SheLEDBadass Podcast

Join Debi and Gabriela as they dive into the inspiring journey of Sheila Burkett, co-founder of Spry Digital. Sheila shares how a mentoring session led to the formation of her successful business, her unique approach to company culture, and the importance of mentorship in empowering others. Discover how Spry Digital empowers clients through technology and the challenges and triumphs of undergoing a company rebrand.  This episode is filled with valuable insights for aspiring entrepreneurs and leaders looking to break barriers and build their own empires.

In this episode of She Led Badass, Gabriela and Debbie sit down with Luz Haberberger, founder and CEO of Luzco Technologies, to talk about building a thriving business without sacrificing family, authenticity, or purpose. Luz shares how becoming a mother inspired her to create a company that allowed her to be both the professional engineer and parent she wanted to be. She reflects on overcoming fear, landing her first contracts through preparation and persistence, and learning to let go of control as Luzco grew to nearly 140 employees.
 
Luz also shares how she built a family-centered culture grounded in empathy, accountability, and excellence, while embracing the unique perspective she brings as a Latina leader. She discusses the importance of trusting your team, knowing when to let go, surrounding yourself with the right people, and recognizing that empathy is a leadership strength—not a weakness. Her advice for emerging entrepreneurs is simple but powerful: find your network, keep learning, and remember that growth and humanity can coexist.
 
Find Luz here and on LinkedIn!

Shannon Shores shares her journey from social worker to entrepreneur, sales and business leader, and champion for women in the workplace. She explains how her people-first approach, willingness to say yes to opportunities, and ability to build trust have shaped her career. Shannon also discusses the importance of creating a healthy workplace culture, setting clear goals, surrounding yourself with supportive women, and recognizing when it’s time to take charge of your own path.
The conversation also explores women’s health, the connection between personal well-being and professional performance, and the importance of listening to your body and finding the right resources. Shannon opens up about overcoming self-doubt, embracing recognition, learning from other women, and using technology to create meaningful impact. Her story is a reminder that leadership is about continued growth, lifting others up, and becoming the person you’ve been working toward all along.
 
Find her on LinkedIn!

Dr. Cynthia Bennett, founder of the nonprofit JADASA, shares her powerful journey from surviving domestic abuse to becoming a leader, advocate, educator, and champion for women and children. Drawing from her own lived experience, she explains why she dedicated her work to ensuring others have the resources, knowledge, and support they need to leave abusive situations and rebuild their lives. Cynthia also challenges common misconceptions about abuse, emphasizing that it does not discriminate and that leaving is often complicated by fear, finances, children, emotional ties, and a lack of resources.
The conversation goes beyond advocacy to explore healing, resilience, and compassionate leadership. Cynthia shares why listening without judgment, giving people their power back, and helping them recognize their own dreams are essential to meaningful support. She also discusses healing from trauma, practicing self-care, learning to receive recognition, and using our lived experiences to give others hope. Her message is ultimately one of empowerment: the past does not have to define the future, and every woman deserves the opportunity to heal, grow, and believe in herself again.
 
Find Dr. Bennet on LinkedIn and her website here.
You can also call her office at (314) 269-0100

Kelli Risse shares how redefining success starts with leading yourself first. Drawing from her journey from elementary educator to executive coach, she explains why so many high-performing leaders struggle—not from a lack of ambition, but because stress, competing priorities, and burnout quietly erode their ability to think clearly, communicate effectively, and lead with intention. Through practical insights on emotional intelligence, self-awareness, and sustainable performance, Kelli challenges the belief that success requires constant hustle and instead shows how leaders can achieve more by creating clarity, focus, and balance.
The conversation explores the warning signs of burnout, the connection between workplace culture and performance, and why giving yourself grace is a leadership skill—not a weakness. Kelli also shares actionable strategies for managing overwhelm, setting healthier boundaries, and building organizations where people can thrive without sacrificing their well-being. Whether you're leading a team, growing a business, or simply trying to sustain your own success, this episode offers a refreshing perspective on achieving high performance with greater ease.
 
Find her website here and on LinkedIn!

Sick of back-to-back meetings that leave you wondering when you'll actually get your work done? In this solo episode, Debi and Gabriela unpack why meetings often feel unproductive and share practical strategies to take control of your calendar. From time blocking and setting clear meeting purposes to creating space for follow-up, protecting focus time, and learning when to say "no," they offer actionable tips for making every meeting count.
The conversation also explores how intentional meetings build trust, why every meeting should end with clear action items, and how leaders can create more inclusive, focused discussions. Whether you're leading a team, networking, or simply trying to reclaim your time, this episode will help you transform meetings from a source of frustration into a tool for better productivity, stronger relationships, and more effective leadership.

Debi and Gabriella are sitting down with Sabrina Westfall, founder of J West Electric.  She is a powerful reminder that leadership is built through curiosity, resilience, and a willingness to keep growing. In this episode, she shares how choosing the skilled trades transformed her life, why she believes apprenticeships offer incredible opportunities without the burden of college debt, and how stepping outside her comfort zone helped her find her voice in a traditionally male-dominated industry.
 
Sabrina also opens up about the realities of entrepreneurship, balancing business ownership with public service as a Rock Hill alderwoman, embracing AI as a business tool, and learning to trust and empower her team. From overcoming imposter syndrome to mentoring the next generation of women in the trades, her story is filled with practical leadership lessons and encouragement for anyone ready to build a career, create impact, and lead with authenticity.
 
Find her on LinkedIn or her Company Website here!

In this episode Debi and Gabriella sit down with attorney and business leader Katherine Flett to explore what it means to lead with confidence, resilience, and purpose. Katherine shares how growing up in a family-owned business shaped her work ethic, why she chose a career in law, and how serving as trusted outside counsel allows her to help business owners navigate challenges before they become costly problems. She also offers a refreshing perspective on work-life balance, describing it as staying on the "teeter-totter" rather than striving for perfection.
 
The conversation also dives into women in leadership, overcoming self-doubt, and building credibility in traditionally male-dominated industries. Katherine reflects on the power of preparation, the importance of saying yes to new opportunities, and why lifting up other women creates stronger leaders and communities. It's an inspiring episode filled with practical wisdom for entrepreneurs, professionals, and anyone looking to lead with authenticity and confidence.
 
The conversation is for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice. It is not intended to create an attorney–client relationship. You should consult a qualified attorney for advice specific to your situation.
 
You can find Katherine on LinkedIn and her company here.

Debi and Gabriela sit down with leadership strategist Helen Jardine to explore how great leaders unlock potential in others through trust, coaching, and meaningful relationships. Drawing from her journey through entrepreneurship and financial services, Helen shares how intentional leadership, celebrating wins, and helping people recognize their strengths can transform individuals, teams, and organizations.
Helen also reflects on navigating a male-dominated industry, embracing imperfection, and finding the confidence to bet on herself. She offers practical insights on overcoming limiting beliefs, developing future leaders, and building supportive communities where women can grow, be recognized, and lead with authenticity. It's an inspiring conversation about resilience, connection, and creating lasting impact through people-first leadership.
 
Find her on LinkedIn here!

In this episode, Debi and Gabriela welcome Shequana Hughes, founder of The SAVA Group, to discuss entrepreneurship, productivity, and building systems that help business owners reclaim their time. Drawing from her own experiences as a business owner, wife, and mother, Shaquana shares how she helps entrepreneurs move beyond overwhelm and create businesses that support their lives instead of consuming them.
The conversation explores delegation, burnout prevention, leadership, and the importance of rest. Shaquana offers practical advice on letting go of perfectionism, implementing simple systems, and taking small steps toward sustainable success. She reminds listeners that growth doesn’t require doing everything alone.  Making space for rest is one of the most powerful investments a leader can make.
 
Find her on LinkedIn and the SAVA Group Website!