SheLEDBadass Podcast

In this episode, Gabriela and Debi sit down with international bestselling author of Made in Vietnam: My Epic American Journey: Elaine Damschen.   She is also a professional speaker and an advocate for the trades and how they are the infrastructure for excellence.
Elaine shares her deeply personal journey of identity, resilience, and transformation.  From growing up in a multicultural household to co-building a successful family business and becoming a champion for human-centered leadership.
This conversation dives into the power of rewriting your internal narrative, leading with love and gratitude in action, and embracing life’s unexpected turns as part of a greater plan. 

In this episode, Gabriela and Debi sit down with the executive director of the St. Louis Council of Construction Consumers, marketing expert, international best-selling author, and entrepreneur: Kelly Jackson.
Kelly shares her powerful journey through the construction industry, her bold career pivots, and how she’s redefining leadership in a traditionally male-dominated space. From scaling an industry organization to launching a successful live-selling boutique, this conversation is packed with real-world insights on confidence, reinvention, and impact.

In this deeply powerful and vulnerable episode, Debi and Gabriela sit down with leadership coach and consultant Krysta Grangeno to explore what it truly means to lead from within.
Krysta’s story is one of resilience, self-discovery, and transformation. From navigating a childhood marked by adversity to becoming a leader who empowers others to rise with purpose, she shares how healing, identity, and courage shape authentic leadership.

In this heartfelt and energizing episode, hosts Debi Corrie and Gabriela Ramirez Arellano sit down with Dr. Shawni Jackson: an entrepreneur, introverted powerhouse, and fierce champion for small businesses.
As Regional Director of the Women’s Business Development Center (WBDC) in St. Louis, Dr. Jackson is leading efforts to empower entrepreneurs through access to capital, advising, education, and advocacy while navigating today’s shifting economic and policy landscape.
This conversation is equal parts business strategy, leadership reflection, and deeply personal storytelling.

In this honest conversation, hosts Debi Corrie and Gabriela Ramirez sit down with Lauren Cohen: an executive coach, facilitator, and leadership strategist based in St. Louis.
Lauren began her career as a business litigation attorney, spending a decade inside high-pressure law firms and corporate environments. On paper, she had achieved everything she set out to accomplish.
But internally? Burnout.
She shares the pivotal realization that she was co-participating in a culture that didn’t align with who she truly was and how that awareness launched a three-year journey of self-discovery that ultimately led her to create Cohen Leadership Group.

In this inspiring episode of She Led Badass, hosts Debi and Gabriela sit down with Karen Maurer, Certified Financial Planner and Partner at Krilogy. Karen shares her 25-year journey in the male-dominated financial industry and the pivotal transitions that shaped both her career and life. From building her own firm after a setback to empowering women through financial literacy and life changes, Karen’s story is one of resilience, reinvention, and purpose.
Listeners will learn how to approach financial planning as a lifelong partnership, how to prepare for life’s inevitable transitions, and why money isn’t just about wealth, it’s also about freedom and options. Karen also explores the importance of mentorship, women supporting women, and how travel and curiosity continue to energize her personal journey.
 
Disclaimer: This communication is for information purposes only and should not be regarded as an offer, solicitation, or recommendation to sell or purchase any security or other financial product.’

In this inspiring episode of the She Led Badass Podcast, hosts Debi and Gabriella dive into a conversation with Beth Gunter, Co-owner of Spry Digital. Beth shares her unexpected journey into technology and entrepreneurship, emphasizing the importance of networking, resilience, and embracing life's non-linear path. She offers valuable insights on leadership, overcoming perfectionism, and the significance of mentorship. Beth also discusses how she balances her professional and personal life, advocates for women in business, and the power of storytelling in inspiring others.

In this engaging episode of the She LED Badass Podcast, hosts Gabriela Ramirez and Debi Corrie sit down with Susanne Evens, founder of AAA Translation. Susanne shares her inspiring journey from starting her translation company in her basement to building a global network of over 300 certified linguists and subject matter specialists. The discussion covers her entrepreneurial journey, the importance of mentorship, her commitment to language access during the pandemic, and her role in the St. Louis Stuttgart Sister Cities organization. Susanne also delves into her experiences with the Titan 100 and offers valuable advice for aspiring female entrepreneurs.

In this powerful episode of the She Led Badass Podcast, Debi Corrie and Gabriela Ramirez welcome Leslie Gill, President and CEO of Rung for Women, a nonprofit dedicated to helping women climb the economic opportunity ladder.
Leslie shares her journey through public service and nonprofit leadership, the evolution of Rung for Women, and the real work required to empower women to move out of poverty and into sustainable, fulfilling careers. This conversation dives deep into leadership, confidence, imposter syndrome, mentorship, failure, and the mindset shifts women need to step into their power.

In this inspiring episode of the She Led Badass Podcast, Debi and Gabriela sit down with Crystal Allen-Dallas, a powerhouse entrepreneur, community leader, and the Founder and Chief Engagement Officer of Excel Business Concepts. Crystal has spent more than a decade building a thriving PR and engagement firm specializing in infrastructure, community outreach, and crisis communications while also becoming a respected philanthropist, arts advocate, and Titan 100 honoree.
Crystal opens up about her leadership journey, starting a business as a young mother, navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship, finding alignment with her mission, and leaning into her worth after years of staying behind the scenes.