From Albania to Tech: Ana’s Story of Courage, Immigration & Quiet Leadership

The Future of Leadership Isn't Louder, it's More Human

Some leaders build companies. Michelle Ragusa-McBain builds PEOPLE. In this deeply powerful episode of Storytime with Lori, Michelle opens up about the journey behind becoming one of the most respected and trusted leaders in cybersecurity and channel partnerships today. But this conversation is not about titles. It’s about: ✨ Self-worth ✨ Reinvention ✨ Emotional intelligence ✨ Leadership with heart ✨ Human connection in the age of AI ✨ Championing women and people of color ✨ Building trust that lasts longer than transactions For years, Michelle has been a quiet force behind the success of countless people in this industry — mentoring, advocating, connecting, elevating, and helping others rise. What makes Michelle different is this: People don’t just remember what she accomplished. They remember how she made them FEEL. Now, Lori and Michelle officially join forces together at Corero Network Security — a company building the future of AI-powered cybersecurity, DDoS protection, strategic partnerships, and people-first innovation. This episode is about the HUMAN behind the leadership. The resilience behind the confidence. The empathy behind the executive. The becoming behind the success. If you’ve ever struggled with imposter syndrome… If you’ve ever questioned your worth… If you’ve ever needed proof that authenticity still wins… This conversation is for you. 🎙️ Storytime with Lori featuring Michelle Ragusa-McBain — now streaming. #MichelleRagusaMcBain #StorytimeWithLori #WomenInTech #Cybersecurity #LeadershipPodcast #Authenticity #WomenInLeadership #EmotionalIntelligence #ChannelPartners #Corero #PersonalGrowth #BusinessLeadership #Mentorship

Surviving Abuse While Building a Career | Healing, Mental Health & Reclaiming Your Power

What does it look like to survive abuse… while still showing up every day expected to perform?In this deeply emotional episode of Story Time with Lori, Lori sits down with Sharon Hildebrand to talk about:✨ domestic violence✨ healing after trauma✨ rebuilding self-worth✨ spirituality & energy✨ leadership while struggling privately✨ creating Fearless Sisters Nation to empower young womenThis isn’t just a conversation about survival.It’s about:👉 becoming👉 healing in real time👉 reclaiming your identity after painIf you’ve ever struggled with:* toxic relationships* anxiety or depression* emotional abuse* confidence after trauma* healing while growing your careerthis episode is for you.🎙️ Story Time with Lori — real life, real laughs, real lessons.#MentalHealth #DomesticViolenceAwareness #HealingJourney #WomenInLeadership #TraumaHealing #PersonalGrowth #EmotionalIntelligence #SelfWorth #Podcast #StoryTimeWithLori

For Anyone Feeling a Little B it of Everything Today

Holding More Than One Thing at Once This Mother’s Day Mother’s Day is one of the most emotionally layered days of the year. For some, it’s filled with joy and gratitude. For others, it brings grief, estrangement, infertility, loss, or complicated family dynamics. And for many of us, it’s all of those things at once. As I continue my own journey of healing, self-awareness, and opening my heart again, I’m realizing something important: We don’t need to simplify our emotions to make them acceptable. We’re allowed to feel: ✨ gratitude and grief ✨ love and disappointment ✨ hope and uncertainty ✨ strength and longing. All at the same time. Mother’s Day was originally created to honor the emotional labor, sacrifice, and humanity of women. Today, I think it’s important we expand that definition to include: -those grieving mothers-those who never had the mothers they needed-those navigating infertility or loss-those raising children while healing themselves and those longing to be chosen, loved, and seen. Healing isn’t about becoming emotionless. It’s about learning how to hold your emotions without abandoning yourself. If today feels heavy, you’re not alone. If today feels beautiful, you’re allowed that too. There is room for all of it.

Becoming in Real Time: Healing, Mental Health & Starting Again

This one is real. In this solo episode, Lori shares what the last several years have looked like behind the scenes—navigating depression, anxiety, ADHD, career loss, and rebuilding while still carrying it all. This conversation is about: * trusting again after hard experiences * managing mental health while growing your career * learning how to stay open after being hurt * understanding that healing isn’t linear If you’ve ever felt like you were “in it” while still trying to move forward—this episode will resonate. 🎙️ STORYTIME with Lori #MentalHealthAwareness #PersonalGrowth #CareerGrowth #SelfDevelopment #HealingJourney #WomenInLeadership #MindsetShift #AnxietySupport #DepressionRecovery #StoryTimeWithLori

From Albania to Tech: Ana’s Story of Courage, Immigration & Quiet Leadership

In this episode of Storytime with Lori, Lori Mayer sits down with Ana for a real, heartfelt conversation about connection, courage, identity, and quiet leadership. Ana shares her journey from Albania to England to the United States, navigating education, immigration, visa sponsorship, career pivots, and her unexpected path into the tech and data center industry. From attending Channel Partners solo to finding community in women in tech, Ana’s story is a powerful reminder that authentic networking, mentorship, and human connection can change everything. This conversation explores women in technology, career growth, immigration resilience, boutique companies, leadership, mentorship, professional development, and what it means to live authentically. 🎧 Listen for a story about courage, community, and becoming who you are meant to be. #StorytimeWithLori #WomenInTech #LeadershipPodcast #CareerGrowth #AuthenticLeadership #ImmigrationJourney #TechIndustry #DataCenters #ChannelPartners #Networking #Mentorship #WomenSupportingWomen #ProfessionalDevelopment #QuietLeadership #SanDiego #AlbanianWomen #Resilience #PodcastEpisode #LeadershipDevelopment #CareerJourney