Root to Rising

Guest Host Rory Latoria: Reinvention with Jenna Cordaro

SPECIAL GUEST CO-HOST: RORY LATORIA Guest hosting this special Root to Rising episode, continuing the meaningful conversations Christine Hummel built this platform around. HOW GRIEF, REINVENTION & SELF-BELIEF CAN COMPLETELY CHANGE YOUR LIFE Most people don’t end up where they originally planned. For Jenna Cordaro, that meant navigating childhood loss, identity shifts, career pivots, imposter syndrome, and ultimately discovering a purpose bigger than she imagined. In this deeply honest conversation, guest host Rory Latoria sits down with Jenna to explore how adversity can become fuel—and why the hardest chapters of life often shape the strongest people. From losing her father at a young age to becoming a leader, mentor, and educator in the wellness space, Jenna shares the mindset shifts that helped her keep moving forward. In this episode: * The childhood loss that changed Jenna’s life forever * Why she became obsessed with understanding grief, healing, and human behavior * The mentor who completely shifted her future * Why your first career plan probably won’t be your last * Overcoming imposter syndrome and stepping into leadership * How movement became a tool for healing—not just fitness * Why teaching others became her true purpose * The role authenticity plays in confidence and success * Building mental endurance through discomfort * Learning to trust life’s pivots instead of resisting them If you’ve ever felt behind, uncertain, or stuck between who you were and who you’re becoming—this conversation is for you. Because growth rarely happens in comfort. ----------------------------------------

Against the Odds: Rising Without a Roadmap

EPISODE OVERVIEW In this episode of Root to Rising, host Christine Hummel sits down with AJ, a corporate controller in the automotive industry, to unpack a powerful story of resilience, identity, and growth. AJ shares her journey of becoming a mother at 15, navigating life without a traditional education path, and rising through a male-dominated industry—all while learning how to balance ambition, self-worth, and personal well-being. This conversation is a raw and honest look at what it means to grow through adversity, redefine success, and ultimately choose yourself. ---------------------------------------- KEY TOPICS COVERED * Becoming a mother at 15 and navigating early responsibility * Building a career without a traditional education * Breaking barriers as a Black woman in corporate America * The importance of mentorship and representation * Learning to balance ambition with self-care * Overcoming societal expectations and stereotypes * Finding identity beyond career and motherhood * Why success doesn’t follow a “perfect path” ---------------------------------------- KEY TAKEAWAYS 1. You don’t need a perfect plan to succeed AJ’s journey shows that saying “yes” and figuring things out along the way can be more powerful than waiting for the perfect opportunity. 2. Authenticity creates opportunity Her first job came from simply being honest and real—proof that connection matters more than credentials. 3. Hard work matters—but so does balance While hustle helped her succeed, she emphasizes the importance of not sacrificing your health or identity. 4. Representation builds confidence Seeing strong women in leadership helped AJ believe she could achieve more. 5. Your path is your own College, career, and life decisions don’t look the same for everyone—and that’s okay. 6. Give yourself grace Mistakes, setbacks, and uncertainty are part of growth—not signs of failure. ---------------------------------------- STANDOUT QUOTES “I didn’t know what I was doing—but I said yes and figured it out.” “You don’t have to prove your worth to everyone else—just yourself.” “There has to be more to life than working yourself into the ground.” “Learn your kids. Don’t live your life through them.” ---------------------------------------- WHO THIS EPISODE IS FOR * Young women navigating uncertainty * Anyone feeling behind in life or career * Parents trying to guide their children’s future * Professionals dealing with burnout * Listeners looking for real, relatable life stories ---------------------------------------- ACTIONABLE ADVICE * Say yes to opportunities—even if you’re not fully ready * Find a mentor or someone you can learn from * Prioritize your well-being alongside your goals * Be honest about where you are in life * Stop comparing your path to others ---------------------------------------- ABOUT THE GUEST AJ is a corporate controller in the automotive industry who built her career from the ground up. Without a traditional education path, she worked her way through the ranks while raising kids, becoming a strong voice for resilience, authenticity, and self-growth.

From Fatherhood to the Frontlines: Shaping the Next Generation of Women

🧠 EPISODE SUMMARY In this episode of Root to Rising, Christine sits down with national and international correspondent Robert Ray—someone who’s not only covered some of the world’s most intense moments, but also happens to be a father of four daughters. From war zones to natural disasters, Robert shares what it really takes to report under pressure—and how those experiences shape the way he shows up at home. This conversation goes beyond journalism, diving into perspective, resilience, parenting, and what it means to raise confident young women in a fast-changing world. ---------------------------------------- 🔑 KEY TOPICS * The reality of modern journalism—and why the industry is evolving fast * What it takes to report in high-pressure, real-world situations * Separating truth from noise in the age of AI and social media * Why perspective is everything (and how to build it) * Raising four daughters: confidence, independence, and real-world exposure * The importance of discomfort, failure, and resilience in growth * Career advice for the next generation entering media * Why long-term thinking matters more than quick success ---------------------------------------- 💬 STANDOUT QUOTES * “The shortage isn’t opportunity—it’s responsibility. You have to build the pipeline.” (optional swap if using your earlier theme) * “You can’t change the world overnight—it happens in the trenches, over decades.” * “Your phone won’t give you purpose. Real life will.” * “Everything ends—you just don’t know when. That’s what keeps you going.” * “This isn’t just a job. It’s who you are when no one’s watching.” ---------------------------------------- 🎯 TAKEAWAYS * Success in any field requires long-term commitment, not short-term thinking * Exposure to real-world challenges builds resilience faster than comfort ever will * Trust must be earned—especially in today’s media landscape * Parenting isn’t about protecting kids from discomfort—it’s about preparing them for it * The most important legacy isn’t your career—it’s who you are to others ---------------------------------------- 👤 ABOUT THE GUEST Robert Ray is a national and international correspondent with Fox Weather, reporting from the front lines of major weather events and global crises. With over 30 years in journalism, he brings a rare blend of field experience, storytelling, and perspective—both professionally and as a father of four daughters. ---------------------------------------- 📌 CONNECT / FOLLOW (https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-ray-61022824 [https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-ray-61022824])

Sandy Loreaux on Life Transitions, Personal Evolution & Choosing the Right Partner

✨ EPISODE OVERVIEW In this episode, Christine sits down with Sandy Loreaux, a seasoned biopharma executive turned executive coach, to explore her journey through high-stakes leadership, personal evolution, and redefining success. From being known as a “crisis manager” in corporate America to stepping away at the peak of her career, Sandy shares powerful insights on confidence, leadership, motherhood, and making intentional life choices. ---------------------------------------- 🔑 KEY THEMES & TAKEAWAYS 1. The “Crisis Manager” Mindset * Sandy built her reputation by stepping into high-pressure, complex business challenges. * She embraced uncertainty with a “why not me?” attitude. * Growth often comes from taking on roles others avoid. 2. Leadership Rooted in Trust & Transparency * Building strong teams starts with trust and authentic connection. * Great leaders prioritize people—not just performance metrics. * Hiring for team chemistry is just as important as hiring for skill. 3. The Power of Team Dynamics * Who you work with matters more than what you do. * High-performing teams thrive on mutual respect, open communication, and shared purpose. * Feedback culture is essential for both individual and team growth. * Don’t wait until you feel “ready”—growth happens in the stretch. 4. Work, Life, and Reality (Not “Balance”) * There is no perfect balance—only constant recalibration. * Success at home and work requires partnership, communication, and flexibility. * Choosing the right life partner can significantly impact career trajectory. 5. The Importance of Asking for What You Need * Advocating for flexibility and support is critical—and often respected. * Performance earns you the right to ask for accommodations. * Vulnerability as a leader fosters stronger team relationships. ---------------------------------------- 💡 NOTABLE QUOTES * “Why not me?” * “You can’t live on beef jerky and coffee forever.” * “Who you work with matters more than the job itself.” * “Actions speak louder than words—especially in partnerships.” * “Sometimes you just have to jump into the deep end and figure it out.” * “You should never stop working on yourself.” ---------------------------------------- 🧠 ADVICE FOR LISTENERS For Early Career Professionals: * Show up with confidence—your presence matters. * Speak clearly and assertively. * Don’t underestimate the importance of professionalism and communication style. For Mid-Career Professionals: * Stay open to feedback and continuous growth. * Reevaluate what success means to you. * Prioritize environments and people that energize you. For Everyone: * It’s okay to change direction. * Your definition of success can evolve. * Build a life—not just a career.. ---------------------------------------- 🔗 CONNECT WITH SANDY LOREAUX * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandy-loreaux-6567997 [https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandy-loreaux-6567997] * Email: sandyloreauxconsulting@gmail.com [sandyloreauxconsulting@gmail.com]

Navigating Career Pivots With Purpose|EP11

KEY THEMES 1. NON-LINEAR CAREER PATHS ARE NORMAL * Jen’s journey: math/science → journalism → software → biopharma * No “perfect plan”—careers evolve through exploration * Important takeaway: Your path doesn’t need to make sense upfront ---------------------------------------- 2. FOLLOW CURIOSITY, NOT JUST CREDENTIALS * Started as a temp answering phones → taught herself coding * Took initiative by learning beyond her role * Lesson: Growth comes from curiosity and action, not job titles ---------------------------------------- 3. YOUR FIRST JOB DOESN’T DEFINE YOU * Entry-level roles can open unexpected doors * Jen made herself “too valuable to ignore” * Advice: Focus on learning and contribution, not prestige ---------------------------------------- 4. TRANSFERABLE SKILLS MATTER * Logic, problem-solving, and storytelling carried across industries * Transitioned from software → pharma using niche expertise * Insight: Skills > industry experience (in many cases) ---------------------------------------- 5. SOMETIMES YOU HAVE TO STEP BACK TO MOVE FORWARD * Took a lower title to enter a new industry * Prioritized long-term growth over short-term status * Key idea: Don’t get stuck chasing titles—chase opportunity ---------------------------------------- 6. CONFIDENCE IS BUILT (AND OFTEN FAKED FIRST) * Experienced imposter syndrome despite success * “Fake it till you make it” is real * Advice: * Control your inner dialogue * Everyone else is dealing with insecurities too ---------------------------------------- 7. TAKE INITIATIVE—DON’T WAIT TO BE ASKED * “Always raise your hand” * Speak up about what you want * Be intentional about your career direction ---------------------------------------- 8. MENTORSHIP HELPS YOU GROW TOO * Mentoring others clarifies your own story * Helps build communication and self-awareness * Insight: Teaching = learning about yourself ---------------------------------------- 9. COLLEGE VS. REAL-WORLD SKILLS * College can still matter—but isn’t everything * Trades and alternative paths are valid * Gap identified: * Lack of real-life skills (communication, independence) ---------------------------------------- 10. BALANCE AMBITION WITH SELF-AWARENESS * Jen rarely asked: “Do I actually want this?” * High achievers tend to overcommit * Advice: * Pause and reflect * It’s okay to rest or pivot ---------------------------------------- 💡 PRACTICAL ADVICE FOR YOUNG PROFESSIONALS * Don’t wait for the “perfect job”—start somewhere * Be adaptable and open to unexpected opportunities * Build a strong personal narrative (don’t rely fully on AI) * Focus on what: * Energizes you * You’re naturally good at * Take risks—even if they feel uncomfortable ---------------------------------------- 🧠 QUOTES & TAKEAWAYS * “Don’t let yourself be trapped in something below your potential.” * “Figure out what makes you special—and learn how to tell that story.” * “Your inner monologue should build you up, not tear you down.” * “Every job has something to teach you.” ---------------------------------------- 🔄 FINAL MESSAGE Success isn’t about a straight line—it’s about: * Trying things * Learning continuously * Taking risks * Staying self-aware