Building Stronger Leaders, Teams, and Workplace Culture with Larissa Fitzhugh

Building Stronger Leaders, Teams, and Workplace Culture with Larissa Fitzhugh

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2326005/fan_mail/new] What if the key to better leadership, stronger teams, and healthier workplace culture starts with one thing—self-awareness? In this episode, I sit down with Larissa Fitzhugh, founder of Diadem Solutions, to explore what it really takes to build workplaces where people can thrive—not just perform. Larissa shares how her journey in HR operations led her to focus on employee experience after realizing she couldn’t always answer one simple question honestly: “What is your culture really like?” From that moment, she chose to be part of the solution. In this conversation, we unpack: * Why self-awareness is one of the most powerful career accelerators * How the DISC framework (Dominance, Influence, Steadiness, Conscientiousness) helps you understand how you show up under pressure * The two breakthroughs that change everything: relief and compassion * Why culture isn’t built through big initiatives—but in small, consistent daily moments * The leadership gap around difficult conversations—and how to approach them without overthinking * Why differences on teams are not a liability—but a necessity for growth We also talk about the reality organizations are facing: * AI is reshaping the workforce, but human understanding and emotional intelligence are more critical than ever * Many organizations know change is needed—but aren’t taking action * Culture and leadership development are often deprioritized due to time and budget constraints This episode is a powerful reminder: Leadership is not just about strategy—it’s about people. And the leaders who understand themselves—and others—will be the ones who shape the future of work. Connect with us: Larissa: www.diademsolutions.co [https://www.diademsolutions.co] | linkedin.com/in/larissa-fitzhugh [https://linkedin.com/in/larissa-fitzhugh] Dawn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dawnbutler1/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/dawnbutler1/] Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2326005/support] Hey, listeners and tech enthusiasts! 🌟 If you've been enjoying our podcast and finding value in the insights shared, we'd love your support. You can:  * Take a moment to share this podcast with someone.  * Submit the interest form [https://forms.gle/yqLRA5jzX8yvkLVX9] if you’d like to be a guest. * Let us know how we're doing. We’d love to hear [https://forms.gle/pr1xJNRR1hmcPjdB8] from you.  * Leave a review on your favorite podcast platform. * If you’re in a position to support financially, consider supporting via the Tip Jar [https://courageous-daring-wonderful-you.ck.page/products/bytes-of-kindness], or Buy Me a Coffee [https://buymeacoffee.com/dawnbutler].  This podcast is a self-funded and how we give back, especially to underrepresented voices in tech and cybersecurity.   Your support keeps us going and growing. Thanks for being part of this journey and our community! Stay connected! Sign up for the weekly newsletter, Courageous Circuits: https://tinyurl.com/wz8fepyc [https://tinyurl.com/wz8fepyc] Looking for mentorship? Let's talk about what you need and how I may be able to help: Mentor Moments [https://calendly.com/dawn-r-butler/15-min-consultation] The views and opinions expressed by the host and guests are personal and not reflective of any employer.

Cybersecurity Is Personal: Protecting Leaders, Families, and the Digital Frontline with Hazel Cerra

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2326005/fan_mail/new] What if the biggest cybersecurity risk isn’t your company - but your life? In this powerful conversation, I sit down with Hazel Cerra, a retired U.S. Secret Service agent who spent 25 years protecting world leaders before stepping into the world of digital security convergence at BlackCloak. We explore how today’s threat landscape has evolved far beyond physical protection. Executives are now 12 times more likely to be targeted—not just because of what they do, but because of who they are and how visible they are online. Hazel breaks down: * The convergence of physical and digital threats—and why you can’t separate them anymore * Sophisticated scams like spear phishing and “pig butchering” crypto fraud * Why executives and their families are prime targets * The psychological toll of cybercrime, from betrayal to loss of trust and relationships * The growing risk of sextortion targeting young people We also go deeper into leadership: * Navigating high-pressure, male-dominated environments like the Secret Service * Building confidence through worst-case scenario thinking * The role of mentorship in advancing into leadership This conversation is a wake-up call—and a reminder that cybersecurity is no longer just about systems. It’s about people. If you’re a leader, a parent, or simply someone living in a connected world, this episode will change how you think about protection. Connect with us: Hazel: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hazelcerra-cybergal/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/hazelcerra-cybergal/] Dawn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dawnbutler1/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/dawnbutler1/] Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2326005/support] Hey, listeners and tech enthusiasts! 🌟 If you've been enjoying our podcast and finding value in the insights shared, we'd love your support. You can:  * Take a moment to share this podcast with someone.  * Submit the interest form [https://forms.gle/yqLRA5jzX8yvkLVX9] if you’d like to be a guest. * Let us know how we're doing. We’d love to hear [https://forms.gle/pr1xJNRR1hmcPjdB8] from you.  * Leave a review on your favorite podcast platform. * If you’re in a position to support financially, consider supporting via the Tip Jar [https://courageous-daring-wonderful-you.ck.page/products/bytes-of-kindness], or Buy Me a Coffee [https://buymeacoffee.com/dawnbutler].  This podcast is a self-funded and how we give back, especially to underrepresented voices in tech and cybersecurity.   Your support keeps us going and growing. Thanks for being part of this journey and our community! Stay connected! Sign up for the weekly newsletter, Courageous Circuits: https://tinyurl.com/wz8fepyc [https://tinyurl.com/wz8fepyc] Looking for mentorship? Let's talk about what you need and how I may be able to help: Mentor Moments [https://calendly.com/dawn-r-butler/15-min-consultation] The views and opinions expressed by the host and guests are personal and not reflective of any employer.

Unlocking Cybersecurity: How to Pivot Without Starting Over

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2326005/fan_mail/new] In this episode of Bytes, Bits and Brilliance, we address common concerns for individuals looking to pivot into cybersecurity, particularly those who feel they may need to start over or obtain additional certifications.  It's important to view roles not just as job titles but as signals that reflect what companies truly need.  Dawn shares her insights on how to leverage existing skills and experiences, even if they don't seem directly related to cybersecurity at first glance.  She encourages listeners to adopt a mindset of adaptability and to recognize that career pivots can be messy and non-linear, requiring both strategy and faith in oneself. Dawn illustrates her points by discussing a specific job role she encountered, highlighting how the language used in job descriptions can reveal opportunities that align with one's existing skills. Takeaways * Career pivots require skill, strategy, and faith. * Look at roles as signals about company needs. * Pivots are often messy and non-linear. * Job titles in cybersecurity can be misleading. * Technical fluency is more important than technical mastery. For women in tech and cybersecurity If you’re working to find, refine, and use your voice—whether through leadership, speaking, or visibility—this is part of the work I deeply care about and actively support. Explore how I can help [https://www.canva.com/design/DAG04u0IuFU/rirH2suJdzBtuGaNX6j6Eg/view] Ask Me Anything (AMA) — coming soon If you have questions—from career navigation to cyber pathways to dealing with being “the only one” in the room 👉🏽 send them in [https://forms.gle/myG6xJayQFwMjaQHA]. Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2326005/support] Hey, listeners and tech enthusiasts! 🌟 If you've been enjoying our podcast and finding value in the insights shared, we'd love your support. You can:  * Take a moment to share this podcast with someone.  * Submit the interest form [https://forms.gle/yqLRA5jzX8yvkLVX9] if you’d like to be a guest. * Let us know how we're doing. We’d love to hear [https://forms.gle/pr1xJNRR1hmcPjdB8] from you.  * Leave a review on your favorite podcast platform. * If you’re in a position to support financially, consider supporting via the Tip Jar [https://courageous-daring-wonderful-you.ck.page/products/bytes-of-kindness], or Buy Me a Coffee [https://buymeacoffee.com/dawnbutler].  This podcast is a self-funded and how we give back, especially to underrepresented voices in tech and cybersecurity.   Your support keeps us going and growing. Thanks for being part of this journey and our community! Stay connected! Sign up for the weekly newsletter, Courageous Circuits: https://tinyurl.com/wz8fepyc [https://tinyurl.com/wz8fepyc] Looking for mentorship? Let's talk about what you need and how I may be able to help: Mentor Moments [https://calendly.com/dawn-r-butler/15-min-consultation] The views and opinions expressed by the host and guests are personal and not reflective of any employer.

Mastering the Art of Authentic Storytelling in Job Interviews (Guest: Natasha Schwartz)

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2326005/fan_mail/new] In today’s evolving job market, the rules of career growth are changing—and this episode is your guide to navigating it with confidence. Dawn sits down with Natasha Schwartz, a seasoned staffing and recruiting expert with over 30 years of experience, who is now pivoting into cybersecurity while leveraging her deep expertise in talent strategy. Together, they unpack what it really takes to stand out, pivot careers, and navigate today’s hiring landscape. In this episode, we explore: * 💡 Why transferable skills make up more of your value than you think (hint: up to 80%) * 🎯 How authenticity—not perfection—wins in interviews * 🧠 The importance of self-care and mental readiness during the job search process * 🔍 How to evaluate whether companies truly support inclusive hiring practices * 🚀 Why blending your past experience with new skills is the key to unlocking future opportunities Natasha also shares her journey into cybersecurity and how even non-technical topics—like performance reviews—have a place in tech spaces. If you’re navigating a career pivot, re-entering the workforce, or simply trying to stand out in a crowded market, this episode will remind you: you bring more to the table than you think. 💡Work Smart, Live Balanced, and Thrive in your Career Journey. Connect with us: Natasha Schwartz LinkedIn [https://linkedin.com/in/natashaschwartz] Dawn Butler Linkedin [https://www.linkedin.com/in/dawnbutler1/] Resources: The War of Art by Steven Pressfield For women in tech and cybersecurity If you’re working to find, refine, and use your voice — whether through leadership, speaking, or visibility — this is part of the work I deeply care about and actively support. Explore how I can help [https://www.canva.com/design/DAG04u0IuFU/rirH2suJdzBtuGaNX6j6Eg/view] Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2326005/support] Hey, listeners and tech enthusiasts! 🌟 If you've been enjoying our podcast and finding value in the insights shared, we'd love your support. You can:  * Take a moment to share this podcast with someone.  * Submit the interest form [https://forms.gle/yqLRA5jzX8yvkLVX9] if you’d like to be a guest. * Let us know how we're doing. We’d love to hear [https://forms.gle/pr1xJNRR1hmcPjdB8] from you.  * Leave a review on your favorite podcast platform. * If you’re in a position to support financially, consider supporting via the Tip Jar [https://courageous-daring-wonderful-you.ck.page/products/bytes-of-kindness], or Buy Me a Coffee [https://buymeacoffee.com/dawnbutler].  This podcast is a self-funded and how we give back, especially to underrepresented voices in tech and cybersecurity.   Your support keeps us going and growing. Thanks for being part of this journey and our community! Stay connected! Sign up for the weekly newsletter, Courageous Circuits: https://tinyurl.com/wz8fepyc [https://tinyurl.com/wz8fepyc] Looking for mentorship? Let's talk about what you need and how I may be able to help: Mentor Moments [https://calendly.com/dawn-r-butler/15-min-consultation] The views and opinions expressed by the host and guests are personal and not reflective of any employer.

Revolutionizing Hiring: How Better Conversations Can Bridge Skills Gaps & Improve Retention (Guest: Tara Turk-Haynes)

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2326005/fan_mail/new] This episode dives into innovative approaches to hiring that focus on genuine conversations, soft skills, and strategic collaboration. Tara Turk-Haynes shares practical frameworks and insights for transforming hiring processes to better assess candidates and foster lasting talent retention, especially in technical and cyber roles. In this episode: * The importance of viewing interviews as conversations, not interrogations * The role of storytelling and soft skills in assessing fit and potential * Common pitfalls in traditional hiring practices, especially for technical roles * Strategies for including non-traditional candidates and broadening talent pools  * The critical impact of organizational culture, communication, and process timing on hiring success * The significance of defining clear job descriptions and aligning expectations with performance metrics * How to leverage understanding of team dynamics to improve hiring and onboarding * The increased importance of inclusion and soft skills evaluation in the evolving cyber landscape T. Tara Turk-Haynes is the Founder of Equity Activations that partners with organizations to embed measurable equity strategies into how they hire, lead, and grow.  Tara's work spans talent acquisition systems, leadership development, organizational culture, and inclusive communications.  Tara's work and thought leadership have been featured in Fast Company, Lars Schmidt’s Redefining HR, and on stages including Culture Amp’s Culture First and RecFest.  As a first generation college graduate and corporate leader turned founder, Tara works with organizations ready to take equity seriously as infrastructure.  Connect with us: Tara: www.equityactivations.com [http://www.equityactivations.com] Dawn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dawnbutler1/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/dawnbutler1/] Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2326005/support] Hey, listeners and tech enthusiasts! 🌟 If you've been enjoying our podcast and finding value in the insights shared, we'd love your support. You can:  * Take a moment to share this podcast with someone.  * Submit the interest form [https://forms.gle/yqLRA5jzX8yvkLVX9] if you’d like to be a guest. * Let us know how we're doing. We’d love to hear [https://forms.gle/pr1xJNRR1hmcPjdB8] from you.  * Leave a review on your favorite podcast platform. * If you’re in a position to support financially, consider supporting via the Tip Jar [https://courageous-daring-wonderful-you.ck.page/products/bytes-of-kindness], or Buy Me a Coffee [https://buymeacoffee.com/dawnbutler].  This podcast is a self-funded and how we give back, especially to underrepresented voices in tech and cybersecurity.   Your support keeps us going and growing. Thanks for being part of this journey and our community! Stay connected! Sign up for the weekly newsletter, Courageous Circuits: https://tinyurl.com/wz8fepyc [https://tinyurl.com/wz8fepyc] Looking for mentorship? Let's talk about what you need and how I may be able to help: Mentor Moments [https://calendly.com/dawn-r-butler/15-min-consultation] The views and opinions expressed by the host and guests are personal and not reflective of any employer.