In this episode, Cathy Derksen shares her unexpected journey from a career in medical genetics and financial planning to creating multi-author books that give women the opportunity to become published authors. Cathy explains how becoming an author herself in 2019 sparked a passion for helping women share their stories, wisdom, experiences, and lessons with the world. Through her multi-author books, each featuring approximately 20 women around a shared theme, Cathy creates opportunities for women to build confidence, connect with a global community, and amplify what they are doing in their lives and businesses. She also shares how authors receive support throughout the writing and publishing process, from developing their chapter and editing to professional publishing, marketing, and opportunities for visibility.

Cathy also shares inspiring stories of women who initially believed their stories were not important enough to share, only to discover the powerful impact their words could have on others. She discusses how participating in a multi-author book can become a starting point for women who eventually want to write their own books, build a platform, or expand their visibility. Cathy's work has grown into a larger community through her Women's Wisdom and Impact Collective, connecting authors from her various books through networking and spotlight opportunities. At the heart of Cathy's message is the belief that an empowered woman takes ownership of her passions and goals, gives herself permission to embrace new possibilities, and remembers that it is never too late to start something new.

Connect with Cathy:Website: www.inspiredtenacity.com LinkedIn: Cathy Derksen Instagram: @inspired_tenacity Facebook: Cathy Derksen

Let's keep the conversation going!Website: www.martaspirk.com Instagram: @martaspirk Facebook: Marta Spirk

Want to be my next guest on The Empowered Woman Podcast?Apply here: www.martaspirk.com/podcastguest

Watch my TEDx talk: www.martaspirk.com/Speaking

Victoria Wright is an author, speaker, and mentor who helps people challenge the limiting beliefs that keep them playing small so they can step into a more limitless life. In this episode, Victoria shares the deeply personal turning point that transformed her own life. After being unexpectedly demoted during a corporate reorganization, she experienced a profound crisis of identity and began confronting the beliefs and inner criticism she had carried for years. What initially felt like a devastating setback ultimately became the catalyst for a spiritual awakening, early retirement, and a completely new chapter that led her to writing, speaking, and mentoring. Victoria opens up about how her journey taught her that many of the beliefs we carry are planted in us by family, culture, society, and our experiences, but that we have the power to decide which ones we continue to carry.

Victoria also talks about her latest book, The Quiet Butterfly, a young adult story inspired in part by her experiences with bullying and her desire to help young people recognize their worth and inner strength. She shares how her own lived experiences shape the way she mentors others, offering guidance and a safe space for people to take the next step when they feel too overwhelmed to see what is possible. Victoria also reflects on what it means to be an empowered woman, describing empowerment as being able to simply be and recognize that what we need is already within us. Listeners can learn more about Victoria, explore her books and speaking work, and connect with her mentorship opportunities through her website, where she also offers a free 30-minute conversation for those interested in working with her.

Connect with Victoria:Website: www.victoriawrightspeaks.com LinkedIn: Victoria Wright Instagram: @healingwordssource Facebook: Healing Words by Victoria Wright

Let's keep the conversation going!Website: www.martaspirk.com Instagram: @martaspirk Facebook: Marta Spirk

Want to be my next guest on The Empowered Woman Podcast?Apply here: www.martaspirk.com/podcastguest

Watch my TEDx talk: www.martaspirk.com/Speaking

Erin Barbossa, LCSW, is a grief coach and the founder of Lionflower Studio, where she helps women navigate grief and loss through creativity, connection, and self-trust. Erin's journey is anything but traditional. She began her career in television, working at NBC before spending four years working for Oprah, where she discovered the power of listening to women's stories. She later returned to school to earn her master's in social work and spent 15 years as a therapist, primarily supporting women through postpartum experiences. After experiencing a profound personal loss, Erin's perspective on grief, mental health, and healing shifted, inspiring her to create a space that goes beyond traditional clinical care and helps women reconnect with themselves and find their way back to life.

In this episode, Erin shares how creativity became an essential part of her own healing journey and how she now uses it to support women experiencing many forms of loss, including death, diagnosis, divorce, and other life-altering transitions. She explains why creativity isn't about being talented or producing something "good," but about creating space for play, choice, gentleness, and self-compassion—what she calls "baby chick energy." From writing and painting to singing, gardening, and cooking, Erin encourages women to rediscover what brings them joy and helps them reconnect with their voice and inner world. She also shares her definition of an empowered woman: someone who is connected to herself while also recognizing the importance of safe, supportive community. Learn more about Erin and Lionflower Studio at lionflowerstudio.com or connect with her on Instagram and book a free consultation to explore whether her one-on-one coaching is the right fit.

Connect with Erin:Website: www.lionflowerstudio.com Instagram: @lionflowerstudio

Let's keep the conversation going!Website: www.martaspirk.com Instagram: @martaspirk Facebook: Marta Spirk

Want to be my next guest on The Empowered Woman Podcast?Apply here: www.martaspirk.com/podcastguest

Watch my TEDx talk: www.martaspirk.com/Speaking

In this episode, we're joined by Carrie Mayers and Samantha Mayers, a mother-daughter duo behind a corporate coaching company focused on transforming potential into performance. With Carrie bringing more than 30 years of experience in sales, client relationships, training, coaching, and consulting, and Samantha bringing her background in tech consulting and leadership development, they combine two generations of experience and perspectives to help teams communicate better, build accountability, strengthen leadership, and work more effectively together. They share the story of how Carrie's business evolved organically from workshops into consulting and coaching, along with the unique journey of becoming business partners as a mother and daughter.

Carrie and Samantha also take us behind the scenes of their highly customized approach to leadership development, from workshops and retreats to individual coaching and team programs. They share powerful client stories that demonstrate how creating common language, strengthening accountability, and developing leaders can create lasting organizational impact. We also talk about their upcoming Lead Out Loud one-day leadership retreat for women in San Diego, their experience working together as a mother-daughter team, and what they've learned from bringing different generations and perspectives into the business. Plus, they each share their definition of an empowered woman and why choosing your own path—and owning it without shame—is at the heart of true empowerment.

Connect with Carrie and Samantha:Website: www.corpcoachingco.com LinkedIn: Corporate Coaching Co.

Let's keep the conversation going!Website: www.martaspirk.com Instagram: @martaspirk Facebook: Marta Spirk

Want to be my next guest on The Empowered Woman Podcast?Apply here: www.martaspirk.com/podcastguest

Watch my TEDx talk: www.martaspirk.com/Speaking

Suzanne Longstreet, known as the "Millionaire Activator," helps women break through limiting beliefs, build confidence, and unlock their potential for greater financial success. In this episode, Suzanne shares her inspiring journey from corporate HR to entrepreneurship, NLP coaching, and hypnotherapy. She opens up about the challenges she faced along the way, including self-doubt, past experiences, and the mindset patterns that were holding her back from fully stepping into her potential.

Suzanne explains how changing the way we think, feel, and show up can create powerful shifts in business and life. She shares the story of a client who went from $300,000 to more than $1 million in revenue in just 110 days, as well as insights from her books, The Millionaire Codes and The Millionaire Brain. Most importantly, Suzanne encourages women to stop shrinking, speak up, embrace their worth, and reconnect with the confident version of themselves that has always been there.

Connect with Suzanne:Website: www.successandclarity.com LinkedIn: Suzanne (Smith) Longstreet | Success & Clarity Instagram: @successandclarity | @suzanneglongstreet YouTube: Suzanne Longstreet

Let's keep the conversation going!Website: www.martaspirk.com Instagram: @martaspirk Facebook: Marta Spirk

Want to be my next guest on The Empowered Woman Podcast?Apply here: www.martaspirk.com/podcastguest

Watch my TEDx talk: www.martaspirk.com/Speaking

What if the key to navigating difficult workplace dynamics isn't becoming more confident, but understanding what's really driving the behavior of the people around you? In this thought-provoking episode, leadership coach and author James Dakin explores how insecure leadership impacts women and why so many talented women find themselves shrinking, second-guessing, or feeling powerless in professional environments. Drawing from his own journey of overcoming childhood trauma and confronting his own insecurities, James shares how a life-changing wake-up call led him to dedicate his work to helping women recognize unhealthy patterns, reclaim their voice, and create change without unnecessary confrontation.

James also discusses the hidden effects of patriarchal systems on both men and women, why confidence is often misunderstood, and how greater self-awareness can transform relationships at work and beyond. He introduces the ideas behind his book, How to Stop Taking Shit from Insecure Men, offering practical insights for women who want to stop playing small and start living on their own terms. Whether you're navigating workplace politics, difficult relationships, or your own journey toward personal empowerment, this conversation will leave you with a deeper understanding of human behavior and practical tools to communicate with greater confidence, clarity, and self-worth.

Connect with JamesWebsite: www.jamesdakin.co.uk Special page for listeners: https://www.jamesdakin.co.uk/marta LinkedIn: James Dakin Substack: www.jamesdakin.substack.com

Let's keep the conversation going!Website: www.martaspirk.com Instagram: @martaspirk Facebook: Marta Spirk

Want to be my next guest on The Empowered Woman Podcast?Apply here: www.martaspirk.com/podcastguest

Watch my TEDx talk: www.martaspirk.com/Speaking

Burnout doesn't just exhaust you. It silently erodes your most important relationships.

Aurora Method Coaching helps high-achieving women uncover the root beliefs driving their relationship conflicts and burnout, moving them from emotional reactivity to calm, clarity, and confidence.

Ready to restore connection?

Book your FREE consultation at meetwithtracy.coach

In this episode, Susan Dabbar shares what it really takes to build businesses that last. With nearly four decades of entrepreneurial experience, seven companies founded, and five successful exits, she reflects on the lessons she's learned from designing nuclear submarines, launching businesses across multiple industries, living abroad, and even playing professional poker. She discusses identifying untapped market opportunities, building strong networks, creating companies that can thrive beyond their founders, and why planning for a successful exit should begin long before you're ready to sell.

Susan also introduces Provoked Magazine, a digital publication created to amplify the voices of women over 50 through bold storytelling, thoughtful journalism, and meaningful conversations about wellness, culture, relationships, money, and midlife. She shares her passion for creating space where women are encouraged to speak up, tell their stories, and take their seat at the table. Whether you're an entrepreneur building your next venture, a founder thinking about long-term growth, or someone looking for inspiration to embrace your next chapter with confidence, this conversation is filled with practical wisdom and empowering insights.

Connect with Susan:Website: www.provokedmagazine.com LinkedIn: Susan Dabbar Instagram: @provokedbysusan

Let's keep the conversation going!Website: www.martaspirk.com Instagram: @martaspirk Facebook: Marta Spirk

Want to be my next guest on The Empowered Woman Podcast?Apply here: www.martaspirk.com/podcastguest

Watch my TEDx talk: www.martaspirk.com/Speaking

Burnout doesn't just exhaust you. It silently erodes your most important relationships.

Aurora Method Coaching helps high-achieving women uncover the root beliefs driving their relationship conflicts and burnout, moving them from emotional reactivity to calm, clarity, and confidence.

Ready to restore connection?

Book your FREE consultation at meetwithtracy.coach

Today's Stage Thought explores why clarity is often more powerful than persuasion. Using a simple restaurant sign analogy, we unpack how the clearest message—not necessarily the one with the most credentials or the longest list of services—is the one people remember. If your audience can't quickly understand who you help, what problem you solve, and why you're different, even the strongest presentation won't create the opportunities you're hoping for.

You'll also discover why your talk doesn't fix an unclear message—it amplifies it. This episode challenges you to think about how others would describe your business after meeting you and offers a practical way to refine your positioning so your ideas become memorable, shareable, and referral-worthy. If you're ready to gain more clarity in your messaging, book a complimentary Speaker Clarity Call through the link in the show notes.

Schedule a Speaker Clarity Call: www.martaspirk.com/evaluation

Let's keep the conversation going!Website: www.martaspirk.com Instagram: @martaspirk Facebook: Marta Spirk

Want to be my next guest on The Empowered Woman Podcast?Apply here: www.martaspirk.com/podcastguest

Watch my TEDx talk: www.martaspirk.com/Speaking

Burnout doesn't just exhaust you. It silently erodes your most important relationships.

Aurora Method Coaching helps high-achieving women uncover the root beliefs driving their relationship conflicts and burnout, moving them from emotional reactivity to calm, clarity, and confidence.

Ready to restore connection?Book your FREE consultation at meetwithtracy.coach

In this first Stage Thoughts episode, I explore the difference between being a speaker and becoming a thought leader. While great speakers educate and inspire, thought leaders shift perspectives by giving people a new way to see familiar challenges. I share why your unique point of view—not the amount of content you create or the number of stages you stand on—is what ultimately makes people remember you and recommend you.

I also challenge you to think beyond what you do and focus on what you want to be known for. Discover how developing a clear, consistent perspective can shape your signature message, strengthen your speaking opportunities, and position you as the go-to expert in your industry. If you're ready to clarify your message and leverage speaking as a business growth strategy, you'll also hear how a Speaker Clarity Call can help you take the next step.

Book a free Speaker Clarity Call: www.calendly.com/martaspirk/storytostage

Let's keep the conversation going!Website: www.martaspirk.com Instagram: @martaspirk Facebook: Marta Spirk

Want to be my next guest on The Empowered Woman Podcast?Apply here: www.martaspirk.com/podcastguest

Watch my TEDx talk: www.martaspirk.com/Speaking

Burnout doesn't just exhaust you. It silently erodes your most important relationships.

Aurora Method Coaching helps high-achieving women uncover the root beliefs driving their relationship conflicts and burnout, moving them from emotional reactivity to calm, clarity, and confidence.

Ready to restore connection?Book your FREE consultation at meetwithtracy.coach

Jenny Catalano, founder and CEO of Impact Events Collective, joins the show to share how she transformed years of corporate leadership experience into a mission-driven business focused on building stronger workplace cultures through community impact. After witnessing the gap between the values companies promote and what employees actually experience, Jenny created a unique approach that brings teams together through meaningful volunteer projects. She shares the inspiring story behind her first large-scale impact event, where 150 conference attendees assembled 51 Cozy Coupe cars for children in need, proving that purpose-driven experiences can create lasting connections within organizations.

In this conversation, Jenny discusses why authentic leadership, shared service, and intentional company culture matter more than ever. She also opens up about the realities of building a business from the ground up, the importance of networking, and the mindset shifts that helped her keep moving forward through uncertainty. Whether you're a business leader looking to strengthen your team, an entrepreneur navigating growth, or someone passionate about making a difference, this episode offers practical insights and inspiring reminders that meaningful impact starts with people.

Connect with Jenny:Website: www.impacteventscollective.com LinkedIn: Jenny Catalano Instagram: @impacteventscollective

Let's keep the conversation going!Website: www.martaspirk.com Instagram: @martaspirk Facebook: Marta Spirk

Want to be my next guest on The Empowered Woman Podcast?Apply here: www.martaspirk.com/podcastguest

Watch my TEDx talk: www.martaspirk.com/Speaking

Burnout doesn't just exhaust you. It silently erodes your most important relationships.

Aurora Method Coaching helps high-achieving women uncover the root beliefs driving their relationship conflicts and burnout, moving them from emotional reactivity to calm, clarity, and confidence.

Ready to restore connection?

Book your FREE consultation at meetwithtracy.coach

Natasha Walstra, founder of Near Point Strategies, shares why LinkedIn is one of the most powerful platforms for building authentic business relationships—not by chasing likes or becoming an influencer, but by creating meaningful conversations that lead to real opportunities. She shares her journey from struggling with cold calls in sales to discovering the power of relationship-based networking, eventually building a thriving business around helping entrepreneurs use LinkedIn with confidence and intention. Natasha also explains why personal branding is about trust, not popularity, and how business owners can create content without letting social media take over their lives.

In this episode, Natasha breaks down her relationship-driven LinkedIn framework, covering mindset, personal branding, content creation, and permission-based social selling. She also discusses the importance of bringing your authentic voice to LinkedIn instead of relying too heavily on AI, maximizing networking events before, during, and after they happen, and leveraging your existing network before searching for new connections. Whether you're just getting started on LinkedIn or looking to turn your online presence into stronger business relationships and consistent client opportunities, this episode is packed with practical strategies you can implement right away.

Connect with Natasha:Website: www.nearpointstrategies.com LinkedIn: Natasha Walstra Instagram: @nearpoint.strategies

Let's keep the conversation going!Website: www.martaspirk.com Instagram: @martaspirk Facebook: Marta Spirk

Want to be my next guest on The Empowered Woman Podcast?Apply here: www.martaspirk.com/podcastguest

Watch my TEDx talk: www.martaspirk.com/Speaking

Burnout doesn't just exhaust you. It silently erodes your most important relationships.

Aurora Method Coaching helps high-achieving women uncover the root beliefs driving their relationship conflicts and burnout, moving them from emotional reactivity to calm, clarity, and confidence.

Ready to restore connection?

Book your FREE consultation at meetwithtracy.coach