Women Who Open Doors

Amanda Nowak, Founder of Element Eight, has experienced burnout and triumphed. Amanda discusses her journey as a serial entrepreneur, emphasizing the importance of aligning personal values with professional endeavors. She also shares insights into her current role in empowering women entrepreneurs and leaders, helping them cultivate resilience, set boundaries, and achieve success without the overwhelm.

Kareeda Chones Aguam, Senior Vice President of Partner Strategy and Management for the Milwaukee Bucks and Fiserv Forum, LOVES her job, from working with her team to those amazing nights in Fiserv Forum. Kareeda discusses how her simple practice of just being a good human has helped in her professional career, where her passion for basketball comes from, and how she "drips" on her clients to build successful relationships.

Morgan Phelps, Founder and CEO of Colorful Connections, discusses what it means to her to be a part of Milwaukee Business Journal's 40under40 class of 2023, the early start of Colorful Connections, and the importance of market research. Morgan also shares her 3-legged stool approach and opinion on the constantly evolving DEI environment.

Shawntell Taylor, Principal Consultant of Midwest Advantage Holdings Company, discusses how she got life totally twisted as an entrepreneur, the importance of being a lifelong learner, and how she helps women business owners achieve their business and financial dreams. Shawntell's story is one of strength, vulnerability, and being positive in the face of adversity.

Terry Tuttle, President of HellermannTyton, discusses her connection to the Girl Scouts and how she strongly believes in their mission of "building girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place." She shares the importance of investing in people early and seeing the results of growth while telling the story of her own journey in manufacturing, sharing the barriers and mentors who helped her along the way! 

Joy Vertz, Drybar Franchise Operator in Milwaukee & Chicago, shares her journey and where she gets her serial entrepreneurial spirit from. In this episode, she discusses the importance of learning from and leaning on your community to find success, the experience of owning salons in two different markets, and how she builds culture within her organization that affects both customers and employees. She also shares her lessons learned about the process of stepping back to let your team own the business.

Adonica Randall, President & Chief Problem Solver of Abaxent, LLC, discusses her path into the technology industry and becoming a business owner (even though she totally didn't intend to!) Adonica credits her love and representation in Star Trek and sci-fi for pursuing a career in engineering. She is a really big Nichelle Nichols fan, and even got to meet her once! Adonica also talks about her disruptive business model, why it works, and her philosophy on team building and diversity. 

Beth Ridley, Founder and CEO of Ridley Consulting Group, challenges us to find the simple joys in work and be more involved in the process. In this episode, Beth discusses the importance of evaluating the tone you are setting as a leader, why people leaders should be valued and encouraged in organizations, and the benefits of applying positive psychology. And while Beth is a leadership and workplace expert, she is also a speed skater, has lived worldwide, and is a very exclusive part-time chauffeur of two. 

Julie Hoover, Executive Director of Family Sharing of Ozaukee County, has worked as a commercial pilot, been in sales, and is now leading a non-profit. It only makes sense she describes her career as a patchwork quilt! In this episode, she shares how her quilt came together, ultimately finding her way to Family Sharing. She discusses the challenges, joys, and importance of community. Hoover's passions also include greyhound adoption. You might find her Lizzy hanging out in the office on quiet days!

Emerald Mills of Diverse Dining is the founder and lead visionary behind the Turning Tables initiative. She aims to break barriers faced by food entrepreneurs in the Milwaukee area with her restaurant and teaching kitchen. In this episode, she shares her transformative journey and gets honest about learning to trust the process and the challenges of opening a new business. She also shares the dynamics of how she and her fiance work side-by-side. Her inspiration to impact the community is endless, and we can't wait to see where she goes from here!  

Marissa Kalkman, Executive Director of the Wellness Council of Wisconsin (WCWI), leads from the core belief that inclusive wellbeing is vital for all - individuals, the workforce, organizations, and our communities. She shares her road trip through the midwest, ultimately finding her way to Wisconsin and becoming a part of WCWI. Marissa discusses WCWI's role in changing the narrative and leading the discussion for the wellbeing of Wisconsin's workforce. Also, learn how Marissa's core beliefs help her juggle this crazy thing we call life!

Lori Highby, CEO and Founder of Keystone Click, is the definition of a doer. She began her entrepreneurial journey in 2008 at the start of the recession by sending snail mail! She has been able to build a thriving business since, crediting culture, growth, and education to her and her team's success. Lori discusses why she decided to start her own business, what it was like being a woman business owner starting out, and her passion for manufacturers! She also shares how her dad has been an impactful figure in her life and how her community involvement honors his memory.

Kathleen O'Leary, Retired CEO of Wisconsin State Fair Park, shares how her journey in life has been colorful, from getting her start in the beer industry to becoming Wisconsin State Fair's first female CEO. Kathleen discusses how she navigated being a woman in leadership, the legacy she has left, and the importance of finally stepping back while sharing advice for the next generation of women taking the helm. However, her story isn't over yet as she steps into the next chapter of her life.

Kelley Kempel, Owner & Creative Director of Hidden Path Creative, shares how she never pictured herself as an entrepreneur but over time found that it fit her passions and lifestyle. Kelley discusses how she finds joy in bringing her "big brand knowledge" and experience to help small to medium-sized, product-based businesses with their brand and packaging needs. She also talks about how she has found community by being a member of TEMPO Milwaukee, and shares her love for hiking.

Tara Laatsch & Christin Cilento, Co-Owners of CityTins, LLC, share how their company was born from a casual meeting on a playground and a yearning for more fun and interesting fundraising options for their daughters' elementary school. In this episode, not only will you learn about their entrepreneurial journey but also the impact they have made in the community. Get a more intimate peek into the amazing friendship and partnership that makes CityTins tick! 

Brittany Ballweg, Founder & Owner of Dolphin Swim Academy, shares her inspiring journey from jumping in the pool at age 8 to overcoming hurdles to build her own million-dollar pool facility where she teaches swim safety to children and adults. This is an amazing story of perseverance, finding one's passion, achieving dreams, and giving back to the community.

Marjorie Rucker, Executive Director of The Business Council, is a power connector! She shares how her role allows her to bridge the gap between minority-owned enterprises and large corporations. She also chats about her experience being named a Women of Influence by the Milwaukee Business Journal, and her advice to small businesses.

Janette Thornley, Retired Nitro Harley Pilot, Author, Speaker, and Coach, sits down with Julie this week to share her experiences on being a woman in a male-dominated sport, finding her life's passion, and not letting titles or society's expectations weigh her down.

Deirdra Lambright, Owner & Baker of Sweets 4 Dayz, truly embodies the entrepreneurial spirit. Deirdra shares her experience about how she found her passion at a young age and has carried that into her adulthood by taking the leap to start her own business.

Bridget Lazlo, President/CEO of Guardian Business Solutions, talks about problem-solving in the manufacturing industry, her own journey of becoming a business owner, and offers nuggets of wisdom for our listeners. Listen now to dive into the world of manufacturing!

Christina Wegner, VP of Marketing for the Vollrath Company, shares her words of wisdom for small businesses embarking on their marketing journey, but she is so much more than just her title and expertise. Christina is an advocate, outdoors person, and active community member. Listen now to learn what gives her the energy to work hard and play hard.

LaTasha Langdon, Creative Owner & Founder of Divine Destinies Life Skills, LLC, sits down with Julie this week to share how she empowers and helps youth and young adults achieve their personal and professional goals through her entrepreneurship. Listen now to learn about the power and influence of one!

On this very special episode of Women Who Open Doors Julie is joined by her daughter, Ellie Georgetta, who is a recent psychology graduate of the University of Wisconsin La Crosse. Ellie shares the ups and downs of her time in college, while also giving listeners an intimate look at her relationship with her mother! Listen now to hear Ellie’s story and what she plans on to do next!

On this episode of Women Who Open Doors Julie is joined by Erica Turner and Heidi Wheeler, Creators of Bridge the Divide. Bridge the Divide is a grassroots effort that began in a small suburb of Milwaukee because of a beautiful friendship and is a forum for discussion and action around racial repair, reconstruction, and eventually, reconciliation. Listen now to learn how to get the conversation started in your own community!

Kenge Adams, CEO and Founder of Connect Business Consulting, sits down with Julie this week to share how she is bridging the gap in corporate social responsibility by connecting corporations to philanthropic work and maximizing their impact in the community. Also, are you scared to take that leap of faith in your own entrepreneurial efforts? Listen now to find out how Kenge found passion and success in her work by following what she was good at! 

Get ready to get inspired by this episode of Women Who Open Doors! Julie had the pleasure to sit down with Emily Phillips, a Financial Advisor at Baird, and Immediate Past President for Professional Dimensions, who is breaking glass ceilings in her career. Emily shares the hard realities that entrepreneurship is tough, but not totally impossible with community support, financial planning, and believing in yourself. Listen now to hear Emily’s wealth of experience. 

On this episode of Women Who Open Doors, Julie is joined by Sandy Ceron, President and CEO of Expert Coatings & Graphics. Sandy exudes passion in everything she does and it's contagious! Growing up in the family coatings business instilled in Sandy a collaborative leadership style, a commitment to excellence, and an unwavering dedication to her customers that has only strengthened over time. She is equally as passionate about giving back and working in her community. Listen now to hear the inside scoop on how and why her company operates like a symphony!

Maggie Joos, Owner of the Real Good Life, joins us this week to share how she found her passion in life (spoiler: it’s not 100% about cooking). And how community engagement, creating the perfect team, and balancing life around work are the secret ingredients helping her business thrive!

Ashley Town and Danielle Gagliano of Bay View Printing join us this week to share their views on what it takes to have a successful business partnership, the magic of good timing, and how to be intentional about expanding the business. When is the right time to partner?  Who is the right person?  How do you grow together not apart? All of the questions that business owners grapple with as they grow their business. Ashley and Danielle are a dynamic business duo impacting their community in unique ways for their customers while continuing to live their professional passion. Learn their secret sauce.

Julia Taylor, President of the Greater Milwaukee Committee (GMC), joins us this week to share how she finds life lessons through her art and the impact GMC makes on the Milwaukee community through collaborating with other community organizations, city officials and businesses. Julia highlights the importance of bringing the Milwaukee community together to improve the lives of those less fortunate through the powerful work of the GMC! 

On this episode of Women Who Open doors, Julie is joined by Clarene Mitchell, Owner of TCM Communications, who shares her journey of becoming an entrepreneur, the importance of community advocacy, and best practices when creating a LinkedIn profile. Take that jump and believe in yourself! 

Allison Grealis, Founder & President of Women in Manufacturing Association (WMP), sits down with Julie to discuss the importance of men lifting up women in leadership roles, especially in industries that are male-domInated

A dynamic duo from The Paranet Group, CEO Linda Kiekdrowski and President Kelly Rudy talk with Julie about the magic that happens in their leadership and coaching business. How bringing a personalized approach to their membership fosters tight knit communities where they can learn, exchange ideas, and grow together. 

On this episode of Women Who Open doors Julie is joined by Jamie Andrzejewski, founder & owner of Nourish Natural Products, who shares her passion for natural wellness and beauty. Jamie tells the origin story of Nourish Natural Products, while also encouraging listeners to take time for themselves and spreading her message YOU matter!

Emerald Mills, founder & owner of Diverse Dining, sits down with Julie this week to discuss the unique experience of breaking cultural barriers, developing diversity, and fostering togetherness through food.

Stephanie Melnick, owner and attorney at Melnick & Melnick, S.C., shares the unlikely origins of her speaker series, She Stands Tall, and the importance of giving female entrepreneurs a platform.

Kira LaFond, Marketing President and Publisher for the Milwaukee Business Journal, sits down with Julie this week to offer her philosophy on mentorship and the importance of curating professional relationships. Kira’s philosophy might shock you!

Julie Cosich Collins talks to Gerry Howze.

On this episode of Women Who Open Doors Julie is joined by Wendy Baumann, the President/ CVO of WWBIC, who offers her insight on the importance of interpersonal networks, characteristics that make a successful mentor, and the value of hobbies beyond work.