Answering My Guests' Questions Part 17

Reclaiming Power, Peace, and Happiness with Teri Chilcoat

In this episode, I sit down with Teri Chilcoat, keynote speaker, author of Surviving the Toxic Workplace: From an HR Insider, and founder of Inner Authority Co., whose story begins in Minnesota, where she grew up with a single mom, learned independence early, and developed a strong drive to work hard and create a better future for herself. Teri shares how she started working at a young age, worked full time through college, and eventually found her way into human resources after taking what was supposed to be a two-day assignment at Time Warner Cable. That opportunity turned into the beginning of a 20-year HR career, where she gained a behind-the-scenes view of how leadership, culture, and company values do not always align. She reflects on the moment she realized that toxic work environments are often accepted by people who feel grateful just to have a job. Through her experience in HR, Teri saw how employees can feel stuck, powerless, or unsure where to turn, and how even HR professionals can be limited by the culture and leadership around them. That realization inspired her to write Surviving the Toxic Workplace as a resource for people who need practical steps, perspective, and a way to regain agency. Today, Teri continues her work in HR while speaking, writing, and leading workshops that help organizations improve retention, self-awareness, and employee engagement. Her advice to anyone feeling stuck is a reminder that even difficult seasons are not permanent: “If you’re feeling stuck right now, it’s only temporary and you can get through this.” — Teri Chilcoat Connect with Veronica: https://capstrata.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/veronica-malolos-ccim-401649218/ Connect with Teri: https://www.linkedin.com/in/teri-chilcoat-phr/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/teri-chilcoat-phr/] https://www.innerauthoritycompany.com/about-me [https://www.innerauthoritycompany.com/about-me] #womeninbusiness #CRE #commercialrealestate #businesspodcast #realestatepodcast #commercialbroker #entrepreneur #CCIM #innerauthority

Unapologetic: Cassy Williamson

In this episode, I sit down with Cassy Williamson, keynote speaker, author, founder of Unapologetic Women, and strategic performance coach at Impact Eighty-Eight, whose story begins as a military kid learning the value of service, leadership, and showing up for something bigger than herself. From an early age, Cassy knew she was different, full of energy, passion, and a voice that did not always fit neatly into the boxes others expected. Cassy shares how her journey took her from music and advocacy for military families, to pediatric healthcare, to the homebuilding industry, where she eventually found herself in sales training and leadership development. Through each transition, the same theme kept showing up: the tension between being fully herself and being asked to compromise the very qualities that made her effective. She reflects on the moment that helped launch the Unapologetic movement, when a leader told her she would not be taken seriously by executive leadership unless she learned to “tone it down.” Instead of shrinking, Cassy wrote the chapter “No You Tone It Down” and leaned into a message that would become her book, her community, and her mission: helping women own their voice, their authenticity, and their impact. Today, Cassy leads Unapologetic Women, a growing community of women across the country built on love, kindness, growth, and connection. Her advice to the audience is a reminder that courage often has to come before confidence: “Do the thing before you actually feel ready to do it.” — Cassy Williamson Connect with Veronica: https://capstrata.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/veronica-malolos-ccim-401649218/ Connect with Cassy: https://www.cassywilliamson.com/ [https://www.cassywilliamson.com/] https://www.linkedin.com/in/cassywilliamson/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/cassywilliamson/] #womeninbusiness #CRE #commercialrealestate #businesspodcast #realestatepodcast #commercialbroker #entrepreneur #CCIM #unapologetic

From Sri Lanka to Strategic Finance: Dana Udumulla’s Story of Resilience and Balance

In this episode, I sit down with Dana Udumulla, Head of Strategic Relations at Madison Trust, whose story begins in Sri Lanka and leads to the United States with just $200, two suitcases, and a dream. As an immigrant, woman, and young professional in finance, Dana has built a career around helping investors, sponsors, and operators better understand alternative investments and retirement capital. Dana shares how she came to America nearly 10 years ago after losing her father at a young age and helping care for her mother and sister. She arrived with very little, worked multiple jobs while going to school, and eventually pivoted from her original goal of becoming a lawyer into finance, where she discovered a passion for capital, investment structures, and helping people stand out instead of becoming just another number. She reflects on her early career at Madison Trust, where she started in customer service and grew into leadership roles by staying curious, learning the business, and building credibility one conversation at a time. Dana also opens up about the challenge of being taken seriously in rooms where people often underestimated her, and how persistence, preparation, and confidence helped her earn trust and create real impact. Today, Dana works with sponsors and operators across the country, helping them understand how retirement capital can support alternative investments and capital raising. Her advice to ambitious professionals is a reminder that success should not come at the cost of your well-being: “Learn the art of balance.” — Dana Udumulla Connect with Veronica: https://capstrata.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/veronica-malolos-ccim-401649218/ Connect with Dana: https://www.madisontrust.com/sponsors/dana-udumulla/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/thanuriudumulla/ #womeninbusiness #CRE #commercialrealestate #businesspodcast #realestatepodcast #commercialbroker #entrepreneur #CCIM #immigrantstories

Marriage, Money, and Mindset: Julia & Gino Barbaro

In this episode, I sit down with Julia and Gino Barbaro, life coaches, multifamily real estate investors, and partners in both business and life, whose journey is rooted in faith, family, and a shared commitment to helping others achieve financial and relational success. Gino and Julia share how their upbringings shaped their perspectives on money and life. Gino grew up in a hardworking Italian immigrant family with a structured approach to finances, while Julia was raised by a single mother in a household where money was often a source of stress. Their paths came together at the restaurant Gino purchased, where Julia worked, and together they built a life centered on family, raising six children and eventually stepping into coaching and education. A defining moment in their journey came when Gino considered leaving the restaurant business to pursue real estate full time and move their family to Florida. Julia’s immediate trust in that decision became a cornerstone of their relationship, reinforcing the importance of partnership, communication, and shared vision. Through their transition into real estate and coaching, they began helping others not only build wealth but also strengthen relationships, shift their mindset, and take ownership of their lives. Today, the Barbaros are most proud of the impact they’ve had on families, from helping individuals achieve financial independence to even saving marriages through their coaching. Their message blends practical wisdom with emotional growth, emphasizing both connection and personal responsibility: Gino shared a quote from Stephen Covey “Seek first to understand, then be understood.” And Julia shared, “Forgiveness… it’s an ongoing process.” Connect with Veronica: https://capstrata.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/veronica-malolos-ccim-401649218/ Connect with Julia and Gino: https://barbaro360.com/ [https://barbaro360.com/] #womeninbusiness #CRE #commercialrealestate #businesspodcast #realestatepodcast #commercialbroker #entrepreneur #CCIM #family #barbaro360

Answering My Guests' Questions Part 17

This week on Women Influencers, we compiled three of the great questions my guests have asked me. I am honored to have the opportunity to chat with amazing, influential women on the podcast and it is always an honor to consider and respond to insightful inquiries. Tressa LoVasco asked why I keep going professionally. Tina Thakkar asked what motivates and inspires me. Catherine Bell asked, what's the one thing I did to learn and build my wealth for my family. Watch to find out how I answered! Connect with Veronica: capstrata.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/veronica-malolos-ccim-401649218/ #womeninbusiness #CRE #commercialrealestate #businesspodcast #realestatepodcast #commercialbroker #entrepreneur