Finding your pause: Communicating with Clarity Under Pressure

Leading Humans in an AI World: Conquering Imposter Syndrome and Showing Up With Purpose

Guest - Kim Meninger, Leadership Coach, Consultant & Keynote Speaker Host - LaRhonda Julien In this episode, we explore what it truly means to “make it easier to be human at work” in today’s fast-paced, technology-driven landscape. Our guest, an experienced leader turned executive coach, shares how a successful corporate career evolved into a mission-driven practice focused on helping individuals and organizations thrive. The conversation highlights how real-world experience can be transformed into meaningful impact for others. We dive into the ever-present challenge of imposter syndrome, what it is, who it affects, and how the rise of AI and rapid technological change is reshaping self-doubt in the workplace. From Mary Oliver’s The Journey to practical advice for navigating internal criticism, our guest offers actionable insights for professionals at all levels, especially women and underrepresented groups who experience imposter syndrome at higher rates.  Listeners will also gain perspective on leadership in action, from first-day mindset strategies to trust-building techniques, from overcoming burnout-inducing “reactive habits” to adopting grounded, intentional behaviors. We explore how leaders influence team culture through their presence, and how high performers can better access their “best selves” when it matters most.  The episode introduces the LEADS framework, Listen, Examine, Align, Develop, Support, as a practical guide for personal and professional growth, alongside foundational techniques for managing stress, triggers, and overthinking. We also touch on leadership differences across genders, the evolving expectations of modern teams, and insights from work with organizations such as the Council for Women of Boston College, Women Accelerators, and WITI.  Whether you’re a seasoned executive, an emerging leader, or simply striving to grow, this conversation offers powerful tools to help you lead with clarity, resilience, and humanity in an increasingly complex world. Guest Bio Kim Meninger is a leadership coach, consultant and TEDx speaker who is on a mission to make it easier to be human at work. She believes that what holds us back in the workplace is rarely our ability to do the work itself. It’s the fears, doubts and insecurities we bring to our interactions with others. Kim strives to reveal the messy human side of the workplace and provide actionable strategies to help us more confidently navigate our work environments. Because when we are more confident, we are more innovative, collaborative and inclusive and that's better for everyone! Kim previously held leadership positions managing strategic relationships at EMC and Monster. She holds a BA in psychology and an MBA from Boston College. She is also an ICF Professional Certified Coach. Kim hosts the Impostor Syndrome Files podcast and leads a weekly Leading Humans discussion forum, which is free and open to all.  To learn more about Kim and her work, visit: KimMeninger. [https://www.linkedin.com/in/KimMeninger]

Build a Transferable STEM Career: Manage Your Career Like a Business

In this special Mother's Day episode, Wendy Anderson-Cocke speaks about how technical professionals can take ownership of their careers with intention. Wendy shares lessons from moving from corporate engineering to entrepreneurship, why professionals should treat their careers like a business, and how flexible work can support both performance and personal priorities. This episode offers practical strategies for flexible work, personal branding, burnout prevention, and creating a personal “board of directors” to guide career growth. Listeners will learn how small changes, clearer boundaries, and engineering-style problem-solving can help them show up more fully at work and in life. Host: LaRhonda Julien

Finding your pause: Communicating with Clarity Under Pressure

In this episode, we sit down with Cynthia Kane—CEO and Founder of the Kane Intentional Communication™ Institute, mindfulness instructor, and author of The Pause Principle—to explore how intentional communication can elevate leadership, confidence, and career growth in STEM. Cynthia shares her personal journey and how mindfulness and communication work together to help leaders show up with clarity, calm, and purpose. We dive into the everyday challenges women in STEM face—from finding their voice in high-pressure environments to navigating interruptions, bias, and self-doubt. Cynthia offers practical strategies to stay grounded in difficult conversations, reframe negative self-talk, and communicate with confidence when it matters most. Listeners will gain insight into the power of “the pause” as a leadership tool, the role of mindfulness in shaping workplace culture, and the habits that set effective leaders apart. This empowering conversation provides actionable guidance for anyone looking to strengthen their voice, expand their impact, and lead with intention. Host: Rawan Alghamdi

From Curiosity to Calling: Building a Purpose‑Driven STEM Career

In this episode, we dive deep with Distinguished Lecturer John McDonald, a globally recognized leader whose career is defined by technical excellence, extensive publications, and a lifelong commitment to volunteering and mentorship. John shares how an early spark of curiosity grew into a purpose-driven path—one shaped by service, professional communities, and intentional leadership.   Together, we unpack the real challenges facing today’s students and young professionals: balancing demanding academic pressures, building confidence, developing communication and emotional intelligence, and cultivating networks that truly matter. John offers practical, actionable strategies to thrive in school while preparing for the complex dynamics of the modern workplace. Listeners will gain rare insight into the discipline behind authoring more than 150 technical publications, the impact of mentorship on career trajectory, and the mindset required to make meaningful, long-term contributions to the engineering profession. This candid and inspiring conversation is essential listening for anyone seeking not just a job in STEM—but a purpose-filled, resilient, and influential career. Guest: John  McDonald, Founder & CEO, Electric Power System Engineer JDM Associates, LLCAbstract Host: La Rhonda Julien Inspection Performance Specialist, Georgia Transmission Corporation

Tech Unplugged: Spotlighting Women in Cybersecurity

What happens when a software engineer follows her curiosity … and ends up redefining what cybersecurity research can look like? She started in software, pivoted to research, and landed on the IEEE Top 30 list. This month on WIE RISE TOGETHER, we are "Tech Unplugged" with Anastasija  Collen, a Senior Cybersecurity Researcher and Associate Professor pushing the boundaries of digital defense. From spotting the next big security trends to mastering the art of the career pivot, Anastasija shares the roadmap to success in cybersecurity. Plus, we get real about the power of mentorship and why rest is a non-negotiable part of the job. Tune in now to hear how she’s charting pathways to STEM  and securing our connected world!