C-Sweet Talks

In this episode of C-Sweet Talks, Co-CEOs Dianne Gubin and Beth Hilbing sits down with Rochelle Nitka, Director of C-Sweet Executive Search, to discuss the critical role of women in leadership and how C-suite executives can navigate career transitions and personal branding. Rochelle shares her journey from staffing to executive search and explains how middle-market companies are tapping into diverse talent pools to drive success.The conversation highlights the importance of networking, executive search, and job market trends across various industries, including financial services, tech, and energy sectors. Whether you're transitioning careers or looking to grow your leadership team, this episode offers valuable insights into career growth, personal branding, and the current job market.Join the community!www.CSweet.org

In this episode of C-Sweet Talks, Co-CEOs Dianne Gubin and Beth Hilbing sits down with Daniel Olexa, founder of Transcendent Living, LLC. Daniel shares invaluable insights on leadership development, overcoming imposter syndrome, and unlocking personal power. In this episode, we delve into the transformative work Daniel is doing with executives through executive coaching, neuroscience, and hypnotherapy. Discover how leaders can break free from self-sabotage, embrace personal growth, and overcome the stories of limitation that hold them back.Join the community!www.CSweet.org

In this episode of C-Sweet Talks, Co-CEOs Dianne Gubin and Beth Hilbing sits down with Shubhi Rao, Founder & CEO of UpLevyl. With her extensive experience at global tech giants like Alphabet/Google, Tesco, Shubie discusses her groundbreaking work in AI and her mission to build technology that's female-forward and inclusive.Shubie opens up about her leadership journey, how she broke barriers as the first woman and person of color to serve as treasurer at both Google, Tesco, and why gender data is crucial for building AI that represents everyone.This episode is a must-listen for aspiring leaders, tech enthusiasts, and anyone passionate about diversity, technology, and innovation.Join the community!www.CSweet.org

In this episode of C-Sweet Talks, Co-CEOs Dianne Gubin and Beth Hilbing sits down with Darlene Hawley, executive leadership and business coach, where she shares her expertise on empowering women to find their voice and lead with confidence. Darlene discusses how she helps women overcome their inner critic, manage physiological sensations, and communicate with clarity to build trust, foster relationships, and embrace their authentic leadership style. With actionable insights into vocal empowerment and leadership strategies, this episode is perfect for women looking to enhance their executive presence and step into their power in high-stakes situations.Join the community!www.CSweet.org

In this episode of C-Sweet Talks, join Co-CEOs Dianne Gubin and Beth Hilbing as they chat with Teresa and Ashley Freeborn, the dynamic mother-daughter duo behind Smash + Tess. From humble beginnings to creating a global clothing brand, they discuss the journey of building a company that's as much about women's empowerment as it is about fashion. Learn how their 'romper revolution' sparked a movement and how they grew their business through community engagement, sustainable practices, and authentic leadership. Tune in for a conversation that's all about empowering women, embracing entrepreneurship, and staying true to your passion.

In this episode of C-Sweet Talks, Co-CEOs Dianne Gubin and Beth Hilbing welcome Maryam Marzara, Executive Coach, Leadership Consultant & Expert Facilitator, Marzara Consulting & Coaching, Inc., to discuss the power of coaching, how to challenge your inner critic, and why investing in yourself is the key to success. Maryam shares her journey, neuroscience-backed insights, and the difference between coaching and consulting—plus actionable advice for leaders navigating today's fast-paced corporate world.Join the community!www.CSweet.org

In this episode of C-Sweet Talks, Co-CEOs Dianne Gubin and Beth Hilbing welcome Katie Campbell, President and CEO of Red Rover, an animal welfare nonprofit dedicated to helping animals and their owners through crises. From disaster relief to domestic violence support, Katie shares Red Rover's powerful mission to keep families and pets together through challenging times. She also highlights the unique collaboration with corporate sponsors, like the Purple Leash Project, and Red Rover's expanding role in community education, pet-friendly sheltering, and emergency response efforts.Join the community!www.CSweet.org

In this episode of C-Sweet Talks, Co-CEOs Dianne Gubin and Beth Hilbing sit down with Susanne Goldstein, Founder & CEO of DAREHuman and C-Sweet Executive Coach. Susanne shares her unique approach to empowering women in business through her signature program, “Lead Like a Woman,” and her work on emotional intelligence, resilience, and creating energetic boundaries in leadership.Join the community!www.CSweet.org

In this episode of C-Sweet Talks, Co-CEOs Dianne Gubin and Beth Hilbing sit down with Patricia Wilson, EVP and showrunner at Allen Media Group's JusticeCentral.tv, to explore her journey as a woman leading in the media and entertainment industry. Patricia shares her insights on navigating diversity challenges, the evolving responsibilities of a showrunner, and how she balances creativity with executive leadership. Her story provides inspiration and guidance for C-level women aiming to break barriers and drive impactful change in their careers.Join the community!www.CSweet.org

In this episode of C-Sweet Talks, we sit down with Rita Kakati-Shah, founder and CEO of Uma, an award-winning gender diversity and inclusion platform. Rita shares her inspiring journey from the finance world at Goldman Sachs to founding Uma, where she empowers women and minorities in the workforce. She also talks about her international best-selling book, The Goddess of Go-Getting, and her insights on leadership, confidence, and career success.Join the community!www.CSweet.org

In this episode, Beth and Dianne sit down with Rachel Anne Williams, Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer at The Motley Fool, to explore the evolving landscape of diversity, equity, and inclusion in Silicon Valley. With over 20 years of experience, Rachel shares her journey from recruiting in the early 2000s to leading DEI efforts at some of the world's most innovative companies. They discuss the challenges and opportunities in DEI, the impact of recent Supreme Court decisions, and the crucial role of venture capital in fostering diverse networks. Join the community!www.CSweet.org

In this episode of C-Sweet Talks, we sit down with Marcia Dawood—SEC Advisory Committee member, TEDx Speaker, Podcast Host, and Author. Marcia shares her journey as an early-stage investor committed to supporting underrepresented founders and driving social impact. Tune in to discover how angel investing can be a powerful tool for change, and learn actionable strategies for making a difference through your investments.Join the community!www.CSweet.org

This week, Beth and Dianne sit down with Terrisa Duenas, Founder & CEO of ESTE® Leverage, to explore the intersection of gender, leadership, and innovation. Terrisa shares her journey as a serial entrepreneur and how she's breaking barriers in male-dominated industries. Discover how her psychometric tools are empowering individuals to find joyful career success regardless of gender or age. Tune in for a conversation full of insights and actionable advice for aspiring leaders.Join the community!www.CSweet.org

This week, Beth and Dianne sit down with Cara Steele, Co-Founder of Restaurant Hospitality Institute. Cara is a C-Sweet member with over 23 years of experience in the casino and resort industry. She shares her journey from finance to human resources, emphasizing her deep knowledge in data analytics and consumer behavior. She co-founded the Restaurant Hospitality Institute, providing front-of-house training for food service professionals, and is also involved with St. Jude's Ranch for Children, which supports abused and neglected children. Cara's diverse career includes contributions to corporate boards, anti-trafficking efforts, and community programs. She highlights the importance of networking, reinvesting in team members, and creating opportunities for vulnerable populations. Join the community!www.CSweet.org

This week, Beth and Dianne sit down with Dr. Natacha Nelson, Founder + CEO of Life Doctor Guru. Dr. Nelson shares her journey and philosophy on holistic health, especially focusing on women in leadership roles. As a chiropractor and mental health educator, she emphasizes the importance of addressing the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects of wellbeing. Dr. Nelson discusses her own experience with burnout, which led her to reevaluate her life and develop a holistic approach to healing and personal development. She advocates for emotional literacy, urging people to acknowledge and process their emotions rather than suppressing them. Dr. Nelson also shares insights from her book, written as a therapeutic exercise during a challenging period, and highlights the importance of honest self-reflection. Join the community!www.CSweet.org

This week, Beth and Dianne sit down with Kelly Harlick, SVP at Osborne Clarke. Kelly shares her journey from working at the British government to becoming a key player in international business law, while also juggling motherhood and community service. Join us as Kelly discusses her involvement with the St. George's Society, her founding of the Her Global Council, and how she manages work-life balance. Whether you're interested in international business, nonprofit work, or just need some tips on juggling career and family, this episode has something for you.Join the community!www.CSweet.org

This week, Beth and Dianne sit down with Natalie McCue, Vice President of Environmental Affairs at Pattern Energy. With a career that spans more than two decades, Natalie offers a unique perspective on the renewable energy sector, discussing groundbreaking projects and the integration of green technologies. She highlights the significance of community involvement and provides valuable advice for women in the industry. Listen in to learn from one of the leading voices in renewable energy and gain insights into the future of clean energy.Join the community!www.CSweet.org

This week, Beth and Dianne sit down with Ruth Jin, Partner, Leader of Investment Funds Practice; Capital Markets Lawyer, at Moses Singer LLP. Ruth shares her insights into the various stages of a company's lifecycle, from the early idea phase to public offerings and exits. Discover the financing options available to founders, the challenges they face in securing funding, and the evolving trends in VC and PE investments. Join us for a deep dive into the world of capital markets with Ruth Jin.Join the community!www.CSweet.org

This week, Beth and Dianne sit down with Kim Kaselionis, Chief Operating Officer at O'Donnell Financial. Kim shares insights into retirement planning and strategic frameworks for business success. Emphasizing the importance of taking risks and building robust financial plans, she inspires listeners to embrace opportunities and navigate the male-dominated landscape with resilience. With engaging anecdotes and practical advice, Kim exemplifies the essence of economic empowerment, urging women to take charge of their financial future and pursue their dreams fearlessly.Join the community!www.CSweet.org

This week, Beth and Dianne sit down with Laura Gluhanich, Senior Director of Programs, Him For Her. Laura shares insights into the challenges faced by women in accessing board positions, emphasizing the importance of expertise, versatility, and continuous learning. She discusses compensation structures, the impact of board diversity on company performance, and introduces illumine, a program supporting individuals in maximizing their influence after joining a board. Join the community!www.CSweet.org

This week, Beth and Dianne sit down with Sarah Coates, J.D., VP, Senior Wealth Advisor at Calamos Wealth Management. Leveraging her legal background, she supports nonprofits' investment committees. Sarah stresses education, empowering clients in financial decisions, particularly women. She values women's contributions to investments and advocates for ESG factors. Inspired by Christine Lagarde, she prioritizes joy and encourages women's involvement in financial planning.Join the community!www.CSweet.org

This week, Beth and Dianne sit down with Tiffany Thompson, Chief People Officer at Brightmark. Tiffany shares insights into Brightmark's groundbreaking initiatives to reimagine waste and create a cleaner future. Learn how they're transforming plastics and renewable energy, making a real impact on our planet.Join the community!www.CSweet.org

This week, Beth and Dianne sit down with Elizabeth A. Corradino, Partner at Moses & Singer LLP. Liz delves into the intricacies of protecting intellectual property amidst the dynamic landscape of media and technology. From copyright complexities to the impact of AI and social media, Liz navigates through key legal considerations with expertise and flair. Discover how Liz's passion for law intersects with creativity as she empowers individuals and companies to safeguard their innovations and drive growth.Join the community!www.CSweet.org

This week, Beth and Dianne sit down with Jasmin Iolani, Author of HULA (HarperVia 2023).  Delve into Jasmin's captivating journey as she unveils the untold stories and hidden histories of Hawaii. From her own personal journey to the depths of Hawaiian culture to discovering the forgotten role of Hawaiians in California's history, join us for thought-provoking conversations that resonate like the rolling surf, echoing the voices of those often overlooked in the annals of time.Join the community!www.CSweet.org

This week, Beth and Dianne sit down with Laura Coffey, Board Member, Executive Committee and Audit Committee Chair at Community National Bank & Trust of Texas. Laura shares her journey, challenges, and lessons learned in breaking barriers and making her mark in the corporate world. Tune in for valuable insights on board roles, certifications, networking, and promoting diversity in the C-suite. Don't miss this inspiring episode as we explore the path to success for the next generation of women business leaders.Join the community!www.CSweet.org

This week, Beth and Dianne sit down with Sue Phillips, CEO of House of Fragrance Enterprises. Join the conversation as Sue delves into her remarkable career from Tiffany & Co. to creating bespoke perfumes, offering insights on fragrance customization, the power of scent, and empowering women in retail.Join the community!www.CSweet.org

This week, Beth and Dianne sit down with Kate Jerkens, Chief Business Officer of Uncle Nearest, a female owned and operated business and C-Sweet corporate sponsor. Kate shares her inspiring journey from the hospitality industry to the forefront of whiskey. From shattering glass ceilings to honoring the legacy of Nearest Green, the first African American master distiller, Kate's narrative unveils the power of perseverance, diversity, and excellence in the spirits industry. Tune in as she uncorks tales of resilience, mentorship, and the remarkable journey shaping the whiskey landscape today.Join the community!www.CSweet.org

This week, Beth and Dianne sit down with Linda Fowler, President and Founder of Regenerate LLC. Linda shares her remarkable journey in revitalizing communities and fostering innovation. From leveraging her engineering background to her influential work with NASA, Linda discusses linking assets within communities, forging strategic partnerships, and empowering underrepresented populations in entrepreneurship. Discover how Linda's insights transform cities, reshape industries, and empower women in business and beyond. Tune in for an inspiring conversation on community regeneration and entrepreneurial leadership.Join the community!www.CSweet.org

This week, Beth and Dianne sit down with Atty. Lisa Temple of Temple Law PLLC. Lisa delves into her journey from big corporate law to founding Temple Law, specializing in assisting businesses of all sizes. Her insight into navigating the health technology space and balancing a thriving legal practice with family life offers an inspiring perspective. Discover how she champions authenticity, values, and client-centricity in her approach, shaping a diverse legal landscape while embracing emerging challenges in the legal realm.Join the community!www.CSweet.org

This week, Beth and Dianne sit down with, marketing strategist, Heather Bennett.  Heather is also an author, coach, board director, and is always looking to help companies grow, transform, and thrive.Join the community!www.CSweet.org

This week we sit down with executive leadership and wellbeing coach, Dr. Jamie Shapiro. We talk burn out, corporate leadership, and authenticity in the workplace. Jamie is an organizational psychologist with a new book, Be the Leader Who Shines Brightly Without Burning Out. Join the Community!CSweet.org

This week on C-Sweet Talks, Beth and Dianne talk to Michel Narganes, Partner with Manatt's Digital and Technology Transactions Practice, about the today's expansive digital landscape.Join the community!C-Sweet.org

Whether you're a mature company, just getting started with your business, or somewhere in between– Team Sauce is equipped to meet you where you are, and help you go where you want to grow.This week, Beth and Dianne sit down with Kim Harmon Hummel and Shawn Karol Sandy to discuss the Revenue Operations landscape.Join the community!CSweet.org

An awarding author, speaker, and small business strategist, Pamela Slim works with thought leaders to scale their impact and income thought the intelligent design of IP.  Join Beth and Dianne this week while they speak with Pam about helping BIPOC business owners develop their platforms, replacing harmful corporate structures, and finding the purpose of work in the new world of work.Check out this episode and Pamela's wider work for great insight on career and workforce development.Join the Community!CSweet.org

In today's social media landscape, everyone is obsessed "vanity metrics"— follower count, likes, and comments. In today's talk, Lilach Bullock takes Beth and Dianne through the results that really matter for a digital marketing specialist.Based out of Tel Aviv, Lilach Bullock has 18+ years of experience as a social media influencer and provides B2B marketers with consulting, influencer marketing services, SEO, and done-for-you content services.Join the C-Sweet Community! CSweet.org

This week Beth and Dianne sit down with the leader of C-Sweet's new Charlotte Chapter, Tara Schultz! Tara is the founder of SolveWise LLC. She is an expert business consultant, helping businesses achieve the maximum return on technology investment.Beth, Dianne, and Tara talk C-Sweet Charlotte, project management, and the obstacles businesses often face when investing in IT infrastructure.Join the C-Sweet Community! CSweet.org

This week, Beth and Dianne dive into the complex world of tech with Federal CTO Sara Mazer. They discuss her new company, LaunchDarkly, the first scalable feature management platform. They discuss the company, Dev Opps, Cyber Security and much more!Join the C-Sweet Community! CSweet.org

This week, Beth and Dianne  sit down with CFO of the Girl Scouts, Jessica E. McClain! They talk about the evolving values of the Girl Scouts, their favorite scout memories, and bringing DE&I to the inner workings of the company!

This week, Beth and Dianne sit down with Dr. Tonya M. Evans for her take on digital assets and how to engage with the crypto economy safely. Professor at Penn State Dickinson Law School, Tonya considers herself a crypto realist. This week, she join's C-Sweet Talks to discuss the important role of crypto in under-banked communities and “right-size” some overblown concerns about it's use.

This week Beth and Dianne sit down with Susan Levin, President of Dialogue For Solutions. Susan is a global consultant who clients to use their strengths to get great results, she has helped thousands of employees be more productive and make a difference in their organizations.

This week, Beth and Dianne sit down with Mimi Donaldson to cover her career, TED Talks, and her amazing tips on public speaking. Mimi coaches individuals and sales staffs in creating and delivering their perfect marketing pitch. For over 20 years, she has captivated audiences and won acclaim for her rousing keynote speeches, compelling workshops, and in-house training programs.

This week, Beth and Dianne talk with Teresa Freeborn about power equity in the workplace and  her new book on the topic: Suits and Skirts: Game On! The Battle For Corporate Power. Women have been seeking power and equity for decades to no avail. Men are keeping women from attaining powerful C-Suite and boardroom positions to the detriment of corporate bottom lines. The reasons why vary, but the results do not; women are still highly underrepresented in leadership roles. 

This week on C-Sweet Talks, Beth and Dianne speak with Melinda Chelliah, Founder, President, and Fractional CFO of Tailored For Growth. Tailored For Growth consults for entertainment, consumer products, retail, tech, and professional services companies, bringing a deep understanding of the factors that impact  a company's brand and consumer experience. Listen in on Melinda's career journey and insights of working with the financial of major companies!Join the C-Sweet Community! CSweet.org

Tara Guinta (partner at Paul Hastings, LLP) is a recognized risk strategy and compliance expert as well as an advisor to boards,  executive management teams, and global companies. She advises stakeholders on corporate governance and enterprise & risk management as well as being co-chair of Paul Hastings' ESG Risk Strategy and Compliance Practice. Lastly, Tara was vice-chair of Paul Hastings' Investigations and White Collar Defense Practice from 2017-2022.Join Beth and Dianne this week as for a comprehensive discussion with Tara on ESG in general, and what's new with Paul Hastings.

Lacey Leone MacLaughlin is an executive coach of leaders across all industries and  President of LLM Consulting Group Inc. She specializes in teaching management skills to creative talent and has her own excellent podcast, Unfolding Leadership with Lacey Leone McLaughlin!This week, Beth and Dianne talk with Lacey about generational differences in the modern workforce, the reverberations of COVID 19 on office culture,  and how industries will change in a shifting economy.

Senior VP and Chief Diversity and Social Impact Officer, Channing Martin is a DE&I superstar!This week, Beth and Dianne talk with Channing about the realities of implementing DE&I initiatives and strategies for SUCCESS when doing so. We'll also hear about some of Channing's past achievements like Empower Hour and winning the Department of Labor's Equal Pay App Challenge.

This week on C-Sweet Talks, Beth and Dianne interview Kidsave CEO and Co-Founder, Randi Thompson, about her current work helping children in war-torn Ukraine, as well as her broader work helping children across the globe.When Randi Thompson visited an orphanage in Kazakhstan more than 20 years ago, she saw teens forced to move out with no place to go, no skills, and no hope. Inspired to create a new future for these kids she went to work building Kidsave programs and she hasn't stopped since. Randi is a 30-year veteran of outcome-based marketing and communications projects designed to effect social change. In 2016, Randi was awarded the Department of Health and Human Services Children's Bureau Adoption Excellence Award for Child Welfare/Judicial Systems Change for Weekend Miracles.

Michele Ashby is the CEO and Founder of ACE LLC (Ashby Consulting Enterprises) and her focus is  educating, supporting, and teaching women how to attain corporate board positions. Her program for this is the ACE Board Certification Program. In this episode of C-Sweet Talks, Michelle shares what you might not know about getting on a corporate board. With her live and online classes, Michele's goal is to train 1,000 women to be "competent and confident from their very first meeting". 

This week, Beth and Dianne talk with the President of Original Productions, Jeff Hasler. They cover the ins and outs of running an entertainment company, the process of creating non-scripted television, advice for people interested in an entertainment career, and much more!Jeff has worked across the media landscape as a Producer, Director, Writer and Network Executive, and has been involved in the production or commissioning of Emmy and Academy Award winning projects that span a wide variety of non-fiction genres, from cable hits such as Queer Eye for the Straight Guy, Man v. Wild and Cash Cab, to documentary feature films including Man on Wire and Werner Herzog's Encounters at the End of the World.

Ms. Carroll A. Thomas, recently named National Institute of Standards and Technology's (NIST) Acting Associate Director of Innovation and Industry Services also serves as the Director of the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP). In this episode of C-Sweet Talks, Caroll takes Beth and Dianne through her lifelong path to leadership, tips for getting onto non-profit boards, and her love of manufacturing/the importance of bringing more women into the industry.With more than 30 years of entrepreneurial and small business development experience, her accomplished public/ private sector career demonstrates her leadership expertise as a catalyst for creating innovative partnerships and advocating economic development by supporting dynamic innovation ecosystems.

Helen Norris recently testified in front of the Senate Health Committee on cyber security threats and challenges in higher education. In this episode of C-Sweet Talks, Helen speaks with Beth and Dianne about women on boards, relying on her network, and the experience of speaking in front of the Senate.Helen is vice president for information technology and CIO at Chapman University, where she is responsible for leading the university's information technology strategy and services, and oversight of the University Library.