stories shape culture—and that we must keep telling them, even when the world undervalues the truth.

Quote: “Kindness and politeness and civility still matter, even when the world feels like it’s losing them.”

🎧 iTunes | Spotify | Web

Former Mayor, CEO, and Supermom

Lesson: Lead with your whole self.

Vibe: Willing to try anything on camera to reach her community—because connection matters more than polish.

Quote: “You can't become the professional you want to be without becoming the human you want to be.”

🎧 iTunes | Spotify | Web

Government Marketer, Writer, Caregiver

Lesson: Legacy is showing up—especially when it’s hard.

Why she matters: Nancy balances caregiving, motherhood, and civic leadership—and still leads with clarity and care.

Quote: “The work doesn’t stop because life gets hard—but neither does your purpose.”

🎧 iTunes | Spotify | Web

Chief People Officer

Lesson: Culture is strategy.

Power move: She makes talent feel like the engine it truly is.

Quote: “Your work should make you a better person, not just a better employee.”

🎧 iTunes | Spotify | Web

Founder, Government Social Media

Lesson: Trust is built on realness, not perfection.

Moment: A city posted a crooked Christmas tree. Instead of backlash? Laughter and connection.

Quote: “I published it and it's such a simple thing, but everybody started embracing it and engaging with it because it was endearing.”

🎧 iTunes | Spotify | Web

💡What You Can Do:

Bookmark this for when you need a reminder that you’re not alone.
Share one quote with your team and ask: “How are we showing up like this?”
Use these stories as proof: real connection still drives trust—even in the digital age.

TRY THIS:

✅ Post your own leadership mantra on LinkedIn. Tag a woman who shaped you.

✅ Reflect: Which moment in your leadership felt like a pivot point? Why?

Talk soon, and have a happy 4th!
— Dana

🎤 Want me to speak at your next event?
From virtual keynotes to in-person workshops, I partner with city teams, associations, and organizations to talk about what’s next in digital engagement, citizen experience, and government storytelling.

📧 Get in touch